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

March 11, 2015   
God Calls
First Presbyterian Church
Michigan City
Passage to Ponder... Ruth 1:9-11 (NRSV)

9 The Lord grant that you may find security, each of you in the house of your husband.' Then she kissed them, and they wept aloud. 10 They said to her, 'No, we will return with you to your people.' 11 But Naomi said, 'Turn back, my daughters, why will you go with me? Do I still have sons in my womb that they may become your husbands?

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

Saying "And"
by Robert Shaw, Christ Presbyterian Church, Winfield

Presbyterians, including myself, like to think of ourselves as people of the middle way, people who grab and appreciate both ends of a theological argument. I believe that allowing a diversity of opinions strengthens our Church. When our General Assembly meets, we invite ecumenical representatives and invite them to express their views on matters of global importance; people we agree with and those who would challenge our thinking.

But do we really make room for those who hold a minority opinion, those whom the majority discerns as wrong.

The Lord's Supper
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Another pastor likens our celebration of the Lord's Supper to a family dinner where a litigious brother, a crazy aunt, a doddering uncle, and a free-spirit cousin can sit at the same table and enjoy a common meal, embracing our commonality while allowing for our differences.

 

Changing the definition of marriage has embroiled many Churches in conflict as progressive and evangelical theologians increasingly find reasons to set aside long held, practices that formerly limited marriage to one man and one woman.

 

Presbyteries of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) are now considering an amendment to the Directory of Worship that would broaden the definition of marriage to "two persons traditionally a man and a woman." Interestingly this amendment neither explicitly includes same-sex marriage nor  does it bind either pastors to perform or a congregation's board of elders to host "marriage service that the teaching elder or the session believes is contrary to the teaching elder's or the session's discernment of the Holy Spirit and their understanding of the Word of God."

 

I am hopeful that this amendment will encourage all the Church to embody Paul's boast to the Corinthians:

For though I am free with respect to all, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though I myself am not under the law) so that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law) so that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, so that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings.      - 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (NRSV)

Some prefer to switch rather than fight, leaving one denomination for another to avoid those with whom they disagree. Yet, as another pastor eloquently stated: "We are called to bring light into the darkness, and not to take the light of Christ out of the room."

 

How might you celebrate God's grace and work to advance the Kingdom of Heaven with those whom you disagree?

 


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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  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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Transitional Ministry Today

 
by Norman B. Bendroth    

 

 

 

 

Congregational Events

Sunday, March 15 @ 4 pm  Community Presbyterian Church Rochester 
 presents
 "Delta" Dave Snyder vocalist on guitar, dobro, mandolin performing with Randy Whiteman,  who plays harmonica.  They'll be   playing  blues, country and some jazz.
 Come enjoy with us! 

 

PRAYERS of the PRESBYTERY
God of love, we pray for those who have lost loved ones and for those who are sick and hurting. Lord we ask for your healing touch. 

Please lift those listed below in prayer:

  • Rev. Wayne Rhodes, Honorably Retired, as he continues to struggle with serious health issues without diagnosis.
  • CRE Jim Dougans, Rensselaer First Presbyterian Church, continued recovery from fractured ankle.
  • Rev. Frank Vardeman, General Presbyter, as he continues physical therapy.
  • Rev. Ronald Liechty, former Interim Pastor at Rochester Community PC, and family as Ron enters into hospice care.
  • All of our Mission co-workers
We pray for and with First Presbyterian Church, Michigan City who has faithfully served their community and followed you Lord since 1871.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers. Amen.
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Thank you for your ministry and your service... 
  • March 13, 2005 - TE Robert Leach, Minister Member at Large
  • March 15, 1992 - TE Jack Volkers, Honorably Retired
  • March 16, 1997 - TE Bill Kleymann, Rochester Community 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.    

 

Michiana Youth Ministries Founder Rev Terry McBride    
Offers to Speak at Your Church 
Rev. Terry McBride

Do you need a speaker for Sunday morning worship?

Would your congregation be inspired to have some youth come and share their testimonies about what God has done and is doing in their lives?

 

The Rev. Terry McBride served as associate pastor at First Presbyterian Church in South Bend from 1997-2005 and then formed Michiana Youth Ministries, an ecumenical not-for-profit organization that sponsors Cursillo-based weekend retreats for senior high youth.

 

MYM sponsors the Love Of God (LOG) program for senior high youth. LOG brings youth from many schools and many churches together for a weekend of singing and sharing and praying - an intentional experience of Christian community and love. Youth are usually invited by a friend who has already attended LOG (can you say evangelism?) and afterwards, he or she may choose to serve on a LOG leadership team and invite their own friends. MYM's motto is reaching youth with the love of God through weekends that can last a lifetime.

 

Terry is open to being invited to visit Presbytery of Wabash Valley churches to lead in worship and/or share the story of the very successful LOG ministry (79 weekend retreats with over 1400 youth participating) - - anything from a simple Sunday morning sermon to bringing a team of youth to sing, share and even present a short drama in worship or at a youth meeting.

 

For information about Michiana Youth Ministries, please check out our website: www.michianayouth.org or contact terry@michianayouth.org / 574-274-5990.


 



 

 Top 10 Financial Mistakes Churches Make 

(and How to Fix Them)

 

A 90-minute webinar 

on Tuesday March 24 at 2.pm ET (11 a.m. PT) 

featuring Eric Heinekamp

 

Church finances are unique and challenging. Issues like housing allowance, medical insurance, taxes, endowments and charitable contributions are complex - and yet are often managed by volunteers and staff with little training. 

 

But there is hope! In this webinar we will look at real financial challenges facing our congregations and simple, practical ways to improve money management so your congregation can focus on their mission.

 

Who should attend? Pastors, elders, church staff and anyone working with church finances.

 

Participants will:

  • Hear common mistakes church volunteers and staff make related to money;
  • Learn practical tips, tactics and tools to reduce operating costs and increase income;
  • Discover useful resources to help churches be better at financial planning, spending, taxes, audits and stewardship.

Presenter ERIC HEINEKAMP is director of business affairs for the Presbytery of Chicago. He is responsible for the finance, accounting and real estate of the presbytery and meets frequently with churches in the presbytery to consult on these topics. Eric is a second-career teaching elder who was called to work in the church after more than 20 years in management roles in commercial banking. 

 

 Click here to learn more, register for the live event or on-demand replay ($29.95), or pre-order a DVD ($43.95).

Presbyterian Resource Guide for Ministry 
A Comprehensive Reference Handbook for Congregations

 Presbyterians Today Special Issue

 

This easy-to-read, in-depth guidebook puts loads of vital ministry information at your fingertips. The Resource Guide covers dozens of subjects, including disaster response, fundraising and stewardship, the ins and outs of building a website and using social media, children's/youth/collegiate/young adult ministry, church planting, grant and scholarship sources, evangelism, worship, and much more. Filled with practical and useful tips, stories, articles, and contacts, this one-stop reference is an essential asset for congregations, presbyteries, and individual Presbyterians look for creative ways to improve their ministry. 


Learn More

CLERK'S ANNUAL GATHERINGS & RECORDS REVIEW
2015 Clerk's Conversations and review of 2014 records:
  • Saturday, April 11, 9 - 11:30 Central Time at Hebron Range Line Community Presbyterian Church (10 am Eastern) (map)
  • Saturday, April 18, 9 - 11:30 Eastern Time at Rossville Presbyterian Church (8 am Central) (map)
  • Saturday, April 25, 9 - 11:30 Eastern Time at Goshen First Presbyterian Church (8 am Central) (map)
 
Your Gifts from February 24th Assembly of $670.48 have gone to One Great Hour of Sharing.



A gift to One Great Hour of Sharing enables the church to share God's love with our neighbors-in-need around the world by providing relief to those affected by natural disasters, provide food to the hungry, and helping to empower the poor and oppressed.

Thank you for your generous and faithful giving.

 Learn More 

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.

 

Tuesday, March 17
10 am - Council

Thursday, March 19
10 am - Commission on Ministry (Go-To-Meeting)

Friday, April 3
GOOD FRIDAY - PRESBYTERY OFFICE CLOSED

Tuesday, April 7
10 am - Geneva Center Ministry Team

Wednesday, April 8
1 pm - Northwest Church Professionals Luncheon - Schererville Immanuel Presbyterian Church (map)

Thursday, April 9
10 am - Commission on Ministry
10 am - Commission on Preparation for Ministry

Saturday, April 11
10 am - Clerk's Annual Gathering & Records Review - Range Line Community Presbyterian Church (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.
                  
 
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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