• Elected Bill Hudson (TE, First, Merrillville) as 2014 moderator of Transformation Ministry Team.
• Encouraged the 1000 ruling elders and 132 teaching elders of Wabash Valley to step forward into more collaborative work across the presbytery congregations.
• Heard the Word preached by Gretchen Seidler-Gibbs (TE, First, Valparaiso) focusing on Transfiguration as told in Exodus 24 and Matthew 17, with reminders of God's call, times of waiting, God's assurances not to fear when we don't know what will come, our hope and confidence that God is at transformative work among Christians, and an invitation to be open to the unexpected that emerges from the ordinary as we live as disciples of Christ through times of change.
• Shared singing from the new hymnals, Glory to God!, and celebrated the Lord's Supper led by liturgists David Smook (TE, HR) and Gretchen.
• Reviewed the financial reports of basic mission and operations of Wabash Valley for first six months of its fiscal year, noting current deficit of $33,865; and Geneva Center operating budget deficit of $48,472 for 2013, resulting from less than expected usage and revenues, and paid from presbytery reserves.
• Pondered the video from our colleagues in Egypt, teaching about their Coptic Christian partners in ministry who share common history as the ancient Church and shared joyous laughter as they signed off on their report!
• Listened to update on work of the Joshua Journey Team II as it seeks to discern its recommendations about Geneva Center as a ministry tool, and resulting proposals for structure, staffing and financing as Presbytery. Team promises specific report to the May Assembly after presentation to Council in March and April.
• Accepted commitment from Jill Kitowski (RE, La Porte and commissioner to 219th and 221st GA), Bill McLean (TE, First, Delphi and commissioner to 219th and 221st GA) and Mary Ann Banning (TE, at-large and commissioner to 220th GA) to offer a presbytery-wide study of marriage in May. Planning will depend upon indications of interest in participating.
• Heard encouragement to promote Geneva Center Summer Camp among congregations and to serve as occasional volunteers or as Shepherds with specific camping groups in support of this shared presbytery ministry.
• Welcomed five ruling elders attending Assembly for the first time as commissioners and three new teaching elders, and recognized several pastors in transition.
• Prayed for healing for Carol McDonald (TE, Synod Executive), Gladys Sargent (Office Manager), and for celebrations of upcoming installations of pastoral leaders and heard a letter of thanks from Carol McDonald for blessings of relationships and support.

•  Commissioned ruling elder Charles Fortney from Presbytery of Chicago as pastoral leader with Lake Village Presbyterian Church surrounded by members of Lake Village and his home congregation, Heritage Presbyterian in Carol Stream.
• Approved commission to install Lloyd Sewdin (TE from Pittsburgh Presbytery) as pastor of Ogden Dunes Community Church on Sunday, March 2, at 3:30 CST.
• Were reminded of the connections between congregations' statistical reports and other responses, per capita, and the mutual support and shared ministry as presbytery, synod and every-two year PC(USA) meetings.
• Were invited by Bill Haworth (TE, Smock director), Sue Babovec (TE, Peabody chaplain) and Angie Briner to enroll in training for the 3-B (Body, Brain & Belief) Program, a ministry for seniors funded by Smock Senior Ministries. Smock will fully fund three-day training program for two trainers from up to 12 congregations. 3-B participants from First, Michigan City and Bethany, Lafayette shared stories of congregational and personal benefits with both humor and sincerity.
• Voted to dissolve Attica-Williamsport United Presbyterian Church as a congregation of the PC(USA) after providing opportunity to be heard, and closed with prayers led by Council Moderator Kevin Bowers (TE, Bethany, Lafayette).

Don't forget: Next meeting of Presbytery Assembly of Wabash Valley is Tuesday, May 20th at Wabash Avenue Presbyterian Church, 307 S Washington St, Crawfordsville

- Linda L. Long, Stated Clerk

New Mission Trip Opportunities

The Next American Reformation?

we awaken, enliven and enhance worshiping communities

to courageously extend their branches  

and bear new fruit in the Spirit.