| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Recent Questions and Answers
PresbyTel receives questions via telephone, email and the PC(USA) Web
site. These questions come from church members, pastors, presbyteries, synods
and others who need answers or are merely curious. Some may call us the "Help
Center" or "Reference Desk" with a personal touch. These questions are a sampling
of the types of questions we answer.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
 |
|
| |
Question:
Can you help me find a particular minister?
|
|
Answer:
Contact information on our active and retired ministers can be found on our Web
site in the Ministerial
Directory. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Question:
What is the proper use of flags in the sanctuary and/or church? |
|
Answer:
"Should a congregation display flags in its sanctuary?" Periodically
this question is asked by a congregation when considering what is appropriate
to the environment of the worship of the people. Unfortunately it often elicits
considerable debate and controversy.
Do Flags Belong in Church?
The display of flags in church sanctuaries is far from a universal practice,
and controversy has long surrounded the practice. In considering this issue,
certain theological-liturgical issues need to be addressed.
For a full understanding of this topic read the document, “The
Use of Flags in Church Sanctuaries”  by Harold
M. Daniels, former Associate for Worship Resources, Office of Theology and Worship, Presbyterian
Church (U.S.A.). |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Question:
Who should I contact if I have a complaint about my minister?
|
|
Answer:
First, you should talk with your Clerk of Session and/or session, if that isn't possible, speak with your Presbytery Executive or Committee on Ministry. Most matters can be handled through those avenues, however, if you are still unsatisfied, the matter can be escalated to the synod level and eventually to the General Assembly level to the Office of Constitutional Services. However, we would recommend that you consult your Book
of Order and your Presbytery Stated Clerk for guidance. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Question:
Where can I find information about mission work the PC(USA) is doing in a particular country?
|
|
Answer:
We have a wonderful Web site where you can find information about mission work
by country, by region and by missionary and it's called Mission
Connections.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Question:
Where can I get a copy of my baptismal record?
|
|
Answer:
You must contact the church where you were baptized. Each church should keep
their own records of baptisms, marriages, etc. If that church no longer exists
or has merged with another congregation, you will need to contact the Presbyterian
Historical Society either in Philadelphia, Pa., or in Montreat, N.C., as
they do keep some archival data for churches.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
 |
|
| |
 |
| |
Question:
Where can I get Certificates of Membership?
|
|
Answer:
You can purchase Certificates of Membership (PDS# 060007) from the Presbyterian
Distribution Service by calling (800) 524-2612. Certificates of Membership can
also be ordered from our Web site.
The Presbyterian Marketplace is a great resource for purchasing and ordering a wide range of materials.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Certificate of Membership
Developed in conjunction with the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. Office of Theology and Worship. These 8"x10" certificates are dual-tone, with heat-resistant, raised thermographic printing. Set of 12, with envelopes.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
$6.50
Set of 12
PDS #060007
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Question:
How do I order a Presbyterian Planning Calendar?
|
|
Answer:
You can purchase a Presbyterian Planning Calendar (PDS# 7061204500)
from the Presbyterian Distribution Service by calling (800) 524-2612. Certificates
of Membership can also be ordered from our Web site.
The Presbyterian Marketplace is a great resource for purchasing and ordering a wide range of materials.
Visit the Presbyterian Planning Calendar Web site to learn more.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
|
2007-2008 Presbyterian
Planning Calendar
"Come All You People"
This 19-month calendar contains
many planning aids for pastors and other church leaders. Building on the
theme "Come All You People," the calendar
calls Presbyterians to our life together. Photos, scripture and passages
from The Book of Common Worship express our joy and common purpose: to
share the love of God in Jesus Christ in the word and deed.
The calendar also features:
- Monthly calendar pages form June 2007 through December 2008
- Lectionary for the Lord's Day and special days
- Colors for the liturgical seasons
- Liturgical days, programmatic emphases and secular holidays
- Monthly planning suggestions and resources
- Synod, presbytery and GA staff directories
- Foldout Synod, Presbytery and world maps in color
Individual calendars are $10.50 each; $8.00 each for 10 to 49; $6.00 for 50
or more, plus shipping for all orders. $10.50 Item #1571530827
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Question:
We are trying to locate the list of positions for Ministers, educators,
etc. on the Web site and annot find it. Where are they located?
|
|
Answer:
Go to "One Door" on the PC(USA) Web site and select "Church Leadership Connection". Opportunity Lists are listed there.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Question:
What are the current statistics of the denomination?
|
|
Answer:
The 2003 and 2004 church statistics are located on the Office of the General Assembly Statistics Page.
Our Research Services Department also has a lot of statistics that may be of interest as well.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Question:
When did the church merge and where can I learn more about Presbyterian history?
|
|
Answer:
The most recent merger happened in 1983 between the UPCUSA and the PCUS to become the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
The Presbyterian Historical Society has a good assortment of information on their Web site.
Other resources include:
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Question:
What do I have to do to become a PC(USA) minister? I am a minister in another denomination.
|
|
Answer:
Information on how to become a PC(USA) Minister can be found in the FAQ document on the Church Leadership Connection Web Site.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Question:
I am not Presbyterian but would like to be married in a Presbyterian Church in my community. Is that possible?
|
|
Answer:
To be married in a PC(USA) Church you need to talk with the minister and session of that church. Each church has it's own policy.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Question:
My great-grandfather was a Presbyterian minister in 1910. How can I get information on him?
|
|
Answer:
You will need to contact the Presbyterian Historical Society. This Web site has the information you need to provide in order to locate the information you seek on your great-great-grandfather.
You may also contact the Presbyterian Historical Society by mail:
425 Lombard Street
Philadelphia PA 19147-1516
Telephone (215) 627-1852
Fax (215) 627-0509
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Question:
My friend told me that PC(USA) has scholarships available for college. I need information on the scholarships.
|
|
Answer:
You can find information about scholarships on our Financial Aid for Studies FAQ.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Question:
How can I find out what the Presbyterian Church is doing in other countries?
|
|
Answer:
In 2005, the PC(USA) has 322 long-term mission workers serving in 69 countries. The Mission Connections Web site will help you get to know them and their ministries.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Question:
How come the Presbyterian Church doesn't seem interested in human rights and bad things happening in other countries besides Palestine?
|
|
Answer:
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) does care about human rights around the world. We refer you to the study paper that was presented and accepted at the 216th General Assembly: "Human Rights Update 2003-2004 with Study Guide".
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
PresbyTel can now answer your questions online
Use the Ask us! Inquiry Form to submit your questions online.
Many questions are answered within 24 to 48 hours. If you need quicker, personalized service, you may contact one of our PresbyTel consultants at (800) 872-3283, between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
PresbyTel is a resource for all
PresbyTel is a useful resource for congregations, presbyteries, synods and those curious about Presbyterian faith and history.
Spread the word by downloading our icon and using it on your Web site.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
- Files marked with this icon can be downloaded in printable Adobe Acrobat format. This file requires the free Acrobat Reader. For best results, right-click the link (or click and hold for Macintosh), select " save target as" and save the document to your desktop for viewing and printing.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
