O God of love, whose Spirit in creation moved over the face of chaos, bringing life: hear our prayers, as we bear witness this day to the awful power of wind, whose might raged over your people in Moore, Oklahoma, changing lives and landscapes in an instant .  Even now, as first responders still labor to seek those who are lost and succor those who are bereaved and bereft, even as stories of terror and hurt are still unfolding,

WE TOUCH YOUR HAND OF MERCY

Gains in Asia and Africa are making up for losses in Europe among the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics, according to Vatican statistics released May 13, signaling a shift of the church’s center of gravity toward the Global South that was heralded by the election of the first Latin American pope.

Young Adult Volunteers Kiva Nice-Webb and Sarah Wildt have been recognized by The Fund for Theological Education (FTE) as young leaders with gifts for ministry and a passion to serve others.

The Rev. Kyser Cowart (K.C.) Ptomey Jr., professor of pastoral ministry and leadership at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary died May 9 at his home in Nashville, Tenn., after battling cancer. A service of witness to the resurrection will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Nashville on May 18. His life and witness will be celebrated at Austin Seminary on May 24.

Two French churches from Reformed and Lutheran traditions have united to become the United Protestant Church of France.