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A weekly newsletter from the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys
August 24, 2022
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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)
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Congregation of the Week of August 28 - September 3
First Presbyterian Church of Mankato
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Session Members: Jim Connors, President; Curt Koenen; Garry Fay; Daryl Arzdorf; Kelly Vihstadt, Clerk of Session; Kelly McBride; Nora Henry; Brad Leiding; Joyce Prahm
Staff Members:
Pastor Lindsay Jacaruso, Reverend
Bailey DeVetter, Director of Outreach
Mark Zellak, Building Manager
Lori Haas-Olson, Administrative Assistant
Our prayer concerns are: The whole congregation as transition is on the horizon.
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Together in Christ
Dear Presbytery Family,
I have now visited 34 churches and pastors in our Presbytery! I have been as far north as Crosslake and Maine, and as far south as Round Lake and Luverne. I have met with and moderated Sessions, preached and attended worship, met individually with pastors and elders. I have explored State Parks, eaten in small town cafes and diners, driven by beautiful farms and lakes, and listened to the joys and concerns of many in our Presbytery. I feel like I am getting the lay of the land. There are so many wonderful people that make up our Presbytery!!! It is a privilege to hear your joys and concerns and to share life with you.
I have run across one misconception occasionally in my travels, and I wanted to take a moment to correct it, because it is a misconception that I once held myself, and it can get us into trouble.
The misconception is the idea that “the Presbytery” is a group of people who sit in an office and work on behalf of the churches. Now, to be fair, we do have a Presbytery office. It is in the Willmar Presbyterian church. I work there, and I am a full-time employee, as is your capable and caring administrator: Karen Lange. We also have two part-time staff who mostly work from their homes: Pam Prouty, our amazing Stated Clerk who is also Clerk for our Synod and the half-time pastor of the Windom Church, and Kali Luther, our newly hired and inspiring Youth Director, who is also an elementary school teacher. And we do work on your behalf. As great and mighty as we may be, we are a small little group serving a very large geographical area where there are 5,311 Presbyterians making up 51 churches, and there is much to be done! If the Presbytery really was just us, we’d be in trouble! Fortunately, we represent about a teaspoon’s worth of the ingredients in what makes up the Presbytery!
The Presbytery, you see, is composed of all the pastors and church members of the congregations that make up Minnesota Valleys! Our committees, who do the leg-work of the Presbytery, are not staffed by those of us in the office – they are staffed by all of you! Every church has opportunity to nominate members to serve on our various committees. Committees often meet via zoom so that people who live in various corners of the Presbytery can all participate. Our committees are made up of volunteers who often have full-time jobs, family responsibilities, and full lives they are living. They make time available to do the work of the Presbytery, and little by little it does get done…by all of us! Do you remember the song “I am the Church, You are the Church, We are the Church together?” I was reminded recently that we can sing that same song about the Presbytery: “I am the Presbytery, You are the Presbytery, We are the Presbytery together.”
I appreciate so much all of you who sing that song as you give of your time so generously to the work being done in the Minnesota Valleys. You are a people of great heart, great vision, stamina, and perseverance. We shoulder the burdens together and share the joys. The greater the connection we can foster through the work we share the greater our ability to care for the Minnesota Valleys. God has a heart for southwest Minnesota, love to share with all the people of our region. We are the pipeline for that love. May it flow through us as individuals, as churches, and as a Presbytery, so that all who live in our region, Presbyterian or not, will have their lives enriched and strengthened by God’s great love. And if you are feeling a little discouraged with “the Presbytery” right now, I would like to challenge you to get involved. Remember, YOU are the Presbytery too! It’s all of us, working together, that make up the Minnesota Valleys Presbytery!
With courage, devotion and good spirit as a colleague,
Rev. Beth Buckwalter-Miller
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Planning Calendars have arrived!
Karen has been busy getting the planning calendars ready to mail out. Look for your order in the mail soon and in your email inbox for the invoice. The cost is $10 per calendar plus the cost to mail it out.
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The current IRS mileage rate is 62.5 cents/mile | |
The Congregations of First Presbyterian, and Emmanuel Presbyterian Churches of Rushmore and Zion Presbyterian Church, Ellsworth invite you to attend the installation service of our pastor, the Rev. Randall Knuth on Sunday, August 28th, 2022 at 4:00 PM at Zion Presbyterian Church, 420 South Broadway Street, Ellsworth. Pulled pork sandwich supper will follow the service. Kindly RSVP to the church office at [email protected] so we might have an idea for the number of people to be expected for the meal preparations. | |
On Sunday, September 11th, we will be celebrating 50 years of worshiping together at Hope Presbyterian Church in Spicer. We will start with our regular worship at 10:00 am, followed by a program at 11:00 having invited past ministers to speak. After the program, lunch will be served and following that a time of outdoor games, root beer floats and bluegrass music in our chapel. | |
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2022 Minnesota Valleys
Pastors’ Rest and Renewal Retreat
When: 6 pm Sunday, Sept 18th – 9 am Thursday, Sept 22nd
Where: Leaning Tree Lodge at Clearwater Forest
Cost: $50 (double occupancy), $100 (single occupancy, space allowing) in Leaning Tree lodge, which includes lunch and dinner each day at the dining hall, and informal breakfast in Leaning Tree.
Description: This retreat is designed for active and retired pastors and CREs in Minnesota Valleys Presbytery. The purpose of the retreat will be to rest and recreate in “God With Us.” Other than mealtimes and worship and devotional times, you will be free to relax, fish, golf, boat, hike, or chill in a swing or hammock. You will also have opportunities to hang out with colleagues and build friendships with your peers in the Presbytery. You will have the opportunity, if you wish, to share ideas, collaborate, and encourage each other. Our sincere hope and prayer is that you will come home from this retreat with recharged batteries and renewed energy.
Worship & Spiritual Leader: This year we have asked Carol Meier to lead our worship and offer times of spiritual guidance. Carol is a child of God who spends her days working as a church musician, songwriter, and full-time student. Carol has served as music director at Eagle Lake Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Willmar, MN for the past 15 years where she enjoys being in ministry with her husband, Steve, who serves as pastor. As a songwriter, Carol writes music for a variety of settings including music for congregation, ensemble, and/or soloist. Having found the intersection of music and spirituality to be an especially sacred space, Carol loves exploring that space with fellow companions on the journey of faith. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Liturgical Music (with an emphasis in composition) from St. John’s School of Theology and Seminary in Collegeville, MN.
Daily Schedule:
The retreat begins with check in no earlier than 4:00 pm on Sunday and dinner at 6:00 pm that evening. The retreat ends on Thursday following breakfast and
morning devotionals (must check out by noon). Otherwise, the schedule will be:
7:30 am – Lakeside devotionals
8:00 am – Breakfast (basic items included, with informal dining in the Leaning Tree kitchen, bring your own breakfast favorites if you’d like: cereal, bagels, yogurt, etc.)
Noon – Lunch in the dining hall
6:00 pm – Dinner in the dining hall
7:00 pm – Lakeside worship
10:00 pm – Lakeside devotionals
What to bring:
- Snack(s) to share: bars, cookies, chips, etc.
- Recreational items such as fishing gear, mountain bike, golf-clubs, disc golf discs, etc. We are checking on the availability of the pontoon boat, and camp activities.
- You may be asked to share a morning or evening devotional
- A favorite board game or cards.
- A musical instrument if you want to help with worship leadership.
- Outdoor gear/clothing for fall elements, bug spray, sunscreen, flashlight, etc.
- Breakfast is informal, so bring your own cereal, bagels, yogurt, etc.
To sign up: Email [email protected] with the following info:
Name
Address
Cell phone
Dietary restrictions
Roommate/housing request – space is limited; and singles will be handed out, space allowing, on a first come-first served basis.
Mail your check, made out to the Presbytery, to:
Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys
PO Box 431
Kerkhoven MN 56252
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More Retreat Info
Ministry to children, students and their families was greatly disrupted by the pandemic, but the truth is, it was already on shaky ground. What used to work is no longer working. The models which saw great success in the past are not finding the same success they once did. We are left wondering what we need to do or change. We are wondering why parents and families seem less interested in church. We find ourselves asking, how we might reach the next generation?
If you are asking these questions or experiencing these tensions, you are not alone.
At this retreat we will take some time to understand the current landscape of ministry to families and students. We will reflect on what is no longer working and what is. We will imagine together how we might serve families and students in the pressure points and challenges of our current moment. We will crowdsource the collective wisdom of those gathered to inspire one another to renewed ministry. The hope is that we all leave with renewed passion and creativity to impact our churches and communities and help our young people develop lifelong faith.
Cost includes 2 nights and 5 meals
Private Lodge Room Single $250
Couple Lodge Room $300
Shared Lodge Room $175
Bunk Room $125 (dorm style with bunks, bedding not included)
Meals only $75
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Racial Ethnic Student Scholarship
So happy to send you this 2022 Racial Ethnic Student Scholarship application from the Committee on Racial Ethnic Ministries of the Synod of Lakes and Prairies, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The application can be found on the Synod’s website here, https://lakesandprairies.org/finance-grants/scholarship-funds/ and a copy is provided as an attachment for your convenience. We hope that you will share this with the congregations in your presbytery.
The Student Scholarship is an educational assistance program designed to encourage Indigenous and students of color in their preparation for academic success in higher education. Students must have a permanent residence within the Synod of Lakes and Prairies, be active members in a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregation and have confirmation of enrollment in a college, university, or specialty program.
The synod is committed to partner with students and schools for leadership development and quality instruction for lifelong service. Application awards are based on personal achievement, financial need and recommendation from a teacher and pastor.
Completed applications are due September 30, 2022, and must include an official transcript and financial aid statement.
Please help share this news by distributing the form to eligible students and interested church partners. Questions about the application or process may be directed to
Elona Street-Stewart, 651-357-1149
or
Gretchen Milloy, 651-357-1143
Peace,
Elona Street-Stewart, Synod Executive
Carolyn Grice, Chair, Committee on Racial Ethnic Ministry
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Furnishing and Supplies available from First Presbyterian Jackson church
We have a wide variety of furnishings and supplies available to MVP congregations from the former First Presbyterian Church in Jackson. If you are interested in any of these items, please contact one of the AC members
Galen Smith, (507) 376-3138, Cory Germain, Deb Hess, Mary Jo Lutz, Stan Menning
Some of the items are:
The Presbyterian Hymnal (1990 Blue); 180 pew editions; 2 accompaniment editions
Folding Chairs
Tables: 5’ round, 8’ rectangle
Pipe organ
12’ board room table (made from the pews of the Alpha church)
2 Filing cabinets - 5 drawer
Wood pews, semi circular, or straight
Mixer, amplifier, microphones
Pulpit, Lectern, Communion table, Baptismal Font
Choir Robes
Bibles TEV, ESV, NRSV
Vases, Candelabra, Advent Wreath
Christmas decorations
Step ladders
Oreck Vacuum
Bunn Coffee Maker
Refrigerators Kenmore, GE
Deep Freezer
Roasters
Plates, bowls, glasses, flat ware, silver service
TV, VCR, Cart
Fans
Upholstered Chairs
Sofa, upholstered side chairs, end table
Seth Thomas 5’ tall pendulum clock
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Get Connected, again!
Presbytery Sermon Sunday
Sunday, September 25
Once again, the Presbytery is inviting all churches to include a recorded sermon as part of the worship service on September 25. This will be particularly special, as the message will be delivered by the new Presbytery Executive the Rev. Beth Buckwalter-Miller. Beth began serving our Presbytery on the first of June, and this will be a wonderful opportunity for our congregations to put a face to a name.
We know this will benefit churches that need pulpit supply for that Sunday, but our task force is encouraging every church to participate. This is one way we exhibit the connectional nature of the Presbytery.
Michael Hartwell
Inventive Ministries Task Force of the Commission on Leadership
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Money available for Peacemaking
The Peace and Global Witness Offering is one of the special offerings of the PCUSA. It is usually taken on World Communion Sunday in October. It is dedicated to peacemaking in many different forms. Peacemaking is the job of the whole church. 25% of the offering is kept by the local congregation for their projects. 12.5% goes to the Presbytery and 12.5% to the Synod.
Over a few years the Presbytery has accumulated over $7,000 from this offering. The Presbytery Life Committee is offering money from this fund to help with peacemaking projects. If you have an idea to further the peace in your church or area, send a brief note to the office explaining your project, the cost, amount requested and where other funds would come from. Make sure your session is on board with this. Applications will be taken until September 1.
Some ideas would be:
- Hold a Bible or book study focus on peace: example "Five Risks Presbyterians Must Take for Peace" WJK.
- Find local projects that deal with poverty, violence, racism, climate change, immigration/migration or justice.
- Sponsor a speaker for a community event.
We encourage you to think about ways to promote peace in your community. We would like to see this money used in ways the givers have intended.
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Pastor Opportunity
It's been a hard couple of years for everybody! Pastors are dealing with all the issues that are related to the pandemic, along with all the normal ups and downs and other parts of ministry. In addition, they are ministering to congregations that are also dealing with a lot of stress and anxiety.
The Commission on Leadership has decided to give those in ministry some help and support in the form of affordable coaching. The Synod has trained coaches to provide the service at a cost of $50.00 per session. The Commission on Leadership has approved paying one half of the cost for one session a month for up to 24 months. If you are already working with a coach or want to use another one, you still can be reimbursed $25.00 per month. This program is available to all pastors, CREs who are serving churches and Christian educators.
We all can use some help and support as we continue to deal with a lot of heavy issues. If you are feeling just a little (or a lot) overwhelmed, please take advantage of this opportunity.
Contact Beth Buckwalter-Miller if you want to get started: 530-513-0592 or e-mail [email protected]
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2022 Per Capita
$43.00 Total
$28.52 for Presbytery
$5.50 for Synod
$8.98 for GA
2022 Presbytery Meeting Dates
Saturday, Oct 8 in person from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (location: St. Cloud)
Tuesday, Dec 6 via Zoom from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
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Prayer List
- For Rev. Al and Jeri Jergenson and family, retired pastor most recently serving Foley, on the death of their daughter, Tessa
- For Rev. Jeff DeYoe, undergoing cancer treatment (former pastor at Hope Presbyterian Church, Spicer)
- For Rev. Mark Chamberlain, retired pastor, Willmar
- For Rev. Bob Bartlett, retired pastor, Round Lake
- For Rev. Michael Roys, retired pastor, Winnebago
- Pray for our brothers and sisters in the Occidente Presbytery of Guatemala - for their health, safety, and recovery from the effects of the Covid pandemic
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Pastoral Leadership Opportunities
First Presbyterian Church of Canby - Pastor
First Presbyterian Church, Pipestone - Pastor
Harrison Presbyterian Church, rural Spicer - Pastor, yoked parish
First Presbyterian Church, Winnebago - Pastor
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Experiences of division, isolation, and despair are overwhelming. BELONGING offers connection, encouragement, and hope.
The Ministry Lab invites clergy, faith formation, worship, and other congregational leaders to join our Blue Whirl Webinar Series: Belonging: Welcome Wellbeing. Grow with coaches toward greater personal wellness; learn from therapists' tools to foster intergenerational mutuality; rest with a contemplative in belonging to God; and be inspired by artists to deepen and broaden communal belonging - all leading toward greater wellbeing for individuals and communities. Learn more and register here.
SEPTEMBER 13, 2022: BELONGING TO SELF
SEPTEMBER 20, 2022: BELONGING IN CALL
OCTOBER 04, 2022: BELONGING OF FAMILY
OCTOBER 11, 2022: BELONGING AMONG ELDERS
OCTOBER 25, 2022: BELONGING WITH GOD
NOVEMBER 01, 2022: BELONGING FOR RELATIONSHIP
NOVEMBER 08, 2022: BELONGING AMID DIVERSITY
All webinars run from 2:00-3:30 PM CT.
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Is there anybody out there? Does anybody care?
We’re not actually touting Def Leppard, but rather listening to the Divine and one another so we can all move forward In the Ways of Jesus.
If you still care about your Self - as a clergy person or faith formation leader - and the people you serve (children, youth, parents, middle-agers, elders, anyone), join with colleagues at ConNext Summit 2022 for Gracious Idleness wrapped around inspiring Scrappy Transformation that has led to Radical Belonging. Across three days, refresh your soul with scenic beauty and spacious time, reimagine a more sustainable and life-giving ministry, and depart ready to transform your community. Scrumptious happy hours; community-building music; and laughter (fueled by Theater of Public Policy creators, DangerBoat Productions!) will be balm for your soul. Register by August 31 to receive the early bird pricing; but it’s a great deal no matter what!
Find details and registration here; workshop overviews and bios are here. Early bird registration available until August 31 - register now!
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