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| The Case of a Small Church in an Oversized Building |
by Lewis Parks
I came to Calvary United Methodist, Lemoyne, Pennsylvania, in my favorite pastoral role, as one who rescues. Calvary was once a vibrant 700-member church with two full-time ordained pastors, a staff of eight, and an average weekly worship attendance of 338 (1963). Calvary was "big church" and had the building to prove it - a 20,500 square-foot Romanesque Revival fortress with a replacement value of $5,280,000.
Through the decades of mainline decline, Calvary declined, too, but at a gentle rate. Leaders and members made necessary adjustments. They learned to live within their means. Yet at the same time the 110-year-old building continued to exert its claims at a rate that was becoming irritating and eventually alarming.
In my first year at Calvary we had to address two critical risk recommendations from a recent insurance inspection: jersey barriers for a parking lot near the nursery school ($3,000) and a ventilation hood for the 20-burner gas oven ($21,000). Year two the air conditioning unit gave out ($20,000) and the dreary lighted sign in front demanded replacement ($5,000). Year three we filled and patched the sinkholes in the parking lot ($11,000) but held off on the resurfacing ($30,000) that would have completed the job. In year four we rescued the red cross on the State Street tower ($6,000) and replaced some of the very old gas pipes that were beginning to leak ($4,000) in the boiler room. One of the trustees reminded me the boiler pipes and cast-iron radiators have lasted much longer than we have a right to ask (estimated cost $42,000). The organist reminded me that the "leaking expression shades" need repair soon ($29,000) and a hole in the "blower reservoir" needs repair now ($4,000). "Should I start playing hymns on the piano?".......
Read the full article
HERE
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| The Fall at Burnamwood! |
Come join the fun and fellowship at Camp Burnamwood this Fall!
1st-5th Grade Retreat: Sep. 29-Oct. 1.
Middle School Fall Retreat: Oct. 20-22.
Senior High Fall Retreat: Nov. 3-5.
See everyone there!
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| Free to a Good Home!! |
Nicholasville Presbyterian Church has many great choir anthems that are being given free to a good home.
We will have these available for perusal from Sept. 17-27 for any one interested.
If you are interested, please contact Beth Garrod-Logsden here
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| Board of Pensions Gathering- September 27th |
Rev. Edward Thompson, our Board of Pensions Representative, will be at First Presbyterian Church in Lexington, on
Wednesday, September 27th
from 12:30-2:30 to update you on the benefits plan of the Board of Pensions and to discuss the employer agreement.
Who Should Attend?
The purpose of the meeting is to introduce any changes and updates to the Benefits Plan of the Board of Pensions and to respond to questions and comments. The presentation is designed for those who are most familiar with benefits: Church Business Administrators, Office Managers, Personnel Committee Representatives, Pastors, presbytery staff, etc.
If you are planning to attend, please register by email with Robyn Justus at
[email protected]
so that we will have an accurate lunch count by September 25.
The address to First Presbyterian Church is 171 Market Street, Lexington, Kentucky.
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| Mission Grant Applications now Being Accepted! |
Grant applications are due October 15th.
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| 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
[email protected]. 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.
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| 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!
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| 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!
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| 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
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| Pastoral Opportunites |
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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
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| 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
[email protected]
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| Pace Warren Lectures at Second Pres, Lexington |
2017 Pace-Warren Lecture Series
September 23 & 24
The Reverend Robina Marie Winbush is this year's Pace-Warren speaker. She is an Associate Stated Clerk for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Prior to assuming this position she served as the Pastor of Hollis Presbyterian Church in Queens, New York.
Read the full brochure
HERE
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| 130th Anniversary- First Presbyterian Church, Harlan |
Founded in October of 1887, the First Presbyterian Church located on 306 W Clover Street Harlan, Kentucky, invites you to be a part of our 130th Anniversary.
On October 15, 2017 at 10:45am, our church will celebrate this ministry milestone achievement during this Sunday morning worship service. A fully catered meal will be provided for all following this service in the church fellowship hall.
Your invitation to participate in this historical event also includes our request of a short written reflection of your experience with our church, our community or individuals you remember who made an impact in your life. We welcome your Baptism Information, Conformation dates, weddings and other events that would help mark the journey of our church and it's ministry.
If you are planning on attending please let us know as this will help us prepare properly for this celebration.
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| 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
[email protected]
. Resume and cover letter can be mailed to 171 Market Street, Lexington, KY, 40507.
Deadline:
Open until filled
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| August Ordination Anniversaries |
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SEPTEMBER
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
[email protected] so we can update your information.
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17-18- Pastoral Transitions Commission Retreat- Berea, KY
27- Board of Pensions Meeting, First Lexington, 12:30-2:30
28- Leadership Development- 1 pm- Beaumont, Lexington
Presbytery Meetings 2017
Saturday, November 11 - 10:00 a.m. - Corbin Presbyterian.
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Presbytery of Transylvania
PO Box 23580
Lexington, Kentucky 40523
859-264-8867
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