Keeping us Connected

January 2025

Dear Community,


Thank you for your concern and prayers for those affected by the California wildfires. We know the Presbytery of the Pacific has been affected and fires are also thought to have impacted the presbyteries of San Fernando and San Gabriel. This is a time of great grief and loss, and many are eager to help.


Here are the ways to contribute to the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance U.S. wildfires account, using the code DR000165:


  • To donate by phone, call 800-872-3283.
  • To send a check, please designate where you want your gift to go on the memo line and mail to:

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

PO Box 643700

Pittsburgh PA 15264-3700


Other ways to help include monetary or blood donations to the Red Cross or donating to trusted organizations. NBC News has vetted some charities, read the news article. (nbcnews.com/news/us-news/how-to-help-victims-los-angeles-wildfires-rcna187274).


Your prayers and support will bring hope and healing.


The Synod of Lakes and Prairies

Web_UJ_LCA_0221911-copy-1146x650 image

Fire damages kitchen, dining area at Jamestown University


Jamestown University is one of the seven PCUSA related schools within the synod.


Early Sunday morning, a fire broke out in the kitchen of the Badal Nafus Student Center on the University of Jamestown campus. The fire was quickly contained to the kitchen and dining area, and there were no injuries. Read the full article here.

University of Dubuque Theological Seminary invites an accomplished alum to deliver the 2025 Berger Lecture


The Rev. Gilo Gora Agwa speaks of our continued responsibility to care for God’s children on the margins. January 21, 2025


LOUISVILLE — The Rev. Gilo Gora Agwa, a 2014 MDiv graduate of the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, spoke about the importance of ministry to people on the margins Monday during the Berger Lecture he delivered Monday in Blades Chapel on the seminary campus.


Agwa’s talk, “Proclaiming and Demonstrating God’s Care for Those on the Margins,” was delivered in two parts on Monday and can be viewed here. He's introduced by the Rev. Dr. Beth McCaw, dean of the seminary, at the 8:30 mark.


Read the full article by Mike Ferguson.

“God can work in

the margins” 

logo-269x300 image
Omaha Seminary

Two year pastoral residency program


The Omaha Presbyterian Seminary Foundation offers a two year pastoral residency program for early-call pastors. We are excited to announce the four congregations who make up the inaugural cohort of the Synergos Pastoral Residency Program.


First Presbyterian Church | Gillette, WY

First Presbyterian Church | Helena, MT

Pine River Calvary Presbyterian Church | Bayfield, CO

First Presbyterian Church | Conrad, MT 


The program had its initial gathering of the first cohort on January 18th. The four congregations met via Zoom and were asked to share why they had applied to be part of the program. A team member from the Conrad congregation shared, "We see this program as a promising answer to our prayers."


Our Director of the Synergos Residency, the Rev. Jessica Crane Munoz says she’s excited to partner with these congregations. “All four congregations are diverse and yet there are many similarities between them. They have unique assets and challenges and can still be considered 'traditionally Presbyterian.’”

2025 Pastoral Residency Congregations

Would you like to serve at one of these congregations?

Apply for the Synergos Pastoral Residency Program below.

Apply for a Synergos Residency

Questions?

Contact our Director of Residency, Rev. Jessica Crane Munoz at residency@opsf-omaha.org

Dreaming-Logo_NoWebsite_Reversed image

Presbyterian Youth Triennium


Registration opens on February 3, 2025.


In July 2025, the Presbyterian Church (USA) will welcome thousands of its high school age youth and their adult youth workers to Louisville, Kentucky for four days of worship, recreation, bible study, outreach, and faith formation all around the theme of “As If We Were Dreaming”.


More information is available here.

Preaching Through Lent & Your Easter Sermon

University of Dubuque Theological Seminary

Zoom event Feb. 13, 2025, register at https://bit.ly/preachersonline

Download Flyer

Book Discussion


Our first-ever Book Discussion - on Dr. Cynthia Moe-Lobeda's, Building a Moral Economy: Pathways for People of Courage (Fortress) convenes the Fourth Wednesday of the month: January 22, February 26, & March 26, 2025 from 12:00/noon to 1:00 PM CT via zoom.



Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis, reflecting on 'Building a Moral Economy', writes, 'We can live in a world where everyone flourishes; it is what God intends. This life-affirming vision is at the heart of Cynthia Moe-Lobeda's book. Read this book if you find abandonment amid abundance and poverty amid plenty immoral and wrong, and to find a path that affirms that ending poverty is possible; indeed, it is what our God of justice demands.' Learn more and register for the discussion link here.

Pastor recalls participation in Selma march


Rev. Richard Harrison, Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys, was on the local evening news sharing his memories of participating in the Selma march of 1965. Watch the interview here.

Daily devotions


Daily devotions, Lectionary FAQs, and the Mission Yearbook are available on the PC(USA) website. On the home page scroll down to Daily Readings and click on any of the readings for more information.

2025 Per Capita


Per capita connects Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregations and mid councils with the work of the wider church. Per capita is how Presbyterians mutually and equitably share the costs of moving the church forward in the 21st century.

Rates for 2025:

Synod = $5.50

GA = $10.84

Presby Women Logo

Presbyterian Women

in the Synod of Lakes and Prairies builds community and affirms women’s calls to leadership and spiritual growth.



The Sower newsletter, Fall 2024

Synod Happenings

Coming in 2025

Leadership Summit March*

Synod Sunday*

Face-to-Face*


Synod Meetings:

Apr. 27-29, in person

Sep. 28 & 29, Zoom

*More information to follow.

Opportunities!

PC (USA) Careers


Church Leadership Connection (CLC)


Work for the Foundation

LeaderWise
Omaha Seminary
UDTS-logo image

Before we go ...

January 28th has a lot going for it.


It is National Blueberry Pancake Day, National Kazoo Day, and International Lego Day!

🫐🥞

Helpful Links

Presbyteries in the Synod

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

General Assembly

Board of Pensions

Presbyterian Foundation

Hillcrest Family Services

Nebraska Presbyterian Foundation

PC(USA) News

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance

Special Offerings

The PC(USA) Store

The Presbyterian Outlook

Synod of Lakes and Prairies

Presbyteries & churches send your news to the editor.


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



Facebook