Tuesday, May 06, 2025

Tuesday's Catch: 'Presbyterian Church in America sees growth in baptisms, giving in 2024 amid nationwide declines' And More


Presbyterian Church in America sees growth in baptisms, giving in 2024 amid nationwide declines
The Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) saw widespread growth in 2024, with notable increases in membership, giving and professions of faith, according to the denomination's latest five-year statistical summary published by the Administrative Committee.

NWPA-WNY Turn Away from Partnership
Following the release of a 104-page evaluation, Lenten study, meetings, and a time dedicated for discernment, the dioceses of Northwestern Pennsylvania and Western New York voted to conclude their partnership after six years by voting against a resolution that called for electing one bishop for both dioceses.
Related: Presiding bishop’s 2 former dioceses vote to seek separate bishops, ending 6-year partnership
Trump Posts AI-Generated Image of Himself as Pope As Vatican Prepares To Appoint Francis’ Successor
As well as displaying negligible sensitivity to the feelings of others, President Trump is not known for “guarding his lips,” carefully considering what he says and how he says it, in recognition that his words can have a significant impact on himself and others (Proverbs 13:3, Psalm 141:3). He will make inappropriate comments and then dismiss how people react to them by claiming that he was joking and thereby discounting their feelings. Often his “jokes” are hostile barbs directed at a particular individual or group or are intended to get a rise out of that individual or group, to anger or upset them. In some cases, he is playing to his base. Longtime observers of President Trump recognize that he has a strong need to be the center of the attention and to that end will seek to dominate the new cycle one way or another. At the same time, he will also say and do things to divert attention from things that he has said and done for which he is receiving a lot of criticism, and for which he is extremely unpopular with the public.
Related: Trump denies any involvement in AI pope image amid Catholic backlash; Trump defends White House account sharing photo of him dressed like pope: 'Did it in fun'
A catalogue of Trump’s 100 days of terrible horrible, no good actions
Donald Trump’s first 100 days back in office have been a blitzkrieg — an intense political campaign intended to bring about a swift victory.He has managed to produce his own Jacksonian “Trail of Tears” by firing thousands of federal workers. He feverishly works to demolish the federal government and the rule of law in a frenzy of “burning down” the house of democracy akin to General Sherman.

Shane Claiborne, four other faith activists arrested while protesting GOP budget bill
'Stir the conscience of our nation. Let justice rise up on these very steps, let truth trouble the chambers of the Capitol,' Shane Claiborne said as he prayed.

55 years later, we must remember Kent State to not repeat it
State-sanctioned violence was used against our citizens 55 years ago. Could it happen again?

Jeremy Clarkson warns Christianity is 'in danger' amid falling birth rates
Broadcaster and columnist Jeremy Clarkson has issued a stark warning about the future of Christianity, suggesting that a sharp decline in birth rates across the Western world could pose an existential threat to the faith’s long-term survival. Writing in his column for The Sun, the 65-year-old reflected on newly published global fertility figures and voiced concern about what he called the “practically universal collapse of fertility in the Christian world”.

New Findings Challenge ‘Gender-Affirming Care’ for Children
The HHS recently released a major report titled “Treatment for Pediatric Gender Dysphoria: Review of Evidence and Best Practices,” which provides an in-depth look at the science and outcomes behind puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries in minors, and represents one of the most comprehensive government analyses of pediatric gender transition treatments to date.

First Aid & Safety Gear Every Church Needs
Churches are sacred spaces of community, worship, and spiritual growth. However, they are also public venues where people of all ages gather, sometimes in large numbers. In such environments, accidents, medical emergencies, and unexpected safety issues can arise. To ensure the well-being of everyone, churches must take proactive steps in preparation. This includes having essential first aid supplies and safety gear available at all times. Making church safety a top priority is not just practical—it’s a moral and legal responsibility.
At a workshop I attended, conducted by the Marshall County, Kentucky Sheriff' Department, it was recommended that church first aid kits should include the kind of hemostatic gauze bandages used by hospital emergency rooms in the treatment of stab and bullet wounds. The kind of bandages typically found in most church first aid kits would not stop the bleed caused by these wounds.
The Pastor’s Dilemma: Loving Preaching, Loathing Sermon Prep
Do you love to preach but at times loathe sermon prep? Do you find preaching incredibly fulfilling yet preparation frustrating or even overwhelming? If so, you’re not alone. Many pastors struggle with the inefficiency of sermon prep—feeling bogged down by research, unsure how to faithfully interpret Scripture, or intimidated by today’s hot-button topics like politics, gender, and race.

What Makes a Sermon Difficult To Listen To 
Recently, and largely for my own purposes, I found myself thinking about some of the elements that can make a sermon difficult to listen to. Having jotted them down, I thought I’d share them with you.

4 Ways Memorizing Scripture Changes Our Hearts
When we’ve all got Bibles downloaded on our phones, why would anyone spend time memorizing Scripture—downloading verses to their brains?

How Your Group Can Begin Learning to Pray Together
Focusing your small group on learning to pray is one of the most meaningful ways to cultivate spiritual maturity and authentic community. As members grow in their confidence and consistency, you’ll begin to see how prayer transforms individuals and unites the group in purpose and faith. Prayer isn’t just something to talk about—it’s something to do together, with love, humility, and expectation.

The Burge Report: Does Homeschooling Change the Political and Religious Views of Children?
We’ve all heard the stereotypes of homeschooled children. But what does the data say? Ryan Burge joins Sam on the show to discuss the facts. The co-hosts also discuss implications for the church.

Mother’s Day Craft: Bible Bookmarks Are in Full Bloom
Surprise moms this Mother’s Day with Bloomin’ Bookmarks. They are perfect reminders of God’s love. Best of all, moms can keep this precious bookmark in a Bible!

Image Credit: The Christian Post

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