Presbytery of Wabash Valley
Office Hours: 8 - 4 Monday - Friday 
Holy Week
  April 16, 2014 
God Calls 

Passage to Ponder... John 13:34-35

I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

 Maundy Thursday Reflection

I grew up in Covenant Presbyterian Church in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Of all the holy days in the church calendar, my favorite was Maundy Thursday. We went to church at night, and it was always a mixture of anticipation, excitement and somberness. The scriptures were read, the old hymns were sung, the Lord's Supper was celebrated and our pastor, J. Will Ormond always gave an impassioned sermon.

 

Uncle Will, as I called him, was a gifted preacher, and his forte was making the Bible stories come alive by using the first person genre. I remember one Maundy Thursday when he played the role of Peter. There was Peter, asking for Jesus to wash his feet and his hands and his head! And then in the garden scene, Peter draws his sword to protect Jesus, slicing off the ear of the high priests slave.

 

As I reflect today, I see that Jesus surrounded himself with ordinary people, who like all of us, had strengths, weaknesses and failings. And I also see the very human side of the man Jesus who we follow. The story of this Maundy Thursday includes dinner with friends, Jesus washing the feet of the disciples, the asking for wakefulness, then sleep, betrayal, violence and arrest. It also includes the Great Commandment.

 

Maundy after all is a form of the word "Mandate." And a mandate is a command. Jesus's mandate or command to his disciples, and surely to us, is "that you love one another." He goes on to say "just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

 

Surely this is the Great Commandment, given to us as a mandate for living and for our actions in the world.

 

May God's blessing of peace and love be with you this Holy Week.

 

  FrankSignature  

 

Frank Vardeman

General Presbyter

 

PRAYERS of the PRESBYTERY

Giver of all good things, grant that we might grow in the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. And as we do so, may we see change in our lives, in the lives of those around us, in the communities, nations, and world that we live in.

    

Please hold those listed below in your prayers:  

  • Rev Ellis Gasser, Honorably Retired, health concerns
  • CRE Ray Fulbright, South Bend Memorial Presbyterian Church, comfort & recovery 
  • Rev Jack Hess, Honorably Retired, recovery
  • Rev Ron & Anna Liechty, Retired Minister, Ron for recovery and strength  for Anna  
  • Our Mission Co-Workers
  • Those not known to us who suffer in silence 

We pray for and with Milligan Memorial Presbyterian Church, Crawfordsville who has faithfully served the community and followed you O' Lord, since 1898. 

 

All glory and honor to you. Amen!


STAY CONNECTED


In This Issue
Prayers of the Presbytery
Ordination Celebration
Records Review Dates/Locations Set
Face to face at General Assembly
Covenant Gathering...2014
Central PC to be Awarded the Ecumenical Service Recognition
The Church Federation offers 2014 Grant Opportunities
Blue Hymnals Available
Please submit your ministry stories
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
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August 11-14, 2014
 TradeWinds Resort
St. Pete Beach, Florida.



Ministry Quick Links

 

PRESBYTERY OF WABASH VALLEY

Pulpit Supply List

 

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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

  

"What's Good about That?"

by Dan Hotchkiss  

 

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CONGREGATIONAL EVENTS

SACRED BELL RINGER
Community Presbyterian Church
530 Jefferson St., Rochester
Community Concert
Saturday, April 19 at 7:00 pm Kristine Stout

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SPRING CONCERT
Sunday, April 27, 2014
2:00 pm (CT)
First Presbyterian Church
6021 Hohman Avenue 
 Hammond, IN
(219) 931-2174
CELEBRATION of ORDINATION
colored-fabric-banner.jpg
Thank you for your ministry and your service...
  • April 18, 2010 - Rev Terri Thorn, First Presbyterian Church Lebanon 

If you have been omitted or your information is incorrect please accept my apology.  Help to update your records by sending your current information to [email protected].   

 

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.  Updated letter from the Stated Clerk can be found by clicking here. 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, 10(EDT)/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 [email protected]) to assist our hosts in preparing space and refreshments for us.  

 

Church Leadership Connection to Host Face to Face at
221st General Assembly
The Church Leadership Connection (CLC) will host a Face to Face Event June 13 - June 17, 2014 during the 221st General Assembly (GA) in Detroit, Michigan at the COBO Convention Center. The event is open to all calling organizations and call seekers.  We invite you to consider attending this event.

The design of Face to Face is to move beyond the written words of MIFs and PIFs.  It is a time for discernment and meeting and talking with call seekers.  It is an opportunity to be open to the movement of the Holy Spirit leading you to people you may have never imagined.

You may attend a part or the entire five day event.  Registration runs March 5 - May 23, 2014, to register for Face to Face go to: pcusa.org/CLC/facetoface.  Once you register, you will receive an email with forms to complete and return to CLC. 
There is no cost to participate in Face to Face however, if you are interested in participating in the assembly, the registration cost is $ 70.00. The fee provides a badge, access to assembly meetings and discounts on hotels.  For more information see http://oga.pcusa.org/section/ga/ga221/.

We look forward to your participation in this year's event. If you have questions contact CLC at 888-728-7228-8550 for assistance.


 


Blessed Are...

A week of learning, laughter and worship presented by members and churches of The PCUSA  Synod of the Covenant and Synod of Lincoln Trails

  

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

 

 4pm, June 29 to 11am, July 4

 Michindoh Conference Center

   Hillsdale, MI

www.covenantgathering.com 

 

 
Central Presbyterian Church Recognized for Ecumenical & Interfaith Efforts

It was recently announced by the General Assembly Committee on Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations (GACEIR) that Central Presbyterian Church, Lafayette will be one of four recipients of the Ecumenical Service Recognition when the Assembly meets in Detroit in June.

Central is receiving the award for both its ecumenical efforts and interfaith efforts. Ecumenically, the Central congregation has helped sponsor Tippecanoe Taiz� services with other area churches. These services demonstrate to each other and to others outside the church our one-ness in Jesus Christ. Central has hosted several of these services over the past five years and Central's musicians have played a leading role. Our Fellowship SPT has provided refreshments, Stephen Ministers have served as prayer partners, and many people have assisted with reading Scripture in different languages, lighting candles and so on. Rev. Jeff Cover convenes the ecumenical planning team which co-ordinates the services.

Last summer Central's Adult Discipleship Team planned, co-ordinated and recruited speakers from many different faith traditions to lead in the "Faith of Our Neighbors" adult Sunday School classes. Dr. Raymond Williams of Wabash College led in discussing the immigration waves which have led to the proliferation of varying religious traditions in America. In turn, members were enlightened by speakers from the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox streams of Christianity, as well as by representatives from the Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Zen Buddhist, and Baha'i traditions. A total of 152 people participated in these classes over the summer.


2014 Grant Applications
NOW AVAILABLE!
 
You can now complete the 2014 Benevolence Grant online.
Applications are due on April 28, 2014  by 4:00 p.m.
 
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Please visit our website for a sample budget and other resources. 
The Church Federation of Greater Indianapolis
1100 W 42nd Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46208
317-926-5371
Blue Presbyterian Hymnal Offering

Elkhart, First Presbyterian Church has a number of the blue "The Presbyterian Hymnals" available. Please contact Rev. David Lawrence - [email protected] or call the church at 574-264-3109 to inquire.

Presbytery Office Seeking Your Ministry Stories

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.  Please forward us your stories. Due on Fridays.


Rev Frank Feb 2013


Where is your General Presbyter
 Rev. Frank Vardeman
   
Thursday, April 17
- Maundy Thursday
- Commission on Ministry (Go-To-Meeting)
Monday, April 21-Thursday, April 24
- Vacation

To inquire or invite Rev. Frank Vardeman, General Presbyter, to visit your church, please feel free to contact Gladys - 574-223-5678 or [email protected].

 

Upcoming Events and Meetings

 

Severe Weather Policy

The PWV office follows the Rochester Community School Corporation's weather delay and/or cancellation decision. Please check the website calendar or call the office for updates on scheduled meetings.   

Thursday, April 17
9 am - Commission on Ministry (Go-To-Meeting)

Friday, April 18
- Good Friday - Presbytery Office Closed

Tuesday, April 22

10 am - Commission on Preparation for Ministry

Friday, April 25
- 10 am - Joshua Journey II Team

Saturday, April 26
9 am - Wabash Valley Presbyterian Women Spring Gathering (Click for Information)
9 am - Records Review - Faith Presbyterian Church, Kokomo (map)

Tuesday, April 29
10 am - Council

Wednesday, April 30
Noon - Lafayette Pastors Gatherings - Lafayette Brewing Company (map)

Thursday, May 1
10 am - Commission on Ministry

Saturday, May 3
10 am - Synod GA Commissioner Training Hawthorn Suites By Wyndham, 101 Trade Center Drive, Champaign, IL,  (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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