Serving Christ, Enhancing Congregations, Connecting Communities
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The Light of the Christ Candle served as a constant reminder of the presbytery's purpose at April council meeting
Council enjoyed the hospitality of First Presbyterian Church in Winamac this week as it continues to implement ways the presbytery serves Christ by enhancing congregations and connecting communities. Recurring reminders of the presbytery's purpose for being were front and center - The light of the Christ Candle; unison chorus of the mission statement; reading and engaging discussion of the April selections from Revelation and the Directory for Worship noting the active verbs of proclamation; singing "Allelujahs!"; continuing to learn from Waking Up White by visualizing diversity (or lack of it) in our personal lives; and prayers scattered throughout the day.
Actions:
- Approved a reconfigured budget for FY 2017-18 that relies upon every congregation to contribute its full per capita amounts for shared ministry and therefore requires no increase in presbytery per capita. Both an illustrative narrative budget and line item budget will be presented to Assembly in May for its concurrence.
- Approved new initiatives to support congregations - better together than alone.
- Added a line item to its approved budget that dedicates 10% of 2017-18 budgeted revenues for mission grant partnerships with congregations.
- Approved a dual track Ministry Formation Program to train more ruling elders for service and commissioning to congregations and approved a funding plan to include presbytery grants, designated gifts from congregations, and modest participant fees. Watch for details about an introductory event at Community Presbyterian Church in Rochester on June 17.
- Approved restoring the presbytery-elected Visioning Team at the request of Jennifer Lewis as Wabash Valley continues to define and live out the transformative implementation of its adopted mission and vision.
- Agreed that time and discernment process will be set for Council's June meeting to articulate the ongoing relationship between presbytery and its congregations with Geneva Center, Inc. This is in response to GCI request as an independent entity leasing presbytery property for additional funding from presbytery reserves.
- Clarified with the newly appointed Mission Committee of Council that the committee will recommend to Council presbytery criteria for mission partnerships, and actively engage in mission interpretation with mission partners.
- Approved a revised Personnel Manual defining policy for presbytery staff.
- Agreed to incorporate the responsibilities of New Ministry Development and Transformation teams into specific church revitalization work that COM is already coordinating with congregations through its Advocates relationships.
- Celebrated a confidential report from Stated Clerk Search Committee that it is ready to introduce a candidate for election by the Assembly at its May meeting, anticipating installation at the September Assembly. Transition process and contract details are being worked out with the Personnel Committee.
- Received financial reports indicating that both per capita contributions and shared mission gifts have increased from the previous year and current expenses are slightly below budget, leaving a $1,000 surplus heading into the last months of the fiscal year ending June 30.
- Approved contributing to One Great Hour of Sharing the offerings from two called Assemblies.
- Clarified with the newly appointed Mission Committee of Council that the committee will recommend to Council presbytery criteria for mission partnerships, and actively engage in mission interpretation with mission partners.
- Linda Long, Stated Clerk
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PRAYERS OF THE PRESBYTERY
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May this tide of Easter carry us to newness of your life within us, O God. Look upon the troubles and prospects of this Presbytery and the conundra among our congregations and transpose us into the key of Life. You alone are able to overcome the denseness and deviousness of your adversary with the Love and Compassion which abides in the most unlikely of places and people - because Christ lives. Not that we are worthy of your partnership, but for the sake of all who merely wander, strengthen us, enlighten us, that we may become instruments of New and fearless Life precisely where you call us to dwell. May we be faithful to the end, that resurrection may prevail - through the promise and passion of Christ, our hope and our Redeemer. Amen.
April prayers submitted by Reverend Stanley Kessler, Honorably Retired
Please pray for...
- RE Hank and wife Evelyn Cox, Nominating Committee of PWV and member at Christ Presbyterian Church Winfield, in the passing of Evelyn's father
- The Rev. Jack Hess, Honorably Retired, as he continues to have health concerns.
- congregations who are seeking leadership and are in transition
- those who suffer in silence
- Geetingsville Presbyterian Church as they continue to serve Christ Jesus
AMEN
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Events, Opportunities, Webinars & Workshops
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Engaging to Lead Your Congregation to New Heights
Who: Anyone who loves their congregation---
Come as a pair, come as a team, or come on your own!
The more, the merrier! Grab someone and bring them along!!
What: A two-hour workshop offering practical activities for use with your own
congregation
When: Saturday, May 20, 2017 8:30-10-30 am(central) 9:30-11:30 am (eastern)
Where: Bethany (Lafayette) and First (Merrillville) and NEI locations to be announced
Why: Who doesn't love a playground for new ideas
Your ideas
God's ideas as we all seek to
awaken, enliven and enhance congregations in the Presbytery of Wabash Valley
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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.
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- WORKSHOPS
- WORSHIP
- HOLY CONVERSATIONS IN ST. LOUIS CHURCHES*
- BIBLE STUDY
- ENGAGING PLENARY
- GREAT ACCOMMODATIONS
- GREAT VALUE
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Face to Face at Big Tent in St. Louis
The Church Leadership Connection (CLC) a ministry of the Office of the General Assembly will host a Face to Face Event this year at Big Tent held at the Washington University in St. Louis, MO from July 6 - 8, 2017. We hope you will consider participating in the event. Face to Face will include PNC training, call seeker's training, networking opportunities, one-on-one PIF reviews, and other educational opportunities for call seeker's and calling organizations. All call seekers (teaching elders, candidates, ruling elders, and other lay professionals) with an active Personal Information Form may participate. All search committees for installed and temporary positions with an active MIF or approved job description are encouraged to attend. Registration runs from April 17 thru June 30, 2017.
To contact CLC by phone call 888-728-7228 Ext. 8550. We hope to you see at the Big Tent event. Rev. Dr. SanDawna Gaulman Ashley Assistant Stated Clerk Manager, Call Process Support and Teaching Elders Ministry Office of the General Assembly, Mid Council Ministries |
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Lux Summer Theological Institute for Youth
Feast or Famine: Thinking Theologically About Food and Food Security
Sunday, July 16-Sunday, July 30, 2017
Who: Theologically curious high school students (rising sophomores
through graduated seniors)
Cost: Free (including free charter bus transportation provided to and from
Chicago) Students will consider the many resources for thinking about food in the Christian tradition from Biblical studies to Christian ethics and theology. The tradition has dealt with the realities of hunger, the joys of feasting, the blessings of providential provision, and the sacramental power of a meal. |
CONGREGATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
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Deer Creek's Food Ministry
Deer Creek Presbyterian Church in Camden celebrates a unique partnership.
Bethel Worship Center, located in Marion, IN, began a ministry in its community. Starting with two houses next to the church, called Mommy-Me, for girls and their children, with no place to live, m embers of the church are mentors for the girls. They follow strict rules to be able to stay and usually come out with high self esteem and full of the Spirit. In the beginning, Walmart was contacted to help supply these two homes with food. It has since grown to seven homes, the original two, plus two boys' homes, two more girls' homes and a director's facility. These five additional homes are called Hope City. Bethel does not own Hope but members have given up their homes to run the five at Hope.
So, more food was needed. There is a Walmart distributing center in Marion, which makes it convenient.
A rented truck picks up the food, is taken back to Hope, where there are two Quonset Huts with freezers and crates of all sizes. A member of Bethel calls all her helping hands and they get the young adults from the houses at Hope to help organize and distribute the food. After that's done, Bethel delivers the remaining food donations to Deer Creek's coordinator and to several other bulk handlers, which fill Deer Creek's coordinator's garage and freezer full of the commodities. Then, it's Deer Creek's turn: Deer Creek's coordinator contacts families in the church and community to come get whatever they like and if they are NOT in need, she asks for a small donation. Half the money collected goes back to Bethel's food ministry and the other half goes to Deer Creek and is used as needed. Any remaining surplus food ( most recently fresh pears and tomatoes) are offered to Deer Creek worshippers to take home after worship and fellowship on Sunday mornings.
In Deer Creek's coordinator's opinion, Diane Bell gets the Glory. She is very much full of the Holy Spirit and it shows. She gets nothing for all the work, maybe some food, now and then. But her reward is the HALO she wears because it's certain she does this for HIM.
Deb Delaplane
Food Ministry Coordinator
Deer Creek Presbyterian Church
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Bethany Presbyterian Church in Lafayette
Saturday, May 6th
10 am - 2 pm
Nelson's Port-a-Pit Chicken Fund Raiser
All proceeds benefit the Bethany Good Neighboring projects
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to all the Administrative Staff who serve
Presbytery of Wabash Valley Congregations!
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2017 Events at Geneva Center Inc.
- May 7th, 2017 - 2 - 4 pm - Spring Open House
- October 16 - 19, 2017 - 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.
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2017 Summer Camp at Geneva Center Inc.
Camp is based on grade completed this year
June 12 - 17 High School (Grades 9-12) 3 options $290.00
Traditional
MAD - Music, Art & Drama
C.R.O.S.S. - (Christian Recreation and Outdoor Sports Skills) Variety of sports, games and activities.
June 13 - 15 You and Me #1 (ages 5 and up with an adult) $185.00
June 19 - 24 Middle School (Grades 6-8) 3 options $290.00
Traditional
MAD - Music, Art & Drama
C.R.O.S.S. - (Christian Recreation and Outdoor Sports Skills) Variety of sports, games and activities.
June 26 - July 1
Explorer Camp (Grades 4-5) $185.00
Leadership Camp (age 16 - grade 12) $290.00
June 27 - 29 New Beginnings Camp (Grades 1-3) $185.00
June 29 - July 1 You and Me #2 (ages 5 and up) $185.00
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RESOURCES & OTHER THINGS TO KNOW
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New Church Financial Leadership Grant Program
Presbyterian Foundation Accepting Application
Matching funds available for Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) pastors and commissioned lay pastors to attend financial literacy and leadership events and training
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ORDER TODAY
2017-2018 Presbyterian
Planning Calendar
This 19-month, official PC(USA) calendar (June 2017 - December 2018) is an
outstanding resource for pastors, church leaders and everyone interested in the life and mission of the church. It features monthly planning and worship suggestions, lectionary readings, a liturgical color guide, foldout synod, presbytery and world maps, plus directories of PC(USA) staff, offices, synods and presbyteries. The wire-bound calendar measures 8½ x 11 and is punched to fit a standard binder. You can order copies today from PC(USA) Store! Individual calendars are $14.95 each; $12.50 each for 10-49; $8.50 each for 50 or more. Shipping is additional. When you order, ask for ISBN 978-0-9858964-9-2. Order online or call (800) 524-2612. Or, order calendars from the Presbytery Office by contacting Vicki at vicki@ourpresbytery.org or 574-223-5678. 100 calendars have been ordered so orders will be taken on a first come first serve basis in order to purchase at a cost saving of $9.00 each (shipping to your church is an extra fee). |
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ITEMS THAT NEED A HOME
The following items will be available at the May 23 Assembly at Geneva Center on a first come first serve basis. They must be removed from Geneva Center that same day. - Risograph a Hi Speed Duplicator with some toner supplies
- 6 lateral 4 drawer filing cabinets
- 1 - 4 drawer filing cabinet
- 4 Bookshelves - 5 shelves each
- Communion Trays with storage covers
- 3' Gold colored Cross
- 15" Viewsonic flat screen monitor
- 2 - Sliding desk mount keyboard and mouse trays
- Electric typewriter
- Framed print of the Lord's Supper approximately 3' x 5'
- Hanging file folders
- Numerous 3 ring binders
Please contact vicki@ourpresbytery.org or call 574-223-5678 if you have interest.
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Tuesday, May 2
2 pm - Personnel Ministry Team - Go-To-Meeting
Thursday, May 4
10 am - Commission on Ministry - NOTE: Changed to Go-to-Meeting
10 am - Commission on Preparation for Ministry - Bethlehem Presbyterian Church 5588 N SR 25 Logansport (map)
Sunday, May 7
2 - 4 pm - Geneva Center Open House - 5282 N Old US Hwy 31 Rochester (map)
Monday, May 8
10 am - Stewardship Ministry Team - Go-To-Meeting
Tuesday, May 9
10 am - Nominating Committee - PWV Office 707 Main St. Rochester (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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Commissioned to Validated Ministry Available to Serve Communion
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Contact Information for Wabash Valley Officers, Staff and Consultant
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