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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Call notes March 11 presbytery
 meeting at Oak Grove
The Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area will meet Saturday, March 11, at Oak Grove Presbyterian Church in Bloomington. The meeting, which opens at 9 a.m., will feature worship and communion led by the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, stated clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The official meeting call notes the presbytery will "spend only one hour doing the formal business of presbytery," while other activities include workshops and a panel discussion on the church in the public square, including Nelson, the Rev. Dr. Tim Hart-Andersen of Westminster Presbyterian Church of Minneapolis, and the Rev. Peg Chamberlin, executive director of the Minnesota Council of Churches. Details are at "Call to Meeting."
Registration needed by March 6
for next presbytery meeting
Registration is required by Monday, March 6, for the next meeting of the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area that takes place March 11 at 9 a.m. at Oak Grove  Presbyterian Church in Bloomington. The meeting, described as an "outstanding opportunity for all the people of the presbytery to learn and grow in faith together," will feature the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, stated clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), along with worship, communion, a panel discussion and 15 workshops. An announcement earlier this week noted, "This is a presbytery meeting for all Presbyterians -- an event designed for teaching elders, ruling elders, congregation members and friends." The complete announcement, including links to online registration, can be found at "Registration."
First listening sessions on presbytery vision planned next week
The Presbytery Leadership Team, in cooperation with the transitional executive presbyter, has been working to shape vision, values, and a structure for the  Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area that will support congregations and leaders with energy, intelligence, imagination and love. The next step involves discussion and input that includes five 90-minute listening sessions beginning Monday, Feb. 27, at 6:30 p.m. at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Woodbury. Questions regarding the process can be addressed to Denise Dunbar-Perkins at pastornisey@yahoo.com or transitional executive presbyter Jeff Japinga at ep@ptcaweb.org. The complete announcement is at "Listening Sessions."
 Heidi Bolt named
acting COM coordinator
The Rev. Heidi Bolt will become acting coordinator for the Committee on Ministry for the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area, effective March 1. Bolt is co-pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Red Wing, alongside her husband Greg. She is a Union Presbyterian Theological Seminary graduate, and served churches in Oregon and Nebraska before coming to Minnesota. The position was approved by Presbytery at its January meeting. The complete announcement is at "Acting COM Coordinator."
Living into the Christian life
 By Jeff Japinga
Transitional Executive Presbyter
The voice on the other end of the phone was halting, thin, hesitant. Not his usual firm, confident tone. His words were few, yet powerful. "My heart is broken."
This is a strong man, a good friend. He has a wonderful family, and he knows it and is grateful. He has a good job, a calling, a vocation in this world, and in living that out, he's made a difference, a huge difference, for individuals and for his community. He is deeply loved and respected by his peers. And yet ...
"I'm tired. I'm weary. My heart is broken."
He talked a long time, about politics and the climate he saw in the country. About how people's support or disdain for the former or current president has filled his airwaves with vitriol and increasingly defined both us and our relationships. About how afraid people are.
The complete Jottings is at "Lent."
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Lake Nokomis makes
 space for prayer
It's too late for this week, but Lake Nokomis Presbyterian Church is opening its sanctuary on Friday mornings to make space for prayer for the nation. The sanctuary will be open every Friday from 9:30 to 10 a.m. A promotional flyer states, "A space in your week for Silence. Trust. Prayer."
Mardi Gras, ASDIC fundraiser
planned Feb. 25 at Cherokee Park
 Cherokee Park United Church in St. Paul is inviting everyone to its Mardi Gras on Saturday, Feb. 25, from 7 to 11 p.m. The event also serves as a fundraiser for the Anti-Racism Dialogue Interfaith Circle (ASDIC). An all-ASDIC Community Gathering takes place at 6 p.m. The evening features a feast of Cajun, Creole and Brazilian food, along with line dancing, mask-making and games for kids. The event flyer is at "Cherokee Park Mardi Gras."
Bread for the World workshop planned March 4 at St. Stephen Lutheran
 The 2017 Bread for the World workshop in the Twin Cities is planned Saturday, March 4, at St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Bloomington. This year's workshop is highlighting Bread for the World's effort to advocate for needy children. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. and the workshop will run from 9 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. The complete flyer is at "Advocating for Needy Children."
Clearwater Forest conducts
fundraiser
to support campers
Clearwater Forest, a Presbyterian camp and conference center located near Deerwood, Minn., is  conducting a micro-fundraiser this week to raise $5,000 to assist campers who otherwise would not be able to take part in the camping experience. A note promoting the fundraiser stated, "Each year we provide over $11,000 in scholarship funds to families who request assistance." Donations can be made at "Support Clearwater." Clearwater's 2016 annual report is also available on the site at "Reporting to You."
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Resources, conferences ...
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Professor, author, activist Drew Hart
leads Winter Forum in Wisconsin
Drew G. I. Hart, a theology professor, author and activist, will lead the 2017 Winter Forum of the Wisconsin Council of Churches on  Friday and Saturday, March 3-4, at Sun Prairie United Methodist Church in Sun Prairie, Wis. The forum runs Friday from 5:30 to 9 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hart, author of "Trouble I've Seen: Changing the Way the Church Views Racism," places police brutality, mass incarceration, anti-black stereotypes, poverty and everyday acts of racism within the larger framework of white supremacy. He offers concrete practices for churches that seek solidarity with the oppressed and are committed to racial justice. The forum brochure is at "Church and Racism."
New Board Connections posted;
lists Board of Pensions news, updates
The February issue of Board Connections, the newsletter of the Board of Pensions of the  Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), has been posted online, offering highlights of recent Board news, along with updates and other information. Two Board employees, D.J. Lee, business process systems manager, and Sharon Castillo, director of delivery and administration, received the Ernesto Badillo Award for Hospitality through Service, presented during the Board's annual Celebrating Excellence gathering. The complete newsletter is at "Connections."
Omaha Seminary Foundation
accepts Apollos applications
The Omaha Presbyterian Seminary Foundation is accepting applications through April 17 for its Apollos Scholarships, a scholarship of up to $3,000 per  semester for gifted students attending one of the 10 affiliated seminaries of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Eligible students are those who are members of a PC(USA) congregation, under care of a presbytery as an inquirer or candidate, enrolled full time in a Master of Divinity degree program, and possess the qualities for excellence in ministry. Details are at "Apollos."
Advocacy training day set
April 21 in Washington, D.C.
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s Compassion, Peace and Justice Training Day is planned April 21 at New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C. Elona Street-Stewart, executive of the Synod of  Lakes and Prairies, will be one of the panelists during the day's program. The training day is followed by Ecumenical Advocacy Days April 21-24, when about 1,000 Christian advocates come together for a weekend of workshops, lectures, and concrete actions to address the issues facing the nation. The theme of this year's event is "Confronting Chaos, Forging Community: Racism, Militarism and Materialism." Details are at "Training Day."
Great Plains Wee Kirk Conference
takes place in May at Calvin Crest
 The Great Plains Wee Kirk Conference is planned May 1-3 at Calvin Crest Camp, Conference and Retreat Center near Fremont, Neb. The theme of this year's conference is "Overflowing with Hope" and the plenary speaker will be the Rev. Eunice "Junior" McGarrahan, a minister, author and speaker. Conference details can be found at "Wee Kirk."
Board of Pensions sets session
near Chicago
on understanding benefits
The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is planning a one-day seminar May 9 at  Yorkfield Presbyterian Church in Elmhurst, Ill., to give church leaders the opportunity to learn about the theological values that shape the benefits plan, ask questions during a Q-and-A with Board of Pensions leadership and staff, and enjoy fellowship with other benefit decision-makers. Details about the event can be found at "Understanding Benefits Plan."
Registration continues
for Summer Pastors School
 Registration is underway for the 2017 version of Summer Pastors School that runs June 4-9 at Hastings (Neb.) College. An event of the Omaha Presbyterian Seminary Foundation, the School's featured speakers are the Rev. Dr. Gary Neal Hansen, the Rev. Dr. Samuel Hamilton-Poore, and Dr. Anna Case-Winters. Dr. Marcia McFee will lead worship. Details, including biographical information on the speakers, can be found at "Summer Pastors School."
Healthy congregations is subject
of retreat
planned this summer
 Working toward a healthy congregation is at the heart of a retreat July 31-Aug. 3 at Techny Towers and Retreat Center in Techny, Ill. The fifth annual Habits of the Heart summer retreat, titled "Making Our Home with the Other," will feature an interactive learning experience with author Parker J. Palmer and singer-songwriter Carrie Newcomer. Details are at "Making Our Home with the Other."
Registration open for 1001
New Worshiping Communities gathering
All across the landscape of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), as leaders of the denomination's nearly 400 new worshiping communities continue to transform the church -- and the world -- by growing new disciples for Jesus Christ, they, too, hunger for a space in which  to grow and be nurtured. The 1001 New Worshiping Communities national gathering seeks to provide just such a space. "Living, Dying, Rising," which takes its scriptural basis from John 20:19-23, takes place Aug. 7-10 at the TradeWinds Island Grand Resort in St. Pete Beach, Fla. The 2017 national gathering will outline the story of the life of Christ and also the life of the church. The complete Presbyterian News Service story by Emily Enders Odom can be found at "1001 Gathering."
Ministry resources described, available
from Theology, Formation, Evangelism
Writing just before Valentine's Day, Chip Hardwick, director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency's Office of  Theology, Formation and Evangelism, wrote, "Today the culture focuses on romantic love, which in its best moments gives us glimpses of God's grace-filled, unconditional love for us in Jesus Christ. My hope is that the ministries described [here] are another way to experience and understand love as a gracious gift from God -- and that in gratitude, all of us will go out and serve the world in Christ's name." The complete newsletter is at "Gracious Gift from God."
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The Rev. Mary "Molly" Allison (Bigelow) McMillan
died Feb. 16. An honorably retired teaching elder, McMillan was ordained in 1978 after receiving her seminary education at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. She went on to later serve as the seminary's interim president, president and board chair. The Bigelow Chapel at the seminary is named in her honor. A funeral service is planned Saturday, Feb. 25, at The House of Hope Presbyterian Church in St. Paul. The complete announcement is at "Mary McMillan."
The Rev. Joan Jacobus
, an honorably retired teaching elder, died Feb. 21. She served as pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Parker, S.D., from 1995 to 2007, when she retired. She was an active member in the Presbytery of South Dakota until she transferred her membership to the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area in 2015. A memorial service is planned this spring in South Dakota. The complete announcement is at "Joan Jacobus."
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Service Opportunities ...
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Chain of Lakes Church
is seeking a part-time music director who will develop and expand the current music talent. People interested in working in a multi-racial setting are especially encouraged to apply. Complete information about the position is available at "Music Director."
The House of Hope Presbyterian Church
is seeking a director of children and family ministry. This is a position of both vision and detail, of enjoying the rhythms of life in the church while creating space to imagine the new. The House of Hope is seeking someone who will love and serve the congregational family with joy and engagement, who will nurture faith formation of children, and who will encourage a culture of care and welcome within the congregation. Details can be found at "
Director of Children and Family Ministry."
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Gillette pens two hymns in support
of Standing Rock 'water protectors'
Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, well-known Presbyterian hymn lyricist, has written two hymns in support of  the Standing Rock "water protectors." She has given permission for free use of these hymns to Standing Rock supporters. Each hymn is written to be sung to a traditional melody. The hymns, both posted on the website of the Synod of Lakes and Prairies, are "We Were Born Out of the Waters" and "O God of Life, Your Waters Flow."
McNulty: 9 Oscar nominees portray
a range of beliefs, principles
Edward McNulty, a Presbyterian pastor and author of two books about films, has been finding spiritual values in the nominees for Academy Awards in the  "Best Picture" category. McNulty wrote, "
Each year the
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
nominates five to 10 films in the "Best Picture" category. I wish that it were a full 10 this year, with the addition of Martin Scorcese's haunting "Silence" rounding out the number. This well-filmed story, based on the terrible persecution of the Jesuits and the "Hidden" or "Silent Christians" in 17th century Japan is the most challenging theological film to come along in a long time. Despite this omission, the nine films that did make it onto the list offer people of faith much pleasurable entertainment plus the opportunity for reflection and discussion about important themes or issues." McNulty's complete discussion of the nine nominees is at "Best Picture Nominations."
De La Rosa's 'Keeping Faith' video
newsletter celebrates World Mission
Keeping Faith, the video newsletter from Tony De La Rosa, interim executive director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency, has been posted online. In the  February edition, De La Rosa highlights Presbyterian World Mission, which celebrates 180 years of life-changing work this year. In "Mission 180," PWM acting co-directors Rachel Yates and Tamron Keith describe the significance of a 180 degree look at mission -- representing a turnaround from PWM's more colonial approach when it was founded, to one of partnership today. The complete Presbyterian News Service story by Paul Seebeck, and the video newsletter, can be found at "Celebration."
Mission Matters newsletter notes
role
of mission co-workers as ambassadors
 The current installment of Mission Matters, a newsletter of World Mission of the Presbyterian Mission Agency, notes, "In this month's Mission Matters column, titled "The World is Watching," Rachel Yates, World Mission's associate director for program, writes about the increasingly important role of mission co-workers as ambassadors of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) The complete newsletter is at "World is Watching."
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