MVP Mission Update

June 19, 2014  

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MVP Office 
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Monday through Thursday
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MVP News:

 

2014 Mission Yearbooks  
are available for 
$15.00 each
 
 
Per Capita 2014
GA
 7.02
Synod 3.25
Presbytery18.36
Total
28.63
   

 

The Assembly is in Plenary!

 

Please be in prayer for your commissioners Dries Coetzee, Andy Gerhart, and Yvonne Williams! It has been a full week already and two and a half days of plenary are before them and the other commissioners. Follow the Presbyterian Outlook for a full update on what is happening: http://pres-outlook.org.  

 

In brief:

  • the Belhar Confession will come back to the presbyteries for vote to be included in the Book of Confessions;
  • the provision of childcare was referred to the OGA;
  • a minority report rejecting divestment will come before the assembly.

Still to come, votes on Civil Unions, the Middle East, and Mid Council recommendations. On a lighter note, check out "the Spirit of GA" on vimeo: http://vimeo.com/tag:ga221 .

 

And through it all, do not forget that together we are called to journey with Jesus to touch the world: empowered by the Spirit to make disciples, nurture our faith, and serve the needs of the community. There is so much to distract us from the mission and ministry to which we are called, yet God's mission to make disciples and meet human need remains.

 

Blessings upon you all! I can't wait to be back in the bounds of MVP.


Together in Christ,

 

Debbie Rundlett

General Presbyter

Holy Habit:  

Give Testimony to the Hope Within You


What do you believe? Have you been surprised by hope? The question Jesus put before the disciples, he also puts before us: "Who do you say that I am?"

Ultimately, each one of us must answer Jesus' question for ourselves. In our pluralistic age, many of us shy away from talking about our faith, failing to recognize how our world hungers for our testimony.

This next week, share your faith with a friend or family member. It doesn't have to be a stranger. Begin with those you know and give testimony to the faith that is within us.

 


Pulpit Supply Opportunities with
The Presbyterian Church of Cadiz

The Presbyterian Church of Cadiz (Upper Ohio Valley Presbytery) is in need of pulpit supply in July 2014. Sunday morning services begin at 11:00 am.  The location and directions to the church can be found on their website.

Those interested should contact Nancy Kirkland at [email protected] or 740-942-2633.

Welcome to Rev. David Rice
First Presbyterian Church, Wooster, Ohio

The Rev. David Rice accepted a call to First Presbyterian, Wooster, in late April and took his position as Pastor/Head of Staff on June 1, 2014.

David received his undergraduate degree from North Park University in Chicago, majoring in Music and Theater. He earned a Master of Music Degree in Voice Performance from Northwestern University. From his graduation through the 1990's, David was a professional baritone soloist, actor and opera singer.

David has always been interested in philosophy, the "big questions", God-talk. In the late '90s, he took the advice of various mentors who saw the possibilities of a different calling in him and entered Columbia Theological Seminary, graduating in 2000 with a Master of Divinity degree. From 2000-2014, he was Pastor/Head of Staff at First Presbyterian Church, Anniston, AL.

David is married to Karolyn, a musician and piano teacher. They have two sons, Brendan, a graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Brian, who will be a senior at that university this fall.

All are welcome to attend a Ceremonial Groundbreaking for Cambridge First Presbyterian Church!
from Connie Humphrey


Cambridge First Presbyterian Church will hold a ceremonial ground breaking Sunday, June 29, at 12:15 pm on the steps of the church that was destroyed by the big wind on June 29, 2012.  The church site is located at 725 Steubenville Avenue in Cambridge, Ohio.

 

Everyone is invited to share this step forward with our congregation! Please keep us in your prayers as we move on toward construction.

 


Announcing SingFest! - August 10, 2014
from Marc Van Bulck, Seville Presbyterian Church

Seville Presbyterian Church will be hosting a SingFest - a concert of hymns with organ and trumpet at Seville Presbyterian Church on Sunday, August 10th at 4:00 P.M.  

Admission is free.  There will be a goodwill offering and refreshments afterward, but we are inviting everyone in the community to stop by for fellowship and music!



Enroll Now in the Fall 2014 CRE and Calling Cohort
Deadline: July 31, 2014

There is still time to enroll in the Fall 2014 Calling Cohort (formerly known as the CRE Transformation Track).  This is for anyone who wishes to begin the process to become a Commissioned Ruling Elder or for those discerning their call.

Further information can be found on the MVP Website or by emailing Candice at the Mission Center.

 

 

Wanted Christian Camp Executive Director

Camp Presmont

 

Camp Presmont, located on Piedmont Lake, is looking for an Executive Director.  The ideal candidate will be an individual who has an active and growing faith in Jesus Christ, demonstrates personal integrity, consistent work ethic, exceptional leadership, interpersonal/written communication and organizational skills, attention to detail, basic financial skills and a team-oriented servant attitude. 

 

The Executive Director is responsible for the development  and management of programming, human resources, and financial, marketing, and strategic operations. 

 

This position is a seasonal full-time/part-time position.  The seasonal full-time period runs from June 1-July 31, and the part-time runs August 1-May 31.  During the seasonal full-time period, the Executive Director will be required to live at camp. Housing is provided.

 

If interested, please send resume to [email protected] or mail it to:

          Amy DeVolld

         11720 Cadiz Road

         Cambridge, OH  43725

 

Board header
New RSP Funds Simplify Investing for Employees- A Message from the Board of Pensions

 

Here's some information to share with your employees that may motivate them to save (or save more) for retirement.

On July 1, the Board of Pensions will add Fidelity Freedom� Index Funds to the investment options in the Retirement Savings Plan (RSP) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). These funds, also known as target date funds, offer a single-fund choice that does all the "work" of investing for retirement.

 

Encourage Employees To Save for Retirement

 

For many Americans, saving for retirement may not be a priority because they believe that pension and Social Security benefits will be sufficient. Even very small contributions to the RSP (now) can boost employees' income during retirement (later).  

 

Help Get the Word Out 

  • We are adding target date funds to the RSP because many employees have asked for them.
  • Fidelity Freedom� Index Funds offer a single-fund approach to retirement investing. Each target date fund is a mutual fund (professionally managed collection of stocks, bonds, or other assets open to multiple investors). The allocation and mix of investments depend on -- and are named for -- target retirement years. For example, Fidelity Freedom� Index 2040 Fund is designed for someone intending to retire around 2040, with an investment mix appropriate to that time horizon -- the number of years between now and retirement.
  • All PC(USA) employees are eligible to save in the RSP. Employees can work as little as an hour a week and join the RSP. However, the Board of Pensions does not have contact information for employees who are not Benefits Plan members, so we're asking you to encourage them to learn about the RSP, understand the advantages of these new funds, and to join -- or save more -- in the plan.
  • Saving pretax means saving more. Employees save more because savings aren't reduced by taxes and earnings grow tax-deferred.
  • There are additional tax advantages for clergy. Distributions from the RSP for clergy are tax-advantaged because the Board designates RSP distributions as eligible for housing allowance.  
  • Fidelity Investments -- our savings partner -- is a nationally recognized investment partner. 
 

Questions?

 

If you have questions about the Retirement Savings Plan, call Fidelity at 1-800-343-0860 (mention plan #57887) or call the Board of Pensions at 800-773-7752 (800-PRESPLAN) and speak with a member service representative.


Christian Educator Position Available
Pepper Pike, Ohio

Spirit-led Presbyterian Church in Pepper Pike, Ohio wants part-time Youth Director / Christian Education Director to share the joy of their faith with young people in a fun and energetic congregation.

 

Send resume to [email protected].

 

Thanks again,

Edie Dieckow

216-292-4964

[email protected]

 
Announcing: "Through the Beautiful Gate - A Pilgrimage to the Holy Land"

Please see the attached brochure with information about a 2015 Pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Registration forms for the pilgrimage can be found at this link. For further information, please contact Rev. Anne Weirich at College Drive Presbyterian Church.

 

Rev. Anne Weirich

College Drive Presbyterian Church


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.


Westminster Presbyterian Church
353 E. Pine Street
Wooster, Ohio 44691
Phone: (330) 263-2398 


Used Paraments Available!

 

First Presbyterian in Plymouth has a set of used paraments available.  They are in good condition. If interested, contact Linda Kaufman at 


Letter from Gradye Parsons, Stated Clerk of the PC(USA)

Good afternoon, 
Attached is a letter from Gradye Parsons.  Please distribute to congregations.  

Thank you!
Angela Stevens
Program Assistant - Moderatorial Services
Office of the General Assembly
Ecclesial & Ecumenical Ministries
Phone:  (502) 569-5424
Email: [email protected]  

 

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.

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 are requested for Floyd Starr (HR). He had neck surgery on May 27th.
  • "Asking for prayers for all participants in the Formational Prayer Seminar at Ashland Theological Seminary, June 11-15. Walking with Jesus, this changes lives! Thank you" -- Kathleen Adams
  • Prayers for Ruth Campbell (New Phila First) and family, as her daughter, Cindy Wiggins Stalling, died suddenly at home on the afternoon of May 12.  She was 47 years old and the daughter of Ruth (Wiggins) Campbell, a member of session at the First Presbyterian Church in New Philadelphia and the sister of Ruling Elder Larry Wiggins of John Knox Church in Canton.  

 

If you or someone you know has a prayer request, please send them to Candice at


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

 

  

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