The Valley Bridge
The weekly newsletter from the
Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys
March 23, 2016
  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)
Please join us!

The Presbytery Personnel Committee, Rick Carus, Pam Prouty and Karen Lange are hosting an informal open house on Thursday, March 31, at 10:00 a.m. to celebrate Virginia's 30 plus years at Minnesota Valleys Presbytery. This is her final day in the office, and we'll present her with a plaque, serve cake, and share memories.

Come to the presbytery office on the 31st, and let's give Virginia a great sendoff!
Does your church have a Facebook page? Do you want to learn more about social media? Come to our FREE Communications Workshop in Redwood Falls! More info
The Word from Rick: It's Who I Am

As I write this week’s article, I am getting ready for a quick two-day trip to Louisville where I will be meeting with members of our General Assembly staff in preparation for this summer’s Presbyterian Youth Triennium. By now, it is no secret. I am -- have been and always will be -- a “youth ministry guy.” It is who I am – even as I wear my “Transitional EP” hat!

Beginning with my first seminary fieldwork assignment as Youth Worker at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Louisville to this very day, I have carried a strong commitment to the youth and young adults of the church. 

Read more

On the Road with Rick in March and April

March 27 – Preach at Crosslake Presbyterian Church, Crosslake
March 30 – Session Meeting, First Presbyterian Church, Pipestone
April 2 – General Assembly Commissioners’ Orientation, Willmar
April 3 – Preach at First Presbyterian Church, Litchfield
April 6-8 – Board of Pensions Regional Benefits Consultation, San Diego
April 10 – Minute for Mission, First Presbyterian Church, Willmar
April 12 – Session Meeting, First Presbyterian Church, Osakis
April 17 – Preach at Christ United Presbyterian Church, Marshall
April 17 – Pre-Triennium Gathering, First Presbyterian Church, Redwood Falls
April 21 – Communications Event at Southwestern Minnesota Synod ELCA Offices, Redwood Falls
April 24 – Preach at First Presbyterian Church, Foley

Food Packaging Event for Kids Fighting Hunger

Saturday, April 9 at the First Presbyterian Church of Saint Cloud. RSVP to Mark Giese by April 5. More info
Pre-Triennium Gathering

All Triennium participants are reminded that a pre-Triennium Gathering is planned for Sunday, April 17 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Redwood Falls. Information has been sent to the members of our delegation. Please RSVP to Karen Lange at the presbytery office!

Ministry Opportunity

The First Presbyterian Church Osakis is one of our congregations that has participated in the New Beginnings initiative, and they are now 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 website. 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.

The Christian Century newsletter, March 22, 2016
Incarnation and the KonMari method
Keeping in Touch newsletter from the Synod of Lakes and Prairies: March 23 edition
Living God, on the first day of the week you brought to birth a new creation through the glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ. Fill us with the hope and joy of new beginnings, so that we may share the good news of your liberating, life-giving power with all the world; through Christ our Savior, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and always. Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:12
Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys
4055 Abbott Drive
Willmar MN 56201
 320-235-7910 
Valley Bridge Editor: Karen Lange
The Presbytery calendar is on the front page of our website at the bottom left.