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| News around the Synod of Lakes and Prairies |
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 JANESVILLE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN WRAPS UP RENOVATION DEBT FREE: When the Rev. Bruce Jones answered the call to First Presbyterian Church in Janesville, Wis., 11 years ago, he saw the beautiful, but old, church facility (at left). The historic downtown church needed repair of deferred maintenance, updating from the 1950s, and accessibility improvements. Jones led the congregation through a discernment process that helped members see that the facility limited its ministry. Repairing and renovating quickly became their vision. The congregation did not know at the time, however, that the improvements would cost $853,000. Jones believes that if he had mentioned that dollar figure before he started, the congregation would have sent him packing. The complete Presbyterian Neighbor News story can be found at "Janesville First."
NORTHERN PLAINS, SOUTH DAKOTA CHOSEN FOR PASTORAL RESIDENCY PROGRAM: Presbyteries in North and South Dakota, Missouri, Kansas, and Mississippi have been selected as ministry settings for the inaugural year of "For Such a Time as This," an innovative Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) pastoral residency program designed to serve underserved congregations and develop missional pastors. The presbyteries Heartland, St. Andrew, Northern Plains and South Dakota - the latter two contiguous presbyteries working in partnership - will compose the pilot program's initial group of ministry settings for 2010. In order to qualify as partner presbyteries, each was asked to identify several small churches that would serve as especially good learning settings for first call pastors. The three presbytery clusters in the program's first year will have two to four residency churches each, for a total of nine openings. The complete story can be found at "For Such a Time."
 VICE MODERATOR BYRON WADE FILLS IN FOR REYES-CHOW AT CLEARWATER: Byron Wade, left, vice moderator of the 218th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), will take the place of Bruce Reyes-Chow, moderator, at the Clearwater 2010 conference Friday through Sunday, April 16-18, at Presbyterian Clearwater Forest, Deerwood, Minn. Reyes-Chow, who had been scheduled to take part in the conference, was called to be a part of an official PC(USA) delegation traveling to earthquake-ravaged Haiti April 12-19. Wade, elected in 2008 when the General Assembly met in San Jose, Calif., is pastor of Davie Street Presbyterian Church in Raleigh, N.C. His biography can be found on the PC(USA) website. The conference brochure and registration form, along with workshop descriptions, are on the Synod of Lakes and Prairies' website. This complete Presbyterian Neighbor News story can be found at "Clearwater2010."
 SYNOD SCHOOL REGISTRATION AVAILABLE ONLINE: "Synod School is a learning and personal enrichment experience for people of all ages," the 2010 Synod School catalog states in its opening line. Now, the 2010 Synod School catalog is available on the Synod of Lakes and Prairies' website. The catalog includes course descriptions, information about convocation and worship leaders, the fee schedule, housing informationf and much more. The theme for this year's Synod School is "Grace Notes." Registration materials - with multiple options - are also on the website. Additional information is available from the synod office at 651.357.1140 or 800.328.1880.
EAST IOWA CHURCH MAKES IMPACT IN ITS COMMUNITY: The March 16 edition of "Out & About," the newsletter of the Presbytery of East Iowa, shared two success stories of a church making a difference in its community. The story opened: Remember the "Reverse the Arrow" campaign from a couple of years ago. The idea was for churches to determine how they could impact their communities to the degree that if for some reason they ceased to exist, their presence would be missed. First Presbyterian Church of Independence, Iowa, took that message to heart and was recently recognized for two of its community projects.
 The HOT (Help Our Teachers) program received the Friend of Education award from the local school board. In response to declining school budgets, the church solicits "grocery" lists from teachers for supplies they need and often end up purchasing out of their own pockets. The church's Presbyterian Women started the program with a $200 donation. Shown receiving the award from the school principal are Lynda Fiester, left, and Ruth Liscum, right.
 Operation Family Pack was recognized by the Independence Chamber of Commerce as its 2009 Project of the Year. This program is operated in conjunction with the Northeast Iowa Food Bank and the Independence School District. Every other week food is received at the church from the food bank and assembled by volunteers from the church and the community. Currently about 160 students take home a bag of food every week that is shelf stable, kid friendly and healthy. Shown receiving the award are Randy Blin, left, member of the Community Life Committee; Barbara Prather, director of the Northeast Iowa Food Bank; Jon Holland, Operation Family Pack coordinator; and the Rev. John Hougen.
 DITSWORTH NAMED DIRECTOR AT OKOBOJI: The board of directors of Presbyterian Camp on Okoboji, Milford, Iowa, named Ann Northey Ditsworth as the new executive director of the camp. Ditsworth takes over for Dorman and Janet Leader, interim directors of the camp who coordinated the search for the new director. Ditsworth will oversee program, facilities and staff at the camp, focusing on the mission that states the camp "seeks to be a sacred space where all can experience God." A longtime resident of the area, Ditsworth has been involved in a variety of activities supporting the community of the Iowa Great Lakes Area. She and her husband, Lee, and her children, Drake and Lauren, (photo above) reside in the Milford area.
 PRESBYTERIES, CHURCHES CONTRIBUTE TO HAITI RELIEF: Ever since a devastating earthquake struck Haiti in the late afternoon Jan. 12 Presbyterians in the Synod of Lakes and Prairies have been contributing to disaster relief. In fact, disaster relief has been a national effort of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the efforts across the synod have been substantial. Two weeks ago, the editor of the synod's newsletter, "Keeping in Touch," asked presbyteries within the synod to provide information regarding fund-raising efforts to support Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, and other agencies and individuals working in Haiti.The responses have shown a strong desire to provide assistance to the people of Haiti. The complete Presbyterian Neighbor News story can be found at "Haiti Relief."
 REGISTRATION CONTINUES FOR 'PLUGGING IN' CONFERENCE: The Presbytery of Des Moines is sponsoring a workshop dealing with new communication technology and the church, "Plugging in Without Shorting Out," Friday through Sunday, April 16-18, in Des Moines, Iowa. A brochure describing workshops and leaders, and registration form are located online. This complete Presbyterian Neighbor News story can be found at "Plugging In."
OVERTURE SUPPORTS COLLEGIATE MINISTRIES: The Presbytery of North Central Iowa has submitted an overture to the 219th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) that calls on the General Assembly Mission Council to "re-establish an Office of Collegiate Ministries ... as a vital and integral part of the ministry and mission of the church ... " Heather Libich, director of child, youth and young adult ministries at First Presbyterian Church, Cedar Falls, submitted the overture to the presbytery on behalf of a group of collegiate ministry leaders and chaplains within the Synod of Lakes and Prairies. Libich, who has created a Facebook presence for overture supporters, is seeking overture concurrence from other presbyteries and synods. The complete text of the overture can be found on Google Docs. The complete Presbyterian Neighbor News story can be found at "Collegiate Ministries Overture."
 PHILLIPS TO PRESENT WORKSHOPS AT COMMUNION OF REFORMED CHURCHES: The World Alliance of Reformed Churches and Reformed Ecumenical Council are uniting to form a new body representing more than 80 million Reformed Christians worldwide, and the historic Uniting General Council that will launch the World Communion of Reformed Churches takes place June 18-27 in Grand Rapids, Mich. The Rev. Susan Phillips, pastor at First Presbyterian Church, Shawano, Wis., in Winnebago Presbytery, has been invited to lead two workshops at the event, "Emerging Church Conversations" and "Imago Divina: Artful, Faithful and Legal Worship Projection." |
| News about the 219th General Assembly |
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 GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGISTRATION OPENS: The 219th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is coming to Minneapolis in July and registration has opened. Hosts for General Assembly are the Presbytery of the Twin cities Area with the support of the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys and the Presbytery of Northern Waters. The denomination's General Assembly website provides additional information for commissioners and advisory delegates, governing body staff, other official representatives and observers. The Committee on Local Arrangements, as its name implies, is making the local arrangements for the large gathering of Presbyterians - from finding and assigning volunteers to arranging tours for twin cities visitors. |
| Seminary, college news |
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 UNITED THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY SLATES INSTALLATION OF NEW PRESIDENT: The Rev. Mary McNamara will be installed as the seventh president of United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities in a festive service that begins at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 11, at Plymouth Congregational Church, 1900 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis. Speakers include the Rev. Daniel Aleshire, executive director of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada; Joseph C. Hough, Jr., president emeritus of Union Theological Seminary; the Rev. Peg Chemberlin, executive director of the Minnesota Council of Churches and president of the National Council of Churches; Gary Reierson, president of the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches; Richard Bliese, president of Luther Seminary; Rabbi Marcia Zimmerman, Temple Israel; the Rev. Karen Smith Sellers, conference minister of the Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ; and Wilson Yates, president emeritus of United Theological Seminary. Sharon Ryan, chair of United's board of trustees, will preside. McNamara comes to United from Union Theological Seminary where she served for 10 years as executive vice president. Registration for the inauguration can be found online. |
| News around the PC(USA) |
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SKYPE BRINGS CANDIDATES, SEARCH COMMITTEES FACE TO FACE: For Westminster Presbyterian Church, - a thriving congregation in suburban Philadelphia - personal relationships are at the heart of the church's mission and ministry, which is precisely why the church's associate pastor nominating committee was faced with a challenge. "Because the person we call will be a primary preaching voice in our contemporary service, we wanted to be able to make more of a personal connection with our applicants than just a phone call could provide," said Leah Johnson, an elder who serves as the committee's secretary. Enter Skype, a free, downloadable software program, which - through the use of a webcam - allows for a face-to-face conversation. The complete Presbyterian News Service story can be found at "Skype."
PARSONS MAKES CALL FOR ACTIVITY OVER PASSIVITY: The Rev. Gradye Parsons, stated clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), recently wrote the latest installment of his monthly column. He began: "Each year, the Mavericks Surf Contest attracts the top surfers in the world. The competitors watch the Mavericks' website until they see the words, "It's on." They then have 48 hours to get to the designated beach and compete for the prize money. This year, the beach was Half Moon Bay in northern California. The surfers had to be towed out to the starting point because the breaking waves were so monstrous in size. Lifeguards zoomed around on jet skis to watch over the competitors." The complete column can be found at "Parsons' Column."
WADE ISSUES CALL FOR 'SPRING CLEANING:' The Rev. Byron Wade, vice moderator of the 218th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), recently wrote the latest installment of his monthly column. He began: "It's almost time for spring cleaning! If your house is anything like mine, you probably have a lot of stuff you don't want or need anymore. It's amazing what we have stuffed away in our houses - old books, photos, clothing, and other items that are important and serve as significant markers in our lives. However we can't keep it all. If we neglect to clean our houses, there will not be room to add anything new." The complete column can be found at "Wade's Column."
BOP'S INVESTMENTS GAIN, BUT NOT ENOUGH FOR APPORTIONMENT: The balanced investment portfolio of the Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) staged a robust recovery in 2009, gaining 26.2 percent to a total value of $6.5 billion. "What a difference a year makes," noted Judith Freyer, the board's chief investment officer, noting that in 2008 every class of investments ended the year in the red while last year every class finished on the positive side. "It was an incredibly strong year," she told the board. But not quite strong enough, however, to recoup the losses from the meltdown of the global financial markets in 2008. The complete Presbyterian News Service story can be found at "BOP Investments."
PRESBYTERIAN CHAPLAIN SEES ROLE AS 'BLESSING:' Although he wears military insignia instead of a cleric's robe, Rear Admiral Mark Tidd understands that a minister's role does not depend on a uniform. "The wardrobe does not matter," he said. "We are all here to serve God." A 26-year-veteran of the U.S. Navy, Tidd serves as chaplain of the U.S. Marine Corps and deputy chief of Navy chaplains. He was promoted to the positions in August 2009. The complete Presbyterian News Service story can be found at "Chaplain."
FOR THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION, IT'S TRAINING LEADERS, NOT JUST PASTORS: Though the global financial meltdown has been tough for most educational institutions, McCormick Theological Seminary President Cynthia Campbell says the crisis has become "an opportunity" for her Chicago school. "I think we've turned the corner," Campbell told the Presbyterian News Service in an interview in Louisville, Ky., while she attended the recent General Assembly Mission Council meeting of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). "We've been able to reaffirm our core mission and explore some innovative opportunities." Not that it's been easy. Campbell said McCormick's endowment lost 35 percent of its value in the months after the fall 2008 collapse. The complete Presbyterian News Service story can be found at "Training Leaders."
MUSICIAN ASKS FOR PLEDGES, PLEDGES TO HUNGER PROGRAM: Independent folk musician Bryan McFarland is used to asking his friends, fans and family to help fund his albums. But when he began thinking about recording his third CD, McFarland took a different route. A friend told him about Pledge Music, a company that allows fans to finance musicians through online pledges. The musicians can also designate a charity to which to donate a percentage of the funds raised by their fans. The more McFarland learned about Pledge Music, the more his project began to grow. The complete Presbyterian News Service story can be found at "Pledges and Pledge." |
| And just one more |
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| MORE THAN 'KEEPING IN TOUCH' ON FACEBOOK, PNNEWS: There are more ways to keep in touch with the Synod of Lakes and Prairies than through this newsletter. Facebook users can become members of the synod's Facebook group. The group receives periodic news updates from the synod and the group is open to posts and discussion topics from members. You have to be a Facebook user to join the group. If you are a Facebook user you find the group here. There's also Presbyterian Neighbor News - or the short version PNNews - that periodically posts synod news. Free subscriptions to PNNews are available at the site. | |
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