God Calls
Serving Christ, Enhancing Congregations, Connecting Communities 

Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 8-12 & 1-5 Closed Friday
                                                                          February 8, 2017
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.
CONFIRMED
by Rev. John Van Nuys
 
 
2017 Confirmands
(photo provided by Rev. John Van Nuys)
From Friday evening February 3 through Sunday noon February 5, 14 confirmands from 4 Wabash Valley congregations gathered at Geneva Center for the presbytery's annual confirmation retreat. It was a blessing to serve as part of the retreat leadership. Seeing how God is at work in the lives and hearts of Wabash Valley tweens and teens as they explore the faith confirmed my own faith - and it gives me hope. The future is in God's hands - and theirs - and for that we should all be thankful and hopeful.
 
Here is what happened:
  •  We covered Belonging to God: A First Catechism which is based on A Brief Statement of Faith, the PC(USA) confession which was authored by Wabash Valley's own William C. Placher.
  • The areas of faith presented and discussed included: Scripture; Personhood in Relation to God; Creation; The Fall/Sin; Covenant/Law; Christ/Redemption; The Holy Spirit; and the Church/Sacraments.
  • In addition to the 5 hours of catechismal instruction and discussion, the 40 hour retreat included: 4 worship services, 6 meals, 3 snacks, 2 crafts, 4 periods of free time, 1 movie night, 2 experiential "how to pray" learning times, 3 question and answer sessions where the confirmands set the agenda, and 4 journaling times where each confirmand created their own statement of faith by shaping what others had shared about the faith into what they claim as their belief.
 Retreat highlights included:
  • All the kids (who were age 11 to 16) felt included, learned a lot, and had a good time.
  • Justin Schlesinger-Devlin's signature icebreakers and radically Reformed emphasis on GRACE.
  • Marcia Smith-Wood's group spiritual direction about the de-humanizing labels the world slaps on us and the counter-cultural, re-humanizing blessings God bestows on us as beloved children of God.
  • 12 deer grazing in the Geneva Center yard.
  • Walking the labyrinth.
  • Having a Saturday night movie, which no one watched, because the kids were having too much fun talking and laughing.
  • Seeing our per capita dollars in action forming the faith in our youth. (Thanks go to your congregation for your per capita faithfulness, which helped God form the faith in 14 souls via this Wabash Valley Presbytery-sponsored and funded retreat.)
  • Delicious, hot and gooey, signature Geneva Center cinnamon rolls for breakfast.
  • The child who asked, "Can I do this retreat again when my younger brother is confirmed?"
If you have ever wondered whether your congregation's tweens and teens are paying attention when they come to worship, the answer is definitely yes. They are religiously informed, theologically sharp, and spiritually curious. Here are the Q &A Board questions, which the kids asked anonymously via sticky notes for the group to discuss:
  • What is heaven like? Do we see all of the people who have died?
  • Do you have to be baptized to go to heaven?
  • In heaven, will I look like a human or whatever I want or something else?
  • Does heaven look different to all of us?
  • Can only our religion go to heaven?
  • If I go to heaven, will there be only people of my religion?
  • What is it like in hell?
  • Who exactly goes to hell?
  • Will God still love me if I decide not to confirm my faith?
  • Can I look to God to find out who I am?
  • How could a "good" God create things that are so bad and harmful?
  • Why is there hate in the world? Doesn't God want us to love each other?
  • Would God ever end humanity? Why?
  • Is the Bible real? How do we know this all actually happened?
  • How do we know if something very important happened in the books that were kept out of the Bible?
  • How do we know what to believe: Evolution and science or the Bible and God's word?
  • Will the Bible have new stories 1,000 years from now?
  • Bible stories tell of people hearing God. Is that hypothetical or am I hearing him without realizing it?
In collecting feedback at the close of the retreat from the kids, we asked them: What would you say to someone who was thinking about coming to the Confirmation Retreat next year?
  • It was really fun and everyone was included. (Girl, 11)
  • I wasn't sure if I wanted to go at first. But now I am sad that I am leaving. I made a lot of new friends and bonded with everyone. We all had a good time. If you don't know if you want to go, I'm telling you, you will love the experience. (Girl, 12)
  • My experience was amazing. When you go, I think you'll have fun. Everyone is nice and you'll meet cool people. Everyone gets along. (Girl, 12)
  • You should come:
    • Very eye-opening
    • Great experience
    • Meet great people
    • Good food
    • Feel God(Girl, 13)
  • People were very welcoming and nice. I have made some friends I hope I will stay in touch with. I now have a deeper understanding of my faith. (Girl, 14)
  • I would encourage them to come because it helps you connect with your faith, make new friends, and ask questions you may have. (Girl, 14)
  • I had a lot of fun. I made friends with people from all over Indiana. We got to bond not just in worship, but in free time, too. It was interesting to learn about everyone and their faith. (Girl, 14)
  • This is a very fun place. On the first day you might be scared, but it's not a scary place. Just be yourself. (Boy, 13)
  • I would absolutely recommend going. The lessons were fun and the group was very social and fun. (Boy, 13)
  • This was really fun. I learned a lot about faith and myself and I think everyone should experience this. (Boy, 13)
  • This time was very fun. I was a little iffy about coming, but I actually had a really good time. The pastors are very nice and I met some boys who were very nice and I had lots of fun. I feel a lot closer to Christ as well. (Boy, 14)
  • GO! This is the most fun I have ever had. (Boy, 14)
  • It's fun. You can make new friends and meet new people. (Boy, 14)
  • It is fun. It allows you to get closer to God, grow in faith, meet new people, make friends, and worship God. It is fantastic! (Boy, 16)
The Presbytery's 2018 Confirmation Retreat will be held at Geneva Center from February 2-4, 2018. I hope your confirmands will participate. To see photos of this year's retreat, click here!


Events, Meetings, Opportunities, Webinars & Workshops
We hope YOU will JOIN US for this exciting event...
DON'T MISS THIS!!!   
 
Deadline to register is one week from today!
 
Register now for the
Saturday, February 25th presbytery assembly & FREE workshop
https://tinyurl.com/zvvb2j7  
 
LIVE! at First Presbyterian Church of Valparaiso (8am-4 p.m. central)
 
or attend at one of three convenient locations:
Bethany Presbyterian, Lafayette
First Presbyterian, Elkhart
First Presbyterian, Peru
(9:00-5:00 p.m. eastern)
Lunch $10.00
Same content! Interact with presenter and other attendees!
Commissioners and ALL interested folks are heartily encouraged to attend!


Center for Congregations
How Indiana Congregations Are Engaging Young Adults
Thursday, February 9 ~ 11:00 am - 1:00 pm (CT)

This free 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. Registration is required.
 


The Art of the Flourishing Congregation
Thursday, March 16 ~ 9:00 am - 4:30 pm (ET) 
  Morris Inn on the Notre Dame campus in South Bend 
 
Council encourages congregations to put together working teams to engage for the day in this great opportunity.
 
Center for Congregations says attendees at this interactive workshop will:
  • learn the benefits of positive change;
  • explore how to hold and manage the three life-giving capacities that contribute to positive change;
  • learn the five practices that promote positive change;
  • discover how to assess the presence of the five practices currently in your congregation;
  • experience the resources/processes that facilitate positive change;
  • create a concrete and practical plan for affecting change and addressing challenges using positive change resources and practices.
Cost of this gathering is $50 for a congregational team of three or more registering together.

 
 


Administrative Personnel Association of the Presbyterian Church (USA) offers certified continuing education opportunities for lay support staff.  Presbyteries affirm the skill and dedication of certified lay employees by providing recognition upon certification. 

Founded in 1976, the Association has members across the country in nine regions.
 
Please take a look at the information included here and contact Bonnie Tyler,  Membership Chair, First Presbyterian Church South Bend at 574-234-4159 or [email protected], Heartland Region, which includes IN, OH, MI, and KY for more information.  We provide networking, problem-solving, spiritual nurturing, worship and fellowship.  We'd love to meet you!

If you would like additional information check out the website at www.pcusa-apa.org 



Monday, February 13
10 am - Stewardship Ministry Team (Go-to-meeting)

Tuesday, February 14

10 am - Nominating Committee (Go-To-Meeting)
10 am - Coffee Office Hours ~ Chicory Cafe 105 Jefferson Blvd.  South Bend (map)

Monday, February 20
Presidents' Day - Presbytery Office Closed

Wednesday, February 22
1 pm - Personnel Ministry Team - PWV Office 707 Main St., Rochester (map)

Thursday, February 23
10 am - Coffee Office Hours ~ Aroma Coffee Shop 61 N Broadway Peru (map)

Saturday, February 25
Assembly/Healthy Pastor-Congregation Relations ~ Multiple Locations Click here for more information & to register by Wednesday, February 15

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.
Volunteer Opportunities

The Presbytery office is seeking a detail oriented volunteer that knows their way around Microsoft Office and copier equipment and with a good understanding of a highly confidential work environment. Volunteer tasks could mean covering the office while Vicki is on vacation or out of the office for meetings. Directing calls and other miscellaneous office tasks such as filing paper and electronic files are just some of the jobs that Vick needs help with. She would also love to have persons who enjoy proof reading and editing God Calls on Wednesday's. If you have interest in Volunteering in any of these roles please contact me at 574-223-5678 or [email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you!

PC (USA) News and Announcements
WE CHOOSE WELCOME!!!!
Stated Clerk opposes order banning refugees' entry into U.S.
as encouraged by actions of last summer's General Assembly concerning immigration

President Donald Trump signed an executive order to allegedly protect the nation from terrorists
J. Herbert Nelson
 Stated Clerk of the Presbyterian Church _USA_
entering the United States. In practice, however, this order serves to further harm those who are the very victims of terrorism, genocide, religious and gender-based persecution, and civil war.

Right now, across the globe, there are families grabbing their bags and clinging to each other as they tearfully flee the home they love, the home they never wanted to leave, because home is no longer safe. And many, after being fully vetted by a legal refugee entry process, are not being allowed to enter the U.S. and are being wrongfully detained at airports across the country.

This is a miscarriage of justice and goes against everything we stand for as a country shaped and formed by people who emanated from other lands.

As the top ecclesial officer of the nation's largest Reformed body, I urge the president and his administration to reverse this very harmful decision regarding refugees. Presbyterians are not afraid of this so-called terror threat. We are not afraid because we profess a faith in Jesus, who entered the world a refugee.

We are not afraid because, just as we welcome Jesus every advent, we have chosen to welcome our brothers and sisters into this nation from across the globe. Presbyterians chose welcome after World War II when we, as a denomination, demanded that the U.S. allow more refugees to enter then. We chose welcome when our very congregations served as the host sites to refugees in the years before resettlement agencies. And, Presbyterians choose welcome now as we co-sponsor families resettling to the U.S. from Syria, Somalia, Sudan, Iraq, Burma, Bhutan, and other countries.

With every choice of welcome we enter into relationship with people who become neighbors, friends, and family. No administration can convince us to fear.

We oppose this administration's decision to prolong each and every refugee's wait for a place to call home under the false pretense of security. We stand ready to welcome our new neighbors, friends, and family of all faiths and nations.

PC(USA) News and Announcements

QUICK LINKS
Pulpit Supply ListFaith & Leadership
2017 Bible Study
Proposed Directory for Worship
Center for Congregations
Top Church Planting Resources
The Administrative Personnel Association
PRAYERS OF THE PRESBYTERY

Your word is a lamp to my path, O Lord. When I feel put upon by the world around me, remind me to hold on to your righteousness, and your teachings which I have committed to heart. Accept my praise, O Lord, and teach me your law more deeply. Help me to follow your precepts, today and always. Amen.  (Inspired by Psalm 119)

February prays submitted by Rev. Louis Sandos, Honorably Retired

Please pray for...
  • The Rev. Ken Burris, Honorably Retired, who has lung cancer
  • RE Carrie Munson, Deer Creek PC & Commissioned to Special Service, in the loss of her father Bill Sission, who passed away on Saturday after suffering a stroke during surgery.
    • Carrie as she supports her mother who suffers with Alzheimer
  • Kokomo Faith Presbyterian Church

                                                                                                                 AMEN!

Thinking of You Card Shower
Rev. Ken Burris

Word has been received from Rev. Ken Burris' daughter, Deanna, that recent test results indicate stage 4 lung cancer.He is having trouble speaking even just one word without running out of breath. His immune system is very low and he cannot welcome visitors at this time.  Rev. Burris is praying for a miracle, however his daughter is quite concerned.She has asked for prayers.

Deanna has also requested a Thinking of You Card Shower for Rev. Burris.  This means you would send him a card of encouragement to his home.  She asked that you include something about how he helped you personally or someone you know on their faith journey.  Include a short story if you like.  Deanna said he has been looking back on his ministry and wonders if he did enough to make a difference in the lives of others.  Please take a minute and send him a note or card to:
 
Rev. Kenneth Burris
4727 East  100th South    
Pierceton, IN 46562

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Thank you for your ministry and your service...

February 11, 1990 ~ the Reverend Patricia Kuhs, Honorably Retired
February 15, 1970 ~ the Reverend Jack Hess, 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 [email protected]

Commissioned to Validated Ministry Available to Serve Communion
David Abbott
574.234.2414
[email protected]
Jill Kitowski
219.325.0039
[email protected]
Carrie Munson
574.721.5225
[email protected]

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2017 PER CAPITA

General Assembly - $7.50
Synod of Lincoln Trails - $3.81
Presbytery of Wabash Valley - $28.45

Total Per Member - $39.76
Contact Information for Wabash Valley Officers, Staff and Consultant

Visioning Connecting Leader ~ TE Jennifer Burns Lewis ~ 574-653-1003
Stated Clerk ~ RE Linda Long ~ 219-926-7098
Presbytery Moderator ~ TE Sarah Sanderson-Doughty ~ 574-264-3109
Presbytery Vice-Moderator ~ CRE Rick Ryan ~  765-490-8971
Council Moderator ~ TE David Smook ~ 574-343-0568
Financial Consultant ~RE Eric Herzog ~ 317-361-2632
Administrative Assistant ~ RE  Vicki Dreibelbis ~ 574-223-5678
Phone: 574.223.5678 | Fax: 888.215.6219 | [email protected] | www.ourpresbytery.org
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