Presbytery of Wabash Valley
Office Hours: 8 - 4 Monday - Friday 

February 25, 2015   
God Calls
Monticello First Presbyterian Church

Passage to Ponder... Luke 15:23-24 (NRSV)

And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!' And they began to celebrate.

(from the Presbytery of Wabash Valley  2015 Monthly Bible Study  Reading and Reflection)

Radical Grace shared at Assembly
 
Moderator Jill Kitowski (RE, Presbyterian Church, La Porte) called the Assembly of more than 125 people present to order with prayers for unity in diversity, the presence of the Holy Spirit and our unity as the Body of Christ.  Highlights of the day:
  • Honorably Retired Chuck Compton wrapped up the Assembly by preaching about "What I do have!" based upon Acts 3: 1-11 and presided at the Table with CRE Donna Enersen.  Assembly was reminded what it has to share:  Radical Grace of Jesus Christ shared directly in person with those around us.  Let go of fears, step away from pious excuses, don't count on "programs" to do it, but reach out, pay attention, listen, touch those immediately in our presence.
  • Assembly
    RE Wil Reinowski, Lafayette Central Presbyterian Church
    voted to approve the seven amendments proposed by the 221st General Assembly to amend the Book of Order.  Six were by voice vote without dissent; vote to amend W-4.9000 concerning marriage and honoring the consciences of those who differ on the definition of "marriage" was by written ballot, 78 to affirm, 26 in the negative, and 1 abstention.  Question of adding Belhar Confession to Book of Confessions will be voted upon at the May Assembly.
  • Elected eight more leaders to new positions of leadership:  Steve Quinlan (TE, Peru); Charles Fortney (CRE, Lake Village); Kathy O'Neall (RE, Rensselaer); David Lawrence (TE, at-large); Bill Kleymann (TE, Rochester); Judy Friend (RE, Peru); and Mary Ann Banning (TE, Flora); Sara Stallings (RE, Lafayette Central); and elected Bob Shoemaker (RE, Dyer) to second term on Nominating Committee.
  • Dismissed with gratitude the administrative commission for Thorntown and charged an AC for Kouts to work with the congregation concerning its future.
  • Received financial report showing deficit for presbytery operations and mission of $42,094 for first six months of fiscal year, and projected deficit of $135,000 for fiscal year ending June 30, 2015 due to declining per capita contributions.  Geneva Center financial report showed deficit of $29,413 for 2014 after direct mission funding from presbytery to GC totaling $116,150.  GC as ministry of presbytery shows a deficit in its reserves; Presbytery holds just under $600,000 in reserves.
  • After defeating a motion to table, Assembly approved a motion presented by Carol McDonald (TE, HR) from Geneva Center Transition Team seeking permission to hire a transitional leader for Geneva Center for a term of 12-18 months at an annual cost of $100,000 to 120,000 to "promote, market and advance the interest of Geneva Center while preparing to implement the Management and Business Plans being developed."
  • Received report from Sandy Carlson, Personnel Committee moderator, concerning Council approval in January of medical leave of 90 days at full pay and benefits for General Presbyter Frank Vardeman, and Board of Pensions approval of future disability benefits for him.  Frank has indicated he is unable to return to his position, and a team is discussing with him the terms of dissolution of his call as GP.  Assembly offered prayers for him, his family and his medical team, as well as for those presbytery and synod staff and volunteers carrying on the work of the Presbytery.  No action has been taken to hire a temporary or transitional GP.
  • Approved motions from Commission on Ministry to authorize a ruling elder in limited circumstances to serve communion, and to waive for three years limitation on terms of deacons and ruling elder to actively serve small churches in Royal Center, Kouts, Columbia City, South Bend, Frankfort, Burrows and Plymouth.
- Linda L. Long, Stated Clerk



STAY CONNECTED


In This Issue
Save the Dates

2015 COUNCIL
March 17
April 14
June 23

2015 ASSEMBLY
May 19
September 18-19
November 17


Ministry Quick Links


PRESBYTERY OF WABASH VALLEY

Pulpit Supply List

 

  

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Focus on needs, not demographics

 

 

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Good News from the Presbyterian Mission Agency  

 

 

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Synod Of Lincoln Trails
Continues Funding Opportunities for 2015
Mission Initiative Grants

Ministerial Excellence Fund: Sustaining The Call
 

 

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PDA

    

Center for Congregations 

Helping Indiana Congregations find and use resources

    

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Laity and Retired Clergy Lead Together in Small Congregations 

 

 

 

 

 

PRAYERS of the PRESBYTERY
Lord, you are our God, our refuge and strength. Thank you for guiding us through this week, for being with us always.   

Please lift those listed below in prayer:
  • Candidate Cyndi Johnson and family, as they seek medical attention for daughter Rebecca who has been having difficulty eating.
  • CRE Martha Flora, Albion First Presbyterian Church,  as she has partcial knee replacement surgery on Wednesday, March 4th.
  • Rev. Jack Hess, Honorably Retired, as he continues medical care for multiple health concerns.
  • Rev. Frank Vardeman, General Presbyter and family as Frank continues his recovery at home from ongoing medical concerns.
  • All of our Mission co-workers
We pray for and with First Presbyterian Church, Monticello who has faithfully served their community and followed you Lord since May 7, 1836.

In your name we pray. Amen.
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Thank you for your ministry and your service... 
  • February 27, 1994 - TE John Van Nuys, Wabash Avenue Presbyterian Church, Crawfordsville
  • March 2, 1986 - TE David Wood, First Presbyterian Church, Crown Point

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.    

 

BoP Board Connections
 Highmark Member Records Potentially Compromised by Data Breach at Anthem
 
As you may have heard from recent news reports, a late-January cyberattack on Anthem Inc. compromised the data of as many as 80 million Anthem plan members. The Board of Pensions has learned that some Highmark member data on Anthem's systems may also be at risk.

Highmark Blue Cross (the Board of Pensions' service provider for the Medical Plan) participates in the national Blue Cross BlueCard network, sharing certain member information with local Blue Cross plans, including Anthem Blue Cross, to pay providers and process claims locally. The information compromised during the attack on Anthem's systems includes names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers of Medical Plan members who have, or may have had, claims for services with providers participating in Anthem Blue Cross.
 
Within the next few weeks, as Anthem and the FBI continue their investigations, Anthem will send a letter by U.S. mail to current and former Highmark and Anthem plan members whose data may have been compromised. The letter will offer free credit monitoring and identity protection services. The Board of Pensions encourages you to accept these services if you receive a letter.
 
Important Note: Anthem will not contact members by phone or email and will not request credit card or Social Security numbers. They will contact members by mail only.
 
The letter from Anthem will provide further details, including additional contact information. Benefits Plan members with questions may call Anthem toll-free at 877-263-7995, visit the website anthemfacts.com, or read their Frequently Asked Questions.

In addition, Highmark is keeping the Board informed of developments; as additional information becomes available, the Board will share it with you. Remember, you may also call the Board at 800-773-7752 (800-PRESPLAN) to speak with a member service representative.


Updates from
 
NEXT Church
A series of blogs around a common topic. January and February is centered around technology, faith, and church.

Pitfalls of Technology and Social Media
 
Center for Congregations
Introduction to Strategic Planning
Strategic Planning is a process by which pertinent questions are addressed and a careful plan is developed to move a congregation in the direction of spiritual growth. This luncheon workshop is an introduction to strategic planning for congregational leaders and members. Participants will learn about strategic planning as a living document that outlines the congregation's mission, vision and long-range view for future growth and development. Falicia Brewer, a leader in organizational development, facilitates this luncheon workshop.

11 a.m.-1 p.m. (Central time)
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 in Merrillville


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Congregations and Community Engagement
Congregations can do amazing things when leaders and members put their minds to engaging with their communities. Whether urban, suburban or rural, communities are struggling with a number of urgent issues. Because the stakes are high, it is important for congregations to be strategic in making choices so that their efforts are thoughtful, sustainable and make a real difference to the neighbors they serve. Author, consultant and national speaker Joy Skjegstad leads this workshop.

9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Eastern time)
Tuesday, April 14, 2015 in Elkhart

Upcoming Events and Meetings

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, February 26
10 am - Geneva Center Transition Team - Merrillville First  (map)
  7 pm - Carroll County Presbyterian Churches 153 West Main Street, Camden, Indiana 46917 (map)

Sunday, March 1
3 pm - Permanent Judicial Commission - The PC La Porte (map)

Tuesday, March 3
10 am - Geneva Center Ministry Team

Thursday & Friday, March 5 & 6
10 am - Commission on Ministry Retreat

Tuesday, March 10
10 am - Nominating Committee

Wednesday, March 11
1 pm - Northwest Church Professionals Gathering - (Location TBA)


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.
                  
 
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.

 


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
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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