Presbytery of Wabash Valley
PWV Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 8-12 & 1-5 Closed Friday
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March 16, 2016
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 God
Calls
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The Presbyterian Church of La Porte
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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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Council Members Reflect on...
"The strength of the church is not in the bricks and mortar, but in the people of God."
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by RE Jill Kitowski, La Porte Presbyterian Church, & Council Moderator
Twelve members of Council drove through foggy Northern Indiana to gather in La Porte on Tuesday, the Ides of March to be warmly welcomed by TE Sally Wicks, La Porte. TE Nancy Becker, Honorably Retired, was welcomed as Stated Clerk pro tem and TE Chuck Compton, Honorably Retired, was seated as Acting Moderator of Commission on Preparation for Ministry (CPM).
Our Bible Study for March is a reflection on what it means to be the church of the body of Christ with reference especially to how it is grounded in our polity in Book of Order F-1.0301: ""The Church is to be a community of faith, entrusting itself to God alone, even at the risk of losing its life." The strength of the church is not in the bricks and mortar, but in the people of God.
Council gave recognition to RE Nancy Brinklow, who, after serving faithfully on CPM for 6 years, has resigned to direct energies to serving her home church, La Porte, as Clerk of Session and Ruling Elder of Session while also serving as pulpit supply 2-3 times a month. To demonstrate her many gifts, Nancy also served as our hostess and served a fine breakfast buffet along with the noon day meal.
In matters before Council: - Affirmed meeting dates for Council and Assembly for 2017.
- Affirmed the email vote of Council for rezoning of Granger property.
- Affirmed email vote to approve Geneva Center Inc. (GCI) use of Presbytery of Wabash Valley (PWV) mailing list for promotional materials with provision that there be an unsubscribe option made available to individuals.
- Approved a formalized procedure for email voting for Council.
- Viewed statistical report for 2015 showing a loss of 742 members and learned that per capita receipts were at a level of 75%, reflecting a continuing downward trend of churches lacking the ability to pay. Council has persistently held a core value that Presbytery will pay full amount to Synod and the General Assembly.
- Approved new Presbytery office hours 8 - 12 and 1 - 5, Monday through Thursday/ closed on Friday.
- Approved increase of meal charge for Assembly and Council meetings to $10.
- Approved request of Plymouth First to lease part of building to Journey Baptist Church. RE Judy Friend, Peru First, to continue as liaison with session to resource with RE Eric Herzog, Presbytery Financial Consultant, and PWV insurance carrier to assure liability issues are covered.
- Approved the lease between PWV and GCI through December 31, 2018 (renewable).
- Heard report of Presbytery Search Team that 3 viable candidates will be interviewed in April.
- Approved requests of COM for learning opportunities
- Lombard Mennonite Peace Center event on Facilitating Healthy Pastor-Congregations Relations and
- another Dennis Bickers' workshop "Intentional Ministry in a Not-So-Mega-Church"
- Approved Stewardship Ministry Team's recommendation for disbursement of funds received from Logansport Calvary settlement with $52,500 being designated for Mission Grants, $27,500 for per capita, and $5,000 toward legal fees.
- Approved lease of acreage located at Geneva Center @$190 an acre for soil deemed to be poor.
- Liquidated a PILP DAR for purposes of cash flow.
- Authorized CPM use of Candidate Fund to help with cost of Candidate Care.
- Per Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ruling added "sexual orientation" to list of characteristics barring discrimination.
- Appointed task force of TE Sarah Sanderson-Doughty, Elkhart First; TE Paul Myhre, Wabash College; TE Alan Griffin, Goshen First and one each from COM and CPM to make recommendation of a model to revitalize Commissioned Ruling Elder (CRE) training and support by October 2016.
- Boundary and Ethics Training dates set
- o Saturday, April 23, 2016 Rochester Community 10-4
- o Tuesday, September 13, 2016 Lafayette Central 10-4
A reminder that the renaming of God Calls and PWV new logo submissions are due by April 1st to vicki@ourpresbytery.org.
After a long day of discussion, discernment, hope, and laughter Council adjourned with prayers of thankfulness and safe travel for all participants. |
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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, 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
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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Commissioned to Validated Ministry to
Serve Communion
Jill Kitowski (219) 325-0039 jill2536@comcast.net
David Abbott (574) 234-2414
Carrie Munson (574) 721-5225
Michael Shurn (574) 946-3851 judge66@pulaskicounty.in.gov |
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PRAYERS of the PRESBYTERY
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In this penitential season, God of understanding, we call to mind many of the times we have fallen short of your Glory - individually, congregationally, as a Presbytery. We have been narrow in the fashion of the Zealots. Open our hearts to your embrace of all people. Together may we be led to the energy of your Passion. Particularly we pray for the people of the Wolcott, Meadow Lake Presbyterian Church, and on behalf of sisters and brothers named. Embrace us in Christ's love. Amen.
- From TE Stanley Kessler, Honorably Retired
We hold in prayer....
- CRE Donna Enersen, Frankfort, Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church as she continues to recover from hand surgery complications including a recent revisit to the hospital to receive extended treatment for two types of bone infection.
- TE Louis Sandos, Honorably Retired, who has returned home from the hospital and is feeling better.
- TE Bill Kleyman, Rochester Community Presbyterian Church, as he recovers from hip surgery and TE Ruby Kleymann, Rossville Presbyterian Church, as she provides care and support to Bill.
- RE Jan Sandos, Nominating Committee Moderator, as she and the doctor continue to look for answers to recent medical concerns.
- TE Jonathan and Amy Cornell and family, The Wabash Presbyterian Church, who were in an accident on Sunday. They are all now recovering at Amy's parents for a few days.
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Thank you for your ministry and your service...
- March 16, 1997 - Rev. 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.
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10 tips for incorporating installations into worship
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RETREATS, WORKSHOPS AND EVENTS
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Congregations can do amazing things when leaders and members put their minds to engaging with their communities. Learn More
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Go Disciple Live 'Be The Light' Conference
Aug. 8-11
St. Pete Beach.
Learn more about our incredible lineup of featured speakers by clicking on plenary speakers tab at pcusa.org/bethelight.
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Following the tsunami that devastated much of southern Asia in December 2004, Pak Yadi received a $400 seed grant from One Great Hour of Sharing partners. Documentary filmmaker David Barnhart worked with him for 10 years after the tsunami to document his story as he rebuilt his life and community. This origins story of resilience is an inspiring example of our long term disaster to development commitments with communities.
Your gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing make a real difference in the lives of their recipients. Please give generously. www.pcusa.org/give-oghs
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2016 Summer Camp
at
Geneva Center Inc.
COURAGE in COMMUNITY
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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 Administrative Assistant 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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Upcoming Events and Meetings
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Severe Weather Policy
Please contact the moderator of the team or committee you serve, check
http://www.ourpresbytery.org/calendar.htm for the status of scheduled meetings
and please don't hesitate to call 574-223-5678 or 574-205-2086.
Thursday, March 17
CANCELLED - Commission on Ministry (Go-to-meeting)
Friday, March 25
Presbytery Office Closed for Good Friday
Thursday, April 7
10 am - Commission on Ministry at Bethlehem Presbyterian Church - 5588 N SR 25 - Logansport, IN 46947 (map)
10 am - Commission on Preparation for Ministry at Bethlehem Presbyterian Church - 5588 N SR 25 - Logansport, IN 46947 (map)
Tuesday, April 12
10 am - Nominating Committee - Presbytery Office 707 Main St. Rochester, IN 46975 (map)
Tuesday, April 19
10 am - Council - First Presbyterian Church 102 W Main St., Peru, IN 46970 (map)
Saturday, April 23
10 - 4 - Boundary and Ethics Training - Community Presbyterian Church 530 Jefferson St. Rochester, IN 46975 (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.
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Presbytery Office Has Moved!
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Don't forget to update your records with our new mailing address.
Visit us at
707 Main St. Rochester
between 8-12 & 1-5 Monday - Thursday
Closed Friday
but our new mailing address is:
Presbytery of Wabash Valley
PO Box 225
Rochester, IN 46975
Not only do we have a new mailing address we also have a new toll free fax number:
1-888-215-6219
Please do be in contact with Vicki at 574-223-5678 or email vicki@ourpresbytery.org if you find you have questions or need help.
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Presbytery of Wabash Valley Officers, Consultant and Staff Contact Information
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