Presbyterian World Mission seeks candidates for international service    [8-12-08]

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) mission leaders are asking the church to help them identify qualified candidates for international mission service.

“The General Assembly Council developed a budget, which in June was approved by the General Assembly, that enables the church to reverse a 50-year trend of decline in the number of mission co-workers serving internationally,” says Hunter Farrell, the church’s director of World Mission. “We are seeking to increase the number from fewer than 200 today to 215 in 2009 and 220 in 2010.” Currently, 18 mission positions are posted on the Mission Service Recruitment office’s Web site [www.pcusa.org/msr].

They are scattered around the world and call for a variety of skills and gifts. “Both the World Mission staff and our international partners agree that all these positions meet critical needs,” Farrell says. “Our partners have been requesting some of these positions for several years.” The church, however, lacks candidates for some positions and that is why World Mission is asking individual Presbyterians to consider their own call and giftedness for mission service and encourage others to do likewise, he adds.

“Many times people hear a call to service after somebody has affirmed their giftedness,” Farrell says. “I would like Presbyterians to think about individuals who worship in the pew behind them on Sunday mornings, who serve on the congregation’s Mission Committee with them, or who work with them on presbytery projects and in other areas of ministry.”

Some of the openings include:
-A Christian educator/evangelist in the Democratic Republic of Congo
-An English teacher in Indonesia
-A health coordinator in Sudan
-A women’s leadership facilitator in Guatemala

For more information about mission service, email the Mission Service Recruitment office [msr@pcusa.org] or call toll-free (888) 728 7228, x2530.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Warmest greetings from the World Council of Churches!

We are happy to inform you about the ways young adults can be involved with the World Council of Churches' Internships in Geneva, Switzerland. The WCC will select five (5) young people between the ages of 18-30 years, to work in different program areas of the WCC from February 2009 to January 2010. The Internships provide an opportunity for ecumenical learning and work experience in an international, ecumenical setting. This opportunity is ideal for young people who are actively involved in the church and are interested in learning more about WCC and ecumenism. The WCC internships are a chance for young people to develop their professional skills and capacities in order to better serve the churches locally. We request WCC intern applicants to develop an ecumenical project idea that they can implement when they return from Geneva to their home community and church. This is a way to ensure that the ecumenical movement is strengthened at a local level with the churches’ support.

The five (5) WCC internships available in 2009 are:

1. Accompanying Churches in Situations of Conflict
2. Youth and Ecumenical Relationships
3. Visitors Program/Media Relations
4. Faith, Science, Technology and Ethics
5. Faith and Order

Application forms are available on the youth page of the WCC website: www.ecumenicalyouth.org.

The Compassion, Peace and Justice Ministry Program Area is seeking a Hunger Coordinator to join the staff in Louisville. The position description: “Directs, coordinates and provides Reformed theological vision for the Presbyterian Hunger Program (PHP), working with the Hunger Program staff to carry out mandated policies of the General Assembly related to hunger and poverty eradication. Work with PHP Advisory Committee as it provides advice on strategic direction for the PHP and provides oversight of PHP grants.”  

 Full Time Position
for
Social Justice Director
Jan Hus Presbyterian Church

Jan Hus Presbyterian Church (JHC) is seeking a Social Justice Director who, in partnership with the Social Justice Committee and the congregation, shall be responsible for Jan Hus Church’s Social Justice Programs known as Homeless Outreach an Advocacy Program (HOAP) and Global Concerns Program (GCP).

Responsibilities

We are looking for someone who can work independently as well as collaboratively, with a diverse Christian community and who has an awareness of US and international social justice issues. Strong verbal and written communications and computer proficiency required.

BA or BS required with a minimum of 3 years experience working for a church or social service organization. M.Div a plus.

This is a full-time position with benefits. Jan Hus Presbyterian Church is a progressive Christian community in the Reformed tradition with a commitment to seek peace and social justice throughout NYC, the US and the world. For more information about Jan Hus, please see our website at www.janhus.org

Please send resumes to:

Jan Hus Presbyterian Church
351 E. 74^th Street
New York, NY 10021
Or email to: pastor@janhus.org

World Council of Churches announces internship program for 2008    [8-7-07]

The World Council of Churches (WCC) will welcome five young people (aged 18-30 years) to serve as interns in its Geneva offices from February 2008 to January 2009. Interns bring valuable experiences to the WCC at the same time as they undertake several modules of ecumenical learning.

The next 12 months' internship period begins in February 2008. In Geneva, the interns will be assigned to one of the WCC working areas. They will carry out their tasks in co-operation with programme staff and under individualized supervision. During their stay in Geneva each intern is expected to plan an ecumenical project to implement in his or her home context when they return in February 2009.

The next generation of interns' areas of work will be 1. the Decade to Overcome Violence; 2.youth and ecumenical relationships; 3. visitors programme/media relations; 4. faith, science, technology and ethics; and 5. just & inclusive communities.

Successful candidates are people committed to the ideals of the ecumenical movement, who will bring their energy, commitment and a fresh vision to their specific work assignment. Applicants must send, along with their application, background information about their church or Christian youth network that will help them in implementing their proposed ecumenical project.

Closing date for receiving applications for the five internships is 20 September 2007.

More information on the WCC internship programme >>


Download the application form as a pdf file (172 KB} or as MS Word document (1.36 MB):

Download the background information form as a pdf file (119 KB) or as MS Word document (627 KB):


Additional information: Juan Michel,+41 22 791 6153 +41 79 507 6363 media@wcc-coe.org
 

The intern will be expected to (1) Serve as a resource person for the Office for Women’s Advocacy working to develop resources for individuals, congregations, advocacy groups and other entities within the church; (2) Work on advocacy issues and practical concerns related to General Assembly including resourcing/observing constituency groups and GA standing committees on issues of gender justice; (3) Work on mutually identified projects for the empowerment of women including women of color, (4) Maintain the Women’s Advocacy Library (print and a/v resources); and (5) Communicate the work of the Office of Women’s Advocacy and the Advocacy Committee for Women’s Concerns (ACWC) through print and online media.

The application process:

After a young person (20-35 years old with at least a bachelor’s degree) has created an account on One Door they may search for the internship posting [Search – then select Kentucky, Full-time as criteria, then select ENTER]. When located, the person may apply online by clicking on the "apply" button at the bottom of the page listing the posted position.

Young Adult Intern, Racial Justice and Advocacy
Presbyterian Church (USA) — Louisville, KY
[posted here 4-27-07]

REPORTS TO:

Associate for Racial Justice & Advocacy, Racial Ethnic Ministries Program Area, General Assembly Council

DESCRIPTION:

The purpose of this position is to provide a year’s experience at various levels of the church working on racial justice policy issues and advocacy in the church and society. Primary responsibilities will be: (1) to serve as a resource person for the Office for Racial Justice & Advocacy working to develop resources for individuals, congregations, advocacy groups and other entities within the church; (2) to work closely with the Associate for Racial Justice & Advocacy and the Advocacy Committee for Racial Ethnic Concerns; (3) to represent the Racial Justice Office on inter-divisional work groups; (4) to work on advocacy issues and practical concerns related to General Assembly including resourcing/observing caucus groups and GA standing committees on issues of racial justice; (5) to work on projects for the empowerment of people of color, and (6) to communicate the work of the Racial Justice Office and the Advocacy Committee for Racial Ethnic concerns through print and online media.

QUALITIES:

Intern applicants should be college graduates and 20 to 35 years of age, possessing a general knowledge of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and its work. Applicants must have an interest in issues impacting communities of color, a commitment to racial justice and ability to work with people of diverse cultures. Applicants should possess demonstrated communication skills (written, verbal and electronic) and office skills (word processing, database, filing). Ability to work creatively on one’s own initiative is important. Some understanding of the reformed tradition and theologies from the perspectives of people of color is desirable. Membership in a PC(USA) congregation is preferred but not essential.

COMPENSATION:

A stipend of $25, 390 for 12 months of service. Medical coverage is also provided. Reimbursement of student loans, up to $1,200 for the year, is also offered. Housing arrangements are the responsibility of the intern and must be secured prior to starting date. Interns are allowed 10 days sick leave, 10 days of vacation and 3 emergency/personal days (all negotiated with the supervisor). PC(USA) will pay for travel at the start of service and at the end. Transport of all personal belongings is the sole responsibility of the intern.

August/September 2007 – August/September 2008 (negotiable).

For more information about the position, call (888) 728-7228, x5014.

Associate for National Network of Presbyterian College Women (NNPCW)
[3-1-06]

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Voices of Sophia blog

Heather Reichgott, who has created this new blog for Voices of Sophia, introduces it:

After fifteen years of scholarship and activism, Voices of Sophia presents a blog. Here, we present the voices of feminist theologians of all stripes: scholars, clergy, students, exiles, missionaries, workers, thinkers, artists, lovers and devotees, from many parts of the world, all children of the God in whose image women are made. .... This blog seeks to glorify God through prayer, work, art, and intellectual reflection. Through articles and ensuing discussion we hope to become an active and thoughtful community.

Witherspoon’s Facebook page

Mitch Trigger, Witherspoon’s Secretary/Communicator, has created a Facebook page where Witherspoon members and others can gather to exchange news and views. Mitch and a few others have posted bits of news, both personal and organizational. But there’s room for more!

You can post your own news and views, or initiate a conversation about a topic of interest to you.

John Harris’ Summit to Shore blogspot

Theological and philosophical reflections on everything between summit to shore, including kayaking, climbing, religion, spirituality, philosophy, theology, politics, culture, travel, The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), New York City and the Queens neighborhood of Ridgewood by a progressive New York City Presbyterian Pastor. John is a member of the Witherspoon board, and is designated pastor of North Presbyterian Church in Flushing, NY.

John Shuck’s Shuck and Jive

A Presbyterian minister, currently serving as pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Elizabethton, Tenn., blogs about spirituality, culture, religion (both organized and disorganized), life, evolution, literature, Jesus, and lightening up.

Got more blogs to recommend?

Plan now for ...

GHOST RANCH PEACE & JUSTICE WEEK
July 27 - August 2, 2009

Now's the time to make reservations to be a part of the 2009 Peace & Justice Week at Ghost Ranch, July 27-August 2. There are eight seminars to choose among, including the Witherspoon-sponsored class “New Eyes for Peace & Justice from the World Church” led by Clifton Kirkpatrick.

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