707 Main St. - PO Box 225 - Rochester, IN 46975
Phone: 574-223-5678 Fax: 888-215-6219 www.ourpresbytery.org
Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 8-12 & 1-5 Closed Friday
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A New Year's Reading List
Looking for some great books for adult group study or your own personal consideration?
Think about some of these possibilities:
A Sustainable Presbyterian Future: What's Working and Why-
Louis B. Weeks; Geneva Press, 2012. President Emeritus of Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, Virginia offers a hopeful study of what some congregations are finding to be faithful responses in their own contexts. Not a how-to-duplicate text book, this slim volume contains succinct Presbyterian history with a strong emphasis on the burning question, "What are the 'essential tenets' of the Reformed tradition?" with lively anecdotal stories of real Presbyterian congregations thriving in the midst of contemporary challenges. There are even reflection questions at the end of each chapter. If that doesn't get you excited about small group study, what will?
The Cure for Sorrow- A Book of Blessings for Times of Grief-
Jan Richardson; Wanton Gospeller Press, 2016. Jan Richardson is a United Methodist pastor and artist and no stranger to grief. The sudden death of her spouse and creative partner, Garrison Doles, prompted this volume, a transparent and powerful book that is both difficult and therapeutic to read. Consider this book if you're working with bereavement ministries or simply want a beautiful and poignantly honest conversation about grief and the slow healing that can come over time.
 The Underground Railroad- Colson Whitehead; Doubleday, 2016. The nation is talking about this riveting novel the way that the PC(USA) is talking about Waking Up White by Debbie Irving. An amazing novel, The Underground Railroad will pave the way for a generation or more of readers to think about and talk about race, as Alex Haley's Roots did previously. The Road Back to You- Suzanne Stabile and Ian Morgan Cron; IVP, 2016. You don't have to be a student of the Enneagram to glean much from this rich resource. Stabile and Cron are bright, down-to-earth teachers of the ancient spiritual tool that helps us understand ourselves and our interactions with others. If you know a little bit or a lot about the Enneagram, you'll also find this to be a wonderful addition to your treasure trove of knowledge. PS: it has a separate study guide, which would be a wonderful addition to any group.
Parable and Paradox-Sonnets on the Sayings of Jesus and Other Poems- Malcolm Guite; Canterbury Press, 2016. Preachers and non-preachers will receive gift upon gift from this book of simple, elegant poetry. Guite, chaplain of Girton College, Cambridge, and recently artist-in-residence at Duke Divinity School writes offers poetry that seems like he's the T.S. Eliot of our day. If you're looking for a respite from the vitriol of mean-spirited exchange in our current culture conversation, get this book. Read it out loud, to yourself, alone in a room. No one will laugh at you, and it might prove to be your balm in Gilead.
Happy new year and traveling mercies to you as we seek to be people of hope and good news,
Jennifer
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PRAYERS of the PRESBYTERY
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Read Hebrews 11
Lord God, as we enter a new year, remind us to enter all things by faith. May we remember our blessings, and remember our call to be your blessing for others. We offer you our hearts, minds, and souls, as well as our hands and feet, to do your good work. In the name of him who came to save the world, even Jesus our Lord. Amen.
January prayers provided by Rev. Louis Sandos, Honorably Retired
Please pray for....
- Lake Station Community Church
- Pat Lewis, mother-in-law of Visioning Connecting Leader Jennifer Burns Lewis, recently diagnosed with cervical cancer
- Rev. Mark Mueller, Valparaiso First, as the group he is traveling with will visit churches in Lebanon and Syria some of which will include Presbyterian churches in Homs, Beirut, Latakia and Damascus. We will also visit the refugee camps in the Bekaa Valley. Also, please pray for our brothers and sisters of the faith in those troubled regions.
- RE Jill Kitowski, past PWV Moderator & member of La Porte PC, who is recovering from a broken leg.
- Jan Sandos, Nominating Committee Chair & member of Rossville PC as she slowly recovers from surgery.
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Thank you for your ministry and your service...
- January 10, 2010 ~ The Reverend Jonathan Cornell, The Presbyterian Church, Wabash
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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2017 PER CAPITA
$39.76 total
General Assembly - $7.50
Synod of Lincoln Trails - $3.81
Presbytery of Wabash Valley - $28.45
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Save the Dates
2017 COUNCIL
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
Valparaiso First PC
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
TBA
Tuesday, April 25, 2017
Winamac First PC
Tuesday, June 20, 2017
Angola, Chapel of the Lakes PC
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
Camden, Deer Creek PC
Tuesday, August 22, 2017
Peabody Retirement Community
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
Lafayette Bethany PC
Tuesday, December 19, 2017
TBA
If your congregation would like to host any one of the dates listed above TBA please contact vicki@ourpresbytery.org or call the PWV Office at 574-223-5678.
2017 ASSEMBLY
Saturday, February 25, 2017
Valparaiso First PC
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Geneva Center
Tuesday, September 19, 2017
Peabody Retirement Community
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Lafayette Bethany PC
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Ministry Quick Links
Small Church Residency Program
a YouTube webinar
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Presbytery of Wabash Valley
Pulpit Supply List
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Presbytery of Wabash Valley
2017 Monthly Bible Study
&
Proposed Directory for Worship
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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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Reminder to Session Clerks to enter your statistical reports for 2016.
Thursday, February 16, 2017, is the last day for you to enter your statistical report.
You will find links for online entry of your data at
Instructions are at the link on the right side of the page under Featured Resources:
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Mission Team forming in Presbytery of Wabash Valley
Presbytery's Council is looking for a few good folks to serve on the newly forming/reforming Mission Team for the Presbytery of Wabash Valley, in answer to a request from the Session of one of our congregations. What can we do better together as we seek to reach out in the name of Jesus Christ to local, national and global neighbors? Where might mission take us? Do you know a teaching elder or a member of a PWV congregation with a heart for mission who would be willing to spend some time in shaping the goals and vision for a presbytery mission team? Please contact PWV Council moderator David Smook at davidsmook@rtcol.com for more information or to volunteer or nominate someone!
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PRESBYTERIAN BLUE HYMNALS - FREE TO LOVING HOME
150ish nearly new Presbyterian Hymnals at Mishawaka FPC, would like a new home since we have been replaced by "Glory to God" hymnals. Will anyone take us in?....no charge....just for the asking. If you have a place for us, call Pam Camren at 574-303-9343 to arrange transportation for us.
May our music fill the air!
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 MICHIRU CCAP
(Church of Central Africa Presbyterian )
in the city of Blantyre ( Blantyre Synod) MALAWI, Africa
The MICHIRU CCAP (Church of Central Africa Presbyterian ) in the city of Blantyre ( Blantyre Synod) MALAWI, Africa are seeking second hand choir robes. If you have robes you are no longer using and are willing to donate please contact Rev. Jamie Miller, Sunnyside Presbyterian Church at jamie@sunnysidechurch.org or call 574-287-1524.
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 CLERGY RENEWAL APPLICATION INFORMATION
The Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Programs at Christian Theological Seminary provide funds to congregations to support renewal leaves for their pastors. Congregations may apply for grants of to $50,000 to underwrite a renewal program for their pastor and for the pastor's family, with up to $15,000 of those funds available to the congregation to help cover costs for ministerial supply while the pastor is away. There is no cost to the congregations or the pastors to apply; the grants represent the Endowment's continued investment in renewing the health and vitality of American Christian congregations.
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Upcoming Meetings, Events, Workshops and Webinars
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Wednesday, January 410 am (CT) / 11 am (ET) - Faith Formation/Christian Education Conversation - Temple News Agency ~ 816 Jefferson Ave. ~ La Porte ( map) Thursday, January 5 10 am - Commission on Ministry - Bethlehem PC ~ 5588 N State Rd 25 ~ Logansport ( map) 10 am - Commission on Preparation for Ministry - Bethlehem PC ~ 5588 N State Rd 25 ~ Logansport ( map) Friday, January 6 10 am - PWV Search Team - Valparaiso First PC ~ 3401 Valparaiso St., ~ Valparaiso ( map) Tuesday, January 109 am (CT)/10 am (ET) - Council Meeting - Valparaiso First PC ~ 3401 Valparaiso St ~ Valparaiso (map) Thursday, January 1210 am (CT) / 11 am (ET) - Coffee Office Hours - Sip Coffee House and Artisan Cafe ~ 2815 Jewett Ave ~ Highland ( map) Monday, January 16PRESBYTERY OFFICE CLOSED Tuesday, January 1710 am - Nominating Committee - Presbytery Office ~ 707 Main St. Rochester (map) 10 am- Stewardship Ministry Team - Go-To-Meeting Thursday, January 1910 am (CT)/11 am (ET) - Coffee Office Hours - 2 & 7 Coffee Bar, 9261 E 109th Ave, Crown Point ( map)
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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PRESBYTERY OF WABASH VALLEY CONFIRMATION RETREAT
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What? Confirmation Retreat
Who? Youth who are preparing for confirmation
Where? Geneva Center
5282 N.OldUSHwy31
Rochester, IN 46975
When? Friday, Feb.3 - Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017
Registration is in the Main Conference Center lobby at 6:45 pm.
Retreat will end at 1:00 pm on Sunday.
Cost? $125.00 - A $75 deposit must accompany each registration to be sent to Presbytery of Wabash Valley ~ PO Box 225 ~ Rochester, IN 46975
The weekend is filled with interactive discussions and hands-on workshops that engage youth as they learn foundational Reformed theological beliefs of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and experience what it means to be a member of a connectional church, helping each other to listen to Christ's loving, life-changing call in our lives even today in this world. Time is also set aside for ice breaker games, time for fellowship, and other fun activities. The weekend as a designed as an "all in one" confirmation experience or, for congregations with a longer confirmation process, the retreat can serve as a kick-off or capstone anchoring event. Please mark your calendars and plan on attending this annual event made possible with the assistance of Wabash Valley Presbytery.
For more information about the retreat or to find out how you can participate in the planning, please contact:
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Coffee office hours: 
- Thursday, January 12: Sip 2815 Jewitt St., Highland 10-2 (central) (map)
- Thursday, January 19: 2 and 7 Coffee Bar 9261 109th Street, Winfield 10-2 (central) (map)
- Wednesday, January 25: Fluid Coffee Bar 159 Lincolnway, Valparaiso 10-2 (central) (map)
All coffee hours are 10 am-2 pm in the time zone in which the coffee house/restaurant is located.
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How Indiana Congregations are Engaging Young Adults
Live Online ~ January 18, 2017
This interactive live online workshop shares learnings from the Center for Congregations recent investigation of successful young adult ministries in Indiana congregations across the geographical and theological spectrum. In this event, you will explore the common characteristics of those congregations as well as themes that emerged from these different ministries.
Center staffer Wendy McCormick led the investigation and presents the findings. As a participant, you will have the opportunity to consider how these characteristics and themes apply to your congregation and to strategize for next steps to better engage young adults.
Tuesday, January 31 ~ 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM (Central Time)
What factors lead to thriving congregations with young adults? How can you utilize this information to make a difference in your congregation and your community? This luncheon workshop reveals the most important and relevant findings around what elements lead to thriving congregations.
Community and Digital Ministry in the 21st Century
Thursday, March 23 ~ 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Central Time)
Join Pastor and author Keith Anderson facilitates this workshop to lead you through a look at our changing religious and cultural landscape, particularly in regards to rising religious un-affiliation among young adults and advances in digital social media.
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Nourished by the living waters of Jesus Christ, we awaken, enliven and enhance worshipping 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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Contact Information for Wabash Valley Officers, Staff and Consultant
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Help Connect Your Members to PWV
Encourage members of your congregation to connect with their Presbytery
by signing up for the weekly enews God Calls.
It is easy to sign-up!
enter email address in
"Join Our eNewsletter List" box
follow the instructions and your done.
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