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A bridge on Hazel Dell Parkway sits damaged after historic flooding Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, in Carmel - Christine Tannous/IndyStar | |
Water does not ask permission. It moves where gravity allows and resistance fails, seeking the lowest place, the weakest edge, the forgotten channel. In moments of overwhelming rain, even familiar landscapes can become unrecognizable.
Central Indiana is living in the wake of historic flooding. Along Hazel Dell Parkway—the busy corridor linking Indianapolis and Carmel—the ordinary landscape of commuters, neighborhoods, and commerce will never look the same. When the creek surged beyond its banks, the engineered landscape was overwhelmed. The river’s current changed its course, collapsed the bridge, destroyed the busy roadway, and redrew the entire map.
Where did the water go? Miles and miles from the White River, the water found a way into the Martin Marietta Quarry.
The quarry had not been designed as flood infrastructure. It was simply a place from which stone had been removed over the decades. A space, an empty space, with the capacity to hold nine billion gallons of floodwater!
Sometimes what feels like empty space is actually capacity.
As water poured in, the quarry held billions of gallons that might otherwise have continued downstream. It did not prevent the storm. It did not repair the road or erase the damage. But because it had room to receive what came, it changed what happened downstream.
I carry that image as I look across the Synod of Lincoln Trails.
Capacity is not the same as activity. It is not squeezing one more meeting, program, or responsibility into already crowded calendars. Capacity is the ability to receive what comes next: a new leader, an emerging ministry, an unexpected challenge, a faithful experiment—or a possibility we cannot yet see.
Sometimes capacity is created through addition: staff, resources, and relationships. Sometimes it is created through removal: releasing a structure that no longer serves, setting down work that belongs to another season, or admitting that we cannot keep doing everything we have always done.
Across SOLT, we are building that kind of capacity. Wellspring creates space for pastors to be formed, supported, and connected. The A Living Logos Center will help congregations imagine and test sustainable models of ministry. Our presbyteries share leaders, wisdom, experiments, and hard questions—because connection moves capacity in every direction.
We cannot prevent every storm facing the church. We cannot preserve every structure exactly as it has been.
But we can make room—for one another, for faithful change, and for the movement of the Holy Spirit.
In Christ,
Sara Dingman-Kibler
Executive Director
Synod of Lincoln Trails
P.S. We hold all SOLT communities in prayer as you navigate tornadoes and floods. We are grateful for Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, who is working alongside our presbyteries to strengthen our disaster response capacities. We encourage all who are able to donate to PDA, or your presbytery’s relief fund with the words “natural disaster relief.”
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SOLT Snapshot: Elizabeth Brandes
This month, we’re pleased to introduce Elizabeth Brandes, our new Director of Programs.
In this role, Elizabeth supports and enhances SOLT's existing to uplift pastors and congregations, including Wellspring and our COM/CPM gatherings. She also leads the development of new programs and initiatives supported by SOLT's 2025 Lilly Endowment, Inc. grant.
Elizabeth brings extensive experience from both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors, with expertise in higher education finance, marketing, communications, and program development. Her previous leadership roles include work with Sallie Mae, JPMorgan Chase, Student Connections, and Strada Education Foundation. Most recently, Elizabeth served nearly seven years as vice president of marketing, communications, and events at CAEL (the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning). There, she led marketing and communications efforts as well as events and professional development programs for grants and membership programs while serving clients across higher education, workforce development, and employer communities. Throughout her career, she has built strong teams and developed programs and resources for adult learners seeking further education. Elizabeth is especially excited about this new chapter in her career.
“I was looking for a role where I could make a real difference, and this unique position at SOLT provides a wonderful space to combine my background in managing projects for adult learners with my experience in marketing and communications. As a Presbyterian, I am so excited to help support and contribute to the vital work currently happening across the PC(USA)."
Before her career in marketing and communications, Elizabeth earned a master’s degree in Germanic Languages & Literatures from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and a bachelor’s degree with honors in German and French from Indiana University, Bloomington. She spent three years studying at the Universities of Hamburg, Bonn, and Regensburg in Germany and completed an internship with the German Parliament.
A member and ruling elder at Northminster Presbyterian in Indianapolis, Elizabeth also sings in the Chancel Choir and serves on the communications team. Her faith journey reflects a blended background: she was raised in the LCMS and sang in the girls’ choir at Christ Church Cathedral (Episcopal) in downtown Indianapolis. Elizabeth is a 2015 graduate of the Indiana Leadership Forum and previously served as board chair for the IUPUI Music Academy. In her spare time, she enjoys movies, music, travel, learning languages, and spending time with her nephew and niece – two highly opinionated Yorkies named Grover and Mabel. Please join us in welcoming Elizabeth to the SOLT community.
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A Report on the 2026 Korean Transitional Ministry Education (KTME)
With warm thanks to the Synod of Lincoln Trails
Dear friends, I am so glad to share how our week together went. From July 27 to 31, 2026, I joined the Korean Transitional Ministry Education (KTME) at the PC(USA) Center in Louisville, Kentucky. KTME is the Korean-language course offered at the Louisville regional site of TMEC (the Transitional Ministry Education Consortium). It was a real gift to have Rev. Jihyun Oh, the Stated Clerk of the PC(USA) with us. On our last day, she spoke words of encouragement to everyone and closed our time in prayer, and it truly warmed our hearts.
We had a lovely group of 8 participants. They were guided all week by 2 full-time faculty members and 3 wonderful staff — 2 Executive Presbyters including me (from EKAP and MKAP) and Manager for Korean Speaking Mid-Council Support in PL&W, Rev. Josh Park. Thanks to their care and hard work, the whole week was rich, encouraging, and full of learning.
I also want to say a heartfelt thank-you to the Synod of Lincoln Trails. Your kind support and partnership helped us finish the week smoothly and joyfully. On behalf of all our participants, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
With gratitude,
Rev. Beunghoon Choi
Korean Consultant, Synod of Lincoln Trails
Executive Presbyter, Midwest Korean American Presbytery (MKAP)
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Healthy Ministry Practices
Ministry leadership is a profound calling that asks a great deal of our spirits. Caring for others, navigating disagreements, and making compassionate decisions are holy tasks. Yet over time, they can leave even the most dedicated leaders feeling depleted.
The Synod of Lincoln Trails (SOLT) is committed to supporting our leaders through Healthy Practices for Healthy Communities. This workshop goes beyond simple policy to strengthen the relational skills that sustain vibrant congregations. Rather than just checking boxes, we invite participants to reflect on how they "show up" in their ministry systems. How do we stay present during tension without becoming overwhelmed? How do we lead when expectations are unclear?
Through peer learning and practical examples, we explore the complexities of power, culture, and conflict. A core pillar of this work is honoring the dignity of every person—ensuring everyone feels heard, respected, and safe. When we do so, we build the trust necessary for honest, healthy community life.
This journey isn't about achieving perfection; it’s about growing in awareness and grace. By examining our own patterns alongside colleagues, we gain the tools to face challenges without losing sight of our original call to serve. Investing in these healthy practices creates an environment where both leaders and congregations can truly thrive.
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You're Invited: 2026 Thomas H. Lake Lecture with Meghan Sullivan
Lake Institute is pleased to present the 2026 Thomas H. Lake Lecture, with Meghan Sullivan, PhD, on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 4:30 pm ET. Sullivan is the Wilsey Family College Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Notre Dame Ethics Initiative. In her lecture, “The Samaritan, the Levite, and the Innkeeper: Three Approaches to the Ethics of Philanthropy,” Dr. Sullivan will dive into one of history’s most famous stories—the Parable of the Good Samaritan—to explore the ethical frameworks embedded in the story and what it can teach us about different approaches to giving and caring for others.
This event will be live streamed and recorded for viewing afterward, too. Click here to learn more.
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Celebrating Whitewater Valley Presbytery
We love our presbyteries! On August 6th, Sara Dingman-Kibler held a lovely reception at her home in honor of the fantastic staff at Whitewater Valley Presbytery. So many colleagues had an opportunity to network with these wonderful individuals, new connections were made, and there was a real sense of healthy energy in the air as everyone enjoyed delicious appetizers and beverages. Patricia McKinnon, a commissioned ruling elder at the Presbytery, provided some photos and shared her thoughts on the gathering:
"What a wonderful evening spent with members of the Presbytery and SOLT! It is was such a blessing to have the opportunity to spend time with colleagues and friends in the lovely setting of Sara and her Husband's home. I am continually amazed at the number of talented people I meet who are working so hard to further God's plan for our denomination."
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Save the Date: 2026 Fall Retreat at Stronghold Camp & Retreat Center
Calling all middle school and high school students!
Join Illinois Prairie Presbytery November 6 – 8, 2026 for a weekend full of outdoor activities, making new friends, fellowship by small and large groups and lots and lots of fun!
Look for more details coming your way late summer!
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Wellspring Residency Update for 2026
Wellspring 2026 is right around the corner! We eagerly anticipate the return of two of our existing Wellspring cohorts this fall from October 19-23 in New Harmony, IN, and we have a strong incoming class of new, year one participants joining us as well. Jana Blazek, director of connectional relationships at the Chicago Presbytery, will again serve as our worship leader this year. We're so excited to welcome her back as she provides such an excellent and thoughtful space for all our participants. It's an exciting time for refreshment and learning as we enter the third year of this platinum program for pastors in new calls.
Some NEW things are happening this year, too.
- This year, participants will have the option to choose between working 1:1 with a Wellspring personal coach OR spiritual director for up to three years.
- Participants across all three cohort years provided feedback (via an online survey) to help directly inform this fall’s educational programming.
- We’ve tripled the educational sessions/workshops for our Wellspring participants to attend this fall. For the first time, they’ll be able to choose topics that are individually relevant to them and their ministry. And we have extended our residency by one full day to accommodate this increased programming.
- Two full plenary sessions are on the agenda this fall. In prior years, we’ve only offered one.
- New meeting formats are available in this year’s agenda to foster improved networking among the various cohort years and for better interaction with our Presbyters and other faculty. With a new “world cafe,” for example, experienced pastors can provide tips on handling individual situations as shared by Wellspring participants.
- We’re looking at ways to build in some skill-building for contemplative leadership this fall.
- Our new SOLT director of programs, Elizabeth Brandes, will be managing Wellspring coordination. She is already bringing lots of energy and creativity in this role.
If you know someone who would be a good fit for the Wellspring program, or if you missed the application deadline, please contact Elizabeth Brandes at elizabeth@lincolntrails.org.
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Midwest Callfinder
Welcome to the Synod of Lincoln Trails’ grassroots launch of the Midwest Call Finder! As churches and organizations throughout Illinois and Indiana start sharing open positions, the call finder selection will grow. Keep checking back for more call opportunities and more options! You can help us build the database by submitting available positions.
Learn more about Midwest Callfinder.
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