The Valley Bridge
The weekly newsletter from the
Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys
April 27, 2016
 We are congregations who seek to be a collective expression of the Body of Christ, 
joyfully participating in Christ's ongoing life and work. "Therefore encourage one 
another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing." 
(I Thessalonians 5:11)
Congregation of the Week of May 1-7:
Christ United Presbyterian Church of Marshall


Church leadership:  
Pastor: Anne Veldhuisen
Administrative Assistant: Pam Moat
Clerk of Session:  Kristin Malin
Treasurer: Jennifer Williams

Prayer concerns and joys:
  • Pastor Anne and Kevin Veldhuisen on the birth of the second son, August Ray. He is welcomed by big brother Martin.
  • Pray for Esther's Kitchen
  • Pray for the congregation
On the Road with Rick
April 30 - Matthew Zelie's Ordination and Installation to be held in Dalton
May 1-7 - Presbytery Leader Formation Program - Residency Week - Seattle
May 17 - Minnesota Council of Churches Board Meeting -- Minneapolis
May 22 - Preach at First Presbyterian Church, Holland
PW Spring Gathering

Tuesday, June 7 at Harrison Presbyterian Church of Spicer. Coffee & treats at 8:45 a.m.
Meeting at 9:30 a.m. 
Registration deadline: June 1

The Flyer
Retired Pastors and Spouses: Save This Date!

A luncheon for retired pastors and spouses is tentatively being planned in Willmar on Monday, August 8. Edward Thompson, our Regional Representative for the Board of Pensions, will host that gathering at a time and place to be announced at a later time. Save the date and watch for further details!
The Occidente Relationship

By Le Roy Ennenga - Westminster Presbyterian Church Worthington

Everyone has their own view of mission, how it is supported and how they participate. I must say that until about 10 years ago, I only listened and did very little about it. Then I was given a push to be involved in it by a few caring people and have been blessed ever since.

The makeup of our community and my involvement with the local Food Pantry and the Presbytery is a big part of that. We have many Guatemalan residents in our area, and my involvement with the Occidente Partnership goes hand in hand. It has helped me to see firsthand how the people live and some of the reasons they are trying so hard for a better life. I also envy them. In some ways it reminds me of my younger days. Read more
Connor Garvey Performs at First Presbyterian Church of Canby

Connor Garvey singer/songwriter from Portland Maine
Sunday May 1st at 7 pm
First Presbyterian Church of Canby
311 St. Olaf Ave N 
Canby MN 56220
 
Tickets: Adults $15 kids 12 and under free
Come early from 5 to 6:30 pm for a sloppy joe dinner with a freewill offering.

Stepping up our Congregational Fundraising Game

by Sarai Rice

An entire philanthropic industry, complete with journals, associations, specialized vendors, academic research, and special reports, exists to support nonprofit fundraising. I know because in my day job as a nonprofit executive, I'm bombarded with articles, tools and reports designed to help me raise the $3.5 million that I need annually to feed 15,000 people a month. Ministers can learn a lot from this industry.

For example, a  report came out recently from Abila, a software and services provider, that offers some helpful insights into donor behavior as it differs by generation:

Ministry Opportunities

First Presbyterian Church of Osakis is seeking a Pastor to lead them as they live out the visions that have been generated by their New Beginning conversations. If you or someone you know has a passion for small towns and energetic small-member congregations, please encourage consideration of this opportunity!
 
While the primary work is with the Osakis congregation, the pastor of this congregation will also provide pulpit supply and pastoral care for the United Church of Christ in Sauk Centre.
 
The Ministry information Form for this opportunity is posted on the Church Leadership Connection web site. It is MIF#: 03890.AC0. For more information, please contact PNC Chairperson Shari Maloney at 320.859.3098 or by e-mail - [email protected] ; or Transitional Executive Presbyter, Rick Carus at the presbytery office.

First Presbyterian Church of Pipestone  is preparing to search for a Designated Pastor. The DPNC has been elected and the process of preparing a Ministry Information Form has begun. Please watch for more details!

First Presbyterian Church of Mankato is beginning a search for an Interim Pastor. More details will be forthcoming. 

St. John's Presbyterian Church of Devon, Pennsylvania is seeking an Associate Pastor for Youth and Family Ministries. MIF #07370.ACO.  If you know anyone who may be a good match for this position, or have any questions about the position, you can reach the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee at [email protected]

Crossroads Presbyterian Church of Mequon, Wisconsin, is in search of a new Associate Pastor for Discipleship. Our prayer is for a pastor who feels called by God to Crossroads Presbyterian Church, can inspire us on our faith journey through hand-on mission activities, has a passion for growing relationships with God through adult education, and can practice faith with us, leading through authentic relationships. MIF #09445.ALO. More information at www.crossroadspres.org.
Administrative professionals rule the world?
 
Maybe not - but they may rule the world of your Presbyterian office! 
  • Do you value your Administrative Professional?
  • Do the words above describe your Administrative Professional?
  • Do you provide your Administrative Professional with opportunities for continuing education?
  • Did you know a good, well-trained Administrative Professional can be one of your organization's greatest assets? 
Whether your Administrative Professional is employed in a church, presbytery, synod, in Louisville or at the Board of Pensions, equip him or her to be of more value to your organization with membership in the Administrative Personnel Association of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). 

The Administrative Personnel Association (APA), established in 1976, is a professional organization created for the purpose of providing a supportive association that promotes continuing education, individual growth, communication and fellowship for its members. It is a group that strengthens both spiritually and professionally.
 
The core of APA is the Certification Program. It allows members to gain expertise in all fields associated with their position with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Course offerings cover a wide range of topics including: Administrative Skills, Leadership Development, Technology, Financial Management, Church History, Theology and Polity.
 
Support your Administrative Professional by providing them with a membership in APA. To join go to http://pcusa-apa.org/ or contact Annette Houtz, National Membership Chair for more information.
News from Presbyterian World Mission, April 2016
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