Serving Christ, Enhancing Congregations, Connecting Communities
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Chapel-of-the-Lakes Presbyterian Church of Angola rolled out the red carpet...
Council met with four Geneva Center, Inc. (GCI) board members this week and after extended, gracious conversation, approved a mission grant for $25,000 to GCI for fiscal year 2017-18. Funding will come from the settlement set aside for mission from
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Rev. Tom Smith and Argos, sharing the artistic stamp of the ladies who made one of the four 3D murals displayed in the church.
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Calvary Presbyterian Church in Logansport when it was dismissed to the Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians (ECO) in 2015.
- Jim Hubbard, GCI board president, recounted the progress that GCI has made to grow Christian summer camp attendance (from 92 last year to 272 registered campers for three weeks this summer in partnership with Disciples of Christ churches) and to secure more contracts for hosting retreats, conferences, family events, and other groups during the remainder of the year.There is great appreciation for churches within the Presbytery that continue to use Geneva Center and support it financially.
- Geneva Center,Inc. is halfway through its three-year lease with Presbytery who owns the camp and conference center property on behalf of its 80 congregations. Council and GCI board members recounted the history of the camp and conference ministry at Geneva Center, as well as noting current realities for both Presbytery and GCI.
- Council discussion focused on aligning its financial leadership of presbytery with its mission to "awaken, enliven and enhance" its congregations to "extend" and "bear new fruit." Without being an established criteria yet, a guiding principle is emerging that mission dollars come from large and small congregations, and Council intends to partner in mission initiatives emerging from congregations to reach into communities and empowering those initiatives by aggregating smaller mission giving into larger grants generated by shared funding.
- Geneva Center, Inc. was established as an independent corporation, now leasing Presbytery property for $1/year in order to empower its board with greater flexibility to manage the operations of camping and hosting as a retreat and conference center and to demonstrate its ongoing financial viability by attracting new users and new sources of funding. One of the intended consequences of GCI as a separate entity is a shift from Presbytery being its presumed source of essential funding (and the financial impact that has on all other programs, staffing, services for congregations) to greater responsibility for being self-funded, with GCI and Presbytery mutually noting demographic, denominational, and general social trends that make that task very challenging.
- Through the Bible study based on 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 and with The Proposed Directory for Worship regarding the Lord's Supper, we shared thoughts of ways we are united through the sacrament of Communion with all Christians in all places.
- Council was generously hosted this week by Chapel of the Lakes'
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Another living mural made by ladies of
Chapel of the Lakes PC, Angola
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congregation near Angola and Pastor Tom Smith who recounted the history of the congregation and its ministry aligned with stewardship of creation, evident both in its beautiful memorial gardens and its Blue Heron ministry that works to protect the lakes region. - Council approved a motion to describe the work of its appointed Mission Team:
- The Mission Team's purpose is to partner with PWV congregations in extending God's love to the world through Christian evangelism, discipleship or service. Our task is to help incubate, encourage and facilitate cooperative effort in mission among PWV churches. Ideally, projects will be a congregation's mission and the request would initiate from the congregation with Session approval. The Mission Team will serve as a clearinghouse for mission projects and when possible, share in funding for the work.
- Calendar of 2018 dates for Presbytery Assembly and Council meetings was approved. Vicki will being scheduling hosts for those meeting in regions of the presbytery. Congregations interested in bringing Assembly and/or Council to their church are encouraged to contact her at Vicki@ourpresbytery.org
- There were updates from COM, CPM, committees, teams working with congregations, Synod commissioner and staff to keep Council informed on the scope of activities and anticipating plans for specific review of presbytery policies in July and for the Assembly at Peabody Retirement Community on September 19th.
- Council will meet at Deer Creek Presbyterian Church on July 18th in Camden, IN.
- Linda Long, Stated Clerk
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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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CONGREGATIONAL NEWS & HIGHLIGHTS
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Ongoing 3b at Michigan City First Presbyterian
First Presbyterian Church of Michigan City has just celebrated the completion of five years with the 3B Program. We have a faithful flock of attendees, with an average number of thirteen who walk through the door with smiles on their faces in anticipation of an hour filled with movement, mental stimulation, laughter, friendship, and prayer. A great way to spend an hour!
Leading the flock are Elder Lois Miley and myself, who were trained by the creators of the program; Reverend Sue Babovac and Angie Briner. The program is funded through Smock Senior Ministries; created for Presbyterian Seniors in Indiana, and administered by Reverend Bill Haworth. Lois and I attended a recent training in Indianapolis for "new bees" which also included a time for current leaders to share their own 3B experiences. We received new lesson plans and an infusion of cross-brain training and breathing exercises. If your church has valued senior members, having a 3B Class is a great way to show God's love. And by the way, the leaders have fun too! Elder Alice Yacullo, Clerk of Session |
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Events, Opportunities, Webinars & Workshops
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GENERAL ASSEMBLY #223
June 16-23, 2018
St. Louis, MO
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Is God Calling You?
Consider serving as a commissioner to next year's meeting of the PC(USA) General Assembly. Maybe you've served before; maybe you've never served, but are interested in how the denomination works. Add your voice and your experience to the process by considering being nominated to serve. Whether you're a Minister of the Word and Sacrament, an elder or a young adult between the ages of 17-23, perhaps God is calling you to this rich and wonderful experience as a commissioner or a young adult advisory delegate.
Here's what our current commissioners have to say about their experience at last summer's assembly:
"I really appreciated our Presbyterian form of government, and that we all have a voice in it. It was a joy to better understand how it all works. It was great meeting new friends from across the country and talking about our faith." -Mike Munson
"WOW! What a week! Attending GA was a rich and meaningful experience, seeing God at work in the dedication, joy, disagreements, and celebrations of the various people and perspectives that are woven together in our Presbyterian Church Family." -Sandy Carlson
"There is no better way to grasp the breadth and the depth of our Presbyterian church family than to participate in a General Assembly. This is an incredible way to live out your ordination vows and serve Christ."- Sarah Sanderson-Doughty
"I was grateful to be part of what makes us Presbyterian - to see the church and Holy Spirit work out of people's deep love of Christ and what it means to be His disciples. At General Assembly you get to do important work with grandmothers from California, College students from Iowa, part-time pastor and firefighters from Texas who together are sharing insight, knowledge and their deep love for the future of this denomination. We worship, study, discuss, break bread and sing praise to a living God active and making a difference in our world today."- Sarah Bishop
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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.
On June 15, we will provide an update on the number of search committees and church professionals registered for F2F. Please use this information to assist you in your travel plans. To register for Face to Face go to http://pcusa.org/sections/mid-council-ministries/clc/facetoface/ Please complete and return the appropriate registration forms to clcstaff@pcusa.org. **We recommend you save the form to your computer and fill it out using the free Adobe Reader. To contact CLC by phone call 888-728-7228 Ext. 8550.
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Together With Courage and Strength
Covenant Gathering 2017
July 16, 4 pm to July 21, 11 am
NEW LOCATION!!
A week of fun, faith, friends and family Join other Christians for Covenant Gathering 2017 at beautiful Geneva Retreat, Camp and Conference Center in the rolling hills of north central Indiana. Discover and explore how we can face today's disruptions and challenges strengthened and fortified by the community of faith, God's word and the courage of our hope in the Lord. Covenant Gathering is a little bit conference, a little bit vacation with facilities for all abilities!!! Visit www.covenantgathering.com for more information or to REGISTER. |
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Union Presbyterian Seminary Offerings
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Church Business Administration courses - July 18-27, 2017:
These are the core courses needed for certification by The Church Network, but anyone may take any of the seminars. You can register for all eight (Strategic Planning, Human Resources - 2 days, Communications, Finances - 2 days, Legal and Tax, and Facilities and Property) or register for one week or the other, or just take the seminars that interest you and are relevant to your work. If you are already a Certified Church Administrator, the seminars will count toward your retention credits. These are open to pastors, church administrators, office managers, communications specialists, and anyone who has interest! These take place on our Richmond campus.
Cost: $670 for all eight seminars; $335 for four; $100 for individual courses, and include lunch each day.Click here for more information and registration.
- Church Business Administration CEU courses - July 22, 2017: Whether you need the core courses or not, you may participate in a one-day event that will give you the 0.8 CEUs in required areas: Technology Basics, Technology Trends, Theology and Ethics of Church Administration, and Self-Care for Church Administrators. Each "mini-course" is two hours long. You may take all four or pick the ones you need. These will also count toward retention CEUs. If you register for Church Business Administration courses, you may add these on; they fall on the Saturday between the two weeks of those courses. Cost: $25 for each session; $100 for all four. Lunch is included. Click here for more information and registration (this is the same information/registration form as Church Business Administration).
- Mission Possible: Embracing the Task of Strategic Visioning - October 9-12, 2017: This four-day workshop features Olanda Carr, Ministry Relations Officer for the Presbyterian Foundation. He and the participants will explore critically and statistically the state of today's mainline churches, who we are in relation to the larger church, and help develop a mission strategy for your congregation. For church administrators, this workshop will count for 1.8 CEUs toward your certification or retention requirements. Pastors, administrators, educators, and church members will come away with practical strategies in leading your congregation. This event will take place on our Richmond campus. Cost: $250 ($195 for those who register by September 25), including lunch on Tuesday and Wednesday. Click here for more information and registration.
- Pathways to Learning and Leadership: Pathways is a series of online courses offered throughout the academic year. The courses are a chance for church members to delve deeper into their faith and discipleship, and be better equipped to lead in the church, without having to worry about the expense of travel and staying away from home. Each course is five weeks long, with two hours per week of live online instruction and group work, and about four hours of reading and homework, including some practical applications. The courses are led by seminary professors and practitioners. These courses are also available to presbyteries and other governing bodies as part of their non-ordained pastor programs. Cost: $100 for each five-week course (eleven courses are offered in 2017/18). For the course listing and descriptions, and registration, go to Pathways.
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RESOURCES & OTHER THINGS TO KNOW
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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 up 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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Committee on Representation is Back and in Action
We're Ba-a-ack. COR (Committee on Representation) is alive and functioning once again. Representation on Presbytery and/or church committees is based on many things. Diversity of members may be due to age, race, ethnic background, gender, and size of the congregation among others. Perhaps you will think of some too. Our purpose is to encourage congregations to get a good view of their neighbors. We need to address some tough topics. We want to look to the future. We are currently working on gathering resources to share with congregations. We welcome your thoughts and questions on how we can help your congregation or your committee.
Please respond to Martha Flora (jamarflo34@ligtel.com) or to
Jennifer Burns Lewis (jennifer@ourpresbytery.org).
Watch God Calls for information in the future.
Martha Flora, moderator COR
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Commissioned to Validated Ministry Available to Serve Communion
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Thank you for your ministry and your service...
- June 23, 1985 - The Rev. Dr. James Miller, South Bend, Sunnyside Presbyterian Church
- June 23, 1984 - The Rev. Michael Pennanen, Hammond, First Presbyterian Church
- June 24, 1984 - The Rev. Scott Coulter, Honorably Retired
- June 25, 1965 - The Rev. Walter Davis, Honorably Retired
- June 27, 1976 - The Rev. Stuart Robertson, 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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Creator God, we are in awe of the wonders you have made for us. You have provided not just our needs, but have blessed us with abundant gifts. There is beauty in the huge June night sky and in the tiny veining of a leaf. There are sights and sounds and feelings and tastes. And if all of these were not enough, you have given us yourself to fill us and bring us joyful life. You show your great love for all of creation, so it is with confidence that we lift up to you the cares of our hearts. We pray to join you in comforting the ill, feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, putting arms around the grieving and hopeless, standing against injustice, pouring out love. And we pray in the strong name of Jesus, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
June prayers submitted by CRE Donna Enersen, Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church of Frankfort.
Please pray for...
- Delphi First Presbyterian Church as they continually and faithfully serve Christ Jesus.
- The Rev. Dr. Maria Rutland as she battles an infection, supports her ill mother and the Hudson Salem Center Congregation as they recover from flooding
- congregations in transition
- pastoral leadership
- those who suffer in silence.
AMEN
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Tuesday, July 4
- Presbytery Office Closed to Observe Independence Day
Thursday, July 6
- 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, July 10
- 10 am - Stewardship Ministry Team
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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Contact Information for Wabash Valley Officers, Staff and Consultant
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