We are a Matthew 25 church!
A bold vision for the church
Our congregation has accepted the PC(USA)’s challenge to follow Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 25:31–46 by becoming active disciples and making a difference in our community and the world.
As part of our Matthew 25 commitment, we pledge to embrace three areas of focus, to celebrate the ministries in which we currently engage, and to challenge ourselves to take the next step in these areas.
Build congregational vitality by deepening and energizing our faith and growing as joyful leaders and disciples actively engaged with our community as we share the gospel of Jesus Christ in word and deed
- At Palms, we work to build congregational vitality through our children’s, youth, and adult education classes, officer training, the Walker lecture series, mission trips, the Faithful Family library and Facebook page, the Faith@Home program, men’s Bible studies, small groups, Wisdom’s Table, and more!
Dismantle structural racism by fearlessly applying our faith to advocate and break down the systems, practices and thinking that underlie discrimination, bias, prejudice and oppression of people of color
- At Palms, we work to dismantle structural racism through the various activities of Common Grounds including Deliberative Dialogues, participating in OneJax and interfaith communities and more!
Eradicate systemic poverty by acting on our beliefs and working to change laws, policies, plans and structures in our society that perpetuate economic exploitation of people who are poor
- At Palms, we work to eradicate systemic poverty through Kids Kitchen, Mayport Market, BEAM, Mission House, Beaches Habitat for Humanity, the Beaches Access study group, and more!
WILL YOU TAKE UP THE MATTHEW 25 CHALLENGE? Here are some ways you can engage….
Build Congregational Vitality by participating in an online video series and discussion group- “Upside Down Faith: Paul’s Challenge to the Colossians and to Us” in August or “A Way Out of No Way” in September, participate in the One Church One Book study in October- A House United by Rev. Dr. Allen Hilton then attend worship on November 1 to hear Dr. Hilton preach, participate in a Day of Prayer for Unity on November 2, attend a Service of Unity on November 8th.
Dismantle Structural Racism by participating in the Racial Equity Challenge in August, watch the movie Just Mercy and participate in virtual and in-person discussion groups in August, read a book or an article or watch an online presentation about understanding “whiteness” or the history of racism in America from our list of resources, enroll in the 4 week course “Awakening to Structural Racism,” a pilot course in the Matthew 25 challenge beginning August 10th.
Eradicate Systemic Poverty by participating in a Deliberative Dialogue in August and September on the economy- The Covid19 Economy: What Should We Do? and America’s Future: What Should Our Budget Priorities Be?, learn about The Poor People’s Campaign.
Join the Matthew 25 challenge! Watch our website, social media, weekly e news and weekly bulletins for opportunities to engage, to act, and resources for you to use to challenge and strengthen your faith.
Matthew 25 Resources & Links
For more information, please click on a link below
- Matthew 25 in the PC(USA) Web Site
Find videos explaining the Matthew 25 challenge, links to online Matthew 25 curriculum, and more
Course M25 101: Awakening to Structural Racism
Stony Point Center and Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary are teaming up with the Presbyterian Mission Agency to present an online course supporting the Matthew 25 Vision. Space is limited, so register now for the first course - “Awakening to Structural Racism” - which begins Monday, August 10th. Click here to learn more or use the button below to register for Course M25 101: Awakening to Structural Racism.