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MVP Mission Update
March 12, 2015
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Comments?
Corrections?
800.693.1147
330.339.5515
Mission Center Office Hours:
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
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The IRS has issued new Mileage Rates for 2015. Click Here
Per Capita 2015
GA
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7.07
| Synod | 3.25 | Presbytery | 18.36 |
Total
| 28.68 |
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Snakes!
Then the Lord sent poisonous snakes among the people,
and they bit the people, so that many Israelites died.
-Numbers 21:4-9
I don't like snakes. I'm with Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Arc: "Snakes! Why did it have to be snakes?" Slithering, slimy, sly. From an archetypal perspective, it is not by mistake that snakes have been associated with the fall.
Mention snakes in scripture, and the first text that comes to mind is Adam and Eve in the garden. But continue reading and you will encounter them again and again in scripture: in Pharaoh's court, in the wilderness, even in the gospels! We encounter them in this week's lectionary texts, beginning with the Hebrew Scriptures (Numbers 21:4-9) and then again in the gospel lesson where Jesus references the passage in his conversation with Nicodemus (c.f., John 3:14-21).
Things are not going well for Moses and the people in the wilderness. The adrenaline rush of crossing the Red Sea has worn off and people are getting downright grumpy. Scripture tells us that God wasn't pleased and sent poisonous snakes in response. Years ago, Elizabeth came upon this passage when reading through The Story with Dick. She concluded that God had anger management problems. To be sure, it not a happy moment for Israel or for God!
Like, Elizabeth, I have struggled with this text. That is, until an NPR interview with Brad Bushman, PhD, of the Ohio State University, who has been dubbed by his peers as the "myth breaker." His focus of late has been on the failure of parents to balance affection and appreciation for their children with discipline. Translated: Affection without discipline (or tough love) nurtures a sense of entitlement in children, who grow up to believe that they deserve special treatment. Dr. Bushman's research suggests that parental "overvaluation" of their children nurtures the development of narcissism at great cost to society.
Hmm... I wonder if there is more going on then at first appears. Is it possible that Israel, the chosen, believed they deserved special treatment? Is it possible that they expected the journey from slavery to Promised Land to be a direct route through the wilderness? Is it possible that we believe this life's journey should come without challenge?
The wilderness journey is a reminder that we are, at best, ambivalent about the rigors of the spiritual journey. God affords opportunity in the wilderness to come to terms with the shadow and light that dwells within each one of us. As Carl Jung reminds us: "There is no light without shadow and no psychic wholeness without imperfection. To round itself out life...calls not for perfection but for completeness and for this the 'thorn in the flesh' is needed, the suffering of defects without which there is no progress and no ascent."
Note Israel's pattern of complaining and blaming. Rather than taking responsibility for their action, the people project their anger on Moses and God. It is humbling to think of those times when I have projected out my anger, rather than taking responsibility for my actions. It takes a crisis--poisonous snakes--to bring Israel to repentance.
In the end, Moses intercedes on behalf of the people and God relents. Note, however, that God does not remove the snakes. Rather, God provides a means of healing from the bites.
Are there snakes in your life that are biting you and causing you pain? How is God calling you to focus on Jesus that you might be healed?
With blessing,
Debbie Rundlett
General Presbyter
Holy Habit: Confronting the Snakes in Our Lives
What snakes has God provided in your life to make your more self-aware? Are there behaviors that you need to repent? Take some time to read Numbers 21:4-9 and John 3:14-21 in light of the snakes in your life. Then, spend some time in prayer with the One who must be lifted up. Ask Jesus to turn your fear into courage; your sin into forgiveness; and your wounding into healing.
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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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Minerva First Presbyterian Church to host Financial Peace University - beginning April 2015
This life-changing class taught by Dave Ramsey and the FPU teaching team on video and coordinated by Lesley Lykins at First Presbyterian Church in Minerva, OH will help you achieve your financial goals by showing you how to eliminate debt, save for the future, and give like never before. You will be challenged and motivated to make a plan for your money and change your family tree forever.
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Evangelism, Discipleship and Mission A presentation and workshop by David Loleng Associate for Evangelism, Presbyterian Church (USA) How can we effectively share the gospel in our ever-changing cultural landscape? How can we move from a membership model of church to a disciple-making model? How can we be a part of not only the transformation of individuals but also the transformation of our neighborhoods and communities? Come hear how you can authentically share your faith, grow as disciples and be sent out beyond the walls of our churches to join in God's mission in workplaces, neighborhoods and communities. Medina Presbyterian Church Saturday, March 28, 9:00 AM to Noon Presented by Medina Presbyterian Church with the support of the Presbytery of the Western Reserve Leadership Development Ministry Click here for registration details. |
The Princeton Forum on Youth Ministry
Coming April 2015
Engaging, reflective, and theologically substantive, the 2015 Princeton Forum on Youth Ministry will focus on the role of the Holy Spirit in youth ministry. The Brothers of Taize will lead worship in Princeton University Chapel, and an exciting cast of leaders will give lectures and offer classes. Renew your energy for ministry as you create vocational friendships, stretch your imagination, and give Sabbath to your soul. Learn more and register at iym.ptsem.edu. Click here for more information.
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Save the Date! May 3-5, 2015 RMMG Spring Retreat "The Enneagram: Nine Ways of Looking at the World"
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Formational Prayer Seminar to be held in Ashland
June 10 -13, 2015
As we take our journey most helpful in the whole process is offered in the Formational Prayer Seminar to be held at Ashland Theological Seminary on June 10 - June 13, 2015. Information is available from LLawson1@ashland.edu or by calling Lynne at 419-207-5547.
This seminar has helped so many of us along the path and provides a great opportunity for healing and growth through the Holy Spirit.
Blessings and thanks, Kathy Adams
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Important Message Regarding 2015-2016 Planning Calendars
We regret to announce that, due to dwindling orders, we will not be accepting orders for the 2015-2016 Planning Calendars from the PC(USA). We have not been receiving enough orders to qualify for the bulk discount. If you would like to order a Planning Calendar, we encourage to do so directly from the PC(USA) Online Store here: http://store.pcusa.org/
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Discernment of God's Call-- Opportunities to Serve at the 2016 General Assembly
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John Bell Event, June 2015Sponsored by the Presbytery of West VirginiaThe Nurture Committee of the Presbytery of West Virginia is pleased to announce that it will be hosting John Bell, from the Iona Community in Scotland, on Friday, June 19, and Saturday, June 20, at First Presbyterian Church, Charleston, WV. Complete information can be found at http://www.wvpresbytery.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/John-Bell.pdf. For more information, contact Susan Sharp Campbell, Associate for Educational Ministry for the Presbytery of West Virginia, at 304-645-4568 or susan_sharp_campbell@hotmail.com
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Director of Business Affairs PositionNational Capital Presbytery, Rockville, MDNational Capital Presbytery seeks a full-time Director of Business Affairs with strong financial skills and judgement who sees their work here as a calling to help the greater church. Requirements: 1) Demonstrated sound judgement about church financial and business decisions. 2) Experience with risk analysis, forecasting, strategy, real estate transactions, budgeting, contracts, negotiations, and engaging outside financial and legal counsel. 3) Technical financial skills to support business analysis and investment decisions. 4) Strong communication skills and an ability to communicate complex financial matters to both corporate and non-financial groups. 5) Sensitivity to a church context, decision-making structures and spiritual focus. 6) Spiritual maturity and ability to work collaboratively in teams. 7) Bachelor's degree or equivalent. For more information, see thepresbytery.org. To apply, send resume and references to david@bradleyhillschurch.org.
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Coming June 27, 2015 -- MVP Mission Fair!
The Serving in Mission Commission along with Big Fish (Artist's Worshiping Community) are excited to share with you plans to develop our first annual Mission Fair to be held this summer at the MVP Mission Center. We want to create a fun and free family-friendly fair to gather our communities together to share about the variety of missions our churches participate in. We need your help! We need churches who want to sponsor a booth and a food for the event. Contact Rick Hastings or Candice McMath to sign up today!
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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 lawj6@frontier.com.
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Prayer Requests/Updates
- Prayers requested for the Myers family. Carole Myers passed away suddenly last week. She was an elder and treasurer for Hanoverton Presbyterian Church.
- Prayers are requested for Ron Pinkowski, as he undergoes medical treatment.
- Prayers requested for Hugh Berry and Floyd Starr.
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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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