Big Sunday 2008: A big success for participating Presbyterians!
photo-bulletin from immanuel presbyterian church
Members of many of the Presbytery's churches were out in force over Big Sunday weekend (May 2-4 2008). Some participants worked on a "paint mission" to create beauty where once there was none. Multiple churches signed up for weeding at the White Point Nature Preserve. Land that formerly was used for military purposes (sites for sixteen inch guns during WWII and Nike missiles with nuclear warheads during the Cold War), was transferred from the government to the City of Los Angeles and will be allowed to return to its original state. The volunteers helped eradicate an invasive species of weed from the land. What an example of our role as peacemakers and caretakers of the earth to help transform land that was formerly needed for war to land that will be used for recreation. Several connections were made with in the groups of Presbyterians, a volunteer from one church found a long lost relative who was serving with another church.
Another group was helping in a neighborhood when a resident approached them to thank them and ask who they were, when he discovered they were Presbyterians he responded, “I am too,” and joined the team for the rest of the day.
The hubsite at Bel Air attracted people of all ages and from the surrounding community. People gathered in groups to decorate cookies for the homeless (over 1000 were decorated, bagged and sent out), make flower pots for shut-ins, cool ties for firefighters and gifts for mothers in shelters. Groups of people gathered around each project to complete it and enjoy each other, a warm sense of community hovered over the entire day.
Thank you to all of the churches that participated in Big Sunday. Consider keeping in touch with the organizations where you worked. For those churches that were unable to join us, consider jumping in next year, it’s always the first weekend in May.
The Big Sunday Lead Team:
Kim Allen-Niesen, Bel Air Presbyterian Church
Rev. Heidi Worthen Gamble, Presbytery of the Pacific
Elizabeth Evans, Westwood Presbyterian Church
Rev. Charles Suhayda, First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood;
Leslie Boatwright, Bel Air Presbyterian Church
Forty Years of Mission in the Presbytery of the Pacific: Offering Ourselves, Becoming Transformed
Carolyn Bruner (First Presbyterian, Honolulu) will serve in PC (USA)'s Young Adult Volunteer Program
- YAV participants in Nashville serve with the Nashville Epiphany Project (NEP). NEP is operated by Second Presbyterian Church, described by some locals as “the little church that could” because of its reputation as a powerful force for community change, particularly in regards to social justice issues. Second Presbyterian Church is a very inclusive congregation of about 450 members that boasts an impressive number of theologians, including a number of past and present faculty at the Divinity School at Vanderbilt University. {PC (USA)}
You can learn about the Nashville Epiphany Project here.
Can you recommend someone from the Presbytery to serve on the Presbyterian Hyman committee?
download the information & application packet
e-mail contact for the Hymnal Project Coordinator
presbyterian publishing corporation website
Robin Hall, Project Coordinator for The Presbyterian Hymnal Corporation, has sent this message:- We are attempting to reach a broad and diverse group to recruit the new Presbyterian hymnal project committee members. I have attached our committee information sheet, the Hymnal FAQ, the application form, and the reference form for your use (the PDF packet in the links above). We truly appreciate any help you can provide in distributing this information to a wide audience.
If you have any questions, please feel free to use the e-mail contact link above. Their deadline for receiving completed applications/reference forms is July 10 2008. Please mail your completed form to Hymnal Editor David Eicher at Presbyterian Publishing Corporation, 100 Witherspoon Street, Room 2001, Louisville, Kentucky 40202-1396; or fax it to 502-569-5113. Or, application may be e-mailed.
Milestonse: The Revs. Ann Hayman and Judy Siker
Posted: February 22 2008
The Rev. Ann Hayman Selected as Women of Faith Honoree
press release
Three remarkable women have been named recipients of the 2008 Women of Faith Awards by the General Assembly Council of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Recipients were approved by the council at its meeting on February 15 2008. One of those honored is the Presbytery of the Pacific's own Ann Hayman.
- The Rev. Ann Hayman was the founder of the Mary Magdalene Project, a program that provides alternatives to women involved in street prostitution, and currently serves as its Director of Development.
- The women will be honored at the Women of Faith Breakfast, June 22, during the 218th General Assembly (2008) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in San Jose, CA. The theme for this year’s awards is “Visionary Women Transforming the Church and Society.” Tickets for the 7:30 a.m. event at the Fairmont Hotel will be available from the general assembly website.
- The Women of Faith Awards were established in 1986 to honor female members of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) whose lives exemplify their Christian commitment through witness, service and leadership.
The Rev. Judy Siker to become Vice-President at San Francisco Theological Seminary, Southern California Campus
Posted February 19 2008
press release
The Rev. Dr. Judy Siker will become the Vice-President of SFTS-Southern California campus in June 2008, upon the retirement of the Rev. Dr. David Tomlinson. She will also serve as Professor of New Testament and Christian Origins. Dr. Siker, a member of our Presbytery, is active within the Synod and Presbytery as a teacher, preacher, and worship leader.