Presbytery of Wabash Valley
Office Hours: 8 - 4 Monday - Friday

 


Forth Week in Lent
April 2, 2014  
God Calls 

Passage to Ponder... Luke 24:13

Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened.  While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him.

(from the Presbytery of Wabash Valley 2014 Monthly Bible Study Reading and Reflection) 
Presbyterians help press U.N. to improve plight of world's women
Ecumenical Women urge more action to address poverty and hunger, employment and health and reduce violence

Presbyterian News Service
Jerry L. Van Marter
LOUISVILLE

Ecumenical Women at the United Nations, an international faith-based coalition that prominently includes women of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), today (March 20) called on the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW) meeting in New York to enact a number of programs
Christine Mangale (left) of Ecumenical Women at the U.N. and Ryan D. Smith of the Presbyterian Ministry at the U.N. prepare for Mangale's testimony to the UNCSW. -Courtesy of the Presbyterian Ministry at the U.N.
and resolutions to improve the plight of the world's women.

In brief public testimony to the commission on behalf of Ecumenical Women, Christine Mangale - a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Lutheran World Federation - called for increased efforts by the U.N. and its member nations to address four key issues identified by the group as critical for women worldwide:
  • poverty and hunger, which disproportionately impacts women and children worldwide; greater access to employment;
  • greater access to health care services for women; and
  • prevention of  violence against women and girls.
In a companion statement - prepared for the group by the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations and endorsed by all Ecumenical Women member groups represented at the Commission meeting except the World Council of Churches - Ecumenical Women called the Commission's attention to "the important role that faith-based organizations have played in the implementation of the [U.N.'s] Millennium Development Goals, including food programs, education, healthcare, housing, water and sanitation, capacity building for women and girls and much more."

The statement continued: "Our network's pursuit of the Millennium Development Goals provides a unique vision of our achievements and the challenges still ahead.

Signatories to the statement include the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.); Anglican Consultative Council; Association of Presbyterian Women of Aoteaora, New Zealand; Church Women United; Lutheran World Federation; The Salvation Army; Society of Catholic Medical Missionaries; United Church of Christ - Board for World Ministries; United Methodist Church General Board of Global Ministries; World Student Christian Federation; and the World Young
Women's Christian Association, with support from the Episcopal Church and the Women's Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

More than 40 Presbyterian women attended Commission-related activities representing Presbyterian Women, Racial Ethnic Young Women Together, and the PC(USA)'s Advocacy Committee for Women's Concerns. Presbyterian Mission Agency Executive Director Linda Valentine and World Communion of Reformed Churches top official the Rev. Dora Arce Valentin, a Cuban Presbyterian minister, were also present.

"The PC(USA) has been really active and engaged in the whole process," noted Ryan Smith of the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations. Ecumenical Women doesn't have official status with UNCSW, but was able to present official testimony to the commission through the PC(USA), which does have formal access.


In This Issue
Presbyterians help press U.N. to improve the lives of women
Prayers of the Presbytery
Invitation for Youth to Join in Mass Youth Choir
Records Review Dates/Locations Set
Kid-Friendly Summer Curriculum
Presbyterian Women Spring Gathering
'Noah' Movie Review
Arner Installation Service
Truman Installation Service
Fortney Welcome Reception
Save the Dates

2014 COUNCIL
April 29
June 24
July 15
August 26
October 21
December 9

2014 ASSEMBLY

May 20
(Wabash Ave PC, Crawfordsville)
September 12-13 Retreat
November 18

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Evangelism and Church Growth conference (ECG2014) -
Go. Disciple. Live
.  
August 11-14, 2014
 TradeWinds Resort
St. Pete Beach, Florida.



Ministry Quick Links

 

Evangelism-do we have it all wrong?

As we share the good news, are we spreading the right seeds?

By Eric Hoey

 

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Stewardship Kaleidoscope   Click for Conference Resources 

 

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PRESBYTERY OF WABASH VALLEY

Pulpit Supply List

 

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Presbyterian Disaster Assistance One Great Hour of Sharing Faith Endures 

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PC(U.S.A.) Daily Prayer app now available for Android

          

 

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 Synod Of Lincoln Trails


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Center for Congregations 

Helping Indiana Congregations find and use resources

 

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Alban Weekly Logo
BOOK REVIEW
by David Ensign

Baseball as a Road to God: Seeing Beyond the Game

JOHN SEXTON

 

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Every week, we publish this eNewsletter...also available online! The Church Relations Coordinator accepts articles for entry and is actively seeking new and original content sharing how your congregation is engaged in ministry, due every Friday.

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CONGREGATIONAL EVENTS

SPRING CONCERT
Sunday, April 27, 2014
2:00 pm (CT)
First Presbyterian Church
6021 Hohman Avenue 
 Hammond, IN
(219) 931-2174
PRAYERS of the PRESBYTERY

Lord God, your goodness and mercy dwell within us throughout our lives. Our spirits are eager to be faithful. Help us in times of reflection to discover and know your grace and your love. As we pass through valleys that await us, may we be led by your radiance and refreshed by the promise that you lead us still.  

Please hold those listed below in your prayers: 

  • CRE Ray Fulbright, South Bend Memorial Presbyterian Church, recovery 
  • Rev Jack Hess, Honorably Retired, recovery
  • Geneva Center Ministry Team Member Elder Carrie Munson, Deer Creek Presbyterian Church and family, in support of her husband Mike's scheduled heart procedure April 10. 

We pray for and with First Presbyterian Church, Crown Point who has faithfully served the community and followed you O' Lord, since 1844. 

 

Amen!

Youth encouraged to participate with Mass Choir at   
221st General Assembly Opening Worship  
Invitation to join in a Mass Youth Choir  
for Opening Worship at the 221st General Assembly

 

Saturday, June 14, at 11:00 a.m   

Detroit, Michigan  

 

Rising 8th graders through 2014 graduates  

Director - Dr. Jerry Blackstone, Director of Choral Activities,

University of Michigan

 

If your congregation has a youth choir or individual youth who are interested in participating, please contact Tom Granum, Director of Music Ministries, First Presbyterian Church, Ann Arbor, Michigan:  tgranum@firstpresbyterian.org  as soon as possible to reserve your space. Some space available...deadline extended. 

 

 Continue Reading for more information 

Clerks' Gatherings and Records Review:

 

In addition to celebrating the work and community of Clerks of Session, we will discuss transitions to electronic congregational records for those who are ready, highlight resources available for Clerks and congregations, and conduct peer review of congregational records.  Forms are available at http://www.ourpresbytery.org/resourceCS.htm  You may choose one of any of five scheduled sessions.  Let's gather at 8:30 am to settle in and enjoy refreshments, begin at 9 am, and plan to conclude by 11:30 am.

  • April 26, 9:00 am EDT at Faith Presbyterian Church, 1608 Kirk Row, Kokomo 46902 
  • May 24, 9:00 am Central DT at St. John's United Church, 225 West Lincoln Ave, Chesterton 46304 
  • August 23, 9:00 am EDT at Ligonier Presbyterian Church 407 S Cavin St., Ligonier 46767 
  • September 6, 9:00 am EDT at Elston Presbyterian Church, 375 Elston Rd, Lafayette 47909 
  • Afternoon of Friday, September 12 at Geneva Center, 2:00 pm EDT prior to Assembly retreat

Please let Gladys know which workshop you will attend (574-223-5678 or gladys@ourpresbytery.org) to assist our hosts in preparing space and refreshments for us.  

 

Summer curriculum sets stage for                    'Awesome Adventures'  

Packed with kid-friendly lessons, take-home comics, and activities, "Awesome Adventures: Paul's Amazing Quest" is a broadly graded summer curriculum that encourages children to explore the New Testament stories of Paul. In this summer's adventure, children join the apostle Paul on his quest - from his conversion on the road to Damascus, as he encounters a magician, sparks a riot in Ephesus, and survives a shipwreck in Malta. Published by Congregational Ministries Publishing - denominational curriculum publisher of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) - the all-inclusive teacher's book includes 13 easy-to-use lesson plans, reproducible resource sheets, and "For the Home" pages. The complete story from Congregational Ministries Publishing is at "Amazing Quest."

 

Presbyterian Women Spring Gathering Invitation
You're Invited to the 42th Annual
Spring Gathering
of Presbyterian Women of Wabash Valley
Saturday, April 26, 2014
at Geneva Center, Rochester, IN

Guest Speaker: Nadine Hill, Speaking on Participating in the
2013 USA Mission Experience to Appalachia

Click For Registration Form
Noah Isn't See-Worthy
By Rev, John Van Nuys, Wabash Avenue Presbyterian Church, Crawfordsville

I've always wondered why superhero filmmakers have to worry so much about the fan base; about those who know and love the source material on which the movie is based.  Now I understand their dilemma.  It is a fine line to walk:  Stick too closely to the original story, which is well-loved by a devout following, and you may fail to reach a broader audience that could enjoy the story in altered form.  Change the original story too much to reach as many viewers as you can and you risk alienating the faithful who have loved the story for years.

I was definitely in the latter camp for all 138 minutes as I endured Darren Aronofsky's new movie Noah, which was just too divergent from the Bible for me to enjoy.  Even if you don't know the story that well, this Noah and his leaky story arc (pun intended) aren't see-worthy.  If you want to catch it anyway, skip the next four, spoiler-filled paragraphs.

Continue Reading

The Presbytery of Wabash Valley 
 Invites you to Attend

A Service of Installation of
Rev. Susan Arner 

 to the ministry of 

Sunnyside Presbyterian Church  

115 South Frances St., South Bend 46617 

as Associate Pastor  

on Sunday, April 6th at 2:00 pm  

 

574-287-1524

Reception immediately following    

(MAP)  

The Presbytery of Wabash Valley 
 Invites you to Attend

A Service of Installation of
Rev. H. Jordan Truman 

 to the ministry of 

First Presbyterian Church  

201 S State St., Kendallville 46755   

as Pastor  

on Sunday, April 6th at 5:00 pm

 

260-347-3721  

Light meal reception to follow.
(MAP)  

Lake Village Presbyterian Church
Invites you to attend
An Open House to introduce 

CRE Charles Fortney & wife Kathy

 

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Blessing Service at 12:00(EDT)/1:00(CDT)

In the Church Sanctuary

Officiated by Rev. Dr. Laura Reason

 

Open House 1:00(EDT)/2:00(CDT) to 4:00(EDT)/5:00(CDT)

A light luncheon will be served.

 

RSVP requested to 219-992-3466 or lvpresbyterian@sbcglobal.net  

by Friday, April 4, 2014

 

Lake Village Presbyterian Church

9412 N 300 W - Lake Village, IN 46349   

(MAP) 

 

Rev Frank Feb 2013


Where is your General Presbyter
 Rev. Frank Vardeman
 
Thursday, April 3
- Presbytery Office
- Commission on Ministry
Friday, April 4
- Joshua Journey II Team
Saturday, April 5-Wednesday, April 9
- Out of Office

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.

 

Upcoming Events and Meetings

 

Severe Weather Policy

The PWV office follows the Rochester Community School Corporation's weather delay and/or cancellation decision. To confirm meeting status don't hesitate to call 574-223-5678.

 

Thursday, April 3
10 am - Commission on Ministry
6:30 pm - Carroll County Churches Gathering - Deer Creek Presbyterian Church (map)

Friday, April 4
10 am - Joshua Journey II Team (Go-To-Meeting)

Sunday, April 6
2 pm - Susan Arner Installation Service - Sunnyside Presbyterian Church, South Bend (map)
5 pm - Jordy Truman Installation Service - First Presbyterian Church, Kendallville (map)

Tuesday, April 8
1 pm - Geneva Center Ministry Team (Go-To-Meeting)

Wednesday, April 9

Noon - Northwest Church Professional Gathering - Center for Congregations, Crown Point (map)

Thursday, April 10
10 am - Stewardship Ministry Team

Saturday, April 12
12(EDT)/1 pm (CDT) - Charles Fortney Open House - Lake Village Presbyterian Church (map)

 All meetings & events 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.

Presbytery of Wabash Valley & Geneva Center Contact Information

Board of Pensions Liaison ~ Rev. John Ritchie ~ 260-356-8680
General Presbyter ~ Rev. Frank Vardeman ~ 574-223-5678 ext 101
Stated Clerk ~ Elder Linda Long ~ 219-926-7098
Office Manager ~ Gladys Sargent ~ 574-223-5678 ext 102
Financial Consultant ~ Eric Herzog ~ 574-223-5678 ext 105
Church Relations Coordinator ~ Elder Vicki Dreibelbis ~ 574-223-5678 ext 100
IT Consultant ~ Bonnie Kern ~ 574-223-5678 ext 109
Geneva Center Manager ~ Cathy Adley ~ 574-223-6915 ext 200
Geneva Center Maintenance Director ~ Jeff Winegardener ~ 574-223-6915 ext 204
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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