July 16, 2026

Upcoming Boundary Training

Sponsored by the Synod of Lincoln Trails for all 8 presbyteries and provided at no cost. You have several options to fulfill the requirement for updated boundary training. Please choose one and register today!

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1. The Presbytery of Chicago will provide Boundary Training on

Wednesday, August 12, 2026, from 9am-3pm (CT) - (in-person)

at Hope Presbyterian Church, 1771 S Wiesbrook Road, Wheaton, IL. (*Lunch will be provided.)

Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 9am-3pm (CT) - (in-person)

at Winnetka Presbyterian Church, 1255 Willow Road, Winnetka, IL

(*Lunch will be provided.)

2. The Presbytery of Wabash Valley will provide Boundary Training on

Thursday, September 17, from 10am-3pm (ET) - (in person)

at Bethany Presbyterian Church, 3305 Longlois Dr, Lafayette, IN 47904

*Lunch will be provided

Saturday, September 26, from 10am-3pm (ET) - (on ZOOM)

Must be preregistered by 9/19

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3. The Presbytery of Ohio Valley will sponsor Boundary Training on

Monday, October 26, 2026, from 10am-3pm (ET) - link coming soon!

at First Presbyterian Church, 221 E. 6th Street, Bloomington IN 47408

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4. Anytime:

Safe Gatherings: https://safegatherings.com/learn-more/clergy-ethics/ (For those renewing their training and at your own expense.)

These workshops satisfy

the denominational boundary training requirements in G-3.0106.

How the Synod of Lincoln Trails is rethinking boundary training

Rethinking boundary training: Forming healthier ministry leaders

Pastors often leave boundary training knowing the rules but still struggling with conflict, anxiety, and burnout. A new model in the Synod of Lincoln Trails aims to change that, writes Rebecca Blair.

Apply for a Vital Worship, Vital Preaching Grant

Vital Worship, Vital Preaching Grants from the Calvin Institute for Christian Worship are designed for worshiping communities. These grants allow a wide range of Christian worshiping communities to focus on projects that connect public worship with Christian discipleship and faith formation. Funding awards range from $8,000 to $25,000.

The grants support year-long projects that show promise in fostering renewed or strengthened worship practices within worshiping communities in the United States or Canada. Vital Worship, Vital Preaching Grants for teacher-scholars are also available. Applications for the October 15 deadline will open on July 15, 2026. Learn more HERE

Other Grant Sources!

Presbytery of Wabash Valley Local Mission Grants:

https://www.ourpresbytery.org/mission-grant-app

Smock Foundation - capital improvements for churches, on-going assistance to older adults, senior adult programming, deacons’ funds): https://www.smockfoundation.com/

The David E. & Helen C. Culley Memorial Fund for continuing education:

contact info@ourpresbytery.org for more information.

Coming Soon: PWV Transformation Grants!

World Communion Offering

GRANT UPDATE

World Communion Offering Grant Information

If you are a council of the church (session, presbytery, or synod) doing reconciliation ministry around racial justice, gender justice, peacemaking, global witness or eccumenical/innerfaith relations, you may apply for a grant, whether or not your congregation or presbytery receives the World Communion Offering.

Grant Timeline

Applications open: September 7, 2026

Application close: January 15, 2027

Award notification: March 2027

Grant Applications

Applications will use the PC(USA) grant management system and should take about 15 minutes to complete if you have the required documentation. Read the list of required documentation in the FAQs on our website.

You will need to create a username and password to access the PC(USA)’s grant management system to apply. More information about the application process will follow.

Grant Awards

Grant recipients will be eligible to receive $500-$1000 and will be notified in March 2027. All grant funds, once received, are expected to be used within the next 12 months.

Where to learn more about the World Communion Offering Grants

Make sure you update your preferences and check the box labeled World Communion Offering grants to receive the most up-to-date information and resources regarding the grants.

Visit our website for more information about the World Communion Offering and to download resources.

We are the Church. Together.

FEMA Announces $1.5 Billion to Empower Communities to Prevent Terrorism and Protect American Infrastructure

FEMA published the FY 2026 Nonprofit Security Grant Program funding opportunity, making $300 million available to houses of worship, community centers and other nonprofit organizations. Recipients can use this funding to harden their defenses against acts of terrorism and targeted violence. This program helps ensure Americans can safely practice their faith and gather in community with one another.
The application period for these funding opportunities opens June 24. 2026, and closes at 5 p.m. ET on July 24, 2026. States and other eligible applicants should carefully review each funding notice to learn more about the eligibility requirements and evaluation criteria. Notices of Funding Opportunity and upporting documents are available on Grants.gov.

Lake Institute on Faith & Giving

JOIN the Summer Learning Challenge

Lilly Family School of Philanthropy

Introducing Lake Institute’s self-paced Summer Learning Challenge! This isn’t your typical summer reading program. Instead, it’s a curated collection of Lake resources designed to help you strengthen donor relationships, spark meaningful conversations, and develop strategic plans for your congregation or organization.
Over four weeks, from July 6 through July 31, you’ll explore practical tools, insights, and activities that can enhance your fundraising and leadership efforts. Move through the challenge at your own pace while engaging with resources that inspire reflection and action.
After completing all four weekly challenges, you’ll be invited to submit a brief completion form for a chance* to win a copy of Madam C. J. Walker’s Gospel of Giving: Black Women’s Philanthropy during Jim Crow by Tyrone Freeman, Associate Professor of Philanthropic Studies at Indiana University Indianapolis.

*One winner will be selected at random

and contacted by the Lake Institute team via email after July 31, 2026.

Let the Summer Learning Challenge Begin!

JOIN THE CHALLENGE

What Does It Truly Mean to Love Humanity?

Join Us for the 2026 Thomas H. Lake Lecture

This event is free and open to the public. The in-person lecture will take place at Hine Hall Auditorium, 875 W North St, Indianapolis, IN 46202. The lecture will begin at 4:30 pm Eastern and will be available on livestream, too. Questions? Contact lfi@iu.edu.

Real Tools for Real Ministry

Register HERE

*In‑Person (to 7/31): $375*

After 7/31: $425

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First Call Pastor or Seminary Student In‑Person: $200

Virtual Attendee: $150

September 21-23, 2026

Where: Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel, @ 202 E Pratt Street, Baltimore, Maryland.

Room Rate: $214 per night

Ask about group discounts!

PC(USA) Church Growth Network Conference 2026

Cincinnati, OH

Finding Courage, Leading Growth

Practicing Faithful Change That Leads to Faithful Growth

When: Monday, October 5 to Wednesday, October 7

Conference Host: Presbytery of Cincinnati

Location: 3400 Michigan Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45208

Cost: $200 per person

The cost of the 2026 PCGN Conference has been generously underwritten by Lilly Endowment Grant funding as part of the Living Churches Initiative of the Presbytery of Cincinnati.

In a season marked by complexity and uncertainty, the 2026 PCGN Conference focuses on how courageous change is sustained not only by a few leaders but by whole communities. PCGN conference participants will be better equipped to lead change that renews mission impact, strengthens vitality, and supports faithful and sustainable growth. Every conference attendee will leave inspired and ready to take the next steps to help their church “be strengthened in faith and increase in numbers” (Acts 16:5).

Questions?

Please contact the PCGN directly at pcgn.contact@gmail.com with questions about the conference programming.

Please contact the Presbytery of Cincinnati with questions about registration & logistics via e-mail to Lisa Allgood, Executive Presbyter, E-mail: lisa@cpresby.org or by phone: (513) 221-4850.

Do you need song books for Christian Educators, Youth Leaders or Pastors?

First Presbyterian Church, South Bend, wants to donate

their hymnals to you!

The Hymnal (blue) - from 1990

Songs for Praise & Worship (white) - from 1992

Sing a new creation! (green) - from 2001

Contact: Wendy Henry, Executive Assistant, First Presbyterian Church of South Bend at (574)-234-4159, for more information.

WELCOME!

Rev. Tommy Grimm and the First Presbyterian Church in Bloomington, Indiana, which is just 2 blocks from Indiana University, welcome students attending IU this fall.

Click HERE to share the student's name, contact information and any other relevant information. FPC-Bloomington is honored to join you in surrounding this child of your church with the love of Christ by offering them a beloved community. Questions? Email FPC-Bloomington at office@fpcbloomington.org

2026 Indianapolis Monumental Marathon

🏃 Run with purpose on Saturday, November 7, 2026

Church World Service is an official charity partner of the 2026 Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, and we're recruiting runners for Team CWS.

Whether you're tackling the Half Marathon or Full Marathon, every mile helps create a world where all have food, voice, and a safe place to call home.

Join Team CWS today:

Half Marathon: https://haku.ly/f3905e2c45

Full Marathon: https://haku.ly/585fbe0a77

Team CWS participants will receive:

• A premium Team CWS racing singlet or t-shirt

• Coaching support from Olympic Trials qualifier Evan Gaynor

• Access to a private pre- and post-race tent

• A pre-race team meal

• Fundraising support from CWS staff

Our goal is to raise $25,000, with 70% supporting CWS programs around the world

and 30% supporting the local work of CWS Indianapolis.

7/19/1987 - The Rev. Alan Griffin, Retired
7/19/2015 - The Rev. Eun Joo (Angela) Ryo, Pastor, Munster, Westminster
7/20/1986 - The Rev. Dr. Thomas E. Smith, Retired
7/21/2019 - The Rev. Kathy Kathary-Newton, Pastor, Ligonier
7/21/1985 - The Rev. Terry McBride, Retired
7/21/1963 - The Rev. Richard Rogers, Pastor Emeritus, Munster, Westminster
7/22/1984 - The Rev. Catherine Lindberg, Retired

OPEN SEARCHES FOR PASTORAL LEADERSHIP

Deer Creek Presbyterian Church, Camden - MDP for Installed Pastor
Deer Creek Presbyterian Church, Camden - MDP for Commissioned Pastor
First Presbyterian Church, Elkhart - MDP for Installed Pastor
First Presbyterian Church, South Bend - Part-Time Covenant Pastor
Wabash Presbyterian Church, Wabash - MDP for Installed Pastor
Wabash Presbyterian Church, Wabash - MDP for Commissioned Pastor

Prayers of the Presbytery

Please keep Lyle Ewing in your prayers. He continues to deal with health concerns.

*Gratitude for the ministry and service of Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church, Frankfort.

Dear Lord,

Our understanding of hope is critically important in the times we’re in. We’re disappointed when our hopes are dashed. Hear the outcry of your children in need and provide a lighted path for us to find our way. Put the wind in our sails and provide places of respite and encouragement. Empower those who serve with the resources and energy needed to lift spirits and hearts. Amen.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Calendar for the Week-

July 17 - 26 = Anne is on vacation. The Rochester office will be closed, however, Marjorie Reinsch, Eric Herzog, Jeff Whitney, and Jennifer Burns Lewis may be reached by email or phone.

7/20 @ 9 (ET) = Staff Meeting