Presbytery Blog - Rev. Ellen Gurnon
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Unexpected but Extraordinary
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"Soon one of the volunteers was helping him, and they were talking and laughing like old friends."
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Our Presbytery - Our Work
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Weekly Prayer Basket
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Please pray for... our guest blogger, Rev. Ellen Gurnon, and her congregations, First and Westminster Presbyterian, Cape Girardeau.
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Please pray for... Labrisha Elliott, 28-year-old diabetic on dialysis, now in a coma for two weeks after a heart attack and stroke
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Please pray for... For the mission co-workers abroad, as they deal with unrest and uncertainty in virus transmission and political changes.
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Support Ministry
Help Wanted
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Order Your 2021-2022 Planning Calendar
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The 16‐month planning calendar (September 2021 - December 2022) contains many planning aids for pastors and other church leaders.
The cost is $9.75 plus shipping or they can be picked up in the office. The expected delivery is late August.
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If you have any questions regarding team meetings, please check with your Moderator for meeting dates and times, or call the office at 314-772-2395, or email Office Manager, Leigh Porter at [email protected]
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Mon., June 28
Wed, June 30
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Please note that many Presbytery Ministry Teams will not meet in July. Please check with your team moderator to verify your teams meeting plans.
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Matthew 25
Living into the Call
(even in a pandemic)
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LoveJoy United Presbyterian Church
Wood River, Illinois
LoveJoy United was founded in 2016 when two congregations merged together as one. One of the predecessor churches had a large, expensive building to sell. We finally sold the building at the end of 2019, shortly before the pandemic began. In this time of immense uncertainty and need, we felt called to sell what we have and give to those who have need (Acts 2:45). Of the proceeds, we have given more than $10,000 in grants to organizations that share our mission of eradicating systemic poverty and structural racism. We are excited to continue living into our Matthew 25 commitment.
If you have questions on how to become a Matthew 25 Congregation, we welcome your questions, simply email [email protected]
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PCUSA Matthew 25 Resource Update
New resources from the Office of Theology and Worship will help those engaged in the work of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Matthew 25 invitation make a stronger connection between the three foci of the vision and the biblical passage. Click here to learn more.
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Dynamic Leaders Team Recommendations & Support
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Stewardship Kaleidoscope Registration Opens
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"To Be God-Like is to Give Like God"
WANTED
Understanding stewardship is one of the most important aspects of being a church leader and member. Since all churches engage in stewardship campaigns, wouldn't it be helpful to have a team of folks from presbytery as a resource?
We are looking for two people to serve as co-chairs of a Stewardship Work Group-part of the Dynamic Leaders Team. If you have a calling to help disciples become more generous in their faith, we need your gifts.
In order to be properly equipped for this leadership role, we want to send the co-leaders to the Kaleidoscope Stewardship Conference at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Cincinnati, OH. The conference is September 13-15th and we will pay the registration fees and cover the lodging!
If interested to learn more, please talk with Rev. Ed Zumwinkel, chair of the Dynamic Leaders Team ( [email protected]).
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Stewardship Kaleidoscope
September 13-15
This annual conference offers excellent plenary speakers, informative workshop leaders, provocative worship experiences, and incredible networking opportunities for all who are passionate about stewardship and generosity. Drawing leaders from across the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) and other ecumenical partners, Stewardship Kaleidoscope is designed to help participants explore stewardship, in its many colorful dimensions!
Our mission is to create an annual event that:
- Ignites generosity
- Gives practical tools for cultivating generosity in congregations
- Expands the leadership capacity of those who lead stewardship initiatives
- Cultivates adaptive approaches for funding Christ’s mission
Venues vary annually, and you can count on Stewardship Kaleidoscope to provide Real Tools for Real Ministry!
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Church Records that Should be
Saved and Stored
David Staniunas, records archivist for the Presbyterian History Society in Philadelphia, recently attended a meeting of the History Team to discuss record-keeping activities of our churches.
The team was primarily interested in records churches should send to them in Philadelphia when they close. David pointed out that all churches may deposit their records at no charge in their secure, climate-controlled archives. The archives have specialized fire detection and security systems. Congregations retain ownership of the records of deposit and can request their return at any time.
Records that should be retained by all congregations include session minutes, registers, trustees minutes, annual reports, bylaws/charters and incorporation records.
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Tips for Caring for God's Awesome Creation:
Go Solar!
Presbyterians are stepping up to put solar panels on their church and home roofs. A good way to care for the earth and save money over the long term! Second Presbyterian of Little Rock, AR installed 81 panels on their church roof and then held a "Blessing of the Solar Panels" which gained attention from the local media and community. Through the PC(USA) ministry Solar Under the Sun, the church joined other supporters to share the power of solar with energy-impoverished communities around the world. Learn more at solarunderthesun.org.
"TIPS" is brought to you by the Earth Care Task Force of the Public Witness Team of Presbytery, composed of representatives from the nine Earth Care Congregations of the presbytery. Contact: [email protected] or (314) 941-9378.
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Dreaming & Discerning Virtual Gathering
Sponsored by Giddings-Lovejoy New Worshiping Communities Commission
Tuesday, June 29th at 7 pm
What visions and dreams do you have for future ministry? Is the Holy Spirit nudging you to take action concerning that idea that has been in the back of your mind for a while now? God’s Spirit is inspiring many of us to see visions and dream dreams in ways we might not have considered a year ago. If you would like the opportunity to talk about and explore your vision, join New Worshiping Communities Commission Moderator, Rev. Steve Matthews, for a time of Dreaming and Discerning scheduled for Tuesday, June 29th, at 7:00 pm. This gathering is informal and open-ended, giving you the time and opportunity to share your thoughts and ideas for ministry in a confidential setting. This will be a virtual gathering but the NWCC also plans to offer the option of in-person gatherings in both September and November of 2021. If you want further information or are interested in attending the June 29th gathering, contact Rev. Matthews either by email ( [email protected]) or phone/text (573-544-6361). Please contact Rev. Matthews by 12:00 noon on June 29th if you do plan to attend this virtual gathering.
If calling in, please dial (312) 626 6799 and enter meeting ID 893 0318 7074
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New Resources Available
The Office of Christian Formation seeks to honor the unique gifts, challenges, and opportunities that come with every age and stage in a person’s lifetime of faith formation. We introduce and provide resources for essential Christian practices that can be followed by churches, in families, by individuals young and older, in communities, small groups, classrooms, and retreats. The following resources come from our office, departments within the Presbyterian Mission Agency, other agencies within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), and our partner associations. Click here to learn more.
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Middle School Age
Great Escape
July 12-17
First Presbyterian Edwardsville is welcoming others to join them in Great Escape: Midwest July 12th-17th. They have a bus and space for more folks.
Do you have youth looking for an opportunity to go? We have a few prepaid spots available as well. Contact First Presbyterian Church - Edwardsville and ask to speak with Kalyn Stevwing. (618) 656 – 4550
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Presbyterian Youth Triennium 2022
Nationwide High School Youth Rally
July 24-27
This Triennium will feature a Matthew 25 framework, activities that will extend a full year following Triennium and enough innovation to send thousands of high schoolers and young adults scurrying to register — once registration goes live this winter.
Among other changes, organizers are moving the popular every-three-years event, set for July 24-27, 2022, from the campus of Purdue University, which has hosted Triennium since 1983, to a place where everyone involved can enjoy around-the-clock air conditioning: the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, as well as at least eight nearby hotels, most of them connected to the convention center by pedestrian walkways. All attendees will enjoy their meals together in a large assembly hall at the convention center. Meals together will also include Bible study, games — and one of PYT’s signature components, music.
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PC(USA) GA 225
Moved from Columbus, OH to Louisville, KY
The General Assembly has several specific responsibilities outlined in Chapter 3 of the Book of Order. The assembly seeks to protect our church from errors in faith and practice, is responsible for assuring that the expression of our theology remains true to the biblical standards in our historic confessions. The General Assembly presents a witness for truth and justice in our community and in the world community. It sets priorities for the church and establishes relationships with other churches or ecumenical bodies.
Upcoming Deadlines:
- 180-day Deadline: December 27, 2021 - Send the List of commissioners to OGA (Stated Clerk)
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120-day Deadline: February 25, 2022 - Overtures requesting amendment to/interpretation of Book of Order due to OGA
- 60-day Deadline: April 26, 2022 - Overtures with financial implications due
- 45-day Deadline: May 11, 2022 -All other overtures/concurrences; comments due
- 30-day Deadline: May 26, 2022 -Slate of Nominations for General Assembly positions due
Watch the newsletter for future GA225 Updates!
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Letters - We Have Letters!
Do you have a message board? Would you like some extra letters? We have a few boxes of message board letters from a church that recently closed. We’d love to give these (for free) to anyone who can use them. Please contact Erin Counihan at [email protected] if you’re interested or need to see more pics.
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2021 Biennial NBPC
Virtual Convention
June 24-26
The National Black Presbyterian Caucus Board of Directors are excited to announce that registration is now open for the 2021 Biennial Virtual Convention to be held virtually from Charleston, South Carolina, June 24 –June 26, 2021. The theme of the 46th Biennial Virtual Convention is “The Black Family, Congregation and Community in the Presbyterian Church U.S.A.: Navigating Identity, Equity and Economics.”
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Training Grant Announcement for
Rural and Urban Congregations
MLI is pleased to offer several generous grants for rural and urban churches to participate in our Instructional Cohort Program. Funds are prioritized for smaller congregations. Know of a church with a part-time or volunteer youth or children's minister? Are you interested? MLI provides training for over two years. Visit us at: ministryleading.org for more information
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2021 Tech Grants
Over the last year, GLPBY congregations have worked hard to move vital ministries online. We have connected for worship, learning, and fellowship utilizing resources we never imagined incorporating into our ministries pre-pandemic. To that end, GLPBY granted more than $46,000 in Tech Grants to assist churches in their efforts to establish and/or update their online presence.
Wave 1 and Wave 2 Grants are now phased out. GLPBY is pleased to announce a new round of Tech Grants is available to GLPBY congregations. The Presbytery will pay 75%, up to $2,000, of the grant request with the church commitment to paying the balance. Just to be clear the maximum grant will be $2,000. This round of grants will assist congregations that are expanding their online presence. The grant could be used for upgrading equipment, tech training, or developing hybrid worship for example. If you have any questions, please contact Liz Rolf Kanerva, Associate Presbytery leader at [email protected]
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Education & Training Opportunities
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For Deacons and Ruling Elders
As a part of the “Year of Leader Formation: Investing in Ruling Elders and Deacons,” a series of webinars will be offered. Please share the information and registration for the second of these events, Parliamentary Procedure for Leaders, July 14, 7:00–8:30 pm (EDT).
PC(USA) ruling elders and deacons have responsibilities as leaders in Christ’s church. Whether you serve as a moderator or as a participant, your call will involve meetings conducted by parliamentary procedure—usually Robert’s Rules of Order. Most Presbyterians have learned about parliamentary procedure through observation during meetings. During this Year of Leader Formation webinar, you can expect to learn more about the theological connections between parliamentary procedure and our Book of Order and gain skills to help you participate more confidently and effectively. You will have an opportunity during the registration process to name questions you would like to see addressed.
Korean and Spanish interpretation will be available. The webinar will also be recorded, and will be posted in English on the Year of Leader Formation website in the week following the event.
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Creating Congregations of Belonging for People of All Abilities
July 12-30, 2021
An online course designed to provide the framework and practical tools to shape a congregation where people of varying abilities and disabilities can participate and belong. Taught by LaTonya McIver Penny and John D. Witvliet through Calvin Theological Seminary.
Faithful Anti-Racism in a Global Context
July 12-30, 2021
An online course designed to survey the global influences and far-reaching impact of American Christian racism. Taught by Christina Edmondson through Calvin Theological Seminary.
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Omaha Presbyterian Seminary Foundation
Do you need financial support for the upcoming 2022 educational events, workshops and/or seminars benefiting Teaching Elders, Commissioned Pastors (CPs) and Lay Leaders?
Lifelong Learning Event Grant consideration is given for those serving in the 13-state primary service region of the foundation. If you are a Synod, Presbytery, or Church within the OPSF service region, consider applying today. The grant deadline is August 15th!
Grant guidelines and applications are available on the OPSF website
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Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders (MSTI)
This 5-day event is designed to equip church leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to deal effectively with interpersonal, congregational, and other forms of group conflict. It also includes a component on congregational mediation and consultation, placed within the context of family systems theory. Although focused primarily on the church setting, the skills learned are directly transferable to other settings, including the business and academic worlds. Join us and found out for yourself why a previous participant described MSTI as “The best and most thorough model for mediation with individuals and congregations that I have experienced in more than three decades of ordained ministry”!
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Presbyterian Association of Musicians
June 20-25 & June 27-July 2
We at PAM are excited about our Worship and Music Conferences at Montreat this summer, and we hope you will help us pass along information to all the churches in your presbytery or synod! Please feel free to use this information to create an announcement of your own.
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Transitional Ministry
Please mark your calendars for the next offering of the Art of Transitional Ministry Education. The orientation will begin at 1:00 pm on Monday, October 18, 2021, and will conclude the evening of Thursday, October 21, 2021. At this time, the in-person orientation will be hosted at the Parkville Presbytery Church in Kansas City, Missouri.
For questions related to the content or assignments of Weeks I and II or Executive Training, contact Beth Wagner: [email protected]. For administrative and registration questions contact Danelle O’Connell at the Synod of Mid-America office: [email protected]
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Becoming Matthew 25
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How Do We Engage Socially Distancing and still participate in Mission & Ministry?
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Send us your stories of how your congregation is maintaining congregational vitality during this pandemic. Send stories to Office Manager, Leigh Porter at [email protected]
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Current Support Ministry Position Openings
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Flex-Time Secretary - Grace Presbyterian
Full-Time Chaplain - Aberdeen Heights
Associate Pastor - Dardenne Presbyterian,
Dardenne Prarie
Interim Pastor - John Calvin Presbyterian
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Keep Connected
We love to hear about the work of the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy Congregations. Have an event, fundraiser, or concert and want to get the word out? Simply email that information in by 6 p.m. on Monday of the week you want your event published. Help keep us connected by simply emailing your information to [email protected]
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