"Back to Zero" Conversation

*Please RSVP to Shauna at Shauna@MVPJourney.org or 330.339.5515  

by Monday, October 8th*

(A recommended donation of $10  

will be accepted for lunch/materials)

The lifeblood of the Reformed Movement is passion rather than organizational neatness, entrepreneurial freedom rather than denominational restraint, and agility rather than staid institutional dependence. But if Presbyterians want to change and be the church we say we want to be, what must we risk and how can we challenge current practices?

At the heart of becoming a spiritual movement once again is the requirement that we develop a new understanding of connection as Christians and as Presbyterians. We are currently at a time in which Presbyterians are reinventing denominational connectionalism. One way of framing the issue is to distinguish between members and disciples, or consumers (those who wait for the institution to care for their needs) and citizens (those who are willing to commit themselves to and be held accountable for the whole of the community).

About The Author...

Gil Rendle is Senior Consultant with the Texas Methodist Foundation in Austin, Texas and works as an independent consultant with mainline and North American denominations on issues of denominational change. He previously served as a senior consultant with the Alban Institute for twelve years, as senior pastor of two urban congregations in Pennsylvania for sixteen years and as a denominational consultant for The United Methodist Church for nine years. Rendle has an extensive background in organizational development, group and systems theory, and leadership development. He has worked with congregations, national and regional denominational bodies, schools, and nonprofits.

To request a copy of Gil Rendle's book, Back to Zero, please contact Shauna at  

330.339.5515 or Shauna@MVPJourney.org.

An email from one of our Parish Elders...

On Saturday September 29, I had the pleasure of representing the church at the Muskingum Valley Presbytery meeting which was held at Christ Church in Canton.  The morning session consisted of a dynamic speaker Dr. Tony Compolo.  His talk centered around how to develop a sustainable community.  Many of his points made me think about my church and its mission.  In the afternoon, I helped with the worship service which was very moving.  Great to hear all those voices being raised to God's glory.  After the worship service, the business meeting was held.  Some of the highlights were that parish elders and synod commissioners were commissioned.  I am now the parish elder for Hopewell, Shreve, Millersburg, Clark, Loudonville, and Perrysville.  We also voted on a commendation from the administrative commission for Gracious Dismissal to recognize the ECO as a denomination.  The meeting ended on a high point for me with the presentation concerning advent and asked the question Can Christmas Still Change the World?

Deb Lilley,

Voting Commissioner

Formational Prayer Seminar...How we Can Change!

The Formational Prayer Seminar may appear to be a hefty title, but indeed it is four days of life changing experiences, learning to walk with Jesus and seek and obtain the glory, guidance, and reassurance of the Holy Spirit. In our first seminar, the very necessary process of forgiveness and putting wounds in perspective takes place with self-forgiveness, healing of old wounds, and short and long term hurts begin with one's self and extends to others. It is the beginning of a process and a journey!

Guided, led, and taught by Dr. Terry Wardle of Ashland Theological Seminary, who has a no holds barred, reveal all attitude about his own and shared experiences, we were guided to begin our own search and realities in a program of learning, combined with daily, meaningful worship. There could never be a kinder, more empathetic way through the hand of God!

Attending the second seminar proved to be an even stronger, more involved, self-reflective journey, led by Dr. Wardle, but further enriched by other leaders in their fields of expertise in different learning sessions. We were enriched in our journey, as we walked with Jesus daily, were led by the Holy Spirit, encouraged in daily study, daily prayer, and the use of many recommended resources. A further gift was the connections made with others making the journey, and coming from many different fields of work and areas of the country. We have been encouraged to "tell our story," and to "continue the journey." For those of us in this Presbytery with our theme of "Journeying with Jesus," these experiences are life changing helping us to make changes in our own lives to better help and encourage others to change theirs and continue the walk to enhance our own lives, other lives and the world. I believe for me, these seminars have been not only a large blessing, but a permanent life change in my personal and religious life, providing great direction and joy!

Kathy Adams,   

Ruling Elder Commissioner,  

East Hills Presbyterian Church, Mansfield, Ohio.

Formational Prayer Seminar 

January 16-19, 2013. Registration begins at 8 a.m. 

Wednesday and seminar concludes at 4 p.m. Saturday.

Link to Formational Prayer Seminar at Ashland Seminary

**Please note the $100 discount when registering as an MVP leader for Formational Prayer Seminar.