Changes Are Afoot!

Perhaps you've noticed some differences around here lately . . .

First, the email link under "Send Your Ideas for Topics of Discussion" is functional and already receiving some good suggestions. Keep 'em coming!

Second, we have a larger stable of regular bloggers, and some new weekly and monthly features. The schedule is listed in the sidebar, and nifty little bios of all of our authors should appear there soon. New content is added every day, so check back here often or subscribe to our feed!

Third, we're updating the blogroll! To start out, I've listed all the current members of the PC(USA) web ring. Check the list (Members of Our Community - in Development) near the bottom of this page, on the right. To join the ring, follow the link on the right or at the bottom of the page, and I'll add you to the blog roll as well as the web ring.

Since we started revamping the blog in the middle of July, several bloggers have joined our ring. Going forward, I'll highlight a blog every week. Today, I'd like to introduce our newest members:

• Pastorjayban’s Weblog: the one where jay ban blogs… Jay is the associate pastor of Clemmons Presbyterian Church in Clemmons, North Carolina, and the proud youth director of a group of youth who named themselves GOOTH…which stands for, believe it or not, “group of youth.”
  
• Rev. Dave's Raves. Dave is a dad, husband and pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Petaluma (CA). He is also co-directing Tents of Hope Petaluma, a grass-roots organization that paints refugee-style tents to raise awareness of the needs of those who are displaced from their homes in Darfur, Sudan.
  
• Called To Be: The Pastor's Wife & The Pastor. Rev. Kim is a wife and a pastor in the wilds of Wyoming.
  
• Transforming Seminarian: Reflections on the Christian life and Transformers toys. Mark Baker-Wright is an Assistant to the Faculty and Dean's Office at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California.
  
• Junction Barkers: Jim and Laurie Barker are Co-Pastors for two wonderful communities of faith in the Hill Country of Texas.
  
• Madame Future Moderator. Talitha says, "Some day I'm going to grow up to be moderator of the PC(USA), or at least of an immensely important committee. Alternately, I might give up on the establishment and go live with Jesus in a tree." And she has a lot of great things to say about mission. I'm delighted that she's going to share some of her thoughts with us here on Friday!
  
• Time Loves a Hero. Reverend Paul A. Andresen of the First Presbyterian Church in Berryville, Arkansas posts his sermons here.
  
• A Reformed Catholic in the PCUSA: Reformed Catholic grew up Italian R.C., fell away from the church, then married his wife, who brought him back into the church as a Presbyterian. He's now an Elder. And a Computer Geek.
  
• She Rev Writes. She Rev is first a child of God. Then she is a wife, a mother of 2, a daughter, and sister. She is also a Presbyterian pastor.
  
• He Wakens My Ear to Listen as Those Who are Taught. Dorontheos23, M.Div writes hauntingly beautiful devotions.
  
• Reverend Mike’s House of Homiletic Hash. Rev. Mike is an ordained minister and also an engineer. He's not currently pastoring a congregation, but is working full-time and finishing up his Doctorate of Ministry.
  
• More Presbyterians Blogging.

More changes are coming, including links to additional sites of interest, and an ever-growing blog roll of Presbyterian bloggers and our friends.

If you'd like to contribute to the blog, please drop us a line (email link in sidebar). In particular, we're especially looking for a minister who's been around for a while to host our "Ask the Experienced Pastor" monthly Q&A session, and an experienced member of session to host the monthly "Ask the Elder Elder" Q&A session.

Whatever your role in the church, welcome to the blog, and we'd love to hear from you!