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July 26 ,  2018
Univ. of the Ozarks Struthers Pastoral Study Leave Program

Established in 2005, the University of the Ozarks Pastoral Study Leave Program is a unique opportunity for Presbyterian pastors to visit the University for personal professional development. 

Under this program, each semester two pastors are selected to spend 4-5 days on campus. The visiting pastor can use University resources for personal study time and professional development. The participant will be able to create their own schedule and goals for their time on campus while having access to University resources, the option to attend classes, and engage with faculty staff, and students. The participant will also have the opportunity to preside over our weekly chapel worship service. 

The late Rev. Dr. James Struthers of Stillwater, OK, understood the power of pastoral study leave and envisioned a residential program where pastors could be in community with college students. Through his generosity this is an all-inclusive experience for four participants each year. Travel expenses, meals, lodging, library resources, and work space are provided in-full for the participant.

First preference is given to a member of a presbytery within the bounds of the Synod of the Sun, but any Ministers of Word and Sacrament within the PC(USA) are encouraged to apply.

To be selected, fill out an application here and return to 

The Rev. Jeremy Wilhelmi, Chaplain
University of the Ozarks
415 N. College Ave., Clarkson, AR 72830
479.979.1307  
jwilhelmi@ozarks.edu

Applications for Fall Semester due June 30
Applications for Spring Semester due Oct 31

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"  Education isn't something you can finish
.
"

-Isaac Asimov
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Learn how to overcome life's unexpected obstacles! Nieuwhof provides tools and guidelines to help you anticipate and avoid seven crippling challenges---cynicism, compromise, disconnectedness, irrelevance, pride, burnout, and emptiness. And for those who are already facing these foes, he shares practical steps to getting out and moving forward into a more powerful and vibrant future. 
Presbytery Disaster Assistance

Certainly by now everyone has heard of the multiple natural disasters that occurring in many parts of the US: Floods & Fires!

Would you/your congregation like to help? Here' how:

Check out website: PCUSA.org/PDA to identify Gift of the Heart Kits
Clean Up Buckets Hygiene Kits School Kits

These are things your congregation can make/do/collect to get to those folks that are being dispatched to these areas.

What should we do with the kits when their done? Or items that we'd like to donate?

Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church in Lincoln, NE (Homestead Presbytery) is currently serving as a collection site. One trip was made February 2018 to deliver the first load. And it's time again: August 27-30, 2018

Please bring any COMPLETED KITS or KIT ITEMS to the August 17-18 Joint Presbytery meeting at Camp Calvin Crest & Retreat Center. And all items will be added to the load going in August.

Or if you would financially support this collection center and transportation costs, see note below.


If you have any questions: please call or email:

Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, 8300 East Point Rd, Lincoln, NE. 68506
Web address: www.goodshepppc.org
Email: goodshep@windstream.net
Phone: 402-484-8844
Contributed funds: Payable to GSPC, Memo PDA Bucket Brigade

Maggie Horak
Phone 402-429-0523 (text any time or call 2-8 pm)

Thanks for getting involved and taking action outside your congregation to a world that God calls us to care for one another!

Second PC(USA) church fire reported within the week

by Rick Jones | Presbyterian News Service
The congregation of another Presbyterian church is picking up the pieces following a fire last week. The First Presbyterian Church of Girard, Pennsylvania was destroyed after fire broke out early Sunday, July 15. It was one of two Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) churches damaged by fire in four days. The sanctuary of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Little Rock, Arkansas caught fire on Thursday, July 19. In both cases, there were no injuries or fatalities.

Firefighters were called to First Presbyterian in the middle of the night, according to the Rev. David Oyler, general presbyter with the Presbytery of Lake Erie.

"The building was totally devastated so no one could get close to it. As many as 13 different fire departments responded," said Oyler. "I'm told a half-million gallons of water were used on the site to control the fire and save a house used by the church as the community food pantry."

Oyler says the house was saved and is still serving the community while the congregation determines future plans for worship space.

Last night, more than 200 people showed up in the rain for a special prayer service in the church parking lot. A local funeral home provided shelter, seats and a sound system as the congregation and neighboring churches and presbytery leaders gathered for prayer and healing.
Among those attending was the Rev. Dr. Laurie Kraus, director of  Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.
"Some of the church members were seeing the devastation for the first time since the fire," she said. "One member had been out of town and was very emotional when she saw what had happened saying four generations of her family had worshipped at the church."
Kraus spoke at the service saying Presbyterian Disaster Assistance would walk with them through the grief and recovery period. She added that members of the National Response Team would also be present at worship services on Sunday.
"Pastor Nicola Vitiello also addressed the group saying that the gathering was like a funeral service for a building," Kraus said. "The church had become their sacred space and held memories of a life together. But he also talked of hope and the future."
The church sanctuary was built in 1892 and most of the building was destroyed by the flames. A Sunday school building and two towers were saved as were two crosses from the top of the church according to Oyler.
"Prayers were lifted up across Lake Erie Presbytery. The church is receiving prayer support but will also receive financial support," he said. "A number of congregations have stepped forward, not only in offering worship space, but also financial support."
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, according to Oyler, adding that the congregation is ready to move forward despite the pain and loss.
"This week I have been meeting with the session to begin making some decisions for the short and long term. I am humbled by the response the church is receiving from across Erie County as well as the larger church, including neighboring executive presbyters," said Oyler. "There is a multitude of compassionate Presbyterians who are reaching out to a church that has been heavily devastated."
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