What is the church called to do in a time when there are an estimated 61 million refugees around the world? How are we called to respond when distant neighbors made in God’s image flee homelands ravished by war, engulfed by pervasive poverty, and overwhelmed by oppressive regimes?

Since February of 2017, the faithful of Ardmore Presbyterian Church have facilitated a transitional house and hospitality initiative known as First Place. A recent Covenant Fund grant recipient of the Presbytery of Philadelphia, First Place is one of two approved Philadelphia residences that provides a fully-furnished apartment and community of support for the first thirty days of a refugee’s resettlement. Over the course of the last year, federal government agencies have referred to First Place 28 refugees from Sudan, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Guatemala, and Honduras.

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New Doors Open to New Nighbors: Arch Street Presbyterian Church in the Shadows of a Corporate Giant by Presbytery of Philadelphia

And who is my neighbor?

This was the preface to one of Jesus’ most prophetic parables that cut through first-century religious, cultural, and ethnic divisions that continue to challenge us today.

This question also frames Swarthmore and Wallingford Presbyterian Church’s partnership with the Fellowship of Urban and Suburban Engagement (FUSE). An interfaith and ecumenical network in Delaware County and the City of Chester, FUSE bridges the gap between urban and suburban communities through the nurturing of cross-cultural relationships. In a time of increased polarizations and awareness of personal and systemic biases and privileges, members of Swarthmore and Wallingford have linked arms with FUSE to affirm their commitment to the beloved community that transcends race, religion, class, and social location. Along the way, they have nurtured relationships that transform strangers into valued neighbors.

Read the Covenant Connections Story here: https://presbyphl.org/moving-neighbor-wallingford-swarthmore-urban-suburban-partnership-fuse/

Launched in 2012, the Upward Basketball ministry at Bryn Mawr provides a significant witness of welcome to young people with special needs.

Read Full Story: http://presbyphl.org/evening-score-basketball-ministry-alongside-kids-special-needs-bryn-mawr/

What is the call of the church within communities beset by pervasive violence, high rates of incarceration, and complexities related to identity formation that strain the hopes and dreams of young people? In response to this question, the faithful of First African Presbyterian Church discerned a call and partnered with Fatherhood Institute, to launch the Black Male Leadership Initiative (BMLI) in 2013. Located within the predominantly black communities of West Philadelphia, BMLI enrolls up to ten boys between the ages of 10 and 18 from around the city and combines Bible study, life skills workshops, field trips to historic sites, peer and adult mentoring, and exploration of African heritage and history into their year-long program.

Read the Story Here:

This week, we sit down with Rev. Sarah Weiseger, pastor of Ivyland Presbyterian Church, and Rev. Rami Al Maqdasi, an ordained pastor from Iraq who has served alongside the Synod of Syria and Lebanon.

In early October, Rev. Al Maqdasi spent five days with Ivyland and various networks within our Presbytery after the Bucks County congregation was approved as a host church by the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program.

Listen into this conversation and then consider how you and your congregation can pray, act, and advocate in alongside our global peacemaking partners.

This week we hear from the Our Community Cup Coffee House, a 2015 Covenant Fund recipient and collaborative ministry between the New Avenue Foundation and Chambers Memorial Presbyterian Church. This unique Coffee house extends hospitality and welcome to young people with disabilities and their families. Recently I sat down with Rev. Pam McShane of Chambers Memorial and Jim Wurster of the New Avenue Foundation. We invite you to listen in as you envision how the Spirit may stir you to imagine ministry possibilities in and around your own congregation and communities.