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Passage to Ponder - Philippians 3:10-11 (NRSV)
I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
(from Transformation Ministry Team 2013 Bible Reading and Reflection)
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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 19, 2013 |
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When Small Kindnesses Mean Everything
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by Susan Benda, The Washington Post
The checkout lady at the local grocery store was scowling. I'd knocked over a few tomatoes with my handbag and, even though I quickly picked them up, she wasn't happy. She made me wait a good long while before she finally rang up my purchases. On a normal day, I might have said something to the manager. But this day was different.
Why had I gone to the store at all? I didn't need to buy fruit. I needed to reenter the world of the mundane. I'd just lost my only sibling, my beloved brother Peter, who died at 56 when his heart suddenly stopped beating.
And I wasn't prepared for impersonal nastiness. It made me wonder: Should I tell the checkout lady about my brother's death? Would that have changed her attitude? What if we treated all strangers and friends with the gentleness we reserve for those who have suffered a major loss? This wouldn't be random acts of kindness; it would be constant acts of kindness.
I realize that may not be realistic. But the loss of my brother brought out a real neediness in me. I need people to be nice to me. And some folks really get it. Of course, strangers cannot be expected to intuit that the person they're dealing with may have lost a parent, a best friend or a sibling. But it's excruciating when people you now let you down. They may feel that there is really nothing anyone can do. Yet what people do makes a huge difference.
I am so moved by friends and acquaintances who have made significant gestures. The flowers, the lasagna and the bagels all send a warm hug and bring a smile through the tears. But the silence from other quarters is painful.
How is it that adults do not know how to act when someone dies? Unfortunately I'm experienced enough in the matter to offer some advice: When in doubt, do something - anything - to acknowledge another's loss. Of course it depends some on where you stand in relation to the bereaved, but honestly, if you're a friend, it is time to step it up.
The closest of friends don't need instructions; at least you hope they don't. But they can't carry it by themselves. For the next circle of friends, bring on the gestures: banana nut bread, flowers or plants, a card, a call, another call, an email. For acquaintances, by all means, send cards and emails.
And if you happen upon the bereaved in an unexpected moment, don't worry that a word of condolence may prompt an outburst of tears. The kindness of the gesture may bring a quiet tear, but it is one of gratitude mixed with sadness. Even if your relationship is merely that of one soccer parent to another, don't avoid the subject at the weekly game. Just say you're sorry. That's all you need to do.
You can count on a heartfelt thank you in reply.
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Prayers of the Presbytery
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Lord God, overwhelming gratitude is given for those you appoint with skills as worship leaders chosen based on their creative skills. We seek spiritual gifts to be used to your glory in the guidance as we walk together through the life of your church.
Please hold Rev. Dr. Michael E. Landon, member at large, and his family in your prayers for his general health concerns.
Prayers are needed for the comfort and support of the family of Homer Calhoun father of Molly Calhoun, CE at First Presbyterian Church Rensselaer.
We continue in prayer for Rev. Ron & Ellen Elly, Earl Park Presbyterian Church, as Ron recovers from a stem-cell transplant. Cards and well wishes may be sent to: IU Hospital 550 N University Blvd. (BMT unit) Indianapolis, IN 46202 or visit online at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ronelly.
We give thanks for First Presbyterian Church Merrillville as they have faithfully served your church since 1949. We pray in Jesus' name. 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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Revised PWV Bylaws and Standing Rules can be accessed at http://www.ourpresbytery.org/forms.htm
in the PWV Polity Resources box
****** The Art of Transitional Ministry Oct 28 - Nov 1, 2013 Mercy Center St. Louis, MO Click for Brochure Sponsored by the Synod of Lincoln Trails & The Synod of Mid-America Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) ****** Synod of Lincoln Trails Leadership Update ******
Resource Center In Partnership with PWV Congregational Resource Center ****** ALBAN WEEKLY GETTING STAFF TO SHAREby Judith A. Urban ****** |
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Congregational Events offered to the public
Forward the details to vicki@ourpresbytery.org so we can include in God Calls.
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Please remember Rebecca, Joshua and Owen in prayer as they prepare to leave for Egypt. They will depart on Monday, June 24th.
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If you would like to receive regular updates on their work with the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Egypt, please send a note to Rebecca - kirkpatrickyoder@gmail.com.
If your congregation would like to support Joshua and Rebecca's work by making a donation to Presbyterian World Mission, you may do so by using their Direct Mission Support (DMS) Identification Number D507564 and forwarding to: Presbytery of Wabash Valley 5288 N Old US 31 Rochester, IN 46975". Please be sure to include the account number in the memo line of your check.
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Celebration of Ordination
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Thank you for your ministry and your service...
- June 20, 1971 - Rev. Howard Compton, Pastor of Troy Presbyterian Church Columbia City
- June 20, 1982 - Rev. Larry Moslener, Minister Member at Large
- June 21, 1981 - Rev. Nancy Becker, Honorably Retired & Parish Associate, First Presbyterian Church, Valparaiso
- June 22, 1975 - Rev. David Rosen, Minister Member at Large
- June 23, 1985 - Rev. Jamie Miller, Pastor of Sunnyside Presbyterian Church, South Bend
- June 25, 1965 - Rev. Walter Davis, Honorably Retired & Parish Associate, First Presbyterian Church, Elkhart
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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Geneva Center Summer Camp
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 We hope you are still planning to join us this year! Come enjoy the outdoors, make new friends, and grow mentally, emotionally, and spiritually in a safe, nurturing, and God-centered environment. For registration information
You & Me Ages 6 & up 1st Timers ~ Grade 2-5
June 26-29 or June 30-July 2 June 26-29 or June 30-July 2 
Juniors, Seniors, 1st Year College Students June 26-29 ~ CIT (Counselors in Training)!! ~ MAD   Follow us on facebook to see what your campers are up to! |
Church Leadership Connection.... Face to Face Event
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On August 1-3, 2013, the Church Leadership Connection will hold a Face to Face Event at The Big Tent in Louisville, KY. We invite you to consider attending.
Face-to-Face is an opportunity to move beyond the written words of PIFs and MIFs to meet and talk directly with one another about the possibility of ministry together. It is an opportunity to connect in one place during the event.
To participate you must register by July 1, 2013, and you must also have a new Revised Ministry Information Form (MIF) completed in CLC no later than July 15, 2013.
To register for Face to Face go to: pcusa.org/CLC/facetoface. Once you register, you will receive an email with the appropriate forms that you will need to fill out and send back to CLC.
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Pope Francis: Wasting food is like stealing from the poor
Religion News Service
ALESSANDRO SPECIALE
VATICAN CITY
Pope Francis on June 5 denounced consumerism and what he called the "culture of waste" of modern economies, especially when it comes to food.
"Throwing away food is like stealing from the table of those who are poor and hungry," he said during his weekly audience in St. Peter's Square.
His words came on the day the United Nations launched an anti-food waste campaign to mark World Environment Day.
According to data provided by the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization, approximately 1.3 billion tons of food - one third of the world's total food production - are lost or wasted every year. In the United States, 30 percent of all food is thrown away each year.
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Do you remember Reunion?
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30 years ago this month, the two largest Presbyterian denominations in the U.S. reunited to become the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The Presbyterian Church in the U.S. ("Southern church") and the United Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. ("Northern church"), split since the Civil War, again became one church at a General Assembly in Atlanta, Georgia. Full of jubilation, the event was marked by a parade, bagpipes, and spontaneous choruses of "Amazing Grace."
Do you remember this historic occasion? Presbyterian Historical Society has uploaded archival news footage of the event to its website; check it out and share your memories of Reunion in the comments!
Also check out The Newsletter of the Presbyterian Historical Society PHS MATTERS.
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FREE CLERGY ROBES
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Free Clergy Robes (One in Grey and One in Black) with Doctoral Chevrons and Red Piping. Also, a Clergy Robe Travel Case (Hardly Used). All are free, but you will either come and pick-up the items at my home in Kokomo or pay for the shipping to your home. I do not have any notion about the packaging and shipping costs via UPS. If interested, call me (Rev. William Emrich, Honorably Retired) at 765-201-4285 or send an email to pstrbill@att.net.
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Where is your General Presbyter
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Thursday, June 20
Pastoral Visit
Monday, June 24
Congregational Visit
Tuesday, June 25
Council
Wednesday, June 26
Pastoral Visit
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS & MEETINGS
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Thursday, June 20
CANCELLED - Commission on Ministry Leadership (Conference Call)
5:30 pm - University Church Board Meeting University Church West Lafayette (map)
Tuesday, June 25
10 am - Council
Saturday, June 29
CANCELLED - 3rd Wave Transformation Coaches Workshop
CANCELLED - 3rd Wave Transformation Congregational Coordinating Team Workshop
Thursday, July 4
PWV 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. |
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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 |
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