Presbytery of Wabash Valley
Summer Office Hours:
8 - 4 Monday - Thursday
8 - 12 Friday
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June 4, 2014
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 God
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Heading to Detroit to serve as GA Commissioners
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Passage to Ponder... Acts 2: 1-4
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.
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by Rev. Chuck Compton, Honorably Retired
"Can anyone help me to understand what is happening in my congregation?" That was my question to anyone that I met who appeared to have knowledge of how congregations function. I was in my first non-staff pastoral position. In just four years the congregation had moved from being closely controlled by one extended family to a fairly large pool of trained capable leaders. Children and youth ministries had grown, lay participation in worship had grown, Sunday worship attendance had reached an average of 125, and the members were excited about the ministry to which God had called them.
Within a short period of time three families involved in the leadership left the congregation. One left because of employment change, one because of school opportunities, and one because of dissatisfaction with denominational issues. The vibrant, excited, growing congregation suddenly stopped and started reacting to every opportunity for ministry with "we can't". I was shocked. What seems so obvious to me now, at that time had me totally baffled.
A brochure came in the mail for a new Wee Kirk Conference to be held in eastern Oklahoma. It sounded good, but brochures can only tell so much. Another pastor expressed interest in going to the conference if I was going. So two months later, I was asking my initial question as I sat with folks at meals and relaxing at Wee Kirk. I was amazed at the wisdom and understanding many people expressed about the mourning that my congregation was expressing. I was overwhelmed by the quality of the plenary sessions, the workshops, and especially the people gathered for the Wee Kirk Conference. I have been involved with Wee Kirk Conferences ever since 1987.
The North Central Wee Kirk Conference is coming Sept 30-Oct 2, 2014 at Potawatomi Inn, Pokagon State Park. The theme is "On Eagles' Wings: Being Sustained by God". I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself.""... --Exodus 19:4b
Jim Capps and Karen Ballard will lead 4 plenary times, Paul Detterman will lead worship, various leaders will provide 12 workshops for practical ideas on a variety of topics, and there will be time to sit and learn from your sisters and brothers in ministry.
New this year starting Sept 29 is the Barnabas Gathering, a special pre-conference event for pastors in their first call and commissioned lay pastors/ commissioned ruling elders. This extra day will give these new leaders an opportunity for focused small-group time with one another and with the three conference leaders as we discuss the "why, when, how to, and why not" of leading a congregation. We will laugh a lot, pray a lot, possibly cry a little, and definitely grow in our faith and gifts for ministry. The Barnabas participants will join the Wee Kirk Conference Tuesday evening.
You can find the brochure at http://www.pfrenewal.org/wee-kirk. You can also register at that website. If you have questions contact Chuck Compton 574-967-4877 or chuckcompton@embarqmail.com.
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PRAYERS of the PRESBYTERY
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Almighty God, who has brought together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of your son, Christ our Lord: Give us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those ineffable joys that you have prepared for those who truly love you.
Please hold those listed below in your prayers: - Sam Reason, husband of Rev. Dr. Laura Reason, as he undergoes testing
- Rev. Dr. Michael Landon, Validated Ministry, so that health concerns do not prevent his joining family celebration.
- Rev. Ruby Kleymann, Rossville PC, in the loss of her mother, Leona Rhodes
- Rev. Terri Thorn, First PC Lebanon, prayers of thanks that her mother Brenda Carpenter came through a successful surgery.
- Rev. Jack Hess, Honorably Retired, as the healing process is not going as expected.
- Rev. Tom Albaum, Monticello First PC; RE Judy Friend, Peru First PC and RE Jill Kitowski, The LaPorte PC; Rev. Bill McLean, Delphi First PC; as they prepare to attend General Assembly in Detroit, Michigan June 14-21.
- Our Mission Co-Workers
We pray for and with Auburn Presbyterian Church who has faithfully served the community and followed you O' Lord since 1844.
Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns; one God, in glory everlasting. Amen
Adapted from the Book of Common Prayer, 1979
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Save the Dates
2014 COUNCIL
June 24
July 15
August 19
October 21
December 9
2014 ASSEMBLY
September 12-13 Retreat
November 18
2014 RECORDS REVIEW
August 23 - Ligonier PC
September 6 - Lafayette Elston PC
September 12- Geneva Center
Boundaries and Ethics Training
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Saturday, October 4, 2014
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Ministry Quick Links
Helping Indiana Congregations find and use resources
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CONGREGATIONAL EVENTS
LECTURE SERIES With Dr. Kenneth E. Bailey, Th. D, renowned New Testament scholar, author and lecturer. "The Good Shepherd: A Theological Journey of a Thousand Years" The Presbyterian Church, La Porte September 5, 6, & 7, 2014 Watch for detailed information coming in July. Contact The Presbyterian Church at 219-362-6219 or office@yourhomechurch.orgfor additional information.
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Thank you for your ministry and your service...
- June 6, 1972 - Rev. Wayne Rhodes, Honorably Retired
- June 7, 1977 - Rev. Jeff Deardorff, Range Line Community Presbyterian Church, Hebron
- June 7, 1964 - Rev. Bruce Fry, Honorably Retired
- June 7, 1970 - Rev. Frank Gready, Honorably Retired
- June 7, 1956 - Rev. Richard Stults, Honorably Retired
- June 11, 1967 - Rev. Ron Elly, Earl Park Presbyterian Church
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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CONGRATULATIONS
Crown Point First Presbyterian Church Confirmands
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You not only joined the First Presbyterian Church, Crown Point on April 13th (Palm Sunday) but also the Presbytery of Wabash Valley and Presbyterian Church (USA). We are excited you have taken this step to serve God and join in the ministry of the church.
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Blair Haugh, Hannah Wylie, Josh Tayler, and Tristan (T.J.) Tayler
(Photos taken from Crown Point First Newsletter)
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 APPLY NOW TO HOST AN INTERNATIONAL PEACEMAKER Applications due June 30
Once again for a limited time we will welcome an amazing group of gifted peacemakers from around the world to share their incredible stories and experiences. Peacemakers will be available between September 19-October 12. Make sure a peacemaker comes to your region! Learn more about the International Peacemakers Program.
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 Looking for an affordable option for purchasing the new hymnal, "Glory to God"? With a number of options, these bundled kits are perfect solutions and have been made available at reduced pricing to provide savings and a quick, all-in-one purchase option. For more information Click Here! |
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What is New Beginnings?
- A way for presbyteries or individual congregations to envision a new future for their churches.
- It is both an assessment and a process:
- As an assessment, it provides congregations with information about their church and community, including a building inspection, a financial review, detailed demographic information and much more.
- As a process, it helps churches use that information to discern a new future story for the congregation.
- While the program is primarily geared to churches in significant decline, it is also helpful for churches who simply feel 'stuck' in their present situation.
- Over forty PC(USA) churches are already involved in the program - some of which have already decided on a new beginning!
- Future stories come in many forms, including mission redevelopment, relocation, a full restart, or the possibility of leaving a legacy.
Does your church need a new future story? Find more complete information or contact Ann Philbrick, Associate for Church Growth and Transformation.
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Board of Pensions Releases Its 2013 'Annual Review,' Including Financial Report
The Annual Review includes a financial report and highlights of the work of the Board in 2013. Read the report to learn about the 17.1 percent investment return for the Balanced Investment Portfolio, the achievement of the Board's Key Drivers, and more.
Tax-Advantaged Plans Can Save Employees Money
Be sure to view Board University's latest Web module, Tax-Advantaged Plans, to learn how employing organizations can offer plans that help employees save money on healthcare and dependent care expenses.
These tax savings are possible under Sections 125 and 105 of the Internal Revenue Code. The types of tax-advantaged plans reviewed in the module follow:
- Healthcare Dues-Only Plan (Section 125)
- Health Flexible Spending Account (FSA) (Section 125)
- Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (Section 125)
- Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) (Section 105)
- Wrap Plan
Along with a general overview of each type of plan, the module covers how the plans can work together, how employers can implement the plans, and Board-provided resources.
To learn how employees can use pretax dollars to pay the allowable dues share for medical coverage and dues for dental coverage, view the companion Web module, Increasing Employee Take-Home Pay -- Using Section 125 Healthcare Dues-Only Plans.
As described in Your Guide to Medical Dues Planning, sample Section 125 Healthcare Dues-Only Plan materials and related resources, including the Web modules, are available on the Tax-Advantaged Plans page of pensions.org.
Answer the Call to Health: A Routine Vision Exam = One Health Action!
May is Healthy Vision Month, a good time for members to schedule an exam to check their vision and eye health.
To record their eye exams as Call to Health actions, members must verify them in the Call to Health section of myactivehealth.com/pcusa.
To lower 2015 deductibles, members must complete their health actions by September 30, 2014. Your Guide To Answering the Call to Health explains the health actions, the deadlines for completing them, and how to track them online through myactivehealth.com/pcusa. The Call to Health Web module, on pensions.org, provides an overview of the program.
For details about Call to Health, go to pensions.org/calltohealth. For details about vision benefits through VSP, visit the Vision Benefits page on pensions.org.
Follow the Board of Pensions on Twitter
The Board of Pensions provides news, information, and helpful links on Twitter at twitter.com/boardofpensions. Follow the Board on Twitter for daily updates!
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Benefits Connect Tip: Securely Access Your Statement of Benefits Online
Active and disabled Traditional Program members and retirees and survivors with a mailing address in the United States who receive monthly pension payments can get a current Statement of Benefits online. The easy-to-follow format consolidates information about the benefits you are receiving through the Benefits Plan into a report that you can review, save, and print.
To access your online statement, log in to your Benefits Connect account. Then, quickly generate your Statement of Benefits by clicking on
- the Generate Your Statement of Benefits button on the Welcome page that opens when you log in; or
- Statement of Benefits under My Benefits in the left-hand menu.
If you are not already taking advantage of Benefits Connect, register today!
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Where is your General Presbyter
Rev. Frank Vardeman
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Thursday, June 5
- Presbytery Office
- Commission on Ministry
Sunday, June 8
- First Presbyterian Church, Kendallville
Tuesday, June 10
- Presbytery Office
- Geneva Center Ministry Team
- Central Presbyterian Church, Lafayette
Sunday, June 15 - Saturday, June 21
- General Assembly, Detroit, Michigan
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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Wednesday, June 47 pm - Carroll County Churches - "The Great Ends of the Church" Delphi City Park Thursday, June 510 am - Commission on Ministry Tuesday, June 1010 am - Geneva Center Ministry Team Saturday, June 14 - Saturday, June 21General Assembly - Detroit Michigan Tuesday, June 1710 am - Commission on Preparation for Ministry Thursday, June 1910 am - Commission on Ministry (Go-To-Meeting) Tuesday, June 2410 am - Council Wednesday, June 25NOON - Lafayette Pastors Gathering - Lafayette Brewing Company (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 Office would like to lift up 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 each Friday. |
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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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