Newsroom

Presbytery of Utah welcomes Rev. J. Herbert Nelson, says goodbye to Rev. Jerrod Lowry

The Stated Fall Meeting of the Presbytery of Utah was one of mixed emotions.  Everybody was thrilled to meet and welcome Rev. J. Herbert Nelson, II, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA)!  Rev. Nelson gave an amazing sermon during worship that left us all wondering, "why are we standing here?"  Not only is he a powerful speaker but his message was powerful as well.  Rev. Nelson also shared some of the good works being done by PC(USA) in the form of the Hands and Feet program.  He explained the most recent project in Baltimore and the positive effects it is having on the community.  You can check out the good work they are doing at this website: https://handsandfeet.pcusa.org/.  

It was fitting that Rev. Nelson was in the house for this particular meeting.  It was fitting because it was Rev. Jerrod Lowry's last meeting as a member of the Presbytery of Utah.  Rev. Nelson has known Rev. Lowry since he was a boy and what a great way for Jerrod to be led into a new mission and out of his current call, than by a longtime mentor and friend!  Rev. Jerrod Lowry has been a member of the Presbytery of Utah for 8 years serving as Pastor for the Community of Grace church in Sandy, UT.  He was well loved by all who knew him and brought joy, laughter and friendship everywhere he went.  Those closest to him gave him encouraging words for his future work and expressed the love and sadness we will all feel when he is gone.  Tears were shed and prayers given to Rev. Lowry and his family as they embark upon this new journey.  Good luck Jerrod, we will miss you!!

 

Logan Church Welcomes Associate Pastor Meghan Vail

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After graduating from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary and being ordaing by Mission Presbytery in Texas, Rev. Meghan Vail moved to Utah with her wife Jeanine to become Associate Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Logan, Utah.  She began her work in March os this year and was Installed to the position, officially, on Saturday, September 8th, 2018.  She was installed in style as Rev. Dr. Ted Wardlaw, President of the Austin Seminary was the guest preacher for the service.  Congratulations Rev. Vail and welcome to the Presbytery of Utah!

 

Russia in St. George

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This year's Russia Mission Network Conference was hosted by Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church in St. George, UT.  Pastor Michael Zdorow, Chaplain of the Moscow Protestant Chaplaincy, gave a speeck about mission work he, along with other Russian members that have experience with the Network and PCUSA Mission co-workers, are doing.  

The Russia Mission Network (RMN) is made up of Presbyterians from all corners of the U.S. who have an interest in, and a heart for, Christ’s church in Russia.  Many network members are active in partner church relationships and a few pursue independent projects. Some have traveled to Russia, others have not. In all cases, our hope is to break down the walls that divide us and encourage one another as we live out the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our communities and countries.  The network gathers annually for fellowship, updates on mission involvement in Russia and to learn from one of our mission partners.  As a network we have welcomed and been deeply enriched by Russian guests and partners from the Baptist, Lutheran and Orthodox confessions.

Here are some fun images from the event!  Be sure to sign up next year and get involved.  :)

 

Good News at Mount Olympus Presbyterian Church

Mount Olympus Presbyterian Church (MOPC) is most proud of our strong commitment to missions, providing both financial support and hands-on, labor-intensive help to those in need. Here are some of the wonderful things we have been a part of so far in 2018.

• A medical team comprised of doctors, nurses, and helpers ran a medical clinic in Kenya for two weeks and took a mobile clinic to an area that had been affected by flooding.  Our mission efforts in Kenya include supporting an orphanage and school for children, many of whom have lost their parents to AIDS. There is a gate outside the orphanage and street children come to the gate every day hoping for handouts of leftover food.  MOPC currently has a fund-raising effort called “Open That Gate” to finance expansion of the orphanage and school. An evening gala with silent auction and a golf tournament were two recent “Open That Gate” fund raisers.
• Our youth spent a week in Houston, renovating two low-income homes that had been severely damaged during Hurricane Harvey. They worked diligently in the heat and humidity of June, in these homes without the benefit of air conditioning and wearing masks to protect them from mold.
• We provide many local missions with financial and hands-on support including Family Promise, Crossroads Urban Center, Utah Food Bank, Rescue Mission and Rescue Haven. 
• Our church building is home to two congregations not affiliated with MOPC:  the Chin Christian Church (a Burmese congregation) and the Grace Deaf Church (a small congregation of the non-hearing).
• We welcome our church building to be used by other organizations such as UNICEF, Church Women United, Alcoholics Anonymous, Parents of Addicted Loved Ones, and Girl Scouts.  This summer Pastor Hughes officiated at the memorial service for a teenager who took his own life.  He did this at the request of the high school principal and our pews were filled with young people during the service.
• MOPC is a church that offers programs for all ages and interests including active youth groups, several programs for seniors including a monthly luncheon, an evening service designed especially for young adults, care groups, retreats, and multiple Bible studies.

To participate in any of the wonderful things going on at our church, click here.

  

Community of Grace church completes Solar Panel Project

The Community of Grace Presbyterian Church celebrated its newly completed renewable energy project. The 110-panel solar array will offset the church's energy usage by 85 percent.  Local news was at the ceremony and captured some footage from the event.  To view that article and video, click here.  You can also find additional news on the project here and here.

 

American Fork Raises Funds for New Roof

As part of their 140th Anniversary Celebration, Community Presbyterian Church in American Fork held several fundraisers to help with the cost of replacing the roof on their building.  Efforts led by Studen Pastor Mike Heil and his wife Denise along with several members of the congregation, the church was able to raise ~$80,000!!  This well exceeds their costs and the church is looking forward to their new roof along with other repairs and upgrades.  Thank you to all those who participated and helped with these efforts!