707 Main St. - PO Box 225 - Rochester, IN 46975 Phone: 574-223-5678 www.ourpresbytery.org Fax: 888-215-6219
Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 8-12 & 1-5 Closed Friday
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CASTING A VISION FOR PARTNERSHIP
Have you thought about the power of partnerships lately?
- Partnerships can energize their participants.
- Partnerships can forge new relationships.
- Partnerships can bring new ideas, new perspectives, and new possibilities.
- Partnerships spell mutual support.
Partnerships can be formal or informal. They can be as simple as getting together for lunch. They can be as extensive as sharing pastoral leadership. Partnerships are powerful.
Here are some examples of partnership in our presbytery, with contact information, should you wish to learn more:
- About once a month, congregational leaders and retirees in the northeast area of the presbytery gather for lunch, fellowship and support. Stan Kessler convenes that group. (stankessler95@gmail.com)
- Any congregation can invite presbytery's financial consultant, Eric Herzog (eric@ourpresbytery.org) to sit down with your treasurer, pastor or other leaders to talk about best practices around financial stewardship.
- First Presbyterian in Goshen is starting a cancer support group for patients and caregivers, led by Alan and Rhonda Griffin, a powerful partnership between a pastor and oncology nurse manager at IU Health Goshen. (agriffin46526@comcast.net)
- There's great synergy in the multi-faceted relationships in the Lafayette area: pulpit exchanges, shared pastoral care coverage, joint worship services, monthly lunches. Kevin Bowers is your contact for all of the information about what makes partnership work for area congregations. (pastorkevin@bethanypcusa.net)
- Two congregations share a circuit-riding pastor. Rev. Paul Anderson serves both the Dyer and Merrillville congregations by structuring worship so that a lay person leads the close of the Merrillville service on Sunday mornings so that Rev. Anderson can make the ten mile trip to Dyer. (revpaulanderson@yahoo.com).
- First Presbyterian of Valparaiso is traveling to Cuba in November to explore partnerships with the Presbyterian Reformed Church in Cuba. See http://www.fpcvalpo.org/mission
Wondering what kinds of partnerships to which God might be calling you? Need help discerning a vision for powerful partnerships?
Contact your Visioning and Connecting Leader,
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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
Tuesday, November 15 -
Elkhart, First Presbyterian Church
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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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Ministry Quick Links
Presbytery of Wabash Valley Pulpit Supply List
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Presbytery of Wabash Valley 2016 Monthly Bible Study
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North Central Wee Kirk Conference
Bought with a Price
Oct 4-6, 2016
Potawatomi Inn
Angola, IN
More Information
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UPCOMING: THE CHURCH NETWORK TELEWEB
Compensation: It's More Than a Paycheck
A Church Network Teleweb with Elaine Sommerville
September 29, 2016 at 2:30 pm (EDT)
Learn More and register
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PRAYERS of the PRESBYTERY
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 Today we pray for the world into which you have brought us, heavenly Father. While we hear of wars and rumors of wars, of maladies that cripple bodies and spirits, of fears that are substantial (whether real or imagined), we know you have designed this world for goodness, mercy, and community. Help us as we seek to use every circumstance according to your design. May we see the world as a place of our communion with you and with the people of every nations. We are not alone. In Christ, with Christ, we pray for daily bread, that you will may be done on earth as it is in heaven, that each one may love the neighbor as you have loved us. As we celebrate Communion, may Christ's faith in us transform us and the world, reflecting the kingdom of heaven. Let us celebrate World Communion in Christ, with Christ, in the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.
- Prayer from Rev. Stanley Kessler, Honorably Retired
Please pray for.... - Oxford Federated Church.
- The Rev. Jack Hess, Honorably Retired, as he continues to struggle with health concerns and other major life changes.
AMEN!
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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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Deadline is Friday, September 30th for Board of Pensions agreement:
Just a reminder to each Session that as "employer" of all church personnel, including an installed or covenanted pastor, the deadline for notifying Board of Pensions of the Board of Pension benefits choices is due by Friday, September 30th. The Board assures us that they have been in contact with each congregation/employer to remind and assist with the process of creating an "employer agreement" online by the deadline.
For answers to questions, first check the Board website at www.pensions.org. As you might imagine, the Board staff is under great demands right now with changes to the benefits plan and their staffing model, as well as a new website for registration. Start early, and keep trying if you run into challenges. I f you can't get what you need through the Board's website or 1-800-773-7752, you may ask for help from Steve Quinlan, 1-765-472-2962, Eric Herzog, 1-317-361-2632 or Linda Long, 1-219-926-7098
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Thank you for your ministry and your service... - September 28, 1986 - The Rev. Stephen Braden, Honorably Retired
- September 29, 1986 - The Rev. Susan Rash, Honorably Retired
- September 29, 1996 - The Rev. Stanley Wilson, Honorably Retired
- September 30, 2007 - The Rev. Anna Parkinson, Minister Member at Large
- October 3, 1983 - The Rev. David Comstock, Lafayette Central Presbyterian Church
- October 5, 1980 - The Rev. Diane Karay Myers, Honorably Retired
- October 5, 1986 - The Rev. Sally Wicks, La Porte 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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Congregational Happenings
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You are invited to a Special Worship Service
At Peru First Presbyterian Church Sunday, October 2, 2016
10:30am
World-wide Communion Sunday
Celebration of the Partnership between
First Presbyterian Church PCUSA
And
Mthandiza Church CCAP  
Meet Rev. Henry Masina pastor of Mthandiza
(preaching)
And Youth Leader Franklin Gwengwe
Who are visiting from Malawi, Africa
Gala Reception to Follow Worship
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Stop by and connect with Jennifer at convenient coffee shops all over the presbytery:
Here is the last one for September:
- Thursday, September 29: 10 am-2 pm- Spill the Beans, 7992 Broadway, Merrillville
Coffee office hours for October: - Wednesday, October 5: 10am-2:00 p.m. (eastern) - KenapocoMocha 101 E. Second St., North Manchester
- Tuesday, October 11: 10am-2:00 p.m.(eastern) - Intersection Coffee Shop 301 E. Linden Ave. Logansport (Located in the Bridge Community Church)
- Thursday, October 20: 10 am-2;00 p.m (eastern) - Sacred Grounds 724 Wabash Avenue, Lafayette
- Tuesday, October 25: 10am- 2:00 p.m. (central) - Sip Coffee House 11 N. Court St., Crown Point
And know that you can always set another time to get together. Feel free to contact Jennifer at Jennifer@ourpresbytery.org or 574-653-1003.
She hopes to meet each and everyone of you as she travels around the presbytery hearing about your dreams and visions for the church of today.
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RETREATS
WORKSHOPS
WEBINARS
AND EVENTS
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Upcoming Events and Meetings
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Thursday, September 29
- 10 am - Coffee Office Hours with Jennifer - Spill the Beans Gourmet Coffee 7992 Broadway, Merrillville (map)
- 1 pm - Committee on Representation Training with Linda - Presbytery office at 707 Main St. Rochester
Tuesday, October 4- 10 am - Nominating Committee (Go-To-Meeting)
Wednesday, October 5
- 10 am - 2 pm - Coffee Office Hours with Jennifer - KenapocoMocha 101 E Second St., North Manchester (map)
Thursday, October 6 - 10 am - Commission on Ministry - Bethlehem Presbyterian Church 5588 N SR 25 Logansport (map)
- 10 am - Commission on Preparation for Ministry - Bethlehem Presbyterian Church 5588 N SR 25 Logansport (map)
- 5 pm - Council Retreat - Geneva Center, INC - 5282 N Old US Hwy 31 Rochester (map)
Friday, October 7 - 8 am - Noon - Council Retreat - Geneva Center 5282 N Old US Hwy 31 Rochester (map)
Tuesday, October 11 - 10 am - 2 pm - Coffee Office Hours with Jennifer - Intersection Coffee Shop 301 E Linden Ave., Logansport (map) (Housed in the Bridge Community Church)
Thursday, October 13 - 10 am - Stewardship Ministry Team (Go-To-Meeting)
All meetings & events posted on the PWV Calendar are eastern time (EDT) unless noted otherwise. Please call 574-223-5678 or visit http://www.ourpresbytery.org/calendar.htm for more information regarding meetings and events.
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CO-OPERATIVE MISSION TRIP WEEKEND
When: Friday evening October 14 through Sunday noon October 16
Where: Geneva Center, INC. Rochester, IN
What: Undertake outdoor work projects with Wabash Ave. congregation,
Crawfordsville, to help Geneva Center and
indoor mission projects to help social agencies in Rochester.
Why: - To further God's work in our world through our hands and help;
- To teach and model for our youth Christian commitment in
action;
- To fellowship and enjoy Geneva Center's wooded campus.
Who: Anyone who wants to participate. Children, youth and adults are
welcome!
How much: $125 per person for 2 nights, 4 hot meals at Geneva Center
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TIME: FRIEND? or FOE?
Women's Day Retreat, Saturday, October 15
at Geneva Center's Lakeview Cabin 5282 N Old US Hwy 31 Rochester, IN. 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 by September 30. Space is limited.
Questions? Contact Mary Rasp Elkhart First Presbyterian Church 574.361.8459 (MSR cell/text) |
Upcoming Workshops:
- Reframing Money Talk - Thursday, October 13
- Getting to Know Your Community - Tuesday, October 18
- Developing and Effective Community Ministry - Thursday, October 20
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United Faith and Grace Presbyterian churches would like to invite you to join us for a day with Dr. Dennis Bickers, exploring The Healthy Small Church on Saturday, October 22.
Hosted by Grace Presbyterian Church, 1811 Fairhill Rd., Fort Wayne, IN
A flyer with more information and details regarding registration is attached. We hope you'll join us and help spread the word! |
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The Art of Transitional Ministry
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Are you a teaching or ruling elder interested in transitional ministry education? MALT Weeks 1 and 2 ("The Art of Transitional Ministry") will be held October 31 - November 4, 2016. - Registration is now electronic and through eventbrite.
- We now accept credit cards (as well as checks) for payments.
- A signature is no longer required by COM moderators or EPs
- The event brochure is attached
- You can also find more details here
MALT has an outstanding faculty. This fall, facilitators will include SanDawna Ashley, Mitch Coggin, James Gale, Felicia Scott, Laura Sherwood, Beth Wagner and Mary Wright. |
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Register Today For 2016 Events at Geneva Center Inc.
- October 11 - 14, 2016 - Stained Glass Workshop - Join us for 3 nights, 10 meals and learn the fine art of stained glass. You will be able to make your own piece to take home with you. All tools and instruction for the workshop are included. Prices are $450.00 for a single room, $390.00 for a double room and $ 350.00 for anyone who would like to commute. All prices are per person. Sign up online by September 27th.
- October 13-16, 2016 - Fall Into Place: Uncover The Real You Retreat- A retreat in the true sense of the word, a space to step away from the world, away from electronics, noise, worry, anxiety, and all the troublesome aspects of life during the best time of year-fall! Step into a magical space created by Michelle Pendergrass. We will provide you with nourishing, wholesome food cooked over an open fire for your physical body; and spirit. Sign up online by September 29th.
- October 28-30, 2016 - Knitting/Crochet UFO Retreat - Gather your supplies and join other knitters and crocheters as we work on those UnFinished Objects and gifts for the upcoming holidays. Learn from other enthusiasts, enjoy the freedom from distractions and pick up a few new skills. More information is located on our website. Please register online by October 14th.
- Oct. 30, 2016 4-7 pm- Fall Harvest Celebration - For all ages. Youth Groups welcome.$5.00 per person. Join us for a hayride, pumpkin bowling, hotdogs, s'mores, games and more!Please sign up online or call our main office to let us know how many people you will be bringing by October 23rd.
If you have any questions please call our main office at 574-223-6915 or
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Coordinator of Ministries to Children and Youth
The Presbyterian Church of La Porte is seeking a full time Coordinator of Ministries to Children and Youth. The Presbyterian Church of La Porte is passionate about sharing God's love in Jesus Christ with young people and is looking for a leader who can work with a dedicated team to reach its vision. This person should have a sincere love for young people and a desire to partner with the church family to create a place where children and youth can belong, be heard, be needed and be God's. Interested candidates should be familiar with or be willing to learn about the Presbyterian (PCUSA) tradition. A college degree in theology or Education is preferred. Resumes can be sent to cymsearch@yourhomechurch.org.
The Presbyterian Church of La Porte is a progressive family church of 250 members, committed to calling people to a deep relationship with Jesus Christ and expressing Christ's compassion in the world. La Porte is a small city, located in Northwest Indiana, 50 miles southeast of Chicago.
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First Presbyterian Church of Lebanon no longer uses glass communion cups. We have around 300, mix  of short and tall, we would like to give to any church that could use them, they have been in storage for some time and we are clearing out. If interested, please contact Nancy Turner in the church office 765-482-5959 or fpclebanon@att.net
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Wabash Valley Officers, Staff and Consultant Contact Information
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