West Virginia creates own leadership program
Jeremiah 29:11 says, according to the New International Version of the Bible, “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” That in a nutshell is the backbone to the new West Virginia Institute for…
Crestfield rewarded for fruits of its labor
It’s been a pretty good stretch for the Rev. Betty Angelini. The executive director for the Crestfield Camp and Conference Center in Slippery Rock, PA, just turned the corner on 10 years at her post. At the same time, she is part of an organization that received an international award and was also recently given…
Lights, camera, action! East Liberty PC is stage for movie
Vin Diesel sat in the pews for several days at East Liberty Presbyterian Church and also prayed with the Rev. Dr. Randy Bush. Elijah Wood was milling around the hallways and sanctuary there, too, in late September. And they weren’t alone. They brought many friends and co-workers with them to the Pittsburgh church and left…
West Virginia MAW rebuilding lives amid storms
Sometimes it takes a terrible thing to bring about something good. Ever since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the American people have gone out of their way to honor first responders and show appreciation toward the servicemen and servicewomen who have dedicated their lives for their country’s safety and freedom. That same year a…
Edmondsons getting most out of six-month call to Rwanda
Boyd Edmondson was at a crossroads. He had been called to be a preacher, but a tragic event involving his family made him question what exactly his mission in life was. As it turned out, Edmondson decided to fulfill his commitment to attend a mission trip to Rwanda soon after the tragedy, and it ended…
Kensington finds shining light at Beacon
At first glance, a visitor might see the rough edges around Kensington and miss the strengths and stories that co-pastors Rev. Rebecca Blake and Rev. Karen Rohrer work at to encourage and uplift. A historically industrial Philadelphia neighborhood with residents who still take great pride in working with their hands, Kensington has seen many factories,…
Krislund giving churches new summer excitement
Revitalization. It’s a common word used these days surrounding many churches and church organizations. Numbers are in a decline, and leaders are looking at ways to boost attendance and energy in order to survive. During the summer of 2014, Krislund Camp and Conference Center seems to have found a way to help itself in this…
Abington PC continues year-long celebration of 300th birthday
A president has attended worship there. Ten other churches have spawned from it. And for 300 years, it has survived wars, depressions and even a building-leveling fire that would have caused numerous other entities to close their doors. But Abington Presbyterian Church has flourished despite any obstacle that has come its way. That in itself…
Hawkins named new EP/SC at Shenango
“I’m inviting folks to be willing to take a relational risk. In other words, find a way to step out into the community and into the unknown and just love on people and be available in places of need and see what the Holy Spirit does with that.” This is the challenge the Rev. Ralph…
Gwynedd Square Presbyterian takes home Best of Lansdale award
Gwynedd Square Presbyterian Church, like many congregations nowadays, was experiencing a quick drop in attendance. The reasons were varied, but the bottom line was it needed a boost in order to regain its vitality. So, along with hiring the Rev. R.J. Leek in December, the Lansdale, PA, church added several other features to its traditional…