November 26, 2008

Developing, Nurturing
& Supporting Leaders
Mark Your Calendar!

Synod Meeting
January 31, 2009
Philo, Illinois

CLP Preaching for Lent
February 7, 2009

Youthfest
February 20-22, 2009
Jameson Camp, Indianapolis

Stewardship Kaleidoscope
March 9-11, 2009
Kansas City

Religion Communicators Conference
March 26-28, 2009
Boston

Presbyterian Writers Guild
April 23-24, 2009
Atlanta

Interim Pastor Training
May 4-8, 2009
St. Louis

Big Tent
June 11-13, 2009
Atlanta
10 different PC(USA) conferences, at the same time and in the same place!

Check our website or contact the synod office for details!
Visit the Lincoln Trails Neighborhood at the
Presbyterian Neighbor News


Check out what's happening nationally at the
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
 
 
What's going on in your
presbytery?
 

Be sure to visit our website
www.lincolntrails.org

PC(USA) 218th General Assembly

Thanksgiving Greetings

Youthfest 2009Come Explore Relationships at Youthfest, Feb. 20-22

Youthfest is a mid-winter retreat for high school juniors/seniors and college freshmen/sophomores. This year, keynoters will be the Rev. Mike Killeen, Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church, Austin; and Dr. Teri Thomas, Northminster Presbyterian Church, Indianapolis.

The retreat will take place at beautiful Jameson Camp in Indianapolis. For more information or to register, contact Julie Shannon, (317) 251-9489 ext. 26; or Kristi Miller, (317) 923-3681.
Or download a brochure and registration form here.
 
Lilly Endowment Bountiful Gifts

Presbyteries Receive Economic Challenge Grants from Lilly Endowment

by Sheryl Carle Fancher, Project Coordinator

On Nov. 17, we received a letter from the Lilly Endowment saying we were one of 16 denominational groups in the state of Indiana that would receive an Economic Challenges grant. The grant proposal was submitted through the Synod of Lincoln Trails. The grant for the Presbytery of Wabash Valley is $232,500 and the amount for Whitewater Valley Presbytery is $167,000. In addition to these grants we have received $25,000 for each presbytery from the Smock Foundation to support some of the educational programs for clergy. The Presbytery of Ohio Valley has received a similar grant from the endowment.

The grant comes as a result of our research and planning on the economic challenge to clergy and its impact on leadership effectiveness. Many of our pastors and spouses have participated in the research process over the past year. Leaders from the Committee on Ministry and the presbytery have given their time and talents in shaping our implementation proposal. The fruits of our labor have produced a wonderful opportunity for the presbytery and synod to enhance the lives of our pastors and congregations.

You will be hearing much more about the project and the opportunities it brings in the coming months.  For now, we send prayers of thanksgiving to God from whom all blessings come. In the midst of dark financial clouds that surround us all, a bit of light emerges bringing hope!

Stewardship Kaleidoscope Logo

March 9-11, 2009 - Kansas City, Missouri

Leaders at all levels of the church wish for more resources to make stewardship come alive: practical tools reinforced by theoretical and biblical knowledge that change the practice of stewardship from a once-a-year chore to a year-round call to discipleship.

Participants at this annual conference will come away equipped to carry out that call. The Synod of Lincoln Trails is one of the sponsors of this leadership event.

Visit the conference website for more information. See you in Kansas City!
Thanksgiving for Things Not Visible to the Human Eye

by the Rev. Gradye Parsons, General Assembly Stated Clerk

Maybe we should skip Thanksgiving this year.

After all, it has been a rough fall. Our investment crops have been devastated. Our long election campaign has left us an angry divide. We still have sons and daughters in harm's way. The number of people who are homeless, sick, and hungry grows daily.

More...
 
question markWhat's Up With Your Ministry?

We'd love to share the news! Contact Marta at the synod with updates from your presbytery, congregation, camp, or other organization.

We'll spread the word!

PC(USA) Big Tent

Meet Me at the Big Tent!

Experience 10 different PC(USA) partner conferences, all happening at the same time, with time set aside for all participants to sample workshops conducted by partner groups, be in worship together, enjoy meals together and attend a transforming Saturday night celebration!

Visit the PC(USA) Big Tent web page for more information.