Perspectives offers an exploration of issues facing the church as well as some reflective analysis of our life together as a denomination through the lens of scripture, our Reformed theology, and a constitutional and confessional framework.

The annual observance of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity began this week. The Graymoor Ecumenical and Interreligious Institute provides information and resources about the observance on their Web site at www.geii.org. In providing a brief history of the observance, the Institute writes, "The observance was initiated in 1908 by the Rev. Paul Wattson, co-founder of the Society of the Atonement….A world observance, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is a major example of activity at the local level. The theme and text for each year's observance of the Week of Prayer are chosen and prepared by representatives of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and representatives of the World Council of Churches. The international texts are developed, adapted and published for use in the USA by the Graymoor Ecumenical & Interreligious Institute, which invites written contributions from members of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA and the other ecumenists. The institute publishes a full array of Week of Prayer materials for faith communities to including a daily scripture and prayer guide and an ecumenical celebration of the word." The Rev. Robina Winbush, Associate Stated Clerk and Director of Ecumenical and Agency Relations for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) provided the homily notes for this year's observance. Her notes are included in this issue of Perspectives.

The 215th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) will convene in Denver, Colorado, on May 24, 2003. This year's assembly theme is "A House of Prayer for All Peoples" (Isaiah 56:7-8). The Bible study for this year's assembly was written by Dr. Grace C. Yeuell, assistant professor of Christian education at Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC. We feature in this issue the introduction to the Bible study. In it, Dr. Yeuell writes, "An in-depth look at these verses will also encourage you to begin listening for the voices of those who may currently be excluded from your love. What persons within the larger church, within your community, or even within your own congregation, do you not welcome wholeheartedly as brothers or sisters in Christ?" The complete study has six sessions and is an excellent resource for an adult study group during Lent. The entire study will be available in print and online by mid-February.

The Rev. Whit Malone is the pastor of Springdale Presbyterian Church in Louisville, Kentucky. Last fall, Whit, along with associate pastor Jean Davidson preached a series of sermons on the expectations we have of each other in the church-members, elders, and pastors. Last month we featured "God Servers" from the series. This month we include the final sermon in the series. "Mama, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Pastors" offers what Whit believes are the minimum expectations a congregation should have of its pastoral leadership.

The Winter 2002 issue of the Journal of Presbyterian History focuses on the relationship between Presbyterians and Mormons. We include the editor's introduction to this latest issue of the journal. To find out more about the journal and the Presbyterian Historical Society, go to www.history.pcusa.org.

Finally, as we enter a new year, we do so having bid farewell to a person of great faith. The Rev. Clinton M. Marsh, former Moderator of the General Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A., died on All Saints' Day. From his service as pastor to that of Moderator, Rev. Marsh was a model of the deepest commitment of Jesus Christ to both peace and justice and to the well being of the whole human family. Rev. Marsh's benediction became a mainstay each year at the General Assembly Peace Breakfast. We include it here as both a tribute to Rev. Marsh and a charge to all of us as we seek to be God's faithful people in these present days.

We are always eager to know your comments about and suggestions for Perspectives.
Contact us at OGA_Communications@ctr.pcusa.org.

May the new year bring Christ's peace to you and to this troubled world.

- Sharon K. Youngs, Editor