Europe
 Since beginning my work as the area coordinator for Europe in 2006, it has become clear to me that so many of the mission relationships between PC(USA) groups and individuals and our partners throughout Europe are in the midst of Pentecost moments of renewal.
I invite you to read, enjoy, and become a part of the new thing that
God is doing in Europe and with the PC(USA) through four highlights.
1. New Mission Personnel
Doug and Liz Searles work with the Evangelical Reformed Church in Poland in evangelism and pastoral development. Tom Harvey has joined the Oxford Center for Mission Studies as an assistant dean and mentor to students doing doctoral studies. Osmundo Ponce, now on the faculty of the United Evangelical Theological Seminary, has helped establish a distant learning program. Jane Holslag has rejoined the faculty of LCC International University after a stint in pastoral ministry and work on her doctorate.
2. Congregational and Presbytery Partnerships
PC(USA) congregations and presbyteries are partnering with sisters and brothers in Europe and finding spiritual, congregational, and mission renewal. Northern Waters Presbytery is strengthening its partnership with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Portugal.
In Italy, the Waldensian Evangelical Church has partnered with the American Waldensian Society and the Waldensian Presbyterian Church in Valdese, North Carolina, among others, to bring Reformed theological training to Italian society and to sponsor travel study seminars with U.S. Presbyterians.
The Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren, the Czech Mission Network, and First Presbyterian Church in Annapolis, Maryland, helped young people from the U.S. participate in a youth event in the Czech Republic and sponsored a travel study seminar there in 2008.
3. New Mission Network
The twenty-ninth Presbyterian World Mission-related mission network, the Ireland Mission Network, held its inaugural meeting in May 2008. Charter members of the network include the Presbyterian Committee on Northern Ireland and Young Adult Volunteers who have served in Ireland.
4. Presbyterian Women
Thirty members of Presbyterian Women took part in PW Global Exchange 2008. It is just the beginning of a wide range of promise, of new mission relationships between PW and Christian women of Eastern Europe.
Please read on about mission in Europe and enjoy what God is doing there.
—Rev. Jon T. Chapman, area coordinator, Europe, General Assembly Counci
Partners/Ministries
Conference of European Churches: The Venerable Colin Williams, general secretary, Rev. Luca Negro, secretary for communications
World Alliance of Reformed Churches: Rev. Dr. Clifton Kirkpatrick, president
World Council of Churches: Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia, general secretary
Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe: Doris Peschke, general secretary
PC(USA) General Assembly Staff
Rev. Curtis Kearns, Jr., GAMC
Stephen Keizer, FDN
Rev. Douglas Kelly, BOP
Gracious Lord, we are grateful for the renewed interest in faith that you are bringing about in Europe. By your Spirit, guide your people to be creative channels of grace so that bridges can be built and your peace will reign over all. Amen.
Ps. 5, 145 Ps. 82, 29
1 Sam. 1:1–20
Acts 1:1–14; Luke 20:9–19
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