|
A weekly newsletter from the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys
January 6, 2021
|
|
|
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 January 10-16
First Presbyterian Church of Willmar
|
|
Co-Pastors: Scott & Leanne Thompson
Administrative Assistant: Shara Goldenstein
CE and Youth Ministries Director and Music Team Director: Jill Boeyink
Financial Secretary: Deb Lang
Custodians: Sue & Jerry Schiro
Nursery Supervisor: Erica Boeyink
Deacons: Vicki and John Carver, Curt & Linda Jans, Earl Knutson, Kris & Barb Samuelson, Linda Thomas, Jon & Darcy Gubrud, Rita Dincau, Connie Spartz, Alida Rampaart
Elders: Scott Boeyink, Bob Dincau, Darcy Forkrud, Andrea Walz, Deb Grunwald, Betty Knutson, Sherry Myers, Chuck Stern, Mel Odens, Roger Tatge, Karen Skaggs, Marguerite Austin
Prayer Concerns: Please pray for those in our community that are dealing with grief or illness, our members in long-term care facilities, and our members serving in the armed forces here and abroad. Pray for our congregation that we would be salt and light, and witness to the hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our community. Pray for the peaceful transition of power in our government. We offer prayers of thanksgiving for our outgoing classes of elders and deacons and the leadership they provided.
Mission Corner: Our church continues to house the Day Center for Family Promise of Kandiyohi County on the third floor of our education wing, Westminster Hall. The program provides food and housing for families experiencing homelessness. Our congregation partners with about a dozen other churches in our area to provide support for these families. The Day Center was remodeled with the assistance of loans from our very own Presbytery, for which we are grateful. Family Promise has been operational now for six years and we are blessed and pleased to continue to partner with them. Please pray for the continued vitality of this essential mission, busier now than ever as people's families face economic hardship during the pandemic.
One other, newer mission we are engaged in is a meal ministry to the students of Ridgewater College here in Willmar. Once a month members bring a meal that under ordinary circumstances can feed 150-200 students at the Campus Ministry Center. We look forward to the resumption of this mission when students resume face-to-face classes.
|
|
Please read this article to prepare for Saturday's event
|
|
Lift Up Your Eyes and Look Around
Today we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord, God's self-revelation to the world. In scripture, the story of the Magi traveling from far away countries led by a star recounts God's self-revealing to humanity. Children retell the event in singing We Three Kings. Others recount the event annually by placing a Crèche (Nativity scene) along with their decorations for Christmas. The Magi came with gifts that pointed to the life that Jesus would live. Gold was a symbol of kingship, frankincense a symbol of deity, and myrrh an embalming oil symbolizing death.
"The word "epiphany" (from the Greek epiphaneia or theophaneia) means "appearance" or "manifestation" of God and has roots in the word for sunrise or dawn. In ancient times, an epiphany meant either a visible manifestation of a god or the solemn visit of a ruler venerated as a god." (Companion to the Book of Common Worship Geneva Press, 2003, 94-95).
In the Magi story, several highlights are made, the Magi, after seeing the Christ Child return home another way. They were already men of wisdom and astronomers. In today's parlance, they were self-differentiated individuals led by values of integrity and higher consciousness. Their encounter with the Christ Child affirmed their long-held beliefs and inspired what we can imagine to be a lasting relationship with the Divine. In the text, Herod, known to be an erratic leader, does not persuade them from the mission of confirming the faith of people who waited years for a glimpse of the Holy. The Magi follow their hearts and the leading of the Spirit.
We are reminded that the burning bush that caught Moses's attention was another time of God's self-revelation. In Numbers 22:21-39, Balaam's donkey speaks, questioning the beating of his owner. Ordinary an animal possessing the ability to speak would be enough for us to recognize something is happening. However, it was when Balaam's eyes were opened, and he saw the angel in the road with his sword drawn that he heard the angel say, "I have come here to oppose you because your path is a reckless one before me." Jacob wrestled with God at Bethel as he dreamed of the ladder that went up to heaven. Saul is converted after meeting Jesus on the street called Straight. The disciples on Emmaus Road hearts burn within as they broke bread and listened to the recounting of the story of Jesus's ministry.
How does God's self-revealing change us today? If we are truly disciples of Christ how have, we been shaped and formed spiritually since we began to believe?
When was the last time you saw God? Amid our chaotic days God promises to give us light. Isaiah 60:4 "Lift up your eyes and look around." May God get our attention in a day when it is hard to see the positive.
Rev. SanDawna Ashley
|
|
New Call Announcement
Dear Minnesota Valleys Presbytery,
In 2017 you welcomed me into the presbytery, and we began together on a journey to implement your new ministry plan. Over the last three years, we have made great strides, and I am proud to have served you. This week, I accepted the call to be the Synod of the Northeast Transitional Leader. It is an honor and privilege to be invited to serve the denomination in this capacity. I will proudly serve as the first African American female Synod Leader in the PC(U.S.A.).
I have accepted this call, knowing that you are a presbytery with strong leadership and a vision that extends beyond one person. You are a presbytery working to take appropriate risks and do the necessary things to be witnesses of Christ in this region. I have sung your praises to the national church and the community at large. I am not leaving because something is wrong. I feel free to leave because many things are right. I hope you will build on the Transformation Going Beyond Change Initiative. Leadership development and building the capacity of pastors and other leaders is vital to healthy congregations. I encourage you to implement the Small Church Residency Program. The residency program is one answer for smaller churches. In the years ahead, I hope to hear how you have expanded the Presbyterian witness in the region through vital congregations and Matthew 25.
In my ministry, I have tried to live this understanding "So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. The one who plants and the one who waters have a common purpose. We are God's servants, working together" (I Corinthians 3:7-9). The Apostle Paul reminds us that ministry is the call to specific people and specific places for a season. Wherever we are called to serve, we are working in the vineyard of Christ.
Although my tenure here was shorter than I imagined, I am sure that it was God's will for me to pass by your way. You have enriched the way I will continue to do ministry. I hope that the seeds I worked to plant here will continue to grow.
It has been an honor to work with Karen and Pam. We built a strong leadership team. I will miss them greatly. Additionally, it has been a joy to work with our commission leaders, pastors, and congregations. Elona Street-Stewart and the Synod staff have also enriched my time in the presbytery. I will miss you. I am writing this letter with mixed emotions.
My last official day will be February 28, 2021. I plan to take leave from February 15-28, 2021. I wish you the very best.
Grace and Peace,
Rev. SanDawna Ashley
“May the Lord send you help from the sanctuary, from Zion be your support. May He remember[ your every offering, graciously accept your burnt offering, May the Lord grant what is in your heart, fulfill your every plan. May we shout for joy at your victory raise the banners in the name of our God. The Lord grant your every petition” (Psalm 20:1-5).
|
|
The Presbyterian News Service released an article about her new call:
|
|
Notes from Stated Clerk Pamela Prouty
As some of you know I have been called to serve the First Presbyterian Church, Windom, MN as a half-time stated supply. I’m excited about this new position as I have not been in the pulpit regularly for 21 years. I will continue to serve as the Presbytery Stated Clerk and the Synod Stated Clerk. My plan going forward is to devote Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays to Stated Clerk work and Wednesdays to Windom. Fridays have traditionally been my day off. Of course, there will always be exceptions and unexpected events, meetings and so forth. You can continue to contact me through email at pam@minnesotavalleys.org or you can call me at the Presbytery office at 320-235-7910 or at my home at 507-627-5486.
I’ve had many questions about ordination and installation of elders and deacons. Here is a link to an article from the PCUSA about such occasions: www.presbyterianmission.org/story/pcusa-offers-guidance-on-baptism-ordination-during-the-pandemic/ Essentially what this article states is that installations can happen virtually, but not necessarily ordinations. If the deacon/elder elect needs to be ordained, they need to have the laying on of hands happen in person. One way to make this happen is to have the deacon/elder elect be present with another elder/deacon who can on behalf of the Session can lay on hands. Again, if you have questions/concerns, please contact me.
The annual statistic season is here, if you do not have the information from me with the details about the statistical report, please let me know. It was emailed to the Clerk and the Session moderator. The due date is January 31, 2021. This year there is no clerk questionnaire. And if you have questions/concerns, please contact me.
|
|
Small Church Residency Program News
We are delighted that the following two churches have been selected for the Small Church Residency Program:
- Faith Presbyterian Church of Silver Lake (below left)
- First Presbyterian Church of Winnebago (below right)
|
|
Minnesota Department of Health Coronavirus Resources
Updated faith related guidance documents have been posted. Anything you can do virtually, you should do virtually at this time.
New updated documents are:
|
|
Beginning January 1, 2021 the standard mileage rates are:
56 cents per mile for business use
16 cents per mile for medical, or moving purposes
14 cents per mile for service of charitable organizations
|
|
2021 Per Capita
$43.00 Total
$28.52 for Presbytery
$5.50 for Synod
$8.98 for GA
|
|
Article from Church Law and Tax
|
Last week the US Supreme Court ruled on a case brought by Catholic and Jewish congregations about their inability to worship in New York State based on Gov. Cuomo’s use of orange/red distinctions for the corona virus.
|
|
|
The Court overturned the Governor’s rule because it discriminated against religious organizations. (Orange counties could have 25 people in worship; Red just 10 – while businesses were able to be open with more than 10 or 25 people in their buildings as they were regulated based on capacity.) The Supreme Court in two prior votes said that there could be restrictions on churches as long as they were not discriminated against.
Richard Hammar wrote in Church Law and Tax Update:
What this means for churches
What is the practical relevance of this case to churches? Consider the following four points.
First, the central holding of the Court’s opinion is that churches cannot be treated less favorably during a pandemic than “comparable secular organizations.”
Second, comparable secular organizations include those that have similar numbers in attendance for similar periods of time each week, with similar physical interactions among attendees.
Third, a state can impose restrictions on gatherings that treat churches no less favorably than comparable secular organizations. To illustrate, a ban on gatherings in excess of 100 people that applies uniformly to every religious and secular organization would likely not run afoul of the First Amendment guarantee of religious freedom.
Fourth, church leaders that continue to hold worship services in violation of state or local restrictions that treat churches no less favorably than comparable secular organizations must understand that they are exposing their church to potential legal risks should one or more persons become infected with the COVID-19 virus as a result of
church attendance. These risks include:
-
Potential personal liability of church board members if their decision to ignore government mandates and recommendations is deemed to constitute gross negligence. Most states have enacted laws limiting the personal liability of church officers and directors. The most common type of statute immunizes uncompensated directors and officers from legal liability for their ordinary negligence committed within the scope of their official duties. These statutes generally provide no protection for “willful and wanton” conduct or “gross negligence”—the same standard typically used as a basis for punitive damages (below). A decision by a church board to continue holding worship services in disregard of government restrictions may constitute gross negligence subjecting board members who participated in the decision to personal liability.
- Reckless inattention to risks can lead to punitive damages, and such damages ordinarily are not covered by a church’s liability insurance policy. This means that a jury award of punitive damages represents a potentially uninsured risk. As a result, church leaders should understand the basis for punitive damages, and avoid behavior which might be viewed as grossly negligent. A decision by a church’s leadership to continue holding worship services in disregard of government restrictions may constitute gross negligence subjecting the church to punitive damages.”
|
|
Learning Ministry Skills for Today’s and Tomorrow’s Church for Pastors, Staff, COMs and Congregational Leaders
February 8-12, 2021, Online
Whether it is a change in leadership or a changing community, leading a congregation through change is both challenging and rewarding. It takes knowledge, skill, resilience and spiritual strength to navigate the waters of change in a way that leaders and congregations thrive. This training is for individuals who are considering ministry in temporary settings (as an interim, transitional or designated pastor) or are experiencing ministry in these transitional times. Materials presented will include the basics of transitional ministry and will be of value to all congregational pastors regardless of their ministry setting. Best practices in transitional ministry include ways to enter the congregation and community, how to analyze a congregation’s strength and growing edges, and how to assist a congregation in moving toward a vibrant future. This training will delve into navigating change, the pastor as a spiritual interpreter of transition, family systems, mission focus ministry, conflict mediation, and building resiliency.
Participants completing the full 30 hours of training will meet the requirements for Week I Transitional Ministry Education. If you want a certificate of completion, you must actively participate in all sessions in their entirety. We will meet Monday-Thursday from 9:00-11:30, 1:30-4:30 and Friday from 9:00-noon. Tuition and fees cover the tuition as well as the costs of taking the Thomas Kilman Inventory and the Intercultural Development Inventory. Continue reading for additional information.
|
|
Prayer List
- For Rev. Bill Yueill, retired pastor, Zimmerman, well on the way to recovery from a serious heart event
- For Rev. John Lindholm, retired pastor, Fergus Falls, health concerns
- 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 Occidente Partners in Guatemala
- For the families of the three Occidente pastors that have recently died
- For those who have contracted the Covid virus
- For the "Men in the Mirror" program. Men from Occidente that MVP supported financially to attend the classes 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."
|
|
Pastoral Leadership Opportunities
Zion Presbyterian Church, Ellsworth; Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, Rushmore; First Presbyterian Church, Rushmore - Interim 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
First Presbyterian Church, Slayton - Pastor
Hope Presbyterian Church, Spicer - Solo Pastor
First Presbyterian Church, Winnebago - Interim Pastor
|
|
Pastoral Care
A Winter Learning Opportunity for Presbyterians
February 1-March 8, 2021
Join this class to explore what it means to reflect on what it means to provide pastoral care in a variety of settings and concerns. Rev. Lisa Watson, a long-time hospital chaplain, who currently serves as a Marriage and Family Counselor is the instructor.
Who might want to take this class?
- Deacons who provide pastoral care and make pastoral visits
- Commissioned Pastors who would like to improve their pastoral care
- Those who might be called to be commissioned pastors as it meets the criteria of participating presbyteries
What will this class involve?
This course is designed to introduce you to pastoral care and the issues that commonly arise in this ministry. Our goal is to address topics that are directly relevant and applicable to your ministry work. Through readings, discussion, and self-reflective exercises, you will:
- Increase your understanding of the essence of pastoral care.
- Identify theological, scientific and awareness resources for future use in pastoral care
- Deepen self-reflection awareness and skills needed to provide thoughtful pastoral care. There will be one book to read in advance and two instruments to take prior to the class.
The class runs asynchronously, meaning, you will participate in weekly activities at your own pace, based on your schedule. Each week, you will be expected to complete an assigned reading, participate in a discussion, respond to two of your classmates’ discussion posts, and complete an assignment. We estimate that you will spend about two hours weekly on coursework. There will be two Zoom meetings with the instructor: February 15 and March 1 from 7-8 p.m.
What is the cost?
- $125 for those whose presbyteries support The Academy. $150 for those whose presbytery is not a partner. For those interested in the whole series of 11 classes in the Academy, there is an additional discount.
Who is sponsoring this?
- This is a class offered through The Academy, a series of classes for church members designed to deepen faith as participants encounter Christ in a new way. For those who are called or are exploring a call to become a Commissioned Pastor, this is a program that can help that happen. The Synod of Lakes and Prairies and the Presbyteries of Minnesota Valleys, North Central Iowa, Northern Waters and Prospect Hill are the current sponsors of the Academy.
How do I register or find additional information?
|
|
Formation for Mission: Dipping into the Well of PC(USA) Resources
A Spring Learning Opportunity for Presbyterians
March 13-14, 2021
This weekend class offers participants the opportunity to learn more about the breadth and depth of resources available for Presbyterian church leaders. This course provides the opportunity to interact with a number of national staff people for the PC(USA) and to become acquainted with the resources their offices offer to aid and further the ministry of local congregations.
Who should consider taking this class?
- Anyone who wants to grow in their faith and understanding of being Presbyterian
- Session members and Deacons
- Committee chairs
- Commissioned Pastors seeking a helpful continuing education opportunity
- Those who might be called to be commissioned pastors
What will this class involve?
- Through a series of interactive panel discussions with national staff for the PCUSA, participants will dip deep into the well of resources for:
- Understanding and engaging the Matthew 25 initiative of the denomination and its focus on building congregational vitality, eradicating system poverty and dismantling structural racism.
- Forming lifelong disciples who are grounded in the reformed tradition and equipped for evangelism, equipped to be peacemakers and witnesses to the world, and who engage the reformed tradition to work towards justice and equity for all God's people.
- The Presbyterian Publishing House will share new resources for faith formation of all ages and participants will explore a variety of resources and how they can be used in local congregations.
- This class will meet by Zoom on Saturday 9:00-5:00 and Sunday 9:00-3:00 CT.
What is the cost?
- $125 for participants from partner presbyteries. $150 for participants from non-partner presbyteries. For those interested in the whole series of 11 classes in the Academy, there is a discount.
Who is sponsoring this?
- This is a class offered through The Academy, a series of classes for church members designed to deepen faith as participants encounter Christ in a new way. For those who are called or are exploring a call to become a Commissioned Pastor, this is a program that can help that happen. The Synod of Lakes and Prairies and the Presbyteries of Minnesota Valleys, North Central Iowa, Northern Waters and Prospect Hill are the current sponsors of the Academy.
How do I register or find more information?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|