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The weekly newsletter from the
Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys
July 22, 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 July 26-August 1
First Presbyterian Church of Mankato
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Leadership/Staff:
Rev. Lindsay Conrad - Pastor
Bailey DeVetter - Director of Outreach and Faith Formation
Lynnette Stadtherr - Administrative Assistant
Britt Fleming - Building Manager
Brenda Liebhard-Johnson - Accountant
Ben Marti - Pianist/Organist
Bridget Coughlan Hermer - Choir Director
Elizabeth Prouty - Intern
We have a LOT going on right now!
- Last week we hosted a drive-thru “Sunday Sundae Social” so our members could stop by, grab an ice cream treat, and say hello. It was a huge success!
- Connections Ministry, a local shelter for those experiencing homelessness, recently moved into the top floor of our church.
- The Rural Aids Action Network (RAAN) will also be leasing space in our basement beginning this fall.
- We are currently in the midst of hosting “Compassion Camp,” a virtual and intergenerational summer program each week on Facebook Live in place of a more “traditional” worship service. We also provided “compassion packs” filled with fun activities and crafts related to each lesson for all of our kids.
- We are blessed to have a summer intern, Elizabeth Prouty! Elizabeth has been helping Pastor Lindsay and Bailey with virtually everything, and we couldn’t be more grateful.
- Each month since the pandemic began, we have been hosting a “BYOCD” (Bring Your Own Coffee and Donuts) coffee hour via Zoom so our congregation can connect. We will be hosting our next one on August 23rd!
- On August 23, we will be hosting a drive-thru Backpack Blessing for our kids and youth!
- Our confirmands were supposed to be confirmed on Easter this year, but of course that could not happen. Instead, we will be hosting a private outdoor ceremony on August 30 for our confirmands and their families, and we will share the video of it with our congregation via Facebook on September 13.
- We recently commissioned our first-ever official logo for our church! See below.
- On October 11, we will be hosting a drive-thru “Stewardship on a Stick” event, during which our members will be able to drop off their pledges and pick up a BBQ sandwich from a local food truck.
- We will continue to host our First Fridays Speaker Series via Zoom each month!
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Yes, I Hear You
Twice yesterday, I was reminded of how important it is to connect with others, especially now. Many groups are meeting virtually for work and just being in relationship with others. Over the last few months, the monthly gatherings with colleagues have sustained my soul. In these conversations, I have also seen at work the power of stories. During each meeting, time is allowed for checking in
—
hearing what’s going on in each other's lives. We listen for the places of excitement and struggle.
Our stories are windows into our souls. Elie Wiesel said, “God made man because God loved stories.”
Remember, remember, and tell others, so you do not forget is echoed throughout Scripture.
Not only are we invited to remember the past, but we are also encouraged to remember rightly. During liminal periods, for congregations, “when we are between an ending, and a new beginning,” institutional memory helps us see possibilities (Susan Beaumont). Yesterday’s book discussion on
How to Lead When You Don’t Know Where You Are Going
revealed the following insights:
- Be careful of single storylines. To remember rightly requires fulsome storytelling, memories that capture the complete messiness of all that may have transpired. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie said, “show a people as one thing, as only one thing over and over again and that is what they become.”
- Stories should have “thick narratives,” meaning comprehensive and rich storylines that reveal competing commitments and the tension between values. Thick narratives are the truth that comes from the viewpoints of multiple witnesses.
- How do Founding Era Stories inform the future? You can say we are speaking of the DNA of congregations.
- The future should be shaped by “Who We Are Stories.”
- Reconcile the past through acknowledging wrongs, viewing the remembered experience in a new light, protect victims from further suffering and violence.
- Look for the emerging stories blooming now.
Many of these principles can be personally applied. The person who is telling the story has power. Change happens as more people are invited to share their side of the story. Change happens as we begin to see everyone’s story as important as our own.
Grace and Peace.
SanDawna
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Vacation/Out of the office
SanDawna Ashley will be on vacation from July 27 - August 9
Karen Lange will be out on July 24
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You Are Invited to Virtual Synod School: July 27-30!
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Virtual Synod School 2020 website is now live!
https://engagingleaders.org/virtual-synod-school-2020/ You can register through this webpage for adult/youth classes or just for the evenings. We hope you will join us! We’ll send out links to the classes and evening events a couple of days before they happen.
It will be great to see as many people as possible!
The Synod School Committee
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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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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, 11
th
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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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
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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
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Essential Practices
Submitted and Recommended by the Commission on Congregational Transformation and Development
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Rob Mueller tells about a conversation he had with a former Roman Catholic theologian in Costa Rica, about tensions between Catholics and Protestants. Pablo Richard told him "The scandal of the church is not that we are different, that we see the sacraments differently, interpret the Bible distinctly, or worship and make decisions differently. The scandal of the church is that we attempt to use these differences to work against one another. We seek to
possess
the people of God instead of
serve
the people of God. What we fail to grasp is that the people belong to God and not to us. We should always be using the gifts and uniqueness of our traditions to
serve
them, rather than to
possess
them."
Rob Mueller recommends the following practices as essential in forming transformational partnerships with other churches and denominations in our community:
- Listen together, especially to pains and frustrations, then imagine a new future.
- Maintain an abundance mentality, recognizing resources that are already present.
- Don't let monetary concerns steer the boat!
- Forge agreements that respect the dignity of each partner, then review them regularly.
- Take time to play! (from pp. 60-63).
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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
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
- 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 Ch
urch, 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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An Opportunity to Help Fulfill the PW Mission & Purpose
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The Churchwide PW Board held a special meeting to become informed and updated regarding PW finances. The recent pandemic has caused the cancellation of PWP Spring Gatherings, Synod Gatherings, and Circle meetings ... which may be repeated with PWP Fall Gatherings moving online.
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The impact resulting from these cancelled events has had a tremendous impact on PW's income, including the receipts of quarterly payments, individual donations, sale of resources, purchase of Horizons Bible study, as well as declining subscriptions to Horizons magazine itself. Not everything can be blamed on the pandemic itself, although circumstances are such that the Board needed to become informed and take action.
There is always good news and the good news certainly needs to be heard! The good news is that the mission and purpose of PW is very healthy! The program of PW is very strong! So one might say the "engine" is working hard and effectively on our behalf, yet we are in need of "fuel" to keep the "engine" going. We need a boost in PW financial support.
The PW Board is currently focused on our second annual "PW Gives Day" which is July 31st. On this day, individual Presbyterian women are encouraged to "celebrate the many ways that Presbyterian women give to witness to the promise of God's realm" through a gift to PW's ANNUAL FUND. July 31st has been set aside to commemorate the "founding" of a reunited PW in 1988. Each PW is encouraged to support our beloved organization on this day as solidarity for the long history, current work and the future of Presbyterian Women.
The Board is asking PW in synods, presbyteries, and congregations to take on a self-determined PW Challenge to get 100% participation in this giving opportunity. We know that small giving is transformative and huge impacts can be realized if everyone gives "something". Think about Fellowship of the Least Coin and the impact it has around the world with just small contributions.
Contributions can be made online, by phone, or via USPS mail beginning now. Online donations are a minimum of $10 and there is a transaction fee that you can also choose to pay.
To give online:
www.presbyterianwomen.org/give. Select PW Gives Day and your gift amount. Select a gift of $10 or more (and add a bit extra for a transaction fee).
Scroll down to comments box and type "PWGDAY20, your church and presbytery information"
To contribute via phone/credit card:
Contact Carissa Herold by phone (844/PW-PCUSA, ext. 5322)
To mail via USPS:
Presbyterian Women, Inc.
PO Box 643652
Pittsburgh PA 15264-3652
Indicate annual fund and PWGDAY20 in the memo line of your check, along with the name of your church or presbytery.
Individuals or congregations that send in a donation, follow the guidelines above but also send Gloria Rust, Presbytery Moderator, an email, as our Synod Moderator would like the name of the individual and the congregation, so please email that info:
grust49@gmail.com. Any questions, please feel free to text or call Gloria at 507-227-7393. Blessings to all!
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