Salem Matters News of What Matters This Week
in Salem Presbytery
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May 11, 2022 | Volume VIII, Number 19 |
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First Presbyterian - Kernersville |
Starmount Presbyterian - Greensboro |
Salem Presbytery - As it prepares for its Stated Meeting on May 17th. |
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Register Now for May 17 Presbytery Meeting - in Parishes! |
Registration is required for the May 17, 2022 (6:00pm) meeting of Salem Presbytery. You will find the link to register below. Please read this email carefully. The upcoming meeting has a new format!
This meeting will be conducted in Parish locations as follows:
As you complete your registration (link below), you will be asked to identify the location where you will participate. Please plan to arrive at your meeting location by 5:45pm. The meeting will begin promptly at 6:00 pm.
If you cannot be present in a parish location, you may register to participate from your alternate location - but I hope that most of you will join others from your parish in the "central" locations identified above.
More details are included in a previous separate email sent out on May 1st. Refer to that email if you have questions.
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Barbara Will Be Here Next Week!!
Our Transitional General Presbyter Barbara Smith will be with us next week in person. We've gotten familiar with seeing her on our Zoom screen, but now is an opportunity to visit with her in person. Here's her schedule:
OPTIONS OF WHERE TO CATCH UP WITH BARBARA!
Sunday, May 15 – afternoon – Barb is staying in Boone and available by prearrangement
Monday, May 16 –
11:30 am – Brown Bag lunch at Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1218 S. Main Street, Blowing Rock.
Tuesday, May 17 –
Noon – Brown Bag lunch at Fellowship Presbyterian Church, 2005 New Garden Road, Greensboro.
2:30pm through the Presbytery meeting – Salisbury First Presbyterian Church, 308 W. Fisher Street, Salisbury.
Wednesday, May 18 –
11:30 am – Brown Bag lunch at Clemmons Presbyterian Church, 3930 Clemmons Road, Clemmons.
Thursday, May 19 –
Friday, May 20 –
Morning available by prearrangement
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Peace and Justice Committee Proposes Racial Equity Training Policy
A knee on a neck
laying bare for all to see
the evil of
callous
soulless
entitled
power
choking the life from
God’s beloved
just because.
We know what must change. Will we, church?
We have written many
true, significant,
sometimes even sincere words.
We have confessed:
Belhar, C’ 67, Barmen... Enough words?
Never enough witness.
We know we must change. Will we, church?
Kairos.
The Salem Presbytery Peace & Justice Committee will present a proposal at the May presbytery meeting regarding racial equity training. The above words are a preamble to this document. To view and study the full document in preparation for the presbytery meeting, click the link below.
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New Resource Helps Ministers Apply for Student Loan Debt Forgiveness
Now through October 31, federal student loan borrowers may receive credit for past periods of repayment that would otherwise not qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). The U.S. Department of Education has changed the PSLF program rules for a limited time in response to the COVID-19 emergency.
For ministers enrolled in the Benefits Plan
To help ministers relieve the burden of educational debt and achieve greater financial well-being, the Board of Pensions is providing EdAssist through PeopleJoy at no cost to ministers enrolled in the Benefits Plan of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). EdAssist provides coaching to help ministers understand and apply for the PSLF program if they qualify.
For ministers and other staff serving PC(USA)-related organizations
Presbyterian Mission Agency’s Financial Aid for Service is offering EdAssist through PeopleJoy to ministers and any other staff serving any PC(USA)-related organization. Register here for a webinar presented by PeopleJoy on Thursday, May 12, at 3 p.m. ET to begin the coaching process. If eligible, you will be contacted by PeopleJoy with instructions for scheduling your appointment. Learn more about this student loan debt support.
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"My mother was very clear about God's provision.": Presbyterian minister speaks about his mom, Psalm 23 and Educate a Child
During an appearance on “Between Two Pulpits” that mostly focused on education, the Rev. Dr. Alonzo Johnson began to reminisce about his mother teaching him the 23rd Psalm.
“It was in that 23rd Psalm that my mom taught me to understand discipleship and be dependent on God in all times of trouble,” said Johnson, coordinator of the Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People. “My mother was very clear about God’s provision in our lives and to recognize that provision.”
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Take Advantage of Salem Presbytery's APCE Organizational Membership!
Salem Presbytery recently renewed its organizational membership in APCE - The Association of Partners in Christian Education. (formerly the Association of Presbyterian Church Educators).
There are numerous resources available as a member of APCE. You may see what is available on the APCE website HERE. |
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Massanetta Springs Is Hiring Summer Staff!
Serve on summer staff at Massanetta Springs: Massanetta Springs is hiring day camp counselors, lifeguards, and facilities and hospitality staff to serve its summer programs! Join us for this fun, meaningful work for a few weeks or the full ten week season from June-August. Full time paid positions include housing and meals, and may be able to fulfill college or internship credits. Contact [email protected] or visit MassanettaSprings.org/nettadaycamp to learn more!
I'm attaching a couple of different versions of our flyer, which might work depending on your e-news format. Let me know if you need something different. Thanks for your help!
Peace,
Colleen Earp - Program Director
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Beth Hayes Retiring as Resource Center Director
See previous Salem Matters for full story.
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Pick Beth's Brain!
See previous Salem Matters for full story.
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Pennies for Hunger Updates: 05.09.2022
On behalf of the Salem Hunger Committee, we would like to say thank you to all of the churches that participated in the Lenten Pennies for Hunger Challenge. The presbytery has received $14,381.21 for the month of April and that number could grow as more totals are reported during the month of May! We are so grateful for your participation and partnership in the gospel in keeping our neighbors near and far feed during these challenging times!
For those of you not familiar with Pennies for Hunger, the program was started by our presbytery in 1989, when congregations and their members were asked to contribute a small amount per meal to help feed hungry folks. Small donations by many make a huge impact on food insecurity. Since the program began, we have awarded over $3 million in food assistance to agencies. Fifty percent goes to local hunger agencies in our Presbytery, such as Second Harvest Food Bank, Samaritan Ministries, Iredell Christian Ministries, and the Concord Presbyterian Food Pantry. The rest is awarded to international projects, such as food for orphans at a primary school in Kenya, a series of chicken farms that supply nutrition centers for children and expectant moms in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, plus relief funds for the people of Ukraine and Yemen.
This is one of the most visible presbytery programs to members, and this year the committee is delighted to announce that the Executive Council of Salem Presbytery renewed our memorandums of understating for both Sister2Sister International and Congo Helping hands for 2023 and 2024.
Because of your faithfulness in sending in Pennies for Hunger Funds, the presbytery will continue to feed 150 orphans annually in Kenya and 300 children through the nutrition center in the DRC. Collecting Pennies for Hunger the second Sunday of every month is an easy way for congregations to answer the call of the Matthew 25 initiative to eradicate systemic poverty!
“And the king will answer them, “Truly I will tell you, just as you did it to one of the lest of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” -Matthew 25: 40.
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Peace & Justice Committee Updates and Events
The second Underground Railroad Tour with Max Carter has been rescheduled for Wednesday, May 18th at 3 pm. Folks will gather at the New Garden Friends Meeting (801 New Garden Rd., Greensboro) for a time of learning and fellowship. For more information and to RSVP, contact Frank Dew HERE.
Several folks have expressed ongoing concern about the status of our nation's political future. The North Carolina Council of Churches is sponsoring a week long virtual conversation on May 23rd-27th from 12-1 pm on "The Ties That Bind Our Democracy." Presenters will address such topics as election safety, redistricting, access to the polls, the judiciary, and public engagement. Click HERE to stay up-to-date on the latest topics and for a link to register. |
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Mission Emergence
As we begin another year of Covid 19 with all the impact it has had on ministry, different opportunities for congregational mission service are emerging. Some former mission efforts are tentatively restarting, and new ones are unfolding.
Out-of-Country mission trips have been curtailed during the pandemic. Salem Presbytery has recently rescheduled a southern Mexico construction/education trip for July 16-24, 2022. The trip will be led by Elder Lora Crowley ( [email protected]) from the Clemmons Church with members from other congregations taking part. We are hopeful that the longstanding medical trips to Chiapus, Mexico can restart in early 2023.
With floods and tornados affecting parts of the U.S. recently and anticipating more to come, opportunities for in country disaster assistance trips are increasing. Alamance Church has just completed a trip to Kentucky where they spent a week feeding disaster assistance workers. Starmount Church in Greensboro is going to Kentucky June 20-25 to help in rebuilding efforts. Elder Neal Huffman is leading the team ([email protected]). Presbyterian Disaster Assistance has teams working in several states and are receiving donations toward assistance in the U. S. and its territories.
The war in Ukraine has led to many needs for service. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is requesting donations to help with refugee assistance and emergency food assistance for those escaping the war. PDA is receiving donations from Salem Congregations. Those donations will be utilized by ACT Alliance (a global alliance of faith-based agencies doing disaster response, advocacy, and development) to assure safety and provide support for war refugees. Boone 1st is working with two Ukrainian organizations that are providing refugee housing, transportation, and other assistance. They are International Partners (https://ipministry) based in Kyiv and “Church of the Risen Christ” in Vinnytsia, Ukraine. Other organizations working in Ukraine and surrounding countries are Church World Service, Samaritan’s Purse, U. N. World Food Program, Red Cross, Bread for the World and others.
The Presbytery continues to support the Sister-to-Sister program in Kenya that provides housing, care and education to orphaned girls from around that country. A portion of our Pennies-for-Hunger donations go to the orphanage. Additional donations can be made to: Sister-to-Sister International, P. O. Box 20696. Winston-Salem, NC 27120.
In the early 1990’s, Churches in Salem Presbytery organized the non-profit, Hebron USA to raise funds in support of the Hebron Ministries in Chiapus, Mexico. Our congregations have provided financial support and have sent Mission teams to support those ministries for over 30 years. Contributions can be made Hebron USA %Outfitters 4, 715 Coliseum Drive N. W., Suite 100, Winston-Salem, NC 27106. The founder of Hebron Ministries, Rev. Pablo Feliciano will be visiting Salem Presbytery in early fall.
Let us know what other mission efforts are going on your congregation. Thank you for your continued prayers and support for our Salem mission efforts.
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Salem Presbytery Updates Boundary Training Guidelines
Over the past several months the COM's Task Force on Policy, Compensation, Mediation, and Officer Development has been evaluating our current system of boundary training, known as Healthy Boundaries. The previous policy stated that all members of the presbytery must participate in the "core" Healthy Boundaries training every three years, plus participate in at least of the elective courses as well every three years.
Our research has shown that there are a significant number of members who are out of compliance with this policy. We realize that the onset of the pandemic has not helped in our mandate that all members be up-to-date with this training.
At the recent meeting of Salem Presbytery on February 15th, it was shared that moving forward, we will take advantage of an online option, using the CongregationU platform, and its module of "Clergy Ethics." A link to this site is below.
ALL MEMBERS OF THE PRESBYTERY MUST COMPLETE THIS TRAINING NO LATER THAN AUGUST 31, 2022.
The module takes about 2 hours to complete, and the cost is $22.00. If needed, you can begin the course, save your work, and return at a later time. The link below will take you to the page for the Clergy Ethics Course. You will need to create an account to sign up and pay for the course. Once the course is completed, you will receive a certificate, that should be forwarded to Christine at the presbytery office.
UPDATE: COMPLETING THE TRAINING THROUGH CONGREGATIONU WILL EARN YOU POINTS WITH CALL TO HEALTH. SEE THE LINK BELOW.
To sign up for the training, click HERE. To enroll in Call to Health, click HERE. |
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MissionInsite Training Completed
Those Salem Presbytery folks who have been participating in the MissionInsite training have completed their work, and are now ready to hear from YOU! Contact Barbara Smith to find out how you can take advantage of this resource. |
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Free Webinar Offered by Brotherhood Mutual & Bitner Henry Insurance Group
May 25, 2022
10:00 -11:00 am
Online Webinar
Click the button below to register.
Is your church routinely faced with difficult decisions on how to operate in the world today? Do you want to serve your community while not compromising your sincerely held beliefs?
Come, hear from Steve Case (JD, CPCU Assistant Vice President Senior Corporate Counsel) & Kyle Johnson (JD, CPCU Associate Corporate Counsel), from Brotherhood Mutual’s Legal Department as they speak to these issues, followed by a time of Q&A.
Registration is required. This webinar is open to anyone who would like to attend, so please invite those whom you believe would benefit from this discussion.
If you have questions, you may contact Joey Pierson at Bitner Henry Insurance Group.
We hope to see you there!
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Healthy Clergy Make Healthy Congregations
Click the link below for information about some wonderful resources authored by our own Rev. Steve McCutchan (HR).
Click HERE to view the resources.
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New Confirmation Curriculum Available for Matthew 25 Churches
Confirmation for the Matthew 25 Congregation: Commissioned to Change the World
In the spirit of Matthew 25:31-46, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) seeks to act boldly and compassionately to serve people who are hungry, oppressed, imprisoned and poor, showing God’s love, justice and mercy. In so doing, congregations will enliven their shared faith, shared worship and shared outreach in a biblical response to the compassionate justice of God.
Commissioned to Change the World: Confirmation for the Matthew 25 Congregation, written by Mark D. Hinds, marries adolescent confirmation with the theological focus of “serving the least of these.” The curriculum affirms teenagers as God’s beloved children, anointed for ministry in the context of a covenant community of mutual encouragement and accountability.
Click HERE for more information and/or to order.
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Upcoming Ordination Anniversaries!
Please Pass along congratulations to the following who are celebrating anniversaries of their ordinations:
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Melissa Davis - ordained May 19, 2013
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Andrew Taylor-Troutman - ordained May 23, 2010
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Jon Phillips - ordained May 23, 2014
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Jonathan Gaska - ordained May 25, 2014
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Pete Peterson - ordained May 25, 1952 (70th in 2022)
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Mason Todd - ordained May 27, 2012 (10th in 2022)
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Kaye Barrow-Ziglar - ordained May 28, 2014
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Ernie Thompson III - ordained May 29, 1988
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Outstanding New Resource Now Available!
Check out this fabulous new resource that is now available through the Opening Doors to Discipleship website. Though not a brand new resource, the site has been completely revamped and updated for the 21st century church. There are resources for Leadership, Reformed Theology, Educational Practices, and more. Each "door" you enter takes you to many resources to help in your ministry, whether you are an employed educator, a pastor, a volunteer, or another church leader. Follow the link below, to open up many new doors to discipleship.
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The Persistent Pandemic
How we wish we didn't need this!
Some other Insurance Board pandemic resources can be found HERE.
The Wisconsin Council of Churches has been a trusted source of advice throughout the pandemic. Their latest resources can be found HERE. |
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Parish E Engagement Pastor Rainey Ratchford, shares this news from Parish E:
From Taylorsville Presbyterian Church:
Our exterior doors were refinished this past week and they look fabulous!! What an incredible difference they make to the welcoming appearance of our lovely church building.
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From Concord Presbyterian Church:
Want to help people in Ukraine? Like Cornhole?
Sign-up your two person team for $30 and 100% of your donation goes to efforts on the ground in Ukraine and Poland to provide compassionate efforts in the region. More information at concordpreschurch.com/ukraine.
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From Baird's Creek Presbyterian Church:
Our Girl Scout troop made the news! As reported in the Watauga Democrat:
BOONE — A local Girl Scout troop delivered toys to Watauga Medical Center on April 30 to help brighten the days of pediatric hospital patients.
Girl Scout Troop 13182 leader Heather Fungaroli said the girls used “money they earned from cookie sales to buy the toys in hopes of brightening other children’s days.”
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Each week in this space, we will highlight a video, website, or other content that is relevant to how we look at stewardship in the presbytery as well as in our local churches. Our focus this week is on our Campus Ministry. |
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Click on the graphic or HERE to visit and/or subscribe to Salem Presbytery's YouTube Channel. |
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May Prayers for:
Examinations Committee
Executive Council
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Please Hold the Following in Your Prayers |
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The people of Ukraine, dealing with the atrocities of war, and that Vladimir Putin's heart be changed to embrace peace.
We will list these prayer requests for two weeks unless we are notified that they are to be continued. You may submit prayer requests through the link below.
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Click below a list of positions available through the PCUSA - updated April, 2022
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Board of Pensions Call to Health |
Click the link below to join the Board of Pensions Call to Health.
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PCUSA News and Announcements |
Click below for the latest news and announcements from the PCUSA.
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