Presbytery of Northern Kansas Newsletter -
March 15, 2022
|
|
|
Meet Our New Program and Resource Coordinator - Amanda Littell |
|
The Presbytery of Northern Kansas welcomes Amanda Littell as our new Program and Resources Coordinator. Amanda is a Salina, KS native and has been a member of FPC/Salina since elementary school. She is a graduate of KU and UMKC.
Amanda will work primarily out of her home office and you can reach her by phone from 9:00 a.m. to Noon, Monday through Friday. Plus, you are welcome to leave a message for Amanda anytime by emailing alittell@pnks.org or calling 785-825-1655 or 1-877-777-5310.
You are always invited to contact Amanda to schedule a time to come to the PNK Resource Center to spend time reviewing materials, studying or planning a program alone or with a team from your congregation.
Welcome Amanda!
|
|
A Powerful Resource for Leading CE |
|
What happens when your church is without a Christian Education Director and you're the chair of that committee? Chris Wilson from FPC/Manhattan found an invaluable resource.
We are without our long time Christian Education director, and I'm chairing our Faith Formation Committee. The C.E. Forum has been a great help to our committee and me! Just hearing from those involved in Christian education in other churches in the Presbytery and learning about what they are doing has given us a lot of direction. The Forum has helped us choose curriculum for summer and fall and resources for Lent and VBS. The experiences of other churches during this challenging time has also helped us to make decisions about in-church, online and hybrid classes. What we learn from other churches gives us perspective, resources, and new ideas.
I'm so grateful for the C.E. Forum!
All persons who are responsible for planning Christian Education or Faith Formation are invited to join us for the PNK C.E. Forum that meets every Monday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. via Zoom. Just email the Presbytery Office at office@pnks.org and let them know you want to be added to the list.
|
|
FPC/Lawrence is Certified as a PC(USA) Earth Care Congregation |
|
First Presbyterian Church in Lawrence was certified as an Earth Care Congregation by Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s Presbyterian Hunger Program through February 2023. This honor speaks to the great commitment that First Presbyterian Church has made to care for God’s earth. They are just one of 292 churches in the PC(USA) with this certification.
To become an Earth Care Congregation, this congregation affirmed an Earth Care Pledge to integrate environmental practices and thinking into their worship, education, facilities, and outreach.
The Earth Care Congregation certification is designed to recognize churches that make the commitment to take seriously God’s charge to “till and keep” the garden.
|
|
In the newsletter, we will feature some helpful hints, programs, apps, and other ideas on how to use technology to benefit you and your congregation. From how to use Zoom to how to find something on our website.
This week: Cybersecurity. Check out this recently posted webinar from The Insurance Board.
|
|
|
In Defense of Kindness: Why It Matters, How It Changes Our Lives, and How It Can Save the World
Kindness Webinar with Bruce Reyes Chow
|
|
You might have been part of the PNK Book Study of Bruce Reyes Chow's book In Defense of Kindness or you might not have been able to participate but EVERYONE is invited to join us for conversation with Bruce.
April 7, 2022
7:00 p.m. (CT)
Webinar via Zoom (link to be sent upon registration)
Let's talk more about how we can all practice more kindness especially when talking about tough issues we won't all agree on. Discover ways we can each choose kindness in order to bring healing, wholeness and hope to our congregations and our communities. Bruce is an experienced Presbyterian pastor. “With a playful spirit, and an unwavering commitment to justice, Bruce invites us to explore the many ways kindness can bring healing, wholeness, and hope.”
BIO: Bruce is an author, speaker, parent, consultant, coach, podcaster, and pastor. He speaks and writes on issues of faith, technology, race, parenting, and church culture. He is currently the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Palo Alto, Senior Consultant with The Convergence Network, and a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach. He hosts the podcast, BRC & Friends and is the author of four books. His latest is “In Defense of Kindness: Why It Matters, How It Changes Our Lives, and How It Can Save the World” (Chalice Press, 2021). He has an active online presence and can be found on most social networks via @breyeschow.
Just SIGN-UP BY April 1st by registering via the link below and you will receive the Zoom link.
|
|
Ministry Leader Listening Sessions
A Message to Share from Theology, Formation, and Evangelism
|
|
We would like to listen to you!
The office of Theology, Formation, and Evangelism is scheduling listening sessions for ministry leaders starting late March. They are focused for the following: Teaching Elders, Commissioned Ruling Elders, First Call, Retired, Small Church/Part-time/ Bi-Vocational, Ecumenical, and Chaplains.
We want to hear about your feelings, needs, concerns, and challenges in order to develop cohorts and resources that address your needs. Please register here if you would like to attend.
|
|
Spirit of Stewardship Conference
|
|
Make plans to attend this regional stewardship event seeking to nurture, educate, and inspire faithful financial discipleship and promote meaningful holistic approaches to stewardship. |
|
When: Friday and Saturday, April 1-2, 2022 (note date change!). Registration deadline is March 21st
Where: First Presbyterian Church, Lee's Summit, MO
Keynote Speakers:
Rev. Dr. Scott McKenzie, CFRE Partner and Sr. Vice President of Horizons Stewardship
Kristine Miller, CFRE Partner and Sr. Vice President of Horizons Stewardship
|
|
|
Worship Leader: Rev. Laura Frazey, Pastor/Head of Staff, Covenant Presbyterian Church, Wichita, KS
Sponsors: Presbyteries of Heartland, Missouri Union, Northern Kansas and Southern Kansas, Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy
|
|
Youth Work Camp | June 5th - 10th |
|
The PNK Youth Ministries Committee invites all youth in 7th-12th grade to join us for a week of service, fellowship, and fun at Heartland Presbyterian Center with a trip to Worlds of Fun.
5th-10th June
Heartland Presbyterian Center, Parkville, MO
Cost: $200
Register by April 15th | First Come, First Served
|
|
|
Looking for an energetic person who enjoys working with children and youth in a progressive church setting. Could this be you?
Position Description: Coordinator of Christian Education and Youth Director
First Presbyterian Church of Lawrence, Kansas is seeking a Christian Education Coordinator and Youth Director. Position requires personal faith development, solid interpersonal skills, Office 365 competency, familiarity with database applications, and ability to work a flexible 30 – 40 hour week including hours on Sunday.
Interested applicants should send resume and cover letter to:
linda@firstpreslawrence.org by end of day, April 14, 2022. Applications will be processed as received. Job description available on request.
|
|
Please contact the Presbytery Office with any joys or concerns you would like to have added to the PNK Prayer List. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
