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Weekly Update
April 26, 2012 |
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Upcoming Events | |
Save these dates and be on the lookout for details!
4/27/2012
Stewardship Cohort
for Pastors
9:00AM - 4:00PM
Registration begins at 8:30AM
Christ Presbyterian Church
530 W. Tuscarawas Street,
Canton, OH 44702
4/28/2012
Stewardship Cohort
for
Leader Teams
9:00AM - 4:00PM
Registration begins at 8:30AM
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5/19/2012
Stated Meeting of the Presbytery
9:00AM - 4:00PM
Registration begins at 8:30AM
First Presbyterian Church
501 Fourth Street
Marietta, OH 45750
The Rev. Dr. Paul Hooker, speaker
Topic: Theological Foundations of the New Form of Government
Please RSVP by sending in registration to: Muskingum Valley Presbytery,
109 Stonecreek Rd. NW
New Philadelphia, OH 44663
Stated Meeting/ Leadership Summit Flyer (.PDF)
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Facilitator Training for Healthy Congregations
June 12th
through
June 14th,
2012
Tuesday, June 12
8:30AM - 4:30PM
Wed., June 13
8:30AM - 4:30PM
Thursday, June 14
8:30AM - 12:30PM
Location:
MVP Mission Center
Trainer:
Debbie Rundlett
Cost:
$350 materials/supplies
$300 for MVP Pastors
Registration: Limited to 24
Facilitator Training for Healthy Congregations Flyer (.PDF)
To register:
Please send check, with name, address, phone and email contact information to:
Shauna Engeldinger
Muskingum Valley Presbytery
109 Stonecreek Road, NW
New Philadelphia, OH 44663
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Questions?
Concerns? Corrections?
Call or Email!
(800) 693-1147
(330) 339-5515 | |
Email Shauna
Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday
8:00am to 4:30pm
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MVP News:
The MVP Mission Center will close at
11:00am on Wednesday, April 25th, and will also be closed all day on Thursday, April 26th.
We will reopen on Monday, April 30th with our regular business hours:
Monday - Thursday 8:00am - 4:30pm
Order the
NEW
2012-2013 Presbyterian Planning Calendar before April 30th to receive this special discounted price!
The calendar begins in the month of June 2012,
and ends in the month of December 2013.
Planning Calendar Order Form (.PDF)
2011-2013
Book of Order
Please contact Shauna to reserve yours today!
$9.00 each
2012 Mission Yearbooks are here!
$12.00 each
Call or email Shauna today to reserve yours!
330.339.5515
1.800.693.1147
Monday - Thursday
8:00am to 4:30pm
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Dresses for Africa Women's Retreat
Date:
Saturday,
May 5th
Time:
10:30am-3:00pm
Trinity United Presbyterian Church,
830 Military Road,
Zanesville, OH 43701
Join Trinity United Presbyterian Church for a day of learning, sewing, and fellowship. Doors open at 10:00 for set up. The program will begin at 10:30.
Sue from Building a Better Burkina Faso will give a presentation on how God is working through her and her church to help people in a small town in Africa. We will spend the rest of the afternoon speaking with others who have made mission trips to Africa, spending time in devotion, and making simple skirts and dresses for girls in Burkina Faso. No sewing skill is needed! We will enjoy a potluck luncheon at noon and will finish by 3:00.
Donations of fabric and elastic will be greatly appreciated! For more information or to RSVP contact Amanda Allison or Nancy Cornett at
(740)452-8482. | | Dresses for Africa Women's Retreat Flyer (.PDF) | |
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Empowered Concert 2012
Date:
Saturday,
July 14, 2012
Time:
2pm-9pm
Place:
McFarland Stadium, Clairmont Ave. Cambridge, OH.
More information to come.
Thank you for your interest! | | |
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Ready for Summer?
Rent Camp LiMRod for your church group or family event.
It is located on 162 acres near Alliance, Ohio.
It is equipped with:
- an inground pool;
- cabins with bunk beds;
- teepees with cots;
- a challenge course;
- climbing wall;
- zip line through the woods;
- kids' mini zip line;
- showerhouse;
- lodge with kitchen;
- hiking trails;
and
- an archery range.
This is a ministry of First United Presbyterian Church of Alliance.
Contact the church office at 330-821-5340 to get an application to rent the Camp LiMRod property.
Camp LiMRod rentals flyer | | |
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Nearly Perfect in Every Way
Benjamin Franklin describes in his autobiography a program he designed for self-improvement. He created a table of the various virtues he thought he should cultivate, and tells the story of how he worked on each one in turn. But he tells us that he made one fatal mistake in his plan to become perfect in every virtue. He left humility for last, and by the time he got to it, he was already so near perfection in every other area that humility was impossible.
Franklin told this story with his tongue firmly planted in cheek, but he makes a serious point in the process about spiritual pride. Spiritual pride just might be the deadliest of the Seven Deadly Sins, because it can corrupt even those striving to be good and generous and turn it into an occasion for further pride. Fight it successfully for a moment, and you might just find yourself saying inwardly, Wow ... I'm being really humble. Quaker Parker Palmer confesses: Years ago, someone told me that humility is central to the spiritual life. That made sense to me: I was proud to think of myself as humble!
Pride it would seem is rife among those striving to be good. What then is one to do?! Ask John the Baptist and he'll tell you to decrease that Christ might increase within you. For Apostle Paul the antidote for pride is kenosis... emptying... or as translated in the NIV, "being made nothing":
Our attitude should be the same as Christ Jesus:
who, being the very nature of God,
did not consider equality with God as something to be grasped,
but made himself nothing...
But, how are we to empty ourselves? Read on and we find that passage itself clarifies:
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself
and became obedient unto death - even death on a cross.
Taking on the form of a servant... obedient unto death... Jesus did not come as a pompous tyrant, but rather as humble servant.
For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many (Mark 10:45)
So the first thing "emptied himself" of is the rights born of being God. Jesus came to earth as a servant even though he had every right to come as our Sovereign Lord. Second, in "being made in likeness as a man," he did not come to earth in a human rent-a-body that He used for thirty some years and then discarded. Rather, he became a man, born of a woman, fully human even as he is fully divine.
Finally, and most importantly, he humbled Himself and played out the role the Father chose for Him. But, are we really willing to empty ourselves?! It's the American Way to fill up at every opportunity. From junk food to junk news to the latest "reality television," we Americans are addicted to filling ourselves. Perhaps that's why we are number one in the consumption of antidepressants. Leave it to Jesus to model the way to address spiritual pride.
Kenosis... emptying... decreasing...just as "the Son of God empties himself of prerogative, of divine rights, of status and reputation, in order to be the one whom God uses to fill up creation and creatures with the glory of salvation, so we must empty ourselves that God might use us." In the words, of poet John Keats: we must learn to practice "the art of negative capability." As Keat's explains: A poet is capable of being in uncertainties, mysteries, doubts, without any irritable searching after fact and reason. The art of negative capability. But, how do we get there?! Adele Ahlberg Calhoun in the Spiritual Disciplines Handbook recommends two spiritual practices. First, she suggests write a resume of our character, not your expertise.
- What does this reveal about who you are becoming?
- Are you on the path to humility?
- Begin to pray for the character you long to have.
Secondly, we are to take an attachment inventory.
- Write a list of the defense mechanisms you hare attached to (sarcasm, temper, aloofness, clowning around).
- Ask God to make you aware of the times you instinctively move into your defense mechanisms. Consider what seems to trigger your response. What response would you like to cultivate instead? Share your observations with a trusted friend, asking them to pray with you.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to help you change your attachment to these behavioral patterns.
A few other questions to consider:
- Who in your life tells you the truth, without praise or blame?
- Does the image of Kenosis appeal to you?
- What do you admire most about humble people?
- How do you recognize true humility?
Let what you discover about yourself lead you into confession. It is frightening to realize how much our longings to be appreciated and valued can motivate us to establish our identity in secondary things-things we can be proud of, but can lose. Humility stems from having someone besides yourself at the center of your attention. Apprentices to Jesus are chosen, loved, appreciated and important to the Creator of the Universe. The Holy Spirit inhabits them. They are free to be whom God has called them to be- no more, no less-disciples of Jesus. Kenosis - emptying of self - is at the heart of Jesus' Incarnation and God's call to us as disciple-making leaders. Remember, emptying is prelude to filling.A bucket no matter how well made is of no use if it is already filled.How much more so of those who seek to be disciples of the one Lord?
Deborah Rundlett, General Presbyter |
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Attention All Pastors and Leader Teams:
A two-day Stewardship Cohort with Dr. Tom Tewell is being held this month on Friday, April 27th from 9:00am to 4:00pm and Saturday, April 28th from 9:00am to 4:00pm at Christ Presbyterian Church, 530 Tuscarawas Street W., Canton. Registration begins at 8:30am.
Friday will be a time set apart for pastors. This focus will be on giving as a heart issue. Saturday is for pastors and their leader teams. We will focus on Biblical foundations, barriers to giving, and starting points for the development of extravagant generosity.
For more information: Stewardship Cohort Flyer (.pdf) |
Anointing
for
New Life
A Muskingum Valley Presbytery Spring Retreat
sponsored by the Retreat Ministry Team.
Come to a welcoming place where all are invited to relax in a small group.
Join others to explore practices which will help to ground us in our life of faith, such as anointing and the reaffirmation of baptismal and ordination vows.
Spring Retreat - Sunday, April 29 at 4:30pm to Tuesday, May 1 at 1:00pm
Saint Therese's Retreat Center, Columbus OH
Cost $150.00 for 2 nights and 6 meals
Deposit: $50 due by Monday, April 16th, 2012
(Scholarships available - contact Donna Robertson 330.927.2746 or donnar100@embarqmail.com)
Please register by Monday, April 16th.
To Register:
Mail the bottom portion of the RMMG Spring Retreat flyer with payment to:
Muskingum Valley Presbytery, 109 Stonecreek Rd. NW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663
or Email the contact information of attendees to: Shauna@MVPJourney.org
RMMG SPRING RETREAT FLYER (.pdf)
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THE 61ST ANNUAL NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER IS THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2012.
THE THEME THIS YEAR IS "BLESSED IS THE NATION WHOSE GOD IS THE LORD." (PSALM 33:12)
THE CRESTON NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER OBSERVANCE WILL TAKE PLACE AT NOON ON THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2012, AT THE CRESTON COMMUNITY PARK GAZEBO. IN CASE OF INCLEMENT WEATHER, WE WILL MEET AT MURRAY HALL AT THE PARK.
WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO FIND AN OBSERVANCE OF THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER IN YOUR COMMUNITY OR IN A NEARBY COMMUNITY. YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN US IN PRAYER.
REV. ALICE L. PHILLIPS
CRESTON COORDINATOR
Mission
The mission of the National Day of Prayer Task Force is to mobilize prayer in America and to encourage personal repentance and righteousness in the culture.
Our Vision
In accordance with Biblical truth, the National Day of Prayer Task Force seeks to:
- Mobilize and encourage personal and corporate prayer on the first Thursday of May and throughout the year, regardless of current issues and positions (Colossians 4:2, Romans 12:12, Matthew 18:19-20, Joel 2:13-16, II Chronicles 7:14)
- Preserve America's Christian heritage and defend the religious freedoms granted by the Constitution (Deuteronomy 6:6-8, Proverbs 14:34)
- Emphasize prayer for America and its leadership in the seven centers of power: Government, Military, Media, Business, Education, Church and Family (I Timothy 2:1-6)
- Foster unity within the Christian Church (Psalm 133:1, Ephesians 4:11-13)
Our Values
- Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength (Mark 12:30/ Deuteronomy 6:4-5)
- Respect all people, regardless of gender, race, socio-economic status or creed (Mark 12:31)
- Be wise stewards of God's resources and provision (Matthew 25:14-30)
Who We Are and What We Do
The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. Our Task Force is a privately funded organization whose purpose is to encourage participation on the National Day of Prayer. It exists to communicate with every individual the need for personal repentance and prayer, to create appropriate materials, and to mobilize the Christian community to intercede for America's leaders and its families. The Task Force represents a Judeo Christian expression of the national observance, based on our understanding that this country was birthed in prayer and in reverence for the God of the Bible. |
Formational Prayer Seminar Description:
The Institute regularly holds training seminars in Formational Prayer for those men and women engaged in care-giving ministries. This seminar provides the tools for addressing dysfunctional behaviors; teaches steps for dealing with deep wounds; presents information on spirituality and world view as each relates to helping the broken; and demonstrates pathways that help people dismantle destructive false beliefs.
Link to June Formational Prayer Seminar:
http://seminary.ashland.edu/documents/IFC/june6-9-2012_broch.pdf
Explanation of the Formational Prayer Seminar:
June 6-9, 2012 we are holding a Formational Prayer Seminar. At this seminar, participants will receive in-depth instruction on Formational Prayer. The seminar is based on Dr. Terry Wardle's Book Healing Care Healing Pray. Each participant will receive a copy of the book Healing Care Healing Pray as well as a large three-ring note taking manual. You will also receive hands on experience in a small group setting. The groups are comprised of three seminar participants and lead by a caregiver. Caregivers are doctoral students in the Formational Counseling program at ATS. This seminar runs four full days, a total of 30 hours training. Wednesday you start at 8:00 with registration and end at 6:30 in the evening. Of course, you will receive a lunch and dinner break along with a few 15-minute stretch breaks throughout the day. Thursday and Friday the seminar runs from 8:00 to 5:00 and Saturday 8:00 to 4:00 again with lunch and stretch breaks throughout the day.
I have attached endorsements written by a few people who have attended the seminar in the past. They range from a Seminary president, to a professional in the counseling field, doctoral students, pastors, seminar participants, etc. I think this may give you some clarity as well. The cost for the four-day seminar and materials is $475. However, a group rate of $375 is available to groups of three or more participants who register together.
Healing Care Small Group Leaders Training:
Since seminar participants will not be in class on Thursday evening , Dr. Donna Thomas will be presenting an additional training on Dr.
Wardle's "Healing Care Group Material". Dr. Wardle has designed a 16-week small group experience that is now being widely used by caregivers with very positive results. The purpose of this small group curriculum is to offer individuals a safe place to heal from deep wounds, false beliefs, damaged emotions, and dysfunctional behaviors in a confidential small group setting.
Seminar participants are welcome to be a part of this one evening training session. While the normal cost for this training is $250, you are able to attend for the cost of the Small Group Leader's Materials. Which include a Leaders Guide, an instructional CD, copies of Dr. Wardle's books "Wounded" and "Draw Close to the Fire" and a copy of Dr. Thomas' book "The Healing Christ In Community" for $155.00. This Leaders Guide is a 250 pages color manual that provides everything you would need to do Healing Care groups.
If you are interested in registering for the Formational Prayer Seminar and additionally the Healing Care Small Group Leaders Training, please contact me as soon as possible. We will be glad to have you join us.
The Healing Care Leaders training is only available to those who have completed or are in the process of completing the Formational Prayer Seminar.
If you have, any further questions feel free to contact me at any time.
Lynne Lawson
Assistant Director
The Institute of Formational Counseling
419-207-5547
Formational Prayer Seminar Endorsements (.PDF) |
Attention Clerks:
If you have not filled out the clerk's annual questionnaire for 2011, print out this form: Clerk's Annual Questionnaire (.pdf). Either mail the completed form to: Ida Smith-Williams, Associate for Research & Information Presbyterian Church (USA), General Assembly Mission Council, Research Services, 100 Witherspoon Street, Rm #1001, Louisville, KY 40202; Fax to: (502) 569-8736; Or visit www.pcusa.org/clerks2011 and fill the questionnaire online.
Thank you for your cooperation.
For questions or concerns, contact:
Ida Smith-Williams
Associate for Research & Information
Presbyterian Church (USA)
General Assembly Mission Council
Research Services
100 Witherspoon Street, Rm #1001
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 569-5159
(800) 728-7228, ext #5159 |
Face to Face Event
Church Leadership Connection will be hosting a Face to Face event at GA, June 29 to July 3, 2012 in Pittsburg, PA.
We invite you to consider attending.
Face-to-Face is an opportunity to move beyond the written word of PIFs and CIFs to meet and talk directly with one another about the possibility of ministry together. It is an opportunity to connect with a number of folks in one place over a few days time. It is an opportunity to be open to the movement of the Holy Spirit leading you to places and people you may have never imagined.
In order to register you must have an active PIF or CIF in Church Leadership Connection.
To get more information and to register for Face to Face go to the CLC website at:http://gamc.pcusa.org/ministries/clc | |
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Prayer Requests:
Please keep Cathy Piekarski and her family in your prayers. Her son-in-law suffered a serious heart attack on Good Friday.
Should you want to be in touch with Cathy,
please email her at:
piekarskic@aol.com
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Rev. Ray Morrison and Rev. Barbara Morrison are seeking your prayers after Ray Morrison (SR.) went to be with the Lord on
Sunday, April 22nd after suffering a serious heart attack.
Should you want to be in touch with the Morrison's,
please either email or write to:
Central Presbyterian Church
40 N. Sixth Street
Zanesville, OH 43702
Rev. Ray Morrison, rcm0312@sbcglobal.net
First Presbyterian Church
183 E. Liberty Street
McConnelsville, OH 43756
Rev. Barbara Morrison, blm1001@sbcglobal.net
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Rev. Terry Timson of Roseville Presbyterian Church will be traveling to Turkey for two weeks beginning April 20 and will return on May 4th. He would appreciate Prayer as he travels.
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The McGlawn's seek your prayers following the sudden death of their 11-week old grandson on Tuesday, April 10th. Please hold the whole family in your prayers: Burt and Rayenell McGlawn; and parents, Dave and Holly Zoller.
Should you want to be in touch with the McGlawn's,
please either email or write to:
First Presbyterian Church
200 N. Lisbon Street
Carrollton, OH 44615
Rev. Burt McGlawn, revbmc@hotmail.com
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Please keep Jim and Becky McCurdy in your prayers during this time of healing for their daughter, Katya.
Should you want to be in touch with the McCurdy's,
please either email or write to:
First United Presbyterian Church
425 E. Market Street
Alliance, Ohio 44601
Rev. Jim McCurdy, mccurdy3@msn.com
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If you or someone you know has a prayer request,
please send them to: Shauna at Shauna@MVPJourney.org
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Journeying with Jesus to touch the world...
Empowered by the Spirit to:
Make Disciples, Nurture Our Faith, and Serve the Needs of the Community!
Shauna Engeldinger, Administrative Assistant
Muskingum Valley Presbytery
109 Stonecreek Road NW
New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663
330.339.5515
1.800.693.1147
Fax: 330.339.6225
Visit our website: www.MVPJourney.org
Office hours
Monday - Thursday
8:00am to 4:30pm
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