One
of the delights of my current position is providing such resources
or opportunities and developing ways to help you in your governing
body education and nurture ministry.
Conference Ministries
Perhaps you had experiences as I did growing up—off to
church camp in the summer, retreats in the fall and winter,
and mission trips during spring break. Yes, I am one of those
majority of PC(USA) pastors who had their most significant spiritual
growth experiences at a camp or conference center (see August
2002 Presbyterian Panel Survey). I not only made a decision
to follow Jesus Christ in that setting, my walk with the Lord
has deepened immensely through experiences and events at those
sites.
Such happenings are still available and they’re better
than ever!
Our three national conference centers, Ghost Ranch, Montreat,
and Stony Point offer hundreds of events annually for over 150,000
Presbyterians. They are also sojourners’ centers—providing
hospitable and safe places for individuals and small groups
to experience a closer walk with God and to deepen their commitment
to Jesus Christ. Visit the PC(USA) camp and conference ministries
Web site at www.pcusa.org/conferenceministries
for more information or go directly to their sites: www.ghostranch.org,
www.montreat.org, and
www.stonypointcenter.org.
Covenant Groups
Partners in ministry, covenant groups are important networks
for providing resources and support for our congregational and
governing body ministries. A covenant group is an organization
or a network that covenants with General Assembly Council. entities
to work together to provide services, support, and/or events
for network members engaged in similar ministries.
Ready for some alphabet soup? The following, in alpha order,
are the initials of those networks that have covenant relationships
with the Congregational Ministries Division (CMD). See how many
you can guess without looking: APCE, ARMSS,
NAPS, PAM, PASTCF,
PCCCA, PF, PM,
POAMN
APCE—Association
of Presbyterian Church Educators
Our largest covenant group, APCE membership is open to any Christian
educator and anyone involved in Christian education in the church.
APCE provides an annual conference (over 1,000 attendees), regional
networks and meetings, important linkages, and advocacy for
educators and Christian education.
Web site: www.apcenet.org
ARMSS—Association
for Retired Ministers, Spouses or Survivors
As long as we have clergy, this group’s potential membership
grows! ARMSS provides an annual conference, forums for discussion,
advocacy, and helpful linkages with institutions like the Board
of Pensions and the Presbyterian Association of Homes and Services
for the Aging.
Web site: www.pcusa.org/olderadults/armss.htm
NAPS—National
Association of Presbyterian Scouters
Presbyterian congregations sponsor 3,943 Boy Scout packs with
135,653 Scouts. NAPS provides training for adult leaders of
youth and for the God and Country award series; provides spiritual
nurture for thousands of Scouts at national events; and represents
the PC(USA) to the Boy Scouts of America.
Web site: www.presbyterianscouters.org
PAM—Presbyterian
Association of Musicians
From resources to large annual conferences to relocation services,
PAM assists church musicians in all phases of their call and
is available to help your congregation develop its music ministry
program. The African Heritage Presbyterian Association of Musicians
(AHPAM) group is the newest PAM chapter.
Web site: www.pcusa.org/pam
PASTCF—The Presbyterian
Association on Science, Technology, and Christian Faith
PASTCF intends to challenge and assist the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.), at all levels, to study, understand, discuss, and
act on the implications of science and technology as they affect
the theology, worship, practice, and moral actions of the church.
Web site: www.pastcf.org
PCCCA—Presbyterian
Church Camp and Conference Association
Over 160 sites related to congregations, presbyteries, synods,
and the G.A. comprise PCCCA. An annual event, consultant services,
a newsletter, regional gatherings, and advocacy assist members
in this important ministry.
Web site: horeb.pcusa.org/pccca
PF—Presbyterian
Families
Formerly known as the Presbyterian Mariners, Presbyterian Families
works closely with the Office on Family Ministries within the
Presbyterian Peacemaking Program of CMD to provide resources
and support for the multiplicity of configurations of today’s
family groups.
Web site: www.presfam.org
PM—Presbyterian
Men
The Mission of Presbyterian Men is to lead men into a vital
relationship with Christ and to assist them in their spiritual,
personal, and community development. The popular Men’s
Bible Studies, an annual meeting, and special mission projects
around the world are available to help with your congregation’s
men’s ministries. Two racial ethnic groups are also available:
Hombres Presbiterianos for Hispanic/Latino men and National
Korean Presbyterian Men.
Web sites: www.presbyterianmen.org
and www.hombrespresbiterianos.com
POAMN—Presbyterian
Older Adult Ministry Network
Leader training, resources, networking, a newsletter and an
annual meeting bring together this network of persons engaged
in older adult ministries. There are Presbytery Representatives
in many presbyteries.
Web site: www.pcusa.org/olderadults/poamn.htm
The Prize!
Well, how did you do? You win the prize if you identified them
all correctly. Actually, you win the prize even if you didn’t
because the prize is the wonderful resource that each one of
these groups can provide to enhance your Christian education
program. Visit their Web sites for contact information or call
the Office of Conference Ministries and Covenant Groups at (888)
728-7228, ext. 5460. |
