Presbytery of Wabash Valley

www.ourpresbytery.org
Joshua Journey Website

Office Hours: 8 - 4 Monday - Friday

March 18, 2015

God Calls

First Presbyterian Church Merrillville

Passage to Ponder... Ruth 1:12-14 (NRSV)

12 Turn back, my daughters, go your way, for I am too old to have a husband. ... 13 No, my daughters, it has been far more bitter for me than for you, because the hand of the Lord has turned against me.' 14 Then they wept aloud again. Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her.

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

Yesterday, as Council met, we had great discussion on the diversity of backgrounds of those seated around the table: Methodist, Lutheran, and Roman Catholic were among those represented. One of the repeated compelling reasons for having found the PC(USA) for those of us not Presbyterian by birthright was the openness with which we can express our differences, be they theological, governmental, or even questions of doubt. Later in the evening hours, we learned of passage of the Marriage Amendment, also known as Amendment 14-F. On June 21, 2015, this Amendment to W-4.9001 will redefine marriage as between two people, traditionally between a man and a woman.

There is much work that needs to continue to bridge the brokenness felt by those in opposition to this change. Many churches have left the denomination feeling that they cannot abide this change that they had anticipated for so long. There are many, however, who have disagreed and yet elected to remain within the PC(USA). Our hope is that each one of us will reach out in love to our brothers and sisters who are hurting as we seek to reconcile all to the body of Christ. Moderator of the 221st General Assembly, Ruling Elder Heath Rada and Vice Moderator, Rev. Larissa Kwong Abazia have issued a Pastoral letter regarding passage at http://www.pcusa.org/site_media/media/uploads/oga/pdf/mod-vice-mod-marriage-passage.pdf

We are one in Christ, not divided by our differences but strengthened by our diversity. That which unites us in Christ is so much greater than anything that tries to divide us. We belong to Christ, we are graced by God, and we remain in communion with the Holy Spirit. May we reflect the light of God's Love to all.

The Commissioners to the 221st General Assembly are still available to any congregation for discussion of the Marriage Amendment or any other action taken by the General Assembly. Please contact the Presbytery Office if you wish to have further discussion.

In Faith and in Christ,

Jill Kitowski, Moderator, Presbytery of Wabash Valley

Continuing with transition one step at a time

15 presbytery leaders met as Council to take actions on behalf of our Presbytery. After opening prayer and during the discussion of the March passage, Ruth 1:6-18 we were reminded that many faithful people ask, "Where is God?" during times of trial. We recalled that the future of our presbytery is contingent upon our ability to "hold on intentionally to Christ in the midst of our differences of ideas." One of the things that distinguishes us as a denomination is that we are allowed to ask questions without fear. There is "a beauty in holding ideas in tension, without the need to push for an early resolution of those tensions." Finally, we reminded ourselves that we must keep honoring those Presbyterians who do not agree with all decisions.

The Stewardship Ministry Team stated we are in a crisis of connectionalism. We need to stress to congregations to pay their per capita. 76% of them did so in 2014, which is down from 89% in 2010.
Personnel Ministry Team presented their recommendation for General Presbyter Rev. Frank Vardeman's dissolution agreement, which was approved by Council. A special Presbytery Assembly was called for 10:00 am on April 9 to approve the dissolution and express our appreciation for Frank's service.
Geneva Center's Transitional Leader Selection Team consists of Charles Fortney from the Geneva Center Transition Team (CRE Lake Station PC), Kathy Staddon from Personnel Ministry Team (RE Rensselaer First PC), and a member from the Geneva Center Ministry Team. They are requested to bring a proposed job description for the transitional Director of Geneva Center to the April 14 Council meeting.
John Ritchie (TE Huntington First PC) was hired for summer camp director position beginning March 16- July 15, 2015.
Voted that all items submitted for action by the Presbytery Assembly or committee reports shall be submitted no later than noon on the fifth day before Assembly. Otherwise, they will be considered at the following Assembly.
Presbytery will purchase a year's copyright license from CCLI at the cost of $116 for the projection of music during Assemblies.
Steve Eldridge (RE Elkhart First PC) was named as moderator of the Property Committee.
Approved an agreement for Nick Hill of Thorntown to provide general maintenance of the Thorntown property on a temporary basis.
Alan Griffin (TE Goshen First PC) and David Lawrence (TE Minister Member at Large) agreed to collaborate in convening a group to explore the needs of small churches.
Alan Griffin (TE Goshen First PC) agreed to assume responsibility for the Mission Insite Demographic Studies.
Approved a two-year extension of the contract with Eric Herzog of Books in Order for financial services for the Presbytery of Wabash Valley.
Noted that for 2014, 43 of our churches lost members but celebrated that 13 congregations had membership gains!

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In This Issue

Council Summary-Continuing with transition on step at a time

Save the Dates

Prayers of the Presbytery

Ordination Anniversary Celebration

Geneva Center Summer Camp Offerings

Outlook offers Financial Webinar

2015 Record Review Dates

PLEASE SHARE YOUR STORIES

Save the Dates

2015 COUNCIL
April 14
June 23

2015 ASSEMBLY
April 9 - Special Called
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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Presbyterian Disaster Assistance

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Helping Indiana Congregations find and use resources

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If a Job is Worth Doing, It's Worth Doing Poorly
by L. Roger Owens

PRAYERS of the PRESBYTERY

God, sometimes it's easier for us to speak than to listen, easier to act than to be still. Help us to recognize the times in our lives that we need to be still, to have tranquility, to have silence. In those moments calm our nerves, let our feet and our hands rest in your presence.

Please lift those listed below in prayer:

Rev. Steve Quinlan, First Presbyterian Church Peru, for a quick recovery due to a recent injury.
RE Linda Long, Stated Clerk, for a successful cataract surgery
Rev. Wayne Rhodes, Honorably Retired, as he continues to struggle with serious health issues without diagnosis.
Rev. Ronald Elly, Earl Park Presbyterian Church, and family as Ron is being cared for at IU Arnett in Lafayette for broken ribs suspect of recent bone cancer treatment.
All of our Mission co-workers

We pray for and with First Presbyterian Church, Merrillville who has faithfully served their community and followed you Lord since 1949.

Lord, hear our prayers. Amen.

Thank you for your ministry and your service...

March 19, 2000 - TE Carolyn Leeb, Faculty

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.

GENEVA CENTER SUMMER CAMP 2015

1st Timers Grades 1-3 $175.00

June 21-June 23 (Sun-Tue) 3 Day Camp

Perfect for younger campers ready to start with their first overnight camping experiences. You will enjoy swimming, Bible study, crafts, games and so much more!

You & Me Ages 5 & up $250.00 per person

June 21-25 (Sun-Thur) 5 Day Camp

You & Me Camp offers grandparents, aunts, uncles, or special adults, and children to stay together in the conference center. You will participate in traditional camp activities, as well as have time on your own to strengthen your special bond.

Seekers Grades 3-5 $250.00

June 21-25 (Sun-Thur) 5 Day Camp

Designed especially for newer campers or as a beginning experience. You will experience camp over a shorter period of time, but still have the opportunity to be part of all that camp has to offer.

Ignition Grades 4-6 $390.00

June 7-12 (Sun-Fri) 6 Day Camp

A great opportunity for elementary age campers to experience all that Geneva Center has to offer with-out the intensity of the off site experiences.

C.I.T. H.S. Senior - 1st Year College $390.00

June 18 (Thur)-June 26 (Fri) 9 Day Camp

Counselors in Training!! This camp is for High School Seniors and 1st year college students. If you enjoy helping younger campers and would like to be a summer camp counselor one day...this is the camp for you!!

Jr. High Grades 6-8 $390.00

Classic - June 7-12 (Sun-Fri) 6 Day Camps

Adventure - June 14-19 (Sun-Fri)

Sr. High Grades 9-12 $390.00

Classic - June 14-19 (Sun-Fri) 6 Day Camp

Adventure - June 7-12(Sun-Fri)

This is a week of swimming, hiking, crafts, and games. You will experience all that camp has to offer as you focus on God's call in your life.

Adventure campers will take a trip down the river and camp under the stars. Enjoy fixing meals over an open fire.

Like us on Facebook: Geneva Center Summer Camps

All grade levels reflect those which campers will enter in the fall of 2015

If you would like to volunteer for summer camp at Geneva Center please contact Summer Camp Director Rev. John Ritchie at 260-224-7056 or john@huntingtonfpc.comcastbiz.net

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

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.

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

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)

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, March 19

CANCELED - 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 - Special Called Assembly Meeting
11 am - Commission on Ministry
11 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.