LabCross

  The Presbytery of Wabash Valley creates, connects and nurtures congregations and other ministries to fulfill Christ's mission.

God Calls
Presbytery of Wabash Valley
Office Hours
Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4 pm 
October 30, 2013
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by Elder Melissa Pace, Memorial Presbyterian Church South Bend 

 

Over the last few months I had the privilege of participating in the Joshua Journey. During the series of retreats, the participants had before them the task of discerning the new vision for the Presbytery of Wabash Valley.  

At the beginning of each gathering we viewed "The Art of Possibility". We did this to remind us of the possibilities that we can and will grow into with the presbytery instead of having downward spiral conversations. We used the video as a wonderful tool to keep us motivated in his work.

 

During the first retreats we looked at our context, size, and culture. From these discussions, we worked hard on refining our focus statement and image. The group identified several priority function concepts which grew from the Focus Statement - and which will direct the presbytery's work for the next 2-3 years. It built a preliminary picture of a structure which will help the presbytery live out its focus and accomplish its function(s).

 

Everyone in the Presbytery was invited to complete a survey for the members of the journey to review for guidance on how to become more focused on supporting congregations and each other as well as becoming more efficient and effective. The results of the survey were reviewed at the July retreat.  

 

During the August retreat, we began to look at the primary functions of the presbytery, under the two categories of supporting, and connecting our worshiping communities, and supporting, and equipping, leaders (including teaching, commissioned, and ruling elders, and also deacons, clerks, and staff).

 

During this last retreat, we really started to focus on what the new structure should look like as well as what functions are necessary in order to accomplish the goals of our work together. These were shared with Council after our last gathering.   I am sure we will hear their thoughts regarding our recommendations.

 

From the work done so far and using the biblical image of Revelation 22:1-2 the group proposes the Mission statement: "Nourished by the living waters of Jesus Christ, we awaken, enliven and enhance worshiping communities to courageously extend their branches and bear new fruit in the Spirit."  

 

The Joshua Journey has been an experience that I will cherish for many years to come. It has personally given me new hope and excitement for our Journey in faith together.

COUNCIL SUMMARY

by Elder Linda L. Long, Stated Clerk for the Presbytery 

 

Moderator Laura Reason called fourteen members of Council plus staff to order on October 22nd and moved into songs and Morning Prayer from Glory to God, the new Presbyterian hymnal.

 

General Presbyter Frank Vardeman reviewed his report to Council, and among other matters:

  • Acknowledged enthusiasm of the September Assembly for Dr. Rodger Nishioka's preaching and teaching about Radical Hospitality.
  • Proposed and Council approved applications for funding and the purchase of sufficient Automated External Defibrillators (AED) for gatherings at Geneva Center.
  • Invited Honorably Retired Ministers to meet with Board of Pensions, COM and presbytery leaders for lunch on Monday, November 18th.
  • Led discussion of accommodations for those with food allergies during Communion.
  • Noted Confirmation Retreat is scheduled for the weekend of January 17-19, 2014, at Geneva Center.

Stated Clerk Linda Long encouraged Council and other presbytery leaders to recommend applicants to the Nominating Committee for election as commissioners to the 221st General Assembly June 14-20, 2014, in Detroit, and reviewed the process and deadlines for submitting presbytery overtures to the General Assembly.

 

Visioning Team convener Steve Braden received Council approval for revising the Joshua Journey visioning process to focus the fifth retreat on discussion of Geneva Center, and for a recommendation that a Joshua Journey Team be named to develop proposals for structure, staffing finances and Geneva Center. A portion of the November Assembly will address the proposed focus/mission statement and a prioritization of presbytery functions.

 

Transformation Ministry Team moderator Bill Hudson reported on the team's recent work with congregations and its plans for 2014 that include continuing support from the Center for Parish Development, new ways of partnering with COM, and celebration of congregations who have completed the Missional Transformation Process with TMT.

 

Council also:

  • Defined a process to nominate Nominating Committee members by email vote,
  • Accepted reports of Commission on Preparation for Ministry and Commission on Ministry, Council minutes for August 27th, status reports of the Geneva Center Ministry Team, property committee and finance, and ideas from the Stewardship Ministry Team for continuing to provide workshops and other events to support congregations and their leaders, and
  • Tabled a motion to set aside the remaining Ladoga funds for church development, with a commitment that future agenda will list tabled motions.

Council adjourned with prayers led by John Everett at 1:15 p.m. Next Stated Assembly is at Geneva Center on Tuesday, November 19th, at 10 am EST.

 

In This Issue
Joshua Journey
Council Summary
Prayers of the Presbytery
Celebration of Ordination
221st General Assembly Application Deadline Fast Approaching
2014 Confirmation Retreat
Building Relationships
Malawi Matters 2014 Mission Trip
The Recession and Its Implicaitons for Congregational Life-Event
Where's Frank
PWV Calendar
Quick Links

BOUNDARIES AND ETHICS TRAINING

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2013 

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (eastern)
Geneva Center Camp and Conference Center 
5282 N Old US Hwy 31, Rochester.

Registration deadline
Thursday, November 7
Email [email protected] or
call the presbytery office - 574-223-5678



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BoP Board Connections
The Board Bulletin - Fall 2014

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Joshua Journey Logo
If you or someone from your congregation has not completed the following survey considering the retreat usage of Geneva Center please take a few minutes and do so now -- we seek only one response per congregation.  The deadline is Friday, November 1. 

QUICK SURVEY


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RESOURCE CENTER IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PRESBYTERY OF WABASH VALLEY

Congregational Resource Center

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Center for Congregations
helping congregations find and use resources


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ALBAN WEEKLY

And Then the Rules Changed

by Hayim Herring  

 

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Prayers of the Presbytery

LabCross

Our Father thank you for being our source of strength. We ask that you help us in our determination as we pursue what is necessary to strengthen us on our journey.  

 

Please hold Elder Carrie Munson, Deer Creek Presbyterian Church and Geneva Center Ministry Team Member, in prayer as she provides support to her father Bill Sisson as he recovers from a heart attack.  

 

Please continue to hold Martha Flora, Commissioned Ruling Elder First Presbyterian Church Albion, in your prayers as she recovers from a total shoulder replacement.

 

We give you thanks O Lord for Lima Presbyterian Church, Howe as they have faithfully served your church and ministered to their community since 1833. 

   

We Jesus' name we pray, Amen.  

Celebration of Ordination

Thank you for your ministry and your service... 

  • November 1, 1987 - Rev. Steve Quinlan, First Presbyterian Church Peru 
  • November 4, 2001 - Rev. Kevin Bowers, Bethany Presbyterian Church Lafayette
  • November 4, 1973 - Rev. David Smook, Honorably Retired   
  • November 5, 1961 - Rev. Kenneth Burris, 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 [email protected].   

       

NOMINEE APPLICATIONS ENCOURAGED FOR



APPLICATION DEADLINE NOVEMBER 6, 2013

The 221St General Assembly will be held in Detroit, Michigan, June 14 through the 21st, 2014.
Please click here for applications and more information.

2014 Confirmation Retreat

Friday, January 17 - Sunday January, 19 at the Geneva Center.

 

The Confirmation Retreat is a great way to support your church's own confirmation program.

 

The weekePWV Confirmation Retreat 2013nd is filled with interactive discussions and hands-on workshops that engage youth as they learn foundational reformed theological beliefs of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and learn what it means to be a member of a connectional church. Time is also set aside for fellowship, games and a Saturday evening movie! Please mark your calendars and plan on attending this wonderful way to kick off or supplement the confirmation program of your church.

 

For more information please call Justin Schlesinger-Devlin at 765 296-3199 or email him a [email protected] 

 

Time Spent Together Well Worth the Investment...

from Rev. Jody Noble, Immanuel Presbyterian Church Schererville

 

Paul Anderson (FPC Dyer), Roger Hartzler (Community Presbyterian, Lake Station), Dave Wood (FPC Crown Point) and Jody Noble (Immanuel PC, Schererville) spent the day together in Grand Rapids shopping at Baker Book Store and Eerdeman's Book Store, eating lunch at Red Lobster and touring the Gerald Ford Museum.  Although we know each other from our weekly Pastor's Bible Study, this time away together really helped us get to know each other on a more personal level and everyone agreed it was well worth our time!  

 

I encourage members of our presbytery to make time to get away together in small groups to get to know each other better ... it is a wonderful investment in each other and the life of our presbytery.

 

Malawi Matters

2014 Mission Trip

Malawi Matters is accepting applications for its 2014 mission trip.  We will be going earlier this year, and there are many components of the trip, so we are recruiting earlier than in the past. Please follow a   

 

Applications being Accepted for 2014 Teams:

Job Description for Volunteer Trainer

More Information    

 

Contact Phyllis Wezeman at [email protected] with any questions you may have.

 

CENTER FOR CONGREGATION EVENT

The Recession and Its Implications for Congregational Life
9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Eastern time)
Wednesday, November 13, 2013 in Fort Wayne
Thursday, November 14, 2013 in Seymour

Congregations are invited to explore the findings, data and implications of the 2013 Congregational Economic Impact study. William Enright, director of the Lake Institute on Faith and Giving at Indiana University School of Philanthropy, and Aim�e Laramore, associate director of the institute, will review the study, focus on the implications for congregations and talk about fundraising as ministry.

LEARN MORE 

Where is your General Presbyter  Rev. Frank Vardeman

Rev Frank Feb 2013
Wednesday, October 27 - Pastoral Call
Thursday, October 31  - Monday, November 4 - Vacation
Tuesday, November 5  - Geneva Center Ministry Team
Thursday, November 7 - Commission on Ministry
Saturday, November 9 - Joshua Journey Gathering

To inquire or invite Rev. Frank Vardeman, General Presbyter, to visit your church, please feel free to contact Gladys - 574-223-5678 or [email protected].


CALENDAR OF EVENTS & MEETINGS

Wednesday, October 30
NOON - Lafayette Pastors Gathering - Lafayette Brewing Company (map)

Remember to set your clock BACK by one hour before you go to bed on Saturday night.

Sunday, November 3 - Daylight Savings time ends this weekend at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday morning, November 3rd.

Tuesday, November 5
10 am - Geneva Center Ministry Team

Thursday, November 7
10 am - Commission on Ministry
6:30 pm - Carroll County Churches Gathering - Cutler Presbyterian Church (map)

Saturday, November 9
9:30 am - Joshua Journey Gathering by reservation only at Community Presbyterian Church, Rochester (map)

Tuesday, November 12
10 am - Commission on Preparation for Ministry
10 am - Staff Meeting

Wednesday, November 13
NOON (CT) - 1 pm (ET) - Northwest Church Professionals Gathering Westminster PC Munster (map)

Thursday, November 14
10 am - Stewardship Ministry Team (go-to-meeting)

Saturday, November 16
10 am - Boundaries and Ethics Training
 
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 Office Hours:
Monday through Friday 8:00 to 4:00 pm 

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