May 28, 2026

In Person - ONLY

Tuesday, June 2, 2026 @ 10:00 am (ET) / 9:00 am (CT)

@ First Presbyterian Church,

215 E Lincoln Ave, Goshen IN 46528

Lunch reservations are CLOSED.

JUNE 2nd - ASSEMBLY MEETING

Dear Friends,

I am excited about our next Presbytery Assembly Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 10 am (EST) / 9 am (CST) in person at the First Presbyterian Church in Goshen, Indiana. Together, we will continue to explore our presbytery’s theme, “Arise and Shine: Holding Firm Christ’s Light Amid Injustice”.

Commissioners to the 227th General Assembly, along with the Young Adult Advisory Delegate (YAAD) and Theological Student Advisory Delegate (TSAD) will be commissioned. Following lunch, we’re offering two opportunities for meaningful interaction.

Celebrate some of our presbytery’s authors! Plan to linger and speak with our authors, purchase their books, and have them signed!
Congregations, that have received a prior invitation, will gather for communion celebration training.

Peace! Ruling Elder Dal Kwon, PWV Moderator

The password for the password-protected documents on the website will be provided by the Presbytery office (on 5/26/2026).

Advanced payments for Lunch

By Credit/Debit Card. Click below on 'Make a Difference-Donate' button or
Scanning the QR Code and select the 'Lunch' designation or
By mail to PWV ~ PO Box 225 ~ Rochester, IN 46975.
Payment at the door- Cash (in exact amount, please) or by Check.

Give to the Pentecost offering.

Day of Assembly (by cash or by check), or
Scan the QR-Code, or
Click on the 'Make a Difference-Donate' button, or
Mail your donation to the Presbytery of Wabash Valley ~ PO Box 225 ~ Rochester, IN 46975, by check with Pentecost Offering in the memo.

Consider this!

by Jill Kitowski, Nominating Committee

Last week, something changed. Something penetrated this thick skull of mine: As I sat in yet another ZOOM meeting, I had an epiphany. No clouds, no mountain top, just a moment of clarity. Our meeting, begun with prayer decently and in order, entered the realm of the personal lives of the members. Learning that many of us aspire to sit on our decks with book in hand and watch birds, some would rather play in the dirt and plant flowers, and others find relaxation in bike rides. Our committees are made up not only of people called by God, but also of the stories and peeking into the lives of our colleagues who become friends in the shared experience of how we can work in concert to bear new fruit in Jesus Christ. There is a camaraderie in committee life, and we would like to ask if you might listen for God’s call to you to serve. Some members of the Nominating Committee will be circulating at our June 2 Assembly to pique your interest in serving or guiding someone you would like to recommend.

Recommendation form: Click here

Self-referral form: Click here

Position Available: Director of Renewal

The Presbytery of Wabash Valley is entering a season of hopeful imagination, and we are seeking a Director of Renewal to help nurture that journey. We believe that renewal is not a program but a Spirit‑led process—one that grows out of prayer, curiosity, and the gifts already present within each congregation.

The Director of Renewal will walk alongside our churches as they listen for God’s calling in this moment. Through conversation, coaching, and shared discernment, this person will help congregations rediscover their identity, clarify their mission, and take meaningful steps toward a vibrant future. Some congregations may be seeking new energy for outreach, others may be exploring fresh expressions of ministry, and still others may be discerning how to tell a new story about who they are becoming. The Director of Renewal will help each community find the path that fits its unique context.

This ministry includes coordinating presbytery‑wide initiatives such as Creating a Culture of Renewal and Rise Up Together, as well as supporting a network of coaches who accompany congregations in their work. It also involves building relationships—meeting with pastors, clerks of session, and leadership teams both online and in person, offering encouragement, guidance, and a steady presence along the way.

We are looking for someone who is spiritually grounded, patient, imaginative, and willing to take faithful risks. Someone who can help congregations navigate uncertainty with grace, ask questions that spark creativity, and celebrate the Spirit’s movement in unexpected places.

This full‑time position offers a competitive salary, health and pension benefits, and travel reimbursement.

If you or someone you know feels called to support congregations in this hopeful work of renewal, we invite you to reach out for more information or to apply at Jennifer@ourpresbytery.org.

Rev. Jennifer Burns Lewis, Visioning and Connecting Leader

Presbytery of Wabash Valley, Synod of Lincoln Trails PC(USA)

Recording Clerk & Data Management Specialist

Presbytery of Wabash Valley

— Part‑Time (10 hrs/week)

The Presbytery of Wabash Valley is seeking a Recording Clerk & Data Management Specialist to support meeting minutes, records, and data systems that serve our congregations and committees.

Record minutes at presbytery meetings (in person or via Zoom)
Maintain databases for ministers, congregations, and committees
Provide administrative support for meetings and file organization
Assist with polity compliance and required reporting

Qualifications: Strong organizational skills, accuracy, confidentiality, digital proficiency, and willingness to learn Presbyterian polity.

Schedule: 10 hours/week, flexible; quarterly meeting attendance required. Remote work possible.

For further information or to apply, please contact Jennifer@ourpresbytery.org.

Rev. Jennifer Burns Lewis, Visioning and Connecting Leader

Presbytery of Wabash Valley, Synod of Lincoln Trails PC(USA)

Does your church have a project?

Need some money? - Apply for a grant!

The Ministry and Outreach Team 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 like:

Elkhart, First - Basketball League
South Bend, First - Living Matthew Project
Michigan City, First - Cultivating Faith at Home Project
Mishawaka, First - Guns to Garden Project
Auburn PC - Friends Table

Contact Gwynn Wills, Moderator of the Ministry and Outreach Team 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

Gwynn Wills, Moderator - Ministry and Outreach Team

Pianist Position

First Presbyterian Church of Portage 6225 Lute Road, Portage, Indiana, is in need of a pianist for Sunday morning worship services at 11 am. If you or someone you know might be interested, call 219-762-4914 to leave a message or email at firstpresportage@gmail.com . Office hours: Thursday, 9am-2pm.

Members enrolled in the Medical Plan of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) are encouraged to utilize the many well‑being resources built into the plan. These include the Mental Well-Being and Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) provided by Spring Health, which offers easy access to high‑quality mental health care. Members should also register for the refreshed Call to Health platform to engage in opportunities and activities that promote wholeness. Participation also helps members qualify for reduced deductibles in 2027. For help navigating benefits and connecting with providers, members can rely on Quantum Health’s care navigation to guide them towards the care they need, when they need it. To learn more about these benefits, visit the Board of Pensions website.

Church Technology Grants

Apply before July 13

The Presbyterian Foundation’s Church Technology Grant program will assist Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) pastors and leaders serving churches or New Worshiping Communities. Funds are available for those pastoral leaders seeking to enhance their ministry through technology in a variety of ways:

Upgrade existing technology or purchase new technology
Upgrade a church website
Online Training

Pastors with the greatest need serving congregations of color, small churches, new immigrant congregations, and congregations in economically challenged locales are invited to apply. Grants will be given to churches or presbyteries for release to the pastor for direct purchase or reimbursement for technology purchases and training. Those who received grant funds during the previous Technology Grant cycles are asked not to apply. Visit presbyterianfoundation.org/tech-grant to apply for the grant. The application process will be open from May 20 to July 13, 2026. Applications will be reviewed after the closing date. We anticipate more applicants than available grants.

Upcoming Boundary Training

Sponsored by the Synod of Lincoln Trails for all 8 presbyteries

and provided at no cost. Register Early!

The Presbytery of Chicago will provide in-person Boundary Training on

Wednesday, August 12, 2026, from 9am-3pm (CT), In-Person

@ Hope Presbyterian Church, 1771 S Wiesbrook Rd, Wheaton, IL

Lunch will be provided
Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 9am-3pm (CT), In-Person

@ Winnetka Presbyterian Church, 1255 Willow Road, Winnetka, IL

Lunch will be provided

Explore pastoral ministry and boundaries within communities of practice.

Discover essential approaches to healthy ministry.

This workshop satisfies the denominational boundary training requirements in G-3.0106.

Grant Sources!

Presbytery of Wabash Valley Local Mission Grants:

https://www.ourpresbytery.org/mission-grant-app

Smock Foundation (capital improvements for churches , on-going assistance to older adults, senior adult programming, deacons’ funds):

https://www.smockfoundation.com/

The David E. & Helen C. Culley Memorial Fund for continuing education:

contact info@ourpresbytery.org for more information.

Coming Soon: PWV Transformation Grants!

Supporting Young People through the Christmas Joy Offering

The Christmas Joy Offering is the new home for supporting the ministries working with youth and young adults. This support allows the PC(USA) to offer opportunities like the Presbyterian Youth Triennium and the Young Adult Volunteer program. Read about the impact the Triennium had on these international youth students from Presbyterian Pan American School.

Triennium Impact on International Students

Support Young People on Pentecost

Even though the Christmas Joy Offering is usually received during Advent, Offerings can be received at any time of the year that fits in your church’s schedule. If your congregation has received the former Pentecost Offering during this Pentecost season, consider receiving the Christmas Joy Offering this Pentecost Sunday. View more information on the 2026 changes to Special Offerings as approved by the 226th General Assembly (2024).

Radical Hospitality

We believe God is inviting us to be people of Radical Hospitality. Each year, we gather as an intergenerational community of faith for worship, creativity, recreation, and learning around a theme.

July 9 - 13th, 2026

For: Adults, Youth & Children

Location: Lourdes University, Sylvania OH

Welcoming our 2026 Collaborator Amanda Ark

As Outreach and Youth Specialist with First Presbyterian Church Bowling Green (Ohio) where she works in cross-cultural education, community outreach, and advocacy—especially with organizations like The Cocoon, BGO Pride, and La Conexión. We look forward to learning from, and growing with one another.

Location Change

After the closing of Geneva Center, where we have gathered for a decade, we are excited to be returning to a college campus for gathering 2026.

Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel

Monday, September 21, 2026 - Wednesday, September 23, 2026

You're invited to attend

Stewardship Kaleidoscope 2026!

This year’s conference will be held live in Baltimore, Maryland, September 21-23, 2026, with an online, virtual registration option as well. In-person attendees will be able to choose from dozens of workshops in addition to attending diverse plenary sessions and worship experiences. Virtual attendees will be able to join us for live-streamed and recorded plenaries and worship, and will also have access to 8 workshops, 4 of which will be available via be live-stream.

Registration rates are as follows:

Early Bird In-Person Registration (through June 30): $375*
First Call Pastor or Seminary Student In-Person Registration: $200
Virtual Attendee Registration: $150
(*After June 30, regular In-Person Registration increases to $425)

For information on available grants through the Presbyterian Foundation to assist pastors and New Worshiping Community leaders to attend the conference, please visit: https://www.presbyterianfoundation.org/resources/church-financial-literacy-and-leadership-program/grant/.

A limited number of scholarships are also available to in-person attendees who are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), which would bring the registration cost to $200. Please email tim.brown@elca.org for more information about this scholarship PRIOR to registering for the conference.

The conference will be held at the Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel, where a block of rooms will be available at the conference rate of $214/night. Your room reservation must be made by Aug. 28.

We look forward to seeing you in “Charm City!" Register HERE

Find information about our upcoming PCGN Monthly Zoom Calls and the PCGN 2026 Conference! We will only have 125 spots for the 2026 Conference, so you will want to act fast once the registration opens.

2026 PCGN Conference

SAVE the DATE: Monday, October 5 to Wednesday, October 7, 2026

- Cincinnati, Ohio

Our Second Annual PCGN Conference brings together leaders from across the PC(USA) who are committed to learning together how to lead churches toward faithful growth.We look forward to sharing the official conference announcement soon, including the theme and registration details. Registration will open in June 2026.

Stay Connected

Email Updates - Join through the website or email pcgn.contact@gmail.com to be added to our list.

PCGN Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/pcgrowthnetwork

PCGN Website - https://www.pcgrowthnetwork.org

5/29/1983 - The Rev. Paul Anderson, Covenant Pastor, Dyer and Merrillville, First
5/30/1955 - The Rev. Donald Nead, Retired
6/03/2018 - The Rev. Susan Brouillette, Organizing Pastor, Lafayette, A Work in Progress Faith Community

OPEN SEARCHES FOR PASTORAL LEADERSHIP

Deer Creek Presbyterian Church, Camden - MDP for Installed Pastor
Deer Creek Presbyterian Church, Camden - MDP for Commissioned Pastor
Wabash Avenue Presbyterian Church, Crawfordsville - MDP for Installed Pastor
First Presbyterian Church, Goshen - MDP for Installed Pastor
First Presbyterian Church, Goshen - MDP for Commissioned Pastor
Wabash Presbyterian Church, Wabash - MDP for Installed Pastor
Wabash Presbyterian Church, Wabash - MDP for Commissioned Pastor

Prayers of the Presbytery

Let us pray:

Dear God, thank you for loving the world and sending your church to grow in service, discipleship and effectiveness. We are grateful for examples of those who are listening to your Spirit’s voice. Guide all those involved in innovative ministry. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Prayer from the Mission Yearbook, PC(USA)

We are thankful for the ministry and service of Salem Center Presbyterian, Hudson.

~ Lord, we pray that You would tear down the walls of tradition that prevent us from reaching those who are far from You. Grant our ministry leaders the courage to challenge the status quo and the insight to see the incredible possibilities that lie ahead. Open our minds and our hearts to new methods, new technologies, and fresh approaches that meet people exactly where they are

Brandon A. Cox, Outreach magazine