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A weekly newsletter from the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys
November 16, 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 November 20-26
Grace First Parish, Russell
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Grace First Parish of Russell
For a small town with only one church, Russell is full of heart and passion for its church and community. Anyone and everyone are invited to come to our church at any time. There are 40 kids, ages 11 and younger that attend our Sunday School weekly! They love coming and learning about God and having some fun doing it. Our youth group of 18 plus kids absolutely loves their confirmation teacher, Christa Peterson. They are so good at helping out at the church when needed, whether it be with the projector on Sunday mornings or helping the young Sunday School children, they are a great group of kids! There are a lot of young couples that have children growing up in our area. We now have a permanent, amazing pastor; Anne Veldhuisen! Her church service and love for our church family inside and outside of church is what we have been praying for a very long time! Allie Sanderson is our Sunday School leader and, wow, does she do an excellent job with the helpers she has and the kids! Her love for all the kids and how down to earth she is, is exactly what we need in our church.
We have an active women’s group who put on a large Fall Supper serving hundreds annually. This event helps bring in funds to help support the church and provide hundreds of dollars in donations to numerous organizations in the area.
The ladies also have a quilting group that has a special ministry of making and distributing prayer quilts to those who are sick or lost a loved one. We have a Facebook page that shows the fun we have at our church with the Sunday School and announcements that need to be sent out quickly. We also have a monthly newsletter for that purpose as well as other important news.
Thanks be to God!
Church Council Members:
David Hook, President; Denny Petersen, Vice President; Hilary Buchert, Secretary; Matt Erdmann; Tony Dybdahl; Shallyn Dybdahl; Allie Sanderson; Tiffany Thooft; Lee Bush
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Exploring a Call
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I; send me!’ Isaiah 6:8
Have you ever heard God calling you to serve in a new way? Calls happen in various ways. Maybe God is calling you to take on a larger role in leadership in your congregation? Maybe God is calling you to assist in the leadership of worship in your congregation? Maybe God is calling you to develop skills to be able to provide a sermon on Sundays when a congregation needs pulpit supply? Maybe God might even be nudging you towards considering being a pastoral leader as either a CRE or a teaching elder? If you have heard God calling you, our Presbytery is offering an easy way to begin exploring this call. People who have previously been on this call are welcome to join again, as the content will be slightly different.
On Monday, November 28th at 7:00 p.m. the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys will offer a Zoom meeting for anybody exploring any of these questions. PNC’s have discovered that we are experiencing a shortage of pastoral candidates to fill positions. This is especially true in rural Minnesota. Many of the new pastoral candidates are coming from suburban and urban places on the East or West coast, while most of our PNC’s are looking for candidates with small church experience, small town experience, and somebody who is familiar with the culture of the upper Midwest. If you look at the pastors presently serving in our Presbytery, there are several pastors who grew up in this Presbytery or the surrounding presbyteries. Yet, we only have one inquirer under the care of our Presbytery.
If you hear God calling (even faintly) please join us as we explore ways to assist you in answering that call. There will be information on the Academy and the opportunity to explore attending seminary or other continuing education programs. Please get the word out to every one of our congregations and encourage anybody in which you see gifts to explore a call by attending this event on November 28th at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom.
Paul Snyder
Inventive Ministries Task Force of the Commission on Leadership
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Advent Devotional by Zoom
An Advent Devotional group will meet by Zoom on the Wednesdays of Advent. The theme is Mary Had a Baby, and is based on the African American Spirituals,"Mary Had a Baby," "Rise Up Shepherd and Follow," "Children, Go Where I Send Thee," and "Go, Tell It on the Mountain." We will look at the coming of Christ through scripture, song lyrics, and the context of the time period in which they were written.
There will be a Zoom session beginning on the first Wednesday of Advent, November 30, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. The other Wednesday Advent dates are December 7, 14, & 21, all at 6:30 p.m. Zoom Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83406063275?pwd=dFAzaHRIenlHbzEwbUdsWEdRQ2h6dz09
Questions can be directed to Mark Ford at [email protected] or at 218-232-8131
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Coming January 1, 2023: The Next Presbytery Sermon Sunday
The Presbytery will present three virtual sermons in 2023, with the first on Sunday, January 1. I find these services valuable in several ways. It reminds us that we are a connectional church. Churches across the Presbytery will be in worship together that Sunday! It provides a sermon on a Sunday where often pastors need a break. I love the idea that after Christmas Eve and Christmas day service I won’t have to prepare a sermon for the following Sunday, but I will still be able to worship with my congregation. It shows us that there are new and inventive ways to hear and proclaim the word of God!
If you did not participate in the last Presbytery Sermon Sunday, the video and liturgy can still be downloaded at https://pixeldrain.com/l/PYR3yEKF or viewed on YouTube at https://youtu.be/A6C_NZBKX6I.
Michael Hartwell
Inventive Ministries Task Force of the Commission on Leadership
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Welcome to Kali’s Korner!
Kali’s Korner is where leaders and youth can find out what is going on and stay up to date on the latest and greatest things! If you’d like to add an event or something special to Kali’s Korner for all leaders and youth to see, please send it to: [email protected]
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Save the Dates: Minnesota Valleys Youth Retreat
February 10-12, 2023
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Keep on the lookout so that you don't miss the registration!
The Youth Retreat is for current 6th-12th graders and will take place at:
First Presbyterian Church
312 6th St SW
Willmar, MN
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Follow the OFFICIAL
Instagram account
@mvp.youth
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Upcoming Events and Happenings
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The Land Is Not Empty: Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery
Wednesday, November 16, 2022; 7:00 PM CT
Join Sarah Augustine, Executive Director of the national Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery Coalition and author of The Land Is Not Empty: Following Jesus in Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery, for a conversation that goes beyond identifying the problems of racism, colonialism, hate and discrimination to focus on strategies to take a decolonized approach to anti-racism. Sarah's wok challenges those inside and outside the church to take responsibility for the multi-generational harm that has been caused to Indigenous people and take action for love of neighbor, seeking right relationship and reconciliation through active nonviolent structural transformation. Registration is free and donations are gratefully accepted to benefit the Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery Coalition. In person at Calvary Baptist Church, 2608 Blaisdell Ave, Minneapolis.
Learn more and register here.
Nurturing the Call: Spiritual Guidance Program
Free info session, November 17, 2022: 2:00 PM CT on Zoom
Shalem Institute offers both resources and experiential support for the ministry of spiritual direction or holy listening. At the heart of this program is the radical conviction that spiritual companionship is a form of prayer, and that contemplative listening comes from being grounded in one's relationship with God. Discern with the Program Director as well as recent graduates about the rightness of this program for you.
Sign up for the info session here.
Suicide: Guns, Grief, and Grace
Thursday, November 17, 2022; 7:00-8:30 PM CT
Nearly 70% of gun deaths in Minnesota are suicides, mostly in rural areas. Nationally, about 60% of gun deaths are suicides. Guns are the preferred suicide instrument. ENGAGE, the St Paul Area Synod (ELCA)'s gun violence prevention work group, is hosting an online conversation to create awareness of the relationship between guns and suicide, and to propose aids of prevention. Data will ensure honesty, guests will share stories, scripture will be the guide, and all participants will be supported.
Learn more and register here for the zoom link.
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Furnishings and Supplies available from First Presbyterian Jackson church
There is still a variety of furnishings and equipment available to MVP congregations from the former First Presbyterian Church in Jackson. We are asking for a donation if your congregation is interested in acquiring any of these items.
Please contact one of the Administrative Commission members for more information: Galen Smith, ([email protected]), Cory Germain, Deb Hess, Mary Jo Lutz, Stan Menning
Some of the items are:
Sanctuary furnishings including
Wood pews
Sound system
Pulpit, Lectern, Communion table, Baptismal Font
Advent Wreath, Christmas decorations
Choir Robes
Bibles - TEV, ESV
The Presbyterian Hymnal (1990 Blue); 180 pew editions
Wicks Pipe organ
Chandelier
Paraments
Miscellaneous maintenance equipment such as
Step ladders, shop vac, tools, etc.
Miscellaneous Kitchen furnishings including:
2 refrigerators
8 burner gas stove
Deep freeze, utensils, glasses, silver service, dishes, etc.
Miscellaneous Furniture
Sofa, upholstered side chairs, end table
Folding chairs
Stackable chairs
Seth Thomas 5’ tall pendulum clock
Multidisc DVD player, 2 TV, 2 AV Carts
Filing cabinets Fans
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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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Next Presbytery Meeting
Tuesday, Dec 6 via Zoom from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
2023 Per Capita
$44.00 Total
$28.89 for Presbytery
$5.50 for Synod
$9.61 for GA
2023 Presbytery Meeting Dates
Saturday, Feb 18, in-person only, Zoom only if bad weather, 10:00-3:00, Redwood Falls
Tuesday, April 18, Zoom, 7:00-8:30 pm
Tuesday, July 18, Zoom, 7:00-8:30 pm
Saturday, Oct 21, hybrid, 10:00-3:00, Willmar
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Prayer List
- For Rev. Elaine Boyd and family, retired pastor most recently serving First Presbyterian Church of Amboy and now living in Willmar, on the death of Elaine's husband, Kent.
- For Rev. Jeanne Kumbalek, serving First Presbyterian Churches of Lake Crystal and Kasota; on the death of Jeanne's husband, Michael
- For Rev. Mark Chamberlain, retired pastor, Willmar
- For Rev. Bob Bartlett, retired pastor, 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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The Ministry Lab is creating a video reflection based on Psalm 148 that will be FREE for member congregations to enjoy as a sermon, contemplative practice, or celebratory opening or closing throughout the seasons of Christmas and Epiphany. And we'd like to include your photos, images, or drawings!
Help us create this beautiful reflection by sharing your favorite images - inspired by Psalm 148 (NRSV or The Message) - by Sunday, December 4, 2022, here!
The Psalm 148 Reflection Video will be available by Christmas Day!!
Learn more here.
Register here to receive the link as soon as it is ready!
Become a Time Boss - For Church Leaders
January 10, 2023; 2:00-3:30 PM CT
Make space for SELF-CARE
while challenging CULTURAL NORMS
and creating GRACIOUS BOUNDARIES
Join Rev. Nicole Havelka, a leadership coach and mindful meditation teacher, in a workshop that will help you step back, name your self-care needs and priorities, empower you to manage your time for work-life balance, and introduce you to mindfulness practices that will sustain you through stress-filled times and spark transformation.
Learn more here. Register here to receive the zoom link.
Members: freewill donation. Non-member fee: $25
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