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Passage to Ponder - Matthew 25:40 (RSV)
"And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.'"
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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 Office Hours
Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4 pm October 23, 2013 |
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A time for every (re)purpose under Heaven
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New York congregation's physical space reborn as senior housing complex
Presbyterian News Service
Jim Nedelka, Special to Presbyterian News Service
Astoria NY
"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under Heaven."
If you were to ask the Rev. Don Olinger, retired pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Astoria, he'd be apt to endorse the opening line of Ecclesiastes 3.
But, being the persuasive, passionate person that he is, he'd be most likely to heavily advocate that the conclusion of this verse be tweaked to read, "And a time for every (re)purpose under heaven."
On Sept. 16, a warm Monday evening in the last week of summer here in the New York City Borough of Queens, community and religious leaders joined with civic officials, a member of Congress and a couple of dozen "regular folks," shoe-horning themselves into the lobby of the recently-opened HANAC-PCA Senior Residence.
They all gathered at the invitation of Evangeline Douris, chair of the Hellenic American Action Committee [HANAC] to honor the vision of Olinger and the members of the Presbyterian Church of Astoria [the "PCA" portion of HANAC-PCA.]
Also honored was the memory of the stone church, church house and manse which used to stand on this site, now re-purposed as a new, six-story building with 66 studio and one-bedroom apartments, home to 65 seniors plus a live-in superintendent. The facility also includes a parking garage, office space for the senior services staff and indoor and outdoor recreational space-including a garden with a full-size bocce court!
Much of the new lobby's furnishings are repurposed from Astoria Presbyterian, making it easy to understand why this evening's tribute prompted thoughts of Ecclesiastes to this observer. The rich brown wainscoting once adorned the chancel and choir benches. The ornately-carved, two-tiered pulpit has been spiffed-up and now serves proudly as a lectern for guest speakers.
On the walls, what were once hymn boards now hang lovingly as folk art, while original artifacts from the congregation's history-many discovered when a lead box turned up during demolition was later pried open to reveal a century-old time capsule-are displayed in custom made cases that echo the interior arches of the former church building.
While not a specifically a Presbyterian "owned" project, the PC(USA) seal is showcased on one wall captioned by a loving embrace of the cooperative nature of the project.
This September evening's festivities are rooted in a confluence of events which occurred around the turn of the 21st Century. At that time, Astoria Presbyterian, nestled on a cozy side street a mere 15 minutes by subway from the hustle and bustle of Times Square, was forced to face a not-so-warm-and-fuzzy reality: Olinger's failing eyesight from Stargardt's disease, the congregation's diminishing membership, and the mounting expenses and frustrations incumbent with the property's three rapidly-aging 1920s-era buildings which had replaced the original 1846 Colonial Revival church structure.
Astoria Presbyterian began a time of discernment, discussion and prayer. The congregation examined several approaches, ranging from a total dissolution and sale-in essence, folding the tent and walking away from some 160 years of service-to finding "financial angels" willing to help underwrite the renovation and modernization of their creaking structures.
Olinger championed the sentiment that a church is not a building but the people inside the building. Despite his dimming vision, he continued to see a bright future for his congregation even if it didn't include Astoria's fading shell.
By 2005, the congregation had reached "A time to cast away stones," agreeing on a plan to sell the buildings and grounds to a not-for-profit organization which "exemplified the congregation's mission of 'helping people.'" Then, using the sale price-some of which would go to fund their endowment-Astoria Presbyterian would remain alive, albeit serving God and Astoria from a different location in their familiar neighborhood.
Not every Astoria member got on board with the repurposing plan. Some left while others decried it as "...a time to die." Ultimately, their "Save Astoria Presbyterian Church" as-is movement fell short.
Read the story online
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Encourage church members,
Session Members and Deacons to join the God Calls Mailing List in order to know and share what is going on with other congregation and the larger church.
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SAVE THE DATES
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2013 COUNCIL
December 10
2013 ASSEMBLY
November 19 2014 COUNCIL January 21 March 25 April 29 June 24 July 15 August 26 October 21 December 9
2014 ASSEMBLY
February 25 May 20 Wabash Avenue PC, Crawfordsville September 12-13 November 18
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Congregational Events
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"What Can Orlando Theme Parks Teach the Church about Hospitality?"
Saturday, November 9
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (CT)
Westminster Presbyterian Church
Munster, IN
Please call the Church office at 1-219-838-3131 by October 29th to make reservations.
Click Here for Information
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Prayers of the Presbytery
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Loving God, thank you for the continued guidance in the realization of your absolute love. May we reflect daily your kindness and love in what we say or do.
Please hold Martha Flora, Commissioned Ruling Elder First Presbyterian Church Albion, in your prayers as she has a total shoulder replacement on October 29th.
We give you thanks O Lord for Salem Center Presbyterian Church, Hudson as they have faithfully served your church and ministered to their community since August 1839.
We pray in your name, Amen.
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Celebration of Ordination
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Thank you for your ministry and your service...
- October 28, 1990 - Rev. Richard DeMaris, Valparaiso University Faculty
- October 30, 1969 - Rev. Allen Campbell, Honorably Retired
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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TRANSFORMATION MINISTRY TEAM LOOKING FOR ASSISTANCE IN WRITING
THE PRESBYTERY WIDE 2014 BIBLE STUDY
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G-3.0105 Meetings - Meetings of councils shall be opened and closed with prayer.
Do you know of any other organization that mandates beginning and ending each meeting with prayer? This is not merely a custom, as with the United States Congress who also begin meetings with prayer, but a requirement that could be enforced with judicial process.
For the past three years the Transformation Ministry Team (TMT) has provided a brief Bible study to assist Presbytery commissions, committees and ministry teams, as well as Sessions and other groups with opening their meetings with prayer. These Bible studies have also served to connect us between our various groupings. I have been in meetings where Presbyters have said something like: "This is the third time this month we have used this study, and each time the group responds differently," demonstrating that the Spirit is indeed alive within us.
Now TMT is looking for twelve Teaching Elders or Ruling Elders to write brief Bible studies for 2014. What Scripture would you have us look at in February? Which translation would help us dig into the passage in May? Do you have an exegetical note or illustration to share for August? What questions would encourage reflection and discussion in November?
Guidelines: Each writer should:
- Contact Robert Shaw (Robert@ChristWinfield.org 219-663-0129) to coordinate months and content.
- Include a Scripture passage, selecting an appropriate translation.
- Optionally include a brief exegetical note or illustration.
- Include questions that will encourage reflective discussion about God's presence and guidance among us.
- Optionally end with a prayer.
- Include a brief biography about the author. For example:
Water continues to be a significant element in Teaching Elder Robert Shaw's life. As pastor he baptizes people at Christ Presbyterian Church and he has previous experience with water as a Sonar Systems Engineer and as a Navy submarine officer, and he enjoys swimming.
- Fit a month's Bible study within a half sheet of paper.
- Submit your entry by November 18th to Robert Shaw.
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Our work is possible thanks to the One Great Hour of Sharing: Sharing Resources, Changing Lives.
Save the Date: Upcoming Opportunities
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Fair Trade Delegation(Nicaragua) January 4-11, 2014-Join PHP and Eqaul Exchange in experiencing the benefits of fair trade first-hand when you visit coffee, craft, and sewing cooperatives. Applications are due October 28, and some need-based scholarship assistance is available. Read more
SNAP/Food Stamp Challenge November 17-23, 2013-PC(USA) denominational leaders, Stated Clerk Gradye Parsons, Moderator Neal Presa, and Presbyterian Mission Agency Executive Director Linda Valentine will engage in the SNAP/Food Stamp Challenge. The Challenge is a discipline designed to draw attention to the injustice of poverty and hunger in the U.S. We invite the rest of the church to join our church leaders, either by taking the actual Challenge or by joining in solidarity, outreach, and prayer. You can learn more about ways to participate online.
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BOUNDARIES AND ETHICS TRAINING
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2013
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (eastern)
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Saturday, November 16, 2013 has been set for the next Boundaries and Ethics Training after Commission on Ministry approved a policy that all members of presbytery; teaching elders and ruling elders, staff, those on the pulpit supply list, and those engaged in work with congregations are required to attend Boundaries and Ethics training every three years. Those who attended the sessions offered in 2011 and 2012 will be due to attend a training in 2014 and thereafter. Staff will develop a plan for varied content and different presenters to cover sexual misconduct, financial process, ethics, and other roles concerning appropriate boundaries.
Carol L. Hornbeck, LMFT: MA will lead the event. She is a counselor with Center Point Counseling, Indianapolis, and has worked for more than 25 years as a consultant and educator to national and regional secular and religious organizations. Carol works with congregations to recognize, respond to and reduce the risk of child sexual abuse and clergy sexual misconduct.
The training will be held at Geneva Center Camp and Conference Center, 5282 N Old US Hwy 31, Rochester. Training materials, snacks and lunch will be provided. The event and lunch registration deadline is Thursday, November 7, by emailing gladys@ourpresbytery.org or calling the presbytery office - 574-223-5678.
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REFORMATION SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27,2013
Did you know that the last Sunday of the month is set aside to commemorate the events and figures of the Protestant Reformation? Presbyterians celebrate Reformation Sunday along with millions of Reformed church members around the globe.
Many churches this Reformation Sunday are focusing on the Heidelberg Catechism, which celebrates its 450th anniversary in 2013. Click to read more...
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Where is your General Presbyter
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- Thursday, October 24
- Presbytery Office
- Pastoral Visit
- Ministry Team Moderator
- Friday & Saturday, October 25 & 26
- Synod of Lincoln Trails Stated Meeting (Philo Presbyterian Church, Philo, Illinois)
- Sunday, October 27
- First Presbyterian Church Michigan City
- Tuesday, October 29
- Wednesday, October 30
- Lafayette Pastors Luncheon
To inquire or invite Rev. Frank Vardeman, General Presbyter, to visit your church, please feel free to contact Gladys - 574-223-5678 or gladys@ourpresbytery.org. |
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS & MEETINGS
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Thursday thru Saturday, October 24 - 26Committee on Representation Training - Crowne Plaza Chicago O'Hare Hotel & Conference Center (map)Friday & Saturday, October 25 - 26Synod of Lincoln Trails Meeting - Philo Presbyterian Church, Philo, IL (map)Tuesday, October 2910 am - Staff Wednesday, October 30NOON - Lafayette Pastors Gathering - Lafayette Brewing Company (map)Tuesday, November 510 am - Geneva Center Ministry Team Thursday, November 710 am - Commission on Ministry 6:30 pm - Carroll County Churches Gathering - Cutler Presbyterian Church (map)
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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Presbytery of Wabash Valley & Geneva Center 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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