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The weekly newsletter from the
Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys
August 26, 2020
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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 30 - September 5
First Presbyterian Church of Mountain Lake
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Leadership:
Session: Julie Johnson, Clerk; Char Peters, Treasurer: Steve Peters (Custodian) and Frank Wallert, Buildings & Grounds; Jerry Logue, Christian Ed & Worship; Jean Haberman, Membership & Fellowship; Roxann Wellman, Finance & Stewardship; Linda Becken, CLP
Mission Projects:
- Loaves & Fishes Food Shelf
- Heifer Project
- Deliver Meals on Wheels
- Christmas Cheer Women of Today Toy Drive
- Coats for Kids
- Sanford Hospice for Cottonwood County
Prayer Requests:
- Continued spiritual and physical health for our congregation and all congregations as we resume worship during Covid-19
- Teachers and students as they resume school
- All essential workers
- Peace and equality
- For those affected by hurricanes, fires and other natural disasters
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'Tis the Season
The Committee on Representation has the responsibility to prayerfully consider the needs of the presbytery and the gifts of those who desire to serve the church through the presbytery. Below is a link to the Personal Interest Form. Please check those areas where you would feel called to serve in the ministries of our presbytery, and at the end of the form, list the gifts and interest you bring to those areas. For more info on each commission or committee, see the appropriate page on our website. Also see the Committee on Representation page at www.minnesotavalleys.org for info on skills needed and time commitment for each.
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TODAY!
Wednesday 8/26: Liberation Bible Study and Twitterchat
11 a.m. – 12 noon CDT — On Twitter, engage in discussion around some of the week’s previous events. Follow @Presbyterian for discussion prompts. Use #WeekofActionPCUSA to join the conversation.
12-1 p.m. & 2-3 p.m. CDT — The Liberation Bible Study consists of six videos and two live-streamed conversations. In the six videos, practical theologians will provide their perspectives on how they engage lectionary texts through the lens of liberation and how Jesus informs their support for liberation work. Watch the videos on Facebook.
In addition to these videos, there will be two conversations: Engaging the Lectionary and an intercultural conversation in support of liberation and Black lives. These conversations will livestream on the PC(USA) Facebook and at the top of this website. The recording of the livestream will be posted here after the event.
- Engaging the Lectionary will be at 12 noon CDT. The leaders will engage the lectionary texts for Sunday, Aug. 30th through the lens of liberation. It will be led by the Rev. Dr. J Herbert Nelson, II, Stated Clerk of the PC(USA); the Rev. Dr. Cheni Khonje, member at large, West Jersey Presbytery; and the Rev. Eric A. Thomas, interim pastor of Siloam Presbyterian Church, in Brooklyn, N.Y.
- The intercultural conversation in support of liberation and Black lives will be at 2 p.m. CDT. The leaders will share their sense of who Jesus is and how it informs their support for Black lives and work of liberation. It will be led by the Rev. Rola Al Ashkar of the Intercultural Residency Program, Parkview Presbyterian Church, Sacramento, Calif.; the Rev. Adriene Thorne, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, Brooklyn, N.Y.; and the Rev. Kate Murphy, pastor of The Grove Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, N.C.
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From the Presbytery of East Iowa: Deracho Relief
We have been contacted by several people and churches who are interested in how to pass along donations for deracho relief the quickest and most efficient way. The Presbytery of East Iowa (PEIA) has established a disaster fund. Please go to this website for disaster assistance information: https://peia.org/disaster-assistance-information/
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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.
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Minnesota Grant to improve safety and air quality
Please go to this link for more information about this program:
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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.
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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
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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.
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Presbyterian Education Board in Pakistan
Video links:
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Upcoming Webinar Series on Race and Christianity
First webinar is Wednesday, September 9, at 11:00 AM
Led by Sarah Ruble
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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.
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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.
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Registration for the Art of Transitional Leadership
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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.
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Paycheck Protection Program Forgiveness Application
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How to Lead When You Don't Know Where You're Going
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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 Tuesday, Sept 1 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.
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Neighborhood Church: Transforming Your Congregation into a Powerhouse for Mission
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“Come, Lord, stir us up and call us back. Kindle and seize us. Be our fire and our sweetness. Let us love. Let us run.”
–Augustine of Hippo
Submitted and Recommended by the Commission on Congregational Transformation and Development
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Krin Van Tatenhove and Rob Mueller focus on Spirit-filled worship and mentoring in Chapter 5 of their book (“Sustaining the Vision”).
They note that worship of the living God is what distinguishes us from nonprofit charities. “Worship is the warp drive, the furnace, the nuclear reactor that fuels our mission” (p. 94).
They emphasize that the term “Spirit-filled” does not assume a certain style of worship. Too often church leaders and members have focused on the form of worship rather than its function. The function of worship is “to lead people into the presence of the living God. It is not the style that matters, but the Spirited energy with which it is imbued” (p. 96).
Jesus spoke to the place and the purpose of worship in his conversation with the woman at the well: “Woman…the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem…. The true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth” (John 4:21, 23).
In our worship the messengers, the means, the media, and the milieu of our worship may change and vary, but the message remains the same: Jesus Christ. To be an effective “Neighborhood Church” that ministers to all people in a unique time in history in changing communities and cultures, we must be open to change in how we worship and how we draw others into our worship experiences.
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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
Holland: uploaded weekly to their YouTube channel
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
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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].
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Guidance for Faith-Based Communities from the MN Department of Health Link to guide
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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
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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!
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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