Presbytery of the Miami Valley is excited to partner with Brethren Disaster Ministries (BDM) in rehabilitating the home at 4658 Marlin Rd in Trotwood as part of the Tornado Survivors Pathway to Homeownership Program.

The home will be called “The Fearn House” in memory of First Presbyterian Church, Middletown, member and Ruling Elder, Fearn Gerber, who wanted part of her estate gift to be used for affordable housing. Fearn was the first woman to be the moderator of Presbytery of the Miami Valley. Additional funds for this project are coming from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the PMV Tornado fund, and gifts from individuals and congregations.

Volunteers will sign up with BDM and work under the guidance of trained BDM team leaders, who will be able to provide training as well as any tools or materials needed. The first volunteer week is in May, with more opportunities throughout the summer.

The Educator’s Certification Committee (ECC) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has created a new training process for people who are serving in educational ministries of the PC(USA) that can lead to endorsement as a Christian Education Associate (CEA).

The modifications have made training more accessible to meet the diverse needs of today’s educators. The purpose of the CEA endorsement option is to introduce the educator to basic knowledge and skills in Christian education, and to encourage the educator to consider further coursework, potentially even seeking to pursue the Certified Christian Education level of certification.

The CEA option is a five-step process that is open to anyone in the PC(USA) regardless of educational background. There are no employment or volunteer hour requirements, but you do have to be actively participating in the educational ministry of your church. There is not a lot of expense involved as most of the study can be accomplished through self-study with easily accessed resources such as books and on-line articles and videos.

Synod of the Covenant Scholarships are available to students for full-time or part-time study toward their first undergraduate, associates, or vocational degree or toward their first master degree programs for church vocations at approved and accredited theological institutions. All students who are members of Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) churches within the Synod of the Covenant are eligible to apply.

Applicants will be asked to describe the ways or organizations for whom they provide Christian leadership, especially those that help churches or ministries to thrive, address racism, and/or engage issues of poverty (which are three of the Synod’s most important goals).

Applications are due by May 31, 2021. Winners will be notified and announced no later than June 30, 2021.

Registration is now open for 2021 Summer Camp at Kirkmont Center, Zanesfield.

Eighteen day and overnight camps for all ages are available from June 6 through August 6.