Presbytery of Wabash Valley
Office Hours: 8 - 4 Monday - Friday
| December 18, 2013 |
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 God Calls
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Passage to Ponder James 5:7-10 (RSV)
"Be patient, therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it until it receives the early and the late rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble, brethren, against one another, that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the doors. As an example of suffering and patience, brethren, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord."
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"Inclusion of Everyone"
Rev. Patty Jones, First Presbyterian Church Fowler
The holiday season is one that, if you believe the marketing agencies, is only filled with happiness, festivities and merriment. Frankly it should be, as many in the world prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
However, there are moments that will attempt to destroy or at the least temporarily dampen our expectations for the season. One example may include "political correctness".
I remember when the Indiana State Museum changed the Christmas exhibit to "Celebration Crossing". I was volunteering to help the children ride the old Ayres train. The amount of complaints I heard was irritating. You see, not everyone, who brought his or her children celebrated Christmas. There were many religions represented in those parents and children on that toy train at any given time. It was a global experience on the third floor of this building.
Another example - I was Vice President and General Manager for a cosmetics manufacturer. This multi-million dollar international company was not only minority owned, but all were Jehovah's Witnesses with the exception of four people. One of my responsibilities was planning special events. We celebrated with a "Year End Dinner" at the Indianapolis Zoo. From the outside, it looked as if it were a Christmas party. It was held in mid-December and there were wrapped gifts for each employee. Jehovah Witness do not celebrate holidays. By the way, the four non-Jehovah Witness employee's faith was comprised of one Christian, one Sikh and two Muslims.
How about when you are shopping for your Christmas presents and the cashier says, "Happy Holidays"? Do you want to argue with them or do you become defiant and say, "Merry Christmas" with an unpleasant attitude? I have witnessed both...
While my theology and the theology of Jehovah's Witness, Sikh, Islam, and Judaism is different we are still all children of God. I never felt slighted or even less of a Christian because no one said "Merry Christmas". Rather, it felt good when we held each party and handed out the gifts because everyone felt included. The inclusion of everyone is very important to me.
Christmas is about Christ. Christ's life is about love, thankfulness, serving others... Our lives and responsibility, as Christians, are to be more concerned about following Jesus' life, teachings and examples rather than the world. We must learn to be more concerned with our own hearts and how we treat others, regardless of their race, gender, religious belief, lifestyle, etc. As Christians, we are the hands, feet, voice and face of Christ to the world.
Let us celebrate this season of the birth of our Savior remembering it is about Christ's birth and life rather than our own comfort. Many will be blessed.
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Save the Dates
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 Ave. PC, Crawfordsville)
September 12-13
November 18
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Ministry Quick Links
CONGREGATIONAL EVENTS
Heartland Chorale Concert
Saturday, December 21
7 pm
Auburn Presbyterian Church
111 W 12th St
Auburn, IN
Call the Church office at 260-925-2987 for ticket information
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Prayers of the Presbytery
You are a generous God who gives in abundance. For all that you are and shall be we give you thanks. As you spared not yourself but came even to dwell here on earth, may we respond by giving ourselves to your service. We commit ourselves anew to the journey of faith. Make straight the highway before us as we lead your people in Christ's name.
We ask prayers and support for Rev. Bill and Jackie Hudson, First Presbyterian Church Merrillville, in the loss of Jackie's mother Selina Nobil.
We continue to hold in prayer:
- Rev. Nancy Becker, Honorably Retired, caring for her mother Peg Deming
- Rev. Jack Hess, Honorably Retired, healing
- Rev. Sue Babovec, Chaplain at Peabody Retirement Community, recovery
- Rev. Louis Sandos, Honorably Retired, healing
- Rev. Jay Cline, Pastor of First Presbyterian Church Ossian, recovery
- Rev. Ron Liechty, Retired, recovery
- Kokomo Indiana Community, Recovery from tornado
- Our mission co-workers
May we continue to hold in prayer those unknown to us in their health concerns and loss of loved ones.
May your loving guidance continue to be with Garrett Presbyterian Church as they continue to faithfully serve you and your church and have since 1925.
In Your name we pray, Amen.
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Celebration of Ordination
Thank you for your ministry and your service...
- December 21, 2003 - Rev Ericka Kilbourne, First Presbyterian Church, Michigan City
- December 27, 1987 - Rev. Paul Myhre, Associate Director Wabash College
- January 1, 1965 - Rev. Ken Ewing, Honorably Retired
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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"KOKOMO STRONG"
Under the leadership of CRE Jeff Brown, Faith Presbyterian and several other pastors, a community service will be held tonight -
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
7:00 p.m.
Salvation Army Building
1105 S Waugh St
Kokomo, IN
Please show your support to the hurting Kokomo community by joining them for this worship opportunity after the devastating November storms.
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PRESBYTERIAN DISASTER ASSISTANCE
What You Can Do
Will you stand in the GAP (Give/Act/Pray) to help survivors of Super Typhoon Haiyan and other Disasters?
GIVE
Share your financial blessings by designating gifts to DR000012-Philippines. Give through your local Presbyterian congregation, online, or by mailing a check to Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) P.O. Box 643700 Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700. You can also text 'PDA' to 20222 to donate $10 for disaster response.
ACT
Like us on Facebook and share updates with your congregation or others.
Pray
Please pray that through the response of the faith community, the people and communities impacted by Super Typhoon Haiyan and those offering assistance will be strengthened, have their needs met, and be reminded of the hope and compassion that are found in Christ.
Together-we will bridge the GAP (Give/Act/Pray). It is wide but our faith is deep and our strength is endless through Jesus.
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Make your own kind of music
Widmer uses metaphor of jazz to explore church's needed transformation
Presbyterian News Service
Princeton, NJ
Why is the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) so ineffective in meeting its goals to become a more multicultural church, one that reflects the growing diversity of the U.S. population?
Nearly two decades after adopting a goal of 10 percent racial ethnic membership by 2010, the PC(USA) is stuck at below 5 percent. And despite pouring staff and resources into multicultural ministry, only 7 percent of PC(USA) congregations qualify as multi-ethnic congregations.
"There is certainly no lack of interest in diversity in the PC(USA), The Rev. Corey Widmer-associate pastor of Third Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Va., and co-pastor of East End Fellowship, a multi-cultural new worshiping community there-told the second Moderator's Colloquium on Ecclesiology Dec. 10 here.
"One reason why congregations remain unchanged is an incomplete ecclesiology (doctrine of the church) that manifests itself in our worship," Widmer said. "Many congregations fail to see the connection between worship and mission."Continue Reading...
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Celebrating the One True Light
Please Give Generously to the Christmas Joy Offering
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
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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Don't Miss Out on This Tax-Smart Opportunity!
Congress recently reinstated a law that allows individuals 70 1/2 and older to transfer up to $100,000 from an IRA directly to a qualified charity - such as your congregation - without having to pay income taxes on the money.
Known as the IRA charitable rollover, this law has been extended to the end of 2013.
Your gift will qualify under this law if:
- You are 70 1/2 or older at the time of your gift.
- You transfer up to $100,000 directly from you IRA. This opportunity applies only to IRAs and not other types of retirement plans.
- You transfer funds outright to one or more qualified charities. The legislation does not permit direct transfers to charitable trusts, donor advised funds, charitable gift annuities, or supporting organizations.
If you took a distribution from your IRA in December 2012 and then made a gift prior to February 1, 2013, the law allows you to treat it as a direct transfer.
Why Consider This Donation Option? The transfer generates neither taxable income nor a tax deduction, so you benefit even if you do not itemize your tax deductions.
Also, if you have not yet taken your required minimum distribution for the year, your IRA charitable rollover gift can satisfy all or part of that requirement. Contact your investment advisor for more information.
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Center for Congregations Can Help
Interactive Website Feature: Need Help Now? Whatever a congregation's challenges and opportunities, the Center for Congregations can help. The Center's website is packed full of useful information for congregations, including a "Need Help Now?" button featured on the front page of the website. This button links website browsers to information and a way to begin a resource conversation with a Center staffer.
The Center for Congregations works with clergy, staff, laity and members to help find resources to handle issues revolving around daily congregational life. Center staff listen as congregational leaders identify the concerns in their faith communities and help them articulate their challenges. Staff then research and identify the resources that best address the congregation's questions.
Technology, building, leadership development, conflict, strategic planning and many more - whatever the need, Center staff are available and ready to work with your congregation.
Click to find out more. |
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FAREWELL RECEPTION
A farewell reception for Rev. Doug Mankell, pastor of Calvary Presb yterian Church since 1993, will be held in Bigler Hall at Calvary Presbyterian Church on Sunday, December 22, from 10:45 a.m. -12:30 p.m. In addition to his pastoral responsibilities at Calvary, Rev. Mankell has been involved in the Logansport community. He organized and has served as race director for the Race for Grace 5k run/walk for 16 years. An active member of the Logansport Rotary Club, he has served as the Youth Exchange Officer of the club for 12 years, working with Rotary foreign exchange students who came to Logansport from many different countries. He and his wife, DeAnn, were also instrumental in organizing the Logansport Great Banquet, an ecumenical spiritual renewal movement for men and women which meets at Calvary four weekends a year.
The Mankells will be moving to St. Louis, Missouri shortly after Christmas where they will be closer to family. Rev. Mankell anticipates entering a new phase of ministry in the Presbyterian Church (USA), serving as an interim pastor in churches which are seeking a permanent pastor.
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Where is your General Presbyter Rev. Frank Vardeman
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Thursday, December 19
- Presbytery Office
December 23 through January 1
- Presbytery Office Closed
Thursday, January 2 - Presbytery Office Tuesday, January 7 - Presbytery Office - Geneva Center Ministry Team
Wednesday, January 8
- Northwest Church Professions Gathering First
Presbyterian Church Crown Point
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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Severe Weather Policy
The PWV office follows the Rochester Community School Corporation's weather delay and/or cancellation decision. Voice mail at the office will include the status of meetings scheduled. To confirm meeting status don't hesitate to call 574-223-5678.
Thursday, December 1910 am - Commission on Ministry Leaders (Conference Call) 5:30 pm - University Church Board West Lafayette (map)Monday, December 23 - Wednesday, January 1, 2014 Presbytery Office Closed for Christmas 
Tuesday, January 7
10 am - Geneva Center Ministry Team
Wednesday, January 8NOON (CT)/1 pm (ET) - Northwest Church Professionals Gathering Crown Point First Presbyterian Church (map)Saturday, January 119 am - Noon - "Christ's Community Powerfully Connected" Session Training - Flora 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 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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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.
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