EMerge is a newsletter of the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area. Through most of the year it is published weekly and distributed to congregations, teaching elders, ruling elders, church members, committees and friends of the presbytery. Please send submissions and address corrections to office@ptcaweb.org.
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Anti-Racism Advisory Team
develops clearinghouse of resources
The Anti-Racism Advisory Team of the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area is developing a clearinghouse of resources on racism that will be available to  congregations. The task force is also seeking information from congregations that have conducted a program on racism, noting, "We would love to learn from you." The task force seeks recommendations for websites, books, journals, curriculum, programs, speakers or events that congregations can use in addressing racism and faith. Those with information or resources to share -- or those seeking more information -- can contact Paula Sanders at pjs614@yahoo.com.
Presbytery seeks
synod representatives
The Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area needs a ruling elder commissioner and young adult advisory delegate to the Synod of Lakes and Prairies starting Jan. 1, 2017. The ruling elder term is for two
 years and the YAAD term is for one year, but can be renewed. The synod meets in the spring and fall, and meetings run from Sunday evening through Tuesday noon at Mt. Olivet Retreat Center near Farmington. The 2017 meeting dates are April 30-May 2 and Oct. 1-3. Questions and expressions of interest can be addressed to Manley Olson at 651.644.2848 or
manleyolson@gmail.com.
Jeff's Jottings
Look, Mom, I'm in the Movies!
(and yes, I'll keep my day job...)
 By Jeff Japinga
Transitional Executive Presbyter
Would you look at this! It's a great video, for a great cause, with the possible exception of that amateur at the end.
The video is for
Life Learners,
Which, in some ironic way, might actually be an apt illustration for the program the video promotes. Putting me in this video suggests you don't need an expert to make a difference. You just have to participate.
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Around the presbytery ...
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 Sunday is 'CROP Hunger
Walk' in Apple Valley
The South of the River Crop Hunger Walk steps off at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9, at Spirit of Life Presbyterian Church in Apple Valley. Registration begins at 1 p.m. Mary Hamann-Roland, mayor of Apple Valley has proclaimed the day as "CROP Hunger Walk Day." The proclamation reads in part: "Locally-organized, Church World Service-sponsored CROP Hunger Walks are an important part of community life for more than 2,000 towns and cities in the United States, bringing together people of different faiths, diverse cultures, and all age groups." The complete story from Spirit of Life can be found at "Hunger Walk."
Katherine Willis Pershey speaks
at Oak Grove Presbyterian
 Katherine Willis Pershey, pastor at First Congregational Church of Western Springs, Ill., and author of the new book, "Very Married: Field Notes on Love and Fidelity," will talk about marriage at Oak Grove Presbyterian Church in Bloomington on Monday, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to anyone interested in the subject of marriage. Information about the speaker is available at "Katherine Willis Pershey." Questions about the event can be addressed to Mary Koon at 952.888.4621.
Cherokee Park United plans fall art show
 Cherokee Park United Church of St. Paul is sponsoring its Fall Art Show Oct.14 through Nov. 13, featuring A K Dayton's exhibit of Abstract Expressionist Landscapes. The display is part of the St. Paul Art Crawl on Friday, Oct. 14, from 6 to 10 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 15, from noon to 8 p.m. Dayton will speak about her art on the first day of the Art Crawl at 7 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. The exhibit will be open Sundays and by appointment until Nov. 13.
Maple Plain congregation plans
2nd McCulley Fall Festival
First Presbyterian Church of Maple Plain will be host to its second McCulley Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct.  15. The annual event features a horse-drawn hayride on the church's 14-acre property. There will also be a free dinner, bonfire, and games for children and youth. Everything is free to all, and the congregation hopes the event will draw the community into the life of the church. The festival is named in honor of deceased elders of the church, Doug, Merna, and Mark McCulley. The food, hayride and games run from 5 to 7 p.m., with the bonfire continuing to 9 p.m.
Arlington Hills plans fall potluck, reunion
 Arlington Hills Presbyterians still get together. Those who were members of Arlington Hills Presbyterian Church, which closed in December 2013, will gather for their fall potluck and reunion Sunday, Oct. 23, at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Woodbury. The event runs 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., and the meal starts at 4 p.m. Sandwiches and beverages will be provided, but alumni are asked to bring a salad, side dish, casserole or dessert.
Leaders from 4 faith traditions to discuss change, conflict within their communities
 Religious leaders from the Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Buddhist traditions will be panelists in the program, "Change and Conflict Within Religious Communities," at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, at St. Luke Presbyterian Church, 3121 Groveland School Rd., Minnetonka. The program, sponsored by the Jay Phillips Center for Interfaith Learning, is free and open to the public. "The impetus for this program is the book, "Change and Conflict in Your Congregation," by St. Luke's pastor, Anita Bradshaw," said John Merkle, director of the Jay Phillips Center. While the book was written with Christians in mind, Merkle said, "The issue of change and conflict has to be confronted by communities in all faith traditions." The complete story is at "Change and Conflict."
Penumbra Theatre RACE Workshop
planned Nov. 5 in Minneapolis
Lake Nokomis Presbyterian Church of Minneapolis has worked along with five other south Minneapolis churches to sponsor a Penumbra Theatre RACE Workshop on Saturday, Nov. 5, from 9 a.m. to noon, at 
Judson Memorial Baptist Church, 4101 Harriet Avenue, Minneapolis. The workshop is an exploration of race in America, using monologues from artists and offering opportunities for participants to use theatre as a way to problem-solve and model. The workshop celebrates difference, recognizes cultural nuance and invites everyone to participate in the dialogue. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is only open through Oct. 17 or until space is filled. Details are at "RACE Workshop."
Author Griffith Lund to keynote
mental health conference
 First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Minneapolis will be host to the Rev. Dr. Sarah Griffith Lund on Nov. 11-12 for the second installment of its conference series, "VOICES: Addressing Issues that Affect the Church and Wider Community." The conference takes place at SpringHouse Ministry Center,
610 W. 28th Street, Minneapolis.
Griffith Lund is the author of "Blessed are the Crazy: Breaking the Silence about mental Illness, Family and Church." Details about the conference are available at "VOICES." Registration can be completed online at "Register."
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Resources, conferences ...
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Annual Oasis event slated
later this month in Kansas City
Oasis, a regional educational event in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), describes itself this way: "Oasis is for everyone in the church who needs a space  to refresh themselves. Oasis is for everyone who needs to draw on a well of new ideas. Oasis is for everyone who wants to serve God more deeply and more fully." Oasis runs Sunday through Tuesday, Oct. 23-25, in Kansas City, Mo. This year's theme is "Sabbath," and Kara Root, pastor of Lake Nokomis Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis, will be the keynote speaker. Root's congregation, the Oasis site states, "shapes its life around worship, hospitality and Sabbath rest." Root is a trained spiritual director and certified Christian educator. Details about registration are available at "Oasis."
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Service opportunities ...
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First Presbyterian Church of Maple Plain
is seeking a faith-centered, youth-loving, fun person to lead youth ministry programming for grades 6-12. The youth director will lead Wednesday night programming, youth activities, and annual mission trip, as well as discipling individual youth in their walk with Christ. Good organization and communication skills needed. Part-time salaried position, 10-15 hours per week. For full job description go to "Catch Our Spirit," or contact the church office at 763.479.2158. Send resume to pastor@catchourspirit.org.
The First Presbyterian Church of Belle Plaine, Minn., has an opening for a ΒΌ-time pastor. Belle Plaine is a community of 6,600 people located 45 minutes southwest of the metro area on Highway 169. We have an active membership of 34 people, with many other "friends of the church" in attendance. Our official mission statement is "Welcome, Learn, and Serve," but our unofficial slogan is "Small but Mighty." The complete advertisement can be found at "Belle Plaine." Those interested are invited to send their PIF or resume to ep@ptcaweb.org.
Trinity Presbyterian Church
in Woodbury is looking for a part-time pianist/music coordinator. The position requires from 12-15 hours per week with a monthly stipend. Anyone interested should send a resume to Trinity Presbyterian Church, Attn: Marie Skinner, 2125 Tower Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125.
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Presbyterians called to prayer
for Standing Rock Sioux
More than 4,000 people have gathered at Camp of the Sacred Stones, three separate prayer camps north of Cannon Ball, N.D., near the northern border of the  Standing Rock Sioux tribe's reservation. The people, known as "Water Protectors," amassed in an effort to stop the Dallas-based company Energy Transfer from piping Bakken oilfield crude oil underneath the Missouri River, the main source of drinking water for the tribe. This project is known as the Dakota Access Oil Pipeline. As the effort continues, the Oceti Sakowin, Dakota Nation (Sioux Nation), has issued a call to prayer for Oct. 8 through 11. The Oceti Sakowin consists of seven bands of the Dakota, Nakota, and Lakota people. Within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Dakota Presbytery consists of congregations of the Dakota, Lakota and Nakota people in Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota and South Dakota. The Synod of Lakes and Prairies has established an account to accept donations to support the effort. Details of the call to prayer and the opportunity to make contributions can be found at "Days of Prayer."
PDA responds, seeks support
in wake of Hurricane Matthew
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is seeking support for those affected by Hurricane Matthew. The category 4 hurricane has already been blamed for  hundreds of deaths and continues on a path of destruction in the southeastern United States. Assessments confirm extensive damage in Haiti, Cuba and Florida. PDA will work alongside established partners to respond to this latest crisis. Immediate response will help provide essential food, water and supplies for communities and villages damaged by the hurricane. Details can be found at "Matthew."
'Freedom Rising' calls PC(USA)
to action in black communities
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is taking specific action to confront the societal and racial issues facing black communities in the United States by living into a new church initiative to address the plight of African American males in our country. The pilot initiative follows an action approved by the PC(USA) 222nd General Assembly in Portland, Ore., that calls for the church to support programs to assist African American males. The complete announcement from the Presbyterian Mission Agency is at "Freedom Rising."
Keeping Faith video statement
addresses outreach work of PMA
 Tony De La Rosa, interim executive director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency, presented his video statement recently, addressing outreach to young African American males, International Peacemakers, and disaster response in Louisiana. The video presentations are titled "Keeping Faith," and the current one can be found at "Living Faithfully."
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