Presbytery of Wabash Valley
PWV Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8 - 4
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January 20, 2016
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 God
Calls
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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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Extending Our Branches Into a New Location
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With courageous discernment, Council continues to implement step-by-step the emerging vision of our "Joshua Journey" with presbytery Assembly during the past few years. This week Council unanimously approved both a Covenant Agreement with the Geneva Center, Inc. board, and the recommendation of Council's Move Team (Steve Eldridge, RE First, Elkhart), Sue Babovec (TE, Peabody Retirement), Jeff Brown (CRE Faith, Kokomo), Karen Sommers (RE, St. John's) and moderator Alan Griffin (TE First, Goshen) to move the office from Geneva Center to office space in downtown Rochester at 707 Main St. and approved a two year lease beginning February 1, 2016, with option to renew.
- Council agreed that it is very important to relocate the presbytery office away from Geneva Center so that each entity might have a clear and separate identity as we begin this new phase in our relationship. We believe that this will be advantageous to both the presbytery and Geneva Center. The move communicates that we are moving into a new future and new style of ministry. For Wabash Valley, a new location suggests that the mission and ministry of the presbytery is not limited to camp and conference ministry but is properly understood as focused on empowering the work of our local congregations. For Geneva Center, we anticipate that some grants and partnerships might be more likely without the presbytery office being the first thing one sees when approaching the Conference Center.
- There will also be significant cost savings for the presbytery in relocating its offices. In recent years, the presbytery has spent approximately $40,000 a year on common area maintenance including utilities. While Geneva Center folk promised that we could significantly reduce that amount, the nature of the facility limits the amount of savings that could be realized. For example the office wing is heated and cooled by a HVAC system that services two floors, much of that space is unused. The new annual cost will be $12,000.
- After evaluating several properties in the greater Rochester area including a generous offer from a congregation, the Council approved space that consists of office space for our administrative assistant, a shared office for the incoming visioning leader and the stated clerk, a file storage room, a small conference room, a break room, an entry lobby and consistent high-speed internet service. The Community Foundation office located in the same building has offered occasional use of a larger conference room sufficient to house Council meetings as needed.
- Consistent with reduction in office space and increasing use of technology to collaborate on presbytery work and connect with congregations, Council approved adopting Microsoft Office 365 and has installed POMA (Presbyterian Office Manager Assistant) as the new database for maintaining some presbytery records. Paper files are under review, and when possible are being archived with the Presbyterian Historical Society; those necessary for current ministry and mission will be electronically scanned to improve essential access.
- Necessary office furnishings will be moved to the 707 Main St. office, and those not needed by presbytery will be offered to Geneva Center, then to congregations.
- If you wish to volunteer to help in some way with the move, please send an email to Vicki@ourpresbytery.org who will coordinate offers to assist with the Move Team.
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2016 PER CAPITA
$39.38 total
General Assembly - $7.12 Synod of Lincoln Trails - $3.81 Presbytery of Wabash Valley - $28.45
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Save the Dates
2016 COUNCIL Tuesday, March 15 - La Porte PC
Tuesday, April 19 - Peru, 1st PC
Tuesday, June 21 - Rochester, CPC
Tuesday, July 19 - Brookston, Federated
Tuesday, August 16 - Geneva Center
Tuesday, October 18 - Peabody
Tuesday, December 6 - TBA
2016 ASSEMBLY
Saturday, February 20 - Rossville PC
Tuesday, May 17 - Peru, 1st PC
Saturday, September 17 - Geneva Center
Tuesday, November 15 - Peabody
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Ministry Quick Links
PRESBYTERY OF WABASH VALLEY
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Geneva Center, INC to Continue Another 50 Years of Mission as Separate 501(c)3 Entity
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After conversations with Geneva Center Transition Team that began last fall, then with representatives of its newly elected Board of Directors, Presbytery Council unanimously approved the recommendation of its negotiating team for a covenant agreement shaping mutual understanding of Presbytery relationship with Geneva Center ministry for the near term.
- The Presbytery of Wabash Valley Assembly created the Geneva Center Transition Team in November 2014 with the team's members appointed by the Council of the Presbytery and given a charter to create a separate non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable entity that would continue the fifty-year mission of Geneva Center.
- SEPARATE ENTITY: Geneva Center Transition Team's newly created non-profit organization Geneva Center, Inc. (GCI) was recognized by the State of Indiana as a new non-profit corporation in November 2015, and its initial Board of Directors was elected by Council in December as provided in GCI bylaws. The application for 501(c)(3) charitable status with IRS will be submitted in January 2016 with a decision expected within 8-9 months. The intent is that Geneva Center, Inc. will be a self-sustaining entity operating independently in carrying out its mission & ministry of Christian hospitality.
- ASSETS OF GENEVA CENTER: The property and buildings of the Presbytery of Wabash Valley, Inc. essential to Geneva Center's ability to operate as a camp, retreat and conference center as it has historically been doing, will be leased to Geneva Center, Inc. for a period of three (3) years for a fee of $1 per year, plus reimbursement to Presbytery for essential insurance coverage and monthly payments on the Geneva Center renovation loan from Presbyterian Investment and Loan Program (PILP). Other assets required to run the business, i.e. equipment needed for facility and lawn maintenance, specific office equipment, vehicles, and the like will be transferred to GCI. A specific listing will be included within the lease document currently being negotiated.
- After three (3) years of operating as a separate entity, the Presbytery and GCI will assess the long-term viability of GCI as well as GCI's ability to continue its ministry & mission on a self-sustaining basis. It is the intent of the presbytery to ultimately transfer title to the buildings, facilities, equipment & property to a viable Geneva Center, Inc. It is understood that the PILP loan must be repaid or transferred to Geneva Center Inc. before any transfer of title can be implemented. Should the property be transferred, it is understood that Geneva Center, Inc. will not sell any of the buildings, facilities, or real property without prior approval of Presbytery. If Geneva Center, Inc. becomes insolvent or discontinues its operations to carry out its mission & ministry, the lease will terminate and all prior intentions to transfer title to buildings, furniture, equipment, and property are null and void upon declaration of insolvency.
- SUMMER CAMP: Recognizing that the 'church camp experience' is important to both Presbytery and to Geneva Center, Inc., GCI will provide summer camp opportunities each year that will be open to all who wish to attend. The summer camp opportunities provided by GCI will be publicized, including to all churches within the Presbytery as being the church camp 'endorsed' by the Presbytery.
- USE AND MISSION SUPPORT: The Presbytery committed to provide its approved fiscal years 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 budgeted support totaling $100,000 to Geneva Center, Inc. in increments as requested by Geneva Center, Inc. Council also approved payment of 2015 Geneva Center deficit of approximately $67,000. Geneva Center, Inc. will be able to apply for additional mission support from Presbytery in any funding cycle that begins after June 30, 2017 by using the same process as others seeking mission support.
- Based on fifty-one (51) years of the churches of the Presbytery of Wabash Valley financially supporting Geneva Center, the Presbytery and all its affiliated organizations will be eligible for a fifteen percent (15%) discount off the space rental fees (not to apply to food or other charges) that all other entities utilizing the property and facilities pay for using them. It is understood that the same penalties for cancellation that apply to all other users will apply.
- Presbytery of Wabash Valley will assign directed and donor restricted gift balances currently under Council management in support of Geneva Center, to Geneva Center Inc. for its ongoing management, use and reporting contingent upon uses as originally directed or restricted by the Presbytery Council or donors intent.
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- As it progressed through its agenda, Council touched back to scripture and Presbyterian Foundations readings selected for January from Mark 1: 14-15 and F-1.01 focusing on God's Mission, and their nexus with Presbytery statement: "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."
- Expressed gratitude to Rossville Presbyterian Church for hosting Council this week, and confirmed plans for it to host Presbytery Assembly on Saturday, February 20, 2016, located at 5434 W SR 26, Rossville 46065-9542
- Confirmed dates and places for Council and Assembly meetings of Wabash Valley in 2016 and agreed that the PWV calendar accessible on www.ourpresbytery.org website will be maintained by staff as the up-to-date resource to confirm time and place or any cancellation of meetings:
- Assembly, Saturday, February 20 - Rossville
- Council, Tuesday, March 15 - La Porte
- Council, Tuesday, April 19 - Peru
- Assembly, Tuesday, May 17 - Peru
- Council, Tuesday, June 21 - Rochester Community Church
- Council, Tuesday, July 19 - Brookston
- Council, Tuesday, August 16 - Geneva Center
- Assembly, Saturday, September 17 - Geneva Center
- Council, Tuesday, October 18 - Peabody
- Assembly, Tuesday, November 15 - Peabody
- Council, Tuesday, December 6 - TBA
- Approved conditional offer from buyer to purchase potential commercial real estate in Granger, subject to rezoning.
- Conditionally approved concurrence with overture to 222nd General Assembly concerning Creation Affirmation, with its adoption pending in another presbytery. If adopted by another presbytery, Council's bills and overtures committee (Steve Braden and Bert Veenendaal) will present to February Assembly for its vote to concur.
- Received informal reports concerning contests for renaming God Calls and creating a logo for Presbytery, from Presbytery Search Team concerning its anticipated timeline, update from its Property Committee on other pending matters including two completed mold-remediation projects, report from the Confirmation Retreat Team, preliminary financial reports for Presbytery and Geneva Center through December 2015, COM report, and updates from administrative commissions for Calvary and Winona Lake.
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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. We thank you for the past. Help us to accept that each day passes, but your consistency remains. We hold in prayer...
- Rev. Doug and DeAnn Mankell as they celebrate the January 13 arrival of granddaughter Chloe Lillian Graybill daughter of Darcie Mankell Graybill past Geneva Center summer camp councilor.
- Rev. Dave and Sharon Herron, Honorably Retired, as they celebrate the January 11 arrival of granddaughter Quinn Rosalie Durfee weighing in at 4lbs. 11oz. Extra prayers are requested for Quinn's continued development as she is in the Neo Intensive Care Unit.
- Our Presbytery as we find new ways to serve
We give you thanks and praise to you Lord for Burrows Presbyterian Church who has faithfully served their community and you since 1909.
In your 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 - Temporary 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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HAVE YOU HEARD?
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There are some changes going on at Presbytery of Wabash Valley
and we want you to be a part of them!
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WANTED: IDEAS FOR A PRESBYTERY LOGO
Inspired by the Revelation 22:1-2 scripture:
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city. On either side of the river is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations (ethnoi).
And reflective on our Presbytery Mission Study Statement:
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.
We are asking for ideas for a logo, a symbol of who we are and the new way God is leading us.
We know there are many creative, inspired people in our Presbytery who may want to submit a sketch or idea which represents who we are as the people of God.
An anonymous donor will give $100 to the chosen graphic designer.
The other change we would like you to help with is renaming the weekly eNews "God Call". No prize is being offered for this but we know there are many of you with some great ideas. We would like to hear them.
Just, send your idea or design to vicki@ourpresbytery.org between now and April 1, 2016. After April 1st Council will narrow the designs to the top three which will then be posted online for your votes. May the best design win! |
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PRESBYTERY OF WABASH VALLEY CHURCH MEMBERS
SEND US YOUR STORIES
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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 always actively seeking new and original content sharing how your congregation is engaged in ministry. We would especially like to share photos 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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It is easy to think only about financial resources and the need for volunteers when creating or maintaining congregational ministries. Workshop facilitators Eric Law and Bill Cruse propose a holistic model to help you think beyond the money and budgeting. This model outlines six distinct "currencies" that, when they are utilized appropriately, allow for the creation of missional and sustainable ministries. Check out the video of Law discussing missional ministries and what you will take away from this workshop. This workshop is 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Central time) on Wednesday, March 9, 2016 in Valparaiso and Thursday, March 10, 2016 in Newburgh.
Learn More
Look for more workshop opportunities
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Reach Seekers and Believers - Through Writing
| | Beyond Walls: Spiritual Writing at Kenyon
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You feel confident in writing to those you know in your church or synagogue. Yet clergy of all faiths tell us that there's another conversation that matters, outside their institution's walls, among those who aren't there for services, but are reading, thinking, and caring about living a moral and spiritual life. This is your chance to learn the best ways to join the conversation.
Take your seat at this remarkable seminar week of writing, inspiration, and spiritual refreshment, led by world-class practitioners on one of the nation's most beautiful college campuses Kenyon College, Gambier, OH. Register today to join us July 10-16, 2016.
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DON'T HAVE PASTORAL LEADERSHIP BUT WANT TO PROVIDE COMMUNION FOR YOUR MEMBERS?
Just a reminder that the Presbytery Assembly commissioned four trained and experienced ruling elders to serve communion at the request of Session for small congregations without pastoral leadership who cannot find a teaching elder to serve them on a Sunday morning. They are:
COM has corrected its November minutes and report to Assembly to require reimbursement of mileage by congregations for all travel to congregations by ruling elders commissioned to special pastoral service with minimum compensation of $100 for leading worship and preaching, and $50 for just presiding at the communion table.
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Upcoming Events and Meetings
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Severe Weather Policy
Please contact the moderator of the team or committee you serve or check
http://www.ourpresbytery.org/calendar.htm for the status of scheduled meetings
or don't hesitate to call 574-223-5678 or 574-205-2086.
Thursday, January 2110 am - Commission on Ministry (Go-To-Meeting) 3:30 pm - PWV Move Team (Go-To-Meeting) Friday, January 2910 am - PWV/GCI Lease Team Thursday, February 410 am - Commission on Ministry - Bethlehem Presbyterian Church 5588 N State Rd 25 Logansport, IN 46947 10 am - Commission on Preparation for Ministry - Bethlehem Presbyterian Church 5588 N State Rd 25 Logansport, IN 46947
Tuesday, February 9
10 am - Nominating Committee (Go-To-Meeting)
Wednesday, February 10
Noon (CST)/ 1 (EST) Northwest Church Professionals Gathering (TBD)
Thursday, February 11
10 am - Stewardship Ministry Team (Go-To-Meeting)
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 of Wabash Valley Contact InformationFinancial Consultant ~RE Eric Herzog ~ 574-223-5678 ext 105
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