Presbytery of Wabash Valley
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday 8 - 4
| November 13, 2013 |
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 God Calls
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Passage to Ponder Philippians 4:6
"Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."
(from Transformation Ministry Team 2013 Monthly Bible Reading and Reflection)
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We ask for your patience and understanding this week due to some technical difficulties.
The Presbytery office internet service was down all of Friday, November 8th through Monday 9:00 a.m. If you tried to reach us by email and haven't had a response, would you please follow up with the particular staff by resending or making personal contact?
Last evening the Assembly registration invitation and documents were sent but the links to the documents were not activated by Constant Contact. This made it necessary to send the invitation again this morning. Yes, you can now register and download Assembly papers from this latest invitation.
In order for Geneva Center to prepare our meeting space and sufficient meals, please make your reservation no later than today by clicking here. We are so grateful for your understanding.
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AMERICA'S HOMELESS KIDS CRISIS
by Sarah Goodyear, The Atlantic Cities
The number of homeless students in the United States has hit a record high, according to new data from the Department of Education.
 The raw numbers are shocking: in the 2011 school year, 1,168,354 homeless children were enrolled in preschools and K-12 programs. Even more disturbing is the trend those numbers show: nationally, they represent a 10 percent jump over the previous school year, and a stunning 72 percent increase since the beginning of the recession in 2008.
The crisis is not confined to any one region. Forty-three states reported a rise in the number of homeless kids, and 10 showed jumps of more than 20 percent, according to a compilation of the DOE data assembled by the National Center for Homeless Education [PDF]. The biggest jumps were found in Maine (58 percent), Michigan (42 percent), North Carolina (53 percent), North Dakota (212 percent), South Dakota (35 percent), Vermont (31 percent), and Wyoming (40 percent).
In terms of raw numbers, California, New York, Texas, and Florida were hardest hit. The spike in homelessness among American schoolchildren is an unsurprising result of the prolonged effects of the economic downturn. In communities around the country, huge numbers of families are being pushed into homelessness by foreclosure, which has affected some 8 million children [PDF], along with the combination of spiraling rents and stagnating wages. The majority of these kids, some 71 percent, are living in "doubled-up" housing situations, a status defined under DOE rules as "sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason." "One of the toughest things about this issue is that many of these families are invisible," says Cara Baldari, the senior policy director and legal counsel for First Focus, a bipartisan advocacy organization for families and children. And different agencies define homelessness differently. HUD, for example, has regulations that make it difficult for families who are living doubled up to access HUD funded-services. Yet, Baldari says, the stresses on doubled-up kids and families are severe. Efforts to bring DOE and HUD policy into line have been stalled in Congress for the past year. Continue Reading from "The Atlantic Cities" |
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PRESBYTERY ASSEMBLY
November 19, 2013
Geneva Center
10:00 am - 3:00 pm (EST)
More Information and Registration
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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
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Ministry Quick Links
Presbyterian Mission AgencySara Lisherness, director of the Compassion, Peace, and Justice ministry area, told the agency board on September 27 that since 2012 the PC(USA) and its partners have provided 820,000 people with water, food, shelter, psychosocial support, and other assistance. The church responds to Syria****** Congregation Records Retention Schedule Download PDF This resource is part of the Records Management for Mid Councils workshop, presented by David Staniunas. ******
Center for Congregationshelping congregations find and use resources ****** ALBAN WEEKLYA Church for Our Grandchildren by George Mason ******
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Prayers of the Presbytery
Lord, hear our prayers. May we concern ourselves with revealing the kingdom of God through our faithful commitment to the mission of Jesus Christ. We pray for hope in the continued unfolding of the kingdom of God in our midst, trusting in Christ's reign to triumph, especially for those who suffer, who lack, who mourn, and who despair. Bless us with the courage to be living signs of God's unfolding reign. Prayers are needed for Rev. Jack Hess, Honorably Retired who is recovering from foot surgery and the loss of his dog Buddy. Prayers for Rev. Louis Sandos, Honorably Retired and wife Jan as Louis has yet another eye surgery today. Rev. John Van Nuys, Wabash Avenue Presbyterian Church, Crawfordsville, requests healing prayers for his mother, Kathleen Van Nuys as she under goes rehab for her knee.
Prayers are requested for Elder Mike Munson, Geneva Center Ministry Team member, for foot surgery scheduled on Friday.
We ask prayers and support of Rev. Jeff Deardorff and wife Rose, Hebron Range Line Community Presbyterian Church as they leave for the Dominican Republic on Monday, November 18 to continue the mission work that they have been a part of for 25 years. May your loving guidance continue to be with First Presbyterian Church, Highland as they so faithfully serve their community and you since 1937. In Your Holy name we pray, Amen.
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Celebration of Ordination
Thank you for your ministry and your service...
- November 15, 1964 - Rev William Wimberly, Honorably Retired
- November 16, 1980 - Rev Marge Braden, Minister Member at Large
- November 16, 2004 - CRE Edward Fabrici, First Presbyterian Church Kouts
- November 18, 1984 - Rev Adelia Kelso, First Presbyterian Church South Bend
- November 19, 1991 - CRE Anella McFee, Meadow Lake Presbyterian Church Wolcott
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 vicki@ourpresbytery.org.
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"Tragedy must not deter us from our Christian Calling"
Jessica Denson, Communications Specialist The Philippines |
Survivors are desperate for food as debris slows aid
-Fox News
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Super Typhoon Haiyan, the storm, one of the strongest to ever hit the Philippines, has devastated families and left many of them struggling to survive. But among the tragedy is hope-through God's love.
The United Church of Christ in the Philippines, a partner of PC(USA), is standing with the people-helping them cope with the loss of loved ones, homes, businesses.
Continue Reading |
Philippines Typhoon Haiyan
One of the worst recorded typhoons in history, Haiyan has left many dead, hundreds of thousands displaced, and extensive damage. The initial response includes provision of non-food items, drinking water and emergency shelter kits. All PC (USA) mission workers are reported safe.
PDA will respond with One Great Hour of Sharing and designated funds as assessments are completed, needs are identified, and an appeal for assistance is issued.
-Mark Koenig Read More
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 130 Years of Ministry to be Celebrated by Winamac
First Presbyterian Church
On Saturday, November 30 |
 Newest 1001 Video
See how a new worshiping community in Orlando thinks "outside the steeple."
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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.
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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.
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WCC Assembly addresses contemporary public issues Peace, religious freedom are among topics addressed World Council of Churches
World Council of Churches Communications
Busan, South Korea
Continue Reading |
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Where is your General Presbyter Rev. Frank Vardeman
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Wednesday, November 13 - Northwest Church Professionals Gathering Westminster Presbyterian Church Munster
Thursday, November 14 - Presbytery office
- Stewardship Ministry Team
- Pastoral Visits
Saturday, November 16 - Boundaries and Ethics Training
Sunday, November 17 - St John's United Church Chesterton
Monday, November 18 - Presbytery Office
- Retiree Ministers Luncheon
Tuesday, November 19 - Presbytery Assembly
Wednesday, November 20 - Sunday, November 24 - Out of Office - Vacation
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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Upcoming Events and Meetings
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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)Wednesday, November 27
NOON - Lafayette Pastors Lunch Lafayette Brewing Company (map)Thursday, November 28 - Friday, November 29
PRESBYTERY OFFICE CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING
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 InformationFinancial Consultant ~ 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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The Presbytery of Wabash Valley creates, connects and nurtures congregations and other ministries to fulfill Christ's mission.
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