Muskingum Valley Presbytery
Weekly Update

August 30, 2012

This week...
Upcoming Events
MVP News & Materials
Family Fun Fair
Lay Ministry (On Campus)
Employment Opportunities
Summary Bulletin of GA
Message from Dave de Vries
Debbie's Weekly Message
Holy Habit
From the Clerk's Desk....
2 Cents A Meal Grant
RMMG at PHOC
Mission Projects at Creston
Hosting CCI
PDA Disaster Training
Entering into a Season of Peace...
Journey Java
Prayer Requests
Join Our Mailing List 
 

Upcoming Events 

Save the date!

 

Friday,

September 28th

 

6:00P - 9:00P

 

VIP Dinner  

with  

Dr. Tony Campolo

 

Location:

Christ Presbyterian Church

530 Tuscarawas Street W.

Canton, OH 44702

 

You must RSVP

for this event!

 

Click Here to Register! 

 

 

Saturday, September 29th

 

8:30A - 4:30P

 

Dr. Tony Campolo, morning speaker 

 

Topic: 

 Creation of Sustainable Communities  

 

Followed by:

Stated Meeting of the Presbytery

   

 Location: 

Christ Presbyterian Church

 530 Tuscarawas Street W.

Canton, OH 44702

  

You must RSVP for this event!  

 

 

  

Sunday, 

September 30th

  

9:15A - 10:15A

Sunday School

with Tony Campolo

 

10:30A - 11:30A

Worship

with Tony Campolo

 

 Location:

Christ Presbyterian Church

530 Tuscarawas Street W.

Canton, OH 44702

 

 ---------------

 

Questions? 
Comments? 
Corrections? 
 
800.693.1147 
330.339.5515

 
MVP 
Office Hours
Mon. - Thurs
8:00A - 4:30P

 

 

MVP News:

 

The MVP Office will be closed on

Monday, September 3rd for

Labor Day.

   

2012-2013 Presbyterian Planning Calendar 

Only a few left!

$9.00 each 

 

2011-2013
Book of Order
Please contact
Shauna today!
$9.00 each
   
Orders for the NEW 2013
Mission Yearbook will be placed soon!
Be on the lookout for more updates.

   

 

Family Fun Fair

 

On Saturday, September 8 from 11:00am until 5:00pm, the First Presbyterian Church of Ashland invites you to an afternoon of food, music, games, and entertainment for kids of all ages on the church grounds, located on the corner of Church and Third Streets. Held out-of-doors, all-day activities include music, face painting, inflatable bounce houses, a Dunk Tank, and free food and beverages.

 

Other activities include Baton Twirling Demonstration with AU Twirler Madisen Fletcher at 11:30am and 1:30pm, tours of the church, a fire truck demo with Ashland Firefighters, and a Hog Roast with all the fixings beginning at 1:00pm. Also meet members of the AU Elite 8 Lady Eagles Basketball Team and Coach Sue Ramsey!

 

Join us with your families and friends for a full day of fellowship, food, and fun!

 

For more information, visit the First Presbyterian Church of Ashland's online website at www.ashlandfpc.org.

 

 

 

 

Certificate in Lay Ministry (On Campus)

Sept. 2012-June 2013
The non-degree Whitworth Certificate in Lay Ministry Program is designed to help train, equip, and support men and women to serve more effectively as commissioned lay pastors, Christian-education directors, lay-ministry coordinators, youth leaders, church administrators, church elders and deacons, and church-office managers, as well as in a variety of other leadership positions in local congregations.
More...

 

Certificate in Lay Ministry (Online)

Oct. 2012-June 2013  Now offered online, the non-degree Whitworth Certificate in Lay Ministry Program is designed to meet the goals of the on-campus program (above) in a format that allows students both inside and outside the Spokane area to participate fully. Classes are held for nine months, from October to June.
More...

 

 

Employment Opportunities 

 Fredericksburg Presbyterian Church

Youth Minister Description

Send a resume to:

Jack McClelland, Pastor

Fredericksburg Presbyterian Church

P.O. Box 259

Fredericksburg, OH 44627

E-mail submissions are acceptable.

Send e-mailed resumes to:

[email protected] 

For more information, call the church office at:

(330) 695-2511.

All resumes must be received in the church office by:

Wednesday, September 19th



 

 

Summary Bulletin of GA 2012 from The Presbyterian Outlook:

 

2012 Post - GA to Email 

one side

 

2012 Post - GA for Printing 

two sides 

 

 

Who are we?  This is a question of identity.  We would all say we are Christian-disciples of Christ.  As churches together we are known as the Muskingum Valley Presbytery.  Why do we work together for Christ?  That is a question of purpose, or calling.  We have come to understand we are called and exist to:

  • Equip and encourage leaders and churches in living their call,
  • Nourish and build spiritually and emotionally healthy congregations,
  • Nurture, challenge and support disciples to be Christ in the world.

In order to equip, nourish and nurture, we each must continue to be equipped, nourished and nurtured.  Understanding this, six and a half years ago Debbie Rundlett was called to serve as our General Presbyter.  We understand her presence in our life as a gift.  She has led with faith, wisdom, passion and compassion.  We have all experienced this through pastor cohorts, leadership training events, transitional support, conflict support and in her ability to weave us into a strong network of relating churches and individuals.  We know of her deep, deep desire for her own personal growth directed, in the end, to equipping, nourishing and nurturing us.

 

To this end, Debbie has stated her desire to "trade in" her Sabbatical to do post graduate work in positive organizational development at Case Western University.  Case is internationally recognized for their work in community transformation.  The 14-month program educates and develops leaders in the creation of sustainable structures which contribute to both individual and community well-being. 

 

To do this, she needs our support: both participatory and financial.  On the participatory end, she is asking us to prayerfully consider taking part in either hosting an Appreciative Inquiry Summit, participating in a cohort, or "testing" the materials she develops in your congregational setting.  She will provide greater detail on this need at the September meeting.

 

The greatest challenging obstacle to Debbie participating in this program is funding.  The tuition totals $69,000, plus travel and immersion expenses.  Case has provided a tuition grant of $20,000.  Debbie will personally contribute $18,500, as well as her continuing education moneys for 2013 and 2014. The Total Living Center and a presbytery leader, getting a sense that something special is in the making, have already pledged $500.00 each! First United Presbyterian Church in Alliance has pledged $6,000!  Each member of the Presbytery Council has made a personal pledge of support, the total of which is yet tallied.

 

We believe this is a good and worthy direction for Debbie and for the Muskingum Valley Presbytery.  The reality is that we still need to raise approximately $18,500 to fund the venture, and we pray you and your congregation will consider a mission gift to make it all happen.  Some churches will be able to forward $100, others $500, and others $1,000.  Together, we can continue to equip, nourish and nurture, Debbie, one another...and the world in the faith and new life Jesus has to offer each of us.

 

We ask you to take this request to your Session, prayerfully consider the wonder, growth and future that might be born through it, and respond generously.  May the Lord bless you and keep us as, together, we work out the future God has in store for us.

 

In Christ,

  

Dave de Vries

Chair, Council

 

 

Sin Happens...

 

Sin happens whenever we refuse to keep growing. Gregory of Nyssa

 

Now there is a new take on S... Happens! I wonder how folks would respond to a rewriting of the Anglo-Saxon version of the bumper sticker. Not only would it clean up the language, it would challenge us to put "sin" in perspective.

 

In a culture that is over-sensitized to sin... at least the sins of others... it would call us to reflect on sin from a new angle. Please note that I am not encouraging us all to go out and sin that grace may abound. But I am suggesting that we take a look at our own contradictions and foibles from the perspective of formation: our growing up in Christ, rather than dos and don'ts.  We could use some generosity of spirit when responding both to our own sins and those of others.

 

As Richard Rohr reminds us in Falling Upward: "Sin and salvation are correlative terms. Salvation is not sin perfectly avoided, as the ego would prefer; but in fact, salvation is sin turned on its head and used in our favor." It is helpful to note that even virtues overused can become sin. Really!

 

As noted:

 

-          Honesty in the absence of compassion becomes cruelty.

-          Tenacity unmediated by flexibility congeals into rigidity.

-          Confidence untempered by humility is arrogance.

-          Courage without prudence is wrecklessness.

 

The ancients call this honoring of seemingly paradoxical virtues: anacoluthia; that is, the mutual entailment of virtues. Put simply, no virtue is a virtue by itself.

 

Rohr continues: "I do not think you should get rid of your sin until you have learned what it has to teach you. Otherwise, it will only return in new forms, as Jesus says of the "unclean spirit" that returns to the house all "swept and tidied" (Luke 11:24-26); then he rightly and courageously says that 'the last state of the house will be worse than the first.'"

 

We live in a world that increasingly thinks in "either/or" terms. As a country, we are quickly sorting ourselves into "red" and "blue" states. We seek agreement over the growth that can be born of daring to live in the creative tension of our differences. In our desire to reflect favored virtues we fail to understand that the favored virtues of others-in truth, our differences-have the potential to stretch and grow us ever more fully into the image of God.

 

Sin happens, Gregory of Nyssa reminds us, whenever we refuse to keep growing.

 

May we never stop growing!

 

 

 

Deborah Rundlett, general presbyter

     

 
 

Holy Habit: Pondering Incarnation

 

Incarnation is a difficult lesson for anyone to learn. Peter Scazzero

 

This week, take some time to prayerfully ponder the Prologue of John. Read through John 1:1-18 in several translations. Grapple with God's call to you in light of the reality that "the Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood" (The Message). Then spend some time pondering Gregory of Nyssa's challenge that sin happens whenever we refuse to keep growing. How is God calling you to grow?

 

 

 

 

From the Clerk's Desk:

 

First, a correction! In my message last week about 2 cents-a-meal grant applications, there were two application deadline dates. The correct date is Monday, October 15th.

 

Please include in your prayers to hold up all those around the world who are suffering from natural disasters. I do not subscribe to the theory that these should be called "acts of God." I do believe that God mourns along with us and calls us to respond however we can, as individuals and as congregations, to alleviate some of that suffering. Your generous financial support of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and Church World Service helps to dispel our feelings of helplessness. I encourage you to let your children know how we all can help--this sends a message to our children that every act of kindness and compassion makes a difference.

 

Our next presbytery gathering will be on Saturday, September 29th, at Christ Presbyterian Church in Canton. I hope that each person attending will bring large jars of peanut butter and jelly to help stock the shelves of the church's community food distribution program that serves ever-increasing numbers of hungry children and adults.

   

 

 

Transitional Stated Clerk's Weekly Update from 8/23 

 

Applications for 2012 grants from the MVP 2 Cents A Meal fund will be accepted at the MVP Mission Center through Monday, October 15, 2012. The application form is available on the MVP web site (see Forms-Miscellaneous). Please be sure to fully describe the program for which funds are requested (number of people served, involvement of other churches/community organizations...) and the difference a 2 Cents A Meal grant would make (new program start-up, expansion, matching funds...).

 

The application must be signed by the clerk of session and the pastor/moderator of the sponsoring church. Incomplete applications or those received after Monday, October 15 cannot be considered. Awards will be announced at the MVP stated meeting on Tuesday, November 27 at the College Drive church in New Concord.

 

2 Cents a Meal Grant (.PDF) 

 

 

 


A time & place away from the rush...

"Be Not Afraid!"

Wounds & Healings  

As Christians we experience pain in our churches as well as in our own families. The people and events of our lives can leave wounds that influence us the rest of our lives. "In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength," (Isaiah 30:15).   

In this beautiful setting, we will explore why Elijah and Jonah felt most alone at key times of their lives and then discover the many sources of healings Jesus offers to us. Each participant is asked to bring a picture, poem, sculpture, sheet music or YouTube video that has been a source of comfort or healing.

 

Our time will be divided among small groups of three; whole group time (including Communion); and time for solitude (by the lake, on the porch, having coffee with another participant, sitting in front of the fireplace or strolling on nearby trails

A one-day retreat - Thursday, October 11. 2012

Pleasant Hills Outdoor Center
Check-in at 9:30 am. Retreat is 10 am-3:00 pm
$15/person with lunch included.
Arranged by the Retreat Ministry Mission Group
of
Muskingum Valley Presbytery


To Register:

Email your contact information of attendees to: [email protected] 

 

Please register by October 3, 2012

 

 

 

MISSION PROJECTS AT CRESTON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

 

As we near the end of summer, Creston Presbyterian Church has been actively involved in community mission projects. During July and the beginning of August, we took part in the 1st Annual "Cram the Cruiser" School Supply Collection. Several churches in Creston worked together along with the community to fill a police cruiser with school supplies for needy children in Norwayne Schools. The cruiser took part in the community parade during the Ox Roast early in August.   In addition to school supplies, monetary donations were also received. The project was a great success.

 

At the end of August, five Creston churches along with some organizations met to begin a CROP Walk for Hunger. Rev. Alice Phillips is coordinating the walk. Alice worked with Church World Service/CROP one summer years ago and started and coordinated a CROP Walk in her previous pastorate as well. The goal for Creston is to raise $2,500.00. The walk will be held on October 7, 2012, at 2:00 P.M. at Creston Park. Should you have questions regarding possibly starting a CROP Walk in your community or other projects sponsored by Church World Service (i.e. Blanket Sundays, School Kits, and Health Kits), Alice would gladly share her experience.

 

In October, Creston Presbyterian will also be beginning their 4th year of ASHAPP. (After School Homework Assistance Program Plus). Each Tuesday, children are transported by school bus to the church. We help children in grades 1-3 with homework, provide a hot meal, and provide a Christian Education hour, in addition to providing a lot of love and encouragement. 

 

The Creston Presbyterian Church is a very mission minded church. The congregation has been involved in mission for years. These are just some of our newest adventures.  

 

 

 

Dear friends,

 

Hope you will consider hosting CCI on our tour next March and April. Every church that has hosted us in the past has been amazed at how wonderful the program is. We bring 7 performers for an evening of Thai dance and drama that will be beautiful, entertaining, and express God's love wonderfully. We ask churches to provide host families for the night we perform, and provide meals, and a gift of $500-1500 to cover our expenses. We can perform on almost any stage, but need some help so we can hang a cloth backdrop.

 

Hope you are well. God is moving at Payap University.

 
Rev. Esther Wakeman, Ph.D.
Vice-President, Spiritual & Community Life
Director, Mae Khao Dormitories
Payap University
Chiang Mai 50000 Thailand
office 665-385-1475
home 665-324-3645
cell 6689-835-0786

 

2012 August Wakeman letter w photos (.PDF)

 

 

 

Friends,

 

The Synod, along with the Presbytery of Detroit, will be offering Disaster Training on September 13 & 14, 2012. Below is information regarding this training and a registration form.  It is suggested that presbyteries send 3 to 5 representatives.

 

Presbyteries would pay for travel and overnight accommodations. However, if this becomes a burden, the synod has some extra funds to help with the accommodations. The synod will pay for catered meals.

 

If you have any questions please contact me.

 

Janet C. Fehlen

Executive Assistant

Synod of the Covenant

419-754-4050

 

Flyer Synod Disaster Training 9/13

 

PDA Registration

 

*If you would like to attend this training event, please RSVP to Shauna at 330.339.5515 or [email protected]

 

 

A Season of Peace   

Blessed are the peacemakers ...

Entering into a Season of Peace

Thank you for your continued commitment to receiving the Peacemaking Offering.

The Peacemaking Offering, typically received on World Communion Sunday (Oct. 7), seeks to promote the peace of Christ across the PC(USA). This year, gifts made to the Peacemaking Offering will help promote the church's work in the following areas:

  • Antibullying
  • Respectful and civil dialogue
  • Antiviolence
  • Human rights and human trafficking

You can find additional resources for and information about A Season of Peace here.

Below is information to help you in planning the promotion of the Offering in your congregation:

  • Standing orders for the Peacemaking Offering are currently being shipped. If you do not receive your order by August 30, please call (800) 524-2612 or email [email protected] to inquire about your order.
  • Access the Peacemaking Offering Art page for free graphics for use in your newsletter.
  • Follow Special Offerings on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the Special Offerings monthly newsletter for stories of impact and examples of how congregations across the PC(USA) are using their share to make a difference in their local communities.
  • As part of our ongoing effort to reach out to people in a personal way, our director of Special Offerings, Sam Locke, has started a new blog, where he will be sharing information and stories about how your gifts to the Special Offerings can and are changing the lives of others across the globe. You can access Sam's blog, called 20/20 Vision, here.

 

 

 

  

Journey Java
 
Contact Jim Spain at [email protected] to order or for more information.

 

Journey Java Varieties:

"Cup of Excellence"

$16 per pound

"Fair Trade Organic" & All Other Regular Coffee

$12 per pound

"Fair Trade Organic" General Presbyter's Dark Roast Blend

$12 per pound

"Natural Process"

$10 per pound

"Decaffeinated"

$14 per pound

Varieties change on a regular basis due to harvesting dates in coffee producing countries!

Please give one weeks notice for roasting.

Fund raiser for churches available.
All proceeds support MVP mission!!

The Journey Java is a way to bring attention to the plight of the oppressed countries that withhold a fair wage to their employees for the sake of a larger profit. "Journeying with Jesus" coffee is to also help the good employers around the world that take an extra effort in the growth of "FINE" coffee with GREAT "cupping" qualities that honor our earth with organic farming while paying employees above poverty levels.

Journey Java also provides an income for mission within and designated by the Muskingum Valley Presbytery. Profits from the sale of this "FINE" coffee go to the mission of the Presbytery. 

 

 
   

 

Prayer Requests/Updates:

 

Please keep in your prayers, the family of Maggie Sadler, who died in Pittsburgh  
earlier this month, from pancreatic cancer, 
hours after she and Bill marked their 50th wedding anniversary.  

Bill Sadler's address is:

B302, 1026 Progress Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15212   

Email: [email protected]  

  

Please send out prayers for Craig Butler, now on West Virginia Presbytery's staff,  

as he recovers from surgery and a car accident.     

 

Please keep the Armour family: James, Burnetta, and newborn baby, Collin in your prayers as hopefully Collin will get the breathing monitor off soon.    

     

Please include Mary Cureton in your prayers for good results
with her health.    
    
   

Please pray for Kathy Adams and her team as they are currently in Haiti,  

working at a school and clinic; she will be directing the teacher training.

 

Please keep Tim and Ellen Thomas in your prayers.      

Tim's mother recently suffered from a stroke (not a heart attack as previously written);  she is now at home and doing much better.

She fears of having another stroke but understands this is all in God's hands.
Pray that the Lord bring upon good health
and comfort as she recovers. 
 

 ------------------------------------------------

      

If you or someone you know has a prayer request,

 please send them to: Shauna at [email protected]   

  

      

  

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

 

The MVP Office will be closed on 

Monday, September 3rd 

for Labor Day.

 

 Regular Office hours

Monday - Thursday

8:00am to 4:30pm