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Passage to Ponder - Philippians 3:1-3 (NRSV)
"Finally, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is not troublesome to me, and for you it is a safeguard. Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of those who mutilate the flesh! For it is we who are the circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and Boast in Christ and have no confidence in the flesh-"
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The Presbytery of Wabash Valley creates, connects and nurtures congregations and other ministries to fulfill Christ's mission. |
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God Calls
Presbytery of Wabash Valley PWV Summer Office Hours Monday - Thursday 8:00 am - 4 pm
Friday 8:00 am - NOON June 5, 2013 |
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"Show Me the Coin" Event changes the way of thinking about Stewardship for some....
| by Ann Bingaman, MEF co-director
Recently over one hundred clergy and lay people gathered in Zionsville to talk about money, giving, and the church at the state-wide Show Me the Coin Event funded by the
Dr. Cynthia Campbell, currently senior pastor at Louisville's Highland Presbyterian Church, presented two inspiring lectures in stewardship, leading us in worship to conclude each session.
Participants cited Dr. Campbell's scripture-based talks at setting the tone and vibrancy for the rest of the workshops. Since three presbyteries were represented, folks enjoyed talking to "nice folks" who shared similar situations in other parts of the state.
Our three executive presbyters, plus Lisa Longo, from the Presbyterian Foundation, and Dr. Edward Thompson, our Board of Pensions new regional representative, attended. Dave Crittenden, the former head of Stewardship for the Presbyterian Mission Agency, provided information about materials which the national organization has available.
Several attendees told us they appreciated workshops especially for small congregations led by David McDonald. Eric Herzog and Mike Srbljan met with folks concerned with security and online giving. Bob Hunter shared information he is accumulating for a book he is writing about how to discover the frontiers of congregational vitality.
Alan Griffin expanded folk's traditional approaches to stewardship by explaining the benefits of narrative budgets and the giving patterns of various age groups found in congregations. Judy Cordle Thames, a CPA, spent time explaining tax issues which our clergy encounter.
Folks commented that they are now going to encourage their congregations to begin vision driven campaigns rather than budget driven campaigns. One respondent wrote on his survey that "the event had changed his entire way of thinking about stewardship".
Afterwards, the presenters sent their handouts and power point materials to Ministerial Excellence Fund co-director Martha McDonald who assembled these materials into an internet site: http://www.box.com/showmethecoin. These are available to anyone who might be interested.
Our prayer is that some valuable information will be shared at session meetings and folks will be more comfortable talking about money and how it finances our being God's church. |
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Prayers of the Presbytery
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Oh Lord we are grateful for the welcome dwelling place you give us. Please continue to guide us in our goal in service for the Lord to know Christ and love Him giving us the strength to make Him known to others. We pray too knowing you are with us in all circumstances.
Please pray for Michael & Beverly Harkey, First Presbyterian Church Kendallville, as they heal from a recent car accident leaving them bruised and battered and their car totaled. Beverly serves on Commission on Preparation for Ministry and as Transformation coach for Auburn Presbyterian Church.
Please hold Judy Lucas, Synod of Lincoln Trails Executive Administrative Assistant, in your
prayers as she faces surgery this week.
Please keep Rev. Dr. Maria Rutland, Minister Member at Large and father Carey Rutland in prayer as Rev. Rutland provides care and support for her ill father in Georgia.
Please hold Rev. Cherie Isakson, Presbytery of White Water Valley, in prayer as she deals with medical concerns.
Lord God, we give you thanks and praise for
First Presbyterian Church Mishawaka as they have faithfully served your church since 1834.
In his Holy name we pray. Amen.
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SAVE THE DATES
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2013 COUNCIL
June 25, 2013
July 23, 2013
August 27, 2013
October 22, 2013
December 10, 2013
2013 ASSEMBLY
September 13-14, 2013
November 19, 2013
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Quick Links
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ALBAN CONSULTING & LEARNING
Dealing with Congregational Discord. This is "conflict 101." The basics that equip you to recognize and engage productively with the disagreements and the sharp edges of normal congregational life - and to do so with skill and confidence.
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Dealing with Difficult Behavior.
This event focuses especially on those occasions in which you encounter behavior that is blocking effectiveness and meaningful relationships - everything from annoying, to controlling, to downright abusive. Learn when to act, when to back off, when to call in reinforcements.
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Resource Center
In Partnership with PWV
Congregational Resource Center
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ALBAN WEEKLY
HOW DO CLERGY OBSERVE SABBATH?
by Richard L. Hester and
Kelli Walker-Jones
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Please send me vicki@ourpresbytery.org
a highlight and a photo of your favorite VBS experience so we can share it in God Calls.
Congregation holding an event open to the public? Forward the details to vicki@ourpresbytery.org! 
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Celebration of Ordination
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Thank you for your ministry and your service...
- June 6, 1972 - Rev. Wayne Rhodes, Pastor First Presbyterian Church Valparaiso
- June 7, 1977 - Rev. Jeff Deardorff, Pastor Range Line Presbyterian Church Hebron
- June 7, 1964 - Rev. Bruce Fry, Honorably Retired
- June 7, 1970 - Rev. Frank Gready, Honorably Retired
- June 7, 1956 - Rev. Richard Stults, Honorably Retired
- June 11, 1967 - Rev. Ron Elly, Pastor United Presbyterian Church Earl Park
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.
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SMITH MEMORIAL SERVICE
to be held at
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH RENSSELAER
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Please join Rev Ann Williams, Honorably Retired at the Memorial Service for her parents, The Rev. Wayne and Allene Smith. The service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Rensselaer on June 8th at 11:00 a.m. (central). Rev. Smith served the Presbytery of Wabash Valley as the first Moderator, First Presbyterian Church, Rensselaer, Wabash Presbyterian Church, and First Presbyterian Church, Hammond. |
Geneva Center Summer Camp
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 We hope you'll be joining us this year! Come enjoy the outdoors, make new friends, and grow mentally, emotionally, and spiritually in a safe, nurturing, and God-centered environment.  June 26-29 or June 30-July 2 June 26-29 or June 30-July 2
Ignition ~ Grades 4-6 Jr. High ~ Grade 6-8
June 16-21 June 9-14 ~ Classic June 16-21 ~ Adventure ~ MAD
Sr. High ~ Grades 9-12 Juniors, Seniors, 1st Year College Students
June 9-14 ~ Classic June 26-29 ~ CIT Counselors in Training!! June 16-21 ~ Adventure ~ MAD
2013 Geneva Center Summer Staff Training
 | (L to R) April MIllion, Kaitlin McDonald, Rachel Osborn, Nick Easley, Molly DeWitt, Chris Wirt & Keiffer Williams
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Blindfolded Kaitlin being guided, by Summer Camp Director Rev. John Ritchie, through one of the team building challenges.
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Evangelism and Church Growth Conference
1001: Get in the Game
"1001"?!? Over the next 10 years, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has committed to start 1,001 new worshiping communities across the United States. "1001: Get in the Game" will explore how Committees on Ministry, Committees on Preparation for Ministry, churches, entrepreneurial leaders, racial ethnic partners, missional faith communities, and everyone in between are beginning to give birth to these new, exciting worshiping communities. How will you be involved? See 1001:Get in the Game at Big Tent flyer.
Please contact Philip Lotspeich, philip.lotspeich@pcusa.org, x5266, for more information.
Preconferences and Other Activities
- Black Pastors Gathering Equipping Black Pastors for Transformational Leadership in Evangelism and Social Justice
- Asian Leadership Study Program The Reformed Tradition: The Emergence of a Public Church
- Ghana Mission Network Meeting
- Rwanda Mission Network
As part of the Big Tent community, children and youth will participate in worship and shared meals during the Big Tent. Education programs for children and youth will explore the conference theme of Putting God's First Things First. Through interactive play, song, bible study and other activities, children and youth will tap into their own potential to love and explore creative ways to love one another:
- Infant and Toddler Program (6 months to 2 years old)
- Preschool Program (3 years old to entering kindergarten)
- Children's Program (entering 1st to entering 5th grade)
- Younger Youth Program (entering 6th to entering 8th grade)
- Older Youth Program (entering 9th to entering 12th grade)
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Office of the General Assembly Addresses Some Misrepresentations
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The Office of the General Assembly (OGA) has seen an increase in the number of calls from congregations and presbyteries concerning printed materials being circulated within PC(USA) congregation which misrepresent the beliefs and practices of the PC(USA). In response to the broader claims being made in these documents, the OGA staff have prepared a Constitutional Musing addressing some of these misrepresentations. This Constitutional Musing is available online at http://www.pcusa.org/resource/misrepresentations-pcusa/. |
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The Healthcare Committee of the Board of Directors of the Board of Pensions met to review the options being considered for restructuring the medical dues model of the Traditional Program and to agree on a recommendation for Directors to consider at their next regularly scheduled meeting, June 27-29, 2013, in Philadelphia.
For a report on the Committee's meeting, read the news article on pensions.org.
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Where is your General Presbyter
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Monday, June 3 - Thursday, June 13
Vacation
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS & MEETINGS
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Tuesday, June 11
2 pm - Visioning Ministry Team (Go-to-meeting)
Thursday, June 13
CANCELLED - Commission on Ministry
10 am - Nominating Committee
10 am - Stewardship Ministry Team (Go-to-meeting)
Tuesday, June 18
10 am - Commission on Preparation for Ministry
CANCELLED - Geneva Center Ministry Team
Thursday, June 20
10 am - Commission on Ministry Leadership (Conference Call)
5:30 pm - University Church Board Meeting University Church West Lafayette (map)
Tuesday, June 25
10 am - Council
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.
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PWV & Geneva Center Staff Contact Information
Presbytery Summer Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am - NOON
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
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