|
|
A weekly newsletter from the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys
June 29, 2022
|
|
 |
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 July 3-9
First Presbyterian Church of Kasota
|
|
Staff:
Rev. Jeanne Kumbalek, Minister
Jess Gunderson, Secretary/Treasurer
Marleen Goettl, Clerk of Session
Anita Seacrease, Organist
Connie Ryan, Janitor
Session: Outreach & Spiritual Life Committee: Kathy Sondergaard
Trustees Committee: Brad Wobbrock, Jeannette Baker, Daniel Honetschlager
Music & Worship Committee: Charlotte Hanson
Christian Education Committee: Michelle Leonard, Donna Gomez, Jeff Gunderson, Kathy Wobbrock, Liaison
Presbytery Commissioner: Daniel Honetschlager
Prayers: We are enjoying our new yoked ministry with Lake Crystal and our new minister. We are planning and working on a new website, our Vacation Bible School for July, Ice Social in August and Fall Bazaar. Details will be posted on Facebook and new website. We feel blessed to continue to serve our Lord and to be of service to each other, our extended families, friends and our community.
|
|
Together in Christ
Dear Presbytery Family,
I was recently speaking with a colleague of mine in our Presbytery, and somehow or other we got on the topic of the Genesis story where God commands Adam and Eve not to eat of the fruit growing on the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, or they will surely die. My colleague shared a thought that was brand new to me, and I have been pondering it ever since. “Beth,” he said, “the problem wasn’t the apple. An apple is a healthful piece of fruit. The forbidden fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil was a spirit of judgment. That is the fruit God does not want us to consume.”
I thought of Matthew 7, where we are warned not to judge others, or we too will be judged. We are told not to focus on the speck of sawdust in another’s eye, when we have a plank in our own. My colleagues’ words made great sense to me. A judgmental spirit destroys: individual lives when people are left aching for the love of family and friends who have rejected them; families torn apart at times over differing opinions so they cannot even gather for a holiday or special occasion; churches torn apart with some even leaving permanently and wanting nothing more to do with each other. When we become so sure we are right and everyone else is wrong we are on perilous ground and headed down a path of destruction.
I know there is much that is tearing at the fabric of our nation right now. The January 6th hearings, the overturning of Roe vs Wade, LGBTQ rights, Black Lives, the pandemic, inflation, immigration and human trafficking, gun violence, war in Ukraine, and on and on the list goes. We have strong opinions, and many of us feel led to action right now, a response that we believe might be of some help and feels like a way to live out our faith. It goes without saying that we hold differing strong opinions, and we are led to differing courses of action.
I just want to suggest one word of caution: whatever action you take, however you move forward, please do it with grace and do it in love.
Can I confess something to you, as your brand-new EP? Over the course of my life, I have held very strong positions on many of these issues. I have written letters to the editor, donated to causes, assisted with projects I thought would make a difference, but here’s the thing…the confession: I have changed my mind over time about some of those issues and causes. I have supported things in the past with which I now disagree. I have worked for causes in the past that I would now work against. I have been so sure and certain, and of those very things where I thought I really knew and would never see it any differently, well, guess what? Now I have a different view.
I think it is vitally important that we listen deeply to one another now, and we make allowance for differing opinions. We are all in process, and we may all come to see things differently over time in ways we cannot begin to predict today. As another wise colleague from our Presbytery recently commented in yet another insightful conversation: “Life happens.” We can be sure and certain of our position on various issues until “life happens” and we come to see that things are not quite what they seemed.
Be gentle with one another and with the world around you. Work with as much kindness as you possibly can. Believe in your opponent’s ability to one day come to a differing view and hold space for the possibility that the same thing could happen to you. It has happened to me. God is not finished with any of us yet and God has not given up on you, on me, or on that person that is causing you such great irritation at this very moment! Let’s keep believing in God and in each other.
Together in Christ,
With courage, devotion and good spirit as a colleague,
Rev. Beth Buckwalter-Miller
|
|
Beginning July 1, IRS mileage rate is 62.5 cents per mile |
|
Announcing the Hiring of our New Presbytery Youth Coordinator!
We are very excited to announce that we have just hired our very first Presbytery Youth Coordinator! Kali Jensen Olson has accepted our call to this part-time position, and she will begin work on August 1st.
Kali is a Willmar native. She was baptized and confirmed in the Presbyterian faith and was not only active in church growing up but also has fond memories of attending Clearwater Forest Bible Camp in the summers. She earned her BA degree in Elementary Education from the University of Jamestown, with a concentration in Special Education. She will be working as a 4th grade teacher at Roosevelt Elementary School in Willmar this fall.
Kali likes to be busy and has a passionate faith! She is very excited to take on this part-time position in addition to her work as an educator, as it will allow her opportunity to work in the faith development of youth. We are hiring Kali on a trial basis through January 1st, so she can make sure this is a good fit with her work as an educator. If all goes well her position will become permanent in January.
Kali has a broad job description that will include outreach to those who are working with youth in our congregations and those who would like to be! She will be developing 2-3 events for our youth each year, coordinating and promoting Triennium, and working to organize a Presbytery-wide Zoom Confirmation class, just to highlight a few of the things on her job description. She will be eager to get acquainted with all our pastors, youth leaders and volunteers! We will introduce Kali to you at our August Zoom Presbytery meeting.
The search committee shared that the dream of having a Youth Coordinator began many years ago with Rick Carus. It was then developed and nourished by Kathy Terpstra, who helped to bring the dream to fruition. Jill Boeyink, LeRoy Ennenga, Paul Snyder, Bailey DeVetter and Tyann Jones served on the search committee and will continue to be a resource and a support to Kali as she begins her work in our midst.
|
|
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 congregation 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
|
|
Keeping Up with General Assembly
Are you interested in following the work of General Assembly? Several of our pastors has found this resource, from Presbyterian Outlook to be very helpful. Check it out: https://pres-outlook.org/tag/GA225/
|
|
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.
|
|
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
P.O. Box 156
Madelia, MN 56062
|
|
Is Solar Energy Right for your Church?
If your congregation is considering switching to solar energy but worried about the cost, you might consider taking out a Restoring Creation Loan from the Presbyterian Church Investment & Loan Program. Many of our congregations are wisely very cautious about taking on debt, but one of the nice things about the loan program is the opportunity to structure your debt so that your monthly payment is the same as what you will now be saving on your electric bill. This prevents additional monthly cost to the congregation, and once the loan is repaid, your cost-savings can really begin. At the same time, you are doing something very helpful for our environment. Here is a link, if you would like to learn more: https://pilp.pcusa.org/restoring-creation-loan/
Another organization that partners with faith communities in creative ways to make solar possible is Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light. This organization is also helping to develop solar gardens in communities, so even the poor can tap in for clean energy, so that solar does not become something that is only available to the wealthy. To learn more about this resource check out this link: https://www.mnipl.org/take-action/just-solar/congregational-solar/
Here is an Earth Care tip for the week: Instead of putting your produce in the plastic bags grocery stores provide, bring your own mesh bags for produce. Check out “reusable mesh produce bags” on Amazon.
Amazon Smile…generating income for your church
If you haven’t yet done so, check out Amazon Smile, and the opportunity to register your church to receive contributions generated through Amazon Smile. Here is a link to get you started: https://org.amazon.com/
|
|
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]
|
|
Presbyterian Planning Calendars 2022-2023
We will order 2022-2023 Presbyterian Planning Calendars August 1. The PCUSA Store is listing the publishing date as August 2, 2022. The presbytery orders a big batch to get a discount. E-mail Karen Lange to order. Order deadline is July 31.
This year's cost is $10.00 each plus the cost of shipping the calendars to you (no shipping cost if picked up). Pay after receiving the calendars.
|
|
|
Thrivent Member Grants Benefit First Presbyterian Willmar VBS
Thrivent Financial Services is an organization with generosity at its core. They invest in more than just portfolios-they invest in our communities. Thrivent is a not-for-profit organization that offers access to a full suite of charitable giving options, volunteer programs, and partnerships with causes like the one at First Presbyterian Church of Willmar and their Vacation Bible School program.
Thanks to two Willmar families who are Thrivent members, the church received grants totaling $500 to be used towards the cost of food and craft supplies for their 2022 VBS “Discovery on Adventure Island”. Members may submit a request to Thrivent twice a year through their generosity program.
To learn more, feel free to contact Jill Boeyink at First Presbyterian Church of Willmar. She would be happy to give you more information about this impactful program.
|
|
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.
|
|
Spiritual Wellness Practitioner Program
The past couple of years have presented unprecedented challenges to parish pastors. In addition to new realities, all too often pastors end up being religious CEOs (attending to buildings, budgets, and butts in the pew) or religious goods and services providers (coddling to the needs and wants of members). Historically, pastors have been called to be Gospel practitioners. Pastors are to equip individuals to emulate Jesus Christ. This vision is critically needed in our communities and congregations.
If you desire to return to the historical call of pastors, consider being trained as a spiritual wellness practitioner. A spiritual wellness practitioner understands the importance of supporting parishioners as they live out the gospel mandate. They are trained to understand what spiritual wellness entails and what cultivates spiritual health. They are equipped to come alongside of individuals through various methodologies in order that they may accurately assess a person’s spiritual wellness and formulate an action plan for growth. They are educated on the multitude of ways individuals connect with God and helps individuals identify their natural connection style(s). They are instructed in a wide range of spiritual practices/disciplines and teaches those to others.
A new cohort begins July 15. The sixteen-week program includes four modules - Spiritual Wellness 101, God-Shaped Connections, Creating Meaningful Spiritual Wellness Conversations, Soul-Tending: Spiritual Practices. There are thirty-one 20–30 minute instructional videos. Everyone receives a one-on-one spiritual wellness checkup. Participants receive assessment tools, reading lists, and weekly exercises/assignments. Individuals have unlimited email and text message contact with Rev. Dr. Candace Adams throughout the course.
Here is some feedback from previous participants: “I thought the content was amazing and the self-pacing was truly a gift. This work became my own ‘oasis’ in the business of my ministry… I would highly recommend this program. We already have plans to utilize this work several times during the coming year” (Trey H.). Another individual said, “I highly recommend this program to others. First because it helps you personally in your spiritual walk with God and helps you be prepared to help other in the walk of faith” (Terri S.). Still another stated, “It is a well-rounded program bringing numerous tools to be used… I think it gives good tools for spiritual focused coaching” (Karen B.).
|
|
Congregational Pastors Invited to Apply for Inaugural Leadership for Social Justice Program at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities
Applications Due July 1, 2022
“In a world where the politics of exclusion, extraction, and organized abandonment threaten to engulf our communities in fear, dread, and despair,” asserts Siggelkow, “United believes that communities of faith are critical sites for building forms of community care, solidarity, power, and hope. Cohorts in this unique program will learn skills to help counter these destructive forces.”
From now until July 1, church pastors and ministers can apply for a tuition-free, nine-month, hybrid program designed to equip them to reflectively engage in a broad range of pressing social issues—including struggles for economic, racial, gender, sexual, and ecological justice—in contextual, practical, and faithful ways. Led by a team of experienced teachers, leaders, mentors and grassroots community organizers, the program will help pastors develop and/or deepen sustainable, community-based, social justice ministries responsive to what God is doing in our world, congregations, and communities.
The initial cohort of 16 pastors will meet twice each month (Friday mornings) from September 2022 through May 2023. Those who complete the program will earn a Certificate in Leadership for Social Justice and may be eligible to receive up to eight credits toward a Doctor of Ministry degree. The Leadership Center for Social Justice will also be collaborating with Convergence to assess the vitality of participating congregations and their leaders and to build on existing areas of strength.
Pastors who wish to apply for the inaugural program must complete an application at www.unitedseminary.edu/lcsj/ by July 1, 2022. Applicants must also supply a letter of support from congregational leadership. To learn more, contact the Center’s administrative assistant, Stella Pearce, at [email protected].
|
|
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.
|
|
Prayer List
-
For Rev. Al and Jeri Jergenson and family, retired pastor most recently serving Foley, on the death of their daughter, Tessa (obit link)
-
For the family of Rev. Charlie Reid, retired pastor (obit link)
- 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
|
|
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
|
|
Faith Formation Leaders, Clergy, Staff and Volunteers: all who walk with others on their spiritual journey are invited to ConNext Summit 2022: In the Ways of Jesus - Gracious Idleness, Scrappy Transformation, Radical Belonging. Find time for rest and renewal; developing and deepening friendships and colleague groups; inspiring innovations; and processing the past few years with a comedy troupe. Learn more and register here.
Contact your judicatory office to learn about scholarships; United Theological Seminary students attend free through the MN Conference UCC.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
