Presbytery of Wabash Valley
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday 8 - 4
| November 20, 2013 |
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 God Calls
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Passage to Ponder Philippians 4:7
"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
(from Transformation Ministry Team 2013 Monthly Bible Reading and Reflection)
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"Shining Eyes" Were at the November Assembly
New Focus Statement is Adopted
Gathering in Assembly on a cool, calm day after regional tornados two days before, our presbytery members talked, prayed, sang, elected and otherwise:
- Listened to updates on the Joshua Journey visioning process and adopted its focus statement to shape the ongoing mission of presbytery:
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.
- Were blessed by Moderator Kevin Bower's sermon on the Scripture guiding the discernment of presbytery work, Rev. 22:1-2: Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God ... On either side of the river is the tree of life ... producing its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.
- This part of John's vision is "lush and comforting; images of healing and life giving water, but hold a challenge and call to all who would call themselves Christian."
- If God's new creation on earth includes giving life and healing nations, what does this mean for Presbytery of Wabash Valley to engage in mission and ministry that is life-giving and promotes healing among our communities and among nations?
- Life-giving water is a gift from God; channel it or carry in buckets or stay out of the way and don't restrict the flow.
- Healers of nations take risks and engage the world, to work for the freedom of the oppressed, care for the poor and infirm, speaking truth to power.
- Quoting his friend Peter Storey, "When you walk into a local church you are looking at God's best idea for mending the entire universe...The church is viable only with its boots on the ground...The most important gift the church can give the world is to be different from it."
- "The only way the Joshua Journey will be any different from other visioning processes that come and go without making a change... the only way [we] will be fruitful is if we allow God's vision of a new heaven and a new earth to captivate us and to call us into a new way of being...to begin to work in ways that are life-giving and for the healing of the nations."
- Experienced the work and life of Joshua, Rebecca and Owen through their video story and interview as their ministry seeks to heal nations, and invited other congregations to partner with them. (Contact the Presbytery office vicki@ourpresbytery.org if you would like an email version of their video.)
- Elected its commissioners to the 221st General Assembly that will consider the ministry and mission of the PC(USA) in 2014: Jill Kitowski (RE, The Presbyterian Church, La Porte), Judy Friend (RE, First Presbyterian Church, Peru), Bill McLean (TE, First Presbyterian Church, Delphi), and Tom Albaum (TE, First Presbyterian Church, Monticello), and alternate Larry Biggs (RE, Lake Station Community Church).
- Installed its officers: Assembly Moderator Jeff Cover (TE, Central, Lafayette), Council Moderator Kevin Bowers (TE, Bethany, Lafayette), Vice Moderator Jill Kitowski (RE, The Presbyterian Church, La Porte), and Stated Clerk Linda Long (RE, First, Valparaiso), and honored outgoing Council Moderator Laura Reason for her three years of leadership as an officer.
- Re-commissioned ruling elder Tim Reyna (First, Valparaiso) to pastoral service for First Presbyterian Church, Portage.
- Elected a slate of leaders for committees, teams and commissions of presbytery.
- Met Ed Thompson (Regional Rep and TE, Heartland Presbytery) and learned about current and anticipated changes by the Board of Pensions, as well as the benefits conferred upon congregations and their pastors.
- Celebrated ministry of five pastors who are or will be honorably retired this year: Chuck Compton, Wayne
 Rhodes, John Everett, Linda Skaggs, and Doug Mankell.
- Caught glimpses of the Big Tent Conference last August through stories told with "shining eyes" by Andy Betts (RE, Sunnyside, South Bend).
- Received a variety of reports, and in particular heard from General Presbyter Frank Vardeman that a Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) team will be visiting Indiana's tornado-damaged areas to assess damage and plan relief, and will be hosted by Faith, Kokomo.
- Wrapped in prayer those present to engage those in need by being "new" in ways that are life giving and for the healing of nations.
- Received $663.50 for the Christmas Joy Offering.
Next Stated Assembly is Tuesday, February 25th, 10 a.m. at Geneva Center.
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Save the Dates
2013 COUNCIL
December 10
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
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Free Offering Envelopes
The Presbyterian Church of La Porte experienced amazing customer service from the One Write company and, due to some ordering mix ups, they were gifted 3,000 bulk offering envelopes size (3 5/8" x 7") in design #2011 "Welcome Visitor". Due to the envelopes not fitting their pew holders they would like to pass along this "gift" to another church that could use them. Please feel free to contact Sarah Heying, Secretary, 219-362-6219.
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Student Youth Pastor Position
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Prayers of the Presbytery
Lord we thank you for ways you remind us you will always protect us by never leaving us. Even in the midst of Sunday's devastating storms, while we were afraid we were able to find we could rely on your always presence and power calming our fears.
May our prayers surround Rev. Laura Reason, First Presbyterian Church Highland and family, as she goes to be with son John, as he recovers from surgery.
We ask continued prayers and support of Rev. Jeff Deardorff and wife Rose, Hebron Range Line Community Presbyterian Church as they serve in the Dominican Republic continuing the mission work that they have been a part of for 25 years.
May we continue to hold in prayer those unknown to us in their health concerns and loss of loved ones.
May continued prayers surround our mission co-workers.
May your loving guidance continue to be with Range Line Community Presbyterian Church, Hebron since 1921 they have so faithfully served their community and you.
In Your name we pray, Amen.
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Celebration of Ordination
Thank you for your ministry and your service...
- November 26, 1978 - Rev Ronald Green, Deer Creek Presbyterian Church
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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 Celebrating the One True Light
This year's video provides a glimpse into some of the lives directly impacted through your gifts to the Christmas Joy Offering. Through your generous giving this year, you will be sharing the One True Light of Christ's love with members of the whole family of God, especially
Watch the video
Here are some ideas to help you have a successful Christmas Joy Offering:
- Share the video. Download it today and post it to your congregation's website, and/or order it by calling 800-524-2612.
- Promote the offering to your congregation. Encourage your members to consider how they will give to the offering through your congregation-or, if they won't be present when your congregation receives the offering, to give online now.
- Order resources in Spanish or Korean.
- Make sure your members have received their offering materials. Contact Presbyterian Distribution Service if you have questions.
- Find and download additional resources that can help your congregation promote the offering, such as worship resources and minutes for mission.
Please make checks payable to the Presbytery of Wabash Valley noting Christmas Joy Offering and forward to 5288 N OLD US HWY 31 - Rochester, IN 46975
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First Lebanon Childcare Ministry Advances on State's Voluntary Quality Rating System, with United Way's Help
Presbyterian Preschool Ministry poised to meet higher quality early child care standards...
INDIANAPOLIS - The first child care ministry in Lebanon to embark on the state's voluntary Paths to QUALITY rating system with help from United Way of Central Indiana (UWCI) has met 130 health and safety standards and is on its way to meet higher levels of quality, announced United Way.
The achievement makes Presbyterian Preschool Ministry in Lebanon the first in the city to meet the state's voluntary standards for quality. The provider has space for 101 children and is now eligible to receive dollars through the Child Care Development Fund, or CCDF, which provides access to child care for low-income families.
Presbyterian Ministry is one of the more than 50 licensed centers and unregistered child care ministries that have voluntarily agreed to improve the quality of service they provide to children and is receiving United Way's support to do so. United Way has committed to lead the charge for quality early child care for the next 10 years.
United Way invested $54,000 in Presbyterian Preschool Ministry enabling the facility to increase its capacity, its lighting, install hand washing sinks and flooring for healthier conditions, add classrooms on the first floor for the safety of the youngest children and add emergency exits.
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 130 Years of Ministry to be Celebrated by Winamac
First Presbyterian Church
On Saturday, November 30 |
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25 DEADLINE
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 Monday, 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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Where is your General Presbyter Rev. Frank Vardeman
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Wednesday, November 20 - Sunday, November 24 - Out of Office - Vacation
Tuesday, November 26 - Presbytery Office
Wednesday, November 27 - 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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Upcoming Events and Meetings
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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
Tuesday, December 3
10 am Geneva Center Ministry Team
Wednesday, December 4
9 am - Presbyterian Women
Thursday, December 5
10 am - Commission on Ministry
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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