God Calls
Presbytery of Wabash Valley
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday 8 - 4

November 6, 2013
Passage to Ponder  Philippians 4:5

"Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near."
                          (from Transformation Ministry Team 2013 Monthly Bible Reading and Reflection)
 


Greetings to you in the name of our Lord Jesus the Christ!  I pray this communication finds you well and I give thanks for your continued work and service in name of our Lord Jesus the Christ. I especially give thanks for the ways you have served Christ through the work of the PWV this past year in which I have served as this Presbytery's Moderator.

 

Our final Assembly Meeting for the year is only two weeks away. On Tuesday November 19th we will gather at Geneva Center at 10:00 EST to discern God's will together regarding the important matters that will be before us. I pray that you will participate in this important work and be open to the movement and direction of God's Holy Spirit

 

Some of the business before us will include:

  • Installing new officers and thanking The Rev. Dr. Laura Reason for her three years of service,
  • Hearing the latest report on and engaging in the Joshua Journey Process
  • Receiving a variety of updates and information from the various councils and commissions of the Presbytery
  • Viewing a video update from Joshua and Rebecca
  • Dedicating the Presbytery's new Presbyterian Hymnals
  • Worshiping, studying scriptures and enjoying fellowship with each other.
  • In addition, the Pastoral Care Committee will continue to nurture us as we recognize those who are retiring from or joining our Presbytery.        

 Please remember our policy that documents and items for action will be submitted for distribution to the Stated Clerk 7 days ahead of the Assembly. Any items submitted after that deadline will be considered at the current Assembly only upon approval of the body.   

 

This past year has flown by and I want to thank you all; it has been a privilege to serve as the Moderator for the Assembly. I am continually encouraged each time we live out our connectional nature as Presbyterians. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the larger church in this way. I look forward to seeing you at the November Assembly!

 

Grace and peace,

Kevin A. Bowers

Assembly Moderator 

 

 

Taken it to the Street 
by Rev. David Lawrence, Elkhart First Presbyterian Church
 

Last month Bill Hybels of Chicago's Willow Creek church proclaimed that the local church was the hope of the world. For the local church to live into that vision requires some work as we reach out, unite and become a presence in our neighborhoods growing disciples. Needless to say, this is work that cannot happen if we let the walls of the church define us. Limited by self-imposed boundaries we cannot be the hope of the world or the church that Christ calls us to be.

 

First Presbyterian-Elkhart offers an example of how the local church can be a more active part of the community with a model which can be used in almost any location. Specifically, the church uses a mission project called Take it to the Street as an opportunity to be the church in the world. This annual event involves the congregation and multiple social service agencies in Elkhart working together for mutual benefit. Take it to the Street has turned into an opportunity for us to build stronger ties with service agencies, those they serve and within our congregation.

                 

One Sunday in October for the past several years the congregation at Elkhart has gathered for a short worship followed by a light lunch. Following lunch, the Mission Committee appoints a site supervisor and a number of people needed to complete a project and off we go. This year over a hundred people, member and non-members, served eight agencies which involved painting, landscaping, feeding meals and stuffing newsletters to name a few of the various activities.

                

Jesus was asked when he was seen hungry and hurting to which he replied just as we do for the least of these we do for him. If the church is to live into the vision of itself as the hope of the world, those are the words that need to guide us.

 

 
Prayers of the Presbytery

 

Our Father we thank you for the many ways you touch us in the gentleness of your love. We ask that you guide us that we may follow your example in sharing that gentleness with those near and far.  

   

Continued prayers are requested for Geneva Center Ministry Team Member Elder Carrie Munson of Deer Creek Presbyterian Church and family, in support of her father Bill Sisson as he recovers from a heart attack.

 

We ask for continued prayers and support of our Mission co-workers as they spread the gospel to the world.  

 

May your loving guidance continue to be with Hobart Presbyterian Church as they so faithfully serve their community and you.   

 

May we hold in prayers those with health concerns and/or in recovery that are only known to you.


In Jesus Name we pray, Amen.

In This Issue
Taken It to the Street
Prayers of the Presbytery
Celebration of Ordination
Veteran's Day
Smock Foundation Grant Possibilities
2014 Confirmation Retreat
Living Waters for the World
Six Agencies Comprise PC(USA)
PRESBYTERY ASSEMBLY
November 19, 2013
Geneva Center
10:00 am - 3:00 pm (EST)
More Information and Registration

Save the Dates

2013 COUNCIL

December 10

2013 ASSEMBLY
November 19

2014 COUNCIL
January 21
March 25
April 29
June 24
July 15
August 26
October 21

2014 ASSEMBLY
February 25
May 20 (Wabash Ave. PC, Crawfordsville)
September 12-13
November 18
Ministry Quick Links

BOUNDARIES & ETHICS TRAINING
Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013
10 - 3 (est)
Geneva Center
Registration deadline
Nov. 7, 2013
 by emailing [email protected]
  or call 574-223-5678

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STEWARDSHIP RESOURCES

Simple Wisdom for Rich Living

What Does the Bible Say?

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Congregation Records Retention Schedule

 Download PDF  

This resource is part of the Records Management for Mid Councils workshop, presented by David Staniunas.

 

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Center for Congregations
helping congregations find and use resources

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ALBAN WEEKLY

Why Do You Sit Where You Do?

by Craig A. Satterlee

 

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Celebration of Ordination
Thank you for your ministry and your service...
  •  November 13, 2007 - CRE Timothy Reyna, First Presbyterian Church Portage

If you have been omitted or your information in incorrect please accept my apology. Help to update your records by sending your current information to [email protected].  

Thank you for your service!
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Veteran's Day
 Monday, November 11

Smock Foundation Funding Opportunities Available 
 

The Smock Foundation has been providing assistance for individuals of the Presbyterian faith and residents of the State of Indiana for many years. From time to time, the Foundation has instituted programs as funds allowed. Due to financial blessings this year, the Foundation's Advisory Committee has decided to create a pool of up to $300,000 for the funding of projects and/or programs for Seniors at Presbyterian churches in Indiana. This will be a competitive process, as they anticipate not being able to fund all the requests that meet the requirements.


In addition, they are accepting grant requests for Deacon's Funds for each of the individual churches. This opportunity is for the funding of 2013 grants.

 

Churches should send a separate request for each grant and the grants do not have to be submitted together. The Deacon's fund request may be sent immediately and followed up with the capital/programs grant request.


The Smock Advisory Committee will be meeting in early December to make decisions. This second deadline for application is November 25th. Requests received by that date will be reviewed at the December meeting. The earlier the grant can be submitted, the better.


Any questions regarding these grants should be directed to Jennifer King (Vice President & Sr. Trust & Fiduciary Specialist) at 260-461-6458.
 



2014 Confirmation Retreat
a great way to support your church's own confirmation program

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

The weekend 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 at [email protected].

Living Waters for the World's nine country networks gather for first time

 

Living Waters for the World (LWW) convened its first International Networks Conference here Oct. 28. Gathering at the Evangelical Presbyterian Seminary of the National Presbyterian Church of Guatemala,  47 representatives from 10 countries came together to share ideas and solve issues around access to clean water.  

 

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Presbyterian Church (USA)

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has more than 1.9 million members in more than 10,000 congregations and worshiping communities answering Christ's call to mission and ministry throughout the United States and the world.

Six agencies comprise PC(USA):
  • The Office of the General Assembly,
  • The Board of Pensions,
  • The Presbyterian Mission Agency,
  • The Presbyterian Foundation,
  • The Presbyterian Publishing Corporation and
  • The Presbyterian Investment and Loan Program
Find out more at http://www.pcusa.org
Where is your General Presbyter Rev. Frank Vardeman

 

Rev Frank Feb 2013

Thursday, November 7 - Presbytery Office

                                     - Commission on Ministry

Saturday, November 9 - Joshua Journey Gathering

              Community Presbyterian Church Rochester      

Tuesday, November 12 - Staff Meeting - Presbytery Office

Wednesday, November 13 - Northwest Church Professionals                  Gathering Westminster Presbyterian Church Munster

Thursday, November 14 - Presbytery office

                                                                       -  Stewardship Ministry Team

                              Saturday, November 16 - Boundaries and Ethics Training

                              Monday, November 18 - Presbytery Office

                                                                     - Retiree Ministers Luncheon

                              Tuesday, November 19 - Presbytery Assembly

 

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

 

Upcoming Events and Meetings

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 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

Monday, November 18
12:30 pm - Honorably Retired Ministers and Guest Luncheon

Tuesday, November 19
10 am - Assembly

Thursday, November 21
10 am - Commission on Ministry Leaders (conference call)
10 am - Transformation Ministry Team (conference call)
5:30 pm - University Church Board Meeting West Lafayette (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.

Presbytery of Wabash Valley & Geneva Center Contact Information

Board of Pensions Liaison ~ Rev. John Ritchie ~ 260-356-8680
General Presbyter ~ Rev. Frank Vardeman ~ 574-223-5678 ext 101
Stated Clerk ~ Elder Linda Long ~ 219-926-7098
Office Manager ~ Gladys Sargent ~ 574-223-5678 ext 102
Financial Consultant ~ Eric Herzog ~ 574-223-5678 ext 105
Church Relations Coordinator ~ Elder Vicki Dreibelbis ~ 574-223-5678 ext 100
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
The Presbytery of Wabash Valley creates, connects and nurtures congregations and other ministries to fulfill Christ's mission.