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Passage to Ponder -  Philippians 3:15-16  (The Message)

 

"So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision-you'll see it yet! Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it."

  

(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.

God Calls
Presbytery of Wabash Valley
PWV Summer Office Hours
 Monday - Thursday 8:00 am - 4 pm
Friday 8:00 am - NOON 
July 3, 2013
Council Members Cheerfully Greeted by "Camp We Can" Campers and Staff

by Council Moderator Rev. Laura Reason,  

First Presbyterian Church Highland 

 

The Council convened on Tuesday, June 25th at the Presbytery office.   We were met upon arrival by many cheerful greetings and smiles from the day campers of "Camp We Can".  
 
Mindful of our full agenda, we started promptly at 10:00 a.m., devoting the morning and first part of the afternoon to discussing a letter received from the Board of Directors of the Synod of Lincoln Trails (SOLT) "seeking clarification of the Presbytery's position regarding the ministry (and property) of University Church at Purdue in West Lafayette, IN." 

 

The Council passed a motion about both the ministry and the SOLT's property which will be referred to the September 13th Presbytery Assembly for their final action.  The Council also appointed two teams to meet with the key leadership and the Board of Directors of UChurch in July to make sure they all understand the facets of our decision.  At the July 23rd Council meeting we will establish the dates for performance benchmarks that must be met by University Church as we move to our September decision. 
 
The Council also:

  • engaged with the Presbytery wide Bible study of Philippians 3:1-14
  • approved the docket and Council minutes of 4.23.13
  • received reports from CPM and the SOLT
    affirmed a recommendation from the Property Committee relative to the Hopewell-Avilla manse
  • referred recommendations of the Transformation Ministry Team to the Standing Rules committee
  • affirmed the recommendations of the Task Force for Attica-Williamsport
  • concurred with the request of Calvary Logansport Session to pursue the "Relief of Conscience" provision in the Board of Pensions Benefits Plan
  • referred COM information to the leadership  team for follow up and action approved a one time use of the Presbytery's directory for the mailing of a brochure from Peabody Retirement Community
  • was updated by the GP, Frank Vardeman about:
    • Dr. Rodger Nishioka as keynoter at our upcoming overnight Assembly Sept. 13th and 14th;
    • a Synod wide training event for COM and CPM members October 3-5 in Champaign Urbana;
    • our delegation to Triennium of 33 young people and 6 adults (as well as 4 other adults involved in the event);
    • the blessings showered on us by First Huntington supporting their pastor John Ritchie serving as the Geneva Center Summer Camp Director this year;
    • and received the annual report of Culley Memorial Fund, which provides continuing education funds for pastors in Whitewater Valley and Wabash Valley.   
The Council also approved with enthusiasm a proposed Covenant of Partnership between PWV and two Mission co-workers just entering service overseas.

Updates were received regarding:
  • Faith West Lafayette
  • the survey done by the Visioning Ministry Team as part of the Joshua Journey
  • Stewardship Ministry Team
  • Geneva Center  

and ratified Laura Reason authorizing an overage in the budget for Triennium after consultation with Alan Griffin and Eric Herzog.
 
There being no further business, the Council adjourned at 2:50 p.m.       

In This Issue
Council Summary
Prayers of the Presbytery
Celebration of Ordination
Thinking as Stewards
Summer Camp Lost & Found
Body & Soul Explores Heidelberg Catechism
Where is Frank
PWV Calendar
SAVE THE DATES
2013 COUNCIL
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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Board of Pensions

The Board Bulletin  

Directors Approve Recommendation
for 2014-2015 Medical Dues

 

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PC(USA) marriage study available for download 

The study was referred to the Office of Theology and Worship by the 220th General Assembly (2012)

  

 

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Pray for Military Chaplains and Personnel on July 4  

Together, through our prayers and gifts, we can make a difference to those whose ministries touch so many.


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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
 

 

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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.)

 

 

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Synod of Lincoln Trails

 Leadership Update  

 

 

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Resource Center

In Partnership with PWV

Congregational Resource Center 

    

   

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ALBAN WEEKLY

 

A MODEL FOR COMMUNITY

by Cameron Harder

 

   

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Prayers of the Presbytery

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Lord, we have a deep sense of patriotism and gratitude as we remember the day in our national history when men were guided to sign the Declaration of Independence.  We are reminded of those who have sacrificed for our freedom and we do not take for granted what was paid with a high price. We give you thanks O' God for all you have given so that we may be free. Free to worship you...free to honor your name...free to hold those in prayer who need our prayers.   

 

We pray for Rev. Louis Sandos, Honorably Retired, as he anticipates retina surgery on Wednesday, July 10. Lord we ask that you are guiding the doctors as they operate and provide the healing that is much needed for Louis' sight to be restored. 

 

We are thankful for the safe arrival of our mission co-workers and their continued safety in such a time of unrest.  Please continue to pray for their safety and for the work they have been sent to do.

 

Prayers are requested for Elder Joy Bailey, COM Member from First Presbyterian Church Monticello who is having back surgery on July 8th.   

  

Please pray for all those attending the Presbyterian Youth Tiennium including those listed below from your Presbytery of Wabash Valley:   

Memorial PC, Dayton - YOUTH: Clara Boles, Hannah Boles, Molly Daniels, Ryan Fitzgerald, Avery Grimes, Jonah Grimes, Tori Rosa, Jayden Rosen, Bailey Sprague, ADULT ADVISORS: Julie Boles [caregiver], Muriel Grimes, Rebecca Sprague; FPC, Delphi - YOUTH: Cecilia Robinson;  FPC, Goshen - YOUTH: Amy Holbrook, Elizabeth Holbrook;  FPC, Huntington - YOUTH: Johnny Ritchie; Central PC, Lafayette - YOUTH: David Beardmore, Aaron Brehm, Greyson Eller, Taylor McCaw, Ross Mitchell, Allie Parker, Gabe Parker, Katie Pimmler, James Porte, Sam Shaney, Tarryn Zorola, WORK CREW: Austin Hartz; ADULT ADVISORS: Allen Bol, Kathy Parker; FPC, Lebanon - YOUTH: Juliette Landon, Moriah Landon, Evan Miller;  Westminster PC, Munster - YOUTH: Claire LeMonnier, Abby Pennanen, Isy Zuniga;  FPC, Portage - YOUTH: Melissa Reyna, ADULT ADVISOR: Tim Reyna;  FPC, South Bend - YOUTH: Will Eggleston, Riley Norman

PYT Hospital LiaisonRev. Bill Smutz, PYT Planning Team - Mark Smutz, PYT Staff - Eric Beardmore. We give thanks for the work of Rev. Anna Parkinson, FPC, Goshen and Rev. David Lawrence, FPC, Elkhart.

 

We give thanks for Calvary Presbyterian Church Logansport as they have faithfully served your church and ministered to their community since 1831.

In Jesus' name we pray, saying Amen.   

Celebration of Ordination

Thank you for your ministry and your service... 

  • July 6, 1986 - Rev. Tom Albaum, First Presbyterian Church Monticello   
  • July 8, 1984 - Rev. Steve Mullin, Pastor Ligonier Presbyterian Church

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 [email protected].   

Thinking as Stewards

Jesus looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasury; he also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. He said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on."                                                                                    Luke 20:41-21:4

 
Generosity is compelling.  Jesus says that the poor widow has given out of her poverty, but in reality it is only she who has given out of her abundance; an inner abundance of the heart that allows her to behave almost recklessly, as if she had more than enough.

 

I was taught to save those pennies, to save them for a rainy day, and it can still keep me looking to the horizon for any sign of clouds.  My spouse, admittedly, has a much better relationship to money: it's not about having or not having, but about knowing the relative value of wealth; it is energy to be moved around, rather than bankable power or security.  Above all, it is a potent way to extend and manifest generosity.

 

As we see in the widow's mite, it's not the amount, but the heart's intention behind it that matters. That is where the real power lies.

 

Questions to consider: What is your relationship with money?  Does money function in your life as security or power or energy - or something else?  Do you consider yourself a generous person?  How could your life more fully reflect the

deep generosity of God?                                 

                                                                       From Forward Day by Day
RECLAIM YOUR FOUND ITEMS BEFORE JULY 31ST
 RenewYourSpirit
If you attended a summer camp event at Geneva Center and you think you may have left something behind contact Cathy Adley at 574-223-6915 or by email at [email protected] before July 31st when all unclaimed items will be donated to Goodwill.
PC(USA) News & Announcements
Groundbreaking study reveals the Heidelberg Catechism's true identity

Body & Soul explores the confession as a contemporary guide for everyday life

Congregational Ministries Publishing

ROBIN RUEFF

 LOUISVILLE

 

Body & Soul: Reclaiming the Heidelberg Catechism is a new study that uncovers the true identity of the Heidelberg Catechism as a deeply personal statement of faith for contemporary Christians. With it, readers will find comfort in belonging, body and soul, to the triune God.

 

Written by M. Craig Barnes, theologian, pastor, popular author, and president of Princeton Theological Seminary, Body & Soul explores the 450-year-old confession as a reliable and inspiring companion in a world where faith and doubt coexist.

 

The book portrays the Heidelberg Catechism to be a surprisingly modern guide for everyday life. A companion DVD (sold separately) features video introductions by Barnes, outlining the study's six sessions.

Continue Reading
Rev Frank Feb 2013  
Where is your General Presbyter

   Rev. Frank Vardeman 
            
Thursday, July 11

Commission on Ministry

Stewardship Ministry Team

Friday & Saturday, July 12 & 13

Joshua Journey Gathering



CALENDAR OF EVENTS & MEETINGS

 

Thursday, July 4 & Friday, July 5
PWV OFFICE CLOSED

Thursday, July 11
10 am - Commission on Ministry
10 am - Nominating Committee
10 am - Stewardship Ministry Team (Go-to-Meeting)

Friday, July 12 & Saturday, July 13
5:30 pm Joshua Journey Gathering

Tuesday, July 16
10 am - Commission on Preparation for Ministry
10 am - Geneva Center Ministry Team

Thursday, July 18
10 am - Commission on Ministry Leadership Team
5:30 PM - University Church at Purdue Board Meeting - University Church West Lafayette (map)

Tuesday, July 23
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.
Presbytery of Wabash Valley & Geneva Center Contact Information
Presbytery Summer Office Hours:
Monday through Thursday 8:00 to 4:00 pm
Friday 8:00 to NOON  

Board Of Pensions Liaison ~ Rev. John Ritchie ~ 260-356-8680
General Presbyter ~
Rev. Frank Vardeman  ~ 574-223-5678 ext 101
Stated Clerk ~ Elder Linda L. Long ~ 219-926-7098
Office Manager ~ Gladys Sargent ~ 574-223-5678 ext 102
Church Relations Coordinator ~ Elder Vicki Dreibelbis ~ 574-223-5678 ext 100
Financial Consultant ~ Elder Eric Herzog ~ 574-223-5678 ext 105
IT Consultant ~ Bonnie Kern ~ 574-223-5678 ext 109
Geneva Center Manager ~ Cathy Adley ~ 574-223-6915 ext 200
Geneva Center Maintenance Director ~ Jeff Winegardener ~ 574-223-6915 ext 204 

Presbytery of Wabash Valley