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In This Issue
News around the Synod of Lakes and Prairies
Conferences, camps, resources
News of the Board of Pensions
News of colleges, universities and seminaries
News around the PC(USA)
Just one more
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July 8, 2019

News around the Synod of Lakes and Prairies
Registration underway
for 'Art of Transitional Leadership'
The Synod of Lakes and Prairies is planning a new event this fall -- "The Art of Transitional Leadership" -- that will provide ministry  Synod Logo skills training for today and tomorrow's church pastors, staff, committees on ministry and congregational leaders. Set Monday through Friday, Sept. 16-20, at Christ the King Retreat Center in Buffalo, Minnesota, the event offers two tracks, one covering an introduction to transitional ministry that runs the full week, and another offering transformation training for church leaders that takes place Wednesday through Friday of the week. The full-week session provides 30 hours of training that meets the requirements for Week I Transitional Ministry Education. The second session provides training for ruling elders and other congregational leaders, focusing on their roles in congregations in times of ministry transitions. Details are available at " Art of Transitional Leadership." Registration information is available through the link in the flyer or by following a link to "Transitional Leadership Registration."
 
Synod School: vacation, family,
fellowship, renewal, more
SS Catalog cover Imagine a class that would cover communication skills for engaging difficult conversations, and then think about a class that would take a look at movie heroes and villains as it relates to Biblical ethics. Or, think about a class examining Mr. Rogers and the kingdom of God or about globalization -- and its discontents. Really, those are just a few options. There's still time to register for Synod School 2019 coming up July 21-26 at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa. And if you've already registered, there's new information, too, on the website. It's vacation time, family time, renewal time and more all at once. Each year more than 600 participate in the Synod of Lakes and Prairies' midsummer ministry and there's still room for you. You can find the full Synod School catalog, a link to registration, and more at "Synod School 2019."
 
The Academy will begin
another cohort at Synod School
Called simply The Academy, a series of 11 courses designed to develop well-equipped, thoughtful people to better serve councils in a variety of capacities, will open for another cohort this summer. Described as  The Academy a unique, cohort-based learning community, The Academy offers participants an opportunity to grow in faith and knowledge, as a leader, and to have more opportunities to serve God as needed. For some participants, the courses may lead to becoming commissioned pastors. The Academy is a joint effort of the presbyteries of Minnesota Valleys, North Central Iowa and Prospect Hill, and the Synod of Lakes and Prairies. A current brochure, with a link to registration, is at "The Academy."
Conferences, camps, resources
New Ruling Elders Regarding Ruling Elders:
Keeping church safe
Laurie Griffith, a ruling elder who serves as the associate director for constitutional interpretation in the Office of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), writes this month's installment of "Regarding Ruling Elders," a monthly resource of the OGA. She writes, "According to a  recent survey conducted by Lifeway Research, 94 percent of Protestant responders believe that teens and children are protected from abuse within their congregation and 93 percent of responders believe that adults are protected from abuse within their congregation. In a twist, 32 percent believe more pastors have abused teens and children than have been reported. I wonder if this could be reflective of the sentiment that 'It cannot happen here. ... ' Or, is this a part of a general fear that, as reports of abuse within other denominations surface, our beloved denomination also has its own horrific stories?" The complete column can be found at " Keeping Church Safe ."
 
For congregations thinking about
sanctuary: PC(USA) has information
"Throughout history, the people of God have provided safe space in their places of worship for those vulnerable under the laws and  Immigration customs of the time. The Hebrew people had cities of refuge for persons wrongfully accused of crimes. In the years before the American Civil War, congregations provided safety for slaves fleeing the South in the Underground Railroad. In the 1980s, more than 500 U.S. congregations provided safe houses to Central Americans fleeing civil war but whom our government refused to acknowledge as refugees." That's the way a section of the website of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) introduces information on sanctuary. It continues, "Today churches are providing sanctuary to people with final orders of deportation. Law-abiding parents and workers caught in the clutches of a broken immigration system are entering houses of worship to fight their orders of deportation from a safe space." The details can be found at " Sanctuary ."
 
The Big Tent opens in Baltimore in August
big tent 2019 Organizers for this year's Big Tent celebration are expecting a large turnout for the gathering Aug. 1-3 in Baltimore this summer. Registration is open for the event that is held in off years for the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Registration costs have been reduced to accommodate attendees and encourage families to come. The theme for this year is "Called to a Movement Beyond Institution," which is also the theme for the 224th General Assembly, also being held in Baltimore. Details and registration information are at "Big Tent."
 
Presbyterians for Earth Care conference
set this summer at Stony Point
Earth Care Presbyterians for Earth Care, a national eco-justice network that cares for God's creation by connecting, equipping, and inspiring Presbyterians to make creation care a central concern of the church, will conduct its 2019 conference Aug. 6-9 at Stony Point Center in Stony Point, New York. William Brown, professor of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia, will be the keynote speaker. Confirmed workshop speakers are Emily Brewer of the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship and Ryan Smith of the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations. Additional details are at "Presbyterians for Earth Care."
 
Addiction, Faith Conference planned
in September in Twin Cities
addiction faith Noting on its website the "growing concern over the devastation of all forms of addiction, including the ever-increasing opioid crisis," organizers of this fall's Addiction & Faith Conference say the conference will "raise awareness of the terrible addiction problem we face and how the church and people of faith can help to address it." The conference is planned Friday through Sunday, Sept. 20-22, at the Doubletree by Hilton in Bloomington, Minnesota. The conference is presented by the Fellowship of Recovering Lutheran Clergy in partnership with the Recovery Ministries of the Episcopal Church. Conference details are at "Addiction and Faith."
 
2019 POAMN national conference
planned in October in Louisville
The 2019 national conference of the Presbyterian Older Adult Ministry Network is slated Oct. 15-18 at Louisville Presbyterian Theological  Older Adult Ministry Seminary. Keynote speakers will be the Rev. Dr. Diane Moffett, president and executive director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency, and the Rev. Dr. Jason Brian Santos, mission coordinator for Christian Formation and Small Church Support for the Presbyterian Mission Agency. A complete schedule and online registration are available at "POAMN National Conference."
 
1001 gathering in October features
gregory ellison 'Fearless Dialogues' founder
The   Rev. Dr. Gregory Ellison , one of the keynoters for the  1001 New Worshiping Communities and Vital Congregations national gathering Oct. 14-16 , remembers how he felt in the midst of a media firestorm six years ago. His first book, " Cut Dead but Still Alive: Caring for African American Young Men ," had just been released. Then George Zimmerman  was acquitted of all charges  in the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin. Suddenly, Ellison was the go-to person for media producers, doing all kinds of radio, television and newspaper interviews. The complete Presbyterian News Service story by Paul Seebeck can be found at "Ellison to Speak at 1001 Gathering."
 
ConNext Summit slated in October
at Christ the King Retreat Center
Connext The 2019  ConNext Summit is "Recovering the Spirit" and it takes place Oct. 13-15 at Christ the King Retreat Center in Buffalo, Minnesota. Through worship, shared spiritual practices, workshops and conversation, ConNext participants explore how recovering and reclaiming the Holy Spirit can enliven and transform a church's ministry with children, youth and families. The Summit is sponsored by the Resource Center for Churches. Registration is open, and questions can be addressed to Lizabeth Bougie, director of the Resource Center for Churches, at  director@rcc-mn.org . A Summit flyer can be found at " ConNext ."
News of the Board of Pensions
Summer Board Bulletin makes several important announcements
Bulletin BOP The Board Bulletin, published after each regular meeting of the board of directors of The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), presents important information from board actions -- and this summer's issue is no different. The current issue contains information on an apportionment increase, Medicare supplement increase and much more. It can be found at "Board Bulletin."
 
BOP increased experience
apportionment 3.6% on July 1
Board of Pensions The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) announced last month a 3.6 percent experience apportionment for its pension plan that would take effect July 1. The apportionment is the seventh in as many years, representing a cumulative increase of 23.9 percent since 2013. The apportionment affects Pension Plan participants differently, depending upon their status. The complete announcement can be found at "Apportionment Increase."

BOP says medical dues should

remain unchanged in 2020

Board of Pensions finances are robust and the funding of its plans and programs secure, reported Michael F. Fallon Jr., executive vice president and chief financial officer, speaking to BOP's board of directors at its summer meeting last month in Minneapolis. Patricia M. Haines, also an executive vice president and chief benefits officer, and Todd Ingves, director of information management, presented information about the process for determining annual revenue needs and its ultimate impact on medical plan pricing. The complete announcement from the Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) can be found at "Medical Dues Pricing."
News of colleges, universities and seminaries
University of Jamestown launches
5 new online degree programs
The University of Jamestown, one of seven Presbyterian-related institutions of higher education in the Synod of Lakes and Prairies, has  University of Jamestown announcement launched five new online degree programs. The suite of programs includes bachelor's degrees in financial planning and wealth management, industrial management, emerging media, and human resources in addition to a master's degree in leadership. Program offerings are set to expand further in the coming months. The complete story can be found at "UJ New Online Programs."
News around the PC(USA)
PCUSA Logo 9 amendments approved
to PC(USA) constitution
Voting has wrapped up and nine amendments have been added to the "Book of Order" of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The 223rd General Assembly directed the stated clerk to send all proposed amendments to the presbyteries for affirmative or negative votes. The presbyteries are given a year to cast votes. Among the amendments approved was 18-B, which focuses on church discipline. "It's been a discussion the church has had for six years about what happens when a minister is charged with an offense and leaves ministry," said Tom Hay, director of Assembly Operations with the Office of the General Assembly. "When this happens, we have no power over them. They can show up working in another church but not as an ordained minister." The complete story by Rick Jones of the Office of the General Assembly can be found at " Amendments Approved ."
 
Moving Forward Commission
addresses PC(USA) legal matters
As the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) continues to settle into a new organizational structure at the General Assembly level, the Moving Forward Implementation Commission has taken action on who is responsible for legal matters involving the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), A Corporation. The commission met in closed session on Sunday night and announced on Monday that the board of the PC(USA), A Corporation, has authority on church litigation. The complete story by Rick Jones of the Office of the General Assembly can be found at " Responsibility for Litigation ."
 
Convocation for Communities
of Color planned for Big Tent
big tent 2019 Big Tent  celebration filled with worship, music, conversation and prayer is in store for those attending the Convocation for Communities of Color sponsored by  Racial Equity & Women's Intercultural Ministries .The pre-conference event begins at noon Wednesday, July 31 and concludes at 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1. It'll be held in the  Lord Baltimore Hotel  in Baltimore. Using the theme, "Seeing Red: Movements to Wholeness," the convocation will focus on the voices of people of color in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and their collective journey to wholeness. The complete Presbyterian News Service story by Gail Strange can be found at " Convocation for Communities of Color ."
 
Jihyun Oh takes on mid-council
Jihyun Oh ministries role for OGA
A familiar face in the Office of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is taking on the leadership role in mid-council ministries. Jihyun Oh, who currently serves as the OGA manager of call process support and teaching elder ministries, has been named director. Oh is an ordained teaching elder who came to ministry as a very early third-career student. Prior to coming to the Office of the General Assembly, she served congregations as interim pastor, associate pastor and parish associate. The complete story by Rick Jones of the Office of the General Assembly can be found at " Jihyun Oh Takes on New Role ."
 
OGA names Wright to lead
ecclesial, ecumenical ministries
Dianna Wright The Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson II, stated clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), has named Dianna Wright as the interim director of ecclesial and ecumenical ministries within the Office of the General Assembly. For the past 10 years, Wright has been serving as associate presbyter with the Presbytery of Salem in Clemmons, North Carolina. "I've been serving as a Christian educator for Equip in African American Ministries," she said. "Most of the work has been with congregations and helping them discern the work that God is calling them to do." The complete story by Rick Jones of the Office of the General Assembly can be found at " Deanna Wright Named ."
 
First black female moderator
Joan Salmon Campbell of PC(USA) dies July 1
A memorial service was held this past weekend for the Rev. Dr. Joan Salmon Campbell, a long-time pastor and leader in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Salmon Campbell died on July 1 at the age of 81. For the past four years, she served as pastor of the College Heights Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville, North Carolina. She is also known for her history-making turn as the first black female moderator of the PC(USA elected at the 201st General Assembly in 1989. The complete story by Rick Jones of the Office of the General Assembly is at " Joan Salmon Campbell ."
 
Many churches, presbyteries,
synod accept Matthew 25 invite
matthew 25 A Presbyterian News Service story noted last month that 79 congregations, five presbyteries and one synod -  Lakes and Prairies - had said yes to the Matthew 25 invitation of the Presbyterian Mission Agency, agreeing to become more actively engaged in the world by working on one or more of three focus areas: building congregational vitalitydismantling structural racism and eradicating systemic poverty. That means that since the invitation's April 1 rollout, more than 1,100 of the 9,161 Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregations are interested in further engaging the work that Jesus calls his followers to do in Matthew's account of the judgment of the nations. The complete story by Mike Ferguson can be found at "Matthew 25 Rollout."
Just one more
Thinking of impending retirement
Your editor has officially submitted his retirement. His last day will be Tuesday, Sept. 3. Since then he can be found dropping old files into the recycling container in his office, removing some books -- OK, most of them -- from the shelves in his office, and taking personal artwork from the walls. And he wonders what he'll do with his time. He's even begun thinking about what he'll do the Wednesday after the eventful day. Here's one video your editor found. It aired at the White House Correspondents Dinner a few years ago. It's at " Obama Eases into Retirement ."