Salem Matters News of What Matters This Week
in Salem Presbytery
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May 18, 2022 | Volume VIII, Number 20 |
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Madison Presbyterian - Madison |
Laurel Fork Presbyterian - Laurel Springs |
Allison Simmons - Pastoral Care, Iredell Memorial Hospital, Statesville |
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Doing a New Thing: Presbytery Meets in Parishes! |
After two years of our presbytery meetings being only on the Zoom platform, we did a new thing on Tuesday evening as the 134th Stated Meeting of Salem Presbytery convened at five different sites in our five parishes, as well as those who opted to gather on Zoom as we have over the past two years.
After a few issues with the parish locations logging into the Zoom meeting, everything went pretty smoothly, all things considered. We are grateful to the host churches: Parish A - Shiloh in Burlington; Parish B - First, High Point; Parish C - Highland in Winston-Salem; Parish D - First, Salisbury; and Parish E - North Wilkesboro. Thanks also to the Engagement Pastors, and the tech crews in each location that overcame some issues to make sure the meeting could proceed without too many problems.
See below for a few pictures from some of the locations.
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Plans Change for Barbara's Visit
In this time of COVID, we have become accustomed to changing plans. We are disappointed that due to a positive test for COVID, Barbara has had to cancel her planned trip to the presbytery to be with us in person this week.
Our prayers go out to Barbara and her husband as they make their way back to Florida (they were already in the Boone area when she started experiencing symptoms), and as she returns to full health soon. And we look forward to a time soon when Barbara can be with us in person!
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"My mother was very clear about God's provision.": Presbyterian minister speaks about his mom, Psalm 23 and Educate a Child
During an appearance on “Between Two Pulpits” that mostly focused on education, the Rev. Dr. Alonzo Johnson began to reminisce about his mother teaching him the 23rd Psalm.
“It was in that 23rd Psalm that my mom taught me to understand discipleship and be dependent on God in all times of trouble,” said Johnson, coordinator of the Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People. “My mother was very clear about God’s provision in our lives and to recognize that provision.”
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Take Advantage of Salem Presbytery's APCE Organizational Membership!
Salem Presbytery recently renewed its organizational membership in APCE - The Association of Partners in Christian Education. (formerly the Association of Presbyterian Church Educators).
There are numerous resources available as a member of APCE. You may see what is available on the APCE website HERE. |
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Massanetta Springs Is Hiring Summer Staff!
Serve on summer staff at Massanetta Springs: Massanetta Springs is hiring day camp counselors, lifeguards, and facilities and hospitality staff to serve its summer programs! Join us for this fun, meaningful work for a few weeks or the full ten week season from June-August. Full time paid positions include housing and meals, and may be able to fulfill college or internship credits. Contact [email protected] or visit MassanettaSprings.org/nettadaycamp to learn more!
I'm attaching a couple of different versions of our flyer, which might work depending on your e-news format. Let me know if you need something different. Thanks for your help!
Peace,
Colleen Earp - Program Director
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Beth Hayes Retiring as Resource Center Director
See previous Salem Matters for full story.
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Pick Beth's Brain!
See previous Salem Matters for full story.
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Pennies for Hunger Updates: 05.09.2022
On behalf of the Salem Hunger Committee, we would like to say thank you to all of the churches that participated in the Lenten Pennies for Hunger Challenge. The presbytery has received $14,381.21 for the month of April and that number could grow as more totals are reported during the month of May! We are so grateful for your participation and partnership in the gospel in keeping our neighbors near and far feed during these challenging times!
For those of you not familiar with Pennies for Hunger, the program was started by our presbytery in 1989, when congregations and their members were asked to contribute a small amount per meal to help feed hungry folks. Small donations by many make a huge impact on food insecurity. Since the program began, we have awarded over $3 million in food assistance to agencies. Fifty percent goes to local hunger agencies in our Presbytery, such as Second Harvest Food Bank, Samaritan Ministries, Iredell Christian Ministries, and the Concord Presbyterian Food Pantry. The rest is awarded to international projects, such as food for orphans at a primary school in Kenya, a series of chicken farms that supply nutrition centers for children and expectant moms in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, plus relief funds for the people of Ukraine and Yemen.
This is one of the most visible presbytery programs to members, and this year the committee is delighted to announce that the Executive Council of Salem Presbytery renewed our memorandums of understating for both Sister2Sister International and Congo Helping hands for 2023 and 2024.
Because of your faithfulness in sending in Pennies for Hunger Funds, the presbytery will continue to feed 150 orphans annually in Kenya and 300 children through the nutrition center in the DRC. Collecting Pennies for Hunger the second Sunday of every month is an easy way for congregations to answer the call of the Matthew 25 initiative to eradicate systemic poverty!
“And the king will answer them, “Truly I will tell you, just as you did it to one of the lest of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” -Matthew 25: 40.
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Mission Emergence
As we begin another year of Covid 19 with all the impact it has had on ministry, different opportunities for congregational mission service are emerging. Some former mission efforts are tentatively restarting, and new ones are unfolding.
Out-of-Country mission trips have been curtailed during the pandemic. Salem Presbytery has recently rescheduled a southern Mexico construction/education trip for July 16-24, 2022. The trip will be led by Elder Lora Crowley ( [email protected]) from the Clemmons Church with members from other congregations taking part. We are hopeful that the longstanding medical trips to Chiapus, Mexico can restart in early 2023.
With floods and tornados affecting parts of the U.S. recently and anticipating more to come, opportunities for in country disaster assistance trips are increasing. Alamance Church has just completed a trip to Kentucky where they spent a week feeding disaster assistance workers. Starmount Church in Greensboro is going to Kentucky June 20-25 to help in rebuilding efforts. Elder Neal Huffman is leading the team ([email protected]). Presbyterian Disaster Assistance has teams working in several states and are receiving donations toward assistance in the U. S. and its territories.
The war in Ukraine has led to many needs for service. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is requesting donations to help with refugee assistance and emergency food assistance for those escaping the war. PDA is receiving donations from Salem Congregations. Those donations will be utilized by ACT Alliance (a global alliance of faith-based agencies doing disaster response, advocacy, and development) to assure safety and provide support for war refugees. Boone 1st is working with two Ukrainian organizations that are providing refugee housing, transportation, and other assistance. They are International Partners (https://ipministry) based in Kyiv and “Church of the Risen Christ” in Vinnytsia, Ukraine. Other organizations working in Ukraine and surrounding countries are Church World Service, Samaritan’s Purse, U. N. World Food Program, Red Cross, Bread for the World and others.
The Presbytery continues to support the Sister-to-Sister program in Kenya that provides housing, care and education to orphaned girls from around that country. A portion of our Pennies-for-Hunger donations go to the orphanage. Additional donations can be made to: Sister-to-Sister International, P. O. Box 20696. Winston-Salem, NC 27120.
In the early 1990’s, Churches in Salem Presbytery organized the non-profit, Hebron USA to raise funds in support of the Hebron Ministries in Chiapus, Mexico. Our congregations have provided financial support and have sent Mission teams to support those ministries for over 30 years. Contributions can be made Hebron USA %Outfitters 4, 715 Coliseum Drive N. W., Suite 100, Winston-Salem, NC 27106. The founder of Hebron Ministries, Rev. Pablo Feliciano will be visiting Salem Presbytery in early fall.
Let us know what other mission efforts are going on your congregation. Thank you for your continued prayers and support for our Salem mission efforts.
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Salem Presbytery Updates Boundary Training Guidelines
Over the past several months the COM's Task Force on Policy, Compensation, Mediation, and Officer Development has been evaluating our current system of boundary training, known as Healthy Boundaries. The previous policy stated that all members of the presbytery must participate in the "core" Healthy Boundaries training every three years, plus participate in at least of the elective courses as well every three years.
Our research has shown that there are a significant number of members who are out of compliance with this policy. We realize that the onset of the pandemic has not helped in our mandate that all members be up-to-date with this training.
At the recent meeting of Salem Presbytery on February 15th, it was shared that moving forward, we will take advantage of an online option, using the CongregationU platform, and its module of "Clergy Ethics." A link to this site is below.
ALL MEMBERS OF THE PRESBYTERY MUST COMPLETE THIS TRAINING NO LATER THAN AUGUST 31, 2022.
The module takes about 2 hours to complete, and the cost is $22.00. If needed, you can begin the course, save your work, and return at a later time. The link below will take you to the page for the Clergy Ethics Course. You will need to create an account to sign up and pay for the course. Once the course is completed, you will receive a certificate, that should be forwarded to Christine at the presbytery office.
UPDATE: COMPLETING THE TRAINING THROUGH CONGREGATIONU WILL EARN YOU POINTS WITH CALL TO HEALTH. SEE THE LINK BELOW.
To sign up for the training, click HERE. To enroll in Call to Health, click HERE. |
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MissionInsite Training Completed
Those Salem Presbytery folks who have been participating in the MissionInsite training have completed their work, and are now ready to hear from YOU! Contact Barbara Smith to find out how you can take advantage of this resource. |
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Free Webinar Offered by Brotherhood Mutual & Bitner Henry Insurance Group
May 25, 2022
10:00 -11:00 am
Online Webinar
Click the button below to register.
Is your church routinely faced with difficult decisions on how to operate in the world today? Do you want to serve your community while not compromising your sincerely held beliefs?
Come, hear from Steve Case (JD, CPCU Assistant Vice President Senior Corporate Counsel) & Kyle Johnson (JD, CPCU Associate Corporate Counsel), from Brotherhood Mutual’s Legal Department as they speak to these issues, followed by a time of Q&A.
Registration is required. This webinar is open to anyone who would like to attend, so please invite those whom you believe would benefit from this discussion.
If you have questions, you may contact Joey Pierson at Bitner Henry Insurance Group.
We hope to see you there!
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Upcoming Ordination Anniversaries!
Please Pass along congratulations to the following who are celebrating anniversaries of their ordinations:
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Melissa Davis - ordained May 19, 2013
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Andrew Taylor-Troutman - ordained May 23, 2010
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Jon Phillips - ordained May 23, 2014
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Jonathan Gaska - ordained May 25, 2014
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Pete Peterson - ordained May 25, 1952 (70th in 2022)
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Mason Todd - ordained May 27, 2012 (10th in 2022)
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Kaye Barrow-Ziglar - ordained May 28, 2014
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Ernie Thompson III - ordained May 29, 1988
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Outstanding New Resource Now Available!
Check out this fabulous new resource that is now available through the Opening Doors to Discipleship website. Though not a brand new resource, the site has been completely revamped and updated for the 21st century church. There are resources for Leadership, Reformed Theology, Educational Practices, and more. Each "door" you enter takes you to many resources to help in your ministry, whether you are an employed educator, a pastor, a volunteer, or another church leader. Follow the link below, to open up many new doors to discipleship.
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The Persistent Pandemic
How we wish we didn't need this!
Some other Insurance Board pandemic resources can be found HERE.
The Wisconsin Council of Churches has been a trusted source of advice throughout the pandemic. Their latest resources can be found HERE. |
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Parish E Engagement Pastor Evan Harrison, shares this news from Parish A:
People continue to appreciate Yanceyville Presbyterian Church's traditional Presbyterian worship services and faithful fellowship in prayer for the world around them.
Milton Presbyterian had a wonderful worship service and celebration on Mother’s Day and will hold a joint church service the 4th Sunday of the month with Semora UMC, promoting ecumenical ministry in service of the community.
Griers Presbyterian Church continues renovations inside and is making progress toward completion. They continue to be active in local scouting ministries.
Cross Roads Presbyterian continues to enjoy ministry with their new pastor, Kate Harper.
Springwood Presbyterian enjoyed a marvelous Easter including an early service at 8am, fellowship time, Easter egg hunt and 11 o’clock service.
Trinity Presbyterian, Elon, not only saves lives through their church ministry, but is also the only place in the main area of Elon that emergency helicopters can safely land (and do on a semi-regular basis) to help rush people off to nearby hospitals.
First Pres Burlington prepares to say goodbye to their pastor, Ron Shive, who has been there since April 30th 2001.
Mt. Vernon Springs is gearing up for their first annual homecoming with lunch since COVID.
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Stony Creek Presbyterian enjoys their new pastor, Kristen Levens. They recently celebrated Homecoming and also sponsored a trip to the Conservators Center.
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Shiloh Presbyterian just had their big community concert, using their location, gifts and attracting the neighborhood to both mission, fellowship and fun!
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Each week in this space, we will highlight a video, website, or other content that is relevant to how we look at stewardship in the presbytery as well as in our local churches. Our focus this week is on our Campus Ministry. |
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Click on the graphic or HERE to visit and/or subscribe to Salem Presbytery's YouTube Channel. |
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May Prayers for:
Examinations Committee
Executive Council
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Please Hold the Following in Your Prayers |
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Rev. Dr. Kyle Goodman, who mourns the death of his father, John Hocutt Goodman, Jr. on May 14, 2022.
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CRE Cindy Ingle (Clerk of Session at Springood Presbyterian and part-time fill in at Piedmont Presbyterian), whose husband Gwyn Ingle passed away on May 11, 2022.
- The people of Buffalo, New York as they live in the aftermath of the hate-filled shooting where 10 lives were lost.
- The congregations of Geneva Presbyterian Church and Irvine Taiwanese Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods, California following the deadly and senseless shooting at their church.
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The people of Ukraine, dealing with the atrocities of war, and that Vladimir Putin's heart be changed to embrace peace.
We will list these prayer requests for two weeks unless we are notified that they are to be continued. You may submit prayer requests through the link below.
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Click below a list of positions available through the PCUSA - updated April, 2022
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Board of Pensions Call to Health |
Click the link below to join the Board of Pensions Call to Health.
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PCUSA News and Announcements |
Click below for the latest news and announcements from the PCUSA.
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