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| MVP Mission Update
April 17, 2014
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Comments?
Corrections?
800.693.1147
330.339.5515
8:00A - 4:30P
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2014 Mission Yearbooks
are now on sale
$15.00 each
2014-2015 Planning Calendars
are now on sale
$9.00 each
(Bulk order through Mission Center)
Per Capita 2014
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GA
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7.02
| | Synod | 3.25 | | Presbytery | 18.36 | |
Total
| 28.63 |
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The Faith of Doubting Thomas
Doubting Thomas. That's how most of us remember him: the disciple who doubted the testimony of the others. The disciple who would not believe that Jesus had risen from the dead until he had seen him with his own eyes and touched his wounds with his own hands.
It is not hard to understand why Thomas questioned the news of Jesus' resurrection. He had lost the most important person in his life in a brutal and traumatic manner. He was there when Jesus was arrested in the dark of night. He had heard the cries of "Crucify! Crucify him!" He knew without a doubt that Jesus had died on the cross.
Nothing in his life could have prepared him for resurrection. His grief and pain were too raw. While his faith called him to believe a reality he had not yet experienced, the death was too real to discount. But then Jesus appeared to him as he had to the others. There in the Upper Room, he said to Thomas: "Put your fingers here and see my hands; put out your hand and place it in my side." In that moment, Jesus lovingly and gently invited Thomas to live not in the shadow of death, but the light of resurrection. He let him know he was alive. Thomas' response reflects his joy and his faith: "My Lord and my God!"
Thomas was a man for whom faith was never easy. He was a man of questions and doubts. If we're honest, his questions mirror our questions-questions that we are sometimes afraid to ask. Question like, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" (John 14:5), a question that gifts us with Jesus' testimony that he is "the way, the truth, and the life" (14:6).
Like Thomas, we too struggle to understand what it means to live as resurrection people in the face of death. It is important to remember that doubt is not the opposite of believing. Rather, it is a form of believing. As another disciple said, "I believe, help my unbelief" (Mark 9:24). It is reassuring to know that in the midst of believing, there is a place for doubts and questions.
As we come to bear Christ into the lives of others who doubt, may we remember the paradox of Thomas, who was willing to follow Jesus to his death, only to receive the invitation to follow him into resurrection living.
With blessing,
Debbie Rundlett
General Presbyter
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Food for the Journey
- John 14: 1-14, Thomas acknowledges that he doesn't know the way.
- John 20:24-31, Jesus appears to Thomas
- Hebrews 11:1-17, By faith
Journey Questions
- How does Thomas' story inform your journey? How do you respond to Jesus' words to Thomas? What words might Jesus speak to you?
- What doubts shape your faith?
- What does it mean to believe even with unbelief?
Journey Practice: Experiencing God
"In the days ahead, you will either be a mystic (one who has experienced God for real) or nothing at all" (Karl Rainer, 20
th
century mystic).
Even as Jesus honored Thomas' need to see and touch, he told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed" (John 20:29). To live as resurrection people requires us to nurture the mystic within.
Simply put, a mystic is a person "who has experienced God for real." In what ways have you experienced God? How do those experiences confirm (or differ) from what you have been told about God? This next week, attend to the ways in which you encounter God in your daily living. Where do you find God most present? Are there areas of your life where you feel God's absence? What does it mean for you to "experience God for real"?
Journey Prayer
Below is an ancient Easter hymn attributed to Hippolytus of Rome from the early third century. This week, each evening before bed, take time to pray through these ancient words and ponder the mystery of resurrection:
The shadows seized a body and found it was God. They reached for earth and what they held was heaven. They took what they could see; it was what no one sees. Where is death's goad? Where is the shadow's victory? Christ is risen; the world below is in ruins. Christ is risen; the spirits of evil are fallen. Christ is risen; the angels of God are rejoicing. Christ is risen; the tombs are void of their dead. Christ has indeed arisen from the dead; the first of those who sleep.
Glory and power are his for ever and ever. Amen.
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REGISTER NOW!
To attend the May Mission Immersion
in Adrian, Michigan, you must register
no later than May 2, 2014!
- Event Dates: May 19 - 21, 2014
- What: MVP Mission Immersion & Stated Presbytery Meeting
- Where: The Weber Center 1257 East Siena Heights Drive Adrian, Michigan 49221
To register, email Candice or call 330-339-5515
To offset the cost of attending retreat, we ask that each leader contribute what they feel called and able to.
The actual cost for retreat accommodations is $110, which includes 2 nights' stay (double occupancy) and 6 meals.
Roommates will be assigned prior to retreat. Roommate requests will be accepted.
Due to space limitations at the Weber Center, there are no single occupancy rooms available. Those who wish to have single rooms are asked to make their own hotel accommodations for the retreat at the Holiday Inn Express in Adrian, Michigan. ( Click here to access the hotel website.)
The agenda for the Mission Immersion will be published next week. Our focus will be on the nature of community as it informs our work. Time for open discussions and reflection will be included, and our newly-formed Calling, Equipping and Serving in Mission Commissions will be forming the activities for the retreat.
You MUST email your registration to Candice
NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2014.
This is a deadline set by the Weber Center. Failure to meet this deadline will incur additional fees for MVP for the retreat.
If you have any questions, contact Candice at
330.339.5515 or Candice@MVPJourney.org
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The Mission Center will be closed April 30 - May 1, 2014
Debbie, Barb, Candice and Joan will be attending the Board of Pensions Regional Conference in Philadelphia. Regular Mission Center hours will resume Monday, May 5, 2014.
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Make A Joyful Sound: A Drum Circle Experience - Saturday, May 3!
Open to the community, and the presbytery.
Nancy Miller, Drum Circle Facilitator from Perrysville
will provide drums and other percussion instruments for this FREE event.
No previous music experience is required and ALL ages are invited to join in the fun.
Bring your family, friends and neighbors!
- Where: Milton Presbyterian Church, Fellowship Hall (downstairs) 250 North Street
Rittman, Ohio 44270 - When: Saturday, May 3rd, 10am - 12noon.
For more information, call the church office: M-F 9am -1pm 330-925-2651 or Donna Robertson at home: 330-927-2746.
This event is sponsored by the Milton Presbyterian Women.
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Announcing Healthy Congregations Facilitator Training - Summer 2014!
Information is now available for the summer 2014 offering of Healthy Congregations Facilitator training:
- When: June 17-19, 2014
- Where: MVP Mission Center.
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Order your 2014-2015 Planning Calendars now!
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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
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Presbyterian Hymnals Available!
From Carly Jones
Wooster Westminster Presbyterian Church has Presbyterian Hymnals that they no longer need. They are now using the Glory to God Hymnals and are looking to recycle or redistribute the old hymnals. They are in good shape if there is another congregation that can use them.
For further information, contact Carly Jones at the church (info below) or via email.
353 E. Pine Street
Wooster, Ohio 44691
Phone: (330) 263-2398
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"Small Churches: Adventures in Vitality"
Coming This Fall to Columbia Theological Seminary
April 4, 2014, Decatur, GA-The Center for Lifelong Learning at Columbia Theological Seminary will offer "Small Churches: Adventures in Vitality" as part of its innovative programs focusing on church leadership. This program is for leaders of churches with fewer than 150 members. This energetic and creative learning event will take place at the Center for Lifelong Learning on November 3-5, 2014.
Presenters: John Wimberly, former pastor of Western Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C.; Sarai Rice, Presbyterian clergy woman and executive director of the Des Moines Area Religious Council; Dan Hotchkiss, former pastor, administrator and former consultant with the Alban Institute, will lead a course designed with the needs, interests and characteristics of smaller-sized congregations in mind. The program will offer different learning modules to address topics ranging from volunteer mobilization to stewardship, and the final session will provide participants with an opportunity to create an action plan to use in their home congregations.
For a complete program description and to register, click here.
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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!
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Updated RMMG Calendar is now available on the MVP Website!
for the Retreat Ministry Mission Group.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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:
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Save the Date: May 1, 2014
Re/Entry: Rebuilding Productive Lives, Post-Incarceration
A Policy Coordination and Training Symposium for Professionals
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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
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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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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
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