God Calls
Serving Christ, Enhancing Congregations, Connecting Communities 
Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 8-12 & 1-5 Closed Friday
                                                                          March 8, 2017
Called Presbytery Assembly for March 18th
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 
You are cordially invited to gather at First Presbyterian Church at 401 Lincolnway E in Mishawaka at 10 am EDT (9 am CDT) on Saturday, March 18, 2017 for a special, called assembly meeting of the Presbytery of Wabash Valley.  We will take up the business assigned to the consent agenda of our February Assembly meeting, but delayed due to technical difficulties, examine Taylor Hall for ordination and be blessed to worship together using a liturgy of his design, and act upon some new nominations for election.  

Whenever we gather we live into our vision to serve Christ, enhance congregations, and connect communities.  Please find some time on this Saturday in early Lent to exercise your privilege and responsibility as presbyters.  

We are grateful for the hospitality of four congregations of this Presbytery in February, and for the hospitality of First Presbyterian Mishawaka this month.  

Join us!

Peace be with you all, 
Sarah Sanderson-Doughty, Moderator of PWV



Big Tent 2017 to focus on 'Race, Reconciliation and Reformation'

Big things are happening at biennial Presbyterian gathering
by Mari Graham | Presbyterian News Service

LOUISVILLE - Presbyterians from around the country are invited to live out their faith at Big Tent 2017 in St. Louis, Missouri. This biennial gathering will take place July 6-8, on the campus of Washington University. The theme-Race, Reconciliation and Reformation-will emphasize the hope of the gospel and its power to transform society in our current cultural context marked by anxiety, racial division, political animosity and economic inequality.

Big Tent offers Presbyterians an exciting opportunity to discern some of the toughest concerns of the day, while actively engaging with their faith community.

"Big Tent is one of the finest denominational events put on by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)," said Tony De La Rosa, Interim Executive Director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency. "Three days of quality programming held in a central, convenient location at a reasonable cost for participants-this year's Big Tent gathering promises to be among the best ever."

The opening worship preacher will be PC(USA) Stated Clerk, the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson II. The Rev. Dr. Christine Hong, Assistant Professor of Worship and Evangelism and Chapel Worship Coordinator at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. will be the closing worship preacher.

 "As we grapple with the emerging church of the 21st century it is imperative that we come together to listen, learn and envision the future," said Nelson. "God through Jesus Christ is providing us an opportunity at Big Tent to go deep in our theology and faith while renewing our spirits."

Registration will start on March 15 and is $395. The price includes registration, accommodations for three nights and meals. A $145 rate for commuters is also being offered.

For updates visit pcusa.org/bigtent

Events, Opportunities, Webinars & Workshops
Center for Congregations
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 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.

 
 
CONFIRMATION: 
Equipping children, parents and congregations for the journey of faith

Tuesday, March 28 at 2 pm ET
Presented by Rebecca Kirkpatrick

Rev. Rebecca Kirkpatrick
Should confirmation be an introduction to the Christian faith and life for young people, or a moment when their faith is transformed into something new? This webinar will examine our expectations for confirmation classes and why it feels like more and more students are coming to this pivotal year unprepared to have the experience we want them to have. Together we will look at specific examples of how foundational biblical stories, liturgies or congregational traditions can be expanded into confirmation conversations.

PWV MEETING CALENDAR

Presbytery physical office Closed Friday, March 3 through Sunday, March 12. If you need assistance please call 574-223-5678.

Wednesday, March 8
10 am - CRE Revitalization Team (Go-to-Meeting)

Monday, March 13
10 am - Stewardship Ministry Team (Go-to-Meeting)

Tuesday, March 14
10 am - Nominating Committee (Go-to-Meeting)

Saturday, March 18
10 am - Special Called Assembly at Mishawaka First PC

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.

GOOD THINGS TO KNOW
Commissioned to Validated Ministry Available to Serve Communion
David Abbott
574.234.2414
dzabbott@sbcglobal.net
Jill Kitowski
219.325.0039
jill2536@comcast.net
Carrie Munson
574.721.5225
clmmunson@gmail.com

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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
News & Resources from PC(USA)
Free, new resources for Lent!


'Pray, Fast, Love,' the latest Ministries with Youth Quicksheet, is now available as a free download in English and Spanish. Quicksheets are written by veteran educators, youth workers, and ministry professionals. This resource introduces young people to a more informed observance of Lent with practical ideas for helping youth explore the season.

Find More Information
APPLY TO BE A YAV...

Round 3 closes April 1

Many Young Adult Volunteers hear about the YAV program because someone took time to talk with them about a transformational year of service-that can be you! Encourage young adults, ages 19-30, to apply to serve as a YAV at one of 16 national sites for 2017-18. The final date to apply is June 1.

Get More Information

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


PRAYERS OF THE PRESBYTERY

Dear God, as Jesus resisted temptation by the devil in the wilderness, help us reflect on his faithfulness to God, his rejection of worldly values and hold these thoughts in our hearts throughout Lent and beyond.   Amen

March prayers submitted by Judy Friend

Please pray for...
  • The Rev. Jack Hess, Honorably Retired, as he continues to have health concerns
  • The Rev. Ken Burris, Honorably Retired, who has lung cancer
  •  Hudson Salem Center Presbyterian Church

                                                                                                                 AMEN!

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Thank you for your ministry and your service...

March 10, 1985 ~ The Rev. Jeffrey Carter, Hobart Presbyterian Church
March 13, 2005 ~ The Rev. Robert Leach, Minister Member at Large
March 15, 1992 ~ The Rev. Jack Volkers, 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

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.
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
Council Moderator ~ TE David Smook ~ 574-343-0568
Financial Consultant ~RE Eric Herzog ~ 317-361-2632
Administrative Assistant ~ RE  Vicki Dreibelbis ~ 574-223-5678
Hook your readers with a direct and compelling headline.
Phone: 574.223.5678 | Fax: 888.215.6219 | vicki@ourpresbytery.org | www.ourpresbytery.org