May 16, 2003
by Jerry L. Van Marter

LOUISVILLE - Orders are being accepted now for the 2004 editions of the Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study and the Children's Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study.

This year's inaugural edition of a yearbook especially for kids was wildly popular, going through several printings.

Those who order the Presbyterian Church (USA) publications early, by calling (800) 524-2612, can save nearly 50 percent. Both yearbooks also can also be purchased online at www.pcusa.org/marketplace.

The common theme of the 2004 yearbooks is "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another." The theme links the books with the PC(USA)'s five-year, $40 million campaign to raise funds for church development in the United States and Puerto Rico and new mission personnel overseas.

"It is the realization of God's boundless love for us, demonstrated in Christ, that motivates us to move beyond thoughts and intentions to true service to others," said Deborah Haines, who edits the yearbooks for Congregational Ministries Publishing. "This attitude of selfless love for 'the other' marks our mission as Presbyterians."

Among the features of the 2004 yearbook: stories about congregations that have moved from interest in mission to involvement in mission; photographs and stories about Presbyterians in mission at home and around the world; prayer lists of mission personnel, PC(USA) partners overseas and middle governing body and General Assembly staff; daily lectionary readings and other worship suggestions; and facts and figures about the places where Presbyterians are in mission around the world.

The 2004 Children's Mission Yearbook is again divided into 53 two-page weekly spreads. Each contains mission stories and photographs relating to one PC(USA) presbytery and one overseas mission locale. Each spread also will include scripture readings and prayers, games and puzzles, recipes and activity ideas and a "word of the week."

PCUSA News Service