You are currently subscribed to the PCUSANEWS listserv of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
============================================================
http://www.pcusa.org/ga217/newsandphotos/ga06045.htm
GA06045
A trip to the Congo
Exhibit features steamboat tour through 'the history and missions of the presbytery'
By Rachael Whaley
BIRMINGHAM, June 17 * Steamboat excursions to the Congo are taking place in the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center exhibition hall hundreds of times a day.
The Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley's exhibit features a steamboat tour through "the history and the missions of the presbytery," according to Harriet Anne Menzel, member of the Media and Communications Committee of the presbytery and co-leader of the work group that designed the exhibit.
The presbytery's interest in the Congo began in the late 19th century with missionaries William H. Sheppard and Samuel N. Lapsley. The two began working in the Congo as a part of the newly created American Presbyterian Congo Mission (APCM).
The work group's other co-leader, Mert Byram, developed the exhibit's theme of flowing waters, taken from the Gospel of Matthew.
The steamboat concept is historically based on the real-life experiences of Sheppard and Lapsley, who used two steamboats bought from funds initially raised by children in their congregations. "The boat was so important to their work," said Caroll Barrett, also a member of the Media and Communications Committee.
The presbytery may have a rich past, but its mission goals are very much in the present, both at home and abroad. "We try to give people an idea of the problems the people in the Congo are faced with," Menzel said.
The display includes artifacts from the Congo provided by Jerry and Dean Vandegrift, and from Oaxaca * another mission priority for the presbytery * provided by Eunice Williams.
Two paintings featured at the exhibit were made by students at local Hueytown High School.
The exhibit is an integral part of the presbytery's efforts to showcase their history this week. "We want to show that we’re inclusive," Menzel said, "and also that we want to continue the work of mission from our heritage."
============================================================
You are currently subscribed to the PCUSANEWS listserv of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
To unsubscribe, send a blank message to
mailto:PCUSANEWS-unsubscribe-request@halak.pcusa.org.
To update your email address, send your old email address and your new one to mailto:PCUSANEWS-owner@halak.pcusa.org.
For questions or comments, send an email to mailto:PCUSANEWS-owner@halak.pcusa.org.
To learn more, visit http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) 100 Witherspoon Street Louisville, KY 40202 (888) 728-7228