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The Valley Bridge
The weekly newsletter from the
Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys
February 9, 2016
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The Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys
We are congregations who seek to be a collective expression of the Body of Christ
joyfully participating in Christ’s on-going life and work.
“Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.”
(I Thessalonians 5:11)
Approved August 4, 2015
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Fellowship of Prayer/Church of the Week of February 14:
First Presbyterian Church of Holland
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Pastoral Leadership: Rev. Lynne Matthews: Pastor; Rev. Kendrick Matthews: Pastor Emeritus; Clerk of Session: Joel Minett; Chair of Trustees: Bernard Bouman; Director of Music: Judy Oldemeyer; Director of Christian Education: Barbara Winsel.
Prayer Concerns: Wisdom to meet the needs of our growing congregation; continued growth; outreach into the community; healing of many who are ill; healing of hearts of many who are grieving loss of loved ones; our “friends at home,” in nursing homes, in hospitals; and wise use of all of our resources.
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The Word from Rick: Moving Forward
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I walked away from Saturday’s Presbytery meeting tired, but hopeful about where we are headed and thankful for the opportunity that I have been given to be a part of this presbytery’s life.
I think that Candidate Tom Voigt set a hopeful and positive tone with his proclamation of God’s word. With humor and humility, Tom shared his journey to this time and place in his life, and set the stage for a very thoughtful ordination examination later in the day. I think that making a Presbyterian out of a Baptist has got to be one of God’s greatest works, and I know that the saints in Edgerton and Lismore are thankful that God has worked so wonderfully in Tom’s life and theirs!
Read more
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February 14 – Preach at First Presbyterian Church, Holland
February 20 – Orientation for Presbytery’s Commission and Committee Members – First Presbyterian Church, Redwood Falls
February 21 – Preach at Ebenezer Presbyterian Church, Renville
March 6 – Preach at First Presbyterian Church, Mankato
March 13 – Preach at First Presbyterian Church, Blue Earth
March 13 – Ordination and Installation of Tom Voigt at First Presbyterian Church, Edgerton/Lismore
March 20 – Worship Visit to First Presbyterian Church, Luverne
March 22-23 – Youth Triennium Planning Meeting in Louisville, KY
April 3 – Preach at First Presbyterian Church, Litchfield
April 7-8 – Board of Pensions Regional Benefits Consultation in San Diego, CA
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Presbytery Meeting Highlights
February 6, 2016
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What a beautiful day it was for our presbytery meeting on Saturday, February 6, at the First Presbyterian Church of Willmar.
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We were introduced to Rev. Leah Elrod, the new interim pastor at the St. James church.
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We recognized Virginia Molitor's upcoming retirement (March 31). The special guests included her children and grandchildren.
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Tom Voigt preached the sermon. We later examined Tom for ordination. The ordination service is at 3:00 on Sunday, March 13, at the Edgerton church.
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We thanked those serving under the current committee structure for their service. With chocolate. (Don't you wish you had attended?)
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Special surprise! Former EP Wayne Purintun came to wish Virginia well.
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We recognized the retirement of the Rev. Sue DeNio.
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A favorite pictures from the day. We thank Virginia for more than 30 years of dedicated service to the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys.
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I wish to thank everyone who had anything to do with giving me a wonderful recognition of my 30 years of service to the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys. My husband also wants to thank all of you for including him in the recognition. He was totally surprised and is thankful. I will miss all of you, but I won’t miss the alarm clock ringing time to get up for another day. You have all been so kind to me and my family. I greatly appreciate it.
Love you all,
Virginia Molitor
Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys
Financial Person
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Those Who Will Share in the Leadership of Our Presbytery
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On Saturday, February 6, the following people were elected to serve in the new Mission Design of our presbytery. We thank them for their belief in our common ministry and their willingness to serve our congregations with their energy, intelligence, imagination, love ... and hopeful, patient spirits!! Read more
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We were saddened to hear of the death of Joann Petersen of Brainerd. Joann was a graduate of one of the first classes of our Lay Ministry Program, and many in our presbytery will remember her sweet spirit.
Joann passed away on January 7 from cancer.
Cards may be sent to her husband
Terry Petersen
24137 Cooley Dr
Brainerd MN 56401
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Mission Design Commission and Committee Orientation Gathering
On February 20, there will be an orientation for all individuals who have been elected to serve on the commissions and committees of the presbytery. This orientation will not only help us focus on the mission of the presbytery, but it will be an opportunity for all commission and committees to hold their organizational meetings at that time!
The meeting will take place at First Presbyterian Church in Redwood Falls. The proposed schedule looks like this:
9:00 – 10:30 a.m. – Chairpersons’ Orientation – for all Commission and Committee Chairpersons
10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m – General Orientation and Organization Meetings of the Commissions and Committees
Details were mailed to all commission and committee members on Monday. Questions?? Please contact Rick Carus at the Presbytery Office!
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Links to Sermon and Photos from the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Service at First Presbyterian Church of Redwood Falls
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February edition of the Board of Pensions' February newsletter (click picture)
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Taking Stock of Grace in Lent: Grace & Gratitude, February 2016 (click picture)
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Synod's newsletter,
Keeping in Touch. February 5 edition (click picture)
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Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys
4055 Abbott Drive
Willmar MN 56201
320-235-7910
Valley Bridge Editor: Karen Lange
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The Presbytery calendar is on the front page of our website at the bottom left.
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