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A Much Larger and Challenging Charge...
The message this week comes from Dr. Rick Nutt, who gave the Installation Charge this weekend during the commissioning of Anne Weirich to the College Drive Presbyterian Church in New Concord, Ohio.
I have a much larger and challenging charge for you this morning: Remember that this congregation will die.
The same reality that faces each of as individuals is reality for this congregation -- we do not live forever. I do not say that to scare you, nor do I say it as some cruel joke. Just as embracing our own death frees us to live, when the church embraces its death, it is freed for ministry. Too often, churches spend their energies attempting to survive. But that is not our calling. Our calling is to ask how we are to live before we inevitably die, and that's a very different question.
Asking how this congregation is to live in these days before it dies is freedom, because it acknowledges that God has a purpose and mission for this congregation in this time, and that none of us knows the future. I charge you, as you ask how you are to live, to follow pastoral leadership as you discern together where God is leading you in ministry. It may be into new arenas of service. It may be a renewing and revitalizing of current programs. No doubt it will involve deeper study and prayer that the spirit may move among you in ways you cannot now envision. I don't know. But I do know that all any of us is given is today, and it is in being faithful today that we find God's presence and guidance with us. If you focus on the work to be done now, you will find vitality and energy for the life of this congregation.
That is my charge: that you live into ministry now, trusting God to guide you in your life together as a congregation. And thanks be to God.
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Where are the 2014 Updated forms?
2014 is quickly approaching, and your Mission Staff has been busily preparing the updated terms of call forms for 2014. This information will be available on the website very soon! We are confirming information with the Board of Pensions to ensure the 2014 forms are accurate before releasing them.
The 2014 Minimum Terms of Call can be found on the MVP Website under "Forms" and "Ministry."
The 2014 Per Capita information has been updated, both on the website and in the sidebar here in the MVP Mission Update. For your convenience, here it is as well:
Per Capita 2014
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GA
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7.02
| | Synod | 3.25 | | Presbytery | 18.36 | |
Total
| 28.63 |
If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact Candice at the Mission Center by calling 330-339-5515 or emailing at Candice@MVPJourney.org. |
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From Alice Phillips, Creston Presbyterian
Seeking an Organist/Pianist
The Creston Presbyterian Church is seeking an organist or pianist for their church. The church is located at 13070 Cleveland Rd., Creston, OH 44217.
or 330-345-9265.
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From Carly Jones, Wooster Westminster
Dear Presbytery/Church friends -
We are looking at developing an emergency preparedness plan for our congregation. We were advised by the security team at The College of Wooster to look at other churches to see if they were willing to share their plans to help get us started. If any area churches have information you are willing to share, please contact me at cjones@wooster.edu or Dries Coetzee at acoetzee@wooster.edu.
With thanks,
Carly Jones
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From Rick Hastings, Barlow Presbyterian
Seeking Hymnals
Barlow Presbyterian is looking for 50-75 copies of "The Hymnal for Worship and Celebration." If your congregation has any to spare, please email Pastor Rick Hastings or call 740-336-0111. Thanks and blessings!
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From Nancy Montgomery
Seeking a Director of Camp Wakonda
Camp Wakonda is a small, primarily summer camp in Carroll County that is seeking a full-time Director to work and live at the camp. To view more about the camp, a complete job description and to whom to submit a resume, visit the camp website: www.Wakondacamp.com.
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We are happy to post news and requests from your church in this section of the MVP Update. Just email Candice or call 330-339-5515 to relay your news. Please also let us know the "expiration date" on the news item so that we can keep this section current.
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Order your 2014 Mission Yearbook today!
Due to popular demand, the Mission Center will be coordinating a bulk order for 2014 Mission Yearbooks and 2013-2015 Books of Order. To order, contact Candice at Candice@MVPJourney.org by November 15, 2013.
The cost of the 2014 Mission Yearbook is $15 each.
The Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, the denomination's award-winning mission devotional, features stories from around the corner and around the globe. Thousands of Presbyterians use it every day to learn about other ministries, to be encouraged by the witness of others, and to connect with and pray for them as they serve.
Also: The Book of Order is available as a free PDF download from the PCUSA Store. You can find it here.
There are a limited number of 2013-2014 Presbyterian Planning Calendars still available for $9 each. Please contact Candice if you are interested.
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Prayer Requests/Updates
This past weekend included celebrations of the installations of Ann Melick at First United Presbyterian in Alliance and Ann Weirich at College Drive Presbyterian in New Concord. Well wishes to them both!
Below is a photo from Ann Melick's commissioning service, which included moderator Ben George, Jim McCurdy, Abby SierraValle, Bob Augustein, Sarah Dias, Rhoda Campbell and Jen Baer.
If you or someone you know has a prayer request,
please send them to Candice at
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