|
|
A weekly newsletter from the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys
September 22, 2021
|
|
 |
|
|
|
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)
|
|
|
|
Congregation of the Week of September 26 - October 2
First Presbyterian Church of Osakis
|
|
Leading our congregation as pulpit supply: Keven Withers, a Ruling Elder, and Pastor Ernest Freund, a retired Presbyterian minister
Clerk of Session: Shari Maloney
Administrative Assistant: Eva Withers
Treasurer: Shirley Helberg
Custodian: Keven Withers
Session members: Shirley Helberg, Barb Neumann, Shari Maloney, Keven Withers, Randy Neumann, and Ilene Olson.
We are a small, aging congregation. We ask for prayers for our church, its leaders, and its members as we look to the future.
|
|
Executive Presbyter, Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys
We seek a down-to-earth, collaborative leader to partner with the 51 congregations of our western Minnesota presbytery. We are blessed to live, work, and worship in the beautiful landscape of lake country and rolling farmland, small rural communities, college towns, and resort communities. We are congregations who seek to be a collective expression of the Body of Christ, joyfully participating in Christ’s on-going life and work. We seek an EP who can help us live into this vision by encouraging us to build partnerships and embrace a vibrant future. You can find more information about the position on the CLC website. Or, you can email gmilloy@lakesandprairies.org. Deadline for Application is October 31, 2021.
|
|
The First Presbyterian Church of Fulda, Minnesota, cordially invites you to attend the Installation Service of the Rev. Randall B. Knuth as their pastor at 3:30 PM on Sunday, September 26th, 2021. A light meal will follow the service. |
|
Photos from the Pastor Retreat at Presbyterian Clearwater Forest |
|
Pictures or Videos from Our Presbytery Sought
We are working on a video for our new website, and invite you send pictures or videos that we might use. We'd like high resolution nature pictures from within our Presbytery. Send links or pictures to Karen Lange.
|
|
Save the Date!
On Saturday, October 23 from 10-2 at the First Presbyterian Church in Willmar (the new location for the presbytery office) we will have the Clerk Review (2019 and 2020 records), a training for church treasurers and other church finance people and congregational personnel committees. More details will be coming. Lunch will be provided, and registration will be done through the presbytery office.
|
|
Climate Speak-out at Presbytery
I'm Earl Knutson, a member at First Pres Willmar. My passion is a healthy climate for my grandkids and great-grands, and by the way for your grands and great grands, and by the way for all grands and great-grands.
I'm a member of a group called Presbyterians for Carbon Dividends, which is a small branch on Presbyterians for Earth Care. We are about 80 strong from all over the US. Our core group, about eight, meets twice a month via zoom.
Our group is firm in the belief that we badly need a tax on carbon to slow global warming which causes harmful climate change.
We have a few projects to encourage and enable all Presbyterians to lobby Congress to include a carbon tax in forthcoming climate legislation. Some months ago I wrote to all 52 presbytery churches offering some of our products. The Valley Bridge has carried three of our offerings. I hope that many Presbyterians will join in. Some here already have.
|
|
People Investing in People
Our Presbytery’s Self-Development of People Committee is now fully composed and qualified to review and decide on grant applications. We are grateful for the opportunity we had to present this opportunity at the August 17 Presbytery meeting.
Our invitation at this time is for congregations and their leaders to identify grassroots groups in their communities who are struggling but want to improve their situations. This is a wonderful way for your church to join God in reaching out to neighbors in need.
The basic criteria to qualify is that the group 1) own, 2) control, and 3) benefit from the project.
The process includes: 1) Groups submitting application forms to committee chair by October 1; 2) Committee reviewing, doing on-site or zoom visit, and deciding by November 1; 3) National office deciding and distributing funds in January. We have $4500 available for our presbytery.
|
|
Zoom Confirmation Project Update
A task force consisting of Scott Prouty, David Choate, Jill Boeyink, Emily Meyer (co-opted from the Ministry Lab) and Randy Knuth are working on rolling out an opportunity for churches of the Presbytery to participate in. We are hoping that our efforts will be received by smaller congregations, especially who may have only one to a few students who may want to participate in this ground-breaking project. Our confirmation program anticipates to be launched the first part of September. So watch your Valley Bridge for developing announcements. Contact Randy Knuth, 712-540-8243 or knuthr758@gmail.com if you'd like to be a part of this exciting program. He will gladly share with you details thus far and get you on the list.
--For the Commission on Congregational Transformation & Development
|
|
150th Anniversary at First Presbyterian Church, Windom
On Sunday, October 17 the First Presbyterian Church in Windom will be celebrating 150 years. Former pastors and people who have been ordained out of our congregation, as well as former members and others have all been invited to a worship service at 10:00 a.m. followed by a catered lunch at 11:30 a.m. and a program at 1:00 p.m. “To God be the Glory” is our theme as we reflect and celebrate our past and look forward to our future mission and ministry. You are all invited to join us; please RSVP to bdmuller@mvtvwireless.com.
|
|
The Cultural, Faith, and Disability Communities COVID-19 Update
|
|
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. For classes and more info, check out The Academy
|
|
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, Lindsay Jacaruso, Rollin Haynes and Steve Anderson. 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
|
|
FY22 ACPE Extended Unit Program
VA Midwest Health Care Network (VISN 23) ACPE System (St. Cloud VA Hospital)
We are in a 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.
-
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
320-255-6480 x7543
|
|
Transitional Ministry Education for All Pastors—A message from TMEC (Transitional Ministry Education Consortium)
|
|
Prayer List
- For Carissa Cunningham, daughter of Pastor Jason and Annalisa Cunningham (Luverne), who underwent heart surgery on Monday, August 9.
- 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
|
|
Pastoral Leadership Opportunities
Maine Presbyterian Church, rural Underwood - Solo Pastor
First Presbyterian Church, Slayton - Pastor
Harrison Presbyterian Church, rural Spicer - Pastor, yoked parish
First Presbyterian Church, Winnebago - Interim Pastor
|
|
BREAKING NEWS - - - First Presbyterian Willmar's 150th Anniversary celebration will go on!!!
The Anniversary Committee has revised its previous plans and is moving ahead
with the following activities through the end of the year:
|
|
|
October 17 – Anniversary Worship Service and Banquet
Worship Service at 10:00 am followed by a banquet in John Knox Hall. Meal is free. RSVP required by September 20, 2021.
December 5 – Advent Festival
Immediately following the worship service. Lunch will be provided in the Family Café, followed by crafts in John Knox Hall.
|
|
So happy to send you this 2021 Racial Ethnic Student Scholarship application from the Committee on Racial Ethnic Ministries of the Synod of Lakes and Prairies, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). A copy is provided here as an attachment to this email, a hard copy of this was mailed to you, or available as a link on the synod website here, https://lakesandprairies.org/finance-grants/scholarship-funds/. We hope that you will post it wherever announcements are made for college students.
The Student Scholarship is an educational assistance program designed to encourage Indigenous and students of color in their preparation for academic success in higher education. Students must have a permanent residence within the Synod of Lakes and Prairies, be active members in a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregation and have confirmation of enrollment in a college, university, or specialty program.
The synod is committed to partner with students and schools for leadership development and quality instruction for lifelong service. Application awards are based on personal achievement, financial need and recommendation from a teacher and pastor.
Completed applications are due September 30, 2021, and must include an official transcript and financial aid statement.
Please help share this news by distributing the form to eligible students and interested church partners. Still have questions? Contact Elona Street-Stewart, 651-357-1149 or estreetstewart@lakesandprairies.org.
Send completed form to:
The Committee on Racial Ethnic Ministry
Synod of Lakes and Prairies
2115 Cliff Drive
Eagan MN 55122-3327
Fax: 651-357-1141
|
|
The Ministry Lab and Growing Green Hearts invite you to an ecumenical unveiling of a FREE new Water Where We Live curriculum. This half-day retreat includes ecumenical worship; introduction to the inter- or multi-generational curriculum; and four workshops on Water in Worship; The Curriculum in Context - A Panel of Creators and Implementers; Water, Faith, and Enviro-STEM at Church; and Water, Faith, and Community-Based Justice. Further information and registration forms will be available soon. Mark your calendars now for November 18, 2021; 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM; Luther Seminary. Lunch provided by Shobi's Table!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
