|
The weekly newsletter from the
Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys
August 12, 2020
|
|
|
We are congregations who seek to be a collective expression of the Body of Christ, joyfully participating in Christ's ongoing life and work. "Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing."
(I Thessalonians 5:11)
|
|
|
|
Congregation of the Week of August 16-22
First Presbyterian Church of Maynard
|
|
Leadership:
Session: Nancy Pierskalla, Clerk Pro tem
Gary Coulter, Building & Grounds
Michael Coulter, COVID Preparedness Leader
Jeri Freese, COVID Compliance Leader
Melissa Coulter, Website and Facebook
Zach Coulter, Music Streaming & Technology, Confirmation Mentor
Mac Coulter, “Bat Patrol” and Mitigation
Rev. Beverly Crute, MA, Ph.D., MDiv. Pastor
Mission Projects:
Receive and support all four PC(USA) Special Offerings
Donated over 200 lbs. of food to Chippewa County Food Shelf
Support PC(USA) Mission Co-Worker John McCall in Taiwan
Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Ministry
Prayer Concerns:
- Our “in-person” Worship Services and community outreach
- Church members/friends who have lost loved ones, are recovering from surgery or facing upcoming surgery and those with medical issues
- Our PC(USA) Denomination (including congregations and mid-councils) response to “Black Lives Matter” and systemic racism
- Teachers/students returning to in-person school or distance or hybrid learning
- Front-line medical workers and those in “essential services” during COVID
- Those who are unemployed, homeless or in need of food or medical care
Our First Presbyterian Church, Maynard, Minnesota Anniversary:
We were organized August 1, 1897
|
|
Karen Lange will be unavailable Thursday, August 13 and Friday, August 14
|
|
August 18 Presbytery Meeting
The next presbytery meeting is Tuesday, August 18, from 10:00 - 12:00, and will be by Zoom. To register, email Karen with the names and email addresses of the commissioners and visitors. Zoom instructions will be emailed. The August presbytery meeting will also include communion, so please prepare bread and wine (or crackers and juice - or whatever works for you) for communion.
|
|
August Ordination Anniversaries
08/04/2012 Paul Snyder
08/06/1947 Hugh Miller
08/14/1961 Wayne Purintun
08/15/2006 Leanne Thompson
08/15/2006 Scott Thompson
08/28/2005 Andrew Davis
|
|
|
From the Minnesota Department of Health
We wanted to make you aware of updates to the Faith-based Guidance under the Governor’s Stay Safe MN Phase III plan.
Thank you for your adherence to these guidelines and commitment to protection of our communities as you make decisions about how to support your members and the larger community.
|
|
Minnesota Grant to improve safety and air quality
Please go to this link for more information about this program:
|
|
Minnesota COVID-19 Update
- In contact tracing, 749 cases of COVID in Minnesota have been associated with faith communities since May 31.
- Disproportionately, Minnesotans of color are being affected by the disease.
|
|
ZOOM presentation on COVID 19 by Presbytery of Boston/Northern New England
This was provided for the Presbyteries of Boston and Northern New England, with people joining in from across the country. It’s available both on the Presbytery of Boston Facebook page and here as an uploaded video: https://youtu.be/M9P0gOSqwn0
|
|
SDOP BENEFITS
Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day.
Teach a person to fish and they feed themselves for longer.
Empower them to control the lake and they determine the quality and quantity of the fish.
This is the strategy of Self-Development of People projects. The Presbyterian Church USA has a 50 year history of enabling people to improve their lives through this ministry. Minnesota Valleys Presbytery has sponsored several local projects and funded them in part by your offerings.
When the amount available to our Presbytery diminished, the Committee went dormant. But we now have just a little less than $6000 allotted for our use. To be of benefit to needy neighbors, we need two things.
- Reviving our committee requires adding at least two people of color who can be Presbyterians or not. They will be certified in 2021 by training from national staff; but they can begin serving now.
- Seeking funds requires applications be submitted to the Committee before the September 15 deadline. The committee will review, and if approved, send the application to the national office before the November 1 deadline. Community, not church, projects that improve people’s self-development are funded.
The three basic criteria are:
- the project is “owned” by the people who originated it (at least 6 people; ideally at least 10);
- the funds and operation are controlled by these people;
- the people who originate and control are the people who benefit from the project.
Please contact our Presbytery’s SDOP chair Pastor Jim Krapf ([email protected] or 507-350-1662) to:
- volunteer to serve on the committee or to refer someone else – before Sept 1
- discuss possibilities for your community – before September 1 Who are the poor disadvantaged people who want to improve their situations?
- receive application forms – before Sept 15
Self-Development funds come from the One Great Hour of Sharing offering received during Lent. With COVID-19 gathering restrictions, you may have missed the opportunity to give. If you wish to support this ministry, please send your offering to the Presbytery office.
|
|
Upcoming Webinar Series on Race and Christianity
First webinar is Wednesday, September 9, at 11:00 AM
Led by Sarah Ruble
|
|
|
From Sarah: I am an associate professor of religion at Gustavus Adolphus College. In addition to teaching (some of the world’s most wonderful) undergraduate students, I lecture in churches and to life-long learning groups. All of that means that I spend a lot of time thinking about how to make the past accessible without making it simplistic. As both a Christian and a historian, I’m always learning, trying to figure out how to make sense of our past and what it means for us today.
|
|
|
Webinar 1: Why Talk About the History of Race and Christianity in the United States
One-hour webinar:
- An introduction to the series, including some suggestions about how to use history in thinking theologically about current issues related to race.
- A brief introduction to some of my own experiences with learning about race and Christianity and how that has affected me as a white person and a Christian.
- Some guided exercises (based on the curriculum) to help people think about what they are bringing to the series.
- Time for questions.
|
|
Registration for the Art of Transitional Leadership
|
|
In Case You Missed it ...
The Church Financial Leadership Academy is Here!
We are pleased to announce the launch of the Church Financial Leadership Academy (CFLA). The CFLA is an E-learning platform designed to help pastors institute best practices for church financial leadership, introduce them to new models of giving and stewardship, and offer new ways to talk about money and form generous disciples within their congregation.
The CFLA will enable you to:
- Complete the courses at your own pace
- Use the courses as a resource later
- Share your playlist with other congregational staff
- Access courses and resources at no cost to you
Experience the interactive online educational tool for pastors today. Simply visit Churchfla.org and create an account using the registration code: PCUSA
If you have questions or comments feel free to contact us at [email protected], or 800-858-6127 ext. 5904.
|
|
Paycheck Protection Program Forgiveness Application
|
|
How to Lead When You Don't Know Where You're Going
|
New presbytery book study: How to Lead When You Don’t Know Where You’re Going: Leading in a Liminal Season by Susan Beaumont speaks to where we are today. We will discuss Chapters 6 and 7 on Thursday, August 27 at 11:00 AM by Zoom.
How do you lead an organization stuck between an ending and a new beginning—when the old way of doing things no longer works but a way forward is not yet clear? Beaumont calls such in-between times liminal seasons—threshold times when the continuity of tradition disintegrates and uncertainty about the future fuels doubt and chaos. In a liminal season it simply is not helpful to pretend we understand what needs to happen next. But leaders can still lead.
|
|
|
|
Neighborhood Church: Transforming Your Congregation into a Powerhouse for Mission
|
"The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet."
– Frederick Buechner
Submitted and Recommended by the Commission on Congregational Transformation and Development
|
|
|
"The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet." –Frederick Buechner
Think of a place that has a powerful hold on you. It may be a family homestead, a setting in nature, or a place in your city where you spend quality time. Scripture narratives include places that had special meaning and significance for persons called and led by God. Throughout the history of Christianity, church buildings and sanctuaries have had special meaning for people of faith. For many of us our home churches continue to have special meaning and significance as places that were part of our growth in faith and Christian education.
Krin Van Tatenhove and Rob Mueller focus on intentionality about our church facilities in Chapter 4 of their book. They believe that it is important to maximize the potential of church facilities not only for current and future members but right now for the community in which God has placed us.
They encourage church leaders and members to consider how well and how often our church building facilities are used. Could some of our under-used church facilities be shared with community organizations or individuals? One way of sharing church space is to "repurpose" a portion of our facilities. The authors urge leaders to go beyond merely "repurposing" space in churches toward the goal of "integrating our space" with those with whom we share it.
What does it mean for a "Neighborhood Church" to "integrate space" with the neighboring community? We'll take a look at their recommendations next week.
|
|
Online worship opportunities in our presbytery
Amboy: Weekly video devotions available on Facebook at First Presbyterian Church of Amboy or on YouTube at Pastor Amboy
Browns Valley: 11:00 Sunday mornings online: www.facebook.com/UMPCBV
Edgerton: 10:30 Sunday mornings Worship on church Facebook Page, and 11:30 Sunday mornings Worship Audio Version available on church website
Jackson: Facebook Live - Facebook site is Salem Lutheran Church, Jackson, MN
Sunday 9:30 a.m., Wednesday 5:30 p.m., Holy Week - daily devotions, MT and GF 5:30 p.m.
Lake Crystal: Our church is sending Worship bulletin content and sermon via email and regular mail to our membership for each Sunday. Also recording a service from Sanctuary of myself and musician to be accessed on You Tube on the Friday before the given Sunday. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSDuL79Bte0CjYxgTVor1ng
Lismore: 9:00 Sunday mornings - Worship on church Facebook Page
Litchfield: 10:00 am Sunday mornings and Tuesday morning Bible study by Zoom. Contact Gordy Pennertz for instructions.
Luverne: 10:15 am Sunday mornings on Facebook Live. Also carried by local cable company.
SUNDAYS on Facebook
10AM sermon/prayer with Pastor Lindsay
10:20 (ish) Children's Time with Bailey DeVetter
10:30 (ish) Music Selection by Ben Marti posted
Randall: 10:00 am Sunday worship service is on Facebook and webpage
Redwood Falls: 10:15 am worship on Facebook Live on First Presbyterian Redwood Falls page
Spicer Hope: Facebook live at 10:00, link on Hope Presbyterian Church website. Also services are uploaded there later in the day.
Willmar: Facebook Live at 10:00 am Sunday mornings and at noon Wednesdays
Worthington: online worship services via Zoom and Facebook live Sunday at 10:00 am. The link for Zoom is on our website. For Facebook go to @WestminsterPresby
|
|
Coronavirus/COVID-19 Resources for Congregations and Members
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?—Psalm 27:1
Along with our brothers and sisters all around the world, we’re now coming to terms with the “new normal” brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. It is our hope and goal to equip churches and worshipers with useful information and resources during these trying times. Please check back often for updated information. If you have ideas or resources that might be of interest to the wider church, we invite you to email them to us at [email protected].
|
|
Guidance for Faith-Based Communities from the MN Department of Health Link to guide
|
|
Presbyterian Women in the Minnesota Valleys Presbytery
The PW Coordinating Team has communicated via email and we decided that we will not be having a Fall Gathering. First it was supposed to be in June at the Renville Presbyterian Church. We had most of it planned, but it was not a good decision in June, and things are still too unsettled now because of Covid 19. All of you have made changes these last few months to still do what we can to fulfill our Purpose! Keep up the great things being accomplished.
Our next attempt at a gathering will be June 2021. We ask for prayers that we are doing what God has planned for PW of the MN Valley Presbytery! (PWMVP)
Blessings to all!
Gloria Rust, Moderator
|
|
What is the Future of PWMVP?
This year has been a challenging one to say the least! We need to search our hearts and contemplate what direction Presbyterian Women are going! Locally I am sure that you have many obstacles and challenges to keep PW active. You all are Presbyterian Women! You have Bible Study, circles, fellowship, mission projects, church activities you help with, etc.
On the Presbytery level, we have many obstacles and challenges as well. How can you help? Well, I have made it known that we are in need of a new TREASURER. Our current one has moved and she/we really want a replacement. If you are thinking about it at all, please contact me and make the commitment! Our Coordinating Team also has several COMMITTEES that can use help. We have Communications & Contact Person, Mission/Issues Committee, and Search Committee. It is a great bunch of gals to work with! We meet in the Spring and again in the Fall, mainly to plan our gathering and take care of financial obligations, and any other business. We have also worked via email.
As I said, search your hearts and give this a try! Let me know if you are interested! We are very interested in having you join our team!
Gloria Rust, PWMVP
|
|
Stewardship Kaleidoscope is moving online!
This year Kaleidoscope will offer learning over three weeks in the fall to help you respond to the needs of your community, adapt to change, and think about how to engage as a church in new ways. We hope you can join us on three consecutive Tuesdays: September 22, September 29, and October 6 at 11:30am central time.
On September 22nd hear from Eric Barreto of Princeton Theological Seminary on the Acts of the Apostles in the 21st century - imagination, vision, and creativity in responding to our call;
September 29th we will learn with consultant Bonnie Ives Marden about the ways in which faith shapes our financial health, and get practical tools for church financial management;
October 6th Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow will provide perspectives on engaging congregations
across generations, cultures, and ethnicity to imagine building the church for forward thinking funding and functioning.
|
|
Prayer List
- For Rev. Bill Yueill, retired pastor, Zimmerman
- For Rev. John Lindholm, retired pastor, Fergus Falls
- For Rev. Mark Chamberlain, retired pastor, Willmar
- For Rev. Bob Bartlett, First Presbyterian Churches of Brewster & Round Lake
- For Rev. Michael Roys, retired pastor, Winnebago
- For Rev. Elaine and Kent Boyd at First Presbyterian Church of Amboy
Pray for Our Occidente Partners in Guatemala
-
Rev. Araceli Itzep from the Occidente Presbytery
- For Bety Cifuentes, the treasurer of the Partnership Committee, beginning new type of chemotherapy
- For the "Men in the Mirror" program. Men from Occidente that MVP supported financially to attend the classes a couple of years ago are sharing the information they gained with different churches in the eastern and central parts of Guatemala. They, along with the chaplains of the national Presbyterian church, are training Christian policemen in what they learned from "Men in the Mirror."
- The Executive Committee met in April, but has not been able to meet since as folks in Guatemala cannot travel between cities. Occidente Presbytery has not met; the projected purchase/buying of buildings is on hold; pastoral elections are on hold; they do hold services via Zoom; the economy is very bad.
- They continue praying for us and ask that we continue to pray for them and for all of the things they cannot get to, and for their living conditions that get more complicated every day.
|
|
Pastoral Leadership Opportunities
Zion Presbyterian Church, Ellsworth; Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, Rushmore; First Presbyterian Church, Rushmore - Interim Pastor
First Presbyterian Church, Fulda - Solo Pastor
First Presbyterian Church, Lake Crystal; First Presbyterian Church, Kasota - Pastor, yoked parish
Maine Presbyterian Church, rural Underwood - Solo Pastor
Faith Presbyterian Church, Silver Lake - Solo Pastor
Hope Presbyterian Church, Spicer - Solo Pastor
First Presbyterian Church, Winnebago - Interim Pastor
|
|
From Mount Olivet Conference & Retreat Center
Mount Olivet Conference & Retreat Center is a ministry affiliate of Mount Olivet Lutheran Church (Minneapolis). Just as so many communities of faith and nonprofits are adjusting their outreach in different ways due to the pandemic, we are also thinking creatively about how we continue to foster and encourage individuals and groups to retreat. In addition to now once again welcoming pastors and small church and nonprofit groups for in person retreats, we are also offering online workshops, classes and retreats. Links to upcoming virtual offerings and our complimentary retreat offerings for those who are doing racial equity and justice work to pastors and faith communities.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|