PHEWA Awards Reception at the 217th General Assembly

“Rod took me under his wing as I discerned a place for myself in the world. I still feel deeply connected to the church, in part because of who Rod was.”

With those words of remembrance during the The Presbyterian Health, Education and Welfare Association (PHEWA) Awards Reception, former GA moderator Rick Ufford Chase told some personal stories about Rodney T. Martin’s impact upon his life. Rod, who died last year at age 84, was a Presbyterian elder who led PHEWA as executive director from 1972-1990. He is credited with pioneering new models for social justice work and mentoring countless young pastors and activists. PHEWA began its General Assembly Awards Reception by honoring his legacy.

PHEWA president, the Rev. Bob Brashear of New York City, introduced members of several networks of PHEWA who gave awards to four outstanding ministries of justice. Hearing their stories is always a highlight of the Assembly and a gift to the church.

The Florence Iversen Kraft Award

The Florence Iversen Kraft Award, given by the Presbyterian Serious Mental Illness Network (PSMIN) went to Celebration of Life Presbyterian Church of Mesa, Arizona, for their inclusive ministries with individuals and families affected by serious mental illness. Social justice, peacemaking and mission have been defining elements of the ministry of Celebration of Life Presbyterian Church (CoL) since its organization in 1974.

The John Rea Thomas Award

The Rev. Dr. Jasper Keith, Jr. received the John Rea Thomas Award given by the Presbyterian Association of Specialized Pastoral Ministries (PASPM). Keith, who has had a lifetime of ministry in pastoral care and Clinical Pastoral Education, accepted the honor on behalf of his teachers and colleagues. It is with great pleasure that PASPM honors the long and distinguished service of the Reverend Jasper Keith, Jr., ThD., for his outstanding service to the church, to ministry in specialized settings and to the education of clergy in pastoral care and counseling.

Presbyterian Association for Community Transformation (PACT) Award

Two Oklahoma churches partnered in ministry with their community received the Presbyterian Association for Community Transformation (PACT) award. This award is presented to a congregation (in this case, two congregations) that, through ecumenical or interfaith community ministry or a special project, has been faithful and creative in ministry to and with its community.

Members from First Presbyterian Church of Chickasha and Anadarko Presbyterian Church of Anadarko told of how their community efforts have brought renewed energy to their congregations.

The Nancy Jennings Award

Opening Doors Task Force on Disabilities of the Presbytery of the Cascades received the Nancy Jennings Award from Presbyterians for Disability Concerns (PDC). The work of this presbytery task force is a model of taking seriously God’s call that “my house shall be a house of prayer for all people” (Isaiah 56:7). We lift up this significant ministry as a model for other presbyteries in promoting the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in our churches.

Rick Parfrey accepted the award on behalf of the Opening Doors Task Force.

Network happenings

Presbyterians Affirming Reproductive Options (PARO) had a busy General Assembly with “Listening Sessions” for commissioners and visitors to the Assembly in addition to a luncheon they hosted at the Birmingham Art Museum. The Rev. Tom Davis was the guest speaker.

Presbyterians for Disability Concerns (PDC) provided disability awareness training for all commissioners, using humor to communicate a very serious message.

The Presbyterian Association of Specialized Pastoral Ministries (PASPM) provided chaplains for the Assembly and Presbyterians for Addiction Action (PAA) sponsored nightly 12-step meetings.

The PHEWA booth provided a place for friends to meet and visitors to learn more about the many services that PHEWA and its networks provide for the church, all of which is done through networking and volunteers.