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A weekly newsletter from the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys
January 17, 2024
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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 January 21-27
Maine Presbyterian Church of rural Underwood
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We are lucky enough to have Pastor Bob Kersten as supply pastor, Rev. Ed Morgan as temporary supply pastor, and Jerry Trupka as lay pastor.
Musicians: Andrea Fowler, Judy Hoffbeck, and Ames Broen
Clerk of Session: Linda Gronner
Treasurer/Tech guy: James Crouse
Please pray for all members who have health issues. We all realize how life can change in an instant, so we are thankful for our many blessings.
Special events:
- Four new members were baptized in Otter Tail Lake in October and ten new members for 2023.
- Two worship services were held at Beach Bums on Ottertail Lake with a large number of visitors.
- Our Annual Auction is held the third Saturday in September
- In 2023, we donated to many local missions, and this will continue in 2024.
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Together in Christ
Beth sends warm greetings from the Matthew 25 Summit in Atlanta. Here are a few photos she sent and a link to the recommended Matthew 25 app.
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This image shows the crowd more clearly. The building is at capacity (300 people), so they had to start a waiting list of 80 people! | |
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Download the Matthew 25 App
Being Matthew 25 on the App Store (apple.com)
The Matthew 25 app is designed to connect you with resources to help you strengthen relationships, transform your communities, and bring alive your commitment to serve those in your town/city and the world.
We hope that this app serves as another way to inspire ideas, foster connections across the church and community, and provide you with the resources you need to actively engage in the world. Wherever you are, whatever your context may be, you have a use for this app.
Our app is divided into four sections:
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Home: Your home base for announcements, new resources and for other ways to connect and engage with the Matthew 25 vision.
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Resources: Discover resources to guide, support and amplify your ministry to your community and the world.
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Find a Church: Search for other Matthew 25 churches by Name, City, State or Zip.
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Join: Join the Matthew 25 journey with us. This section of the app guides you through the process of becoming a Matthew 25 church, mid-council, or organization.
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Prayer List
New concerns
- For the family of Rev Leslie Winters, former pastor at our churches in Tracy, Currie, Reading and Wilmont, who passed away Jan 4.
- For the family of Rev. Jeff DeYoe, former pastor at Hope Presbyterian, Spicer, who passed away Dec 12.
- For Rev. Leanne Thompson, pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Willmar, who will be undergoing shoulder surgery Jan 25.
- For Rev. Lynne Matthews, retired pastor most recently served First Presbyterian Church of Holland, who is having issues with her eye and is in the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.
Ongoing concerns
- For Bea Ourada, Presbytery Business Consultant: health issues
- For Rev. Paul Snyder, pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Ashby, is struggling with an unknown health condition, going on medical leave and will be spending 10 days at Mayo Clinic to try to find a diagnosis beginning January 10.
- For Karen Houtman and family on the death of her husband, Chuck.
- For Rev. Mark Chamberlain, retired pastor, Willmar
- For Rev. Bob Bartlett, retired pastor, Round Lake
- For Rev. Michael Roys and Rev. Bonnie Roys, retired pastors, Winnebago. Thanks to everyone for their prayers and well wishes.
- Pray for our brothers and sisters in the Occidente Presbytery of Guatemala
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Sad News
Pastor Jeffrey Glyn DeYoe passed away on December 12, 2023 at the age of 67, after a 2 1/2 year battle with brain cancer. He was an ordained minister for 42 years in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and was called to serve churches in Dwight, Kansas, Hallock, MN, Spicer, MN (Hope Presbyterian), Palm Coast, FL, Worthington, Ohio and Fort Myers, FL. A Celebration of Life Service will take place at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 156 Florida Park Drive in Palm Coast, Fl on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. Cards can be sent to his wife, Ruth, at 1456 Idaho Ave. W., Falcon Heights, MN 55108.
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Hymnal Giveaway
First Presbyterian of St. James has purchased new hymnals! This means that we have over 100 copies each of The Presbyterian Hymnal (1989) and Hymns for the Family of God (1976). If your congregation has need of copies of either or both of these hymnals, please let David know, and he will see to it that they are delivered to you, free of charge! You can't beat the price! Please contact David or First Presbyterian Church of St. James with your order. Thanks!
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Retirement Conversations: A resource available from the Board of Pensions for pastors and CREs, even if you do not have Board of Pension benefits!
As the Board of Pensions reminds us, "Transitioning into and beginning anew in retirement doesn’t happen well by accident. Thoughtfulness, intentionality, and proper planning are key. Doing the hard work of reflecting on the implications for our sense of identity and how we will find meaning and purpose — as well as ensuring that we’ve carefully considered our financial resources and plans for healthcare — are essential components of planning for retirement."
Check out Retirement Conversations on the Board of Pensions website and register for the January session today. You will complete approximately three hours of online courses on your own, and then be enrolled in online conversation sessions with educators to guide you. All of this will serve to help you and your congregation prepare for your retirement.
Read more and register here: https://www.pensions.org/your-path-to-wholeness/lifelong-learning-through-board-university/e-learning/retirement-conversations?utm_source=web&utm_medium=homepage_news&utm_campaign=retirement_conversations
Commissioned Ruling Elders, and part-time pastors who are not enrolled in the Board of Pensions: Did you know that you can still take advantage of the educational offerings of the Board? You can enroll in webinars, and the Board will assign you your own log-in and password that will allow you to take advantage of other educational opportunities through the "back door" of the Board of Pensions webpage. If you are serving a church or contributing to the life of the Presbytery, the Board of Pensions wants to be of support.
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Join the Zoom to review the environment and climate overtures adopted at the 2022 General Assembly
In a zoom session to run at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 30, Earl Knutson of First Pres Willmar will feature a YouTube video produced by the Presbyterian Action Team, an affiliate of the Citizens Climate Lobby. The 23-minute video gives the highlights of the environment and climate overtures adopted at the 2022 General Assembly. There will be 20 or more minutes to hear from participants about climate-preserving actions planned or in progress in their congregations. To be successful, five or more participants are needed. Please RSVP to Karen Lange by January 26.
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Attention Churches with a Non-Installed Pastor Who Works at Least 20 Hours:
Did you know that you can offer the Minister's Choice Board of Pensions Benefit to your pastor for 10% of your pastor's salary? This benefit does not include health insurance. The Pastor's Participation Benefit that includes health insurance has a cost of 39% of the pastor's salary. But for pastors who may have other options for health insurance, Minister's Choice allows them to continue to accrue pension benefits and gives them access to some other benefits as well. You can read more here: https://www.pensions.org/what-we-offer/benefits-packages/Ministers-Choice
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Attention all presbytery committee and commission members, mark your calendars for January 27!
All commission and committee chairs and members are invited to the Presbytery office at FPC Willmar. You will have your first meeting of the year, and an educational time will be included. We are planning to meet in person from 10:00 to 3:00. There will be time for education, to get to know others on your committee or commission, to get oriented to the work of the whole Presbytery, and to make plans for your individual groups.
Please make an effort to be there; there will be food!!! Maybe even homemade cookies!! Let Karen Lange know your attendance plans.
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2024
Jan 16–18: Matthew 25 Summit in Atlanta
Jan 22: Inventive Ministries Zoom at 11:00 a.m.
Jan 25: Leadership/Chairs Zoom at 1:00 p.m.
Jan 27: Commission/Committee Education at FPC Willmar from 10:00-3:00
Jan 31: Church statistics due date for Clerks of Session
Apr 13: Stated Presbytery Meeting (in person only) from 10:00 - 3:00, at Ebenezer Presbyterian Church of Renville
Apr 16-18: Synod's Leadership Summit for COL (COM/CPM) in Buffalo
Oct 12: Stated Presbytery Meeting (in person only) from 10:00 - 3:00 at Federated Church of Fergus Falls
Dec 12: Stated Presbytery Meeting via Zoom from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
2025
July 28-31: Presbyterian Youth Triennium in Louisville
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Does your church have a social media policy? It's a good idea! Here is the policy developed by Wayne Robinson and Rev. Dr. Steve Voris from the Luverne church, which you are free to use as a template or borrow from as desired. Thanks Wayne, Steve and the Luverne church! | 2024 IRS Mileage Rate is 67 cents per mile |  | |
From Presbyterian Clearwater Forest
Summer Camp 2024 registration now open!
Our theme for the summer is linked by love. We’ll be diving into talking about how we’re all connected by love in many different ways and so much more.
The sessions we have for this summer are:
Discovery Camp (3rd grade-6th grade)
Adventure Camp (6th grade-9th grade)
Senior High Camp (9th grade- campers who just graduated)
10 Day Sailing Camp (9th grade- campers who just graduated)
10 Day Senior High Camp (9th grade-campers who just graduated)
Counselor In Training Program (Ages 16-18)
Grands Camp (For Everyone!)
You can register right now at the link! Bring your cousins, your friends, your siblings, and anyone else you know who wants to have a fun week this summer! We can’t wait to see you all at Clearwater Forest again this summer! If you have any questions don’t hesitate to reach out to programs@clearwaterforest.org
WOMEN’S CHRYSALIS
Winter Program Feb. 23-25, 2024
Theme: Fully Alive! Speaker: Jill Emery
Register Here
Dare to Date...Your Spouse!
Couples Retreat Information Sheet
March 1-3, 2024
$300/couple | Registration Open Now!
Questions? Contact programs@clearwaterforest.org
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Public Domain Hymn Project
The Presbytery of Plains and Peaks is recording public domain hymns for congregations without musicians to use. The hymns were recorded in MIDI format and then edited so that lyrics and backgrounds could be provided (white lyrics and black or colored background). The first Christmastide videos of the Presbytery's Public Domain Hymn project are available! Plains and Peaks asks for a nominal donation of $3 per hymn to help offset the cost of producing the videos. Full information is available via their website at this link.
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Quick Links
Give to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance: Israel/Palestine
The Account is DR000081 - Israel/Palestine.
Clergy Wellness Grants
Board of Pensions
Pulpit Supply and Moderator Information
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New Resources for Ruling Elders and Deacons
Help for churches waiting for their next pastor: Read more
For Ruling Elders who have opportunity to preach: If you are an elder and have been asked to preach for the very first time, you will find this book helpful in your preparation: Your First Sermon: Getting from here to Sunday in Five Manageable Steps by Gary Neal Hansen, PhD. We recommend that elders take opportunity to preach a sermon, and have a sermon prepared in the event that your pastor is suddenly ill on a Sunday morning, or during seasons when your church is between pastors. Our Ruling Elders are vital leaders in all of our churches, and we want to help equip you for all that may be involved as you serve in this capacity.
For Ruling Elders who have opportunity to craft the entire worship service: Book of Common Worship (Westminster John Knox Press) and Feasting on the Word Worship Companion (Westminster John Knox Press), Liturgies for years A, B, and C – all volumes. Utilizing these resources with support from your church administrator or worship planning team will be able to create the worship service outline for the bulletin every week.
The Presbyterian Church (USA) provides many wonderful resources to support and encourage the elders and deacons who so faithfully serve in our congregations.
Additional Resources:
Along the Road: A Podcast for PC(USA) Leaders (buzzsprout.com) is a podcast that will draw you into conversation with other church leaders.
Course: Coming Alive in Christ: Training for PC(USA) Ruling Elders and Deacons based on the Constitutional Questions (pcusa.org) is a great training resource for elders and deacons. This training anchors your work in the constitutional questions (vows) you take when you are ordained. Fully understanding your ordination vows and living into them as intended can provide an anchor and guidance for your entire life journey and make serving your congregation as an elder or deacon a richer and more rewarding experience.
re: Ruling Elders (pcusa.org) is a publication designed especially for Ruling Elders, and you will want this in your inbox every month. You can access back issues here. The issues are packed with thought-provoking articles and helpful information.
PC(USA) OGA (pcusa.org) provides a list of additional resources and the promo code LEADER40 that will get you a 40% discount when you order the books listed.
We hope you will take advantage of these many resources, and if you are considering serving as an elder or a deacon for the first time, we hope this list will be an encouragement to you! You are not in this alone! The entire denomination is behind you, ready to equip, support and encourage you in your ministry! So, fear not! Step out in faith if you are asked to serve. Help is available and you will make a difference. Serving as an elder or deacon will also make a positive difference in your life!
If you have been serving as a Ruling Elder for a while, perhaps you are ready for the next step: become a Commissioned Ruling Elder (CRE). Commissioned Ruling Elders are commissioned to a specific church to serve as pastor for a season of time. Your commissioning will open many new doors of ministry for you! You can prepare to become a CRE in two years by taking courses through The Academy. Academy-Brochure-8-30-2023.pdf (lakesandprairies.org)
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Planting and Maintaining a Prairie Garden
Source: Planting and maintaining a prairie garden | UMN Extension
Residential prairie or prairie garden
A residential prairie or prairie garden is a smaller site, typically 1/4 acre or larger, which has been planted with native grasses, sedges and wildflowers.
- It reflects the original grassland vegetation dominant in the Midwest prior to European settlement.
- It is a low-maintenance landscape that encourages a diversity of plant and animal species.
The importance of prairies
- Prairies provide a place for many diverse plants that support a wide range of birds, butterflies and other native wildlife. Without suitable prairie habitat, many birds, insects and butterflies are reduced in number and are in danger of becoming threatened and extinct.
- Homeowners can plant prairie gardens in an urban or suburban area that can be part of a larger ecosystem that will provide suitable habitat for many native plants, insects and birds.
- Over the years, a prairie may take less time and money to maintain than a conventional lawn, with reduced use of irrigation, pesticides, fertilizers and mowing.
- Even though prairies were not native landscapes in all of Minnesota, a prairie garden or restored prairie can be grown in most areas of the state.
Read more
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To Celebrate MLK Day Weekend, New York Avenue Presbyterian Church hears from one of the nation's great preachers
The Rev. Dr. James A. Forbes, Jr. appeared Saturday as a McClendon Scholar and Sunday in the pulpit
by Mike Ferguson | Presbyterian News Service
LOUISVILLE — Last September, just about the time of his 88th birthday, the Rev. Dr. James A. Forbes, Jr., had a transformative experience. It was so life-changing that he wasn’t sure the people present at New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C. as well as many more online would want him to deliver his planned talk, “How Can We Heal Our Nation?” as part of the McClendon Scholar Program.
“I am not the same Jim Forbes you thought you were inviting,” said the senior minister emeritus of The Riverside Church in the City of New York. “I’ve had a real transformation of consciousness.”
On about Sept. 6, “something happened to me, and I’ve never been the same,” said Forbes. Here’s what Forbes heard from the Almighty during the encounter: “From now on, you must fully dedicate yourself to being a spokesperson of my intentions for the Earth. You must give up trying to please, seek to discern my will — and then live it out and speak it forth as frequently as you can.”
“I’m not here to give you a good Jim Ford stem-winding speech,” Forbes said. “I’m here to be a spokesman for God on how we can heal the nation.”
Forbes then read the first of what would be several poems he’s written to help explain his transformation. This one said in part:
When the world became so violent and filled with hate,
You revealed inside of me a defective character trait
That would hamper my service to you in these awful times of strife
I had developed a personality of niceness sustained throughout my life.
You reminded me that you preferred unadulterated profanity
Rather than niceness that covered up rage on the verge of insanity.
“The new me is steadily learning to live free. This Jim Forbes may fuss, cuss and discuss vehemently,” he said. “Still want me?” Those in attendance said they did.
Read more
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Technology Grant: Apply every year, read more here
The presbytery offers technology grants up $750.00 each year, not to exceed ½ of the cost of the total project. Link to form.
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Pastors, CREs and Christian Educators: Would you like to work with a coach? The Presbytery can help. Contact Beth
to get started: 530-513-0592 or e-mail beth@minnesotavalleys.org
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2024 Per Capita: $45.00 Total
$29.70 for Presbytery
$5.50 for Synod
$9.80 for GA
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Trauma-Informed Ministry Workshop Series
People are hurting. How can church leaders be present in a different way–a trauma-informed way–to those who are significantly struggling?
LeaderWise facilitators will equip congregational leaders - pastors, faith formation leaders, staff and volunteers - in taking a trauma-informed approach to their ministry, so that they may provide safe care and connection to those in their congregation and community. A trauma-informed approach involves being attuned to the ways in which a person's life context and lived experience may shape how they are able to receive care or to experience safety and connection. A trauma-informed approach is necessary now more than ever as the times we have lived through, and are living in now, are stirring up strong emotions and deep trauma in those we are serving.
The series will have four workshops; each will be two hours (1:00 - 3:00 Central). Registration and participation in all four workshops is encouraged.
Religion, the Bible, and Spiritual Trauma - Rev. Laura Beth Buchleiter
THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2024 (1:00-3:00 PM CT)
Trauma and Grief – Joanna Quanbeck, Ph.D., LP
THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024 (1:00-3:00 PM CT)
Trauma and Intersectional Identities - Rev. Laura Beth Buchleiter
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2024 (1:00-3:00 PM CT)
The total cost for all four workshops is $75/members; $100/non-members.
Learn more and register here.
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Get Away for a Day!
Thursday, March 7, 2024
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Mt. Olivet Retreat Center, Farmington
Cost: $55 and includes snacks, lunch, presenter
Receive a $5 discount if you register before January 1, 2024!
Agenda
9:00 - 9:30 Arrive, snack, socialize
9:30 - 10:00 Get to know each other
10:00 - 12:00 Presentation about using AI in your congregation
12:00 - 12:45 Lunch
12:45 - 2:00 Free time
2:00 - 3:00 Discussion about AI presentation
3:00 - 4:00 Networking, idea and resource sharing
Register
This is event is hosted by the Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA,
but all church communicators are welcome!
We need 20 people to register to cover the costs of the event, so please spread the word!
Contact Jeni Huff, 612-230-3303 with questions.
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We live in a society of many caregivers. We have caring professionals (nurses, doctors, midwives, doulas, pastors, chaplains, therapists, social workers, etc.) and unpaid caregivers (friends, parents, communities of faith, etc.).
How do our society’s care-less systems and structures affect our caregivers and those for whom they provide care? How might reflecting on experiences in caregiving help us reimagine a more caring social life? What is the role of caregivers in the struggle for a more just world?
On January 31 at 6:30 PM, a panel of practitioners and scholars working at the intersections of pastoral and health care, disability justice, and social medicine will weigh these and other questions at a free hybrid event titled, “Caregivers in a Care-less Society: A Panel on Care Work and Social Justice.” Our special guests are:
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Rev. Dr. Jessica Chapman Lape, United’s assistant professor of interreligious chaplaincy and program director for interreligious chaplaincy
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Dr. Michael Westerhaus, faculty, University of Minnesota’s Medical School’s Department of Medicine and Center for Global Health and Social Responsibility, primary care clinician at the Center for International Health, and program director of the Bridge to Residency for Immigrant International Doctor Graduates through Clinical Experience (BRIIDGE) Program.
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Dr. Aarti Bhatt, assistant professor of internal medicine and pediatrics at the University of Minnesota, associate program director for the Med-Peds residency program, and primary care physician at the Community University Health Care Center
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Rev. Laura Cannata (’13), a disability justice minister at Robbinsdale Parkway UCC and a member of the Disability Ministries’ Board of Directors for the National UCC.
Sign up for this free event (to save your seat or join us online) at https://www.unitedseminary.edu/event/caregivers-in-a-care-less-society-a-panel-on-care-work-and-social-justice/
Address any questions to Stella Pearce at spearce@unitedseminary.edu
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