PHS in 2021

A lot has been written and said about how the coronavirus pandemic impacts our sense of time. Thinking back on 2021, several things come to mind immediately: the opening of the Building Knowledge and Breaking Barriers Exhibit; publication of two special issues of The Journal of Presbyterian History; and welcoming a number of new staff members. Other significant things are just part of “COVID time”—started, impacted, or accelerated because of the pandemic and still with us as we close 2021. What a time this has been.  

First and most importantly, I feel incredibly lucky, grateful, and blessed to have so much good news to share with you this year. The PHS staff has brought energy, creativity, commitment, and lots of hard work to our endeavors, and we in turn have benefited from the steadfast support of Stated Clerk J. Herbert Nelson II and our colleagues in the Office of the General Assembly. We are surrounded by scores of PC(USA) national staff who believe in the importance of what we do and want us to succeed. 

There are countless Presbyterians who support us as well and make our work possible—from all those members and mid councils who pay per capita, use our services, and depend on us for the information they need to the core group of Presbyterian volunteers who serve on our Board and councils.  Every single individual and organization who has donated to PHS contributes to our ability to survive and thrive during the coronavirus pandemic. We are profoundly grateful. 

I hope you will take time to remember, revisit, or learn more about these significant 2021 accomplishments: 

• Building Knowledge and Breaking Barriers exhibit and website

• PHS LIVE webinar series

• Adoption of LibAnswers to help manage our reference operations

If you have not already done so, I hope you will show your support for PHS by making a year-end gift.  

May this holiday season bring you, your families, and your communities peace and joy.