KEEPING IN TOUCH

June 2023

Calling all procrastinators

Hey, no judgement. We get it.

If you have been thinking about attending

Synod School now is the time to act.

There are great course offerings available, special programs for children & youth, and fantastic speakers.

We would love to see you!

Find out all about it here.

Self-Development of People

The Synod's SDOP committee is accepting applications for funding through July 15, 2023. Click here to learn more.

Stewardship Kaleidoscope scholarships

The Transforming Communities/Vital Leaders committee of the Synod is offering registration scholarships to individuals and groups from churches and presbyteries within the Synod to attend Stewardship Kaleidoscope, September 25-27, in Minneapolis. Click on Stewardship Kaleidoscope for more information on the event. To apply for a scholarship click on the button below.

These scholarships are part of our effort to support church leaders in their work as well as congregational vitality through availability of excellent events in our geographic region.

Stewardship Kaleidoscope Application

Racial Ethnic Student Scholarships

The Racial Ethnic Student Scholarship Fund is an educational assistance program designed to encourage racial ethnic students in their preparation for academic success in higher education. Applications are due September 30, 2023.

More Information

Art of Transitional Ministry

Week 1 training offered virtually by the Synod, October 23-27, 2023.

Whether it is a change in leadership or a changing

community, leading a congregation through change i challenging and rewarding. It takes knowledge,

skill, resilience, and spiritual strength to navigate the waters of change in a way that leaders and congregations thrive.

This training is for individuals who are considering ministry in temporary settings

(as an interim, transitional or designated pastor) or are experiencing ministry in

these transitional times. Materials presented will include the basics of transitional ministry and will be of value to all congregational pastors regardless of their

ministry setting. Best practices in transitional ministry include ways to enter the

congregation and community, working with a congregation to articulate their

strength and growing edges, and assisting a congregation move toward their

chosen future. This training will delve into navigating change, the pastor as a

spiritual interpreter of transition, family systems, mission focus ministry, conflict

mediation, and building resiliency.

Participants completing the full 30 hours of training will meet the requirements for

Week I Transitional Ministry Education. For a certificate of completion, you must actively participate in all sessions, in their entirety.

Tuition and fees cover the tuition as well as the costs of taking the Thomas Kilman Inventory and the Intercultural Development Inventory and its interpretation.

Schedule: We will meet each day from 9:00-11:30 a.m. and 1:00-4:30 p.m. Central Time. A detailed schedule will be available for participants by October 1. Preparation information will be in the confirmation email.

Bronwen Boswell named Acting Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the PC(USA)

The Committee on the Office of the General Assembly has announced that the Rev. Bronwen Boswell has been named Acting Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Boswell, who is currently general presbyter/stated clerk at Shenandoah Presbytery, will serve until the election of a new stated clerk at the 226th General Assembly in Salt Lake City, Utah, next summer.

Matthew 25

When we welcome others, we welcome Christ; when we bring together people who are divided, we are doing God’s reconciling work. … there is not just one way to be a part of the Matthew 25 movement.

Suffocating medical debt relieved by churches organizing debt buy-back through RIP Medical Debt

June 15, 2023 by John C. Williams

One in 10 American adults owes significant medical debt, and that debt causes two-thirds of all bankruptcies. To Rev. Stacy Cavanaugh of Union Presbyterian Church in Monroe, Wisconsin, that wasn't acceptable. Giving - and more specifically, generosity - ties into many churches' connection to Matthew 25,

For information about the Presbyterian Foundation’s online giving portal, email serving@presbyterianfoundation.org.

A founding member of Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church was enslaved by its first pastor

In May, the church honored the life of Betsey Jackson, one of its 26 original members in 1808, by renaming their boardroom and commissioning a portrait.

Building Ministry Vitality

Through Matthew 25

Spirit Inspired Worship:

"...present your bodies as a living sacrifice that is holy and pleasing to God..."

What do Presbyterians believe about worship?

As part of the What We Believe series produced by the Presbyterian Mission Agency PC(U.S.A.), pastor Paul Detterman, unpacks the core Presbyterian beliefs about worship -- what it is , who it's for, and what it should include. And it all starts with God and discovering joy in God's presence.

Presbytery of Milwaukee

You have a Matthew 25 story to share.

Let us know how your church is involved with Matthew 25. Email your article or story idea to the editor of Keeping In Touch at office@lakesandprairies.org.

Grants and Scholarships

Throughout the year, the Presbyterian Mission Agency offers more than 20 grants and scholarships raging from $100 to $50,000, awarded to individuals, communities, and mid councils.

I want to learn more.

Synod Office Summer Schedule

The Synod will be closed for the following holidays:

July 3

Independence Day, July 4

Labor Day, September 4

The office is also closed on Fridays from June 2 - September 1.

Opportunities

Chief Executive Officer Search - Interfaith Action of Greater Saint Paul; position profile

PC(USA) positions

Presbyterian Foundation - Work for the Foundation

Summer reCONNECTion Tour

The Ministry Lab invites all leaders and members of Minnesota UCC, UMC, and PC(USA) congregations and all community members of United Theological Seminary ('cuz you're already members) - and their neighbors and colleagues ('cuz the more the merrier!) - to gather for a time of inspiration, collaboration, contemplation, and lunch (it's free!!).

We're visiting the Mankato, and Duluth Areas in July, and August (respectively). Come discover how we strive to support your ministries and inform future offerings by sharing your Great Ideas and challenges.

All gatherings run from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Learn more here.

Find the complete daily schedule and register by clicking on your nearby locale:

Mankato - Friday, July 14

Duluth - TBD

Join The Leadership Center for Social Justice and partners on July 15, 2023 for a celebration with Mississippi River! Come gather to connect, learn, pray, engage, play, celebrate, and honor the spirit of water. This event is co-presented with our partners: Resilient Indigenous Sisters Engaging (R.I.S.E. Coalition), Rights of Mississippi River, Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light, and Friends of the Mississippi River

Join us in the morning at United Theological Seminary campus for education about the importance of water, threats to water, and ways in which we can work to protect water. Then join us at Hidden Falls in the afternoon where we will have a community celebration with speakers, music, information booths, food, art, and play areas for children.

Learn more and register here.