Presbytery of Wabash Valley
Summer Office Hours:
8 - 4 Monday - Thursday
8 - 12 Friday
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June 25, 2014
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 God
Calls
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Passage to Ponder... Acts 2:8-11
And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs--in our own languages we hear them speaking about God's deeds of power.
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Greetings in the name of Jesus Our Lord.
I know that many of you are upset and maybe confused by some of the actions of last week's General Assembly held in Detroit. I urge you to read and reflect upon the resources about General Assembly that we are providing you in today's God Call's. Especially helpful in my mind are Teaching Elder Commissioner Tom Albaum's reflections on his work at the Assembly, the pastoral letter from our GA officers, and the pastoral letter from Presbyterians For Renewal/The Fellowship of Presbyterians. Resources from the Presbyterian Outlook can be accessed below from the right hand column under "221st GA News and Resources".
This is a time of uncertainty in our beloved church as well as in our nation and the world. It is also a time to be in communal prayer for peace and harmony.
I ask God to watch over us here in the Presbytery of Wabash Valley and continue to richly bless us as we minister in our communities. Please join me in giving thanks for the work of our four commissioners to General Assembly TE Tom Albaum, RE Judy Friend, RE Jill Kitowski, and TE Bill McLean, and the prayerful decisions that they made. Join me in giving thanks for the campers enjoying God's wonderful creation at Geneva Center this summer and this week. Join me in giving thanks for the adult leaders of these camps and the college age counselors bringing the Gospel to our campers. Join me in giving thanks for the great work and witness of our Mission Co-workers. And please join me in giving thanks for the congregations that make up our presbytery and the incredible witness and ministry they are bringing to their respective communities.
Know that you and your congregation are in my prayers.
"May our Lord Jesus himself and God our Creator, who loved us and by grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word." (2 Thes 2: 16-17)
Frank Vardeman
General Presbyter of Presbytery of Wabash Valley
P.S. See the right hand column below for other 221st GA News and Resources.
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A few words from teaching elder Tom Albaum remembering the 221st General Assembly
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by TE Tom Albaum, First Presbyterian Church, Monticello
You arrive Friday, June 13. You leave Saturday, June 21. In between those times you spent hours each day looking at overtures. How long each day? One day went from 8:30a.m. to 10:00p.m. Another went from 8:30a.m. to 11:00p.m. And the marathon went from 8:30a.m. to midnight. The rest were generally from 8:30a.m. to 9:00p.m.
However it wasn't the time put in that was important. What was important was that over 600 people gathering together to discern God's will for the PC(USA). For my part, I was on the committee for civil unions and marriages. There were 71 people on the committee and we listened to over 50 people in a general session, heard the presenters of the overtures, and discussed each overture through scripture and experiences. The committee's work was Sunday afternoon through Tuesday dinner. The larger session began Wednesday afternoon through Saturday morning.
What did we vote on? We voted on over a hundred resolutions. Some of the discussions were... on
- "Developing a Comprehensive Social Witness Policy on Human Trafficking as a Human Rights Issue,"
- "Gun Violence Prevention,"
- "Encouraging Use of the Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation,"
- "Providing a Trauma Crisis Counseling Consultation to Train in Best Practices in Caring for Survivors of Homicide Victims,"
- "A Commitment to Prayer for Peace, Justice, and Reconciliation in Israel and Palestine" and on
- "Turning Attention to the Plight of the Church That Is Suffering Due to Sectarian Violence and Persecution in Egypt and Other Parts of the World."
Of course the two resolutions that got the most attention and took the longest time for discussion were on same-sex marriages and the divestment from three companies that are perceived of giving equipment to aid in war and not peace. For all who were upset, please remember that no one will be compelled to do anything they or the session will not want to do, that the change to the Book of Order requires the approval of presbyteries, and that stronger resolutions in support of Israel and Palestine can come out of future General Assemblies.
 What I walked away from and will always remember includes: positive times over lunch and dinner with others from all over the country; the involvement of youth advisors, high school, college and seminarians who showed us that the youth are not just the church of the future but the church for today; that even in times of disagreement we can pray and sing songs of praise to God; that hundreds of decisions were made that will benefit people all around the world, including decisions to address poverty, the education of children so their lives will improve, and the protection of woman and children both in our country and around the world. You may disagree with some of the decisions but always remember that the church is the church because Christ is the head of the church. All who were at General Assembly joined in one voice, "Praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen."
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THE PASTORAL LETTER FROM OUR GA OFFICERS
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To the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.):
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
The 221st General Assembly (2014) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) adjourned today after a full week of discussion, debate, prayer and discernment. The week also was enveloped in worship, celebrations, fellowship and glory to God. The Assembly, anchored on the theme "Abound in Hope" (Romans 15:13), was a resounding confirmation that the PC(USA) is alive, well, and fully engaged in being faithful to God.
Tough issues were tackled and challenging decisions were made. These actions were not done lightly, and each commissioner and advisory delegate carefully and prayerfully worked in committee and as a full
body in plenary. Now, over the next two years, members of the 221st Assembly and other leaders in the church will be about the business of interpreting and guiding people through the decisions made. We hope
you, too, will be ambassadors for the Assembly's work, and we offer ourselves and our colleagues as resources.
Now, some highlights:
Read More...
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A Pastoral Letter from Presbyterians For Renewal and the Fellowship of Presbyterians
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Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Meeting in Detroit, our 221st General Assembly has taken two significant actions on the teaching and practice of marriage according to the PC(USA)'s Book of Order. First, the GA approved an Authoritative Interpretation (AI) that now permits PC(USA) pastors to conduct same-sex weddings, and allows sessions to approve the use of church property for such ceremonies. Secondly, the GA approved a proposed amendment to the Book of Order that would replace current language with a description of marriage as a relationship between "two people, traditionally a man and a woman."
While the AI goes into effect immediately, the proposed amendment requires ratification by a majority of the presbyteries before any change could be made, a process that takes about one year. Both measures are designed to allow pastors and congregations to participate in same-sex weddings, in states where gay marriage is legal.
We grieve these actions by the General Assembly. We believe we will look back on this day and see the error of these decisions. But an Assembly of our denomination has spoken, and now we must move ahead without compromising compassion or conviction.
It is extremely important to understand that while the AI and the constitutional amendment broaden the denomination's interpretation of marriage, they do not require any pastor to officiate or any session to authorize the use of church property for a marriage service with which they disagree. It remains up to each pastor and each session to determine what is and is not appropriate for their congregation.
Read More...
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221st GA NEWS & RESOURCES
221st GA Q & A and Pastoral Letter from your Presbytery Leaders Read More 
Bulletin Insert Regarding the 221st General Assembly Click Here Presbyterian News Service Assembly urges local jurisdictions to tighten background checks Read More
Assembly adopts mission budgets of $73.7 million and $78.2 million for next two years Read More Assembly approves divestment from three companies doing business in Israel/Palestine Read MoreFossil fuel overture sent to the Mission Responsibility Through Investment
Presbyterians launch 'Educate a Child' initiative to 'Transform the World' Read More |
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Save the Dates
2014 COUNCIL
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
PRESBYTERY OF WABASH VALLEY Pulpit Supply List Malawi Matters Prayer Guide June 27- July 21, 2014 ****** July 31-August 3 National Multicultural Church Conference Location: Historic Hilton Fort Worth, TX
"Journeying and Awakening into God's Diverse World." Learn more ****** August 11-14, 2014
Evangelism and Church Growth Conference (ECG2014) Go. Disciple. Live. St. Pete Beach, Florida
Learn more ****** Grieving Loss, Embracing Hope
Jackson, Wyoming
September 29 - October 1, 2014
Plenary Sessions: Dr. Ken McFayden, Ph.D.
Click Here for More Information ****** MALT - Regional Education for Transitional Ministry
The Art of Transitional Ministry
November 3-7, 2014
Mercy Center - St. Louis, MO
Click Here for Brochure
MALT
Transitional Executive Education
November 7-10, 2014
Mercy Center - St. Louis, MO
Click Here for Brochure ****** Synod Of Lincoln Trails******
Helping Indiana Congregations find and use resources
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CONGREGATIONAL EVENTS
& REQUESTS
Faith Presbyterian Church Kokomo is looking for a CD or digital copy of 1990 edition of "The Presbyterian Hymnal". If you are able to help them out please contact CRE Jeff Brown at 765-438-7224
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PRAYERS of the PRESBYTERY
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Lord, you have appointed some to be prophets; give us ears to hear and mouths to speak. You have appointed some to sing of your goodness in the streets; make us bold to celebrate you. You have called some to be still, listen, and act; give us steadiness of mind and singularity of purpose.
- From Common Prayer
Please hold those listed below in your prayers:
- Pastors and congregations
- Geneva Center Campers and Staff
- Traveling Mercies for those vacationing
- Our Mission Co-Workers
We give thanks and praise to all those who did the hard work last week at the 221st General Assembly including your GA Commissioners
- TE Tom Albaum, First Presbyterian Church, Monticello
- RE Judy Friend, First Presbyterian Church, Peru
- RE Jill Kitowski, The Presbyterian Church, La Porte
- TE Bill McLean, First Presbyterian Church, Delphi
We pray for and with First Presbyterian Church, Albion who has faithfully served the community and followed you O' Lord since 1848.
In His Holy name, Amen!
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Thank you for your ministry and your service...
- June 27, 1976 - Rev. Stuart Robertson, Honorably Retired
- June 29, 1975 - Rev. John Everett, Honorably Retired
- June 30, 1961 - Rev. Don Neely, Honorably Retired
- June 30, 1965 - Rev. Walter Ungerer, Honorably Retired
- July 1, 1974 - Rev. Jack Scott, Associate Pastor, University Church Purdue, West Lafayette
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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WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO WRITE ONE OF THE TWELVE BRIEF BIBLE STUDIES FOR 2015?
Monthly Bible study is a special grace of our Presbytery
For the past four years the Transformation Ministry Team (TMT) has provided a brief Bible study to assist Presbytery commissions, committees and ministry teams, as well as Sessions and other groups with opening their meetings with prayer. These Bible studies have also served to connect us between our various groupings. I have been in meetings where Presbyters have said something like: "This is the third time this month we have used this study, and each time the group responds differently," demonstrating that the Spirit is indeed alive within us.
Would you be willing to write one of twelve brief Bible studies for 2015? What Scripture would you have the Presbytery study at in February? Which translation would help us dig into the passage in May? Do you have an exegetical note or illustration to share for August? What questions would encourage reflection and discussion in November? Check out the variety of entries provided for our 2014 Bible Study.
Guidelines: Each writer should:
- Writers will be members of the Presbytery of Wabash Valley including Teaching Elders, Ruling Elders, and Deacons.
- Select a Scripture passage and translation (NRSV, NIV, CEV, MSG, ...) that our Presbytery should study as part of a committee, team, assembly, Session, ... meeting.
- Contact Robert Shaw (Robert@ChristWinfield.org or 219-776-6287) to coordinate months and passage selections with other authors.
- Optionally include a brief exegetical note or illustration.
- Include questions that will encourage reflective discussion about God's presence and guidance among us.
- Optionally begin or end with a prayer.
- Include a brief biography about the author.
- Fit the Bible study, including the Bible passage text, illustration, questions, prayer, and biographical note within one 8-1/2" x 11" page.
- Submit your entry by September 1st.
- The authors will receive a review copy to see how their contribution compares with others. Any emendations must be returned to Robert Shaw by October 1st.
The Transformation Ministry Team will have about 2 weeks to review the emended copy before distribution to our Presbytery with documents for the November Assembly on November 18th.
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In an effort to organize our Facebook presence we plan to discontinue the page at facebook.com/presbyterywv as of June 30th.
If you would like to stay connected with the Presbytery of Wabash Valley through Facebook please follow this link https://www.facebook.com/WabashValley
and "Like" us.
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| Resource Grants Information Luncheons The Center for Congregations invites northwest Indiana congregations to an information luncheon to learn about our Resource Grants program. During this luncheon session, you will enjoy a delicious meal and conversation about the services the Center offers Indiana congregations, such as resource consulting, education opportunities and our Resource Grants program.
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. (Eastern time)
Wednesday, July 9, 2014 in South Bend
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Get more coverage for your dollar by advertising in July 21st issue of The Presbyterian Outlook which will have the highlights from 221st General Assembly.  Click graphic to find out more about advertising in The Presbyterian Outlook. |
Where is your General Presbyter
Rev. Frank Vardeman
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Thursday, June 26
- Auburn Presbyterian Church
Sunday, June 29
- Christ Presbyterian Church, Winfield
Monday, June 30
- Presbytery Office
- Joshua Journey II Team
Tuesday, July 1
- Presbytery Office
- Geneva Center Ministry Team
- First Presbyterian Church, Lebanon
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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Monday, June 3010 am - Joshua Journey II Team Tuesday, July 1
10 am - Geneva Center Ministry Team
Wednesday, July 3
9 am - Orientation for AC of Winona Lake, Church of the Good Shepherd at Goshen First PC (map)
Friday, July 4Presbytery Office Closed for 4th of July Celebration Tuesday, July 1510 am - Council Thursday, July 1710 am - Commission on Ministry 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.
If you have special events that are offered to the public we would be happy to post them as well. Please forward your stories and photos to vicki@ourpresbytery.org, 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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