|
|
|
|
Passage to Ponder - Philippians 2:24-25 (NRSV)
and I trust in the Lord that I will also come soon.
Still, I think it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus - my brother and co-worker and fellow soldier, your messenger and minister to my need;
|
|
|
The Presbytery of Wabash Valley creates, connects and nurtures congregations and other ministries to fulfill Christ's mission. |
|
God Calls
Presbytery of Wabash Valley PWV Office Hours Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4 pm May 15, 2013 |
|
|
|
|
The Joshua Journey Begins
| |
By Carol McDonald
Teaching Elder member of the Presbytery of Wabash Valley & Executive, Synod of Lincoln Trails
I hope you've noticed, in recent weeks, the preparations for the Joshua Journey: announcements in "God Calls," conversation at Presbytery, letters of invitation to be involved in the journey, links to a Joshua Journey webpage.
 |
(Front Row) Elder Melissa Pace, Rev. Heidi Vardeman, Elder Jill Kitowski, Elder Marylynn Boatright, Elder Carrie Munson
(2nd Row) Rev. Terri Thorn, CRE Rick Ryan, Rev. Carol McDonald, Rev. Paul Myhre, Rev. Stan Wilson, DRE Conna Enersen, Rev. Jeff Cover,
(Back Row) Rev. John Ritchie, Elder Linda Long, Rev. Kevin Bowers, Elder Andy Betts, Rev. Steve Braden, Rev. David Lawrence, Rev. David Smook, Rev. Bill McLean
|
On Friday, May 10, more than 20 travelers gathered at Geneva Center to embark on this journey of discovery, this journey of possibility. We began our journey by watching an amazing DVD called "The Art of Possibility." Featuring orchestra conductor Benjamin Zander and psychologist Rosamund Zander, we resonated with their new understanding of leadership and vision. And throughout our 24 hours together we claimed again and again our yearning for this presbytery to claim all that is possible. We studied the words of the prophet Jeremiah, in chapter 29, and took joy from the promise that "God knows the plans God has for us...plans for a future with hope."
We considered our history...identified trends in church and society affecting our congregations and our presbytery...looked at maps, and membership numbers and financial figures...identified the roles, rules, and rituals at work in our life together and named those we experience holding power in our system - official, reputational, coalitional, and communicational power. We completed the statement "We Are________" in a variety of different ways.
And we talked at length about expanding this conversation...about inviting others to join us in our travels. At the May 21 Presbytery Assembly, we will show "The Art of Possibility" as part of our invitation to you. And we will engage one another in "possibility" conversations. Beginning that very day, an on-line survey will be available to any, and all, who wish to offer opinions and ideas.
And a significant part of the next retreat will be spent developing ideas for expanding the conversation. That retreat will be July 12-13 at Geneva Center. We will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday with supper and hope that some of you who were not able to join us this time will be there to add your voices to our travel reflections.
We look forward to seeing you at Presbytery Assembly on May 21! In the meantime, please link to the http://JoshuaJourney.org webpage or through www.ourpresbytery.org. Notes from May 10-11 will be posted soon. And watch for on the Joshua Journey Facebook page!
We're off and running - there's no turning back! Consider joining us!!!
|
|
Celebration of Ordination
| |
Thank you for your ministry and your service...
- May 17, 1962 - Rev. Leroy Fassett, Honorably Retired
- May 17, 1981 - Rev. Maria Rutland, Member at Large
- May 21, 1984 - Rev. Scott Coulter, Member at Large
- May 21, 1972 - Rev. Carol McDonald, Synod of Lincoln Trails Executive
- May 22, 2012 - CRE Jeff Brown, Faith Presbyterian Church, Kokomo
If you have been omitted or your information is incorrect please accept my apology. Help to update your records by sending your current information to vicki@ourpresbytery.org.
|
|
 |
|
SAVE THE DATES
|
2013 COUNCIL
June 25, 2013
July 23, 2013
August 27, 2013
October 22, 2013
December 10, 2013
2013 ASSEMBLY
May 21, 2013
September 13-14, 2013
November 19, 2013
|
|
Quick Links
| |
North Central Wee Kirk Small Church Conference Tuesday, October 1 - Thursday, October 3, 2013 Potawatomi Inn For More Information Contact: Ellen McGormley 734-652-7147
****** Seasons of Faith Covenant Gathering 2013 June 30 - July 5 Michindoh Conference Center Hillsdale, Michigan Find more information at www.covenantgathering.com ****** Resource Center In Partnership with PWV Congregational Resource Center ****** ALBAN WEEKLY TRANSFORMING THE SPIRIT OF COMMUNITIES by Cameron Harder ****** |
CONGREGATIONAL EVENTS OFFERED TO THE PUBLIC
Lazarus Lounge Presents:
INTO THE LIGHT
Saturday, May 18, 2013
6-8 pm (CT)
Immanuel Presbyterian Church
140 W US 30
Schererville, IN
|
|
|
|
Prayers of the Presbytery
| |
O Lord, thank you that you give us the sense to more clearly find our place with you. May our trust clarify no matter how we might feel unfit in your presence as you are always with us.
May we hold in prayer CRE Judi Geistlinger, Marshfield United Presbyterian Church, on the loss of her mother, Mary Elizabeth Rose, May 8, 2013. A celebration-of-life service was held May 14. At the request of her mother, Judi will conduct the Interment Service today.
We hold Rev. Wayne Rhodes, in prayer as he seeks diagnosis at Cleavland Clinic at the end of May for his ongoing medical issues. Rev. John Ritchie, First Presbyterian Church Huntington, needs our prayers as he has minor surgery today. Lord we hold up The Rev. Dr. Ericka Kilbourne, First Presbyterian Church Michigan City as we honor her accomplishment of graduating from McCormick Theological Seminary with a Doctorate of Ministry degree on May 11th.
Lord God, we give thanks and praise for Ogden Dunes Community Church as they have faithfully served your church since October 11 1953.
In the name of Jesus our Lord. Amen.
|
|
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013
| |
Triennium deadlines are fast approaching! Folks in Louisville and at Purdue are working on planning and logistics to make this one of the best Trienniums ever. The speakers that are lined up are really inspiring and the band is a good one.
For our part, there has been a lot of interest from various churches in our presbytery. Anna and I would like to encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity. For youth it is inspirational and faith-building: for adults it is educational and an experience in itself. July 16-20 we will gather at Purdue University to celebrate God's presence in our lives and the world.
We would like you to have your application completed and, if not in our hands, on the way so that we can take care of the registrar tasks. If you have any questions please contact Anna Parkinson at First Presbyterian Church, Goshen 574-533-7845 or David Lawrence at First Presbyterian Church, Elkhart 574-264-3109.
Access all sorts of helpful information at http://presbyterianyouthtriennium.org.
Shalom, David Lawrence
|
| |
A whole new way of life
Eucharist is central to Christian identity, evangelism and mission, Moderator's Colloquium told
Special to Presbyterian News Service
MEG FLANNAGAN
AUSTIN, TEXAS
Eucharist (the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper) is central to Christian identity, Christian evangelism, and Christian mission, the Rev. Thomas E. Smith told the recent Moderator's Colloquium on Ecclesiology here.
The colloquium was organized by General Assembly Moderator Neal Presa and Vice-Moderator Tom Trinidad, and was hosted by Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. It was co-sponsored by the Presbyterian Foundation.
The conference was shaped around Christians' shared identity as "being both liturgical and missional communities. Continue Reading
|
|
MALAWI: THE BIG PICTURE
22 People from Presbytery of Wabash Valley Participate in Seminar at United Nations
| |
from Phyllis Wezeman, First Presbyterian Church, South Bend & Malawi Mission Network
"Malawi: The Big Picture," a three-day seminar co-sponsored by the Malawi Mission Network of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and The Presbyterian Ministry of the United Nations, was attended by twenty-two people from the Presbytery of Wabash Valley. Members of First Presbyterian Church of Peru, First Presbyterian Church of South Bend, and Westminster Presbyterian Church of South Bend traveled to New York City to learn more about the United Nations work in Malawi, Africa.
Speakers included staff from the Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, UNAIDS, UNICEF, and the Presbyterian Ministry at the U.N. The event also included a tour of the United Nations and a meeting with the Ambassador/Permanent Representative and staff of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Malawi to the United Nations.
Coordinators for the event were Rev. Mark Koenig of the Presbyterian Church's UN office and Phyllis Wezeman, a members of FPC, SB and of the leadership team of the Malawi Mission Network.
Local participation in the event was due to the fact that Michiana has the largest number of Malawian residents of any location in the United States and FPC, SB has the largest number of members from Malawi of any congregation in the PC(U.S.A.).
|
PDA RIN Urgent need for clean-up buckets
| |
Please help assemble clean-up buckets
Heavy precipitation from early 2013 storms and floods has resulted in widespread and severe flooding in Illinois and other states.
Recently, PDA National Response Team members assembled 500 clean-up buckets as part of their service project during the annual conference. Those buckets are among the 2,500 Church World Service (CWS) Clean-up Buckets on the way to help families who will return to the daunting task of beginning to clean up what the flood waters leave behind.
CWS has recently sent an urgent appeal for additional clean-up buckets because with the recent shipment to Illinois, the supply of buckets is rapidly diminishing. Barry Shade, CWS associate director for U.S. disaster response, said that there is an expectation that Illinois will have additional requests - and so will other places in the coming months. "We hope to be able to respond without delay," says Shade.
Bring your prepared Clean-up Buckets to the presbytery meeting on Tuesday, May 21st and we will make arrangements to get them to Church World Services in Elkhart.
Bulletin inserts listing the contents and instructions for filling the buckets can be downloaded from the PDA Web site or you may send an email to pda@pcusa.org and we will send you the bulletin inserts you can choose from and print to share with your congregation.
The clean-up buckets bear necessary supplies such as sponges and soap, but they are also a reminder of hope and an example of Christian compassion. See stories from congregations across the country who have creatively participated in this ministry - and share your story, too.
|
|
More than Being Polite;
Hospitality in the 21st Century
|
An Event for ALL Congregational Leaders
Friday & Saturday September 13 & 14, 2013
Presbytery of Wabash Valley/Geneva Center
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Rodger Y. Nishioka
|
|
Where is your General Presbyter
|
Wednesday, May 15
Pastoral Visit
Thursday, May 16
Stewardship Ministry Team
Friday, May 17
Pastoral Visit
Executives COM Conference Call Meeting
Tuesday, May 21
Presbytery Assembly
|
|
CALENDAR OF EVENTS & MEETINGS
| |
Thursday, May 16
10 am - Commission on Ministry Leadership Team (Conference Call)
10 am - Stewardship Ministry Team (Go-To-Meeting)
5:30 pm - University Church Board - University Church West Lafayette (map)
6:30 pm - Carroll County Churches Gathering - Burrows Presbyterian Church (map)
Saturday, May 18
9 am - 3rd Wave Transformation Coaches "Navigating By God's Vision"
Noon - 3rd Wave Congregational Coordinating Team "Navigating By God's Vision"
Tuesday, May 21
10 am - Assembly
Thursday, May 23
CANCELLED -Transformation Ministry Team
Monday, May 27
MEMORIAL DAY - PRESBYTERY OFFICE CLOSED
All meetings posted on the PWV Calendar are eastern time (ET) unless noted otherwise. Please visit http://www.ourpresbytery.org/calendar.htm for more information regarding meetings and events or call 574-223-5678.
|
|
PWV & Geneva Center Staff Contact Information
Presbytery Office Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 to 4:00 pm
Financial Consultant ~ Elder Eric Herzog ~ 574-223-5678 ext 105
Geneva Center Manager ~ Cathy Adley ~ 574-223-6915 ext 200
Geneva Center Maintenance Director ~ Jeff Winegardener ~ 574-223-6915 ext 204 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
