Muskingum Valley Presbytery
Weekly Update

September 27, 2012

This week...
Save the Date!
MVP News & Materials
2 Cents A Meal Grant
Lay Ministry (On Campus)
Seeking a Part-time Choir Director
Summary Bulletin of GA
Dr. Tony Campolo - September 28th and 29th
Debbie's Message
Holy Habit: Turning Outward
Message from Dave DeVries
From the Clerk's Desk....
RMMG at PHOC
Journey Java
Prayer Requests
Join Our Mailing List 
 

Save the Date!

Tuesday,

October 9th

  8:30A - 4:30P

 

"Back to Zero" Conversation

with Gil Rendle 

 

Jim's Place,  

228 W. High Ave., New Phila., OH 44663

 

Please RSVP to:

or call the MVP office  

 

 ------------

 

Questions? 
Comments? 
Corrections? 

 

800.693.1147 
330.339.5515

 
MVP 
Office Hours:
Monday
thru
Thursday
8:00A - 4:30P

 

 

MVP News:

   

The MVP Office will be closed on
Monday,
October 1st. 

We will return on Tuesday,
October 2nd.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

2011-2013
Book of Order
Please contact
Shauna today!
$9.00 each
 
 for the
NEW 2013
Mission Yearbook.

Please return completed order form with check by Monday, October 29th.
Orders will
be placed on
this day. 

  


2 Cents A Meal 

 

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 Application  

 

 

 

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...

 

 

Wayne Presbyterian Church is seeking a Part-time Choir Director to plan, coordinate, rehearse, and direct the Adult Chancel Choir.  

 

If interested, please call 330-345-6071.

   

Wayne Presbyterian Church

7152 Burbank Rd.

Wooster, OH 44691

 

 

 

Summary Bulletin of GA 2012 from The Presbyterian Outlook:

 

2012 Post - GA to Email 

one side

 

2012 Post - GA for Printing 

two sides 

 

 

Friday, September 28th

6:00P - 9:00P

(Doors open at 5:30) 

Dinner with  

Dr. Tony Campolo and wife, Peggy 

Tony Campolo

Tony Campolo's website: www.tonycampolo.org

Topic:
Homosexuality and Living Together,
even amidst differences

When Tony and Peggy Campolo join us for dinner on Friday, September 28, at Christ Presbyterian Church in Canton, we will have a rare opportunity to listen in on a profoundly Christian couple as they share their very different opinions on a controversial issue. Their dialogue deals with homosexuality--we hope that will not keep you from attending.   We expect that you will experience a model for serious and respectful discussion of a difficult issue on which many of us strongly disagree. This kind of conversation is sadly missing in many of our congregations and larger society.  There's a place at the table for you!

 

Registration for Friday's dinner is now closed 

 

Location:

Christ Presbyterian Church

530 Tuscarawas Street W.

Canton, OH 44702

 

 

 

Saturday, September 29th

8:30A - 4:30P

 Dr. Tony Campolo, morning speaker 

 

Topic: 

 The Development of Sustainable Community   

 

Followed by:

Stated Meeting of the Presbytery

 

Documents for the  

Stated Meeting of the Presbytery:  

   

Presbytery Docket

 

  Report of the Nominating Committee

 

 Report of CPM

 

 Report of Administration Committee

  

Report of the Administrative Commission for Gracious Dismissal  

  

Report of the Stated Clerk

 

May 19, 2012 MVP Stated Meeting Minutes  

   

 Location: 

Christ Presbyterian Church

 530 Tuscarawas Street W.

Canton, OH 44702

  

You must RSVP for this event!  

 (Registration will close at 1pm on Friday, September 28, 2012)  


 

*We hope that each person attending the Presbytery meeting on Saturday, September 29, 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. 

 

 

 

Turning Outward...

 

We are in the midst of a shift. Perhaps you feel it. Having focused on the inward and upward journeys, we now turn outward to heed God's call to seek the Shalom of the communities to which we have been sent. Our shared mission remains the same. Together we journey with Jesus to touch the world-Empowered by the Spirit to make disciples, nurture our faith, and serve the needs of the community.

 

God's mandate is clear. It is only as we work toward the healing and wholeness of the communities in which we live and work that we will experience our own healing and wholeness.   With the challenges of decline and disruptive change, God is calling us into a crucible of transformation in which we integrate the inward and outward aspects of our formational journey.

 

We begin as we have begun before: with training and tooling from those who have walked the journey ahead of us. This coming weekend, we welcome Tony Campolo who comes to challenge and instruct in ways that we can intentionally reconnect with our communities and partner in their transformation. On Tuesday, October 9th we are asking that all leaders come apart for a day with Gil Rendle that we might explore what a "back to zero" moment would look like for this presbytery in order that we might be truly freed to heed God's call to be the very transformation that we so desire... for our congregations, our communities, our denomination... our world!

 

Living ahead, we ask that you prayerfully discern God's call to host a community-wide Appreciative Inquiry Summit.

 

Just as the inward journey calls us to nurture curiosity, trust and flexibility, so also the outward journey calls us to openness to God's news. At the heart of our Reformed faith is the call to be "reformed, always reforming, according to the Word of God." We are blessed with a rich and vibrant heritage. But, as Martin Buber in I and Thou reminds us: "To be old is a glorious thing when one has not unlearned what it means to begin." Beginning involves nurturing curiosity, a willingness to let go of old ways, a commitment to trust God in the new, and the humility born of not knowing all the answers. To be a part of a rich and wondrous tradition is a glorious thing... as long as one has not unlearned what it means to begin!

 

Let us begin anew together as we commit to the outward journey of seeking the Shalom of the communities to which we have been sent!

 

Together in Christ,

 

 

 

Debbie Rundlett,  

General Presbyter 

 

 

 

Holy Habit: Turning Outward

 

In his book Shadow Dancing, David Richo creates an acronym for the ego's FACE: Fear, Attachment, Control and Entitlement. In preparation for the outward journey, I invite you to prayerfully reflect on those places in your life where God is calling you to move...

  • from fear to curiosity;
  • from attachment to letting go;
  • from control to trust,
  • from entitlement to humility.

Ask yourself, how will I nurture curiosity, practice letting go, more fully trust God, model humility? Publicly commit yourself to one aspect of turning outward by sharing with a friend or family member where you are feeling God's call.

 

Be aware that such shifts will initially feel uncomfortable, even odd. You may feel awkward and disoriented as you let go of tired and stale patterns in your life. But never doubt that as you claim your God-given FACE, you will experience the very authenticity you have been yearning for in Christ. Such authenticity is the source of spiritual authority and joy. Blessings as you prepare for the outward journey!

 

 

 

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

 

 

From the Clerk's Desk                                                          September 13, 2012

 

ATTENTION: CLERKS OF SESSION AND OTHER RULING ELDERS!  

 

Many of our congregations do something special for their pastor(s) during the month of October, designated (perhaps by Hallmark) as Pastor Appreciation Month. The Presbyterian Pastoral Care Network and the Presbyterian Outlook are joining together to offer a 75-minute live webinar on Tuesday, October 2, at 2PM and 8PM (Eastern time) led by Stephen McCutchan, a retired pastor who specializes in pastoral care of pastors.

 

This live webinar is designed to give session members and other congregational leaders some tools for supporting the pastor(s) serving their congregations. Topics covered will include:

  • how does stress impact the personal and professional lives of pastors?
  • what are some practical resources that are available to support pastors?
  • how can a support plan be set up between pastors and congregational leaders to strengthen the ministry of the church?

The webinar is available to $29.95 for an individual or a group of up to 6 leaders. For groups of 7 or more the charge is $5.00 per participant. A DVD will also be available at a cost of $39.95 for those who are unable to join the live webinar. Reservations can be made or DVD orders placed by contacting [email protected]. Contact the MVP Mission Center for more information.

   

 

 


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:

 Print out PHOC Retreat Flyer and mail in form with payment  

OR 

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

 

Please register by October 3, 2012

 

 

  

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 

 

Urgent Prayer Request:  

Rev. Jacquelyn Pinkowski of New Philadelphia First, fell down the stairs at the church earlier this week. She was sent to the Emergency Room after her fall; she is now at home, recovering.   

 Please pray for Rev. Tom Armstrong. He is the stated clerk of UOVP and had planned to retire at the end of October. He was just recently diagnosed with lung cancer.

 

 Please keep Rev. Matt Skolnik and Lindsey Rapp, Student Ministries Coordinator,  in your prayers as they are now traveling throughout the Middle East with a team from NewPointe Community Church.  

Pray that they come in contact with many to share God's Word.  ---------------------------- 

 

   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, October 1st. 

We will return on Tuesday, October 2nd. 

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. 

 

 Regular Office hours

Monday - Thursday

8:00A to 4:30P