MVP Mission Update

October 16, 2014  

Join Our Mailing List 
This week...
MVP News & Materials
Presbytery Bulletin Board
Prayer Requests/Updates
 

Questions?

Comments?
Corrections?

  

800.693.1147
330.339.5515

 

  

Mission Center
Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm 

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


Per Capita 2015
GA
 7.07
Synod 3.25
Presbytery18.36
Total
28.68
    

The Beloved Community

 

I've been thinking a lot of late about the nature of community. In particular, I've been pondering what it means for MVP to "serve the needs of the community" as members of the Beloved Community. How we define "community" will determine whether we are inwardly or outwardly focused. How we engage in community will reflect the depth of our commitment to living as members of the Body of Christ.

 

As I ponder the image of the Beloved Community, I am struck by the fact that God (through the Trinity) models for us how to be inwardly strong and outwardly focused. It is not an either/or choice, but rather a both/and commitment. One of the things I most appreciate about the perichoresis of the Trinity is the modeling of Father, Son and Holy Spirit in how to balance the needs of the One with the needs of the Three. In systems language, the relationship of the One in Three teaches us how to be in community without "trading out self," but rather living out of the gift of core identity, character, and call.

 

As we all know, living as the Beloved Community takes work. Be it in the context of marriage, family, church, school, work or friends, being the Beloved Community together involves intentionality and a willingness to work through differences as they arise. Living in community is a discipline that involves commitment and perseverance. As Henri Nouwen writes in Making All Things New: "Community as a discipline is the effort to create a free and empty space among people where together we can practice true obedience... To create space for God among us requires the constant recognition of the Spirit of God in each other."

 

Ultimately, the gift of the Beloved Community is not for us alone, but for the world. Through our baptism, God invites us to share in the mission of making disciples and meeting human need. In this, God is glorified and creation is healed. Inwardly strong, outwardly focused: this is the ultimate gift of community.

 

What remains clear to me is that community doesn't just happen. It takes intention that involves both an inward and outward movement.   Ultimately, it is the most challenging of disciplines from which we receive the greatest of gifts: a sense of belonging and purpose.

 

Blessings upon you, O Beloved Community!

 

Debbie

Holy Habit: Practicing Community 

This next week take some time to ponder one aspect of the Beloved Community:

-       Community as Discipline;

-       Entering into the Perichoresis of the Trinity;

-       Embodiment of the Mission of God.

 

How is God calling you to enter more deeply into community? What gifts do you bring to the beloved community? What gifts do you receive from being an intentional part of the beloved community? Share your insights with members of the Beloved Community and commit to one another in prayer to be more intentional in your practice of community.

 

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.



Holiday Boutique at Seville Presbyterian Church
Saturday, October 18, 2014

The annual Holiday Boutique at Seville PC will be on Saturday October 18, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
 
All kinds of wonderful handcrafted items for personal or gift use are ready for customers.

The Tearoom will open at 9:00 for coffee, tea and freshly baked goodies.  At 11:30 a.m. a light luncheon will be available.

Parking and Admission are free. Seville Presbyterian Church is located at 101 Center Street, Seville, OH 44273.

Contact Linda Antal at 330-769-3231.

2 Cents a Meal Grant Applications are now being accepted!

Applications are now being accepted for the 2 Cents a Meal grant. You can download and fill out the application form by clicking on this link or from the MVP Website.

Several grants were awarded in 2013, so there is a total of $2,800 available for grants in 2014. Preference will be given to those for whom this is their first time applying for the grant.

Grant applications are due to the Mission Center no later than Monday, October 20, 2014, by email ([email protected]), post mail, or in person. Awards to be given at the December 2014 presbytery meeting.

 

 



"Final Descent Outdoors" coming to Pioneer Presbyterian Church - October 25, 2014

Come meet Brad Clay, host of
Final Descent Outdoors at
Pioneer Presbyterian Church's
Fall Festival
October 25 at 4:00 PM

Free food, fun, and fellowship! Brad will be available for autographs and photo opportunities. For further information, contact Rick Hastings.

Pioneer Presbyterian Church
873 Farson Street
Belpre, OH 45714



Equip2Serve - Ministry Conference at Malone University
Saturday, October 25, 2014

Malone University - Canton, Ohio

9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Cost: $40 

A full day of fellowship for church and para-church leaders to get recharged, dial in to God's purpose for their ministries, and refocus their vision to minister in even more powerful ways!

A flyer with details is available here.

Register Today!  Please note - to be eligible for your gourmet box lunch, registrations must be received by October 17.





Communion Elder Training Announced
Wednesday, October 29, 4:00 pm at The Presbyterian Church in Coshocton, Ohio.

Coshocton Presbyterian Church has arranged for Ben George (Minerva First) to lead Communion Elder Training on Wednesday, October 29th at 4:00 pm.  Churches in the Muskingum county area are encouraged to contact Donna Westfall if they have any elders interested in the training.

 



Buffalo-Cumberland Presbyterian Church Announces Blood Drive - October 23, 2014


Hello to Everyone!

 

Below is a flyer for our fall Blood Drive with the America Red Cross, at our Buffalo-Cumberland Church on October 23, 2014 from 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm.  The Church is located at 302 W Main Street in Cumberland, Ohio. 

 

Blood is very much needed, and is very important and powerful. If you are able to give, please put the date on your calender, pass this information on by placing it in your newsletters or even print and put up on your news board.   

 

Call the church at 740-638-2877 for an appointment or the Red Cross at 1-800-RED CROSS. 

 

Thank you!

Pastor Jim

 

James R. Gibson,

68340 Mount Hermon Road

Cambridge, Ohio 43725

(740) 439-2961,(p)

(740) 517-1190,(c)

[email protected]  

 

 

 
Do Something Rally featuring Robert Lupton
Sunday, October 26, 2014

Robert Lupton, author of Toxic Charity, is speaking at St. Peter's High School Fry auditorium in Mansfield on Sunday, October 26.  This FREE event is a motivational presentation by Lupton about being the hearts, hands and hope of Jesus while helping our neighbors help themselves.


When: Sunday, October 26, 2014
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 pm; doors open at 5:00 pm
Cost: FREE!
Location: St. Peter's High School
Fry Auditorium
104 W. First Street
Mansfield, OH 44902

You can learn more at www.Facebook.com/DoSomething2014
or by calling 419-524-0733 x226.




2015 Per Capita is announced!


The 2015 Per Capita amount is $28.68.  This reflects a 5-cent increase due to the GA amount increasing.  The MVP and Synod rates remain at the 2014 levels:
  • GA: increases to $7.07
  • Synod: remains at $3.25
  • MVP remains at $18.36
  • Total Per Capita is $28.68.

Per capita letters for each church will be sent near the end of 2014.  Please note: the membership number for your church is based on the membership number reported by your churches to the Office of the General Assembly for your statistical reports, year ending December 2013. If your church did not complete your statistical report, your membership number may not be accurate.   

 

When you receive your per capita letter, if the membership number on your is inaccurate, please contact Candice McMath at the Mission Center to receive adjustment instructions.  

 

 
Nominations are Open for the Walton Awards
From the Office of Mission Program Grants

Good afternoon everyone,

 

We in the Office of Mission Program Grants would like to take this opportunity to share the current nomination forms for the 2015 Sam & Helen R. Walton Awards for outstanding new church developments that have placed an emphasis on site acquisition.  Click on the links here to access the nomination form and the  cover letter

 

The Mission Development Resources Committee (MDRC) will make decisions on Walton Awardees during their March 2015 meeting.

 

If you have any questions or comments about the Walton Award or Mission Program Grants, please contact our office.  We are sure that we will be able to answer your questions and assist you through this process.  Please visit our webpage, http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/missionprogramgrants, to download our resources and application form.

 

Sincerely,

 

Tim McCallister, Associate

Office of Mission Program Grants

Presbyterian Mission Agency

[email protected] 

Tel:  (888) 728-7228, Ext. 5230; (502) 569-5230

Fax: (502) 333-7251

 http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/missionprogramgrants/ 


 
Orders for 2015 Mission Yearbook are now being accepted!

Once again, the Mission Center will be coordinating a bulk order for the 2015 Mission Yearbook. Please use this form to place an order with Candice at the Mission Center no later than November 7, 2014.
 

Payment must accompany all orders. Orders are to be picked up at the Mission Center.  If you would like your mission yearbook mailed to you, you will be responsible for paying the postage (postage costs to be calculated). 

 

In an effort to control costs, we will not be ordering any extra copies of the Mission Yearbook.  We will only be ordering as many copies of the books as are preordered by November 7, 2014.  If you have any questions, please contact Candice at the Mission Center. 


 
Church Items Available

 

From First Presbyterian in Marietta

 

   

Our congregation purchased the building and contents of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Marietta.  We are trying to find a good home for the pews and organ in that building.  We would be glad to accept a monetary gift (we have been selling smaller pews to individuals for $100), but our bigger concern is to find a church or other space where these could be put to good use.

Anyone who might be interested is asked to send an email to [email protected].  We can arrange a time for an up-close look.  

Grace and Peace,

David Smith
First Pres of Marietta. 

 
Warsaw First Presbyterian Church
Seeking Pastor

 

We are seeking to fulfill our pulpit by a part-time pastor, either half-time or three quarter-time. Our pulpit is now vacant due to resignation.

We are an 80+ member church serving God through our mission to community, country and world. Our church is a "Confessing Church" and holds faithfully to "Reformed Doctrine." Our purpose exists to bring the bread of life to all of God's people.

Interested persons should contact, Jim Lawrence, Elder, Worship Committee Chairperson at 1-740-3890 or [email protected].
 
 
Prayer Requests/Updates 

  • We are saddened to announce the death of Ross Gooch, former Stated Clerk for Muskingum Valley Presbytery and long-time pastor of Loudonville Presbyterian Church.  Ross H. Gooch, 81, died peacefully on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014, at West View Healthy Living. Arrangements will be announced by the McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 2116 E. Larwill St., Wooster. More information will be shared as it is available.
  • Paula and John Lane ask for your prayers as their family copes with the death of Paula's sister, Susan.  Susan was gravely injured in October in a fall at her group home  near Buffalo NY.  Grace and peace, Paula.
  • Please join the Loudenville community in praying for the family of Pastor Jeff Cooper who died of complications related to a kidney transplant.  In particular, please hold his wife Traci and two children Hannah and Jay in your prayers, as well as the New Hope Community Church.
  • Prayer request for Hugh Berry, as he recovers from open-heart surgery.
  • Prayer request for Ron Pinkowski, as he undergoes medical testing.
  • Please keep my husband, Dan Meadows, in prayer as he had open heart Oct. 7 at Aultman in Canton.  He is home doing well.  God is so faithful. -- Blessings, Martha Meadows

     

 

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

 

  

Regular Office hours

Monday - Thursday

8:00A to 4:30P