With her adopted son missing and the rest of her family increasingly estranged, SandraKaye Darden is drawn to the little pink house where her Uncle Poppy once provided security. But what begins for Sandra as a simple painting project to help sell the house becomes a secret venture that starts to change everything… 
 
Cass Blue is having trouble keeping food on the table since her mother died. When Sandra shows up with sandwiches for the neighborhood kids one day, Cass has no way of knowing that the meeting will lead to the creation of a place of refuge that could reunite a divided community. 
 
In this moving story of second chances, two unlikely allies realize their ability to make a difference…and the power of what becomes known as the Summer Kitchen to nourish the soul 

After a long pause during the pandemic, PRC is excited to launch a new virtual version of our much-loved Hands to Work, Hearts to God Craft Group. This monthly gathering is a space to bring together our love of crafting and our desire to connect with God in community.

Each month, we’ll meet on Zoom with whatever “lap work” you enjoy—knitting, crocheting, embroidery, or any portable craft. As our hands stay busy, our hearts will be nourished by listening to and reflecting on readings from Joyce Rupp’s inspiring book, Constant Hope.

Third Thursday of every month, 7–8 p.m. (ET) Online via Zoom

Whether you’re an experienced crafter or simply seeking fellowship and spiritual encouragement, you are warmly invited to join us.

 Leader – Patti Berner 

This annual 90 MINUTE training includes an explanation of sexual harassment, church-based case studies of unlawful sexual harassment, information concerning employees’ rights, information addressing conduct by church leadership and the responsibilities of the church’s leadership, information on the documents the church must have in place, and information concerning the federal and state statutory provisions concerning sexual harassment. This is an online and interactive 90-minute session which meets New York State Standards for Sexual Harassment Prevention Training.  

Patti Berner has a MBA in Organizational Leadership, had a successful career in the staffing and recruiting industry, and is owner of Johnston Solutions, founded in 2005, a HR consulting practice dedicated to small businesses and faith-based organizations. Currently, she is the Clerk of Session at Elmhurst Presbyterian and has served for many years as the HR Team Chairperson 

Leader – Keith Clark-Hoyos
Financial transparency is essential—but how information is shared matters just as much as what is shared. This webinar explores how churches can communicate financial realities in ways that foster clarity, confidence, and shared responsibility rather than fear or confusion. Participants will learn practical approaches to reporting and congregational communication that strengthen trust and support faithful stewardship. Includes live Q&A.
Keith Clark-Hoyos is the Founder and Partner of Church Training Center, where he serves as a consultant, coach, and spiritual guide—supporting church leaders as they align with God’s calling, lead with clarity, and steward resources with integrity. Church Training Center provides practical, Spirit-led support for congregations and judicatories through coaching, consulting, training, and church-specific accounting services that bring steadiness to governance, finance, and leadership development. Keith holds a Master of Arts in Ministry, Leadership & Service from Claremont School of Theology and is the author of eight titles on discernment, church governance, and church finance. 

Leaders – The Changemaker Initiative
In a complex, broken world, how can people of faith turn their beliefs into real, loving, and impactful action? Join us to explore the practical ways in which Jesus was the ultimate changemaker, positively impacting the individuals and communities he encountered. We’ll cover 4 Principles of Changemaking, embodied throughout the Gospels, that can empower and inspire your congregation to be effective changemakers in their own community. You’ll see the actions of Jesus with fresh eyes and leave with a clear vision of how to apply the changemaking principles in your own life, church, and community. 
Dorcas Cheng-Tozun is an award-winning writer, editor, speaker, and social impact professional. She is the author of Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul: How to Change the World in Quiet Ways. She also has published Bible studies on the topics of migration and mental health. Her work has appeared inThe Wall Street Journal, Christianity Today, and dozens of other publications in the US, Asia, and Africa. She currently develops curriculum and resources for The Changemaker Initiative. 
Kim Jones worked as a pediatrician for 20 years, and then felt called to start a movement that would spark and activate ordinary people of faith to make a difference in their communities. She now serves as Co-founder and Executive Director of The Changemaker Initiative, a nonprofit that began in her congregation in California and has expanded to churches across the United States. 

Are you curious about grant writing but don’t know where to start? Have a Big New Dream but don’t know how to fund it? Is your community hungry to do more for your neighbors? Come to a step-by-step workshop on assessing your grant-readiness, finding available and applicable grants, and writing an actual proposal. This is an interactive and transparent discussion on what works and what doesn’t for winning faith-based grants! 

Michaela Murray is a lifelong nonprofit executive, specializing in grant writing and program design for social services, children and youth ministry, higher education, and capital projects across all Christian denominations. She loves visioning with organizations to bring their biggest dreams for transformation to fruition, and especially enjoys projects rooted in social justice and nurturing children’s faith formation. Micháela received her Bachelors degree from The University of Notre Dame and has extensive post-graduate studies in non-profit management at Rutgers University’s Institute for Ethical Leadership. 

It begins on the shaded town square in a sleepy Southern town. A spirited seven-year-old has a brisk business at her lemonade stand. But the little girl’s pretty yellow dress can’t quite hide the ugly scar on her chest. 

Her latest customer, a bearded stranger, drains his cup and heads to his car, his mind on a boat he’s restoring at a nearby lake. The stranger understands more about the scar than he wants to admit. And the beat-up bread truck careening around the corner with its radio blaring is about to change the trajectory of both their lives. 

Before it’s over, they’ll both know there are painful reasons why crickets cry . . . and that miracles lurk around unexpected corners. 

Leaders – Joy Skjegstad, Heidi Unruh
What can we do to make God’s love and justice visible in these tumultuous times? Listening is key. Ministry consultants Joy Skjegstad and Heidi Unruh equip you for Contemplative Community Listening (CCL) as a pathway to transformative action in the world. CCL inspires resistance to hopelessness, injustice and isolation. Joy and Heidi share examples of the impact of CCL and practical steps to make listening a vital part of your church’s ministry.
Joy Skjegstad is a national speaker, author and consultant with over 35 years of experience starting and growing nonprofits and church-based community ministry programs.  She founded the Institute for Ministry Leaders at the University of St. Thomas, and has held a variety of other leadership positions with nonprofit groups. She is the author of four books: Real Connections; 7 Creative Models for Community Ministry; Starting a Nonprofit at Your Church; and Winning Grants to Strengthen Your Ministry.
Heidi Unruh  is a writer, trainer and coach supporting God’s people in their calling to love their neighbors. A Palmer Seminary alumna, Heidi develops practical resources for effective, asset-based ministry. In addition to working with churches, her collaborations have included World Vision, Christians for Social Action (formerly ESA), the Center for Congregations, and various Christian colleges and seminaries. She brings special expertise in faith-and-work initiatives, coalition building, and trauma-informed ministry with vulnerable families and youth. She lives in Hutchinson, KS. Books coauthored by Heidi include: Churches That Make a Difference; Real Connections; Hope for Children in Poverty; Saving Souls, Serving Society; Salt & Light Guidebook; and Equipping Christians for Kingdom Purpose in Their Work. 

 Leader – Patti Berner 

This annual 90 MINUTE training includes an explanation of sexual harassment, church-based case studies of unlawful sexual harassment, information concerning employees’ rights, information addressing conduct by church leadership and the responsibilities of the church’s leadership, information on the documents the church must have in place, and information concerning the federal and state statutory provisions concerning sexual harassment. This is an online and interactive 90-minute session which meets New York State Standards for Sexual Harassment Prevention Training.  

Patti Berner has a MBA in Organizational Leadership, had a successful career in the staffing and recruiting industry, and is owner of Johnston Solutions, founded in 2005, a HR consulting practice dedicated to small businesses and faith-based organizations. Currently, she is the Clerk of Session at Elmhurst Presbyterian and has served for many years as the HR Team Chairperson 

Leaders – The Changemaker Initiative
What if the secret to revitalizing a church isn’t a slick new program, but unleashing the passions already alive in the pews? People are a church’s greatest asset. Do you know what their passions are? Do you know what keeps them up at night? What might happen if we focus on the cares, callings, and social concerns God has stirred within people? Learn about a simple approach to bring congregants alive and support their passions, connecting and encouraging them to live out our faith where it matters most. You’ll leave with a blueprint to recreate this profound encounter in your own church, galvanizing your people’s passions and talents toward God’s good work.
Yvonne Murray has been deeply involved in community activism and social justice, while also serving on several nonprofit boards. After 20+ years of leadership in the technology sector, she made a major pivot to join The Changemaker Initiative where she serves as Director of Community Engagement. She brings a compassionate and collaborative approach to her strengths of facilitation, mentoring, and problem solving.
Kim Jones worked as a pediatrician for 20 years, and then felt called to start a movement that would spark and activate ordinary people of faith to make a difference in their communities. She now serves as Co-founder and Executive Director of The Changemaker Initiative, a nonprofit that began in her congregation in California and has expanded to churches across the United States. 

Leader – Erin Reed Cooper
In this webinar, we’ll get into some specific tools for including child-focused time in your corporate worship service. We’ll discuss children’s unique social and cognitive developmental needs, and we’ll discover that when we seek to meet their needs, it will be good for everyone else, too! Finally, we’ll look at putting together a team or helping volunteers prepare to lead these wonder-filled moments in worship.
Erin Reed Cooper(she/her) is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (DoC) and has been serving in family ministry roles in DoC, PC(USA) and UMC congregations for over 20 years, from rural Indiana to Atlanta GA. Erin has four children and lives in Richmond VA with some of those children and her wife, Emily. Erin earned her MDIV from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis and her DEdMin from Columbia Theological Seminary in Atlanta. 

 Leader – Patti Berner 

This annual 90 MINUTE training includes an explanation of sexual harassment, church-based case studies of unlawful sexual harassment, information concerning employees’ rights, information addressing conduct by church leadership and the responsibilities of the church’s leadership, information on the documents the church must have in place, and information concerning the federal and state statutory provisions concerning sexual harassment. This is an online and interactive 90-minute session which meets New York State Standards for Sexual Harassment Prevention Training.  

Patti Berner has a MBA in Organizational Leadership, had a successful career in the staffing and recruiting industry, and is owner of Johnston Solutions, founded in 2005, a HR consulting practice dedicated to small businesses and faith-based organizations. Currently, she is the Clerk of Session at Elmhurst Presbyterian and has served for many years as the HR Team Chairperson 

Leaders – Joy Skjegstad and Heidi Unruh 

We are all called to “do justice” (Micah 6:8)—but not all in the same way! By God’s design, individuals bring diverse gifts and passions to God’s vision for the flourishing of our communities. Ministry consultants Joy Skjegstad and Heidi Unruh describe seven key Changemaker roles, along with examples of how each type has made a difference in critical issues like hunger, health care and education. Come discover the unique way that God has shaped you to be a changemaker in your local community and beyond.
Heidi and Joy also address how exploring these Changemaker types in your congregation can open doors to new opportunities for your church’s community involvement. 

Joy Skjegstad is a national speaker, author and consultant with over 35 years of experience starting and growing nonprofits and church-based community ministry programs.  She founded the Institute for Ministry Leaders at the University of St. Thomas, and has held a variety of other leadership positions with nonprofit groups. She is the author of four books: Real Connections; 7 Creative Models for Community Ministry; Starting a Nonprofit at Your Church; and Winning Grants to Strengthen Your Ministry.
Heidi Unruh  is a writer, trainer and coach supporting God’s people in their calling to love their neighbors. A Palmer Seminary alumna, Heidi develops practical resources for effective, asset-based ministry. In addition to working with churches, her collaborations have included World Vision, Christians for Social Action (formerly ESA), the Center for Congregations, and various Christian colleges and seminaries. She brings special expertise in faith-and-work initiatives, coalition building, and trauma-informed ministry with vulnerable families and youth. She lives in Hutchinson, KS. Books coauthored by Heidi include: Churches That Make a Difference; Real Connections; Hope for Children in Poverty; Saving Souls, Serving Society; Salt & Light Guidebook; and Equipping Christians for Kingdom Purpose in Their Work. 

Leader – Cesie Delve Scheuermann
When a beloved pastor moves on, they often take decades of deep personal connections and institutional memory with them—leaving congregations wondering how to sustain their momentum. Join stewardship expert Cesie Delve Scheuermann for an engaging webinar where you’ll discover creative, practical strategies to maintain stable funding, preserve vital donor relationships, and anchor your church’s generosity through the winds of change. Learn how to transform a challenging transition into a powerful season of shared leadership and renewed spiritual growth!
Cesie Delve Scheuermann has been teaching and learning about generosity for close to 25 years. First while attending Church of the Saviour, Washington, DC where the phrase, “God is the owner, I am the ower” became a profound realization and ongoing mantra. Cesie channeled her passion for teaching generosity principles by working with nonprofits and congregations to write grants, develop annual appeals and find creative ways to express gratitude to donors. She loves helping others find and experience the joy of generosity.
Cesie earned an Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising (ECRF) from the Lake Institute on Faith and Giving through Indiana University’s Lilly School of Philanthropy. She serves as the stewardship consultant for the Oregon-Idaho United Methodist Annual Conference and enjoys publishing the weekly blog, “Inspiring Generosity.” Cesie is a former Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference Lay Leader and US-2 missionary. Previously, she ran the Volunteer and Public Service Center at Georgetown University and was the Director of Student Activities at Willamette University.
Cesie originally hails from Azusa, California and received her undergraduate degree from Westmont College and her MA from the University of Maryland, College Park. She attends and is active in her church in Salem, OR.
Cesie puts in her 10,000 steps a day so she can eat ice cream later. She also has two grown children and she and her husband now care for a dog, a cat, and…a parrot. How she came to own a parrot is a story in and of itself. 

Leaders – The Changemaker Initiative
Where are the young adults? What do they think about faith and the church? We have a generational gap that affects our ability to care for one another, collaborate together, and pursue flourishing in community. We need to better understand the joys, sorrows, and concerns of young adults in their twenties and early thirties. In this webinar you will hear directly from young adults and develop deeper empathy that will guide your future conversations and actions as you work to bridge this gap.  
Yvonne Murray has been deeply involved in community activism and social justice, while also serving on several nonprofit boards. After 20+ years of leadership in the technology sector, she made a major pivot to join The Changemaker Initiative where she serves as Director of Community Engagement. She brings a compassionate and collaborative approach to her strengths of facilitation, mentoring, and problem solving.
Dorcas Cheng-Tozun is an award-winning writer, editor, speaker, and social impact professional. She is the author of Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul: How to Change the World in Quiet Ways. She also has published Bible studies on the topics of migration and mental health. Her work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Christianity Today, and dozens of other publications in the US, Asia, and Africa. She currently develops curriculum and resources for The Changemaker Initiative. 

Leaders – Joy Skjegstad and Heidi Unruh

Limited resources don’t have to hold your church back from meaningful engagement with the neighborhood! Ministry consultants Joy Skjegstad and Heidi Unruh share a range of inexpensive ideas for local outreach that focus on creativity, celebration and connection. Energize the congregation by involving people based on what they like to do best and care about the most. Joy and Heidi will guide participants in next steps toward “less-is-more” community outreach that can happen all throughout the coming year.

Joy Skjegstad is a national speaker, author and consultant with over 35 years of experience starting and growing nonprofits and church-based community ministry programs.  She founded the Institute for Ministry Leaders at the University of St. Thomas, and has held a variety of other leadership positions with nonprofit groups. She is the author of four books: Real Connections; 7 Creative Models for Community Ministry; Starting a Nonprofit at Your Church; and Winning Grants to Strengthen Your Ministry. 
Heidi Unruh  is a writer, trainer and coach supporting God’s people in their calling to love their neighbors. A Palmer Seminary alumna, Heidi develops practical resources for effective, asset-based ministry. In addition to working with churches, her collaborations have included World Vision, Christians for Social Action (formerly ESA), the Center for Congregations, and various Christian colleges and seminaries. She brings special expertise in faith-and-work initiatives, coalition building, and trauma-informed ministry with vulnerable families and youth. She lives in Hutchinson, KS. Books coauthored by Heidi include: Churches That Make a Difference; Real Connections; Hope for Children in Poverty; Saving Souls, Serving Society; Salt & Light Guidebook; and Equipping Christians for Kingdom Purpose in Their Work. 

 Leader – Patti Berner 

This annual 90 MINUTE training includes an explanation of sexual harassment, church-based case studies of unlawful sexual harassment, information concerning employees’ rights, information addressing conduct by church leadership and the responsibilities of the church’s leadership, information on the documents the church must have in place, and information concerning the federal and state statutory provisions concerning sexual harassment. This is an online and interactive 90-minute session which meets New York State Standards for Sexual Harassment Prevention Training. 

Patti Berner has a MBA in Organizational Leadership, had a successful career in the staffing and recruiting industry, and is owner of Johnston Solutions, founded in 2005, a HR consulting practice dedicated to small businesses and faith-based organizations. Currently, she is the Clerk of Session at Elmhurst Presbyterian and has served for many years as the HR Team Chairperson 

If you were living in civilized places like England or the Netherlands, why would you consider boarding the Mayflower, bound for the New World? The Atlantic crossing would be a nightmare, with the threat of storms, pirates, and cramped, dark conditions. Even if you reached land, you were destined for a wild place, lacking shelter and filled with uncertainty. Your odds of survival hovered at fifty percent. 
 
Enter the late 16th and early 17th centuries, a time of transition from Queen Elizabeth to King James in England, and in the Netherlands, the Dutch Golden Age. The story of the thirty-three years leading up to the famous Mayflower voyage is told in this meticulously researched novel, combining known names like Brewster and Bradford, with the fictional London family of printer Nicholas Okes. 
 
The printing press connects the characters, with some obeying the King’s rules, and others fleeing to the Netherlands for religious freedom and printing forbidden works. Romance ripples through the families, leading them to the docks in Southampton, waiting in the shadow of the ships. Who will venture aboard, and will it be for love, land, or religious freedom?