Eco-Journey
About this blog
Eco-Journey is the blog of the Environmental Ministries Office of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). It includes a wide array of environmental topics: upcoming environmental events, links to interesting articles and studies, information on environmental advocacy, eco-theology topics, and success stories from churches that are going “green.”
Author Rebecca Barnes is the Associate for Environmental Ministries at the PC(USA). She is a graduate of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary with an MDiv and Master of Arts in Religion (MAR) dual degree.
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October 27, 2014Directory for Worship: Chapter Five
The fifth chapter of the proposed revision to the PC(USA) Directory for Worship relates the way in which our worship and service of God moves from the sanctuary to the streets—how we glorify God in daily life, congregational ministry, and mission to the world.
- Posted at 2:40 p.m.
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October 20, 2014
Directory for Worship: Chapter Four
The fourth chapter of the proposed revision to the PC(USA) Directory for Worship attends to special events and pastoral occasions in the lives of individual believers and in the community of faith: reaffirmation of baptism (including confirmation), commissioning for service, ordination and installation, transitions in ministry, the covenant of marriage, and the funeral service.
- Posted at 2:40 p.m.
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October 13, 2014
Directory for Worship: Chapter Three
The third chapter of the proposed revision to the PC(USA) Directory for Worship is devoted to the church’s weekly encounter with the crucified and risen Lord, in Word and Sacrament, through the Service for the Lord’s Day.
- Posted at 2:40 p.m.
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October 6, 2014
Directory for Worship: Chapter Two
The second chapter of the proposed revision to the PC(USA) Directory for Worship gets more specific about the structure and planning of worship in a Presbyterian/Reformed context.
- Posted at 2:40 p.m.
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September 29, 2014
Directory for Worship: Chapter One
The first chapter of the proposed revision to the PC(USA) Directory for Worship centers around what we can affirm about Christian worship in a broad, ecumenical sense: the story of God’s gracious, saving work in history that we proclaim; the presence of the Jesus Christ in Word and Sacrament; and our reliance on the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the worship, ministry, and mission of the church.
- Posted at 2:40 p.m.
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September 22, 2014
Directory for Worship: Preface
The preface to the proposed revision to the PC(USA) Directory for Worship describes the purpose of this document, establishes its biblical and confessional foundations, and discusses its authority in the life of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
- Posted at 2:40 p.m.
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September 15, 2014
Directory for Worship FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the proposed revision to the PC(USA) Directory for Worship.
- Posted at 2:40 p.m.
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September 8, 2014
Revising the Directory for Worship
The 221st General Assembly (2014) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has called for a year-long period of study and comment on a proposed revision to the Directory for Worship, the part of the Book of Order that describes the theology and practice of our liturgical life.
- Posted at 2:40 p.m.
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September 1, 2014
Welcome to Presbyterian Worship
Welcome to Presbyterian Worship, a new blog from the Office of Theology and Worship of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). This is a place to share insight, inspiration, and resources for worship in the Presbyterian/Reformed tradition.
- Posted at 2:40 p.m.
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August 22, 2013
Company of New Pastors
These are busy days for the Company of New Pastors.
- Posted at 10:06 p.m.
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April 22, 2013
Reflections on Peacemaking
As someone who promotes peace through interfaith relationships and engagement and has a deep respect and love for the North American Muslim community, my gut instinct was to join the silent and not so silent cry of this now well-read Washington Post article: “Please don’t be Muslim.”
- Posted at 5:56 p.m.
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March 26, 2013
Young Adult Eco-Stewards Program Applications Due
Is God calling you or someone you know to care for the environment?Now is the time to apply for the 2013 Eco-Stewards Program!
- Posted at 10:20 a.m.
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February 6, 2013
The Time Has Come!
On January 24, 2013, Leon Panetta, Defense Secretary made an astounding announcement that will change the course of history for women in the military announcing the elimination of ground combat exclusion and suggesting a plan to move forward to eliminate all gender based barriers. The announcement, in my opinion, is a wake-up signal to the church and calls the church to also re-examine it's stance on women in ministry.
Ironically, this announcement came between the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday celebration and the beginning of Black History Month. What a more appropriate time to raise the issue considering the …
- Posted at 3:28 p.m.
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September 25, 2012
Mission board approves ‘path and process’ toward separate incorporation of Stony Point Center
The Presbyterian Mission Agency Board (formerly the General Assembly Mission Council) has approved “a path and process” to establish the denomination’s Stony Point (N.Y.) Center as separate corporation related to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
The unanimous vote by the board at its Sept 12-14 meeting here came upon recommendation of a task force that was appointed a year ago. It was charged to “study the missional alignment, viability, financial sustainability and management performance of Stony Point.
- Posted at 11:42 a.m.
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September 18, 2012
Learnings from Others Failures
Can we learn how to live and thrive by learning why others failed to start?- Posted at 6:00 a.m.
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September 12, 2012
A Growing Church is a Dying Church
Whenever a congregation goes looking for a new pastor, the first question on their minds when the committee interviews a new candidate is: Will this pastor grow our church?
I’m going to go ahead and answer that question right now: No, she will not.
- Posted at 6:00 a.m.
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September 11, 2012
Witness in Reverse - Learning New Church Development from Global Partners
The Presbyterian Church (USA) has adopted a goal of establishing 1001 new worshiping communities over the next few years. Like the “Double the Church Movement” in Korea, this is not a programmatic slogan. Rather it is a call to mobilize the whole church for this task.- Posted at 10:35 a.m.
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September 6, 2012
The Power of Camping in the Lives of Men
"I can honestly say that it was one of the most moving and meaningful experiences I've ever had," says Alan Wohlstetter, a resident of Erdenheim and a partner at the Fox Rothschild law firm. "We came together as grown men in middle age, and we had left camp back in 1972 when we were 15 years old."- Posted at 6:00 a.m.
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September 5, 2012
Lending a Hand When Disaster Strikes
When Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp in Colorado was evacuated for the current fire, Highlands Camp (a PCUSA site) was able to reach out and accomodate them. It's so important for kids to have summer camp and being able to reach out to others in need really drives the message of living the good news of Jesus Christ home to all campers and staff!
- Posted at 4:05 p.m.
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September 4, 2012
Increased Learning Enables More Effective Mission
It is evident that not only do a diversity of ministries respond to the important themes that orient the doing of mission, but also the different ways of learning and un-learning that are the result of living together, sharing and working together.- Posted at 9:34 a.m.
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June 13, 2012
Celebrate! Young Adult Leadership and Discipleship Experiences Starting ALL over the country!
A celebration is called for! Summer is starting across the country and thousands of our passionate young adults are embarking on a life changing summer living in Christian community. This opportunity to teach and share their faith with campers, as well as live intentionally with other committed Christian leaders will transform them in ways they can’t even imagine.
- Posted at 12:00 a.m.
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March 15, 2012
A Jewel for the Church
“The goal is to send these younger people home, have them fired up and passionate about the scriptures and with strong prayer lives and a real sense of what they believe, so they can continue to do those kinds of things in the local setting,” says Tim McNeil.
- Posted at 6:00 a.m.
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December 21, 2011
Eco-Stewards Program 2012
Don't miss out! Sign up or encourage others to sign up today!
- Posted at 12:07 p.m.
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October 25, 2011
New Eco-Stewards Post
Eco-Steward Kathi Pogorelov studies public health and sociology, with a concentration in health and environment, at The College of New Jersey. She took a break from her coursework to reflect on her participation in the June 2011 Montana Eco-Stewards Program.
- Posted at 6:00 a.m.
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October 14, 2011
Reaching Out at 5,000 Feet
Taking a fresh look at our mission focus as the Church and society continues to change around us.
- Posted at 6:00 a.m.
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August 2, 2011
Another Blog from the Eco-Stewards
Eco-Steward Gerard Miller studied modern languages, linguistics and intercultural communication at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County. He is working this summer as an intern at Greenwood Farm in Hardin, Montana. Here he reflects on a day from our June Eco-Stewards Program. Looking back on our week of active learning in Eastern Montana, the one thing [...]
- Posted at 6:00 a.m.
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July 28, 2011
Breaking Through
Honest conversations about the future are essential, but sometimes tough to start and changed with emotions.
- Posted at 6:00 a.m.
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July 26, 2011
Another Blog from the Eco-Stewards
There is another new blog post on the Eco-Stewards Program blog from Eco-Steward Andrew Fultz-Morrison, who is interning this summer at Krislund Camp in Pennsylvania. In the post Andrew reflects on events from the Eco-Stewards weeklong program in Montana as well as his internship at Krislund.
- Posted at 6:00 a.m.
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July 22, 2011
Inspiration for a Tiring Summer
We are in week 5 of Summer Camp. My Director of Summer Camp used this quote at the end of a memo to summer staff, and I am still laughing. Feel free to use it!
- Posted at 6:00 a.m.
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July 12, 2011
What Matters?
If you read my blog, you will find I am interested in a wide variety of subjects related to camp, conference and retreat ministry. I like to look at the ministry facilities we have as "Centers for Mission and Ministry" because they are one of the most flexible resources we have in our church. From facilities for education and retreat, to acres of God's creation, to skilled and multi-talented/flexible staff to help put any idea into action, to their reach into all aspects of church life, our centers are truly under-used and undervalued.
- Posted at 6:00 a.m.
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June 7, 2011
Trending up? Now what?
From my recent talks with several camp leaders, summer camp numbers appear to be heading up. I know this is not the case for all of our sites, but it is exciting to see a trend moving up when the...
- Posted at 10:08 a.m.
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June 2, 2011
Why? Community Building as THE Mission
Just had a wonderful conversation with Rev. David Ensign, (for those of you who knew Rev. John Ensign, long serving director of Camp Hanover, David is his nephew) exploring where the ministry of camp, conference and retreat is heading. It...
- Posted at 10:11 a.m.
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May 26, 2011
Welcoming the Other
Jesus tells us story after story about how we are to welcome the other even at cost to ourselves. Whether it’s the story of the persistent neighbor who knocks and knocks until he wakes his neighbor to help him provide...
- Posted at 10:41 a.m.
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May 24, 2011
Happy Birthday!
Simple communications throughout the year with your campers leads to a higher level of retention. Ask any of the “big” camps in your area and I bet you will find they are effective in reaching their campers throughout the year....
- Posted at 10:15 a.m.
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May 19, 2011
Another Sustainable Pathways event this fall!
Don't miss the Sustainable Pathways: Creation Care and Best Practices for Camp and Retreat Ministries being held September 19-23, 2011 at Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center outside Little Rock, Arkasas. This looks to be a great event of learning from...
- Posted at 10:29 a.m.
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May 17, 2011
"Come on baby light my fire" ....water???
BREAKING NEWS: Fracking (extracting natural gas from underground shale deposits through fracturing) has been scientifically linked to water contamination. Take a moment and listen to the "Here and Now" episode discussing the issue. ‘Fracking’ Scientifically Linked To Water Contamination And...
- Posted at 10:45 a.m.
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May 12, 2011
10-A Passes...What do I need to know?
10-A, the amendment to the Book of Order's ordination requirement removing the 'fidelity and chastity' requirements, has been approved by enough Presbyteries to pass. This happened on Tuesday May 11, 2011. The following links will help you learn more about...
- Posted at 3:28 p.m.
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April 21, 2011
Slow Down? Speed up? Defining Relevance (For a Time Such as This – Part 4)
Is the ‘new normal’ that things will continue to change more and more rapidly? Will we continue to feel out of breath running to stay in place? About 5 years ago, when my children were 3 and 6, they said...
- Posted at 3:44 p.m.
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