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A weekly newsletter from the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys
October 14, 2026
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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 October 18-24
First Presbyterian Church - Pipestone
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First Presbyterian Church, Pipestone
The First Presbyterian Church of Pipestone officially organized on November 24, 1878, in the Pipestone school house and the Stuart family store. Our original church building was dedicated on June 17, 1894. In 1952 Westminster Hall and the educational wing were opened and dedicated. We are beginning to establish plans for our 150th year celebration in two years.
For the past two plus years our congregation has shared Pastor Velda with Peace United Methodist Church of Pipestone, and we also partner with Peace UMC for our J.A.M. (Jesus and Me) Children’s ministry, rotating classes at each church every other month with host church providing adult leadership. Each September we have a Rally Day Sunday when we worship together to kick-off the upcoming education year with presenting our Third Graders with their first Bible and also presenting our Confirmation students with their Bible to be used during the Confirmation process and their continued faith journey. Out of this partnership we worship collaboratively on every month there is a 5th Sunday with a potluck dinner to follow and also worshipping together on holiday related Sundays. Once again rotating from church to church.
The things we celebrate:
Pastor Velda initiated the First Annual Community Worship Service at the Hiawatha Pageant grounds with five other churches in our community on the Sunday of our town’s annual Water Tower Festival. We had close to 500 community members gather to worship from the six congregations that participated.
The first and third Wednesdays of the month we have a coffee hour for all who wish to participate in Westminster Hall.
We host the annual Backpack program that area businesses contribute towards the purchase of school supplies, and we then set up our fellowship hall for kids from preschool thru Seniors to “shop” - to pick out their own school bag and school supplies for the upcoming school year.
We host an annual Hamburger Feed and the proceeds go towards helping a congregation and/or community member in need.
We host an annual Turkey Bingo Event in November. The community is invited to come play Bingo. A meal of various soups and bread is provided for a freewill offering and those attending can purchase a card or cards and then various prizes are provided by our congregation members. Prizes range from fun items for kids, beautiful hand made items, as well as hand carved wood items such as crosses and Christmas ornaments, and we also have turkey breasts and whole turkeys. This past year there were two boxes that provided a complete Thanksgiving Meal (whole turkey, dressing, potatoes, items for green bean casserole, etc.) for a family of six.
We also have a Lighting of the Tree Service on the first Sunday of Advent when we come together at 5 p.m. for worship. Following the worship service all in attendance are invited to proceed outside for the lighting of the tree in front of the church and then we gather together in the fellowship hall for a time of food and conversation.
Pastor: Velda Maine
Board of Elders: Jan Biever, Wayne Drew, Mark Lunn, Marcy Roscoe, Duane Schelhaas, Emily Speer
Clerk of Session: Emily Speer
Board of Deacons: Debbie Bolter, Janet Bush, Kim Drew, Billie Halbersma, Brandi Schaap, Laura Wurster
Treasurer: Sharleen Ludolph
Administrative Assistant: Tonya Zimmerman
Custodian: T.J. Carpenter
Accompanists: Bonnie Folkerts, Denise Nagel, Steve Weets
Sound Board Volunteers: Duane Schelhaas, Janet Bush and Mark Lunn
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Upcoming Featured Congregations
October 25-31: Randall
November 1-7: Redwood Falls
November 8-14: Renville
November 15-21: Round Lake
November 22-28: Rushmore
November 29-December 5: Russell
Information/articles/stories/updates/pictures are due the Wednesday before your featured week. ***It is never too soon to send your information in! :)
tina@minnesotavalleys.org
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Together in Christ
Dear Presbytery Family,
Who in your church family might God be calling into ministry? Could it be you?
Friends, we may soon have two new ministry openings for Commissioned Ruling Elders (CREs), and at least one is expected to be a full-time position with benefits. While details are still being finalized, now is the time to ask: Are we ready? Who will respond to God's call?
Beyond these potential openings, there are already congregations in our Presbytery that would welcome a Commissioned Ruling Elder to serve as their ministry leader.
If you are currently serving as a ruling elder, God may be opening a new door for you. As a Commissioned Ruling Elder, you can be trained and equipped to lead a congregation in ministry and mission.
To learn more:
· CRE Training Brochure (prepared by Rev. Dr. Doug Dent): Brochure
· Worship & Sacraments Class Registration (offered this weekend at Lakeshore Center, Okoboji): Registration
· Presbytery Scholarship Application: Scholarship
· Minnesota Valleys Compensation Guidelines: Compensation
Our Presbytery has worked hard to create accessible pathways into ministry. Those preparing to become Commissioned Ruling Elders may begin serving congregations while completing their studies, provided a qualified mentor is in place. This allows you to gain valuable ministry experience while continuing your training. You'll also be welcomed into a monthly CRE support group, where fellow CREs and those in training encourage one another and share wisdom for the journey.
I also want to tell you something from the heart: Minnesota Valleys is a wonderful place to serve. You will find colleagues who are deeply faithful, creative, hardworking, and inspiring. You will discover congregations filled with people who have loved and served their communities for generations. And as you step into ministry, you may find that God transforms your own life as much as the lives of those you serve.
Ministry is more than a job. It is an opportunity to grow in faith, build meaningful relationships, and participate in what God is doing in the world.
If you would like to talk about whether God may be calling you into this ministry, please reach out. I would be honored to have that conversation with you. And if someone in your congregation comes to mind as you read this, please share this invitation with them. The church needs faithful leaders, and God may already be preparing the next generation among us.
Together in Christ,
With courage, devotion and good spirit as a colleague,
Rev. Beth Buckwalter-Miller
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Communion Training for Ruling Elders
Rev. Chris Conlin will lead a training for ruling elders who wish to administer communion to congregations who are currently without pastoral leadership. The training will take place at First Presbyterian Church of Kasota on Saturday, October 24, at 10 AM. If you would like to attend, please RSVP by calling the Kasota church office at (507) 931-2100 by October 17.
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Hymnals Available
First Presbyterian Church of Windom has copies of the old blue Presbyterian Hymnal available. Rather than letting them sit on the shelf, we'd love to place them in the hands of congregations or individuals who can use them. If you're interested, please contact Rev. Pamela Prouty.
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Why 'Presbyterian' Will Never Be a Political Party: A Churchwide Study Series
Introducing a new churchwide study series! Co-Moderators, the Rev. Marta Pumroy-Cordero and the Rev. Dr. Kristopher D. Schondelmeyer, will host a series of three webinars on Fridays throughout October, offering an in-depth look at the PC(USA)'s Social Witness Policy.
The series will be divided into 3 sessions - the 2 remaining sessions:
Each session will feature different guests from across the PC(USA) who will join the Co-Moderators in reflecting and expanding on each of these three topics. You can register for each Zoom session by clicking on the links above. Participants are encouraged to read the corresponding sections in this document prior to each session.
This session is for mid council leaders, clergy, church leaders, and anyone else who would like to explore what it means to believe God is the "lord of conscience."
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Are you looking for resources to train incoming elders and deacons?
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Would you like to join our Pulpit Supply Ministry Team???
The Presbytery, through the Commission on Leadership, maintains a pulpit supply list which can be found on the Presbytery website or by contacting Tina Halvorson. Each person listed has successfully completed a background check. We are always looking for pastor's and ruling elders to add to our list! If you know someone or are interested yourself, please let the presbytery office know. We would like to have people on the list from every corner of our Presbytery, so churches have someone in their own neighborhood to call when they have a need!
Those providing pulpit supply receive $150 if preaching at one service, and $200 if preaching at two on the same day, plus reimbursement for mileage at the current IRS rate.
Please note, if you are filling a pulpit more than two times in succession, you do need permission from our Commission on Leadership. Just email or call our COL co-chairs, Louella Voigt and Rev. Andy Davis with your request.
Louella Voigt: (507) 227-6901
Rev. Andy Davis: (507) 995-1820
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Greetings,
Thanks for your partnership these recent weeks in helping us communicate 2027 benefits changes and updates in time for Employer Agreement submissions. I know with the start of a new program year and budget season, there is much for you to juggle this time of year. I am grateful for you! Our team in Philadelphia is working hard to make sure all is in place for employee Annual Enrollment in just a few weeks.
A head start on Annual Enrollment
To ensure your congregations are prepared for Annual Enrollment (Oct. 19-Nov. 6), I have included some tips you can share in your upcoming communications with your congregations to help them make informed decisions about their 2027 benefits:
Annual Enrollment for 2027 benefits is Oct. 19-Nov. 6. During Annual Enrollment, members should:
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Review, elect, or make changes to benefits in Benefits Connect. This includes adding or removing coverage for eligible family members.
- Ensure Social Security numbers are provided for all covered family members.
- Review and update beneficiary designations, as needed.
Members with questions should contact the Board of Pensions at 800‑PRESPLAN (800‑773‑7752) (TTY: 711) for help during Annual Enrollment.
Our Annual Enrollment checklist and other resources are available to help members navigate Annual Enrollment with confidence. You can also explore our toolkits, which include materials that can be shared to help members better understand the benefits available to them. Anyone with questions should contact Member Services at 800‑PRESPLAN (800‑773‑7752) (TTY: 711) for help during Annual Enrollment.
Post-Retirement Medical Plan transition
Effective Jan. 1, 2027, Post-Retirement Medical Plan coverage will transition from Humana to medical coverage through the UnitedHealthcare Group Medicare Advantage PPO plan (a passive PPO plan), with Part D prescription drug coverage through Express Scripts Medicare (PDP). Members planning to retire in 2026 may enroll in coverage through Humana and remain enrolled through 2026. Resources and support are available for retired members to navigate this transition.
Support when it matters most: Emergency Assistance
Extreme weather conditions continue to affect many of our communities across the country. For those impacted by unexpected financial hardship, the Board can help. Emergency Assistance through the Assistance Program remains available, and I encourage all eligible Benefits Plan members to explore this resource. Please contact me if you want more information about these or any other grants through the Assistance Program.
Thank you for the ways you support your congregations and leaders through our ministry at the Board of Pensions. Please reach out if I can support you in that work.
With gratitude,
Rev. Dr. Ken Green
Church Consultant
215-587-7384
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2026 IRS mileage rate is 76¢ per mile AS OF JULY 1, 2026! Note the change!
Per Capita 2027 - $48.00 per member
| | | | 2026 | | 2027 | | PMV | $30.24 | -$0.78 | $29.46
| | Synod | $5.50 | $0.00 | $5.50
| | GA | $11.26 | $1.78 | $13.04
| | TOTAL | $47.00 | $1.00 | $48.00
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Quick Links
- Clergy Wellness Grants
- Pulpit Supply and Moderator Information
- Public Domain Hymn Project link
- Template for a social media policy from the Luverne Church is Here
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Support our Matthew 25 Mission Partners by inviting the pastors of our New Worshiping Communities to visit your church!
They are doing ground-breaking work and have inspiriting stories to share. Our Financial support helps to sustain their work.
Rev. Dr. Candace Adams, Pastor Elizabeth Tot, and Mr. Thijin Gatwech are delighted to share about their ministries with your congregation. Please be mindful of the following rates:
Speaker fee (presentation) or pulpit supply: $150 (minimum)
Mileage: current IRS rate (to and from the location)
Also, it is requested that you receive a special offering to support the ongoing work of their ministries.
To contact Rev. Dr. Candace Adams: (320) 905-5453
To contact Rev. Elizabeth Tot or Thijin Gatwech: (952) 428-8994
| | Our Matthew 25 Missional Partners | |
Rev. Dr. Candace Adams - pastor of our New Worshipping Community, The Compassionate Way, Candace serves children residing in a mobile home park; dependent adults at an adult daycare center; residents at skilled, assisted, and independent living facilities; women in recovery from addiction; and more. Funds will be used for the work she does.
October Newsletter
To donate, write the check to Lakes Area Presbyterian Church with The Compassionate Way in the memo line and send to:
Lakes Area Presbyterian Church
Attn: Candace Adams
7761 Excelsior Rd
Baxter MN 56425
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Pastor Elizabeth Tot - pastor of our South Sudanese Fellowship in St. Cloud, Elizabeth serves primarily single mothers in the South Sudanese community who are struggling to make ends meet. She is a pastoral presence to the Nuer people in St. Cloud and Mankato. Funds will be used to help her care for her community here and in Ethiopia and South Sudan. PDF Link
https://www.facebook.com/share/1AVL5SP1Ph/?mibextid=wwXIfr
To donate, write a check to First Presbyterian Church with “Pastor Elizabeth Tot” on the memo line and send to:
First Presbyterian Church
340 5th Ave S
Saint Cloud MN 56301
Pastor Elizabeth Tot and Mr. Thijin Gatwech are available to visit your church on a Sunday morning! They will share the sermon. If you would like a visit, just email
Beth at beth@minnesotavalleys.org AND
Thijin at thijingatnyatot@gmail.com to schedule.
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Mr. Thijin Gatwech - leader of the Nuer Professionals Network (NPN) with a degree in business. Thijin lives in St. Cloud and is networked to South Sudanese people throughout the region. He helps his people receive mental health education, as well as move toward financial independence and home ownership.
NPN Links:
https://youtube.com/@nuerprofessionalsnetwork
https://facebook.com/nuerprofessionalsnetwork
https://instagram.com/nuerprofessionalsnetwork
Support NPN Sudanese Ministry (yearly donation receipts sent)
Serving Refugees • Immigrants • Minority Communities
Your gift helps us support issues of family and children in our community, such as mental health and youth identity crisis, for NPN to empower and uplift the Sudanese American community facing challenges of resettlement. To donate, write a check to First Presbyterian Church with “Thijin Gatwech, NPN” on the memo line and send to:
First Presbyterian Church
340 5th Ave S
Saint Cloud MN 56301
OR
Zelle: info@nuerprofessionalsnetwork.org
Cash App: $NPNempowersudanese
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PW "The Sower"
The Sower - August 2026
What's New?!
There are so many things in this issue so I encourage all women to read it for the next book study, many opportunities for mission projects, some places that need help financially because of disasters, etc so PLEASE take time to read it all!
The next PWSCT (PW Synod of Lakes & Prairies Coordinating Team) Will be October 16-18, in Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin. I may join by ZOOM as it is about a 7-8 hour drive. We will be partnering with their own church's HELPFUL HUTCH to fill its shelves as our mission project. Items such as baby needs, first aid items, personal hygiene, cleaning supplies, paper products, etc. See attachment....Next month I will have a report from that meeting. Blessings to all!
Gloria Rust, Representative
PWSCT
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Pastoral Leadership Opportunities
First Presbyterian Church of Amboy - Pastor, 20-25 hours/week
Ministry Discernment Profile
First Presbyterian Church of Litchfield - Pastor
Interested candidates may call the church at 320-693-3548
Ministry opportunities are posted on the Church Leadership Connection website -- Church Leadership Connection (pcusa.org)
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Earth Care Corner
The Global Food Week of Action brings together three important days: International Day for Rural Women (Oct. 15), World Food Day (Oct. 16), and International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (Oct. 17). Together, they offer a timely call to advance just, equitable, and ecological food and farm systems.
We envision a world where everyone has access to enough affordable, healthy, and culturally appropriate food; where no one goes hungry; and where everyone who works across the food chain is fairly compensated, respected, and celebrated. Each year, resources are provided to help congregations and communities engage in education, worship, and action throughout this Food Week of Action.
The theme for this year's Food Week of Action is REGENERATION.
Agriculture can either damage the Earth or help heal it. The difference lies in how we grow, harvest, process, distribute, and consume food. Agroecology and regenerative agriculture, rooted in food sovereignty, can restore the health of our soils, waters, ecosystems, and communities. They give greater agency to farmers, fisherfolk, farm workers, food chain workers, and consumers while nurturing healthier and more just relationships throughout the food system.
During the week – and throughout the month – surrounding World Food Day, we give thanks for all those whose work provides the food that sustains us. We especially honor those who farm and fish in ways that work in harmony with nature. We celebrate those building sustainable and equitable local food economies that make healthy, affordable food available to communities too often harmed by exploitative and extractive systems.
Again, this year, we remember and stand with all those who labor throughout the food chain, particularly people targeted by brutal and racist immigration policies, detention, and deportation. The 2026 Food Week of Action will highlight groups and initiatives that are building equitable, resilient, and regenerative food systems while addressing the economic and racial forces that drive hunger and poverty.
And because it is a Week of Action, let’s act!
Prepare for the Food Week of Action
Promote your group and your event or action! Publicize your event, action, or worship service happening during Food Week – or anytime in October. Include a photo or two and information about your anti-hunger, food justice, environmental justice, or food sovereignty work.
Fill out this form to get your event or action on the 2026 Food Week Actions page.
Email andrew.kangbartlett@pcusa.org to become a co-sponsor. There’s no cost; the only expectation is that you somehow celebrate or promote Food Week of Action, and I’ll send blurbs for newsletters or social media. View the growing list of co-sponsors below and on the 2026 Food Week map.
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