Developing, Nurturing
& Supporting Leaders
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Pray for disaster survivors around the world
 Through the work of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and our international
partners, the Presbyterian Church is reaching out to those in need.
- The situation in Myanmar/Burma remains grim, but
recent communications from our partners in the area indicate that aid
is getting to people in need. More
- Here in the United States a strong frontal
system worked its way across the midwestern and southeastern parts of
the United States over the Mother's Day weekend, with tornadoes
touching down in more than five states and leaving behind shattered
homes and lives in at least six PC(USA) Presbyteries. More
- PC(USA)'s mission partner in China, the Amity Foundation, is already
responding to the disaster. PDA funds from One
Great Hour of Sharing and designated giving will be used to help Amity
purchase rice, quilts and shelter material for the earthquake survivors. More
Read a pastoral letter from General Assembly Stated Clerk Cliff Kirkpatrick and GAC Executive Director Linda Valentine.
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Communicating in the Church
Speaking in Tongues
 by Marta Kramer, Synod Communications
In the familiar Pentecost story, Jesus' followers were touched by flames of fire and began to speak in many different languages, so the people heard them "declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!" (Acts 2:11) Speaking to each person in a way they could understand was one of the first ministries of the early church.
Communicating in many tongues is an important part of ministry today, too, though our choices have more to do with cultural differences and what media we use.
We have more generations to reach than ever before. There are now five different groups to communicate with: the G.I. Generation, the Silent Generation, the Boomers, the Xers, the Millenials...and coming soon, the so-called Homeland Generation (those born after 2001).
Add to that the array of communications channels available: everything from the church bulletin to podcasts, videos and text messaging. What's essential? What works best? Where should we put our time and money?
Speaking in all those "tongues" at once is hard work! But it is also immeasurably rewarding. Remember God's promise: "So is my word that goes out forth from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:12)
Check out www.effectivechurchcom.com for more encouragement in your communications ministry. And consider joining your colleagues in church communications in August at the Presbyterian Communicators regional conference at Stronghold. More info on the conference.
Blessings on your ministry,
Marta Kramer
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 Covenant Gathering 2008
June 29 - July 4
Join Christian friends from the Synod of Lincoln Trails and the Synod of the Covenant and and beyond at lovely Michindoh Conference Center near the Ohio, Indiana and Michigan border in Hillsdale, Mich.
You'll be able to learn about developing healthy congregations, using TV sitcoms to spice up a Bible study, studying the Bible even if you're a novice, what's happening in South African missions, ideas for using music in worship, enhancing spirituality through nature study and birdwatching, programs for and with the elderly, scrapbooking your faith, using LOGOS in your Christian Ed program. You'll also find a Human Development class approved for CE certification and CLP studies.
Children and youth will be exploring their place in the world God created in age-appropriate classes with experienced, seasoned teachers. Everyone can enjoy the trails, lake, water slide and water sports at Michindoh! We hope to see you there.
Go to the Covenant Gathering 2008 website for more information, brochures and registration forms and the Michindoh website for more information on our meeting place and accommodations. Email cg2008@comcast.net with other questions.
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