Serving Christ, Enhancing Congregations, Connecting Communities
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'We are not dying. We are Reforming.'
SIGNIFICANT ASPECTS OF THE 2016 STATISTICAL REPORT
from the Office of the General AssemblyRev. J. Herbert Nelson, II Stated ClerkWe are moving towards a new future as a denomination. Membership loss, which was experienced since the 1970s, is slowing down. Congregations are refocusing on their mission. Mid councils are experimenting with ways to provide meaningful leadership in challenging times. Congregations are celebrating both anniversaries and new beginnings. Young adults are asserting their desires to serve in both domestic and international mission. Despite cries proclaiming the death of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), we remain a viable interfaith and ecumenical partner in many local communities while proclaiming a prophetic witness throughout the world. Our eulogy as a denomination has been written too soon, because God's Kingdom has not yet come. We are engaged both in the United States and around the globe. We are well-respected for our priestly and prophetic voice within Christendom. Our challenge is to see the powerful opportunities that are before us while declaring with Holy Spirit boldness that God is doing amazing work within us right now.
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CONGREGATIONAL NEWS & HIGHLIGHTS
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May showers-June flowers? And Plants!
by Visioning & Connecting Leader Jennifer Burns Lewis
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Garden Party tent welcoming friends and neighbors to the Garden Party in the Rain and church member Lisa Fleming and involved neighbors Walter and Kilee.
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Bethany Presbyterian Church was founded in 1952 as a neighborhood church. Members, as well as their pastor, the Rev. Kevin Bowers, speak of a time when church members lived in the neighborhood and could walk to church, if they wished. Over the years, some church members migrated to other parts of the greater Lafayette area and, and Bethany, like many congregations, found the demographics and the needs of their surrounding community changing. Bethany has had a lifelong commitment to mission and much of their space is shared with the congregation and community to meet many needs. From an outpost for the Lafayette Urban Ministry's commitments to food insecure individuals and families, to Saturday afternoon card parties, Bethany shares.
A long-standing commitment to community gardening began as a gift of a spacious garden plot on the campus of the Bethany church to thriving produce, tending by church members and offered to members and friends alike as well as to the local food pantry. Green thumbs and cooperative conditions meshed to provide an abundance of delicious produce. A veggie table greeted folks at Sunday morning worship, free for the taking. Lisa Fleming, a Bethany member and enthusiastic promoter of the work of Bethany's Neighboring Committee, observed, "And then we noted that the garden wasn't just for us. That's not why we're here-it's never been why we're here." And out of their commitment to their neighbors, the Garden Party was born.
The Garden Party invites folks from surrounding neighborhoods to a mini-fest in Bethany's parking lot on a Saturday in May, proving garden tools and plants for folks to plant in the community garden or at home. An unable to be ignored thunderstorm on Saturday, May 20 did not deter volunteers from gathering to greet neighbors and distribute supplies for gardening... and donuts....and coffee... and warm smiles. It's going to be another season of grow-your-own goodness, thanks to the vision and commitment of Bethany's members, friends and neighbors. The Neighboring Committee is an inspiration at Bethany, attracting neighborhood individuals and families to a variety of programs and activities hosted by the congregation. Backpacks and BBQ is a late summer event designed to unite neighborhood children with needed school supplies, and a fun fest at the church. Trunk or Treat is a tradition at Bethany, where trick or treaters can enjoy a festive Halloween event at Bethany, which prompted a neighbor to comment to a member at Bethany, "Thanks for helping keep our kids safe." Bethany's Neighboring Committee has been involved in participation in Tippecanoe County's annual OUTfest as a chance to be visible in the community and committed to a full welcome to all. And that's just the fall events. The Neighboring Committee meets regularly to explore how to be a presence and a help to Bethany's neighbors. Does Bethany have a Mission Committee? Yes, says Lisa Fleming, but it's different in its scope and outreach. The Neighboring Committee meets local needs and hopes in creative, hands-on ways, and brings members and friends together in tangible ways. A friend of the church from the neighborhood commented that he had helped with two recent presbytery events that Bethany hosted and was planning to help with other events in the fall. Hooray for partnership and engagement in service and in God's love.
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Country Music
from
Grand Rapids, Michigan
at
Bethlehem Presbyterian Church 5588 N State Road 25 Logansport
Saturday June 17, 3:30-5:00
Enjoy good music - free
Take home some
Nelson's Port a Pit Chicken $6.50
Proceeds to support Caston Back-Pack Program
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Events, Opportunities, Webinars & Workshops
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Register now for Big Tent 2017
Join Presbyterians from around the country at Big Tent! This year's theme emphasizes the hope of the Gospel and its power to transform society in our cultural context, marked by anxiety, racial division, political animosity and economic inequality. Let's come together and engage the Church in its mission of justice-making and peace.
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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 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 (Pastor Nominating Committee) training, call seekers' 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 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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Reaching Out to the Latino Community
Outreach to the Latino community has been on the minds of many Indiana congregations. In some parts of the state, the Latino community wasn't very visible until recent population growth. But elsewhere, Latinos have been Hoosiers for generations. Workshop leader and pastor Felipe Martinez will help you as a congregational leader consider your options for starting, expanding or refocusing ministry efforts with the Latino community. The workshop, which is June 1 in Hobart, will be presented in English and Spanish.
Exceptional Program Planning
This live online workshop is June 7 and June 13
How can your congregation move with greater confidence from creative ideas to initiating great programs? This learning experience, led by Center President Tim Shapiro, will help you improve program planning so that your board, staff, team or committee can successfully address your congregation's challenges and opportunities.
Launching Your Community Ministry Plan is live online June 8Do you have an idea for a new ministry in your community? Are you exploring how to get started moving your idea into reality? This live online workshop series can help you and your congregation.
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THE MINISTRY FORMATION PROGRAM:
A GROWTH OPPORTUNITY FOR CHURCH MEMBERS
INQUIRY DAY
JUNE 17, 2017
10:00 - NOON (ET)
AT
ROCHESTER COMMUNITY CHURCH
503 Jefferson St. Rochester, IN
(map)
There is wonderful news to share!
A new program for ministry formation in the Presbytery of Wabash Valley is beginning! This program offers opportunities for church members who are discerning a call to increase their participation in ministry, to strengthen their leadership in their churches, and to serve Christ's church in new ways.
Come to find out how you can be part of this exciting new program!
To register for Inquiry Day:
Email your
Name, home church, phone number, and email
To:
Rev. Chuck Compton
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A week of learning, laughter and worship presented by members and churches of the PCUSA Synod of the Covenant and Synod of Lincoln Trails
Together with Courage and Strength
July 16, 4 pm-July 21, 11 am
Geneva Retreat and Conference Center
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RESOURCES & OTHER THINGS TO KNOW
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Facing Racism Resources: The Confession of Belhar
As part of Facing Racism, the church's ongoing antiracism campaign, the PC(USA) offers free resources based on the Confession of Belhar, the newest addition to the Book of Confessions. Resources include workshop materials introducing Belhar to the church, a video explaining what Belhar is and why it is important in the Reformed tradition, and study guides on the Confession of Belhar. The PC(USA) store also carries study guides for participants and leaders. Learning more about the Confession of Belhar can help engage people in conversation about its applicability to contemporary racism in the U.S. and the role of the church. Read More
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Church financial leadership grants
Grants are available through the Presbyterian Foundation to assist pastors to attend continuing education opportunities to help them in leading their congregations toward financial and missional vitality.
Check it out! |
Thank you for your ministry and your service...
- June 5, 1983 - The Rev. Jennifer Burns Lewis, PWV Visioning & Connecting Leader
- June 6, 1972 - The Rev. Dr. Wayne Rhodes, Honorably Retired
If we have inadvertently omitted your ordination please accept my apology. Help to update our records by sending your current information to vicki@ourpresbytery.org
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PRAYERS OF THE PRESBYTERY
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Jesus, Light of the world, Light of our lives, today we ask nothing of You but only worship You. We praise and thank You for the gift of life and for all the blessings You bestow upon us. We honor Your merciful nature and rejoice in Your forgiveness and loving care. We pray this humbly and gratefully. Amen.
May prayers submitted by the Reverend's John & Sally Gilbert, Honorably Retired
Please pray for...
- Kristi and Frank Slaby, Frank has been diagnosed with cancer and they would covet the prayers of the Presbytery. Kristi is a RE from Rensselaer and on the PWV Nominating Committee.
- Milligan Memorial Presbyterian Church of Crawfordsville as they seek the means and guidance to repair a major leak in the church.
- Salem Center Presbyterian Church Hudson as they clean up from flood damage and destruction.
- First Presbyterian Church of Elkhart as they faithfully serve Christ Jesus in the midst of transition and change.
- for those who suffer in silence.
AMEN
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Thursday, June 1
10 am - Commission on Preparation for Ministry - Bethlehem PC 5588 N SR 25 Logansport (map)
10 am - Commission on Ministry - Bethlehem PC 5588 N SR 25 Logansport (map)
Monday, June 12
10 am - Stewardship Ministry Team (Go-to-meeting)
Tuesday, June 13
10 am - Nominating Committee (Go-to-meeting)
Saturday, June 17
10 am - Noon - Ministry Formation Inquiry Day - Community Presbyterian Church ~ 530 Jefferson St., Rochester (map)
Monday, June 19
10 am - PWV Mission Team - (Go-to-meeting)
Tuesday, June 20
10 am - Council - Chapel of the Lakes Presbyterian Church ~ 2955 W. Orland Rd., Angola (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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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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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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