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The weekly newsletter from the
Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys
August 5, 2020
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We are congregations who seek to be a collective expression of the Body of Christ, joyfully participating in Christ's ongoing life and work. "Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing."
(I Thessalonians 5:11)
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Congregation of the Week of August 9-15
Christ United Presbyterian Church of Marshall
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Leadership list:
Pastor - Anne Veldhuisen
Office Administrator - Mary Thielke
Musician - Margaret Grieg
Tech Support: Barb and Cameron Springer
Session:
Dave Kabes
Jane Arends
Barb Springer
Sharon Kabes
Sharon Williams
Mary Swanson
Prayer concerns:
Our prayer concerns are quite similar to many others in our area. With Covid-19 disrupting in-person worship and visitations, our community is feeling very separated. We are doing everything we can to reach out to one another and hold one another in prayer and in spirit, but we dearly miss being with one another.
Our church is also facing a lot of uncertainty in the future. Our budget has been difficult to maintain over the last few years, and we are seeing a dramatic drop off due to the pandemic.
Mission:
Our church continues to provide a free meal Monday-Thursday with the partnership of Loaves and Fishes out of Minneapolis. Due to Covid-19, these meals are to-go only, so we ask for prayers for those who feel even more isolated with this loss of community gatherings. We are also providing lunch and snacks to the YMCA day program.
NA continues to meet, following strict guidelines from the state, and we are so glad that they can once again be together, in person, in this difficult time.
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Vacation/Out of the office
SanDawna Ashley will be on vacation through August 9
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August 18 Presbytery Meeting
The next presbytery meeting is Tuesday, August 18, from 10:00 - 12:00, and will be by Zoom. To register, email Karen with the names and email addresses of the commissioners and visitors. Zoom instructions will be emailed. The August presbytery meeting will also include communion, so please prepare bread and wine (or crackers and juice - or whatever works for you) for communion.
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August Ordination Anniversaries
08/04/2012 Paul Snyder
08/06/1947 Hugh Miller
08/14/1961 Wayne Purintun
08/15/2006 Leanne Thompson
08/15/2006 Scott Thompson
08/28/2005 Andrew Davis
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Recall & Repair conversations are at 2:00 PM Central Time Aug 5 and 6
Broadcast on August 5th and 6th at 2pm CDT both days at:
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Jill Emery from the Foley church completed her two years of study, 11 courses, with the Academy on July 31. Here is a picture of her with Michael Hartwell and Dan Emmert who are the two facilitators for the program.
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Electronic Meetings and More
Submitted by Pamela Prouty, Stated Clerk
This pandemic has changed how we as a church do our business. Many Councils of the Church (Session, Presbytery, Synod and even General Assembly) have been meeting electronically. Electronic meetings are allowed by Robert’s Rule of Order as long as two criteria are met
- They must be authorized in an organizations’ governing documents (Bylaws, Manuals of Operations and so forth)
- The technology employed must allow for “the opportunity for simultaneous aural communication.” This essentially means that everyone must be present, must have the ability of discuss and discern.
I have had many questions about electronic meetings and what to do if the governing documents don’t allow for electronic meetings. So if the need arises for the Session and/or the Congregation to meet electronically and the governing documents do not allow for it, the first item of business at a meeting would be to take action to allow for electronic meetings to occur. Since this action needs to be in the governing documents this would be a congregation decision. All changes to bylaws must be approved by the congregation.
If electronic meetings are authorized, Robert’s Rules of Order, 11th Edition advises to adopt additional rules pertaining to their conduct regarding methods for seeking recognition, for taking and verifying votes, for determining quorum, how a person can raise a question or point of order and the type of equipment required and whether the organization must provide such equipment.
The language for the governing documents could be as follows:
“Electronic meetings (telephone, video conferencing or other technology) are allowed for the Congregation, the Session and other committees and/or task forces of the (insert church name) with the following conditions: the opportunity for simultaneous aural (spoken and heard) communication is possible, notice is given and adequate instructions are available for members to participate.
If you would like to talk with me more about best practices for such a meeting, please be in touch.
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From the Minnesota Department of Health
We wanted to make you aware of updates to the Faith-based Guidance under the Governor’s Stay Safe MN Phase III plan. These Guidance documents are attached and referenced via their website links below.
There are 3 documents that specifically apply to faith-based communities:
This document describes the type of in-person activities faith-based communities may offer, capacity limits, and guidance regarding social distancing and best practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It is important to consider that large gatherings continue to present significant risk for increasing the spread of COVID-19, and at this time when in-person gatherings are allowed, it is important to consider the values and risk to your community members when planning such events. Persons at higher risk, over 65 years old and those with underlying health conditions, are strongly recommended to stay at home and not attend large events.
This guidance gives social distancing, best practices, and participant capacity limits for gatherings that often occur after weddings, funerals, or other services or celebrations. Please note that the gathering size may be different from your faith-based services and gatherings for a worship service or ceremony.
Thank you for your adherence to these guidelines and commitment to protection of our communities as you make decisions about how to support your members and the larger community.
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Minnesota Grant to improve safety and air quality
Please go to this link for more information about this program:
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Synod of Lakes and Prairies Coaching Program
The Synod will be offering a four-part certified coaches training beginning in September 2020 to support our strategic priority of coaching being available for pastoral leaders and congregations as a means of attracting, supporting and retaining great leaders in the Synod. The training is certified by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), meaning participants who complete the four segments as well as 100 hours of coaching, will be eligible to apply to the ICF for official certification as a coach.
Why coaching? Many church leaders have found it helpful to work with someone on what they want and how to get there. Coaching is about asking good and helpful questions that help us listen to ourselves, become more effective, authentic or resilient as leaders and focus on that which gives us life.
Who will be doing the training? Rev. Dr. Laurie Ferguson, a professional certified coach, consultant, and therapist will be our leader. To learn more about Laurie, visit her website: https://lauriejferguson.com She has been coaching and training for a number of years and has been wanting to offer a program like this! She is delighted to be working with us on this coaching program.
What is involved? There will be 60 hours of training delivered in several segments, hopefully two face to face and the rest through tele-classes.
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Foundations of Coaching: This two-hour Zoom class will require pre-work that includes both reading and writing a paper. Early September.
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Basic Coaching Skills: 15 hours of basic training on coaching skills offered over two days (all day Monday and Tuesday until 3:00). September 13-15, 2020 and two two-hour Zoom classes. Note this is TBD whether it will be held in person or virtually. Participants will be encouraged to start coaching others after this training.
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Advanced Coaching and Team Coaching Skills is another 15 hours (Monday-Tuesday) in May 2021 at Christ the King Retreat Center. Note this is TBD whether it will be held in person or virtually.
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Tele-classes (six two-hour classes) that will focus on a variety of topics during summer 2021.
What are the expectations and possibilities? In order to be ICF certified, in addition to the training students must have 100 hours of coaching others. Because the goal of this program is to create a pool of coaches for the pastoral leaders and congregations in the Synod, each participant will be asked to provide five hours/month of reduced price or three hours of free coaching over 12 months. Although you may have people in your own presbytery to coach, there is also interest in having folks be able to have coaches from another presbytery. A directory of the participants will be shared with presbytery staff so they can refer others to you. In between the classes, there will be monthly cohort gatherings of smaller groups coordinated by the Synod to provide a learning community for each other. Once the training has been completed, an official Synod Network of coaches will be established, providing information on the Synod website about certified coaches within the bounds and an annual gathering of the Coaching Network to refresh practice, renew relationships, and learn together.
What is the cost? The cost per participant will be $700 for the 2020 training and $500 for the 2021 training. Room and board as well as 25% of the cost will be covered by the Synod of Lakes and Prairies.
How do I apply? Complete the attached application and send to ddemeester@lakesandprairies.org by August 10, 2020. We will notify you of acceptance into the program in early August after the committee has reviewed your application.
Application for Coaching Program
We encourage you to copy this into another Word document to complete.
Name _________________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________
Email _______________________________Cell ________________________
Presbytery/Congregation___________________________________________
What interests you about becoming a coach?
What do you hope to give to those you coach?
How would a colleague who knows you well describe your gifts for being a coach?
What, if any, personal experience have you had with coaching – whether a professional coach or not?
A reference who could speak to your gifts as a coach (name and email): ________________________
Please check one: Laurie knows that there will be attrition between the time we begin this program and the time it ends. It would be helpful to get a sense of what you are thinking as you begin. Your choice will not impact your selection. It is for our information and planning purposes only.
_____ I have full intentions of completing this whole program and am willing to provide the five-reduced price or three free coaching sessions/month between the first and last training. I want to have the credentials to become certified if that is what I feel/think I am called to do.
_____ I am interested in exploring this but am not sure about actually becoming a certified coach. I want to discover if this is something that is energizing and a potential part of my future work/call/ministry. As long as I am in the program, I am willing to provide five reduced price or three free coaching sessions/month.
_____ I am curious about coaching and hope to pick up some tools from at least the first session that will be useful in my relationships and settings.
_____ Other:
______________________________________________ __________________
Signature Date
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In Case You Missed it ...
The Church Financial Leadership Academy is Here!
We are pleased to announce the launch of the Church Financial Leadership Academy (CFLA). The CFLA is an E-learning platform designed to help pastors institute best practices for church financial leadership, introduce them to new models of giving and stewardship, and offer new ways to talk about money and form generous disciples within their congregation.
The CFLA will enable you to:
- Complete the courses at your own pace
- Use the courses as a resource later
- Share your playlist with other congregational staff
- Access courses and resources at no cost to you
Experience the interactive online educational tool for pastors today. Simply visit Churchfla.org and create an account using the registration code: PCUSA
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Paycheck Protection Program Forgiveness Application
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How to Lead When You Don't Know Where You're Going |
New presbytery book study: How to Lead When You Don’t Know Where You’re Going: Leading in a Liminal Season by Susan Beaumont speaks to where we are today. We will discuss Chapters 6 and 7 on Thursday, August 27 at 11:00 AM by Zoom.
How do you lead an organization stuck between an ending and a new beginning—when the old way of doing things no longer works but a way forward is not yet clear? Beaumont calls such in-between times liminal seasons—threshold times when the continuity of tradition disintegrates and uncertainty about the future fuels doubt and chaos. In a liminal season it simply is not helpful to pretend we understand what needs to happen next. But leaders can still lead.
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Neighborhood Church: Transforming Your Congregation into a Powerhouse for Mission |
(New article coming next week - time to catch up!!)
Submitted and Recommended by the Commission on Congregational Transformation and Development
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Online worship opportunities in our presbytery
Amboy: Weekly video devotions available on Facebook at First Presbyterian Church of Amboy or on YouTube at Pastor Amboy
Browns Valley: 11:00 Sunday mornings online: www.facebook.com/UMPCBV
Edgerton: 10:30 Sunday mornings Worship on church Facebook Page, and 11:30 Sunday mornings Worship Audio Version available on church website
Jackson: Facebook Live - Facebook site is Salem Lutheran Church, Jackson, MN
Sunday 9:30 a.m., Wednesday 5:30 p.m., Holy Week - daily devotions, MT and GF 5:30 p.m.
Lake Crystal: Our church is sending Worship bulletin content and sermon via email and regular mail to our membership for each Sunday. Also recording a service from Sanctuary of myself and musician to be accessed on You Tube on the Friday before the given Sunday. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSDuL79Bte0CjYxgTVor1ng
Lismore: 9:00 Sunday mornings - Worship on church Facebook Page
Litchfield: 10:00 am Sunday mornings and Tuesday morning Bible study by Zoom. Contact Gordy Pennertz for instructions.
Luverne: 10:15 am Sunday mornings on Facebook Live. Also carried by local cable company.
SUNDAYS on Facebook
10AM sermon/prayer with Pastor Lindsay
10:20 (ish) Children's Time with Bailey DeVetter
10:30 (ish) Music Selection by Ben Marti posted
Randall: 10:00 am Sunday worship service is on Facebook and webpage
Redwood Falls: 10:15 am worship on Facebook Live on First Presbyterian Redwood Falls page
Spicer Hope: Facebook live at 10:00, link on Hope Presbyterian Church website. Also services are uploaded there later in the day.
Willmar: Facebook Live at 10:00 am Sunday mornings and at noon Wednesdays
Worthington: online worship services via Zoom and Facebook live Sunday at 10:00 am. The link for Zoom is on our website. For Facebook go to @WestminsterPresby
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Coronavirus/COVID-19 Resources for Congregations and Members
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?—Psalm 27:1
Along with our brothers and sisters all around the world, we’re now coming to terms with the “new normal” brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. It is our hope and goal to equip churches and worshipers with useful information and resources during these trying times. Please check back often for updated information. If you have ideas or resources that might be of interest to the wider church, we invite you to email them to us at connected@pcusa.org.
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Guidance for Faith-Based Communities from the MN Department of Health Link to guide
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Stewardship Kaleidoscope is moving online!
Make me know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.
--Psalm 25: 4-5
These are extraordinary times and while we can’t “do church” the way we are used to, the needs of our communities and our call to be stewards of God’s kingdom has not been put on hold.
This year Kaleidoscope will offer learning over three weeks in the fall to help you respond to the needs of your community, adapt to change, and think about how to engage as a church in new ways. We hope you can join us on three consecutive Tuesdays: September 22, September 29, and October 6 at 11:30am central time.
On September 22nd hear from Eric Barreto of Princeton Theological Seminary on the Acts of the Apostles in the 21st century - imagination, vision, and creativity in responding to our call;
September 29th we will learn with consultant Bonnie Ives Marden about the ways in which faith shapes our financial health, and get practical tools for church financial management;
October 6th Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow will provide perspectives on engaging congregations
across generations, cultures, and ethnicity to imagine building the church for forward thinking funding and functioning.
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Prayer List
- For Rev. Bill Yueill, retired pastor, Zimmerman
- For Rev. John Lindholm, retired pastor, Fergus Falls
- For Rev. Mark Chamberlain, retired pastor, Willmar
- For Rev. Bob Bartlett, First Presbyterian Churches of Brewster & Round Lake
- For Rev. Michael Roys, retired pastor, Winnebago
- For Rev. Elaine and Kent Boyd at First Presbyterian Church of Amboy
Pray for Our Occidente Partners in Guatemala
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Rev. Araceli Itzep from the Occidente Presbytery
- For Bety Cifuentes, the treasurer of the Partnership Committee, beginning new type of chemotherapy
- For the "Men in the Mirror" program. Men from Occidente that MVP supported financially to attend the classes a couple of years ago are sharing the information they gained with different churches in the eastern and central parts of Guatemala. They, along with the chaplains of the national Presbyterian church, are training Christian policemen in what they learned from "Men in the Mirror."
- The Executive Committee met in April, but has not been able to meet since as folks in Guatemala cannot travel between cities. Occidente Presbytery has not met; the projected purchase/buying of buildings is on hold; pastoral elections are on hold; they do hold services via Zoom; the economy is very bad.
- They continue praying for us and ask that we continue to pray for them and for all of the things they cannot get to, and for their living conditions that get more complicated every day.
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Pastoral Leadership Opportunities
Zion Presbyterian Church, Ellsworth; Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, Rushmore; First Presbyterian Church, Rushmore - Interim Pastor
First Presbyterian Church, Fulda - Solo Pastor
First Presbyterian Church, Lake Crystal; First Presbyterian Church, Kasota - Pastor, yoked parish
Maine Presbyterian Church, rural Underwood - Solo Pastor
Faith Presbyterian Church, Silver Lake - Solo Pastor
Hope Presbyterian Church, Spicer - Solo Pastor
First Presbyterian Church, Winnebago - Interim Pastor
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Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action)
Create a great offer by adding words like "free" "personalized" "complimentary" or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"
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From Mount Olivet Conference & Retreat Center
Mount Olivet Conference & Retreat Center is a ministry affiliate of Mount Olivet Lutheran Church (Minneapolis). Just as so many communities of faith and nonprofits are adjusting their outreach in different ways due to the pandemic, we are also thinking creatively about how we continue to foster and encourage individuals and groups to retreat. In addition to now once again welcoming pastors and small church and nonprofit groups for in person retreats, we are also offering online workshops, classes and retreats. Links to upcoming virtual offerings and our complimentary retreat offerings for those who are doing racial equity and justice work to pastors and faith communities.
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