Walton Award winners announced

by Jerry L. Van Marter

LOUISVILLE — Three congregations from coast to coast have been named winners of the 2004 Walton Award for outstanding new church development.

      The three are Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Monmouth Presbytery; Oconee Presbyterian Church in Northeast Georgia Presbytery and Shelton Presbyterian Church in Olympia Presbytery.

      The three congregations, chosen by the Mission Development Resources Committee of the National Ministries Division, will each receive $50,000 for their ongoing ministries.

      The Sam and Helen Walton Awards were established in 1991 by a $6 million gift by the Waltons to the church through the Presbyterian Church (USA) Foundation. The gift included $3 million to endow the new church development award.

      Criteria for the award include numerical growth consistent with projections for the church; strength of discipleship through active worship, education and outreach programs; strength of financial stewardship; and high visibility in the community as a center for Christian witness, peacemaking and social change.