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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PLT Listening Sessions: A new
way of being Presbytery
The Presbytery Leadership Team of the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area, in cooperation with the transitional executive presbyter, has been working to  shape vision and values, and a develop new presbytery structure to best support the presbytery's congregations and leaders with energy, intelligence, imagination and love. At the January 2017 presbytery meeting, PLT chair Denise Dunbar-Perkins outlined a developing "neighborhood model," built on the value of deepening of relationships within the presbytery and pointing toward stronger collaborative support, places of connection, and common work.
The next step is a wider discussion, gathering input on the vision and values presbytery members; determining whether this developing model might meet those vision and values; and learning how this model might improve participation. Five 90-minute listening sessions have been scheduled throughout the presbytery, beginning with the first session Feb. 27.
The complete announcement, along with a complete schedule of the listening sessions, can be found at "Being Presbytery."
UPDATE
March 11: An opportunity
to learn together
You've been hearing regularly over the past few weeks that the March 11 meeting of the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area will be an opportunity for all the people of the presbytery to learn and grow in faith together.
And it will be. Here are a couple of updates, with the strong encouragement to watch your email, the presbytery website, and the presbytery Facebook page next week for the registration form:
The featured speaker, the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, stated clerk of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), will bring a message of inspiration and challenge to the meeting's gathering worship, a workshop, and to a panel discussion on living faith in the public square.
The complete announcement can be found at "March 11."
Bills and Overtures plans listening
session regarding Oak Grove effort
The Bills and Overtures Committee has planned a listening session Saturday, Feb. 25, to consider a proposed motion from Oak Grove Presbyterian Church to support an amendment to the U.S.  Constitution that would overturn the 2010 Citizens United decision. The session opens at 9:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in South St. Paul. Two documents accompanied the session announcement, including Oak Grove's "Move to Amend Resolution" and another titled "Should Oak Grove Take a Stand Regarding Money in Politics." Questions regarding the session can be addressed to Peter Soulen at bando@presbyterytwincities.org.
Clearwater Forest plans fundraiser
next week to support campers
Clearwater Forest, a Presbyterian camp and conference center located near Deerwood, Minn., is  planning a micro-fundraiser Feb. 23-26 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 noted, "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."
Jeff's Jottings
 You're invited ...
By Jeff Japinga
Transitional Executive Presbyter
At least two or three times a week, somebody will ask me, "So what does a presbytery actually do?" In response, they will usually first see this wry smile on my face, and then hear me say, "How much time do you have, and how much detail do you want?"
Historic institutions -- like presbyteries -- are rarely the cool kids on the block anymore (as if they ever were ... but that's a different discussion). Participation is declining, here and in most places. There are reasons for that, from the "bowling alone" phenomenon of sociologist Robert Putnam to increased commitments elsewhere to perceived (and sometimes actual) irrelevance. Plus, we're just busy, focused on work and families and our local churches and any number of other commitments.
Which is exactly why I want to invite all of you to two initiatives of the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area -- efforts by this collective organization known as the presbytery to support our congregations and their leaders, and to encourage these congregations to support each other as well, to the benefit of all. Not committees, not long-term commitments. Two gatherings.
The complete Jottings can be found at "Invitation."
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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 a.m. to 10:30 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."
'Day on the Hill' planned
 by JRLC on Feb. 23
The Minnesota Joint Religious Legislative Coalition's annual on the Hill will take place in the newly renovated capitol Thursday, Feb. 23. Lisa Sharon Harper, chief church engagement officer of Sojourners, will be the keynote speaker. Harper leads training and helps mobilize clergy and community leaders around shared values for the common good, with a focus on racial justice. People are invited to gather at 8:30 at the St. Paul RiverCentre. Later in the day, those attending will be bused to the capitol and meet with legislators. Registration for the event is at "Day on the Hill." The complete story is at "Advocating."
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."
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Resources, conferences ...
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Regarding ruling elders:
New member prep, exam
 The Rev. Dr. Rhonda Myers, pastor of the Chapel Lane Presbyterian Church in Midland, Mich., has written the most recent installment of Regarding Ruling Elders, a resource published by the Office of the General Assembly. Addressing ruling elders, she wrote, "The Church is the body of Christ acting in the world as a witness to the gospel of grace. If the Church is to serve as Christ's faithful evangelist in active community, it must work at engaging and examining new members. ... 'Membership ... is a joy and a privilege. It is also a commitment to participate in Christ's mission' (
Book of Order, G-1.0304). Therefore, it is appropriate that new members be prepared and examined for membership by the session overseeing their care and nurture.
" Myers' complete column can be found at "Ruling Elders."
New resource helps youth
observe the season of Lent
Just as youth workers, educators, pastors and other church leaders who work with youth have started to
 ask themselves how they might introduce young people to a more informed and active observance of the season of Lent -- which begins on Ash Wednesday, March 1 -- Ministries with Youth
has a new resource at the ready. "Lent: Pray, Fast, Love," written by Brittany Harrold Porch, director of mission and education at Broad Street Presbyterian Church, Columbus, Ohio, is the latest Quicksheet published by the Presbyterian Mission Agency's Office of Ministries with Youth, the national ministry office that serves youth pastors and other staff members who are nurturing young Presbyterians. The complete Presbyterian News Service story is at "
Ministries with Youth."
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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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Nelson signs amicus brief opposing President Trump's travel ban
The Rev. J. Herbert Nelson II, stated clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), joined other faith leaders Thursday in signing an  amicus curiae brief filed with the United States District Court opposing the president's executive order creating a travel ban. The interfaith coalition of religious congregations, associations and organizations united to speak with one voice against the executive order issued on Jan. 27, suspending the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and halting entry into the United States by citizens of seven majority-Muslim nations, the brief states. The complete announcement from Office of the General Assembly, written by Toya Richards, can be found at "Speaking United."
Lent: Preparing our hearts
 for resurrection
Presbyterians Today magazine, in its January-February issue, includes a question-and-answer session with Michelle Bartel,
coordinator of theological education and seminary relations for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). In the article, Bartel addresses questions regarding the meaning and practices of Lent. The complete Presbyterians Today article can be found at "Preparing Our Hearts."
New Orleans East begins recovery
from last week's tornadoes
A week after an EF2 tornado tore a path through parts of New Orleans, disaster officials and volunteers are  still trying to determine the extent of damage. The National Weather Service confirmed that 12 tornadoes struck seven states on Feb. 7. Among the areas hit was New Orleans East, which suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The twister, packing winds in excess of 80 miles an hour, also struck the site of the Project Homecoming Volunteer Village, which coordinates the work of thousands of volunteers who come to the area to assist in recovery and rebuilding. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is responding. The complete Presbyterian News Service story by Rick Jones can be found at "New Orleans."
Ufford-Chase Facebook Live video, 'Welcoming the Stranger,' available
In an ongoing effort to engage the wider church in more intentional and open dialogue with persons of  other faith traditions, the Presbyterian Mission Agency's Office of Interfaith Relations has launched its Facebook Live series, "Third Thursdays," on the denomination's Facebook page. Earlier this week Rick Ufford-Chase, PMA's associate for interfaith formation, welcomed guest panelists for "Welcoming the Stranger: A Conversation about Leviticus 19 and Matthew 25 for Our Time." The complete Presbyterian News Service story by Emily Enders Odom is at "Facebook Live."
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