Developing, Nurturing
& Supporting Leaders
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Mark Your Calendar!
Synod of Lincoln Trails
2013 Meetings
February 22
First Presbyterian Church
Urbana, IL
June 15
Philo Presbyterian Church
Philo, IL
October 26
Philo Presbyterian Church
Philo, IL
Leadership Development
April 29-May 1
New Pastors 21
Geneva Center
Rochester, IN
May 6-10
MALT Interim/Transitional Training
Mercy Center
St. Louis, MO
May 11
CRE ConEd - Pentecost I
Philo Presbyterian Church
Philo, IL
May 13-15
New Pastors 22
Geneva Center
Rochester, IN
August 24
CRE ConEd - Pentecost II
Philo Presbyterian Church
Philo, IL
October 21-23
New Pastors 22
Geneva Center
Rochester, IN
Oct. 28 - Nov. 1
MALT Interim/Transitional Training
Mercy Center
St. Louis, MO
November 1-4
MALT Executive Training
Mercy Center
St. Louis, MO
November 2
CRE ConEd - Advent, Christmas and Epiphany
Philo Presbyterian Church
Philo, IL
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Check our website or contact the synod office for details!
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The Art of Transitional Ministry
MALT Regional Education for Transitional Ministry
 We live in a time of great transition in our churches and culture. Transitional Ministry Education is intended for those presently engaged in or inquiring about the nature of transitional ministry. This includes Temporary Transitional Ministry positions; which may include interim ministry, designated ministry, other temporary ministry or Installed Transitional Ministry positions. Committee on Ministry members and presbytery staff persons with responsibility for congregations in this time of transition will also find the education helpful.
Training dates are May 6-10, 2013 at Mercy Center in St. Louis, MO.
For more information click here. |
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Back by Popular Demand
CRE Continuing Education Opportunities
The "Sacred Seasons" preaching workshops are led by the Rev. Dr. Laura Reason, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Highland, Ind. Dr. Reason is a nine-time teacher of preaching and worship leadership to Synod of Lincoln Trails ruling elders.
The 2013 workshops are:
May 11 - Pentecost I
August 24 - Pentecost II
November 2 - Advent, Christmas and Epiphany
Cost: $35 per class. Includes lunch and teaching materials.
Classes will be held at Philo Presbyterian Church in Philo, IL from 9:30am - 2:30pm (Central Time).
For more information contact Kristi Miller via email or by calling
(800) 566-5996.
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Recommendation Postponed for 2014 Medical Dues
February 11, 2013
Voices from throughout the Church have been responding to communications by the Board of Pensions about a potential restructuring of healthcare dues for the Medical Plan Traditional Program for active members. From pastors to mid council staff to churches and other employers, we have heard many voices through many channels. We want you to know that we are listening.
The Healthcare Committee has decided to reconsider portions of its proposal to better accommodate the thoughtful and heartfelt concerns you have raised and consider alternatives that seek to better balance the needs of all - members, dues payers, and the plan itself.
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New Tax Guide for Ministers and Federal Reporting Requirements for Churches Available
February 6, 2013
The Board's annual publications that assist teaching elders and churches with tax-related issues have been updated and are now available.
- The Tax Guide for Ministers has been updated for the 2012 tax year.
- The Federal Reporting Requirements for Churches booklet is designed for church treasurers and business administrators.
To help teaching elders and churches understand what's new for the 2012 tax year, the Board has also released new and updated resources in the Tax Resource Centers for members, treasurers and administrators, and mid councils on pensions.org.
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The Season of Lent
The season of Lent is a time of prayer, fasting and self-examination in preparation for the celebration of the resurrection of the Lord at Easter. Prepare for Lent with this collection of worship resources.
More...
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One Great Hour of Sharing
Sharing resources, changing lives
 Since 1949 Presbyterians have joined with millions of other Christians through One Great Hour of Sharing to share God's love with those in need. Your generous gifts assist those affected by natural disasters, provide food to the hungry, and assist in helping to empower the poor and oppressed.
Gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing support the following:
Most Congregations receive the offering on Easter Sunday, Passion/Palm Sunday or both, while many receive it throughout Lent - however, you can help sustain the important PC (USA) ministries and programs that are supported by the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering by making an online gift at any time throughout the year.
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GreenFaith, PC(USA) Environmental Ministries Announce Partnership
GreenFaith Certification Program to offer interfaith approaches to caring for earth; February 25 webinar will explain more
Highland Park, NJ
On February 8, GreenFaith and the Presbyterian Church (USA)'s Environmental Ministries announced a collaboration to invite Presbyterian churches into the GreenFaith Certification Program.
The program offers an opportunity to enhance and expand the earth care ministries of Presbyterian congregations and to build on the PC(USA)'s Earth Care Congregations program.
GreenFaith will offer a free webinar so that interested church leaders can learn more about this opportunity. The hour-long webinar will be Monday, February 25 at 8:00 p.m. EST.
Webinar link and more...
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Heartland Region of the Administrative Personnel Association Announces Spring Conference
 "Rooted in Faith"
Heartland Regional Conference
(Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and Michigan)
May 17-18, 2013
Louisville, KY
For more information and to register click here.
The Administrative Personnel Association (APA) offers opportunities for professional development and personal growth for those called by God to serve as support staff of the Presbyterian Church.
The members of APA are persons engaged in administrative support work in any local church-related institution, governing body or agency of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the Reformed Church in America, the Presbyterian Church in Canada, or any church organization on a full or part-time basis.
For more information on APA click here. |
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March 1, 2013 is World Day of Prayer
Office of the General Assembly
Melissa Davis
Louisville
World Day of Prayer (WDP) is a world-wide ecumenical movement where Christian women come together in prayer around a specific issue. This year the theme of World Day of Prayer is Matthew 25 - I was a stranger and you welcomed me. Those celebrating, recognizing, and praying for the Stranger and society's response to the people who enter our lives. Materials can be purchased and downloaded here.
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Stewardship Kaleidoscope
Generosity for Every Generation
March 11-13 - St. Louis, Missouri
For elders, pastors, presbytery staff and volunteers
Then we your people, the flock of your pasture, will give thanks to you forever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise."
Psalm 79:13
For more information visit the Stewardship Kaleidoscope webpage.
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32nd Annual Rural Ministry Conference
Food & Faith
March 3-5, 2013
Where leaders in rural communities and congregations gather to gain insight and inspiration, to network and neighbor that our ministries might be empowered. This ecumenical conference includes worship, keynote speakers, workshops, Bible study, and offers participants a unique opportunity to network with others who are active in and concerned about rural ministry.
More...
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2013 Presyterian Youth Triennium
July 16-20, 2013
Purdue University
Lafayette, IN
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Presbytery of Chicago
Job Opportunities
Youth Ministry Coordinator
The Presbytery of Chicago (PCUSA) seeks a Youth Ministry Coordinator to work with Youth Ministry Team to:
- Plan and carry out four Presbytery-wide youth events annually
- Foster a network among congregational youth leaders throughout the presbytery
- Offer advice, counsel, and resources to churches without youth leadership
This is a one year, renewable contract. The position is accountable to the executive presbyter.
For more information click here.
Office Services Assistant (OSA) Position
Presbytery of Chicago is in immediate need of an office services assistant for its administrative office in the West Loop. Applicant must provide high-level administrative support. Duties include but are not limited to reception (receiving visitors, answering incoming calls, etc.), locating and organizing information, setting up conference rooms, handling mail, copying/scanning and maintaining office equipment and supplies. Assist with miscellaneous projects.
For more information click here. |
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L.E.A.D. 2013
Leadership, Education and Development for the Whole Church
LEAD (Leadership, Education and Development) is an annual, affordable, Presbytery-wide educational event for the whole church. It is sponsored by the Presbytery of Chicago and McCormick Theological Seminary along with local churches. Workshops will be presented by Synod Executive Rev. Carol McDonald, the Rev. Judith Watt, from Fourth Presbyterian Church, Rev. Dr. Paul Kirbas, from the host church, along with other talented leadership.
Featuring:
The Rev. Dr. Margaret Aymer
Associate Professor of New Testament, Chair of Biblical Studies
Interdenominational Theological Center, Atlanta, GA
Registration Fee: $15
Saturday, March 2, 2013
8am-3pm
First Presbyterian Church
Wheaton, IL
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McCormick
Continuing Education
2013 Zenos Lectures
Evil: Conversations with the Bible and with Contemporary Voices is the topic of the Lectures on February 18, 2013 at McCormick. The lectures are at 1:00pm and 4:00pm and are free and open to all. For More information click here.
Certificate in Environmental Ministry and Leadership
 This certificate program takes place in two sessions: March 13-16, 2013 and October 9-12, 2013. The program is an interactive, cross-disciplinary approach to the faith and environment conversation. Applications must be postmarked on or before February 15, 2013. For more information click here. |
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Find out what's happening within the presbyteries of the Synod of Lincoln Trails. Click on the links below to read the newsletters or visit their webpages.
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Youth Ministry Major Grant Initiative
 The Youth Ministry Grant Initiative of the Indianapolis Center for Congregations is for congregations wanting to develop new and sustainable youth programming opportunities that reflect the congregation's highest claim and commitments, and extend the congregations goals related to providing formational experiences for youth. This program includes financial support, as well as a thorough education component.
This major grant initiative focuses on youth ministry and programming for congregations. Facilitated by Center staff and leaders in the field of youth ministry.
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Center for Congregations
Indiana Statewide Workshops
Essentials of Church Finance
Leader: Vonna Laue
March 14, 2013 in Evansville
Vonna Laue, author of Essential Guide to Church Finances and partner with the accounting firm CapinCrouse...
Historic Preservation for Congregations 101
Leader: Mark Dollase
March 14, 2013 in Indianapolis
An historic congregational building can be filled with rich heritage, unique architecture and memories of times gone by.
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The Clergy Program "Resilient Leadership"
 The Clergy Program offers on-site programs available for the upcoming months of March, April, May and June of 2013 for pastors, church professionals and other church leaders. The five-day intensive Program features daily individual and group consultations, fitness assessment and training, spiritual direction, and professional follow-up coaching.
The Board of Pensions assists pastors offset program costs through the Shared Grant Fund. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance has long sponsored pastors affected by trauma.
For more information click here.
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