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A weekly newsletter from the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys
August 3, 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 7-13
First Presbyterian Church of Litchfield
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CRE: Gordy Pennertz
Music Director: Jayne Ackman
Treasurer: Leetha Waldron
Secretary: Julie Rae Pennertz
Clerk of session: Sue Berg
Prayers:
- Thanksgiving for a successful celebration of our 150th anniversary
- Thanksgiving for the recent rains
- For an aging congregation
- For leadership roles as our nominating committee begins its tasks
- For the future of our church as major changes are taking place
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Together in Christ
Dear Presbytery Family,
I just had the joy of attending Synod School in Storm Lake, Iowa. What a wonderful experience!!! I was immersed in a progressive, joy-filled community of inclusion and acceptance. The worship touched my heart. The classes provided opportunity to form new friendships and to learn and grow. I was so proud to see pastors from our Presbytery teaching some of those classes and delighted to have a chance to meet pastors and church members throughout our Synod and to also meet some of our Synod executives for the first time.
Back in the 1950s my grandfather, Charles Buckwalter, was the pastor of the United Methodist church in Storm Lake, Iowa. So, one afternoon I took a fieldtrip to visit the church he had served. When he had been pastoring there, they averaged 2,000 people in attendance. That is hard for me to even imagine! What a different world that was! Today the church celebrates having 100 in worship on a Sunday.
The secretary was warm and friendly and took me on a tour of the church. She told me about their wonderful new pastor who is from The Congo. She said the people just love him. She showed me the 500 backpacks that were being filled with school supplies for people in the community and told me about a lunch program that helps to feed the hungry. She clearly loved her church, and while the church did not have the numbers in attendance that they had known in the past, there was energy and excitement for the many ministry opportunities that did exist in the present moment. I could see that this church was connecting cross-culturally in many ways, and rather than being discouraged they were having fun noticing what God was up to in their community today and joining God in that good work. I thought my grandfather would be so pleased.
I then took a jaunt to the cemetery in Laurens, Iowa, about 25 miles away. This is where the Buckwalter side of my family is buried, and I had not been there for several decades. I placed flowers on graves that I could still find, thanks to visiting that cemetery annually in my childhood, with my grandmother and mother telling me the stories of all the relatives. I felt surrounded by that great cloud of witnesses as I gave thanks for the people who “loved me into being,” and who shaped my life and my faith. In many ways they continue to shape me today.
It was a blessed week. I continue to give thanks for God’s call to Minnesota Valleys Presbytery, for all the new things I am learning and amazing new people I am meeting as well as for the opportunity to reconnect with memories from my past. We serve a good and gracious God. Never would I have predicted that I would be living here! God has surprised and delighted me, and I am so grateful.
Together in Christ,
With courage, devotion and good spirit as a colleague,
Rev. Beth Buckwalter-Miller
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Jill Emery's General Assembly Experience |
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Above - attending in person and then by Zoom |
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I am proud to have served as one of the two Commissioners from our Presbytery at the 225th General Assembly this June and July. It proved to be a great learning experience for me.
In the past, I have paid my Presbyterian per capita and just hoped that the money was being used well or at least for something that seemed worthwhile. By the end of the General Assembly, I not only felt that my per capita investment was well spent, but I was proud that financially I was a part of everything that our Presbyterian church as a whole is and has been over the years.
Our 225th General Assembly task was large since Covid had inhibited the 224th GA. I feel good that we did 4 years' worth of work during our time! My committee was one of the first groups to meet at the start of the Assembly in June. Therefore, we needed to be in Louisville, Kentucky 2 extra days in order to have enough people voting in-person to allow for the hybrid style General Assembly.
My Mid-Councils Committee met for 3 days after that. Though the days were long, we accomplished a lot. I enjoyed getting to know some of my committee members during the breaks. We were focused on our work and did our best to discern the will of the Lord.
Then, in July, the Plenary meetings to finish off the experience were 5 very long days (app. 11am-10pm) on Zoom with much to cover. I am not one to sit in one place for very long. So, I am thankful that I had a bouncy ball to sit on, a main floor that I could walk laps within, a computer that allowed me to be able to use it while lying upside down on the couch, and prayers from many.
Thank you for the experience and for sending me as the Ruling Elder Commissioner from the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys.
Jill Emery
Lindsay Jacaruso attending the General Assembly this year as our teaching elder commissioner, and she shared the following:
- The GA commissioners dealt with the last FOUR YEARS of what has happened in the world (let that sink in - the last FOUR YEARS), and faithfully responded as the gathered church to how we hope, we think, we imagine God would to the things facing the church and the world this day and age.
- Health, Safety, and Benefits was a really exciting committee to be a part of given that I am creeping towards my own family leave in October and am one of thousands of pastors and people impacted by the choices of the Supreme Court regarding my own bodily autonomy. It was a privilege to be a part of the team that wrote the statement about reproductive justice that the General Assembly passed as well. In fact, our committee approved it just hours after Roe fell. Rebecca Todd Peters was one of the resource people and will be joining Minnesota Valleys Presbytery in October to do some education around this important issue facing our country so we may learn more about how to faithfully respond.
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As of July 1, IRS mileage rate is 62.5 cents/mile |
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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 pm on Sunday and dinner at 6 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.
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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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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Pr0ject Grants Available from First Presbyterian Madelia
The Mission Redevelopment Committee of First Presbyterian Church, Madelia is seeking applications to receive grants. Qualifying projects may include:
- Development, formation, or redevelopment of Presbyterian churches
- Evangelism or recruitment of new members
- New building construction
- Renovations or capital improvements
- Presbyterian sponsored mission projects
A written letter of application describing the project, other funds available for the project, and the amount of grant requested should be submitted to the Mission Redevelopment Committee and postmarked by August 15, 2022. Grants will be selected and distributed by September 30, 2022.
Mission Redevelopment Committee
PO Box 156
Madelia MN 56062
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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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Seeking Youth Director at FPC Saint Cloud
First Presbyterian Church of Saint Cloud is now conducting a search for a Youth & Campus Ministry Director. It is a full-time position working with youth and campus participants. The position description can be found at fpcstcloud.org.
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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
Tuesday, August 16 via Zoom from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
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, First Presbyterian Churches of Brewster & 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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Volunteer Work Team Opportunities
It is clear that COVID will influence the way we live and do ministry for years to come. Yet in an adapting world, natural disasters continue to affect communities, who still rely on the generosity of volunteers to support the long-term recovery from floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes. Individuals and families who have been marginalized in the past continue to be marginalized during disaster recovery.
Along with many other faith-based and non-profit groups, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) provides opportunities to step into the gap, walk with those impacted, and work towards healing.
PDA currently has seven host sites receiving volunteer teams witnessing to the healing love of Christ by supporting rebuilding efforts in areas that have been affected by natural disasters, including tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and fires.
These sites are:
- Pines Presbyterian Church in Houston, TX Presbytery of New Covenant, Synod of the Sun responding to Hurricane Harvey.
- First Presbyterian Church in Orange, TX, Presbytery of New Covenant, Synod of the Sun responding to the multiple hurricanes that impacted Lake Charles, LA.
- Trinity Presbyterian Church in Oroville, CA, Presbytery of North Central California, Synod of the Pacific responding to the Camp fire that impacted Paradise, CA and surrounding communities.
- La Casona de Monteflores in San Juan, PR, Presbytery of San Juan, Synod in Boriquén responding to Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
- New Hope Village at Neuse Forest Presbyterian Church, New Bern, NC, New Hope Presbytery, Synod of the Mid Atlantic responding to Hurricanes Matthew and Florence.
- Presbyterian Church of the Cross, Omaha NE, Presbytery of Missouri River Valley, Synod of Lakes and Prairies responding to severe flooding.
- We also support an independent site at First Presbyterian Church in Madisonville, KY, Presbytery of Western Kentucky, Synod of Living Waters responding to tornado damage.
- Finally, we plan to open an eighth site at First Presbyterian Church in Calvert City, KY, Presbytery of Western KY, Synod of Living Waters responding to tornado damage. This site is tentatively scheduled to receive volunteers in the late summer of 2022.
We are writing to ask if you would be willing to share the information about our host sites with your congregations and other interested groups, encouraging them to consider sending adult or youth work groups to one of these sites this year or in 2023. More information is available at www.pcusa.org/pdavolunteersites, or those who are interested can contact Nell Herring (Mission Specialist for Volunteer Ministries) at [email protected] or (866) 732-6121
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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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