An eUpdate for Church Leaders - October 2026 | | |
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From our Committee on Representation and Diversity
Help our Haitian Neighbors in Springfield
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Dear Presbytery of the Miami Valley Churches,
We know that our theme of World Communion Sunday this year is “…to love kindness.” This is based on Micah 6:8, “What does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God.” The prophet Micah’s charge “to love kindness” is uniquely embodied when the people of the world join around Christ’s table of grace.”
A Presbytery-wide Minute for Mission on October 4
Including the PCUSA World Communion Sunday brochures and offering envelopes, the Presbytery of the Miami Valley is asking all of our churches to also offer this Minute for Mission in their worship services on World Communion Sunday, October 4, 2026. Our hope is that in doing so we will offer up a strong, unison blanket of prayer over our Springfield, Ohio brothers and sisters from Haiti.
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World Communion Offering
Sunday, October 4
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What the world needs now is for us to come together to answer the prophet Micah’s call, to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with our God. Our gifts help share the love that the world needs now.
The World Communion Offering, received during A Season of Preparation leading up to World Communion Sunday, October 4, is a new way for Presbyterians to “love kindness” expressed in action, often involving mercy, faithfulness and steadfast commitment. Racial justice, gender justice, global witness, peacemaking, and ecumenical and interfaith relations are the important causes supported by this Offering.
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A Message from the Moderator
“Blessings on your story telling and story hearing!”
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In case you missed it, last month we sent out the September “Message from the Moderator” by the Rev. Diane Zielgler, Moderator of Presbytery of the Miami Valley. The September installment was called “Blessings on your story telling and story hearing!”
In the September message Diane reflects upon the September presbytery meeting and a workshop held at the meeting about story telling and story hearing.
“These reflections not only held value for each of us as we thought about our lives but became resources for launching into telling our stories to one another. We were challenged to engage with another member of the Presbytery for lunch, and to share our stories so that we can build and strengthen relationships together. Tending to the quality of our relationships and extending hospitality to others.”
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THERE'S STILL TIME TO REGISTER!
College Hill Community Church
Women’s Retreat October 10
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College Hill Community Church PC(USA) will hold its Women’s Retreat Saturday, October 10, 2026, 8:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. at the church located at 1547 Philadelphia Drive, Dayton.
The retreat will feature the Rev. Ruth Aimee Belonni-Rosario, Associate Executive for Racial Justice, Synod of the Covenant, who will speak on the topic of “Immigration Justice” and Alexis M. Lambright, MSW, a social worker/therapist based in New York City, who will lead a mental health workshop titled “Answering the Cries of our Women.”
The cost is $25 and includes breakfast and lunch. Scholarships and Spanish translation are available. Register by October 4.
All women in the presbytery are invited to attend.
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Proposed Amendments to the Book of Order (GA 227) | These amendments to the PC(USA) Book of Order were approved by the 227th General Assembly (2026) and recommended to the presbyteries for their vote. | | |
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Core Training for Godly Play
October 11-13 in Cincinnati
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Core Training for Godly Play will be offered October 11-13, 2026, in Cincinnati with Lisa Kaufer, Licensed Godly Play Trainer.
Godly Play Core Training is the most comprehensive training for this Montessori-based faith formation method and theology. Participants experience all aspects of the Godly Play method and begin to become fluent in the Godly Play core stories and fundamental practices.
Space is limited to 12 participants.
Questions? Contact Lisa Kaufer at muddyforkstudio@gmail.com
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Why use Practical Resources for Churches? | |
Upcoming Free Webinars: Fall 2026
The Upcoming Webinars for Fall 2026 from Practical Resources for Churches and Presbytery of the Miami Valley have been announced. The schedule offers a range of topics, and you’re sure to find something that interests you!
These webinars are free for all churches of Presbytery of the Miami Valley because of our membership in PRC.
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Free materials and benefits for you!
Presbytery of the Miami Valley has partnered with Practical Resources for Churches (PRC) to provide a variety of materials and services to our churches.
Because of our presbytery’s membership, your church has access to all the products in the PRC online store at no cost. The free products in the store include materials for use with children, teens, and adults. There are resources for curriculum, faith formation, worship, liturgical seasons, leadership, and more.
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Church Financial Leadership Grant Program | Grants are available from the Presbyterian Foundation to assist Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) pastors and New Worshiping Community leaders to attend continuing education opportunities which will help them in leading their congregations toward financial and missional vitality. Church stewardship team members are encouraged to apply with their pastors. | | |
Boundary Training for Church Sessions | |
The Book of Order now requires Boundary Training for members of church sessions at least every three years. More important than the requirement, however, is that Boundary Training provides an opportunity for meaningful conversations within sessions about how churches can create safe, welcoming, and transparent communities.
Presbytery of the Miami Valley is partnering with Practical Resources for Churches (PRC) to provide this training. PRC is a nonprofit, non-denominational, education-based service organization providing consultants, educational webinars, workshops, and resources.
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Post your position openings on the PMV website | |
Presbytery of the Miami Valley maintains a “Jobs” page on its website for our churches to post position openings for staff, other than pastors. (Pastor positions go through our denomination’s system.)
We encourage churches to send us their position openings, and we’ll be happy to post them. They may be sent to Don Nowak at don.nowak@miamipresbytery.org
Check out the latest position openings on our Jobs page.
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