Connecting & Informing the Presbytery of Arkansas
May 11, 2023
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If you have recently sent mail to the Presbytery office that was returned, please try sending it again. Our local post office made a mistake on a P.O. Box we rented temporarily to forward mail, and failed to start delivery back at the physical address.
The problem should be corrected now and mail will be routed back to the office as repairs began last week. If you have a question about mail that was returned or a check that has not been deposited, please call Kim Palmer or Stewart Smith at 501-663-2424.
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Friday, May 12 is the registration deadline!
There are only five spots left!
This retreat is open to any ruling elder in the presbytery, but it is especially focused on those small congregations who need lay leaders to step in and preach occasionally or preside at the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper when a minister is not available. There is no cost for the event. Lodging, meals, and course instruction are covered by the Thriving in Rural Ministry Lilly grant. All you have to do is get to the University of the Ozarks May 19-21.
The retreat will be led by Revs. Phillip Blackburn, Blake Brinegar, and Stewart Smith. The University of the Ozarks will cover all of your expenses. If you are interested in learning more, contact the Rev. Phil Blackburn at pblackburn@ozarks.edu.
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In the last Update, you were given the opportunity to weigh in on a number of topics generated by the Resource Team. We wanted to hear your thoughts on where you rated some of these issues. Your results are already being taken into account in Presbytery planning, like the upcoming workshop you can read about in the next article.
Click here to see all the results. Thank you for taking the time to share. Remember, if you aren't feeling heard, here is a chance for you to speak out.
Watch the next Update for a new Inquiring Minds poll.
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Tackling Loneliness & Isolation In the Ministry |
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Just last week, our US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued an advisory warning about the threat of loneliness. He said that in his travels around the country, he has come to see how pervasive it is and "that people are often quite ashamed to talk about it, and won't use the word lonely to describe how they are feeling. They use words like 'invisible." He said that "Loneliness is far more than just a bad feeling—it harms both individual and societal health."
If you looked at the Inquiring Minds polling results, you caught a glimpse of the pervasiveness of loneliness in our clergy and in our pews. When Rebecca Spooner was asked what she thought we could do to help, she said that we needed to combat loneliness and isolation by building connections - building community.
On Monday, June 12 at 10:00am, Rebecca has agreed to lead an online workshop for our Presbytery's clergy who are actively serving (MWS & CRE). It will be a safe place to share, connect, and deal with feelings of loneliness and isolation. Those who are interested will be offered an opportunity to continue with the work they begin there.
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You probably already know that Pentecost falls on Sunday, May 28, this year. So, to help you prepare, here are a few free resources you may find helpful.
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A 2023 Worship outline for Pentecost from the United Church in Australia: Click here
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The Day When God Made Church: A Child's First Book About Pentecost by Rebekah McLeod Hutto, 2016 Paraclete Press
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For a Pentecost youth program, use this paper origami art project & talk about how God unites all people despite our differences: Click here
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Any member of the Synod of the Sun - congregation members, staff, volunteers, and anyone interested in learning more about poverty and the issues surrounding it are invite to participate in a Synod mission trip to New Orleans, June 22-24, 2023.
On this trip you will explore, listen, and learn from ministry partners and communities operating at the intersection of systemic poverty, structural racism, and congregational vitality.
Click here for details and registration. The cost is $100. This includes meals and lodging. Friday lunch not included.
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Recommended Group Studies |
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This is being billed as a women's study.
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Peace at the Last:
Processing Grief Through Liturgy
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On Tuesday, May 30, at 1:00 pm, join
Lutheran Pastor Paul Palumbo and PRC (Practical Resources for Churches) for a webinar about loss.
It seems the whole world is experiencing loss, much of it un-grieved. While Peace at the Last was developed for ministry with the dying, it is becoming much more as it is used in wider settings. Peace at the Last will guide you, with renewed hope, through the fear of death into extravagant love as you embrace the journey toward death with, or in remembrance of, a loved one.
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Thursday, 5/16, 10am Staff Meeting
Tuesday, 5/23, 10am Staff Meeting
Tuesday, 5/30, 10am Staff Meeting
Wednesday, 5/31, 4pm Coordinating Team
Friday, 6/3, 9am 153rd Meeting of the Presbytery of Arkansas
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Presbytery of Arkansas
9221 N. Rodney Parham Road
Little Rock, AR 72227
501-663-2424
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