Congregation of the Week of October 23-29

First Presbyterian Church of Redwood Falls

Staff

Pastor: Rev. Scott Prouty

Administrative Assistant: Christina Halvorson

Organist: Elaine Hagen

Choir Director: Peggy Dolezal

Custodian: Markeela Toreen

Ruling Elders on Session

Sonya Alexander, Clerk of Session, Outreach Committee Chair

Deb Hess, Personnel Committee Chair

Dave Danielson, Worship Committee Chair

Molly Miller, Christian Education Committee Chair

Nick Brozek, Properties Committee Chair

Nathan Stephens, Endowment Committee Chair

Michael Joldersma, Stewardship Committee Chair

Nancy Miller, Memorial Committee Chair

Drew Osborne, Missions Committee Chair

Deacons

Leon King, Moderator

Dan Tiffany, Vice Moderator

Laura Kohler

Julie Fiala

Scott Goodyear

Shari Fuhr

Rhonda Joldersma

Katherine Brozek

Kathy Peterson

Dan Alexander

Karen Speros

Prayer Concerns

• Pray for healing for Sharon King and Ralph Revier that are fighting cancer.
• Pray for healing for Diane Aakre who is receiving dialysis. 
• Pray for healing for Jeanette Kotval and Dorothy Symes who are on hospice. 
• Pray for healing for Bob & Bunny Nolting, Millie Bunting, Sally Dording, John & Sue Tiffany and Lucille Byram who are in nursing homes, assisted living facilities or their own homes. 
• Prayer for the loved ones of Joyce McKay, Janean McKay, Darrell Fuhr, Daryl Hilbert, Gerry Patten, Ardis Alexander, and Janet Lindsey as they mourn their recent loss. 

Upcoming Events

• October 26-29: Pastor Scott attends the General Assembly Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations in Louisville, KY.
• October 30th: Deacon’s Presentation of Backpack Ministry in Mexico at 10:15 a.m.
• November 6th: Deacons have special presentation for Veterans, Celebrate All Saint’s Day at 10:15 a.m. 
• November 9th: Presbyterian Men’s Annual Turkey Dinner on at the Community Center in Redwood Falls from 5 to 7 p.m.
• November 16th: Our youth present roses to all nursing home residents in Redwood Falls and other elderly people in our community. 
• November 18-20: Urban Plunge Mission Trip to the Inner City of Omaha
• November 22: Joint Thanksgiving Service with the Methodist Church at 7:00 p.m. 

Together in Christ

Dear Presbytery Family,

I recently had the opportunity to visit the Doran Presbyterian Church. Doran, Minnesota is a small community right on the North Dakota border. According to 2020 census data they have a population of 36 people, and the Presbyterian Church is the only church in town.

When I arrived, I was delighted to meet the Session Moderator: Rev. John Lindholm, and two wonderful church members: Sarah and Beverly. Sarah has played the organ for the Doran Church for over six decades. Bev has worked as their church treasurer for over three. The women were born in the same month of the same year, and now in their 80s celebrate together that they are a part of this church family.

Being in Doran reminded me that community is a gift. To have a church family where you are known by name, missed if you are absent, able to share the ups and downs of your life, and have fellowship with others: that is no small thing! Sarah and Bev were making chili and pies for a chili luncheon that would be held at the church the following day. It was an annual event, bringing together perhaps a couple dozen people. Being together mattered, and finding ways to do it, like this fall chili luncheon, were traditions that held the church together. John clearly celebrated the gifts of his congregation and helped me to appreciate all these two women brought to the table, and all they had given through the years.

This is a hard time in the life of the church in general, and so many of our congregations are struggling with things like decreased attendance, financial concerns, building maintenance and an aging congregation. Many of our congregations face tough decisions in coming years about their own future. All of this can stir up a great deal of anxiety. In such uncertain times I give thanks for women like Sarah and Bev, and moderators like John Lindholm. These good people remind us that sometimes a bowl of chili and a slice of pie on a crisp autumn day is enough. Gathering to worship our God, to sing a hymn or two and pray for one another is enough. We are not promised the future. We must live in today – it is the only time available in which to live our lives. The prophet Isaiah reminds us: “In quietness and in trust is your strength.” Sarah and Bev and John are graciously living that out. I am glad I was able to visit Doran.

Together in Christ,

With courage, devotion and good spirit as a colleague,

Rev. Beth Buckwalter-Miller

Christ United Presbyterian Church – 150 year celebration



Christ United Presbyterian Church celebrated on Sunday, October 16th 150 years of worshiping together. We were the first place of worship here in Marshall in 1872. The initial worship services were held in a tent that served mainly as the saloon and was changed every Sunday to a worship space by covering the liquor bottles, bringing in wood planks for seating and setting up a makeshift lectern. History is fun!

We celebrated with fellowship, our local Boy Scout troop serving coffee & donuts; historical pictures and artifacts on display; pictures of our people and church history in a memory filled slide show; a music filled worship service with our talented musicians; former Pastor Bill Yueill participated in the worship service along with our current Pastor Anne Veldhuisen; concluding with lunch at our local Pizza Ranch.

We are thankful for our long history in our community and for all who have made it possible.

Pastor Lindsay and Martin's baby arrives!

August Rae Jacaruso was born on October 11 at 9:19am. He is simply a wonder, and we are so in love. Thanks for keeping us in your prayers as we settle in with an extra awesome little addition. 

Love, 

Pastor Lindsay Jacaruso (First Presbyterian Church of Mankato)

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

A thank you from our Occidente Partners

Beloved sisters and brothers: 

It is a pleasure to greet you on behalf of the Occidente Presbiterial. The reason is to thank you for the partnership support of the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys that you have extended to the Sewing Committee, where we have seen an extraordinary advancement by the sisters that have had sewing training. They have made the effort to sew bedspreads, sheets, curtains, napkins, covers for the bathroom and covers for the kitchen appliances. They have sold them amongst the sisters of the PWs. Not having anything else to add, we thank you.

Sincerely, 

Maria Ronquillo, Corresponding Secretary

Ukrainian pastor to talk about mission opportunities in Ukraine at First Presbyterian, Luverne

On Sunday October 23, 2022, during Worship at 10:15 am, the First Presbyterian Church in Luverne will focus on mission opportunities in Ukraine. All are welcome to attend.

Yakov Daniko, a Ukrainian pastor from Sioux Falls, will talk about their needs and our opportunities to help. A youth choir from their congregation will provide special music. The church is currently raising money to distribute simple stoves, which use the wooden rubble of war as fuel. The stoves will be placed in homes, churches, government offices & business, to help the Ukrainian people withstand the coming frigid winter weather. The Ukrainian people in Siouxland have direct contacts in Ukraine, and 100% of the donated funds will be spent on the stoves. (Western Union has waived transfer fees for funds going to Ukraine.)

For more information, contact Rev. Dr. Val Putnam, Interim Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Luverne by phone at (507)283-4787 or email at [email protected]. 

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]

I have some exciting news…there will be a Youth Retreat this February! Please get the dates on your calendar. Share the information with your congregation, families that may be interested, and your youth! More details and information to come soon! Stay on the lookout for emails, and read the Valley Bridge!!

Resources

Learn more about the breakdown for each book of the Bible, and how you can use it in your Sunday School, or Wednesday night classes.

Bible Breakdowns: One-Page Subject Breakdowns for Each Book in the Old & New Testament — Teach Sunday School

Learn more about PC(USA)’s curricula by watching the

Overview Curricula Videos!

Informational Curriculum Videos (mailchi.mp)

Check out Lifelong FAITH Trainings

Lifelong Faith Training

These trainings are FREE, self paced, and there is one for everyone:

Leaders, Children, Pastors, Families, Young Adults, and Adults.



Upcoming Events and Happenings

Loaves and Fishes Community Meal

First Presbyterian Church in St. Cloud

Wednesday, Oct. 26

"Spooky Spaghetti" Community Dinner

Serving begins at 5:00 pm

Wear your favorite Halloween costume (no scary costumes, please) and invite someone to join you at the meal. Kid-themed activities until 7:00 pm.

The Ants and the Grasshopper

Online Watch Party

Thursday, Oct. 27 at 6:30 pm central time

More Info

Weekend of Living Ideas Conference

November 4-6th (Friday-Sunday)

Lakeshore Center at Okoboji

More Information:

Schedule (weebly.com)

Registration NOW Open:

Registration (weebly.com)

YOUTH LEAD CONFERENCE 2022

November 5, 2022-Twin Cities, MN

Clearwater Forest Snow Camp

January 13th-15th

"Oh, precious is the flow, that makes me pure as snow" ... CAMP! Save the date for snow camp 2023 happening January 13th - 15th--you won't want to miss it! Registration will be opening soon, and we can't wait to see you ALL this winter!

Furnishing and Supplies available from First Presbyterian Jackson church

We have a wide variety of furnishings and supplies 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, (507) 376-3138, Cory Germain, Deb Hess, Mary Jo Lutz, Stan Menning

Some of the items are:

The Presbyterian Hymnal (1990 Blue); 180 pew editions;

Pipe organ

2 Filing cabinets - 5 drawer

Wood pews, semi-circular, or straight

Mixer, amplifier, microphones

Pulpit, Lectern, Communion table, Baptismal Font

Choir Robes

Bibles - TEV, ESV

Vases, Candelabra, Advent Wreath

Christmas decorations

Step ladders

Refrigerators: Kenmore, GE

8 burner gas stove

Deep Freezer

Miscellaneous Kitchen utensils, glasses, silver service, dishes, etc.

multidisc DVD player, 2 TV, 2 AV Carts

Fans

Upholstered Chairs

Sofa, upholstered side chairs, end table

Seth Thomas 5’ tall pendulum clock

12 ft conference table (made from pews from the former Alpha Presbyterian Church)

2023 Per Capita

$44.00 Total

$28.89 for Presbytery

$5.50 for Synod

$9.61 for GA

2022 Per Capita

$43.00 Total

$28.52 for Presbytery

$5.50 for Synod

$8.98 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

2022 Presbytery Meeting Dates

Tuesday, Dec 6 via Zoom from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

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

Sitting in the Fallow

News for the Common Good

Cultural, Faith, and Disability Communities

COVID-19 Updates