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| News around the Synod of Lakes and Prairies | | |
 SYNOD MEETING OPENS SUNDAY: The Synod of Lakes and Prairies will conduct its spring meeting when commissioners, advisory delegates and others gather Sunday through Tuesday, May 1-3, at the Mt. Olivet Conference & Retreat Center in Farmington, Minn. The meeting opens following dinner Sunday and is scheduled to conclude at noon Tuesday.
 REGISTRATION REMAINS OPEN FOR 2011 SYNOD SCHOOL: The 2011 version of Synod School runs Sunday through Friday, July 24-29, at Buena Vista University, Storm Lake, Iowa. The theme for this year's event is "All My Relatives." Anna Carter Florence, associate professor of preaching at Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, Ga., is this year's convocation speaker. Hans Peterson, an elementary music teacher with a master's degree in theology, is slated to be the youth convocation speaker. Worship leaders this year are Susan Phillips, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Shawano, Wis., and Mara Liz Rivera, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Winneconne, Wis. A team of pastoral colleagues from the Omaha, Neb., area will lead morning worship - they're calling it "Morning Psalms with Three Psara(h)s." The three are Sarah Dickinson, Sara Dingman-Lavigne and Sara Tonje. Additional information and registration materials can be found at "Synod School."
CHURCH BECOMES SANCTUARY FOR WOMEN, GIRLS IN PROSTITUTION: The Star Tribune of Minneapolis, in a story written by Maria Elena Baca, published a story April 24 on the Northside Women's Space, a ministry developed by Kwanzaa Community Church of Minneapolis. The story stated, in part, "Kwanzaa Community Church, where [Alika] Galloway is co-pastor with her husband, is giving over use of its 100-year-old building to women and girls involved in prostitution. The building, at 2100 Emerson Ave. N., is envisioned as a place to rest and reflect, have a meal, shower and perhaps make connections to a healthier lifestyle. The congregation relocated last fall." The complete story can be found at "Sanctuary."
WORTHINGTON CHURCH OFFERS $5 SHARES TO SUPPORT MINISTRY: The April 12 edition of The Valley Bridge, the newsletter of the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys, contained the following note: "The Stewardship & Finance Committee at Westminster Presbyterian Church of Worthington, Minn., is offering the opportunity to buy $5 shares to support Westminster's ministry. A contributor can choose from five areas of ministry." The complete story can be found at "Shares" on Page 2 The Valley Bridge.
AMES COLLEGIATE PRESBYTERIAN CELEBRATES 100 YEARS: The Ames (Iowa) Tribune published an article 17 that celebrated the 100th anniversary of Collegiate Presbyterian Church of Ames. Written by Laura Millsaps, the article opened, "Collegiate Presbyterian Church in Ames began 100 years ago as a humble shelter of a tent standing on a bare lot, but with the progressive idea that a church could provide a faith home away from home for the students of Iowa State College. Today, that mission lives on, said Pastor Whit Malone." The complete story can be found at "Collegiate Presbyterian."
 HILLCREST PUBLISHES STORIES OF SUCCESSFUL MINISTRY: Hillcrest Family Services of Dubuque, Iowa, has published several "success" stories on its website. A recent one begins, "Cathy (not her real name) has participated in our Hillcrest Supported Living program since 2004. When Cathy first enrolled in the program, she was overmedicating and cutting when life situations became overwhelming. Cathy initially met with us three times a week with several additional crisis calls and experienced hospitalization regularly. Cathy has made incredible strides to improve her mental health and overall family situation." The complete story can be found at "Cathy." |
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Presbyterian Disaster Assistance | | |
 PDA RESPONDS TO TORNADOES IN IOWA, WISCONSIN: Prospect Hill Presbytery will receive an initial $10,000 grant from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to respond to tornado damage in its area earlier this month. Don Hampton and Gary Catterson, both National Response Team members of PDA in Iowa, met April 12 with presbytery leaders. Hampton reported that the Rev. Richard Francis, a member of the presbytery's mission committee, agreed to be the point person for the presbytery as it responds to the disaster. The Rev. Kevin Freese of Battle Creek, Iowa, will be active in the recovery process in Mapleton, Iowa, and plans to become a member of a long-term recovery committee. The April 15 edition of News & Notes, the newsletter of Winnebago Presbytery, noted that PDA responded quickly after tornadoes struck in that presbytery. It stated, "Within 12 hours of the tornadoes moving through Wisconsin Sunday night, representatives ... were in touch with Wisconsin presbyteries, including Winnebago, with offers of assistance. Information the presbytery office has been able to gather from the Kaukauna and Merrill areas is that, in true Wisconsin fashion, friends and neighbors have already begun meeting the immediate needs of those who suffered losses. No assistance from PDA has been requested at this time." Funds from the One Great Hour of Sharing offering make it possible for PDA to respond to disasters. Details concerning PDA's response to recent national disasters can be found at "Storms."
QUAD PRESBYTERY GROUP PLANS 2ND 'GREAT TRUCK HAUL' FOR DISASTER RELIEF: The Quad Presbytery group, which includes Homestead, Central Nebraska, Missouri River Valley and Prospect Hill presbyteries, is planning the second "Great Truck Haul" to pick up and then deliver hygiene kits to the Ferncliff Disaster Assistance Center in Little Rock, Ark. The Ferncliff Center is a collection point for Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. The hygiene kits are used to aid in PDA's disaster responses and kit contents are listed on the PDA website. An article in Monday Morning in the Presbytery, (Page 5) the newsletter of Missouri River Valley Presbytery, stated the project is also a joint Presbyterian Women and MRV mission project. It noted that "all churches [in the presbytery] and all PW groups are encouraged to help fill the truck. ... While this project is sponsored by the presbytery and PW, other groups or an entire congregation may also wish to participate." |
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Conferences, camps and other resources | | |
 FAMILY CAMP RUNS IN JUNE AT CLEARWATER FOREST: Calling it "tranquility for some, a sanctuary for others," Presbyterian Clearwater Forest of Deerwood, Minn., is promoting Family Camp Friday to Sunday, June 17-19. The camp's brochure adds that Family Camp "is a tradition that strengthens the family relationship with each other and with God." The camp, the brochure, notes, "offers plenty of free time as well as structured activities for adults, children and families, centered around nurturing faith." Details can be found at "Clearwater Forest."
 SACRED PRACTICES LEADERSHIP SERIES BEGINS THIS FALL: The website opens simply, "Imagine your congregation doing ministry based not on what has happened before, or even on what people want. Imagine your congregation growing in its ability to understand and plan its ministry based on God's call and on God's desire for the world around you. Leadership in the church is changing." The introduction is found at the website of the Sacred Practices Leadership Series, a cooperative program of the Center for Renewal at Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa, and the Alban Institute. The Sacred Practice Leadership Series, or SPLaSH, is designed for those who lead congregations, both in ordained and lay roles. Six renewal events over the course of three calendar years, with online resources available between event, will feature 12 prominent authors, theologians and practitioners addressing sacred practices like prayer, discernment, and service. The first session runs Aug. 7-9 at the Shalom Retreat Center in Dubuque, Iowa. Additional details can be found at "SPLaSH."
 'THOUGHTFUL CHRISTIAN' OFFERS DISCOUNTS ON MOTHER'S DAY RESOURCES: The Thoughtful Christian is continuing its tradition of providing discounts on books with a special sale devoted to Mother's Day. Books that can serve as gifts, devotionals or parenting guides are being offered at discounts ranging from 35 to 50 percent off. The assortment of books includes several popular authors like Kathleen Long Bostrom, Marjorie J. Thompson and Lisa T. Bergren. In addition, free downloadable "time-with-mom coupons" are available. Additional information on the Mother's Day sale can be found at "The Thoughtful Christian."
JOINT ARMSS, POAMN CONFERENCE SET IN OCTOBER IN TEXAS: Meeting in a joint convention-conference, the Association of Retired Ministers, their Spouses or Survivors, and the Presbyterian Older Adult Ministry Network will gather Oct. 11-14 at La Quinta Inns & Suites in San Antonio, Texas. This year's theme is "At the Crossroads of Change." The keynote speaker is the Rev. Cynthia Rigby of Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Details can be found at "Joint Conference." |
| Colleges, universities and seminaries | | |
 DUBUQUE SEMINARY PROFESSOR DIRECTS STUDENTS IN MISSIONAL CHRISTIANITY:Training students in missional leadership at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary now includes a new master's degree in missional Christianity and the Rev. Amanda Benckhuysen (left) is heading up the program to ensure theology is explored in the way faith is lived out. "We already have so many mission ... and leadership courses as part of our overall curriculum," Benckhuysen said. So when the seminary said it needed to revise the master's program in a way that serves the broader Christian community, this just seemed to be a natural fit, she said. The complete story can be found at "Missional Christianity."
 UNITED SEMINARY'S CONVOCATION CENTERS ON ENVIRONMENTAL THEOLOGY, ETHICS: This year's spring convocation at United Seminary of the Twin Cities concentrates on environmental theology and ethics. The convocation takes place Wednesday and Thursday, May 4-5, on the seminary's campus in New Brighton. Speakers include Winona LaDuke, Richard Weis, Robin Raudabaugh, and Brenda Langton. Additional information is available at "Convocation."
 JINKINS INAUGURATED AS LOUISVILLE SEMINARY PRESIDENT: Led into Caldwell Chapel by scores of academic, church and institutional leaders, the Rev. Michael Jinkins (right) was inaugurated and installed April 15 as the ninth president of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. He will also serve as professor of theology. Jinkins began his presidency Sept. 1. The complete Presbyterian News Service story can be found at "Jinkins."
SEMINARY PRESIDENTS DISCUSS ROLE OF SEMINARY IN CHANGING WORLD: Theological seminaries must help students understand and appreciate the rich church traditions and leaders of the past while preparing them to be agents of transformation in the communities they will go out to serve, three Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) seminary presidents said in Louisville April 15. The three, Cynthia Campbell of McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, Katharine Henderson of Auburn Theological Seminary in New York and Paul Roberts of Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary in Atlanta, engaged in a lively panel discussion during festivities celebrating the inauguration of the Rev. Michael Jinkins as the ninth president of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. The complete Presbyterian News Service story can be found at "Seminary Presidents." |
| News from the Board of Pensions | |
FILING DEADLINE FOR 'SMALL EMPLOYER HEALTHCARE TAX CREDIT' IS MAY 15: Small, tax-exempt employers with fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees and average wages of less than $50,000 may be eligible for a credit of up to 25 percent of the employer's healthcare coverage costs. The maximum refundable credit is the amount the employer withheld from employee wages for federal income taxes and Medicare tax, plus the employer's share of Medicare taxes. The deadline for filing with the IRS for the Small Employer Healthcare Tax Credit for the 2010 tax year is May 15. To assist churches and employing organizations with determining if they may be eligible for the tax credit, and if so, the maximum credit available to them, the Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has assembled some information and resources on its website.
BOARD OF PENSIONS ISSUES NEW ISSUE OF 'EDUCATION TALK:' The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has issued a new issue of Education Talk, reminding plan members, their families and church leaders to reflect on their spiritual, vocational, financial and health stewardship. The publication can be found at "Education Talk." |
| News around the PC(USA) | |
PC(USA)'S MGB COMMISSION SEEKS INPUT: Last July, the 219th General Assembly took a historic action to study the role and future of presbyteries and synods in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) by establishing a 21-person Commission on Middle Governing Bodies. A portion of this commission's responsibility is to "consult with sessions, presbyteries, synods, and the wider church on the mission and function of middle governing bodies." One of the ways the commission is accomplishing this is through an online survey. Those who would like to participate in the survey are invited to access and complete the survey online.The survey takes about 20-25 minutes to complete.
LEGAL RESOURCE MANUAL FOR MGBs, CHURCHES AVAILABLE FROM PC(USA): The "Legal Resource Manual for Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Middle Governing Bodies and Churches" is available for free at the PC(USA) website. The site notes, the "manual was updated in 2010 although Legal Services continues to review it. ... As always, you are welcome to use this this as a resource for information on a number of legal issues. However, since laws in each state may be different and interpretations of laws by courts may vary both state-by-state and in state and federal courts, it is always advisable to seek guidance and advice from your local attorney." The manual can be found at "Manual."
PRESBYTERIAN PANEL: MORE CHURCHES WITHOUT PASTORS: Most Presbyterians expect that financial hardship will prevent an increasing number of Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregations to be led by full-time installed pastors. According to the November 2010 Presbyterian Panel survey on congregational leadership, most Presbyterian members and elders have this expectation even though they believe every congregation should have a full-time, installed pastor. The complete Presbyterian News Service story can be found at "Churches Without Pastors."
 SFTS PROFESSOR WINS BEST FIRST BOOK AWARD FROM WRITERS GUILD: The Rev. Gregory A. Love (right), associate professor of systematic theology at San Francisco Theological Seminary, has been named winner of the 2011 Angell Award by the Presbyterian Writers Guild. The award is given by the Guild each year for the best first book published the previous calendar year by a Presbyterian writer. The award was established in 1996 by an endowment from the late Jim Angell. The complete Presbyterian News Service story can be found at "Angell Award."
GAMC, PAHSA COVENANT TO SUPPORT MINISTRIES: Acting on a recommendation from the 217th General Assembly, two Presbyterian groups have signed a partnership agreement that will help their different older adult ministries stay connected. The agreement between the Office of Church Growth, part of the General Assembly Mission Council, and the Presbyterian Association of Homes and Services for the Aging isn't financial; rather, it solidifies an existing relationship, said the Rev. Philip Lotspeich, coordinator of church growth and transformation. The complete Presbyterian News Service story can be found at "PAHSA."
TAMMEN RESIGNS CONSTITUTIONAL SERVICES POST TO ACCEPT CALL TO LONG ISLAND: The Rev. Mark Tammen has announced his resignation as director of the Department of Constitutional Services in the Office of the General Assembly to accept the call as general presbyter for the Presbytery of Long Island. Tammen, who has been with OGA for 17 years, will conclude his service there on May 16. He begins his new work at the Commack, N.Y.-based Presbytery of Long Island on June 13.
FINANCIAL AID FOR STUDIES ANNOUNCES STUDENT LOAN FORGIVENESS PROGRAM: The Office of Financial Aid for Studies announced this month a new program designed to forgive loans made to seminary graduates who are serving in part-time or temporary pastoral positions in Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregations of 150 members or less. This program was developed by the General Assembly Mission Council to incentivize service to hard-to-call churches, provide relief to pastors burdened with educational debt and to complement the Board of Pensions' Seminary Debt Assistance program, seeking especially to serve applicants who are not eligible for that program. The complete Presbyterian News Service story is at "Loan Forgiveness."
 LECTURER SAYS CHURCHES CRITICAL TO SOCIAL JUSTICE MOVEMENT: The involvement of churches is critical to the success of social justice movements around the world, a Latin America expert said April 7, because they have the "staying power" to help produce long term social change. Fred Goff (right), who gave the annual Faith & the Common Good Lecture at San Francisco Theological Seminary, knows this first hand. The complete Presbyterian News Service story can be found at "Social Justice."
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| And just one more | | |
WINNING A HARLEY STARTS BIKER SUNDAY: "Back in 2006 I bought a couple of raffle tickets to support a medical air pilots association," recounted the Rev. David Anderson. "First prize was a Harley Davidson Sportster. I won it." Upon hearing of his good fortune Anderson's wife asked, what are we going to do with that? "That's how 'Biker Sunday' came about," said Anderson, pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church in Sagola, Mich. "We have a worship service - leathers are welcome - and we rope off a spot in front of the church for the bikes." The complete Presbyterian News Service story can be found at "Biker Sunday." |
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