Presbytery of Wabash Valley
Office Hours: 8 - 4 Monday - Friday
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April 30, 2014
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 God
Calls
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Welcome Miriam Vardeman Hahn,
born on Thursday, April 24th, 2014, granddaughter of Frank and Heidi Vardeman.
Mom, Pop, Grandmother and Grandpa are all just fine and blessed.
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Passage to Ponder... Luke 24:29-35
But they urged him strongly, saying, "Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over." So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?" That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, "The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!" Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
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Council...Listening for God's Guidance
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from Rev Bill McLean, Assistant Stated Clerk &
Pastor at First Presbyterian Church Delphi
Council met on Tuesday, April 29 for a time of service and discernment. Moderator Kevin Bowers began the meeting with a time of scripture reading and study of Luke 24:13-35. Together we explored God's Word and listened for God's guidance in our lives.
Council members heard an update from Ruling Elder Jill Kitowski on the progress of Joshua Journey II. The journey is making progress, but there is still work to accomplish. Due to the importance of the recommendations, the members of Joshua Journey II were granted an extension to submit their report at the September Presbytery Assembly.
On behalf of the Stewardship Ministry Team, Financial Consultant Eric Herzog reviewed the current financial status of the Presbytery. As part of this review, there was extensive discussion of the impact on developing plans and budgets for the future when congregations don't communicate about their inability or refusal to make per capita contributions to the greater church that is funded by those anticipated contributions. Following the discussion, the Council approved a six-month budget to allow time for the exploration and implementation of the recommendations of the Joshua Journey II. If each congregation pays their per capita apportionment in full, then the approved budget is balanced. Unfortunately, if the payment rate is the same as in 2013 with 35 congregations paying no per capita or only partially paying then the approved budget includes a projected deficit of over $32,000.
Council also took action to:
- Support the requests from congregations and the Commission on Ministry (COM) that the Presbytery Assembly form administrative commissions to consider ministry options with Thorntown and Plymouth congregations to consider their future ministry and potential closing of the congregations.
- Approve the sale of a small unused piece of real estate by Lebanon, First.
- Approve inviting the Rev. Dr. Cinda W. Gorman, International Relations Coordinator for Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo and Dr. Atef Gendy, President of the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo to speak to our Presbytery Assembly gathering on Friday evening, September 11th.
- Approve supporting the recognition of the ministry of Carol McDonald at the Presbytery Assembly in May.
- Approve use of the Presbytery Directory by the Executive Secretary in the Office of Faith and Spirituality at Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania. She seeks current contact information for the churches in our Presbytery, including Church name, mailing address, contact phone, contact email and Pastor's name. Purpose is to provide information about 4 year PC(USA) Young Presbyterian Scholarship valued at $74,000 ($18,500 per year) for qualified students from PC(USA) churches. The student must be nominated by their church (pastor, youth director, session), hence the need for current contact information for the churches in our Presbytery. "Please be advised that this information will not be used for any solicitation or any other mailings except to offer this scholarship."
- Approve minutes and receive financial reports and reports from the General Presbyter and Stated Clerk.
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PRAYERS of the PRESBYTERY
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Lord, God free us to pray for others, for you are present in every person. Help us take responsibility for our own life, so that we can be free at last. Grant us courage to serve others, for in service there is true life. Give us honesty and patience, so that the Spirit will be alive among us. Let the Spirit flourish and grow, so that we will never tire of the struggle. Let us remember those who have died for justice, for they have given us life. Help us love even those who hate us, so we can change the world.
Please hold those listed below in your prayers: - Rev Ellis Gasser, Honorably Retired, health concerns
- Lois Detamore, wife of Honorably Retired Rev David Detamore, Recovering from wrist surgery
- Give thanks for healing of Rev Jack Hess, Honorably Retired
- Our Mission Co-Workers
- Those we pray for silently
We pray for and with Troy Presbyterian Church, Columbia City who has faithfully served the community and followed you O' Lord, since 1846.
In your grace and mercy. Amen!
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Save the Dates
2014 COUNCIL
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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Ministry Quick Links
Helping Indiana Congregations find and use resources
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MailChimp
Electronic Newsletter Resource
Free with some stipulations
http://mailchimp.com
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CONGREGATIONAL EVENTSSunnyside Presbyterian Church 115 South Frances Street South Bend, IN 46617 Justin Roberts Concert This Saturday May 3rd at 2:00 pm
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Thank you for your ministry and your service...
- May 1, 1073 - Rev George Frey, Honorably Retired, Parish Associate, First Presbyterian Church, Elkhart
- May 5, 1991 - Rev David Gibbs, Minister Member at Large
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 vicki@ourpresbytery.org.
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 Responding to Weekend Tornadoes Severe thunderstorms moved across the Central and Southern United States April 25 through April 28, 2014. Strong winds, large hail and at least 30 tornadoes were reported. Mayflower and Vilonia, two towns located just northwest of Little Rock, Arkansas, sustained the most damage from the storm. At least 16 fatalities have been reported in Arkansas. Fatalities were also reported in Oklahoma, Iowa and Kansas. PDA has been in contact with mid councils in the affected areas, and One Great Hour of Sharing funds and funds designated for disaster response in the United States are available for immediate disbursement. National Response Team (NRT) members are enroute to Arkansas at the request of the Arkansas Presbytery to offer support in assessing the damage and developing a response to these storms. PDA has no report of Presbyterian Churches affected and will support the ecumenical, interfaith, and community disaster response efforts as well as the response by mid-councils through Presbyterian Churches in neighboring communities.
What You Can Do You can stand in the GAP for disaster survivors and help the church with this response. Give. Share your financial blessings by designating gifts to DR000015-2014 tornadoes. Individuals may 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 Act. Like us on facebook (PDAcares) and share updates with your congregation and others. Pray. Please pray for the success of those involved in rescue and early response efforts; and that through the response of the faith community, the people and communities impacted by the tornadoes and those offering assistance will be reminded of the faithful hope that is found in Christ. |
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Children in the Sanctuary
A 90-minute webinar
on Thursday, May 1 at
2 pm ET (11 a.m. PT)
Children can worship (not just survive) in the sanctuary. In fact, both they and their elders benefit greatly from their presence. All it takes is a big vision and a few skills to develop and draw them into worship. This webinar will help you to:
- Catch the vision: why children should be in worship;
- Learn to read Scripture, preach, pray and sing in ways that draw in children;
- Discover how to teach worship education to the whole congregation;
- Gain tips on how to help parents catch and share the vision.
Summer is the perfect time to explore creative approaches to involve children in worship. In this webinar, Carolyn C. Brown will offer pastors, worship committee members, and Christian educators strategies to play and experiment with worship.
Click here to learn more,
register for the live event
or on-demand replay ($29.95),
or pre-order a DVD ($39.95).
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Marriage Study Discussion Date Set
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The first of two opportunities to participate in the marriage study discussion groups will be held on Saturday, May 10, at 9 o'clock CDT at the First Presbyterian Church of Michigan City. The session will last about 2 1/2 hours.
The 220th General Assembly proposed that Presbyteries and congregations of the denomination make a study in pursuit of discernment about the broader cultural definitions of marriage as related to our Reformed Theology. To that end, two study guides evolved to course through discussions of the topic. A group of former and current Commissioners to the GA are interested in assessing the interest of those in our congregations who would attend a 2-3 hour session which would involve conversation and a theological grounding of the topic.
A second group will meet at a later date in the Lafayette-Delphi area.
Please contact the Presbytery office 574-223-5678 or email vicki@ourpresbytery.org, if you wish to add your name to the list of attendees.
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Geneva Center 2014 Summer Camp Offerings
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 You & Me: Ages 5 & up
June 26-28 (Thurs-Sat)3 Day Camp and
June 29-July 2 (Sun-Wed) 4 Day Camp
You & Me Camp offers grandparents, aunts, uncles, or special adults, and children to stay together in the conference center. You will participate in traditional camp activities, as well as have time on your own to strengthen your special bond.
1st Timers: Grades 1-3
June 29 - July 1 (Sun-Tues) 3 Day Camp
Designed especially for newer campers or as a beginning experience, this week is perfect for younger campers. You experience camp over a shorter period of time, but still have the opportunity to be part of all that camp has to offer.
Seekers: Grades 2 - 4
June 26-29 (Thurs-Sun) 4 Day Camp
A great opportunity for younger elementary age campers to experience all that Geneva Center has to offer without the intensity of the wilderness or off site experiences.
Ignition: Grades 4 - 6
June 8 - 13 (Sun-Fri) 6 Day Camp
A great opportunity for elementary age campers to experience all that Geneva Center has to offer without the intensity of the wilderness or off site experiences.
Jr High: Grades 6-8
Classic: June 8-13 (Sun-Fri) 6 Day Camp
This week is designed for Jr. High campers and will strengthen their relationship with God. Come join us and leave as a newly recharged person in the family of God.
Adventure: June 15-20 (Sun-Fri) 6 Day Camp
Adventure campers will take a trip down the river and camp under the stars. Enjoy fixing meals over an open fire.
Sr High: Grades 9-12
Classic: June 15-20 (Sun-Fri) 6 Day Camp
This is a week of swimming, hiking, crafts, and games dedicated to high school youth. You will experience all that camp has to offer as you draw closer to God and focus on God's call in your life.
Adventure: June 8-13 (Sun-Fri) 6 Day Camp
Adventure campers will take a trip down the river and camp under the stars. Enjoy fixing meals over an open fire.
C.I.T. (counselor in training): High School Senior - 1st year college
June 24-July 3 (Tue - Thurs) 10 Day Camp
Counselors in Training!! If you enjoy helping younger campers and would like to be a summer camp counselor one day, then this is the camp for you!!
Click for Registration Information |
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Small Church Residency Program
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Small church residency program changes name, application process
About five years after its founding, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s small church residency program continues to grow - with a few changes. Established in 2009 with the name "For Such a Time as This," the program is now called "Small Church Residency Program." The goal of the program - to pair small, under-served congregations in rural, small town and urban settings with recent seminary graduates for a two-year pastoral-residency relationship, during which they are supported and guided by a cluster of pastor-mentors - remains the same. The complete Presbyterian News Service story is at "Changes."
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Do you know of a young person (ages 18-30) who might want to spend a year putting their faith in action and serving in mission? Is that young person interested in a career in non-profit work, humanitarian aid, or church service? Then please encourage them to apply to be a Young Adult Volunteer! The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) YAV program is accepting applications for National Service until May 15. www.pcusa.org/yav
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Blue Presbyterian Hymnals
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 120 copies of the blue Presbyterian Hymnal are available to any congregation that would like them. Please contact First Presbyterian Church of Valparaiso 219-464-4985 or apastor@fpcvalpo.org). |
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Presbytery Office Seeking Your Ministry Stories
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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. We would especially like to share photo's and stories of your confirmands, new members, VBS, and other special ministries that are occurring in your congregation and community. Please forward your stories and photos. Due on Fridays. |
Where is your General Presbyter
Rev. Frank Vardeman
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Wednesday, April 30 - Friday, May 2
- Celebrating with granddaughter Miriam
Sunday, May 4
- First Presbyterian Church Hammond
Tuesday, May 6
- Presbytery Office
- Geneva Center Ministry Team
- PWV Leadership Conference Call
- Pastoral Visit
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. Please check the website calendar or call the office for updates on scheduled meetings.
Thursday, May 110 am - Commission on Ministry Saturday, May 310 am - Synod GA Commissioner Training Hawthorn Suites By Wyndham, 101 Trade Center Drive, Champaign, IL (map)Tuesday, May 610 am - Geneva Center Ministry Team Friday, May 910 am - Joshua Journey II Team (Go-To-Meeting) Saturday, May 109 am (CT) / 10 (ET) - Marriage Study Discussion Group - First Presbyterian Church, Michigan City (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.
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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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