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A weekly newsletter from the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys
June 16, 2021
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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 June 20-26
First Presbyterian Church of Iona
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Elders: Lexi Fransen, Betty Rosenberg, Grace Hart, Butch Veld, Jim Peterson
Clerk of Session: Grace Hart
Secretary: Suzi Gengler
Custodian: Valerie Veld
Pianist: Cheri Paulsen and Linda Reasonover
Pastor: Deb Klaassen
We praise God as we lift Covid-19 restrictions, accept a new member this month and look forward to a wedding at our church in October. We pray for peace and justice in our country, for those who are suffering with illnesses and diseases, for our aging seniors and for rain in drought stricken areas throughout our country.
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Karen Lange is normally available Monday through Friday from 7:30 - 3:30, checking emails until 4:00 or 5:00 (except after 2:00 on Thursday afternoons for banking). |
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Presbytery Office Moving
New mailing address:
Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys
PO Box 431
Kerkhoven MN 56252
On May 18, the presbytery voted to move the presbytery office to the First Presbyterian Church of Willmar. We will be greatly downsizing our office and will have an "open house" day on June 17 from 10:00 - 3:00 for Minnesota Valleys churches to come and pick up anything (first come, first served basis at no cost) we are not taking to our new space, including tables, chairs, file cabinets, desks, and LOTS of other items. Bring your own boxes - we don't have enough to contain it all!
Here's the video link with all of our clear out items:
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The Academy Offers Hope for the Future
Many churches across America, including here in Minnesota, are finding it difficult to find and/or afford a full-time ordained pastor. Several churches, however, are finding what might even be a better solution: Commissioned Ruling Elders (CREs). CREs are commissioned by the Presbytery to fulfill the role of a pastor for a specific ministry or congregation.
The Presbytery is responsible for training CREs and the Presbytery of the Minnesota, working with the Synod, have developed The Academy. The Academy is a series of 11 courses over two years, designed to develop and equip ruling elders to serve in the Presbytery.
However, these classes are not limited to people in the process of becoming a CRE. They are open to anyone who wants to explore becoming a CRE, current CREs seeking continuing education, or any member of the Presbytery who would like to go deeper in their faith journey or strengthen their leadership skills.
Two classes will be offered during Synod School: “Introduction to New Testament,” taught by Rev. Dr. Sarah Henrich, a retired professor of New Testament from Luther Seminary, and “Introduction to Spiritual Formation,” taught by Dr. Gary Neal Hansen, author of “Kneeling with Giants,” and “Love Your Bible: Finding Your Way to the Presence of God with a 12th Century Monk.”
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Virtual Summer Concert Series
We are reaching out to invite the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys to join us in celebrating our connection to one another through our gifts and music. Beginning in June, the Presbyterian Giving Catalog will host a Summer Concert Series featuring three unique virtual concerts over the course of the summer months.
Concerts will premiere on YouTube and are absolutely free! Elizabeth Stockton Perkins, a vocalist, student at Vassar College and longtime Presbyterian Mission supporter, kicks off the concert series on June 21. The Stillman College Choir concert will premiere on July 21, and on Aug. 21 the Mission Musicians of the PC(USA) will close out the series. Once they premiere, all concerts will be available to enjoy through September.
We are encouraging congregations and mid councils to hold viewing parties for the concerts, gathering safely in person or virtually, to enjoy beautiful music and connectivity with the wider Church.
We would also love for you to include this invitation in an upcoming newsletter. You can find promotional images at bit.ly/PGCSummerConcert.
As we head into the summer months, let’s celebrate and make music together! If you would like to learn more, contact me! 502-381-6084, or deidra.may@pcusa.org. I will provide you with the resources you need to set up a watch party. |
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Transitional Ministry Education for All Pastors—A message from TMEC (Transitional Ministry Education Consortium)
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From Transformation & Development
The Commission on Transformation and Development is working to make sure we are serving you and your churches the best we can in this next year.
The Commission on Congregational Transformation and Development exists to resource congregations. We have identified six critical areas: discipleship, evangelism, mission, spiritual leadership, stewardship and worship. Please feel free to contact any of the members of the Commission on Congregational Transformation and Development as to what might be areas that you may be seeking assistance with locating valuable resources. Those currently serving on the Commission on Congregational Transformation and Development are: Randy Knuth, chair, Anne Veldhuisen, Michael Hartwell, Darlene Scherbing, Barb Wawrzyniak, Gerri Mitchell, Lindsay Jacaruso. Please let us know how we can come alongside of your congregation. Please contact Randy Knuth, the chair, at 712-540-8243 or via email at knuthr758@gmail.com.
Having a difficult time finding pulpit supply? Have you considered a virtual sermon?
A Sermon for Every Sunday ( asermonforeverysunday.com) is a website that provides lectionary-based video sermons by America’s best preachers for use in worship, bible study, small groups, Sunday school classes, or individual use. All you do is push the button. If you have a computer and a projector, these professionally recorded sermons can be downloaded and viewed on Sunday mornings. The site features nationally known preachers from multiple denominations. Although donations are accepted, the sermons are free. Check out asermonforeverysunday.com.
Technology Grant
Thanks to the gracious generosity of the Budget and Finance Committee, we are now able to offer technology grants up $750.00 each year, not to exceed ½ of the cost of the total project. So, the total project will have to be over $1500 in order to receive that amount. This is effective May 27, 2021. Again, thanks to the Budget and Finance for graciously increasing these funds that churches may apply for in regards to technology upgrades or new projects. Please use the new form which is specific to the Technology Grant.
The above resources are shared by the Commission on Congregational Transformation and Development
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Registration links
Synod School July 25-30
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2022 EVENTS - SAVE THE DATE
2022 PW SUMMER SYNOD GATHERING
Thursday June 16, 4:00 PM - Sunday, June 19, 11:00 AM
Theme: PW BETTER TOGETHER
Place: Hilton Garden Inn, Sioux City Riverfront, Sioux City IA
Final details will be available this Fall. Registration will start in January 2022.
More details to follow.
2022 Presbyterian Youth Triennium
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Minnesota Department of Health Coronavirus Resources
Cultural, Faith, and Disability Communities COVID-19 Updates
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Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys
FY22 ACPE Extended Unit Program
VA Midwest Health Care Network (VISN 23) ACPE System (St. Cloud VA Hospital)
We are in Veteran Administration hospital setting in Saint Cloud. We serve veterans of all ages, sexual orientation, ethnicities, and religious/spiritual preferences. We have long-term care, mental health and addictions, women’s issues, out-patient medical services, and a host of other services for veterans. What is unique about a VA hospital is that it serves our veterans who have served our country in war and in peace time. One experiences the stories of veterans through their military and civilian lives, hears about and has contact with families, works with the interdisciplinary team as a team member, and deals with crises as they arise. Obviously, one brings one’s own life experiences into the pastoral encounter as well. In CPE, one will work to gain self-awareness and then how to use that in ministry to help build the bridge between oneself and others in ministry. Our program will use family systems theories and other theories of human and faith development, theories on aging, grief, etc.
Rev. Dan Duggan is a new member of the Minnesota Valleys Presbytery and lives in St. Cloud.
St. Cloud VA FY22 CPE Extended Unit Program
October 12-2021-April 22, 2022
- Group time: Tuesday, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
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Ministry time: An additional 12 hours per week, Monday-Friday, of which 4 hours per week need to be done at St. Cloud VA Hospital, and the remaining 8 hours per week can be spent in one’s own ministry setting. One may do all of their required ministry hours at the VA if desired. Ministry hours are scheduled at student’s convenience.
- One worship commitment on a Sunday
For further information contact Dan Duggan at the information below:
Rev. Daniel R. Duggan, M.Div., BCC, ACPE Certified Educator
Chaplain, ACPE Certified Educator
St. Cloud VA HCS
4801 Veterans Drive
St. Cloud, MN 56303
320-255-6480 x7543
FAX: 320-202-2309
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Matthew 25: What must we do to revitalize our own congregation?
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To some extent, many local churches find themselves spiritually exhausted, financially fragile and structurally unsound. Sometimes, congregational life is discouraging — both for pastors and other church leaders who see apathy in their members, and for members who see the numbers in the pews declining year by year.
The Presbyterian Mission Agency of the PC(USA) has made a profound commitment to help you turn things around.
We propose that there are seven marks to help you determine your current level of vitality — and then various processes for self-assessment, discernment and renewed commitment to the habits that foster an energetic engagement with the Spirit’s work in the world.
Here are the seven marks:
- A commitment to forming disciples over every member’s lifetime. This leads first to personal transformation, as people put on the heart of Christ, and then to social transformation, as people joyfully go forth into the community and tackle the issues facing today’s culture.
- Embracing the call to evangelism. We show forth the love of Christ by our actions and our lives even more than by our words. Our relationships are genuine and caring. People know we are Christians by our love.
- An outward focus. Our church is not a place to escape from the world, but rather our gateway to our community where we may be the hands, feet, heart and mouth of Jesus Christ for people who are suffering or marginalized.
- Empowering every member to discover their individual calling and the gifts God has given them so they can go forth and serve.
- Spirit-inspired worship that challenges, teaches, transforms, convicts and energizes us so when we are sent out, we have experienced the wonder of God and are changed for the better from when we arrived.
- Caring relationships modeled on God’s love. We open our doors and hearts to all people, and we build relationships modeled on God’s love, which leads to genuine reconciliation and peace.
- Congregations with healthy systems. Our mission focuses are clear. There is fiscal responsibility and accountability. We have thoughtful decision-making structures. Our leaders and staff enjoy a sustainable balance of work/rest time.
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Prayer List
- 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
- Pray for our brothers and sisters in the Occidente Presbytery of Guatemala - for their health, safety, and recovery from the effects of the Covid pandemic
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Pastoral Leadership Opportunities
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
First Presbyterian Church, Slayton - Pastor
Harrison Presbyterian Church, rural Spicer - Pastor, yoked parish
Hope Presbyterian Church, Spicer - Solo Pastor
First Presbyterian Church, Winnebago - Interim Pastor
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Women Church Leaders’ Retreat
Women’s Leadership in the Church: Ongoing Challenges and Unspoken Joys
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A retreat for women clergy and women working on staff in churches, led by the Reverend Dr. Karoline Lewis. Based on her books, SHE: Five Keys to Unlock the Power of Ministry and EMBODY: Five Keys to Leading With Integrity, Karoline will guide participants in discussing the particular opportunities and obstacles faced by women church leaders. How can we navigate lingering sexism and patriarchy as we return to a new normal? How can we be replenished and empowered for ministry? This retreat will focus on theological issues and practical strategies to embolden authentic and embodied leadership in the church today. Rev. Dr. Karoline Lewis is the Marbury E. Anderson chair in Biblical Preaching at Luther Seminary (St. Paul, MN) and an ordained minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. An accomplished author and widely-sought-after preacher and teacher, Karoline also is the host of Working Preacher.
Single occupancy cost: $500, Double occupancy cost: $450, Dorm room cost: $375. Cost includes two overnight stays, six meals, programming and activities, complimentary book, EMBODY: Five Keys to Leading with Integrity by Karoline Lewis, use of amenities, and tax.
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PW's Justice and Peace Book Club
Contact Kathleen Keefer ( kathleenkeefer20@gmail.com) to register for discussions of the books by Zoom, which are 12:30 - 2:30 PM OR 6:30 - 8:30 PM. ANYONE can join! |
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The Color of Law will be discussed on August 9
The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America is a 2017 book by Richard Rothstein on the history of racial segregation in the United States. The book documents the history of state sponsored segregation stretching back to the late 1800s and exposes racially discriminatory policies put forward by most presidential administrations in that time, including liberal presidents like Franklin Roosevelt.[2] The author argues that intractable segregation in America is the byproduct of explicit government policies at the local, state, and federal levels, also known as de jure segregation — and not happenstance, or de facto segregation.[3] Among other discussions, the book provides a history of subsidized housing and discusses the phenomena of white flight, blockbusting, and racial covenants, and their role in housing segregation. Rothstein wrote the book while serving as a research associate for the Economic Policy Institute, where he is now a Distinguished Fellow.
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The Ministry Lab is delighted to offer a 2021 Summer Worship Series - featuring three excellent preachers and a beautiful team of current United Theological Seminary students giving voice to the diversity of identities and contexts of our supporting congregations. In gratitude for our judicatory leaders, these three services are offered as a gift, in the hopes that they enable clergy, faith formation, and worship leaders to take a much needed break once, twice, or thrice over the course of this summer.
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