|
|
|
MVP Mission Update
April 3, 2014
|
|
|
Save the Dates
Tuesday
February 25, 2014
9:30 am - 4 pm
Stated Meeting:
The Presbytery Gathers for Worship and Business
Wooster First Presbyterian Church
621 College Avenue
Wooster, OH 44691
Cost: $10 for lunch
RSVP to Candice
Registration begins at 9:30 am
Worship begins at 10:00 am
-------------
Wednesday
February 26, 2014
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Encore!
The Journey
Discovery 2:
Where Am I Now?
Mission Center
109 Stonecreek Rd NW
New Phila, OH 44663
9:30 am - 4:30 pm
RSVP To Candice
-------------
Saturday March 15, 2014 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Believing Out Loud: Finding Your Preaching Voice
Training for Lay Preachers
Mission Center
109 Stonecreek Rd NW
New Phila, OH 44663
Cost: $25 for lunch and materials
RSVP to Candice before March 11.
Questions?
Comments?
Corrections?
800.693.1147
330.339.5515
8:00A - 4:30P
|
|
2014 Mission Yearbooks
are now on sale
$15.00 each
Per Capita 2014
|
GA
|
7.02
| | Synod | 3.25 | | Presbytery | 18.36 | |
Total
| 28.63 |
| |
|
|
|
|
Core Identity
I'm re-reading a book by Evelyn and James Whitehead on Christian Life Patterns. It is a book I have used in the past when teaching pastoral care. It explores the challenge and invitation of adult life through the lenses of intimacy, mutuality, loss, aging, and generativity.
Their discussion of spiritual maturity, born of both sin and grace, is particularly profound. The Whiteheads believe that life crises, personal failure, and loss are a crucial part of growing up into maturity in Christ. They also believe that confrontation "makes a critical contribution to effective love."
Yet, confrontation (be it of self or others) is hard. All too often, our preferred response is to ignore a problem hoping it will go away. When that doesn't work, we distract ourselves. If really pushed, we resort to blaming. The painful reality, of course, is that these behaviors do damage to us and to our relationships with others.
The lifelong journey toward spiritual maturity is rooted in acceptance of our whole selves: the good, the bad, and the ugly. To mature in Christ, the Whiteheads (in the tradition of Erikson) believe the maturing adult must be confronted with three crucial tasks:
- To be able to love and commit oneself to particular persons (beginning with God in Christ);
- To be creative and responsible for what one has generated (intentionally engaging in repentance and grieving);
- To discover and construct the meaning and value of one's life (even, especially, in the face of sin and failure).
Clearly, this is not a journey for the faint of heart-- but it also isn't a journey to be made alone. While each of us must work out our salvation with fear and trembling, God calls us to this work on self in the context of community. Intimacy, generativity, and integrity will not be found in isolation, which frequently results in self-concern, resentment, and blame.
At its best, Christian community helps us move beyond placing our identity in what we do to knowing ourselves as beloved disciples in Christ. Ultimately, it is not our failures in self, relationships, or jobs that limit us, but our response to such failures. "Hidden in the dynamic of adult growth is the confirmation of Christianity's deepest paradox. I must be willing to lose all in order to find myself. It is in letting go of life that I discover it." Such discovery allows us to move beyond our compulsive identification with doing to receiving the gift of being in Christ. It is then that we come to understand that God is love and we for love were made.
Lenten blessings,
Debbie Rundlett
General Presbyter
|
|
Holy Habit: First Definition of Love
For God so loved the world that he sent his only son.
John 3:16
Using the triangle below, reflect on what you parents taught you about love: their individual love for you and love for each other. Describe their love for each other and their love for you.
Now reflect on the triangle below. What does the relationship between Father, Son and Holy Spirit have to teach us about God's love for us and for the world? Is there a difference between how God models love and how your parents modeled love to you? How might God be calling you in this season to redefine your understanding of love?
Now recall a moment when you have felt loved by God. Dwell in that love!
|
|
Order your 2014-2015 Planning Calendars now!
|
June - December
2014-2015
PRESBYTERIAN PLANNING CALENDAR ORDER FORM
The 2014-2015 Calendar features:
- Lectionary for Sundays and special days
- Liturgical days, programmatic emphases, and secular holidays
- Monthly planning suggestions and resources
- Synod, presbytery and General Assembly staff directories
- Foldout synod, presbytery and world maps in color
- Colors for the liturgical seasons
Order through the Muskingum Valley Mission Center to take advantage of the bulk discount rate of $9.00 each (normal price is $14.95)
(Order any number of calendars needed)
Calendars will be shipped to the Presbytery office and notice will be sent when they have arrived. They can be picked up at the Presbytery office 8AM -4:30PM, Monday - Thursday.
Order deadline for discount through Presbytery is Friday, May 16th.
Please place your order one of the following ways:
1.) Email your order to Candice@MVPJourney.org and mail your check;
2.) Mail the order form and check to:
Muskingum Valley Presbytery, 109 Stonecreek Rd. NW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663
All orders must be prepaid to be included in the Presbytery's bulk order. Please make checks payable to "Muskingum Valley Presbytery"
If you have any questions, contact Candice at
330.339.5515 or Candice@MVPJourney.org
|
|
|
Announcing the 2014 Fall Cohort for Commissioned Ruling Elder Training!
We will be launching another cohort of Commissioned Ruling Elder training beginning September 2014. More information (including the CRE application packet and other necessary forms) are found on the MVP website. Questions regarding the training can be directed to Ron Walker or Candice McMath.
Click here for more information!
|
|
Central Presbyterian Church in Zanesville, Ohio
Celebrates 100 Years of Worship
The congregation of Central Presbyterian Church in Zanesville, Ohio invites you to join in celebrating 100 years of service to Christ and the community.
The early congregation assembled for worship in 1809 in downtown Zanesville. The present church was dedicated in 1914. A special worship service to commemorate the event will be held at 10:15 am Sunday, May 4, 2014 in the church. A light luncheon will be served in the fellowship hall following worship.
We look forward to seeing you in worship and at the luncheon as we celebrate 100 years!
Please RSVP to the Church office at 40 N 6th Street, Zanesville, OH 43701 - telephone: 740-452-8459.
|
|
"Resting in God: A Retreat for Church Leaders"
Spring Retreat from RMMG
The Retreat Ministry Mission Group wishes to invite you to their Spring Retreat - "Resting in God."
Details and registration form are available in the attached brochure.
Registrations are due by Monday, April 21, 2014 to MVP. Scholarships are available to offset the cost of the retreat.
|
|
Spring Lantern Fellowship 2014 Women's Retreat
From Tara Mitchell
All ladies are invited to attend the 2014 Spring Lantern Women's Retreat in April.
|
|
Upcoming Celebration of Life for Rev. Dr. G. Kenneth Shafer - Information and Request
From Jeff Shafer
The Rev. Dr. G. Kenneth Shafer went to be with his Lord and Savior over Christmas 2013. Due to the holidays, we just had a simple service for my father with immediate family only in attendance. It was always our intention to have a public celebration of his life once spring arrived.
We have now scheduled that celebration for Saturday, April 26, 2014 at 11:00 am. The service will be at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Wooster with Rev. Coetzee coordinating/officiating. We would welcome any involvement from interested representatives/members of Dad's previous churches or any clergy that knew him. There will be a luncheon served afterwards for those who care to stay. If you are interested in attending, please contact the church office so lunch planning can take place.
Anyone interested in participating should contact Rev. Coetzee at the church (330-263-2398) or by email.
Thank you so much,
Jeff Shafer
|
|
Seeking an Organist/Pianist
New Concord Westminster Presbyterian Church
Westminster Presbyterian Church is looking for a new organist or pianist for Sunday morning worship, beginning in June. We would like to have someone who is willing to play each Sunday (10:30 worship), lead a small choir (we are extremely compliant and pleasant!) and do occasional extra services as needed. Our starting pay is $35 per worship service, with evaluation and raise to $50 as per performance. It would be ideal for a college student or a resident of New Concord.
|
|
From Massillon Central Presbyterian Church
Seeking an Organist
Central Presbyterian Church of Massillon has an immediate opening for a quarter-time organist and accompanist. Instruments are a 2002 Allen Renaissance 80-stop, 3-manual digital organ with MIDI and a Steinway six-foot grand piano. The individual filling the position will be responsible for one Sunday morning worship service, weekly rehearsal (September-May) with a twenty-five voice chancel choir, special liturgical services, weddings, and in-church funeral services.
Position reports to the Director of Music Ministries. Compensation will be negotiated and based upon commensurate experience. A full position description is available upon request.
Interested persons are asked to contact Larry Lalama at 330-832-7455 or cpcp@sssnet.com.
|
|
A Letter from Window Into World Mission
Dear Muskingum Valley Presbytery,
It is my pleasure to share with you this month's Window into World Mission. I do this both to let you know what I'm sending this month to those congregations which use general funds to support mission co-workers, wherever the need is greatest, and to provide you with a sample letter which might serve you as a resource.
Please feel free to post the below letter on a bulletin board, insert it in your newsletter, or pass it along to all of your congregations. And please don't be shy about letting me know how else I might help you, OK?
Thanks!
Bruce Whearty
Church Support Associate
1-800-728-7228, extension 5157
or 502-569-5157
bruce.whearty@pcusa.org
For the full letter, click here.
|
|
A Letter from Gradye Parsons, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly
Please see the attached letter for Lenten blessings and remarks regarding the ongoing conflicts between Israel and Palestine from the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, Gradye Parsons.
|
|
2014 PW Gathering: "Radical Hospitality"
From the Presbyterian Women in the Synod of the Covenant
The PW in the Synod of the Covenant wish to announce their 2014 Gathering, "Radical Hospitality."
- Date: July 18-19, 2014
- Location: Trinity United Presbyterian Church, 5151 W Lennon Rd, Flint Township, MI 48507
Details on breakout sessions, cost, and speakers can be found in this brochure.
|
From George Bullard, The Columbia Partnership
Travel-free Learning Schedule available
Also, there are opportunities to join two learning communities! Click on the links below to learn more:
|
|
Save the Date: May 1, 2014
Re/Entry: Rebuilding Productive Lives, Post-Incarceration
A Policy Coordination and Training Symposium for Professionals
|
|
From the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary
Good afternoon,
Thank you for passing along information to anyone interested in seminary Online summer courses. We will offer the following:
Worship in the Reformed Tradition
Presbyterian History and Confessions
Polity and Program of the Presbyterian Church
Cost for the course is $640 per credit hour
Registration deadline is May 31st, 2014
Classes begin June 2nd and end August 29th
Please visit our web site to fill out an application and registration form http://udts.dbq.edu/unclassified.cfm
Blessings and please feel free to contact our office with any questions!
Dana Weitz
Seminary Admissions Assistant
University of Dubuque Seminary
|
|
An Exciting Choral Opportunity for Our Youth
Hello!
We have an exciting opportunity for youth in your presbytery!
I am contacting presbytery offices to ask their assistance in sharing the invitation for youth to sing for opening worship at General Assembly on Saturday morning, June 14, in Detroit, Michigan.
I have attached a letter from our committee, and I would appreciate your sharing this letter with your congregations or individuals within your presbytery who might know of potentially interested youth. In addition to sharing the information with congregations, you may know specific pastors, musicians or youth leaders who would share this information.
Our invitation is extended to individual youth in a congregation and to youth choirs. This opportunity might be something a youth in a small church with no youth choir would appreciate, or there might be youth choirs in your synod who would like to make southeastern Michigan a destination for a music-and-mission trip.
I sang with the choir for worship at General Assembly many years ago. What a great experience it was for me to worship God with thousands of Presbyterians. I hope you'll encourage youth in your presbytery to have a similar experience.
Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.
Thank you so much!
Tom Granum
Director of Music Ministries
First Presbyterian Church
Ann Arbor, MI
cell/706-207-6010
|
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.
|
| | |
Prayer Requests/Updates
- Prayers for the young grandson of Dave Rogers, who was hospitalized for a seizure. He is home now and awaiting test results.
-
Prayers for healing for Rev. Terry Timson (New Lexington and Roseville) throughout his medical tests are requested.
- Prayers for healing for Rev. David Krankovich (Carrollton United and Scroggsfield Presbyterian) are requested. Rev. Krankovich, after surgery, is in rehab at "The Gables" in Hopedale, Ohio.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Journeying with Jesus to touch the world...
Empowered by the Spirit to:
Make Disciples, Nurture Our Faith, and Serve the Needs of the Community!
Candice McMath, Mission Coordinator
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
Regular Office hours
Monday - Thursday
8:00A to 4:30P
|
|
|
