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DEADLINE to register is tomorrow, FRIDAY, MARCH 20th!
Don't be late and REGISTER TODAY!
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Join us for our Lilly grant kickoff event
“Platinum Rule Leadership for Changing Times”
with the Rev. Rebekah Simon-Peter.
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Enhance your people skills to create happier relationships
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Heighten your ability to work with others for the common good
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Restore your faith in people and learn how to defuse conflict
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Draw out the top contributions from others you work with
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Bring out the best in people who frustrate you most
A two-day workshop for pastoral leaders, ruling elders,
and anyone interested in serving their congregations more effectively.
Cost: $10.00. Please pay using the QR Code (above right) and mark
'Misc Gift' - Workshop as the designation.
Notice: PayPal does charge a small fee of $0.70. Please check the box when paying. Thank you!
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With the closing of the First Presbyterian Church in Kouts,
there are STILL LOTS of items that need new homes.
Along with the photos below, there is a child-sized table with chairs, air hockey table, communion cup holders, EVERYTHING kitchen, microwave, pulpit, 20 pews, piano and SO MANY more adoptable items.
If you would like to receive a copy of the extensive inventory list of all items, please contact the presbytery office at info@ourpresbytery.org.
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Ministry Formation Program celebrates Polity and Preaching
on March 14 in Lebanon!
| | | |  | MFP cohort, faculty and guests. | | | |
The current class of Ministry Formation students from Wabash Valley, Whitewater Valley, Blackhawk and Great Rivers and elsewhere gathered at the beautiful First Presbyterian Church of Lebanon this past Saturday for learning and celebration. The group has just completed their online course through Columbia Seminary on polity with instructor the Rev. Jan Nolting Carter. We continued our study and practice of preaching with three shining stars (Steve Poston, Lucia Hutchison and Peter Wilkinson), and the graduation of cohort member Allen King.
We are deeply grateful to Pastor Je Lee and the session of First Presbyterian for their delightful hospitality and the chance to be together in a great setting.
~ Donna Enersen and Jennifer Burns Lewis, MFP
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Calling Creative Congregations to Connect with Community
by Gwynn Wills, Moderator - Ministry and Outreach Committee
The Ministry and Outreach Committee of the Presbytery of Wabash Valley is seeking congregations to spread the word and love of Christ by offering grants for innovative and meaningful projects and programs. Partial funding for the following projects gives some idea of what has been submitted in the past:
• 1st Presbyterian Church of Elkhart - to benefit the 1st Presbyterian Developmental Basketball League hosted by Beardsley School.
• First Presbyterian Church of Downtown South Bend - for their Living Matthew Project to help provide an ecumenical approach to spreading the word of Christ in their community.
• First Presbyterian Church of Michigan City - Cultivating Faith at Home Project
• First Presbyterian Church of Mishawaka - for their Guns to Garden Project
• Auburn Presbyterian Church - for the Friends Table, an ongoing community project that serves to provide lunch and occasionally extra food or personal care items for people out of work, but the founding concept of Friends Table was relationship building.
Amounts of requests vary widely, and the team looks forward to receiving grants of all sorts that meet the criteria outlined. Please share with your congregations and consider the needs of your community. Contact Gwynn Wills, Moderator of the Ministry and Outreach Committee of the Presbytery of Wabash Valley, at gwills6735@me.com with questions.
The grant application and process can be found on the Presbytery of Wabash Valley website by clicking here: https://www.ourpresbytery.org/ministry-outreach-team
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News related to the Board of Pensions of the PC(USA)
From the Board of Pensions (March 9, 2026)
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- Support for congregations and pastors with children
An additional dues subsidy will be available to congregational pastoral leaders enrolled in the Congregational Pastors Package to help alleviate the cost of dependent child medical coverage. Effective Jan. 1, 2027, the subsidy will cover 50% of the national, community-rated medical coverage cost of dependent children. This subsidy will reduce the flat rates for both the 2027 Child(ren) and Family coverage levels. Using the 2026 dues as an example, the cost of coverage for children is currently $829 per month (approximately $9,950/year). The subsidized monthly amount would be $414.50 (approximately $4,975/year) for Child(ren) and $1,435.50 (approximately $17,226/year) for Family. Congregations may share in the cost of dependent coverage.
Transitional Pastor’s Participation and its inherent subsidies will be extended through 2029, giving congregations and ministers already enrolled in this package two more years to transition to the Congregational Pastors Package. Please know that the Board continues to monitor medical cost trends and will release the 2027 dues for the Congregational Pastors Package and Transitional Pastor’s Participation, including flat rates to cover dependent children, in July to ensure the most accurate rates.
The Medical Plan already provides subsidies for ministers in several ways, including offering dues as a percentage of salary rather than the actual cost of coverage. As stewards of the Benefits Plan, we balance rising healthcare costs with annual dues and reserves so that the plan remains financially stable. This article describes in more detail how we do that:
https://www.pensions.org/news-and-events/articles/balancing-risk-rising-costs-member-care-in-fragmented-system
You can also read about how we aim to control costs through coalition purchasing: https://www.pensions.org/news-and-events/articles/the-power-of-coalition-purchasing/
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A new grant to support ministers with child care needs
Child Care Support is a new grant available through the Assistance Program that offsets a portion of child care needs for children ages 0-6 years. The initial pilot phase of this grant, effective April 1, 2026, will provide $500 per month per child and up to $1,500 per month per family. This grant supports ministers of the Word and Sacrament and commissioned pastors employed by PC(USA) congregations whose effective salary is $56,880 or less and who meet other eligibility requirements.
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Additional Medical Plan options coming in 2027
Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, the Board of Pensions will offer three additional Medical Plan options for lay members and non-installed ministers who are not enrolled in the Congregational Pastors Package or Transitional Pastor’s Participation. The three additional options include a second PPO, second EPO, and second HDHP and will have the same features as the existing options with different out-of-pocket costs. More details will be available in the summer. Ministers and dependents enrolled in the Congregational Pastors Package or Transitional Pastor’s Participation will continue to be offered the Board’s current PPO option.
You can read about outcomes from the March Board of Directors meeting, including the experience apportionment for the Defined Benefit Pension Plan, on our website (www.pensions.org)
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AMCL, Board of Pensions continue to partner on helping small congregations, families
Representatives from the Association of Mid Council Leaders (AMCL) and the Board of Pensions gathered for their third and fourth meetings as they continue their collaboration to support small congregations and pastors with family medical coverage as a response to the 226th General Assembly (2024) item GAEC-28. Read the recent joint statement from the Reverend Susan C. McGhee, President, AMCL, and Andrew J. Browne, Executive Vice President, Board of Pensions.
Register now for 2026 Benefits Regional Summits
The Board of Pensions has opened registration for the 2026 Benefits Regional Summits: Support for Congregational Leaders. The summits, located throughout the country April 7-May 21, will provide important updates and insights into the Benefits Plan of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and related programs offered by the Board of Pensions. The summits are open to all throughout the Church.
Understanding medical trend and why it matters
In 2024, national health expenditures totaled nearly $5.3 trillion — representing 18% of U.S. gross domestic product. Todd Ingves, Vice President, Health & Wellness for the Board of Pensions, explains in this article what’s behind the upward trajectory of healthcare costs and what the increases are likely to look like in the future.
From the Office of Christian Formation:
NEW - Everyday Faith Moments Card Deck
Whether you’re a family of one or many, Everyday Faith Moments invites all ages to slow down, connect, and discover how God is already at work in your daily life. You will find 60 cards created with busy households of all shapes and sizes in mind. On the front: an engaging, repeatable response rooted in real-life moments. On the back: a short Bible passage to center the practice in Scripture. This new resource from Around the Table is available from the PCUSA Store.
Mr. Rogers Day Resources
Looking for ideas on celebrating what it means to be a neighbor in your community, through worship, with your congregation? Check out these resources including liturgy, hymn, neighborhood build, peacemaking curriculum, coloring pages, and more. March 20th is the planning calendar special emphasis day that the PC(USA) has chosen to highlight all we can learn from Fred Rogers ministry as it is his birthday. Or choose a time which works for your worshiping community. www.pcusa.org/mrogers
Faith Formation Leader Connection Resource Zoom - Looking to connect about new Christian Formation Resources? Looking for something specific or wanting to bounce off some ideas? Dates in May, August, and October noted on registration form. Register here.
From the PC(USA) Store
A Brief Guide to Ministry with LGBTQIA Youth, Updated Edition
Empower LGBTQIA youth in your church with the help of the updated edition of this best-selling book from pastor Cody Sanders, which provides practical guidance, compassionate care, and fresh insights designed to build affirming, supportive faith communities. New to this edition is a chapter on the intersections between LGBTQIA identity and neurodivergence, and extra attention to how churches can respond to the assault on diversity and transgender rights in the current political climate. An updated glossary of terms and list of national and local resources that can be used to support LGBTQIA youth are also included.
Read an Excerpt | Build Your Faithfully LGBTQ+ Library
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“When did we see you struggling?”
Matthew 25 reminds us of the expectation that when we serve our neighbors, we are serving Christ himself.
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Photo Credit: Newton County Coroner's Office
Damage in Lake Village, Indiana, after a tornado touched down March 10, 2026.
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Our One Great Hour of Sharing offerings, those cute and confounding to assemble fish banks, collect funds every year to support important causes such as Presbyterian Hunger Relief, Self-Development of People and the amazing arm of the church, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. PDA assists communities around the country and around the globe in recuperating from natural and non-natural disaster. PDA is present in our own community right now, in Lake Village, where the community is just at the beginning of recovery from a series of powerful tornadoes that touched down on March 10 and left dozens of houses completely destroyed or uninhabitable. The only grocery store and gas station were destroyed. Two persons were killed as a result of the crisis. PDA has sent an emergency response grant, and the presbytery has applied for a follow-up recovery grant, the result of many, many congregations from Wabash Valley and all over the country, thanks to One Great Hour of Sharing.
Our own Lake Village Presbyterian Church has been a community hub for social services of all kinds for many, many years. As you would expect, they’ve joined forces with other community leaders to respond to the needs of their neighbors.
Lake Village residents are our neighbors, too. Area PWV congregations are already responding with gifts of bottled water, bleach, and non-perishables to support both the responders and those whose homes have been affected by the tornadoes.
- All Food donations may be delivered to Lake Village Presbyterian Church, 9412 N 3000 W in Lake Village, daily from 10 am-6 pm central time.
- All donations of cleaning supplies may be delivered to the Lake Village Community Center.
Those wishing to volunteer their time with clean up efforts should contact LaSalle Fish and Wildlife at (219) 992-3019.
All monetary donations can be earmarked for Lake Village and sent to the Presbytery office or contributed through One Great Hour of Sharing. If you have donations but cannot deliver them to Lake Village, please contact the presbytery office and we will arrange for pick-up.
Thank you for responding to your neighbors in great need.
~ Jennifer Burns Lewis
Visioning and Connecting Leader, Presbytery of Wabash Valley
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Calendar for the Week-
3/20 = Deadline to register for Platinum Rule Leadership for Changing Times workshop in Rochester (See information above)
Coming Up-
3/23 @ 9 = Staff Meeting
3/24 @ 10 (ET) = Coordinating Council - by Zoom
3/24 @ 12 (ET)= Leadership Team meeting - by Zoom
3/29 = Palm Sunday / Holy Week begins
3/30 @ 9 (ET) = Staff Meeting
4/02 = Maundy Thursday
4/02 @ 10 (ET) = Commission on Ministry - by Zoom
4/02 @ 1 (ET) = Commission on Preparation for Ministry - by Zoom
4/03 = Good Friday
4/05 = Easter/Resurrection of the Lord /One Great Hour of Sharing
4/06 @ 9 (ET) = Staff Meeting
4/09 @ 1 (ET) = Nominating Committee (if needed) - by Zoom
4/13 @ 9 (ET) = Staff Meeting
4/13 @ 10 (ET) = Stewardship Ministry Team - by Zoom
4/13 @ 4 (ET) = Ministry & Outreach Team (if needed) - by Zoom
4/12 @ 4pm-8pm (ET)= Platinum Rule Leadership for Changing Times
4/13 @ 9am-3pm (ET) =Platinum Rule Leadership for Changing Times
(at Rochester, Community PC. See information above.)
4/15 @ 1 = Communications & Visioning Committee - by Zoom
4/15 = Tax Day
June 22-July 2 = 227th meeting of the General Assembly of the PC(USA)
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One Great Hour of Sharing
February 18 - April 5, 2026
Serving the most vulnerable around the world,
and offering aid to people lacking access
to life’s basic necessities.
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Job Opening:
Central Presbyterian Church
Lafayette, Indiana
Position: Administrative Assistant
Reports to: Pastor
Status: Part-time, start 20 hrs p.w.
Email resume to:
Rev. William Reinowski @ wil@centralpreschurch.org
Mail resume to:
Central Presbyterian Church,
31 N. 7th Street
Lafayette, IN 47901
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Women and Money: Claiming Your Financial Future
When: April 9, 16, 23, 30, all 2:00-3:30 pm (ET)
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Women encounter a unique set of financial challenges throughout their lives — from earning less on average, to spending fewer years in the workforce due to caregiving responsibilities, to facing higher healthcare costs and longer life expectancy, as well as the increasing number of women who are uncoupled and navigating financial decisions independently. These factors all influence financial stability over a lifetime.
Join us this April for an impactful and informative webinar series designed to help women understand these financial dynamics and gain the insights they need to make confident, informed decisions. Featuring professional speakers from the financial and healthcare industries, the series brings together holistic perspectives on money, relationships, health, identity, and spiritual balance.
Register HERE
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Christian Theological Seminary
Prayer has always been a tremendous resource for Christians to go through everything in life.
To think about prayer can be a way through and perhaps even a way out.
For What or Whom Else Shall We Pray?
by Amy Lindeman Allen, PhD, Christian Theological Seminary
Our Life in Common
April 8, 2026 from 12-1pm, ONLINE
Register HERE
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First-ever PCGN One-Day
At Copper Creek Church
in Champaign, Illinois
Tuesday, April 21, from 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Cost: $25, which will cover lunch and hospitality
This gathering is designed to cultivate relationships and equip leaders who care deeply about faithful growth in both faith and numbers in the PC(USA). The day will feature four interactive learning sessions. Each session will begin with a short presentation followed by table discussions, creating space for leaders to learn from one another. We will also share time in worship and connect over coffee and lunch.
We chose Copper Creek Church as the host site for several reasons, including their remarkable story. Over the past ten years, Copper Creek has grown from a second campus of a local Presbyterian congregation into a chartered church with a beautiful facility and a growing ministry. Rev. Scott Keeble, Lead Pastor of Copper Creek Church, is excited to host this gathering and will also share about their church’s journey. You can go to https://coppercreekchurch.org to learn more about Copper Creek Church.
Registration information will be shared soon.
In the meantime, we hope you will save the date and begin making plans to join us for this first PCGN One-Day gathering.
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- Celebrate YOUR pastor this week!
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OPEN SEARCHES FOR PASTORAL LEADERSHIP
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Let us keep in our prayers,
The family of the Rev. Leroy Fassett, retired pastor of Highland, FPC, whose memorial service will take place on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 12 pm (CT) at First Presbyterian Church of Highland, 8727 Delaware Street, Highland, IN, with Rev. Tyler Orem and Rev. Linda Skaggs officiating.
The family of Roslynn Bol, the mother of Allen Bol, 2025 Nominating Committee Chair and Ruling Elder of Lafayette, Central. Calling will be Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home, Lafayette from 3:00-6:00 pm on Sunday, March 22. On 3/23, visitation at 10:00 am with the funeral service at 11:00 am at Central Presbyterian Church, 31 N Seventh Street, Lafayette, IN, with Pastor Wil Reinowski officiating.
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Prayers of the Presbytery
Let us pray:
God of courage and wisdom, you are present with your people even when your name is not spoken, guiding us through uncertainty and fear. When we feel displaced, vulnerable or unsure how to respond to the challenges around us, grant us discernment like Esther, resilience in hardship and courage to act for the good of others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer from the Mission Yearbook, PC(USA)
We are thankful for the ministry and service of First Presbyterian Church, LaGrange.
Lord ~
- Sometimes the place we knew as familiar and home, is far away from us,
- Help our leadership to have wisdom,
- Grant us unity and love so that we may work together.
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The Office in Rochester is open on WEDNESDAY.
Reach us by Phone / Monday 9:00 am - 12:00 pm & Tuesday - Thursday 9 am - 4 pm (Eastern)
OFFICE CLOSED ON FRIDAY
Office: 1.574.223.5678
Email: info@ourpresbytery.org ~ Website ~ https://ourpresbytery.org
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