NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER | 2022

A NOTE FROM SARA

Dear Friends,

What a privilege it is to call you friends — and companions on this journey in ministry.

As the seasons are changing, I’ve been thinking a lot about connections and how we can better maintain those connections. As the connectional church, we are blessed to have true relationships with our colleagues in ministry. We’ve maintained these connections during months of being confined to Zoom gatherings and virtual meetings. Now, as presbytery groups are starting to meet more in person, it has done my heart good to witness these re-connections, sharing time and space again.

And yet, as the winter months approach, our freedom to be outside is changing and most of us are going to be inclined to venture out less — especially when the snow comes and temperatures plummet.

Earlier this week, I heard someone say, “Some of the most important people that you’re going to meet in your life are in your future.” I’d never thought of it that way before.

Read the full letter from Synod Exec Sara Dingman

SOULstice

You are invited to participate in a pilot program this winter focusing on wellness and wholeness.

Pastors and faith leaders, are you looking for connection and momentum this season? SOLT is hosting a winter program this year to focus on wholeness — not to help you be more productive, but to help you be more well. Join us this season for small groups, guided topical discussions lead by Sara Dingman and coach Lois Annich, and a retreat.

Learn more and register

The Charleston Initiative

From the Presbytery of Southeast Illinois:

It was not a "little child" who made Reverend Mary Wright, pastor of FPC, Charleston aware of a need among some high school students, but it was a teenager. He shared the story of this group of teens who identify in some way with the LGBTQIA+ community, and he continues to be the conduit of communication for the needs of this community. This identified need prompted the creation of The Charleston Initiative.

The vision of The Charleston Initiative is simple--provide a safe space for these young people to gather after school for about 2 hours. FPC Charleston has the space, a heart to offer hospitality and welcome, and floor and board games of all kinds. Mary is networking with organizations like PFLAG and having lunch with members of the community to help build awareness of and support for this initiative. Members of the congregation have already volunteered to be an adult presence in the building while the young people are here, ensuring their safety.

In partnership with the Synod of Lincoln Trails and FPC Charleston, the General Council invites members of the Presbytery and friends beyond our bounds to contribute to The Charleston Initiative to provide safety and hospitable welcome to these teens through funding a 15-hour per week coordinator position.

To contribute to The Charleston Initiative, go to the Presbytery website (www.pseillinois.org) and click on the gold DONATE NOW button on the top right. Then choose THE CHARLESTON INITIATIVE and follow the screen instructions.

Promises and Perpetuity

A reflection by Sara Dingman:

In October, I spent a sacred week visiting Presbyterians of the Navajo, Apache, Laguna Pueblo, Pima, Maricopa, Ak Chin, and Hopi Nations and Communities. On behalf of the Synod of Lincoln Trails, PC(USA) I joined other synod execs seeking to “turn around and walk in the other direction” from the Doctrine of Discovery.

hats off to the commissioned lay pastors and church people in the 27 Presbyterian congregations and chapels that dwell on tribal lands in New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah.

We received warm hospitality from the 17 churches we were able to visit. People were so kind to host us, feed us, ask and answer questions, and pray for us and with us.

Read the full reflection

October Synod Meeting

The Synod of Lincoln Trails held its fall meeting on October 28. We worshipped (hearing a message on 1 Kings from Blackhawk Presbytery's Rev. Dan Robertson), heard committee reports, and approved the 2023 budget.

Bridging and bonding toward inclusion

From the Office of the General Assembly: A Leadership Formation webinar offered ruling elders and deacons ideas for overcoming implicit bias.

Click here to read a synopsis or watch the video.

Stated Clerk looks at ways the PC(USA) can reach people in need

Video from the Office of the General Assembly: The Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, discusses how churches can serve as community partners.

Watch the video.

Regarding Ruling Elders: Of Queens and Questions for Ruling Elders (Question 1)

From the Office of the General Assembly: Will you be a faithful ruling elder, watching over the people, providing for their worship, nurture, and service? Will you share in government and discipline, serving in councils of the church, and in your ministry will you try to show the love and justice of Jesus Christ?

Read this reflection on the constitutional questions by Rev. Julie Coffman Hester.

APCE 2023 Annual Event

News from GLAPCE:

The 2023 APCE (Association of Partners in Christian Education) Annual Event will be January 25 – 28, in Birmingham, Alabama, both in person and virtually (through AE Online). This event is for all who are involved in Faith Formation and Christian Education ministries. There will be fantastic worship, workshops, resources and fellowship. Registration rates for the in-person event change slightly after December 3. Check it out!

Registration is open for the 2023 APCE Annual Event! You can register to be in person in Birmingham or you can register for AE Online!

(317) 923-3681

https://lincolntrails.org/