PC(USA) Final Report: Special Committee on Racism Truth and Reconciliation

Racial Equity Initiative Team • May 11, 2022

The Special Committee on Racism Truth and Reconciliation has issued its final report in advance of this summer’s 225th General Assembly, when commissioners and advisory delegates will consider its 11 recommendations.

The full report can be read at the Special Committee’s web page on pcusa.org or PC-Biz.

The work of the committee, which includes 14 members and two staff resource persons, goes back to the creation of a special commission by the 222nd General Assembly (2016) and subsequent reconstitution of the commission as a special committee by the 223rd General Assembly (2018).

The final report urges Presbyterians to build on the denomination’s past efforts to meaningfully address racism. To do that, reparative action by national church agencies, mid councils and congregations is required. “There can be no reconciliation without reparations,” the report’s “Call to Worship” section states.

“Truth + reparations = reconciliation.”

The report also includes recommendations for helping Presbyterians research the shaping role of white supremacy in their local communities. “There is no passive-reading of this report,” the report explains. “You, also, are called as partners in a moral, ethical and divine mandate to end racism in our denomination.”

Sermon 02.09.2025: Who is Worthy of Healing?

By Rev. Marci Glass • February 9, 2025

In today's story, Jesus interacts with people outside of his own community, and offers healing to people some would say were unworthy. How do we build community and healing across the lines that divide us?

A bird sitting on top of a sign that prohibits bird.

Sermon 02.02.2025: Is it Lawful to do Good or Harm?

By Rev. Joann Lee • February 2, 2025

Rest and sabbath are necessary. As such, work was prohibited on the sabbath in observance of God's example in creation and commandment in Exodus. But when do our rules hinder rather than promote healing, wholeness, and shalom in our lives? Are Sabbath Day sins allowable in certain circumstances?

A bunch of cactus on a rocky beach overlooking a sunny shore

Sermon 01.26.2025: Fishing for People

By Rev. Marci Glass • January 26, 2025

In today's Gospel lesson, we'll hear the story of the disciples becoming disciples--the moment they followed Jesus. Do you have a moment when you followed Jesus? Or did it happen over time? Are you still figuring out what it means to follow Jesus? Come and see what God is calling us to today.

A multi color image of Dr. King with the word

Sermon 01.19.2025: Free at Last!

January 19, 2025

Jesus preached a message that still changes the world. Dr. King received it and heeded it—God's undying promise of release, recovery and repair.

The painting Baptism of Christ by Ivanka Demchuk, 2015 - a stone ridge and holy people walking about

Sermon 01.12.2025: What Then Should We Do

By Rev. Marci Glass • January 12, 2025

When John shows up in the wilderness, baptizing the crowds and preaching a message of repentance, all of the people asked him, 'what then should we do?' 2,000 years later, we are asking the same question. How do we live faithful lives in a complicated world? How can we follow Jesus, together?

Three magi on camels riding across a mountainous desert toward a golden sun.

Sermon 01.05.2025: Light After Darkness

By Rev. Marci Glass • January 5, 2025

When it is dark outside, your eyes adjust to the dark and shadows, even if you can't see quite as well as you would by day. But if someone shines a bright light at you when you're used to the dark, it takes a while to adjust to the light. What was it like for people to adjust to the light of the world after growing accustomed to the shadows? Join us as we celebrate Epiphany, which is the day the church marks the arrival of the magi to see Jesus. On this day, we’ll receive our star words in worship when we come forward for communion. Each star has a word written on it that can be a prayer prompt for you in the coming year. Start the new year with Epiphany at Calvary.

A picture of the holy family walking with a donkey across a dirt path with a sandstone building

Sermon 12.29.2024: Walk Like an Egyptian

By Rev. Victor Floyd • January 2, 2025

Jesus was a refugee. When King Herod's regime became murderous, Joseph fled to Egypt with Mary and the baby Jesus. The story of our faith is—and always has been—about standing with the vulnerable and providing sanctuary.

Gold background with bokeh lighting. The text reads

Sermon 12.24.2024: Some Lady Holding A Baby

By Rev. Marci Glass • December 24, 2024

We celebrate Jesus' birth at the darkest point of our year, right after the winter solstice as the days slowly start to lengthen. This is the night we gather in the twilight and light candles, as a reminder that Jesus' birth was a light for people in the metaphorical gloom of occupation and war.

Green image of bokeh lights, the text reads 'comfort and construction projects'

Sermon 12.22.2024: Comfort & Construction Projects

By Rev. Marci Glass • December 22, 2024

God promises to bring comfort to God's people. But the descriptions of valleys being lifted up and mountains brought low, sound uncomfortable to anyone who has survived a remodeling project. We'll look for the comfort in what God wants us to build.

A pink, bokeh image of lights. The text reads: A weary world rejoices - advent 2024

Sermon 12.15.2024: A Weary World Rejoices

By Rev. Joann Lee • December 15, 2024

Our theme for this Advent season is “Longing for Light.” We long for light because we are weary and tired of the long nights and brutally short days. So how does a weary world rejoice? Can we experience joy in the midst of all that is happening in the world and in our lives? The poet Toi Derricotte writes, “Joy is an act of resistance.” So joy is not frivolous; it is necessary. Let us find joy together in community as we await the birth of Christ.