| |
|
Upcoming Boundary Training
Sponsored by the Synod of Lincoln Trails for all 8 presbyteries and provided at no cost. You have several options to fulfill the requirement for updated boundary training. Please choose one and register today!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1. The Presbytery of Chicago will provide Boundary Training on
Wednesday, August 12, 2026, from 9am-3pm (CT) - (in-person)
at Hope Presbyterian Church, 1771 S Wiesbrook Road, Wheaton, IL. (*Lunch will be provided.)
Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 9am-3pm (CT) - (in-person)
at Winnetka Presbyterian Church, 1255 Willow Road, Winnetka, IL
(*Lunch will be provided.)
Register for either of the Presbytery of Chicago dates HERE
| |
|
These workshops satisfy
the denominational boundary training requirements in G-3.0106.
| | | | |
2. The Presbytery of Wabash Valley will provide Boundary Training on
Thursday, September 17, from 10am-3pm (ET) - (in person)
at Bethany Presbyterian Church, 3305 Longlois Dr, Lafayette, IN 47904
*Lunch will be provided
Saturday, September 26, from 10am-3pm (ET) - (on ZOOM)
Must be preregistered by 9/19
Register for either of the Presbytery of Wabash Valley dates HERE
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
3. The Ohio Valley Presbytery will sponsor Boundary Training on
Monday, October 5, 2026 - Location and time to be determined.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
4. Anytime:
Safe Gatherings: https://safegatherings.com/learn-more/clergy-ethics/ (For those renewing their training and at your own expense.)
| | | | |
How the Synod of Lincoln Trails is rethinking boundary training
- Rethinking boundary training: Forming healthier ministry leaders
Pastors often leave boundary training knowing the rules but still struggling with conflict, anxiety, and burnout. A new model in the Synod of Lincoln Trails aims to change that, writes Rebecca Blair.
Read more HERE
| | | | |
227th General Assembly (2026) ends
July 2nd, 2026 - click HERE to read more
July 3rd, 2026 - click HERE to read more
The recommendation to hold the 228th General Assembly (in 2028) in San Juan, Puerto Rico, was overwhelmingly approved!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
More pictures from GA
in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Rev. Joel Moody, South Bend, Sunnyside - PWV Overture Advocate
- Bruce Ward, PWV YAAD, Lafayette, Central - Addressing the plenary session of GA 227
| | | | |
|
Nominating Committee
needs YOU!
Do you know someone who would enjoy being on a committee or commission? Many of our teams meet via Zoom. Please consider yourself, or someone you know, who enjoys coffee at home, fellowship in their pj's, Zoom meetings, laughter and meaningful work for the betterment of God's work in Wabash Valley.
Click HERE for the Nominating Committee Recommendation forms.
Return them to the Presbytery office by July 31 at info@ourpresbytery.org.Thank you!
| | | | |
|
Deer Creek Presbyterian Church
12th Annual Cruise-In
Free Admission, music, & fun for all ages!
When: Saturday, July 11th
Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where: 4450 North State Road 29, Deer Creek, IN
GREAT food! Apple or strawberry rhubarb dumplings, burgers, hot dogs
| | | | |
|
Well-Being Retreat 2026
Registration Deadline: July 16, 2026
When: Monday, Aug. 24- Wednesday, Aug 26, 2026
Where: Montreat Conference Center, 401 Assembly Drive, North Carolina, 28757
About This Event: Well-Being Retreat 2026 is centered on fully embracing life by caring for our whole selves as an expression of God’s hope for shalom – the flourishing of life. Through honoring our personal stories (the good, the hard, and the unfinished), engaging in meaningful conversations, and indulging in play and creativity, we will reflect on what abundance personally means for us and the ways we are invited into deeper purpose.
During three days of education sessions, worship, and fellowship, Well-Being Retreat 2026 will offer pathways toward living a full life that supports our sense of wholeness and well-being.
Who Should Attend? Well-Being Retreat 2026 is for all active and retired members of the Benefits Plan — including ministers, employees, spouses, surviving spouses, and their guest.
REGISTER here NOW
| | | | |
| |  | |
When: Tues, 10/20-Thurs, 10/22
Where: Lindenwood Retreat & Conference Center, 9601 N Union Rd, Plymouth, IN 46563
GLAPCE Early Bird Pricing available through August 15!
Join us for this fabulous retreat - featuring guest speakers Rev. Tom Brown and Rev. Jennifer Burns Lewis. Use the QR code or visit the event page at https://www.glapce.org/2026-fall-event.html
| | | | | |
| |
|
World Communion Offering Announcements
In preparation for the World Communion Offering, we wanted to remind you of a few important dates.
- Sept. 6, A Season of Preparation begins.
- Oct. 4, the World Communion Offering is received, on World Communion Sunday
World Communion Offering Resources
You can find resources for this year’s first-ever World Communion Offering on our website, ready for download. Or you can order printed resources from the PC(USA) Store. Watch for emails highlighting specific World Communion Offering resources later this summer. Download World Communion Offering Resources
World Communion Offering Grant Updates!
Information on the grant program has now been solidified and will be forthcoming. It will include a timeline, what the grants should be used for, details on who can apply and contact information for questions you may have. Watch your inbox for more information coming next week!
Visit our website for more information about the World Communion Offering and to download resources.
We are the Church. Together.
| | | | |
|
WELCOME!
Rev. Tommy Grimm and the First Presbyterian Church in Bloomington, Indiana, which is just 2 blocks from Indiana University, welcome students attending IU this fall.
Click HERE to share the student's name, contact information and any other relevant information. FPC-Bloomington is honored to join you in surrounding this child of your church with the love of Christ by offering them a beloved community. Questions? Email FPC-Bloomington at office@fpcbloomington.org
| | | | |
|
FEMA Announces $1.5 Billion to Empower Communities to Prevent Terrorism and Protect American Infrastructure
- FEMA published the FY 2026 Nonprofit Security Grant Program funding opportunity, making $300 million available to houses of worship, community centers and other nonprofit organizations. Recipients can use this funding to harden their defenses against acts of terrorism and targeted violence. This program helps ensure Americans can safely practice their faith and gather in community with one another.
- The application period for these funding opportunities opens June 24. 2026, and closes at 5 p.m. ET on July 24, 2026. States and other eligible applicants should carefully review each funding notice to learn more about the eligibility requirements and evaluation criteria. Notices of Funding Opportunity and upporting documents are available on Grants.gov.
| | | | |
|
Do you need song books for Christian Educators, Youth Leaders or Pastors?
First Presbyterian Church, South Bend, wants to donate
their hymnals to you!
| | |
The Hymnal (blue) - from 1990
| | Songs for Praise & Worship (white) - from 1992 | | Sing a new creation! (green) - from 2001 | | Contact: Wendy Henry, Executive Assistant, First Presbyterian Church of South Bend at (574)-234-4159, for more information. | | | | |
|
Authentic humanity
and artificial intelligence
-
If it hasn’t happened to you yet, it will. A tech-savvy member will suggest that a committee can make its work more efficient if it uses AI to summarize its meetings and suggest a way forward. Or after an incredibly hectic week has drained your inspiration, you will contemplate the ethics of using ChatGPT to help you finish your sermon.
- Although AI has been around for a while, people are asking more questions about how this technology should or should not be used in ministry. Ministry, at its core, is about human and spiritual formation. The questions that we as church leaders need to ask concern whether we will be passive or active participants in the way congregations adopt this evolving technology. Will we be thought leaders in conversations about ethics, or will we simply react when controversial issues arise?
- One of the fundamental tasks of the church is to bear witness to the meaning of being made in the image of God. Our mission is incarnational. When a friend is in trouble, we show up for them in person — with food and hugs. Artificial intelligence can assist us with research, analyze data and generate ideas, but it cannot sit in a hospital room at 2 a.m. and cry with someone. It cannot discern from a quick glance into someone’s eyes after worship that even though they say they are doing fine, they need a pastoral follow-up because they really aren’t doing fine at all.
- Artificial intelligence already is having too big an impact for Christian leaders to just sit back and watch this technological revolution unfold. Thankfully, we know what it means to be truly human — because the Gospel of John tells us that in Jesus the “word became flesh.” That means we do not need to be fearful in the wake of this new technology. We do, however, need to intentionally and thoughtfully bear witness to what a machine can’t ever be.
With peace, Prince R. Rivers, Editor, Alban at Duke Divinity
Resources:
Why religious leaders need to understand agentic AI
Is AI out of control?
| | | | |
|
2026 Indianapolis Monumental Marathon
🏃 Run with purpose on Saturday, November 7, 2026
Church World Service is an official charity partner of the 2026 Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, and we're recruiting runners for Team CWS.
Whether you're tackling the Half Marathon or Full Marathon, every mile helps create a world where all have food, voice, and a safe place to call home.
Join Team CWS today:
Half Marathon: https://haku.ly/f3905e2c45
Full Marathon: https://haku.ly/585fbe0a77
Team CWS participants will receive:
• A premium Team CWS racing singlet or t-shirt
• Coaching support from Olympic Trials qualifier Evan Gaynor
• Access to a private pre- and post-race tent
• A pre-race team meal
• Fundraising support from CWS staff
Our goal is to raise $25,000, with 70% supporting CWS programs around the world
and 30% supporting the local work of CWS Indianapolis.
| | | | |
- 7/12/1959 - The Rev. Dr. Ralph G Smith, Retired
- 7/13/2003 - The Rev. Laura Penney Bade, Lafayette, Bethany, Parish Associate
- 7/15/1990 - The Rev. Catherine Moran, Retired
| | | | |
|
OPEN SEARCHES FOR PASTORAL LEADERSHIP
| | | | |
Prayers of the Presbytery
*Condolences to the Rev. Barb Kenley, Retired, on the death of her sister Joan Kaplan after a long illness.
*Gratitude for the ministry and service of Garrett Presbyterian Church.
God our Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer and friend:
~ help us understand what your love sounds like,
~ discern with us what 'eternal' means,
~ open our eyes to the ground rules,
~ remind us to invite others to take action and be accountable.
Through Christ you demonstrate, in fullness, the depth of your love. May we reflect his compassion, which permeated all his actions, as we serve. Amen.
| | | | |
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Calendar for the Week-
7/09 @ 1 (ET) = Nominating Committee - by Zoom
7/13 @ 9 (ET) = Staff Meeting
7/13 @ 10 (ET) = Stewardship Ministry Team - by Zoom
7/13 @ 4 (ET) = Ministry & Outreach Team - by Zoom
Coming Up-
July 17 - 26 = Anne is on vacation. The Rochester office will be closed, however, Marjorie Reinsch, Eric Herzog, Jeff Whitney, and Jennifer Burns Lewis may be reached by email or phone.
7/20 @ 9 (ET) = Staff Meeting
7/27 @ 9 (ET) = Staff Meeting
7/28 @ 10 (ET) = Coordinating Council - by Zoom
7/28 @ 12 (ET) = Leadership Team - by Zoom
7/29 @ 12 (ET) = Communications & Visioning - by Zoom
8/03 @ 9 (ET) = Staff Meeting
8/06 @ 10 (ET) = Commission on Ministry - by Zoom
8/06 @ 1 (ET) = Commission on Preparation for Ministry - by Zoom
| | | | | | |
| |
|
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
| | | | |
