What happened at the Fall Synod Meeting?
This is a brief summary of the meeting.
A Stated Meeting of the Synod of Lakes and Prairies was held October 6 and 7, 2024, via Zoom.
Jeff Dickinson, Ruling Elder (RE) from the Presbytery of Missouri River Valley, and Lisa Johnson, Teaching Elder (TE) from the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area, Moderator and Vice-Moderator, respectively, were both re-elected to serve another term in their respective positions. Jeff moderated this meeting with the assistance of former Moderator, Scott Prouty (TE), from MN Valleys.
Two new policies were adopted by the Synod. The Synod established a process for the election of members at large commissioners per G-3.0401 and elected Carolyn Grice (TE), Missouri River Valley, as the first “at large” member. Also a new Statement and Policy on Restorative Actions was adopted. Learn more
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Synod of Lakes and Prairies approves new policy on restorative actions
To date, the Synod has surrendered nearly $435,000 to trusts and organizations directed by Afro-American and Indigenous American communities
Story courtesy of Synod of Lakes and Prairies | Special to Presbyterian News Service
During its fall meeting this week, the Synod of Lakes and Prairies approved a new policy of restorative actions.
Synod Moderator Jeff Dickinson noted that the Synod — comprised of Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and eastern and central Nebraska — pledges to allocate, according to its new policy, “a proportional amount of wealth it receives from future undesignated bequests and property transfers for surrender to Restorative Actions trusts or Afro American and Indigenous organizations benefitting their communities.”
Read more
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The Rev. Jihyun Oh named leader of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s interim unified organization
Rick Jones | PC(USA) Communications Director - October 10, 2024
The Unification Commission has announced that the Rev. Jihyun Oh has been named as Executive Director and Stated Clerk of the General Assembly for the interim unified agency. Oh, who was elected Stated Clerk at the 226th General Assembly (2024) of the PC(USA) last summer, begins her new role immediately. The commission’s unanimous vote Thursday means that the staff of both the Office of the General Assembly and Presbyterian Mission Agency report to Oh and that the role of PMA President and Executive Director has been phased out. Read more
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Sankofa Pilgrimage
For five days, this month, a group of twelve participated in the Sankofa Pilgrimage to Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi.
They visited sites of the Civil Rights Movement, sites which document the history of slavery in the United States, and explored the role of the Presbyterian Church during these periods.
We look forward to hearing from members of the group about the pilgrimage, untold truths, and anti-racism.
The Synod of Lakes and Prairies was the first mid-council to join the denomination's Matthew 25 movement and is committed to dismantling structural racism.
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Indigenous Peoples Day
Rev. Fern Cloud, Stated Clerk, Dakota Presbytery, taught native art skills at the Indigenous Peoples Day celebration held at American Indian Magnet School, St. Paul, Minn. on October 14.
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Presbyterian pastor and hymn writer offers up a new hymn for All Saints Day
by Mike Ferguson | Presbyterian News Service
“O God, We Give Thanks for the Saints Gone Before Us” is a new hymn for All Saints Day by the Rev. Carolyn Winfrey Gillette celebrating faithful Christians in the past and present.
The new hymn is set to ASH GROVE, the tune used in “Let All Things Now Living.” All Saints Day is observed every year on Nov. 1.
Click here for the rest of the article and Gillette's hymn.
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Webinar explores the resource ‘Expressions of Older Adult Ministry’
LOUISVILLE — “Expressions of Older Adult Ministry,” a new online resource created by Presbyterian Older Adult Ministries Network in partnership with the Office of Christian Formation, got a rollout last week during an informational and inspirational webinar attended by nearly 50 people.
“It’s ministry with older adults, not for older adults,” said Miatta Wilson, mission associate in the Office of Christian Formation, who hosted the webinar and took participants through the features of the new resource. Learn more.
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Do you work for a PCUSA church or organization and have student loans?
The Financial Aid for Service office and the Board of Pensions of the PC(USA) are partnering with PeopleJoy to provide student loan advising as well as hands-on Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) application paperwork support.
If you are employed by a PCUSA church or organization find out if you are eligible to participate in this program. Those serving on a session, working at a church camp or church preschool may be eligible. Volunteers find out if you are eligible. Go to the Student Loan Assistance webpage for information and to apply.
Parent Plus Loans webinar, Nov. 12th at 2:00 pm Eastern time. Previously recorded webinars can be viewed here.
Pastors can also qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
pcusa.org/loanassist
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New tools for church treasurers can ease the burden of the job
by Robyn Davis Sekula, Presbyterian Foundation | Special to Presbyterian News Service
Being a church treasurer has become more complex in recent years. This largely volunteer job goes far beyond simply doing the math to ensure the books are balanced and the bills are paid.
Today, church treasurers and church staff in general need to be aware of the many ways the church can be defrauded, either by internal trusted people or by scammers who find ways to trick staff into disclosing information. Read more
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New video series on ‘Copyrights in Worship’ now available
PC(USA) staff address respecting creators when honoring our Creator
by Beth Waltemath | Presbyterian News Service
“Our use of language, symbols and cultural forms in Christian worship is founded on the gift of Jesus’ incarnation,” said the Rev. Dr. David Gambrell, quoting the Book of Order (W-1.0301), in his opening for a video addressing copyright issues in worship. The same passage in the Book of Order later states, “Through Jesus Christ, we may speak truthfully to God and lift up our hearts with gratitude.” The video, “Copyrights in Worship: Words,” is the second in a series of six short videos produced by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) through a collaboration between its Office of Theology & Worship, legal staff and Communications team. Read more
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2024 Christmas Joy Offering Resources
With website changes coming to the Special Offerings webpages, they want to make sure you have what you need for Advent and to prepare for the Christmas Joy Offering. There is a great slate of different resources available from at home resources, a media tool kit, and
PowerPoint slides. Find it all here.
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Presbyterian Women
in the Synod of Lakes and Prairies builds community and affirms women’s calls to leadership and spiritual growth.
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Knitting with Barbed Wire: Understanding the Factor of Religion in Mental Illness & Health, a new book by Marcia A. Murphy, now available for purchase. Proceeds go to the Psych Patients' Apparel Fund. Mental Health Initiatives, a St. Andrew ministry, promotes the dignity, value, and inherent worth of people who live with mental illness. | |
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Office Holiday Closings, 2024
Nov. 28 & 29
Dec. 23 - Jan. 1
Coming in 2025
Synod Sunday in Feb.*
Face-to-Face in Mar.*
Synod Meetings:
Apr. 27-29, in person
Sep. 28 & 29, Zoom
*More information to follow.
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Presbyteries and churches share your news with the Synod! | |
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Keeping In Touch is a monthly publication of the Synod of Lakes and Prairies of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
To subscribe email: office@lakesandprairies.org
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