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Week of September 30, 2026
E-News
| | For correspondence mailing/emailing please use the appropriate address: | | Presbytery Calendar At-A-Glance | |
- Prayer Calendar: Oct 4 - Northminster Presbyterian Church, Moderator TE Barry Chance
- Oct 1-6, Mark Adams in Eastminster Presbytery
- Oct 2, Mark Adams dinner at First Presbyterian, Hubbard, 5:30 p.m.
- Oct 3, Mark Adams at Canfield Presbyterian, 10:00 a.m.
- Oct 4, World Communion Sunday
- Oct 4, Mark Adams preaching at West Area Joint World Communion service, 10:30 a.m., Northminster Presbyterian.
- Oct 4, Mark Adams at First Presbyterian, Salem, 3:00 p.m.
- Oct 4, Mark Adams dinner at University Church, Kent, 6:30 p.m.
- Oct 5, Mark Adams dinner at United Presbyterian, Cuyahoga Falls, 6:00 p.m.
- Oct 8, Resource, 10:00 a.m., Zoom
- Oct 8, COM, 5:30 p.m., Zoom
- Oct 11, EP Boundaries Training, 4:00 p.m., The Vine Fellowship Church
| | Rev. Mark Adams in Eastminster Presbytery | | |
Rev. Mark Adams, a former PC(USA) Mission Co-Worker, and his wife, Miriam Maldonado Escobar, continue their ministry on the Mexican border with Frontera de Cristo, supporting immigrant communities. He now serves as the U.S. Director of Frontera de Cristo.
During Mark’s visit to northeast Ohio, there will be multiple opportunities to meet him and learn more about his ministry on the border. Everyone is welcome to join any of the scheduled events, and Mark is eager to connect with as many people from Eastminster Presbytery as possible. To help with preparations, please click RSVP below to reserve your spot for any of the events.
| | Individuals or congregations who wish to support Frontera de Cristo can visit Donate – Frontera de Cristo to give online, or mail a check made out to Frontera de Cristo to PO Box 1112, Douglas, AZ 85608. | | |
In Person Boundaries Training Opportunity
The Vine Fellowship Church, Copley
Sunday, October 11, 4:00 p.m.
The Book of Order and the policies of Eastminster Presbytery require that all Ministers of Word & Sacrament who are actively serving, all ruling elders enrolled as members of the presbytery (Commissioned Pastors, chairs of committees, etc.), all inquirers and candidates, all presbytery staff, and anyone on the pulpit supply list complete boundaries training which includes the topics of sexual misconduct and child & youth protection at least every 36 months. We also encourage those members of the Committee on Ministry and Permanent Judicial Commission who are not otherwise required to complete this training to complete it voluntarily as their work often intersects with the included topics.
On at 4pm on Sunday, October 11 we will have an in-person boundaries training at The Vine Fellowship, 3676 Community Ln Ste 100, Copley, OH 44321, taught by Pastor Lisa Zimmerman (Allenside & Firestone Park). Before entering ministry, Lisa worked for the Medina County Domestic Relations Court and Hope & Healing Survivor Resource Center working with survivors of abuse and has been doing some study on these issues in the church to help us provide additional opportunities for people to learn about these topics. This training will meet the requirements for Eastminster Presbytery and is intended to be accessible for congregation members so sessions should discuss if it meets the requirements for their own training expectations for session members, Sunday School teachers, etc.
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Presbytery Wide Mission Day of Service
October 17, 2026
On Saturday, October 17, Eastminster will once again volunteer at Warren Family Mission, 155 Tod Ave NW, Warren, Ohio 44485, to assist with preparations for their annual winter coat giveaway and serve lunch to residents.
Eastminster's volunteer hours will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and lunch will be provided.
Ages youth to adult are welcome to attend. Check-in will begin at 9:30 a.m. and instructions and work will begin promptly at 10 a.m.
An email was sent out to the church Team Leaders for Mission Service Projects this morning which included additional details, a flyer to share with the congregation, and the registration link. If you would like to attend, please contact the Team Leader representative from your church or email Diane@eastminsterpresbytery.org.
Last year when we volunteered at Warren Family Mission, we had 75 volunteers show up representing 13 of our congregations, and Warren Family Mission would love to have more! The Resource Committee is dedicated to offering mission service opportunities that are accessible to all, regardless of the congregation’s size, the age of its members, or any physical limitations they may have. (picture from our 2025 Service Day at WFM)
Flyer to share with your congregation
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Fall Pastors Retreat
Teaching Elders and Commissioned Ruling Elders are welcome to join the 24-hour Pastors Retreat on October 21-22 (Wednesday-Thursday), running from 3:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., at the Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center.
TE Chris McCurdy (United Presbyterian Church) will lead the retreat offering space for rest, discussion, and an opportunity to connect with colleagues.
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Good News - Book Review Spotlight
Your Story Matters - Author, Rev. Fritz Nelson
Rev. Fritz Nelson is a Minister Member of Eastminster Presbytery and serves as pastor to First (Columbiana), First United (East Palestine), and recently added New Lisbon to his call. RE Ruth Cole, Moderator of Committee on Preparation for Ministry, recently had an opportunity to read and review his newly published book!
Told well, with a forthright integrity, the Reverend Fritz Nelson combines his Presbyterian pastoral education and experience with his passion for storytelling. Having co-directed the Hub at Columbiana First Presbyterian, the pastor and his co-director, Jo Barto, Roman Catholic in faith commitment, have sponsored and developed the art of storytelling for numerous years. This is well illustrated in his emerging book, Your Story Matters, recently released in September 2026. With his ordained Presbyterian minister credentials coupled with this work, a most interesting and valuable book that blends both rationale and manual is produced and available.
Continue Reading
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In Case You Missed It
Last week, we highlighted the participants and activities from the Presbytery-wide mission trip to Cass Community Social Services in Detroit, MI. Rev. John Ritchie created a video capturing the team’s time there to share with everyone!
Watch Video
Details about the 2027 presbytery wide mission trip coming soon!
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Eastminster Presbytery invites you to join us in praying for a particular congregation, committee, and validated ministry within the presbytery each week in 2026 that God may bless their ministry and that the grace of Jesus Christ might shine through them. For the week of October 4, we lift up the congregation of Northminster Presbyterian Church in Cuyahoga Falls and their moderator TE Barry Chance.
October Calendar
- October 4 Northminster Cuyahoga Falls, Moderator TE Barry Chance
- October 11 Committee on Nominations & Representation, Moderator RE Beth Loresch
- October 18 St. Elizabeth Hospital Youngstown, Chaplain TE Stacie Maynard
- October 25 Synod of the Covenant Staff Bloomfield Hills, MI:
Matt Aragon-Bruce
TE Ruth-Aimée Belonni-Rosario
TE Chip Hardwick
TE Heather Johnston
TE Fran Lane Lawrence
CRE Tim Pollock
The entire 2026 Prayer Calendar can be found on the home page of our website: eastminsterpresbytery.org
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Engaging the Work of Racial Justice with a History of Hope | |
Oct 01, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Zoom
Rev. Dr. William Yoo
In our polarized nation we have witnessed both a renewed commitment among some Christians to pursue racial justice as well as intense arguments about race, politics, and faith. It is important for Christians to comprehend the legacies of slavery and racial oppression as we seek to faithfully enact racial justice in our congregations, communities, and nation today.
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New Wine: Spiritual Insights and Practices for Deconstructing | |
Oct 21, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM, Zoom
Pastor Vonnetta West, The King Center (Atlanta)
This is an introductory workshop on developing our inner lives to challenge and supplant “White Christian Nationalism” in our emotions, thoughts, personal engagement, and policy engagement.
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Introducing a new churchwide study series!
The Rev. Marta Pumroy-Cordero and the Rev. Dr. Kristopher D. Schondelmeyer, PCUSA Co-Moderators of the General Assembly, will host a series of three webinars on Fridays throughout October, offering an in-depth look at the PC(USA)'s Social Witness Policy.
"Why 'Presbyterian' Will Never Be a Political Party: A Churchwide Study Series" will be divided into 3 sessions:
- Session 1: Religious Liberty — Oct. 2 at 1 p.m. (EDT)
- Register
- Session 2: State and Citizen: Their Mutual Responsibility — Oct. 16 at 1 p.m. (EDT)
- Register
- Session 3: The Church’s Role in Civil Society — Oct. 30 at 1 p.m. (EDT)
- Register
Each session will feature different guests from across the PC(USA) who will join the Co-Moderators in reflecting and expanding on each of these three topics.
Participants are encouraged to read the corresponding sections in this document prior to each session: https://hubs.ly/Q04yf3HH0
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Office of Innovation in Presbyterian Life & Service - PCUSA
The Office of Innovation helps the church explore what is possible when we listen deeply, imagine boldly, and experiment faithfully. We work alongside mid councils, congregations, and ministry leaders to develop the capacities, practices, and partnerships needed to thrive in a changing world. Through innovation labs, futures thinking, consulting, coaching, networks, and resources, we help leaders move beyond familiar patterns and discover new ways to participate in God’s mission.
The Value of Rural Congregations: October Innovation Network Gathering
Rural and small-town churches contribute more to their communities than many people realize. As mid councils help congregations navigate questions about property and purpose, understanding that community and economic impact matters. Join Emily Sajdak of Partners for Sacred Places for stories from rural congregations, insights into the value they bring to their communities, and time to ask your questions.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. ET
Join the gathering on Zoom: https://pcusa-org.zoom.us/j/99020923630
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2027 Employer Agreement
Deadline to review: This Friday, Oct 2, 2026
| Prepare for your Employer Agreement in three simple steps | Support for Employer Agreement | Review and submit your Employer Agreement | More information about selecting benefits for 2027 | Offering the Retirement Savings Plan | New medical pricing requests | Moving employees to a different benefit group | Offering or discontinuing tax-advantaged accounts | Help with your Employer Agreement | Annual Enrollment for 2027 benefits As you begin to consider your benefits offerings for next year, here's how you can prepare to complete your 2027 Employer Agreement: Review your current benefits offerings inBenefits Connect. | | | |
This fall, as registration opens for 2027 CREDO conferences, the Board of Pensions will begin welcoming back ministers who have attended CREDO in the past. Until now, eligible ministers attended only one conference in their career, reflecting an agency commitment for every eligible minister to experience CREDO before expanding the program. | | | | |
Save the Date: July 16-21, 2027
At Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA
In 2026, we answered God’s call with the words, “Here I am, Lord. Send me!” In 2027, we turn our attention to faithfully carrying out that calling. Join us for the 122nd New Wilmington Mission Conference as we are encouraged by Acts 20:24 to “Finish the Race – Proclaim the Good News.” Together, we will be challenged to live with courage and purpose, faithfully sharing the good news of God’s grace wherever He sends us.
September Reflection:
Two Months After the 121st
New Wilmington Mission Conference
Two months have passed since we gathered for the 121st New Wilmington Mission Conference, yet the echoes of that week still linger in our hearts. September has a way of settling us back into routines—school begins, ministries resume, calendars fill—but something in us is different because of what God stirred in July.
We arrived at NWMC from many places and life stages, carrying our own hopes, questions, and weariness. And God met us—through teaching that stretched us, stories that humbled us, worship that lifted us and conversations that reminded us that mission is not a program but a way of life. Some of you came as longtime participants, even second or third generation attendees. Others stepped onto campus for the first time. Together we formed a community shaped by grace, curiosity and courage.
CONTINUE READING
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On the second Monday of each month, the New Wilmington Mission Conference holds “Mission Mondays” — a special online event featuring a Mission co-worker, scholar or partner sharing stories, insights, opportunities and updates about God‘s work around the world.
Join NWMC to be inspired, connect with others and deepen your understanding of global missions. Everyone is welcome.
To request a Zoom link, email office@nwmcmission.org.
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Pastor and Ministry Leaders Appreciation 2026 | Join us for the 2026 Pastors and Ministry Leaders Appreciation Event at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary—a day created to encourage, equip, and celebrate those who faithfully serve the Church. Through inspiring worship, meaningful fellowship, engaging breakout sessions led by PTS faculty and ministry leaders, and thought-provoking keynote presentations, you’ll gain practical insight, fresh perspective, and renewed encouragement for the work God has called you to do. This year's theme, Faithfully Forward: Leading Through Generational and Cultural Change, invites us to consider how faithful Christian leadership can respond with wisdom, hope, and courage in a rapidly changing world. Our worship service will feature preaching by the Rev. Dr. Lee Kricher '20/'22, and our keynote address will be delivered by the Rev. Dr. Almeda Wright, whose work explores the intersections of faith, culture, race, and youth ministry. | | | | One Day Spiritual Formation Retreat | | |
What if looking within opens us to a deeper awareness of God?
Meeting the God Within is a one-day spiritual formation retreat exploring God’s presence through contemplative, creative, and embodied practices rooted in Scripture and the Christian contemplative tradition.
Saturday, November 7 | 9 AM–5 PM
Crestfield Camp and Conference Center, Slippery Rock, PA
$85, including lunch
Led by Rev. Dr. Peter C. de Vries, PhD, a Haden Institute-certified spiritual director with more than 38 years of pastoral ministry experience.
Information and registration: www.SpiritualExploring.com/retreat
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Godly Play Core Training
October 11-13, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio
Godly Play Core Training is the most comprehensive training for this Montessori-based faith formation method and theology. Participants experience all aspects of the Godly Play method and begin to become fluent in the Godly Play core stories and fundamental practices.
Space is limited to 12 participants, click here for more information and to register. Questions? Contact Lisa Kaufer.
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Your Advent 2026 Resource Guide Is Here! | Whether you're planning worship, leading a class, gathering with family, or looking for a personal devotional, our Advent resources are designed to be easy to use and meaningful for your whole congregation. With the season often arriving quickly amid a busy fall, our Advent 2026 Resource Guide helps you find thoughtful, ready-to-use materials to make the most of the season. | | | | Rev. Jim Mohr, Chaplain and Director of Church Relations at Westminster College, and his wife, Jill, invite you to join them on an exciting journey through Ireland! | |
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From Mission to Momentum: Strategic Planning for Faith Communities with the Rev. Jean-Fritz Guerrier
Free Zoom Webinar
Oct 14, 12:00 noon - 1:30 p.m.
| Drawing on real-world congregational experience, organizational research, and proven planning disciplines, this interactive webinar will help participants distinguish strategic leadership from routine operations; assess institutional strengths, assets, stakeholders, and emerging needs; translate mission into priorities; and connect resources, inputs, outputs, outcomes, and indicators in a way that strengthens accountability without diminishing spiritual purpose. | | | | |
Presbytery Staff & Officers:
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