Presbytery of Wabash Valley
Office Hours: 8 - 4 Monday - Friday
| January 22, 2014
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 God Calls
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Passage to Ponder Matthew 2:7-8 (NIV)
Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him."
(from the Presbytery of Wabash Valley 2014 Monthly Bible Study Reading and Reflection)
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 I opened the Christmas card addressed to my mother, who died last Epiphany. Two little black and white photographs fell out. They were of two girls in crinoline white dresses in front of a huge stained glass window that I recognized as the building of my grandmother's old Lutheran church (before they federated with the Presbyterians in town). I looked more closely at the photographs. One of the girls in the photos was my mother. The other, as I came to understand from the letter inserted in the Christmas card, was my mother's friend who'd gone through confirmation class with her more than sixty years before.
In the Lutheran church of my mother's youth, confirmation class lasted three years. Those Lutherans knew their stuff when they were finally confirmed! Consequently, it was my mother who was my first liturgics teacher, explaining such things as when the pastor has his back to us, he is representing the people before God; when he faces us, he is representing God to the congregation. Through the teaching that she passed on to me, I came to understand that everything is charged with meanings in the space where the community gathers for worship, and I was driven to ponder what those might be and how they all connected. In short, I ended up becoming a theologian partly as a result of the legacy of my mother's catechesis.
This was a small church in a small town; it still is. But the legacy it leaves through its baptismal instruction has had eternal significance across half a decade, many miles, and subsequent generations. Can your church say the same about its baptismal formation?
The Great Commission expressly charges us to teach, baptize, and make disciples of many different people. This was the primary emphasis in the early church, and I dare say that it should be our primary emphasis today. So, what are you doing to form disciples in the faith?
Why not consider resurrecting the catechumenate for your church? Check out resources available at www.catechumenate.org and www.pcusa.org/catechumenate. Why should confirmation classes be only for those who are in their early teens? The material covered could be helpful to Christians of any age who need to know the basics of the faith, and people are hungry for the close relationships of Spirit that the catechumenate provides. The process is simple, yet profound, drawing upon the resources we already have in place by providing space in which to reflect upon (1) what we do in worship and other service; (2) scripture; (3) our relationship with God and others in Holy Spirit; and (4) how we recognize the living Lord Jesus Christ in our midst. This is originally what Lent was for: preparing for baptism and living more into our baptism. Catechisms were originally a set of questions with which to engage in faith conversations. When used this way, they, too, are a great resource. Check out The Study Catechism and Body and Soul, a great Lenten study resource that includes a DVD and study guide for six sessions on the Heidelberg Catechism. An entire church could go through this Lenten study to deepen or renew their baptismal discipleship. In addition, this year's lections during Lent follow those used by the early church to prepare catechumens for baptism, focusing on encounters with Jesus, the one who overcomes evil, those things that keep us from being full children of God. Preaching these texts by exploring them with the questions asked of catechumens preparing for baptism could be fruitful for the whole congregation. As you prepare for Lent, may the ever-growing light of Christ's epiphany dawn upon you and draw you into the waters of Christ's baptism and teachings, into his death to all that hinders access into the throne room of grace, and into the fullness of resurrection's glory for the sake of generations to come.
Shalom,
Teresa Lockhart Stricklen
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Save the Dates
2014 COUNCIL
POSTPONED - January 21
to Thursday, January 30
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
December 9
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Ministry Quick Links
Congregational Leadership Awards
Awards of $1000 granted to congregations doing innovative ministry ~ Applications are due by February 15, 2014
Click for More Information****** ******
Center for Congregationshelping congregations find and use resources Grants and Initiatives
Through the Center's innovative grants programs, we help provide congregations with the financial ability to tap into the resources we help them find. The Center has two types of grants programs - the Resource Grants Program and the Major Grants Initiative.
Learn More...****** ALBAN WEEKLY
The Congregation as Resource Center
by Tim Shapiro
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Geetingsville Presbyterian Church in need of Short Term Leadership
Geetingsville Presbyterian Church would like to employ someone to work with their worship team to provide a weekly Lenten bible study. Please contact Elder Lewie Flohr at 765-258-3344 with questions and interest.
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Prayers of the Presbytery 
Dear God, sometimes it is as though all we see around us is a world stricken with conflict and hurt. However, your Gospel preaches reconciliation to this hurting world. May we be vessels of reconciliation today as we pursue love in our own relationships. May we be vessels of love and care for those who need our support.
May we continue to embrace in our prayers for the Will of God, for our Rev. Carol McDonald, Synod Executive and Minister Member, as she remains at the side of her husband the Rev. David McDonald.
May we surround the family of Harold Gray, Center Presbyterian Church Royal Center and past Treasurer for Presbytery of Wabash Valley, who passed away on Monday in prayer. We will forward arrangements when we learn them. We give thanks for the safety of Rev. John Van Nuys, Wabash Avenue Presbyterian Church Crawfordsville, after being involved in a serious automobile accident on Sunday with only bumps and bruises. May we continue to hold in prayer: - Rev. Sue Babovec, Chaplain at Peabody Retirement Community, recovery
- Rev. Jack Hess, Honorably Retired, recovery
- Rev. Ron Liechty, Retired, comfort
- Rev. Dr. Michael Landon, Minister Member at Large
- Our mission co-workers as they continue to be surrounded by unrest
- Kokomo Indiana Community, continued tornado recovery
May your loving guidance continue to be with Geetingsville Presbyterian Church, Frankfort as they have faithfully served their community and you since 1835. In Your name we pray, Amen.
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Celebration of Ordination
Thank you for your ministry and your service...
- January 26, 1992 - Rev. Sue Babovec, Chaplain at Peabody Retirement Community
- January 27, 1980 - Rev. David Smith, Pastor, Center Presbyterian Church Royal Center & Bethlehem Presbyterian Church Logansport
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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30th Ordination Celebration
for
The Rev. William L. Hudson
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Beginning at 5:00 pm (CT)
Celebration Service
Dinner Reception to Follow
First Presbyterian Church
7898 Taft St
Merrillville, IN
Please R.S.V.P.
by Monday, January 27
to
219-736-0707
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Celebration Luncheon
Honoring Rev. Jody Noble and Mike Noble
Sunday, February 2, 2014
following the 10:00 am worship service
Immanuel Presbyterian Church
140 W Hwy 30
Schererville, IN
This will be a time to celebrate the Rev. Jody Noble's ministry among us as our pastor and spiritual leader. It will also be a time to celebrate Mike Noble's participation with us as a Deacon and active member of the Worship Committee. It will be a time to say our goodbyes to Pastor Jody and Mike; to recognize and thank them for their commitment and service to our congregation.
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Parkinson Family welcomes baby Noah! Congratulations!
  Noah Alexander Parkinson arrived at 1:44 am January 17, 2014 measuring in at 19.75" long, and weighing 7#, 6.7 oz. Family all adjusting quite well. |
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CENTER FOR CONGREGATIONS
"Effective Mission Work: Empowering Those We Serve,"
led by Robert Lupton, author of Toxic Charity
9 am- 4 pm,
1/29 in Indianapolis,
1/30 in Evansville,
$30 fee includes lunch and book.
http://www.centerforcongregations.org/workshop/effective-mission-work-empowering-those-we-serve
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Christian Educators....Tips to complete Personal Information Form (PIF)
Individuals interested in serving as a Christian Educator (non-ordained) should complete a Personal Information Form (PIF) following "Instructions for Entering PIF.. Continue Reading
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Where is your General Presbyter
Rev. Frank Vardeman
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Wednesday, January 22
- Central Presbyterian Church Lafayette
Thursday, January 23
- Meeting in Chicago
Friday, January 24
- Presbytery Office
Sunday, January 26
- First Presbyterian Church Hammond
Monday & Tuesday, January 27-28
- Presbytery Office
- Commission on Ministry Retreat
Thursday, January 30
- Presbytery Office
- Council
Friday, January 31
- Joshua Journey Team
Saturday, February 1
- Rev. Hudson 30th Ordination Anniversary Celebration
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, January 2310 am - Transformation Ministry Team Monday & Tuesday, January 27-2810 am - Commission on Ministry Retreat Wednesday, January 29Noon - Lafayette Pastors Gathering Thursday, January 3010 am - Council Saturday, February 14 pm - Rev. Bill Hudson 30 Anniversary of Ordination Celebration First PC Merrillville (RSVP Required) (map)Tuesday, February 410 am - Geneva Center Ministry Team Thursday, February 610 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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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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