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707 Main St. - PO Box 225 - Rochester, IN 46975
Phone: 574-223-5678 Fax: 1-888-215-6219
Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 8-12 & 1-5 Closed Friday
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Cornfields, highways, Jesus and Strack's
Hello, Presbytery of Wabash Valley!
It's so wonderful to be here in your midst. After an August 1st start, I'm having such a good time finding my way through cornfields and over four lane highways to your homes of worship, witness and hospitality and figuring out  when to shop for groceries. Seeing your landscape with new eyes is a joy and a challenge-many new names and faces, some places where the direction app on my phone just doesn't go, ( what's a Strack and Van Til?) and that's just the beginning. But everywhere I go, there are familiar hymns and liturgy that feels like a touchstone, meetings that resemble places I've been before, and a few places that I already knew and loved (Geneva Center, and the campus of Purdue, and the Starbucks on Lincoln Highway in Hobart, for instance). The new and the familiar-that's a pretty great combination, in my book. When I'm not with congregations for worship and reflection, I'm in meetings that focus on congregations and how we can be more faithful and more effective together as we look ahead as the presbytery-together. We're getting acquainted, and we're also beginning to dream some new dreams, about being nimble and thoughtful and creative while committing ourselves to conversations that build or restore trust, so that we can move forward with hope and healthy appreciation of change as both inevitable and God-given.
The resources in our midst are bountiful: you have a remarkable and dedicated staff, amazing teaching and ruling elders who are leading from head and heart, and top-flight resources for learning, support and growth. And speaking of resources....
Two events are happening, almost back-to-back, as summer turns to fall and we begin a new season:
I hope to see many of you at the Dennis Bickers workshop on Saturday, August 27. It's going to be chock-full of information for you in your setting. Click Here to for more information. I also want to encourage you to think about attending the Healthy Congregations event on Saturday, September 10. Every congregation and leader can benefit from this workshop. You can attend in person or via live stream from three other convenient sites throughout the presbytery. Please register today!! And watch for casual conversations in your geographic region, beginning next month. I'd love to treat you to a cup of coffee and learn more about your hopes and dreams or the places from which you'd like to get unstuck. I'd love to hear about how Jesus is inviting you to venture forth in faith. I'd welcome the chance to pray with you about what's breaking your heart.
I'm excited about being in Rochester, Lake Village, LaPorte, and Logansport and more in the next two weeks.
Traveling mercies,
Jennifer
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Joshua Journey Continues to Move Forward
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August 16 Council Summary
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from Stated Clerk RE Linda L. Long
Sixteen Council members and staff united at Geneva Center this week to begin work with Visioning Connecting Leader Jennifer Burns Lewis and to share a variety of perspectives on what we see and hear, and hopes and dreams for moving forward on our Joshua Journey. Building upon the Revelations passage that forms presbytery's mission statement and the August readings from John 14, Foundations sections on Openness to the Guidance of the Holy Spirit, and conversations based upon the McKim reading and discussion questions, Council affirmed that the mission statement informs the journey, that the vision comes from the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and that these are times of turning points, excitement, hope, uncertainty, growing in trust, more openness for congregations to worship and minister together, joy and celebrations in churches with new pastors, and willingness to engage in ongoing changes and times of transition.
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Council Moderator,
RE Jill Kitowski,
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Council moderator RE Jill Kitowski, The La Porte PC, led the Council through the following actions and conversation-starters:
- Reviewed recommendation from Nominating Committee for conversations about possibly merging visioning, transformation, and new ministry development teams. Agreed to re-imagine transformation work and its relationship to other working groups of presbytery like Commission on Ministry and Stewardship. Council agreed to continue the conversation at its October retreat. Nominating Committee moderator RE Jan Sandos, Rossville PC, agreed to prepare resource materials on descriptions of functions and current needs.
- Approved message of appreciation for RE Linda Long, First PC Valparaiso, serving as Stated Clerk during this transitional time, and directed Personnel Team to negotiate terms of a "bridge contract" for Linda Long to cover the duration of the bridge relationship.
- Started conversation about presbytery child protection policy initiated by proposed draft from TE David Lawrence,Trinity PC West Lebanon. Council referred to task-force of TE David Lawrence (convener),Trinity PC West Lebanon, RE Jim Hubbard, First PC Valparaiso and TE Jeff Carter, Hobart PC, staffed by RE Linda Long, First PC Valparaiso and our insurance agent, to edit to align with polity and disciplinary processes, best practices for reporting, insurance requirements, and appropriate for various kinds of presbytery functions, from child caregivers for Assembly to other presbytery events like the confirmation retreat.
- Considered current status of proposed 2016-17 budget and anticipated material changes like per capita, reduced phone costs and revised employee benefits, and urged Stewardship Ministry Team (SMT) to make recommendation to Council in time to allow a special meeting for Council action at least 10 days prior to the September Assembly to assure timely distribution of the budget to Assembly.
- Acknowledged report of review of presbytery finances through June 2015 noting there are no material departures from required accounting principles.
- Noted 2015-16 fiscal year ended with deficit of nearly $97,000 that included severance payments due to reduction in staff, covering deficit of Geneva Center and advance of its mission grants, and investment in office downsizing and relocation, even with expenses 11% below approved budget. Congregations contributed 73% of per capita allocations.
- Approved minutes of Council meeting for July 19, 2016 as presented.
- Approved recommendation of COM to Assembly that 2017 minimum terms of call for full-time teaching elders in 2017 will be $40,110 and $32,088 for full time CREs.
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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
Thursday & Friday, October 6-7
Council Retreat - Geneva Center
Tuesday, December 6 - Rochester, Community PC
2016 ASSEMBLY
Saturday, September 17 -
Rochester, Geneva Center
Tuesday, November 15 -
TBD
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Commissioned to Validated Ministry Available 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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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.
-The Mission Statement of the Presbytery of Wabash Valley
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PRAYERS of the PRESBYTERY
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 O God, we pray with the words of Hebrews 12:29: "We are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, (so) let us have grace by which we may serve (you) God acceptably with reverence and Godly fear." Help us face a world of turmoil with confidence! Amen.
Please pray for.... - Rochester Community Presbyterian Church
- RE Judy Friend's, Peru First PC & Commission on Ministry member, grandson Robby who fell from a balcony and suffered sever head trauma and is in a Fort Wayne hospital
- Those heading back to school
- Those traveling
- Those who suffer in silence
AMEN!
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Thank you for your ministry and your service... - August 17, 1975 - The Rev. Phillip Smith - Honorably Retired
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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Congregational Happenings
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The celebration begins with a 10:30 am (CDT) worship followed by 2 pm Worship with all past living pastors assisting in the service an many other activities.
Refreshments to follow.
Lake Village Presbyterian Church
9412 N 300 W
Lake Village, IN 46349
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Come, Welcome Rev. Dr. Mark Mueller as he is Installed On Sunday, September 18, 2016!
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The Presbytery of Wabash Valley and
the congregation of First Presbyterian Church, Valparaiso
cordially invite you to attend a service of installation
of
Reverend Dr. Mark Mueller
on Sunday, September 18, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. (CT) / 3 p.m. (ET)
at
First Presbyterian Church
3401 N Valparaiso Street - Valparaiso, IN 46383
All are welcome to join a reception immediately following the ceremony.
Ministers are invited to vest and wear red stoles.
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RETREATS
WORKSHOPS
AND EVENTS
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2016 Ministry Development Conference
August 27, 2016
10 am to 3 pm
at
Geneva Center, INC
Presenter: Rev. Dennis Bickers |
HEALTHY RELATIONS WORKSHOP
SEPTEMBER 10TH!
Multiple locations to choose from to attend
FOR THE BEST VALUE BE SURE TO REGISTER A TEAM FROM YOUR CONGREGATION BEFORE SEPTEMBER 1ST TO ATTEND THE HEALTHY RELATIONS WORKSHOP ON SEPTEMBER 10TH!
Your Presbytery of Wabash Valley is doing something new, seeking to "awaken, enliven and enhance worshiping communities to courageously extend their branches and bear new fruit in the Spirit."
- COM is partnering with the Synod and four congregations to bring Richard Blackburn to lead an interactive workshop focusing on healthy church relationships, particularly important during these changing times. Rev. Blackburn will teach through his presentation and written materials, as well as conversations among participants about case studies with a manual to take back to your church.
- Cost before September 1st is $35 per person if you attend the live presentation at Valpo and $30/person if you attend one of the live video streaming sites at First, Elkhart; First, Peru, or Bethany, Lafayette.
- Teams of five or more registering together and prepaying by September 1st will receive a 10% discount on the fees.
- After September 1st, the cost increases $10 per person and there is no discount. Why? Our hosts need registrations to plan space, tech and food, and we need to ship take-home materials to each site. Can't find five from your congregation? Partner-up with members of a neighboring congregation.
This workshop is about strengthening relationships:
- Church is like a family, and we can always learn more from that point of view.
- Churches without pastors can envision possibilities for partnering with others in ministry.
- Churches seeking a pastoral leader can prepare to identify and nurture healthy relationships.
- Churches with pastors are encouraged to take a day in this workshop to understand and learn from experience and move forward.
- We can all enhance our skills for handling conflict-- clashes of differing perspectives-- in healthy ways.
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Wabash Valley Presbytery
BOUNDARIES AND ETHICS TRAINING
Tuesday, September 13, 2016 from 10 am - 4 pm (EDT)
Central Presbyterian Church, 31 N Seventh Street, Lafayette
Registration Deadline is Friday, September 5
Ruling Elders, Deacons, Teaching Elders, Sunday School Teachers, Clerk of Session, and other members are invited and encouraged to participate in the upcoming Boundary & Ethics Training events
sponsored by the Commission on Ministry.
We believe this training better prepares our leaders to understand why misconduct, especially sexual misconduct, occurs among church leadership. By presenting and discussing healthy, appropriate relationships and boundaries, we believe that it is possible to limit the pain, embarrassment and devastation resulting when leader's cross boundaries related to inappropriate conduct in the Church. Also, our training event will highlight the need to examine and define our boundaries in areas, such as: the use of internet and social media and our Presbytery's covenant of closure.
Training materials, snacks and lunch will be provided by the Presbytery. The event and lunch registration deadline is Tuesday, September 6 for September 13 event, by emailing vicki@ourpresbytery.org or calling the presbytery office - 574-223-5678.
Important: If you are required and unable to attend this training you may request a one-year deferral. (Please write a letter to COM with your request).
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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ELKHART INVITES ALL WOMEN TO JOIN THEM FOR...
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Women's Day Retreat, Saturday, October 15, at Geneva Center's Lakeview Cabin 2. Located just north of Rochester, IN. One hour south of Elkhart. 9:30 a.m. register and settle in, 10-4 program, with The Rev. Carol McDonald. Lunch is included in the Geneva Center Dining room. All facilities are wheelchair accessible. $35 per person, registration needed in advance. Space is limited. Registration needed by September 30. Questions? Contact Mary Rasp Elkhart First Presbyterian Church 574 361 8459 (MSR cell/text) TIME: FRIEND? or FOE?  "If only I had more time!" If this is a frequent refrain in your life of calendars and clocks, this day apart is for you! Our society thrives on making us feel hurried and harried and pressed for time ... What are some new ways to view and experience time? What does the Bible tell us about time? We will work individually and with each other to explore our relationship with time and to discover some new and creative ways to appreciate and enhance the time we have been given. Leader: The Rev. Carol McDonald has been a Presbyterian minister (Teaching Elder) since 1972. In her years of 'active' ministry, she served The Presbyterian Church of LaPorte, IN, The Presbyterian Church of Wabash, IN, The Presbytery of Wabash Valley and Geneva Center, and The Synod of Lincoln Trails. Though now 'retired,' she never seems to "have enough time" to do all the things she wants to do.
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****SAVE THE DATES****
Register Today For 2016 Events at Geneva Center Inc.
- Labor Day Family Camp - September 2-4, 2016 - Reservations required. Registration forms are available on line at www.genevacenter.org .Please have forms turned in by August 22nd. Weekend will include 2 overnight accommodations and 5 meals. Check in time is 7:00 pm on Friday. Check out time is 3:00 pm Sunday. We will play games, use the 100 ft. water slide, hike trails and enjoy Worship time. Cost is $150.00 per person. Children 4-10 are $75.00. 3 and under is free. Maximum per family is $450.00 Other options are: $60.00 per person to bring your own RV or tent. Electrical hook-up is $25.00.
- September 25th, 2016 - 2 - 4 pm - Fall Open House
- September 27th, 2016 - 10 am - 2 pm Church Staff Appreciation Luncheon - All Churches are invited. Casual dress, workshop, lunch, breakout groups, tours, walk the Labyrinth....$15.00 per person.
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NEW DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCE FOR CONGREGATIONS WHO ARE CONSIDERING CALLING AN EDUCATOR & EDUCATORS CONSIDERING THE CALL
The revised On Calling An Educator manual is now available online in downloadable format. The manual is designed to be a resource for churches who are considering calling an educator to be a part of the church staff. In addition, this is also a resource for Christian educators who are responding to a call from God to educational ministry in the church and are seeking a position. Congregations and educators will find guidance in these pages for their separate and mutual journeys toward providing the best leadership for the important task of education.
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Upcoming Events and Meetings
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Thursday, August 25
- 10 am - CRE Training Renewal Team - Presbytery Office - 707 Main St., Rochester, IN 46975 (map)
Saturday, August 27
- 10 am - From Maintenance to Mission - Geneva Center - 5282 N Old US Hwy 31, Rochester, IN 46975 (map)
Thursday, September 1
- 10 am - Commission on Ministry Bethlehem Presbyterian Church 5588 N SR 25 - Logansport, IN 46947 (map)
- 10 am - Commission on Preparation for Ministry - Bethlehem Presbyterian Church 5588 N SR 25 Logansport, IN 46947 (map)
Monday, September 5
PRESBYTERY OFFICE CLOSED TO OBSERVE LABOR DAY
Thursday, September 8
10 am - Stewardship Ministry Team (Go-To-Meeting)
Saturday, September 10
Healthy Pastor - Congregation Relation Workshop:
Live presentation 8:30 am - 4:30 pm CDT:
Valparaiso First 3401 N Valparaiso St, Valparaiso,
Streaming presentation with facilitator 9:30 - 5:30 EDT:
Bethany PC., 3305 Longlois Dr., Lafayette, IN 4719
First PC., 200 E Beardsley, Elkhart, IN 46516
First PC., 102 W Main St, Peru, IN 46970-4238
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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Wabash Valley Officers, Staff and Consultant Contact Information
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