Across The Woods
February 12, 2016

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Presbytery Meeting - March 5, 2016

Notice of the Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Transylvania

The Presbytery will meet on Saturday, March 5, 2016, at First Presbyterian Church, 123 Keavy Road, London, KY.  Driving Directions. Thanks to the pastor,  staff, elders and members of First, London for hosting the presbytery meeting.

The Presbytery convenes at 10 AM. Registration opens at 9 AM. Lunch price will be sent soon.   Childcare is available and free to those who need it.  However, we need to know the number of children expected.  Please send your request to Sharel at stempleton@transypby.org. 

First, London has an active and vital food pantry ministry, and the offering collected during the meeting will be used to support their ministry efforts.  Worship will include the Sacrament of Communion and General Assembly commissioners will be commissioned for service.  

If you know the name of your elder commissioner(s), please send their name(s) to Sharel so that a name tag can be prepared. Email: stempleton@transypby.org.   If you are unable to attend, please request an excused absence from the Stated Clerk. Email: statedclerk@transypby.org.

If you have any questions or need more information, please reply to the stated clerk's email as listed above. God's blessings to each one and see you soon in London.

The Rev. Jerry L. Utt, II Stated Clerk
Statistical Deadline is February 22, 2016
The Deadline for entering the Statistical information for your church is fast approaching! If you need help with entering your information, I am happy to help you. If I have forgotten to send you a PIN or Password, please let me know. The closer it gets to the deadline the slower the website becomes. As of today, we have only 11% of our churches reporting. Anything I can do to make this easier for you, please do not hesitate to contact me. Email: stempleton@transypby.org or 859-264-8867.
Second Presbyterian 
Second Presbyterian has a couple of items that are free to any church who could use them:

Double-burner outdoor gas grill, 6 feet long, on wheels, good working condition, great for church picnics - free for any church that would like it. 

Portable Dish Holder on wheels: holds 200 - 300 dishes depending on the size. Free to any church that can use it.

Contact Dan Hans at Second Presbyterian Church. 859-254-7768 or danhans@2preslex.org.
2016 Pisgah Academy - Restorative Justice
 

Please join us on February 13th for the 2016 PISGAH ACADEMY, as we explore bringing Restorative Justice to central Kentucky.

 Our current criminal justice system asks: What law was broken? - Who did it? - and What do they deserve? Restorative Justice asks these alternative questions:  Who was hurt? - What do they need? - and Who is obligated to meet those needs? Put differently, the current system has a primary focus on one outcome: offenders getting what they deserve. Restorative Justice focuses on 1) the needs of the victim and 2) the offender responsibility for repairing harm.
 
Beginning at 9 AM, Pisgah is honored to have Judge Angela McCormick Bisig, Jefferson Circuit Judge, as the opening speaker. Judge Bisig will share details about the efforts she and others have made in Jefferson County to introduce Restorative Justice as an alternative to the traditional criminal justice system. Judge Bisig will use as her text The Little Book of Family Group Conferences, New Zealand Style, which is available in it's entirety on the Upcoming Events page at pisgahchurch.org.

A panel discussion kicks off at 10 AM, with Linda Harvey, social worker and Director of the Juvenile Restorative Program in Lexington, leading the discussion. Linda will build upon her November 2015, Second Sunday presentation at Pisgah where she described the work of her organization in Fayette County and her desire to bring that program to the court system in Woodford County. Linda again visited Pisgah on November 29, 2015 as part of the Fifth Sunday offering and gave two compelling examples of Juvenile Restorative Justice at work.

Also returning to Pisgah for the 10 AM panel discussion is Louisville attorney Tom Williams, Board Chair of Restorative Justice Louisville Inc.  Last November, Tom presented a short film from New Zealand which introduced this transformative alternative to the current criminal justice system.

And finally, Kabby Akers, from Mary Queen of Holy Rosary, will join the 10 AM panel discussion to add the perspective of a member of the Fayette County faith community. Kabby will help us develop the role for Pisgah and other churches in central Kentucky as we ask the question, How can we help?

At 11 AM, a workshop-style discussion will focus on taking action. At noon, lunch will be provided as we continue our discussions.

Restorative Justice is an important component of a compassionate community. Please join us for the 2016 Pisgah Academy as we work towards the goal of helping our communities in Woodford and Fayette counties, and beyond, become truly compassionate communities.

Advance registration is not required. Donations for speakers and lunch will be accepted. Pisgah is located at 710 Pisgah Pike, Versailles, KY.

Climate Change & Social Justice

 
Presbyterian Youth Triennium
Presbyterian Youth Triennium
July 19-23, 2016

A once in a lifetime experience!!

Our delegation is growing and we want youth from across our Presbytery to share in this amazing experience.  Be a part of 5,000 youth and adults from around the world to encounter God in new ways and to share in worship, small group sharing, recreation, Holy moments, and just plain fun!

More information is being sent to each church, but you may contact our registrar, Ginny Harville Baker, 219-363-9185, at any time, or check out the national website at www.presbyterianyouthtriennium.org. Transportation has already been arranged and cost is being shared through funds from the Presbytery. Send a youth from your congregation to TRIENNIUM!!
Presbytery of Transylvania
PO Box 23580
Lexington, Kentucky 40523
859-264-8867