September 8, 2017


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Burnamwood Commission

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Memories or Imagination?

Do churches live out of their memories or their imaginations?
by Bill Wilson

Some call it a battle. Others a wrestling match. Let's go with something a bit less confrontational and call it a challenge that will impact whether or not you survive.
I'm describing one of the foundational polarities every church must confront and manage.
Simply put: will your life together be primarily shaped by your 
memories or by your  imagination ?
No one questions whether both are important. Our memories and the past are a vital component of a healthy and vibrant faith and church. Our imaginations and the ability to innovate and adapt are a vital component of a healthy and vibrant church.
Neither can exist in an appropriate way without the other....
Read the Full article HERE

Mission Grant Applications now Being Accepted!
The Presbytery is now accepting Hunger and Peacemaking grant applications for 2018.  For more information and to download the grant application go to  https://transypby.org/mission-grant-applications/

Grant applications are due October 15th.
Immigration/Refugee Issues Meeting
Three of our Woodford County churches (Pisgah, Versailles and Midway) have joined with several other congregations to form Woodford FOR (friends of refugees).  We are befriending a number of refugee families that have been referred to us through Kentucky Refugee Ministries (KRM).
There will be a program on
Monday, September 25, 2017 at Midway Christian Church, 123 East Bruen Street, Midway, at 6:30 pm.  This will be in conjunction with that congregation's community dinner and will be a meal open to all, followed by a program.  The featured speaker will be Amanda Craft.  Amanda works for the PCUSA at the national offices in Louisville as manager of the Advocacy Office of Immigration Issues.  Amanda has much experience with immigration issues, particularly as a result of her many years of service as a PCUSA mission co-worker in Guatemala and along the US/MX border.   After Amanda's remarks, Emily Warren will share a brief update on the activities of KRM.  Emily works for KRM and is the daughter of Rev. Susan Warren.   All are welcome, but if you plan to come it would be helpful to let Bill Reed know at willmreed@aol.com. This will help Midway Christian plan for the amount of food they will need.  However, we are advised that they always have enough, so if you decide to come at the last minute, feel free to do so.
Stephen Sanders Installation, September 10, 5 pm
The Presbytery of Transylvania and First Presbyterian Church in Prestonsburg invite you to come a celebrate the installation of their new Pastor, Stephen Sanders on September 10th at 5 pm.  These moments where the Presbytery gathers are important to our life together.  Please come and attend if able.
Houston Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. - Song of Solomon 8:7
 
Hurricane Harvey struck the Texas coast late Friday, bringing lashing rain and sustained winds of 130 miles per hour. Even as its force has waned, Harvey has brought historic flooding, forcing rivers and streams from their banks, submerging homes, churches, businesses and roads, stranding thousands of people. Your gifts are urgently needed now to support the communities devastated by this historic storm and those throughout the Gulf region who are still in the path of Harvey's torrential rains. Donate Now.
 
You can join in the response and encourage those in need by standing in the "GAP" - Give. Act. Pray.
 
 
GIVE:
Support Presbyterian Disaster Assistance's emergency response and long-term recovery work in the areas affected by Hurricane Harvey. Designate gifts to DR000169-Harvey .
 
You can also give with a credit card by visiting presbyterianmission.org/GIVE-HARVEY or by phone at 800-872-3283.
 
ACT:
Put together Gift of the Heart kits for survivors in the affected areas - hygiene kits and cleanup buckets are especially needed. For more information, go to pda.pcusa.org/page/kits/.
Contact the PDA Call Center to be notified of volunteer opportunities. Call 866-732-6121 or email pda.callcenter@pcusa.org.

Learn how your congregation can help families who have lost everything in the devastation. Stay informed and like us on Facebook, download resources, including a bulletin insert, and share updates with your congregation. 
 
PRAY:
God, our Shelter,
Be a strong presence in the lives of neighbors who, having survived the winds and rains of Harvey, now face grief, uncertainty and weary days. May our generosity in prayer and in tangible signs of support overflow more than floodwaters, to sustain your work of healing and rebuilding and to bring comfort and strength to those who suffer. Amen.
 
 
For more information, visit pda.pcusa.org .
Elder Training Coming Soon!
Mark your calendars for November 11!   The Leadership Development Ministry will be offering a training for elders during the morning (10:00 - noon) of the Presbytery meeting at the Corbin Presbyterian Church.  This training will be designed primarily for new elders, but ALL elders will be welcomed.  The session will be led by Bill and Mary Reed, and may include a specific Clerk of Session training, if interest is indicated.  All participants will receive the latest Book of Order (2017-2019) as a gift and will be invited to be our guests at the presbytery lunch.
More information will be forthcoming, but please get this event on your calendars!
Living Waters Transylvania Mission Team
Your Transylvania Presbytery Living Waters for the World mission team will be working in the village of Oxcabal in the Yucatan peninsula to bring affordable clean water to more people in that area.  And if you believe that all God's children deserve clean water, then YOU are invited to be a part of the team! 

This year's trip will be in early November, but planning begins SOON, so if this is of interest to you, call Joanie Lukins (859-583-5990).  

Transylvania presbytery has been engaged in this ministry for 15 years, and  millions  of gallons of clean water have been produced by systems installed by our team. That means thousands of people are living better, healthier lives.   Come and see for yourself! 
Peace and Global Witness Offering Resources
PEACE & GLOBAL WITNESS OFFERING:  BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS
The Peace & Global Witness Offering is received during the  Season of Peace, which ends on World Communion Sunday. However, you can help sustain the important PC(USA) ministries and programs that are supported by this important Offering by  making an online gift at any time throughout the year. Checks can be mailed care of Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to P.O. Box 643700; Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700.

HOW IS MY GIFT USED?

A gift to the Peace & Global Witness Offering enables the church to promote the Peace of Christ by addressing systems of injustice across the world. Individual congregations are encouraged to utilize up to 25% of this Offering to connect with the global witness of Christ's peace. Mid councils retain an additional 25% for ministries of peace and reconciliation. The remaining 50% is used by the Presbyterian Mission Agency to advocate for peace and justice in cultures of violence, including our own, through collaborative projects of education and Christian witness.
Your local or mid-council portion of the Peace & Global Witness Offering could be contributed toward to the  Freedom Rising fund for African American males.
 

RESOURCES

Use these resources for promoting the Peace & Global Witness Offering in your church. Documents will open in a new tab when clicked below. To order resources directly or to check your congregation's standing order, call Presbyterian Distribution Services at (800) 524-2612 or  email pds@pcusa.org.
 
Kentucky Council of Churches Annual Assembly
Registration is now open for the 2017 Annual Assembly
Please join us October 19th-20th at Jeffersontown Christian Church in Louisville for our annual assembly.
 
This year's keynote speakers are the Rev. Dr. Miguel De La Torre and Mr. Jack Jezreel.
 
Our workshops will discuss various forms of power and privilege and include topics such as "Working to Remove Systemic Privilege" led by Dr. Charisse Gillett; "Immigration Privilege" led by Dr. Emily Askew; "Environmental Privilege" led by members of KCC's Creation Care committee; "The Effects of Economic Privilege on Health" led by Tom Walton and a workshop discussing our 2018 theme - "A House Divided" led by a member of The Kentucky Rural-Urban Exchange.
 
Please visit our website  www.kycouncilofchurches.org, click on "Events" and then click "Annual Assembly". The website has detailed information about the event as well as accommodations
Pastoral Opportunites
There are a number of Pastoral Opportunities available in the Presbytery.  If you know of anyone who might be interested in one of the following positions, please share this information with them.

First Presbyterian Church, Lawrenceburg- Solo Pastor 

First Presbyterian Church, Somerset- Solo Pastor

Beaumont Presbyterian Church- Head of Staff

The Presbyterian Church, Danville- Interim Head of Staff
Church News and Events
Events listed here do not reflect the view of the whole Presbytery and should not be seen as an endorsement of a particular theological view or stance unless otherwise stated.  If you have an event or news you would like to share with the Presbytery, please email philip.lotspeich@transypby.org
Transitional Director of Youth and Families- FPC Lexington
First Presbyterian Church of Lexington, KY , is seeking a part-time Transitional Director of Youth and Families. This position requires an organized, energetic, flexible and kindly person who finds it personally rewarding to walk alongside middle and high school young people and their families in the development of faithful practice of the Christian life. We glorify God by engaging in worship, pursuing justice, and nurturing all who enter our doors. Founded in 1784, First Church is in downtown Lexington in the heart of the Bluegrass.
Responsibilities include:
  • Supporting ongoing ministry teams
  • Leading age appropriate Bible study
  • Responding to the needs of youth and their families
  • Assisting with the LOGOS ministry on Wednesdays
  • Coordinating youth mission trips and conferences in partnership with ministry teams and volunteers
This position will require on average 20-25 hours most weeks during the year to include Sunday morning availability from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the church grounds, Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to Noon in the church office, and Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the church building. Additionally, this position will include out of state travel, for week long mission trips or conferences.
The term of employment commences upon hire and concludes after the completion of our summer mission trips no later than August 1, 2018. Compensation based on experience and budget.
Direct inquiries to Terese Pierskalla, Church Administrator, at (859) 252-1919 or tpierskalla@fpclex.org . Resume and cover letter can be mailed to 171 Market Street, Lexington, KY, 40507.
Deadline: Open until filled
August Ordination Anniversaries
SEPTEMBER

9/8-   Bryce McGowan- 49 years
9/13- Curtis Christian- 30  years
9/14- Mark Davis- 33  years
9/16- Beth Garrod-Logsdon- 16  years
9/16- Laurie McKnight- 10  years
9/22- Lisa Eye- 15  years
9/23- Lorilyn Howie-Kipphut- 10  years
9/24- Janice Stamper- 28  years
9/25- Betsy Steiner- 29  years
9/28- Jay T. Silence- 20  years
9/30- Vicki Poole Adams- 11  years


May God continue to bless your ministry!

If we have missed your ordination anniversary or have incorrect information, please email rjustus@transypby.org so we can update your information.
September Meeting Dates

10- Stephen Sanders Installation- 5 pm- Prestonsburg, KY

12- Coordinating Commission- 5:30 pm- Corbin, KY

17-18- Pastoral Transitions Commission Retreat- Berea, KY

28- Leadership Development- 1 pm- Beaumont, Lexington

Presbytery Meetings 2017

Saturday, November 11 - 10:00 a.m. - Corbin Presbyterian.
 
Presbytery of Transylvania
PO Box 23580
Lexington, Kentucky 40523
859-264-8867