August 6, 2026

Upcoming Healthy Boundary Training (HBEA)

Sponsored by the Synod of Lincoln Trails for all 8 presbyteries.

Provided at no cost. Fulfill the requirement for updated HBET.

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Presbytery of Chicago: Register for Chicago dates HERE

Wednesday, August 12, 2026, 9am-3pm (CT) - (in-person)

at Hope Presbyterian Church, 1771 S Wiesbrook Road, Wheaton, IL. *Lunch will be provided.

Thursday, August 27, 2026, 9am-3pm (CT) - (in-person)

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

*Lunch will be provided.

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Presbytery of Wabash Valley: Register for Presbytery of Wabash Valley dates HERE

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

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The Presbytery of Ohio Valley: Register for the Ohio Valley date HERE

Monday, October 26, 2026, from 10am-3pm (ET)

at First Presbyterian Church, 221 E. 6th Street, Bloomington IN 47408

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Anytime:

Safe Gatherings: https://safegatherings.com/learn-more/clergy-ethics/

For those renewing their training and at your own expense.

These workshops satisfy

the denominational boundary training requirements in G-3.0106.

(GLAPCE)- Great Lakes Association of Partners in Christian Education

When: Tues-Thurs, 10/20-10/22

Where: Lindenwood Retreat & Conference Center, 9601 N Union Rd, Plymouth, IN 46563

GLAPCE Early Bird Pricing available through August 15! Registration ends 9/15/2026.

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 HERE.

Grants & Scholarships!

Ongoing:

Local Mission Grants from the Presbytery of Wabash Valley

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

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

contact info@ourpresbytery.org for more information.

Frank & Laura Smock Foundation - capital improvements for churches, assistance to older adults, senior adult programming, deacons’ funds

https://www.smockfoundation.com/

Rest & Renewal Grant - gift from the Smock Foundation for pastors & chaplains

https://www.ourpresbytery.org/rest-and-renewal-resources

Grants with Deadlines:

World Communion Offering Grant -Special Offerings

Applications open: September 7, 2026 (Eligible to receive $500-$1000)

Read the list of required documentation . Click for more information.

Vital Worship, Vital Preaching Grant

Applications open: July 15, 2026 (Awards $8,000 to $25,000)

Deadline is October 15 Learn more HERE

What Does It Truly Mean to Love Humanity?

2026 Thomas H. Lake Lecture

Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 4:30 pm (ET).

Questions? Contact lfi@iu.edu.

World Communion Offering Oct. 4

For the World Communion Offering, the scriptural focus is on loving kindness. This Offering supports the causes of:racial justice

gender justice
peacemaking
global witness
ecumenical and interfaith relations

Download the Leader’s Guide

Ideas for World Communion Sunday / Download Worship Liturgy

Prepare for Fall

Resources to support the faith formation of the youth & families in your congregation!

PC(USA) Store has all the valuable tools you need, including

Books about care for children and youth
Confirmation certificates (download-printed format)
Poster sets
Big God Big Questions- Confirmation Curriculum
Faith Questions and Simple Sundays - simplify ministry
Downloadable studies for youth - explore theological questions.
Downloadable studies to help parents - support children’s faith development.
Adult studies - the entire congregation can have shared conversations.

PC(USA) Church Growth Network Conference 2026

Cincinnati, OH

Finding Courage, Leading Growth

Practicing Faithful Change That Leads to Faithful Growth

When: Monday to Wednesday, Oct. 5 - 7

Conference Host: Presbytery of Cincinnati

Location: 3400 Michigan Ave,Cincinnati, OH 45208

Cost: $200 per person Register HERE

The cost of the 2026 PCGN Conference has been generously underwritten by Lilly Endowment Grant funding as part of the Living Churches Initiative of the Presbytery of Cincinnati.

Contact pcgn.contact@gmail.com concerning conference programming.

Contact Lisa Allgood, Executive Presbyter at the Presbytery of Cincinnati, concerning registration & logistics by e-mail lisa@cpresby.org or by phone: (513) 221-4850.

PILLARS offers Presbyterians and friends of the church a simple and meaningful way to sustain the mission and ministry of the PC(USA) through recurring giving. Whether given weekly, monthly, or quarterly, these gifts provide steady support for our shared witness and help extend God’s love at home and around the world in tangible ways.

Join the PILLARS Community - Make a recurring gift!

Protecting yourself

is protecting your organization

This article - Protecting your organization starts with protecting the people you serve. Proactive screening, training, and clear safety policies help build trust and reduce the risk of preventable incidents.

8/08/1961 - The Rev. Louis Sandos, Retired
8/09/2015 - The Rev. Tyler Orem, Pastor, Highland, First

OPEN SEARCHES FOR PASTORAL LEADERSHIP

Deer Creek Presbyterian Church, Camden - MDP for Installed Pastor
Deer Creek Presbyterian Church, Camden - MDP for Commissioned Pastor
First Presbyterian Church, Elkhart - MDP for Installed Pastor
First Presbyterian Church, South Bend - Part-Time Covenant Pastor
Wabash Presbyterian Church, Wabash - MDP for Installed Pastor
Wabash Presbyterian Church, Wabash - MDP for Commissioned Pastor

Prayers of the Presbytery

For Ryan Shelley, RE and Candidate from Lafayette, Central, who had surgery on 8/05.

For the Rev. Kathy Kathary-Newton, Lignonier, who is having surgery on 8/11.

Please keep the family and friends of Dr. Anthony Butler, RE, Rensselaer, First, and Inquirer (CPM) in your prayers. Anthony's mother, Karen Lea Lesher, passed over the weekend. The visitation and funeral will be in Blissfield, MI on Friday, Aug. 7th. Cards and notes may be sent to: Dr. Butler in care of First Presbyterian Church, 220 N. Cullen Street, Rensselaer, IN 47978.

Please keep the family and friends of Jill Kitowski in your prayers. Jill completed her baptism on July 25, 2026. Visitation will be Friday, September 11, 2026, from 9:30-11:30 am (CT) with the service at 11:30 am (CT), at The Presbyterian Church of La Porte, 307 Kingsbury Avenue, La Porte, IN 46530. Burial will be private. Cards and notes may be sent to: Robin Kitowski, 3142 N Valleyview Dr., Bloomingon, IN 47404

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Gratitude for the ministry and service of First Presbyterian Church, Elkhart.

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Holy and Gracious God,

We thank you for the stories that endure and your comforting presence in our troubled and aching hearts. Help us to carry out the memory of those who lost their lives and had their stories cut short, not as a burden, but as a sacred promise of truth, trust and peace. Guide us as we seek justice, pursue peace, and work toward reconciliation in a world still longing for unity and harmony. United by love, we lift up your name and the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Amen.