Presbytery of Wabash Valley
Office Hours: 8 - 4 Monday - Friday
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January 21, 2015
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Pierceton Presbyterian Church
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Passage to Ponder... Ezekiel 22: 29 (NRSV)29 The people of the land practice extortion and commit robbery; they oppress the poor and needy and mistreat the foreigner, denying them justice.
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COUNCIL...
Accepted, Approved, Brainstormed, & Directed
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Fifteen presbytery leaders met as Council with Sara Dingman, transitional executive of our Synod, to take significant actions on behalf of our Presbytery. After opening prayers and engaging with the January passage from Ezekiel 22, your Council focused on the following discussions and decisions:
- Brainstormed about "What does it mean to be Presbyterian and of the Reformed tradition?" How do we live-out what it means to be "a connectional church" with our congregations? We make decisions as "councils of the church" and at the same time, protect individuals' freedom of conscience. What is our common language about being Presbyterian with Reformed theology? Are there more ways we can share this identity as presbytery leaders with our congregations?
- Engaged in conversation about plans for the February 10th event at Geneva Center. Larissa Abazia, General Assembly Vice Moderator and pastor of a church in New York, will be with us for the day to talk about General Assembly work and the proposed amendments to the Book of Order coming to presbyteries for a vote. Alan Griffin, Goshen First and Presbytery Vice-Moderator David Smook will lead conversations about being Presbyterian and Reformed theology. We will share lunch, worship and the Lord's Supper. Congregations are invited to join. Click Here for more information and to Register
- Approved medical leave with salary and benefits for 90 days for General Presbyter Frank Vardeman as he continues to undergo medical treatment. It is important for no one to contact Frank during this time - phone call, email or visit - but cards are most welcome. At the present time:
- Questions or concerns about pastors and congregational conflict should go to COM. Email is COM@ourpresbytery.org
- Unusual or unclear issues and staffing-related matters go to the Personnel Ministry Team, Sandy Carlson, moderator. sandycarlson426@gmail.com
- Directed the Personnel Ministry Team to hire a temporary general presbyter for a period of three months with possibility of renewal if necessary while the general presbyter undergoes medical treatment.
- Talked with Kevin Bowers, (Lafayette Bethany) and Sue Babovec (Peabody Retirement Community) from the "Team of Five" about its ongoing work in reviewing and potentially revising the Joshua Journey 2 recommendations about changes to presbytery structure and implementation planning. Team is working with Sara Dingman, and contacting other presbyteries about effective models for strengthening presbytery connections with congregations for mission and ministry. Assembly may expect an interim report in February based upon work in the Team's weekly meetings.
- Approved motions requiring verification of 501(c)3 status and Articles of Incorporation for Sugar Mill, Inc. and no further dispersement of funds of the Thorntown Presbyterian Church by presbytery's commission at this time.
- Authorized Stated Clerk to evaluate and recommend potential attorneys to represent presbytery in new matters.
- Approved option agreement with Historic Preservation Foundation concerning building of the former Columbia City First church; requests for waiver of term limits for session members in four small congregations with aging members to assure session leadership; proposal to engage in conversation with Presbyterian Women as specialized ministry of presbytery; funding for Confirmation Retreat at Geneva Center being led by volunteers from several congregations; and PILP loan application for La Porte congregation.
- Accepted naming of Geneva Center Transitional Team as John Ritchie, Moderator; Jim Hubbard (RE, Valparaiso); Carol McDonald (TE, retired); Charles Fortney (CRE, Lake Village); Sally VanBokkelen (RE, Munster); Jim Rasp (RE, Elkhart); David Fincher (RE, Rochester), and Steve Mullin (TE, retired).
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Save the Dates
2015 COUNCIL
March 17
April 14
June 23
2015 ASSEMBLY
February 24
May 19
September 18-19
November 17
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Ministry Quick Links
Helping Indiana Congregations find and use resources
Six Practices to Thriving
Thriving Communities
Reaching and Unleashing Baby Boomers and Beyond Wednesday, February 11 Chesterton United Methodist Church, 434 S. Second St., ******
A Church Reborn by Yonat Shimron "Be kind and merciful. Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier." - Mother Teresa |
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PRAYERS of the PRESBYTERY
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 Limitless God, we thank you for being a God who loves without ceasing. May you remind the lonely that love never leaves, but is the greatest sustainer.
Please lift those listed below in prayer:
- Rev. Paul & Carol Myhre, PWV Council Member & Associate Director at Wabash Center as they provide support to Carol's sister and family with a recent diagnoses of stage four pancreatic cancer.
- Rev. Jordy and Darlene Truman, Kendallville First Presbyterian Church, in the loss of Darlene's brother Don.
- Rev. Jack Hess, Honorably Retired, as he continues medical care for multiple health concerns.
- Rev. Frank Vardeman, General Presbyter and family as they cope with ongoing medical concerns.
- For all those who have been affected with the stomach virus.
- All of our Mission co-workers
We pray for and with Pierceton Presbyterian Church who has faithfully served their community and followed you Lord since 1859.
In your holy name we pray. Amen.
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Thank you for your ministry and your service...
- January 26, 1992 - Rev. Sue Babovec, Chaplain at Peabody Retirement Community
- January 27, 1980 - Rev. David Smith, Honorably Retired & Pastor at Logansport, Bethlehem Presbyterian Church
If you have been omitted or your information is incorrect please accept my apology. Help to update our records by sending your current information to vicki@ourpresbytery.org.
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LAST DAY TO REGISTER FOR
2015 CONFIRMATION RETREAT
Do you have young people who are preparing to be confirmed next spring? If so we hope they will participate with youth from throughout the presbytery during the Confirmation Retreat.
at Geneva Center
Friday, February 6 through Sunday, February 8
The retreat is structured to engage and excite confirmation age young people as they grow and learn what it means to follow Jesus Christ as members of the Presbyterian Church (USA). The retreat includes workshops, hands on educational activities and experiences, as well as opportunities to worship and have fellowship with new friends.
We hope your youth will be able to join us with their adult leaders for this exciting weekend!
Registration deadline is today, Wednesday, January 21, 2015!
Please click here for registration information or email Gladys@ourpresbytery.org or call 574-223-5678.
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Could your congregation benefit from more generous giving? Consider attending Stewardship Kaleidoscope, the PC(USA)'s national conference on stewardship. INVEST IN FAITH March 9-11, 2015 Kansas City, Mo. Airport Hilton, 8801 NW 112th St. Learn more or register online today! Early bird rate of $240 available through Feb. 16.
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Contemplative Church at Ghost Ranch
A Retreat for Clergy and Church Leaders
February 2-8, 2015
During the week-long program, participants will re-discover the contemplative, inner dimension of Christianity through prayer, teaching, spiritual exercises, time in nature and more.
In an era of increasing confusion and fears about the future of the church, Peter Traben Haas, teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and founder and editor of the website, ContemplativeChristians.com, believes that spiritual practices just might be the primary hope for doing and being the future global Christian Church.
More Information
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New year, new goals.
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The beginning of the year is a time for reflection and goal setting. Be sure to include a resolution focused on helping those in need. The Presbyterian Online Giving Catalog makes it easy to turn intentions into action. Start your year off right by giving today. Over 40 items to choose from, starting at $10. Every gift counts.
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Reminder to Clerks of Sessions
Please don't forget to answer the Clerk's Questionnaire about your ministry and update the 2014 statistics for your congregation at :
Main landing page: http://oga.pcusa.org/section/churchwide-ministries/stats/
Clerk's Questionnaire is generated by Research Services to advise on resources to support congregations. http://caq2014.pcusa.org/
Instructions are on the landing page, as well as the link to directly enter your data. Remember-- the sooner the better because the computer system slows down as more folks try to enter data nearer the deadline. To date: 7% of our congregations have completed these tasks.
- The last day you will be able to enter statistics is Thursday, February 19, 2015
- If you miss that date, the last day Gladys will be able to enter statistics for you is Thursday, march 2, 2015
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Where is your General Presbyter Rev. Frank Vardeman
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Frank and Heidi give thanks for all the prayers and best wishes that have flowed their way. Frank is working hard on his physical therapy and greatly appreciates that Joe was able to visit him on Monday!
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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. Voice mail at the office will include the status of meetings scheduled. To confirm meeting status don't hesitate to call 574-223-5678.
Thursday, January 226:30 pm - Carroll County Presbyterian Churches Gathering at First Presbyterian Church, Delphi (map)Thursday, January 2910 am - Transitional Pastors Gathering Tuesday, February 310 am - Geneva Center Ministry Team Thursday, February 510 am - Commission on Ministry 10 am - Commission on Preparation for Ministry Friday, February 6 - Sunday, February 86:30 pm - Confirmation Retreat
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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Every week, we publish this eNewsletter to hundreds of Wabash Valley and PC(USA) members and also post 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, mission trips and other special ministries that are occurring in your congregation and community. 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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