Celebrate the Calvin Jubilee
John Calvin is well known by Presbyterians, but he is not necessarily well understood. Historical caricatures of his harsh and somber reputation have threatened to overshadow his remarkable gifts to the church.
As we celebrate the 500th anniversary of Calvin’s birth in 2009, we Presbyterians have an opportunity to reintroduce ourselves to Calvin’s legacy — his monumental contributions to theology, church government, education, language, music, and politics as well as the more troubling aspects. Take the time to get to know John Calvin better and you may find that a deeper engagement with the man and his legacy will enhance your appreciation not only of Calvin, but of the entire Presbyterian tradition.
Learn more and watch a video trailer of 'John Calvin: His Life and Legacy.'
John Calvin’s Jubilee
July 8–11, 2009
Montreat Conference Center, Montreat, N.C.
Celebrate the 500th anniversary of John Calvin’s birth by participating in a conference on Calvin’s legacy July 8-11 at Montreat Conference Center. We will explore Calvin’s continuing influence on Reformed faith and life through lectures, panels, discussion and worship. An expanded bookstore will feature both new and classic publications. For discounted rates, register before February 15. Arrange lodging and meals at Montreat. Download the event schedule. 
‘Call a Solemn Assembly’
(Joel 2:15)
“A Call to Seek God for Spiritual Renewal of the Church,” issued by the 2008 General Assembly, invites churches and presbyteries to set aside special times for renewal through intentional worship gatherings that draw upon the Biblical tradition of the solemn assembly, such as those found in Joel 2.
A solemn assembly is a special gathering of God’s people to confess their sin and need of Christ’s grace in order that they might receive power from on high to be God’s faithful people in ministry to the world. Learn more about solemn assemblies and how your church body might conduct one.
New occasional papers released
Occasional paper #20, Lukas Vischer’s Pia Conspiratio: Calvin on the
Unity of Christ’s Church, gathers together some of Calvin’s statements
about unity, and provides an interpretive framework for understanding Calvin,
the Reformed tradition, and our own situation. The Office of Theology and
Worship believes that Pia Conspiratio is a significant contribution to the church’s
current struggles over the nature of the church and the character of ecclesial
unity.
Learn more and order
this paper and occasional paper #19
Calvin, Ecumenism and Justice, by Jane Dempsey Douglass and Margit Ernst-Habib.
Get the Belhar Confession study guide
The 218th General Assembly (2008) began the process for amending the Book of Confessions by adding to it the Belhar Confession. A two-year intensive denomination study is part of the process. A previous Assembly commended Belhar to the church as a “resource for reflection, study, and response, as a means of deepening the commitment of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to dealing with racism and a means of strengthening its unity, bearing in mind that the Belhar Confession emerged from the context of racism in South Africa.” Download the study guide.
Order study materials for The Trinity: God’s Love Overflowing
This resource from the Office of Theology and Worship is based on “The Trinity: God’s Love Overflowing,” a General Assembly report for study in the church. An accompanying study guide enables groups to delve deeply into the gift that is the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Sessions will focus on the Trinity and the Gospel; what we believe about God; how we are drawn into the embrace of the Triune God in worship and how the Trinity shapes our lives together. In addition, a four-part DVD that features well-known pastors and scholars is available that provides an excellent general introduction to the Trinity and introductions to the three parts of the paper. The DVD can also be used as a stand-alone media piece for confirmation classes, new member classes, and other venues as an introduction to the doctrine of the Trinity.
Report and Study Guide Only
PDS #21162-07-002 $5.95 | Quantities of 10 or more: $2.95
DVD Only
PDS #21162-07-002D $25.95
Report, Study Guide, DVD Set
PDS #21162-07-002S $29.95
'The Church and Homosexuality' study guide released
A study guide for policy statements
and recommendations from the 1978 report
This study guide, prepared by the Office of Theology and
Worship, is written at the request of the 217th General Assembly, Item 04-05:
" ... commended for use by sessions and congregations
for study of the Authoritative Interpretation of 1993, commending it to congregations
as the historic policy of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)."
Stated Clerk Clifton Kirkpatrick reflects on 'The Church and Homosexuality'
study guide
In a letter to all the congregations of the Presbyterian Church, the stated
clerk encourages the church to use these valuable resources to seek to understand
the teachings of our church, to discern God’s will for the PC(USA), and
to be faithful in our ministry to all God’s people. Read
the letter from Clifton Kirkpatrick. |
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