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| d the Synod of Lakes and Prairies | | |
PRES HOUSE THREATENED WITH LOSS OF TAX EXEMPTION: Politics and behind-the-scenes maneuvering are threatening one Presbyterian ministry group at the University of Wisconsin, but the issue at hand could have a far-reaching effect on religious organizations nationwide. The Presbyterian Student Center Foundation, known as Pres House since the 1920s, has had a presence at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in one form or another since its founding in 1907. At times it's been a full-blown Presbyterian church and at others, a small student group. But it has always provided students with spiritual guidance and a faith-based place to gather. The complete Presbyterian News Service story can be found at "Pres House."
 MILWAUKEE HOLDS THANK YOU, FAREWELL FOR GREGG NEEL: The Presbytery of Milwaukee held a thank you and farewell event for Gregg Neel June 5 at Wauwatosa Presbyterian Church in recognition of Neel's service to the presbytery as its executive. Neel is leaving at the end of June to serve in parish ministry. Among those attending the event were Carl Simon and Phil Brown, both former executives in the presbytery (see photo at far left, from left to right, Neel, Simon and Brown). The flower arrangement in the near-left photo resulted from guests who brought single flowers at the request of the presbytery. In a letter to the presbytery in May, Neel wrote, ""I have cherished and have enjoyed the ministry that you and I do together in the name of Jesus Christ." Neel's complete letter can be found at "Milwaukee."
SYNOD POSTS FORMS FOR APPLYING FOR COLLEGIATE MINISTRY FUNDS: The Synod of Lakes and Prairies has posted guidelines and an application form on its website for 2012 Collegiate Ministry Grants. The guidelines state, in part, "Seeking to be faithful stewards of limited funds, while providing opportunities for new collegiate ministries ... We will consider proposals that would either provide short-term funding to help established ministries become self-sustaining in the near future, or would grant seed money for new ministries or for new initiatives of established ministries, or would provide leadership development opportunities for professional or volunteer ministry leaders." The guidelines can be found at "2012 Collegiate Ministry Grant." The application form is available in both MSWord and PDF formats.
 2 MISSION WORKERS WITH SYNOD TIES MENTIONED IN NEWSLETTER: Two mission workers, Carolyn Weber (above left) and Susie Frerichs, both with ties to the Synod of Lakes and Prairies were mentioned in a recent newsletter of the Office of World Mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The newsletter noted that Weber, on a recent trip to the Gambella region in southwest Ethiopia, preached at the Itan/Lare Women's Conference that drew more than 3,000 women. The newsletter also noted that Frerichs, a mission worker in Mexico, is getting married July 16 to Abraham Hernandez in El Frijolillo, Mexico. Weber, a native of Omaha, Neb, was ordained to the ministry by the Presbytery of Central Nebraska. Frerichs, of Kearney, Neb., earned degrees in Spanish and social sciences education from Hastings (Neb.) College. She is a member of First Presbyterian Church of Kearney.
PILP PROVIDES LOANS FOR CAPITAL PROJECTS; SYNOD MAY ASSIST: The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Investment and Loan Program Inc. is a nonprofit corporation of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) that provides low-cost loans to churches, governing bodies and related entities of the denomination for capital projects. Funds for these loans come from two sources - endowment funds of PC(USA) and money invested by Presbyterian members, churches and governing bodies. One option for lenders through PILP is its "Get the Point!" rebate program that reduces the cost of borrowing for many congregations and presbyteries. Based on the amount invested in support of a loan, lenders can earn from .25 percent to a full 1 percent back each year. Jay Wilkinson, the synod's stated clerk and treasurer of the synod, wrote, "If a church has a PILP loan, after they qualify for the loan and have the required 20 percent in deposits, we will designate a portion of our invested dollars to assist them in reaching the goal of an interest rebate. We will match their other investments up to $50,000, thereby allowing them to qualify for a rebate or reach a higher rebate." Details of PILP's lending program can be found at "Investment and Loan." Details of the PILP's rebate program are at "Get to the Point." Questions concerning PILP and other lending programs within the church can be addressed to Wilkinson via email or by calling 651.357.1140 (ext. 205).
COMMUNICATORS CONFERENCE PLANNED IN LAKES AND PRAIRIES: The biennial Synod of Lakes and Prairies Communicators Conference is scheduled Thursday and Friday, Sept. 15-16, in Eagan, Minn. Details remain to be worked out, according to Duane Sweep, associate for communications for the synod, but he noted that specific location and detailed schedule should be available in a couple weeks. Sweep said the conference is being designed for communication and administrative staff within the synod and beyond.
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Presbyterian Disaster Assistance | |
 PRESBYTERIAN DISASTER ASSISTANCE STRESSES GIVE, ACT, PRAY: The website of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance stresses the need to respond to disaster by standing in the "GAP," with a strategy to give, act and pray. Gifts to PDA can be made directly through the website and PDA urges Presbyterians to support One Great Hour of Sharing, which provides core funding for the work of PDA around the world. In addition to contributions, the PDA website also provides a variety of ways in which Presbyteries can become involved.
NEW MISSION COORDINATOR IN PROSPECT HILL WRITES ABOUT FLOODING: Paul Campbell, who was recently installed as mission coordinator in the Presbytery of Prospect Hill, wrote last week, "I have been 'officially' on the job for 20 hours already. ... It seems that the highlight for this week is Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. ... Now the sad part is in all probability there is going to be more disaster work to do in our own presbytery. I can see the Missouri River from the top of the hill where I live. It is as high as the news reports say." Campbell's complete article can be found at "Prospect Hill."
PRESBYTERIAN LEADERS REFLECT ON DEADLY STORMS: Leaders of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) provided a statement May 26 in response to this spring's storms across the United States. It opens, "Springtime weather this year has been horrific, especially this week. On May 22, the tornado that plowed through Joplin, Mo., was the single deadliest tornado since the National Weather Service began keeping records in 1950." The complete statement can be found at "Spring Storms." More information about the storms and the response of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) can be found at Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. |
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Conferences, camps and other resources | | |
FORMER MODERATOR PLANS ONLINE CONFERENCE: The Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow, moderator of the 218th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), wonders what wisdom is possessed by Presbyterians who may not travel in the movers and shakers crowd at General Assembly or keynote national conferences or even lead a regionally influential congregation. He wonders what they have to say about the future of the church, about where and how God is at work in the PC(USA). So he's throwing an online conference called "We Are Presbyterians." The complete Presbyterian News Service story can be found at "Reyes-Chow."
 OKOBOJI CAMP PLANS CHRISTIAN TEEN MUSICAL: It's back by popular demand: MAD Camp at Presbyterian Camp on Okoboji, Milford, Iowa. MAD Camp - or Music, Art and Drama Camp - has returned, running Sunday to Sunday, June 19-26. It's a camp that focuses on the production of a Christian teen musical - a one-hour musical drama. Campers will spend much of their time rehearsing for a Friday night performance and then take the performance on the road Saturday and Sunday. All campers will be on stage as part of the choreographed chorus. Options are also available for speaking roles, and singing and dance solos. The camp is open to teens who have completed the eighth through 12th grade. Questions can be directed to the camp by calling 712.337.3313 or to Valerie King at 641.753.4723.
 REGISTRATION DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR 'BIG TENT:' The deadline for registration for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s Big Tent joint conference has been extended to June 15. The conference, which is a collection of conferences for 10 PC(USA) organizations, is slated June 30 through July 2 in Indianapolis, Ind. Details can be found at "Big Tent."
 PENTECOST OFFERING IS TRADITION ON PENTACOST: The Pentecost Offering is traditionally received on the day of Pentecost and this year it's Sunday, June 12. The offering provides a direct way to meet the needs of children at risk, youth and young adults. Congregations are encouraged to keep 40 percent of the Offering to support ministry with children at risk in their communities. Additional details and resources can be be found at "Pentecost Offering."
'UNCONFERENCE' GROUP NOTES GENERATIONAL, INTERGENERATIONAL MINISTRIES: The "UNCOnformers" website, an effort that grew out of the "UNCOnference" at Stony Point, N.Y., in May, opens with an article that addresses the "need for both generational ministries within congregations as well as the need for intentional intergenerational ministries within congregations." The UNCOnference, the second of its kind, produced what the website calls an "awareness of the need to reconsider what children in church looks like." More can be found at "UNCOnformers."
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| Colleges, universities and seminaries | | |
 SUMMER INSTITUTE IN SPIRITUALITY, ARTS OPENS JUNE 14: The Summer Institute in Spirituality and the Arts runs July 14-17 at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, New Brighton, Minn. It's described as a way to "refresh your call to ministry," "a week of study or personal renewal," or a way to "bring new energy to your congregation." Half-day and full-day plans are available. Details and registration materials are at "Spirituality and the Arts."
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| News around the PC(USA) | |
NEW FORM OF GOVERNMENT PASSES, BELHAR FALLS SHORT: A majority of presbyteries have now approved the proposed new Form of Government for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), so it will become part of the denomination's Book of Order - bringing what some contend is a more streamlined and flexible way of operation. The Belhar Confession, however, written in South Africa with a theme of reconciliation, did not win enough votes and therefore will not be added at this time to the PC(USA)'s Book of Confessions. Trinity Presbytery in South Carolina voted 56-48 to approve the new Form of Government, casting the 87th vote in favor of the proposed form of government. The complete story of The Presbyterian Outlook can be found at "New Form."
PC(USA) WEBSITE HAS RESOURCES FOR NEW FORM OF GOVERNMENT: There are resources on the new Form of Government on the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) website, including frequently asked questions and an advisory handbook. The resources are at "Form of Government."
MIDDLE GOVERNING BODY COMMISSION IDENTIFIES 'OPERATING ASSUMPTIONS:' Like a massive ocean-liner on a vast sea, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s Middle Governing Body Commission began the long slow turn from gathering data from the church to formulating recommendations for the mission and function of presbyteries and synods in a rapidly changing church and world. The centrality of congregations for the mission and ministry of the denomination, the critical role of effective lay and clergy leadership, and the need for flexibility in the form and function of governing bodies appear to be the central themes the commission will pursue. The complete Presbyterian News Service story is at "MGB Commission."
EVERYONE INVITED TO MIDDLE GOVERNING BODY DISCUSSION: The Middle Governing Body Commission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is inviting church members to join the discussion about the future of middle governing bodies in the church. Apart from the in-person part of the process, much discussion is taking place on Facebook and on Twitter. To find the discussion on Facebook, check out "PCUSA MGB Commission Discussion." Another part of the discussion can be found at #mgbcomm on Twitter.
SYNOD EXECUTIVES PUBLISH LETTER TO CHURCH IN OUTLOOK: The synod executives of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) published a letter to the church in the June 13 edition of The Presbyterian Outlook that addresses the task of the denomination's Middle Governing Commission, stating the commission "faces complex issues and important questions regarding the design and mission of the middle governing body covenantal relationships in our denomination." The letter goes on to note, "The presbytery, that unique expression of ordained elders and ministers, is not simply our historical foundation, but a present and future necessity" of the church. The complete letter can be found at "Synod Executives Letter."
 ALASKA PRESBYTERIAN ICON WALTER SOBOLEFF DIES AT 102: The Rev. Walter Soboleff, one of the first Alaska Natives ordained to ministry in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) died May 22 in Juneau, Alaska, of bone cancer and prostate cancer. He was 102. The complete Presbyterian News Service story can be found at "Soboleff."
FORMER GA MODERATOR BILL LYTLE DIES IN CALIFORNIA: The Rev. William P. Lytle, a staunch supporter of Presbyterian reunion who served as moderator of the General Assembly of the former United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America (the "northern stream") in 1978 - just five years before it combined with the southern stream Presbyterian Church in the United States to form the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) - died May 27 in Los Gatos, Calif., after a lengthy illness. He was 87. The complete Presbyterian News Service story can be found at "Lytle." |
| And just one more | | | SECRETS TO A FULL COLLECTION PLATE: Writing in "Beyond Ordinary," Cynthia Woolever noted, "We believe there is convincing evidence for congregations to conduct an effective annual stewardship campaign. Now, we're shifting our focus a bit. What does the average person in the pew say about his or her giving habits?" Woolever is writing about the results of the U.S. Congregational Life Survey. Parts 1 and 2 about stewardship can be found at "Beyond Ordinary." |
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