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A weekly newsletter from the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys
May 18, 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 May 22-28
Zion Presbyterian Church of Ellsworth
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Pastor (beginning June 1): Rev. Randall Knuth
Secretary: Darcey Groen
Clerk of Session: Twyla Schilling
Session: Lance Becker, Chad Schultz, Tonya Zitzloff, Ryan Heikes, Colette Smythe
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After the tragedies of last weekend, the topic of gun control comes up again. That conversation never goes anywhere. I think there are two reasons why we can’t have a reasonable discussion of the issue. It’s become a divisive issue of extremes. One side seems to think if we pass a law, that will fix it. On the other side, it’s “you’re only taking my guns away from my cold dead hands.” Another reason we can’t seem to get anything done is that when we talk about gun control, it’s such a generic statement. There are not many specific recommendations that can be discussed. What does ‘gun control’ even mean? I certainly don’t have any answers, but we need to have some sensible proposals.
In 1972, there were 54,589 deaths on the highways from car crashes. As a society, we thought that was too many lives lost, so the Center for Disease Control (CDC) was funded to study the problem. Solutions came from their recommendations, working also with automakers, insurance companies and lawmakers. Deaths and injuries have been drastically reduced. In 1972, there were 4.3 deaths for every million miles driven. In 2021, there was less than one death per million miles. That’s huge!! And they didn’t take our cars away!
Why can’t we have the CDC study gun violence as a national health issue? They could make recommendations and then we could have discussion on those recommendations. We need to start someplace. If we don’t make a start, then that means we are just OK with how things are (deaths from firearms in 2020: 45,222).
I think we all realize that the availability of guns is not the whole issue. Until we face up to the problems with our culture, with poverty, racism and prejudices, hate and violence will continue. That is where we Christians have a lot of work to do.
Thought for the Week: In the face of monstrous evil, the worst possible response is to feel nothing. What must be felt is grief, rage and outrage. In their absence, evil becomes an acceptable commonplace. –J. Clinton McCann, “A Theological Introduction to the Book of Psalms”
Blessings,
Kathy Terpstra
Gap Executive Presbyter
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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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Half-Time Youth Coordinator for Presbytery
Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys is looking for a Youth Coordinator that has a passion for spiritual formation in children and youth. The individual would be responsible for:
- connecting youth and youth leaders across the Presbytery
- organizing youth events
- resourcing congregations
- coordinating Triennium and accompanying youth to the event
- plan youth leader training events
- organizing presbytery-wide Zoom confirmation classes
We are looking for someone to be the face of the youth program for the Presbytery. Some travel required.
Interested persons should provide a cover letter with brief faith statement, and a resume with two references by June 1, 2022. Send to Karen Lange.
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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 Kathy Terpstra if you want to get started: 320-815-8158 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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Applications Now Open to Leadership for Social Justice Program
In a world where the politics of exclusion, extraction, and organized abandonment threaten to engulf our communities in fear, dread, and despair, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities believes that communities of faith are critical sites for building forms of community care, solidarity, power, and hope. Congregational pastors are called to serve in unique leadership roles, tasked with activating, developing, organizing, and inspiring communities. And yet, pastors often feel like they lack the time, resources, and support to effectively carry out this important and increasingly necessary work.
United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities is therefore excited to invite congregational pastors in Minnesota and adjoining states to participate in our inaugural Leadership for Social Justice program. The program begins September 2022.
Led by a team of experienced teachers, leaders, mentors, and grassroots community organizers, this hybrid, tuition-free, nine-month program will equip pastors 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. The program will support pastors in developing and/or deepening sustainable, community-based ministries in social justice responsive to what God is doing in our world, congregations, and communities.
Our first cohort of 16 pastors will meet twice a month (Friday mornings) from September 2022 through May 2023. In addition to earning a Certificate in Leadership for Social Justice, those participants who successfully complete the program may also 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 leadership and to build on existing areas of strength.
If a pastor you know is interested in pursuing this opportunity, please have him, her or them complete our application at www.unitedseminary.edu/lcsj by July 1, 2022. Applicants must also supply a letter of support from congregational leadership.
This innovative continuing education opportunity is a program of United’s newly launched Leadership Center for Social Justice, made possible through a generous grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc.’s Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative. The mission of the Center is to equip, inspire, and empower leaders to faithfully and reflectively engage in concrete, contextual ministry for social justice. In the spirit of faith, hope, and love, the Center supports leaders in developing skills in contextually-sensitive, creative, and effective leadership and social praxis.
Rev. Ry O. Siggelkow, PhD (he/him/his)
Director of the Leadership Center for Social Justice
United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities
767 Eustis St., Suite 140, St. Paul, MN 55114
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Ecumenical Coffee held at First Presbyterian Church Luverne |
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Stephanie Pierce was the speaker for the Luverne First Presbyterian Church PW Ecumenical Coffee held Wednesday, May 4. Stephanie is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC), has a BA in applied psychology from St. Cloud State University and is employed by Luverne Sanford Hospital and Clinic. In 2019 she attended the Addiction and Faith Conference. The Center of Addiction & Faith presents this important gathering to raise awareness about the terrible addiction problem we face and how the church and people of faith can help to address it. Approximately 100 women attended! |
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PW Synod Gathering
June 16-19, 2022
Hilton Garden Inn
(click the link above for packet)
1132 Larsen Park Rd
Sioux City, Iowa 51106
PW: Better Together
Tied Together With Love
Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV)
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Register today to join a book study . . .
Beloved Child: A Dakota Way of Life
by Diane Wilson
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This book study is sponsored by Presbyterian Women in the Synod of Lakes and Prairies and led by members of the PWS Native American Concerns Committee. It is open to interested women and men across the synod, via Zoom (using computer or phone). There is no charge to participate, yet registration is required. |
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Dates: May 23, June 6
Daytime study begins at 1:30-2:30 PM (CST)
Evening study begins at 6:30-7:30 PM (CST)
Synopsis: "Far greater even than the loss of land, or the relentless coercion to surrender cultural traditions, the deaths of over six hundred children by the spring of 1864 were an unbearable tragedy. Nearly one hundred and fifty years after the U.S.–Dakota War of 1862, Dakota people are still struggling with the effects of this unimaginable loss." Among the Dakota, the Beloved Child ceremony marked the special, tender affection that parents felt toward a child whose life had been threatened. In this moving book, author Diane Wilson explores the work of several modern Dakota people who are continuing to raise beloved children: Gabrielle Tateyuskanskan, an artist and poet; Clifford Canku, a spiritual leader and language teacher; Alameda Rocha, a boarding school survivor; Harley and Sue Eagle, Canadian activists; and Delores Brunelle, an Ojibwe counselor. Each of these humble but powerful people teaches children to believe in the "genius and brilliance" of Dakota culture as a way of surviving historical trauma. Crucial to true healing, Wilson has learned, is a willingness to begin with yourself. Each of these people works to transform the effects of genocide, restoring a way of life that regards our beloved children as wakan, sacred.
Register by contacting Marilyn Stone at [email protected] Provide the following information:
- Name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Presbytery
- Afternoon or evening study preference
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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, June 7 via Zoom from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
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. 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 Edgerton and First Presbyterian Church of Lismore - Pastor, yoked parish
Zion Presbyterian Church, Ellsworth, First Presbyterian and Emmanuel Presbyterian Churches, Rushmore - Pastor, yoked parish
First Presbyterian Church, Pipestone - Pastor
Harrison Presbyterian Church, rural Spicer - Pastor, yoked parish
First Presbyterian Church, Winnebago - Pastor
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Cultural, Faith and Disability Communities COVID-19 Update
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ConNext Summit Announcement
Register today for the 2022 ConNext Summit! Plenary time will be fueled by Sara Thompsen's amazing musical leadership and Danger Boat Production's facilitation of Improv Café Conversations. Workshops are diverse and interactive. Plenty of time for rest, contemplative practices, nature, and socializing. Find Rev. Emily Meyer of The Ministry Lab at your conference/synod gathering for details or find them here: (https://theministrylab.org/connext-summit/).
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