Where do we go from here? |
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Stated Clerk reacts to guilty verdict in Derek Chauvin case
April 20, 2021
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Mural in memory of George Floyd in Mauerpark in Berlin, Germany. Photo by Leonhard Lenz. Dedicated as Public Domain.
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We do not celebrate, nor do we gloat at this verdict, for there is no joy in what has happened here. But we do hope this means a new beginning and a movement that begins to dismantle the structures of racism that have festered for far too long. The reality is George Floyd should still be among us. Instead, he has become a symbol of the need for change in the process of policing. It is my prayer that this verdict is the first step.
The struggle for justice is far from over. Even as this verdict is handed down, we once again find ourselves in mourning for those who have lost their lives in recent weeks at the hands of police. Just blocks away from this trial, Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old man, is shot by a police officer who claims she meant to tase him, not shoot him. The family of 13-year-old Adam Toledo, shot by police in Chicago, mourn today at his senseless death. Once again in Louisville, a Black man is wrestled to the ground by police while video clearly shows an officer punching the man in the face while he is restrained.
Our Lord Jesus Christ calls on us to love the otherness of the other, yet a year after several shootings of unarmed persons of color, we find ourselves repeating history once again. The cries of victims seem to fall on deaf ears. The verdict is in, but the trials and tribulations are far from over. Equality is still not within our reach.
It is our prayer that this is the beginning of change — not just a one-off case, but a true change in the very fabric of society. May God reach into the hearts of every individual in this country and tear away everything that smacks of racism, bigotry and privilege. May God replace it with the warm embrace of compassion, justice, mercy and love.
Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II
Stated Clerk of the General Assembly
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
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Coaching available for all within the Synod |
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Looking for some positive reinforcement? Some relief to the stress of ministry? If so, we invite you to consider the gift of working with a coach. The Synod, at the request of several presbyteries, has offered coaching training this year and has coaches in training who are happy to provide coaching at a reduced price for all who are in the Synod.
What is coaching? It is an opportunity to build a trusting relationship (some call it a sacred relationship) with someone who will invite you to use your own power, creativity and authenticity to explore who you are, what you want and how you might contribute to your family, workplace, community and world in ways that energize and bring a deeper sense of fulfillment.
Coaching has sometimes been described as part of a cultural shift away from a paradigm of pathology which is problem oriented. Coaching is a transforming and empowering process where through thoughtful questions and safe space you can discover your own creative and resourceful possibilities. Coaching can provide the ongoing support as you take steps to integrate your dreams and values in your life.
The coaches in training are ready and willing to engage with you. Coaches.
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Resources in response to the killing of Daunte Wright |
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In response to the killing of Daunte Wright,
The Ministry Lab offers resources to encourage compassion, engagement, discussion, and stamina:
- This Sahan Journal lists opportunities to support Wright's loved ones and community;
Find more in this week's Six New Things regularly updated on our website.
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Making Something Good from Garbage |
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I don’t know about you, but I have come to appreciate wisdom that comes in seemingly simple forms. Think a Pixar film, a Beverly Cleary book, or, in the case for me this past weekend, a children’s sermon. There we were on Zoom on Easter morning, watching as our senior pastor and children’s pastor dug through their compost bins seeing who could find the most disgusting item. This was an illustration of their larger message about how we can understand Jesus’ death and resurrection, and, I would argue, about how we might come to also think about resilience in the face of this past year: turning garbage into something life-giving.
Before going further, I want to pause because I recognize that, for many of us, resilience may be one of those words that has become so overused it almost loses its meaning. I want to introduce (or reintroduce) you to the concept of posttraumatic growth (PTG). First identified by psychologists Dr. Richard Tedeschi and Dr. Lawrence Calhoun in the mid-1990s, PTG posits that people who endure psychological struggle following adversity can often see positive growth afterward. As Dr. Tedeschi asserts, "People develop new understandings of themselves, the world they live in, how to relate to other people, the kind of future they might have and a better understanding of how to live life." These lessons and learnings become the “compost” that helps fuel our growth.
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Getting Back in the Building? |
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Are you and/or your sessions wondering whether it’s time to return to in-person and inside gatherings—and how to do so safely? Here’s some guidance—not legal advice—from PC(USA) Legal Services. Be sure to read the details, but the bottom line is caution and consultation.
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COVID-19 Funeral Assistance |
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The COVID-19 pandemic has brought overwhelming grief to many families. At FEMA, our mission is to help people before, during and after disasters. We are dedicated to helping ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the virus.
FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.
Funeral Assistance Helpline at 1-844-684-6333 (TTY: 800-462-7585)
from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET, Monday – Friday and begin the application process.
Information is provided in several languages both by telephone and the website.
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Presbytery of Milwaukee lives into its Matthew 25 calling |
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Working to end cash bail, the presbytery joins with a justice fund and hears from Wisconsin’s attorney general
by Mike Ferguson | Presbyterian News Service
LOUISVILLE — The Presbytery of Milwaukee calls its ambitious work around the Matthew 25 invitation “Healing Through Action.” Last fall, congregations and members of the presbytery took on medical care (“I was sick and you looked after me”) and housing (“I was a stranger and you invited me in”).
This spring, the presbytery is addressing reforms to the criminal justice system under the theme, “I was in prison and you came to visit me.” During a presbytery gathering last month, Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul addressed those meeting online on a number of proposed reforms, including the cash bail system, a cause for which Presbyterians marched in downtown St. Louis during the 223rd General Assembly (2018).
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Presbytery of South Dakota |
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Scholarships for Native Americans
Native American Concerns Committee (NACC) of Presbyterian Women of Synod of Lakes and Prairies (SLAP) is collecting money to establish scholarships for Native Americans.
Native Americans are the one minority who have less access to scholarships to attend post secondary education. Following the book read on “The Girl in the Photography” by Sen. Byron L. Dorgan and through recommendations in the book to provide scholarships; the NACC felt this was one way to partner with Native American Community Colleges in SD. We are hoping by fall 2021 we will be able to provide at least 1 scholarship and expand from there.
SLAP NACC continues to connect groups/churches/PWs with Native American groups/churches/PWs to help meet the needs of Dakota Presbytery Native Americans.
If interested in donating money for scholarships, please contact SLAP PW Treasurer, Terri Sherman.
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2022 Presbyterian Youth Triennium |
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Planning and Registration Preparation Is Happening!
The Office of Presbyterian Youth and Triennium is excited to announce the theme and dates for the 2022 Youth Triennium. The theme “When Did We See You” will engage 3500+ high school age youth, adult youth leaders, and young adults to respond with hands and heart to Jesus’ question to the disciples and followers, “ … when did we see you?
The event is moving to Indianapolis, Indiana. It will begin on Sunday, July 24th, and run through noon on Wednesday, July 27th. Information such as schedule, leadership, and activities will be available on the event website in late spring or early summer 2021.
We are excited to welcome Analise Brown, National Registrar. Analise began her work in February 2021. Analise works to build and support the vast registrar network. The time for appointing your PYT registrar is NOW! Analise is excited to make contact with you—seeking to be helpful, encouraging, and assisting you with getting your young people to this deeply powerful event. You can reach Analise by emailing her.
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San Jose Parrish Beloit seeks Bilingual Pastor |
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Parroquia San Jose [a joint ministry of the Presbytery of Milwaukee (PCUSA) and the South Central Synod of Wisconsin (ELCA)] is a Spanish speaking New Start whose mission is to share God’s good news with Latinx communities in the Beloit area. Position description
La Parroquia San José [un ministerio en conjunto entre el Presbiterio de Milwaukee (PCUSA) y el Sínodo Sur-Centro de Wisconsin (ELCA)] es un ministerio en desarrollo cuya misión es compartir las buenas nuevas de Dios con las comunidades Latinas en el área de Beloit. Posición Descripción
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First Presbyterian Church, Wilton, seeking Pastor |
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First Presbyterian Church of Wilton, ND is seeking a pastor.
"We are a small but strong and committed congregation."
City of Wilton Website www.wiltonnd.org ; First Presbyterian Facebook page- First Presbyterian Church, Wilton ND-- Livestream service on Sundays at 11:00 AM
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New Life PC, Roseville, accepting applications for Coordinator of Music |
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Flexible schedule up to 35 hours per week.
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Omaha Presbyterian Seminary Foundation
President Search
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The Omaha Presbyterian Seminary Foundation is seeking dynamic leadership to faithfully guide our ongoing mission to seek, develop and support excellence in Christian leadership through the
Presbyterian Church (USA) across our 13-state territory.
Could you be the next person to lead us as our new President? We are excited to learn more about you, your experience, and why you feel you might be called.
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The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has several openings for which we are seeking qualified candidates looking for a call working at the national level.
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Conferences and Resources |
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Spiritual Wellness Practitioner Pilot Program
A Spiritual Wellness Practitioner is:
- Trained to understand what spiritual wellness entails and what cultivates spiritual health.
- Equipped to come alongside of individuals through various methodologies in order that they may accurately assess a person’s spiritual wellness and formulate an action plan for growth.
- Educated on the multitude of ways individuals connect with God and helps individuals identify their natural connection style(s).
- Instructed in a wide-range of spiritual practices/disciplines and teaches those to others.
Four modules include:
- Spiritual Wellness 101
- April-May 2021
- God-Shaped Connections June-July 2021
- Spiritual Wellness Coaching August-September 2021
- Soul-Tending: Spiritual Practices October-November 2021
Participants receive:
- Eight 20-30 minute videos per module
- A one-on-one spiritual wellness checkup
- Assessment tools
- Reading lists
- Unlimited email and text message contact with Rev. Dr. Candace Adams throughout the course
- Students who want to interact in a small group may have the option to meet virtually with others, if there are others who desire this type of engagement.
- Videos are able to be viewed whenever and wherever the individual chooses. Modules will be offered virtually and are provided in an asynchronous learning format.
- Due to the generous funding provided by Omaha Presbyterian Seminary Foundation, the entire program is $1000 (or $325 for individual modules; full program strongly recommended).
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Mental Health Ministry Opportunity and Resources
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Restorative Actions
Restorative Actions is a grass roots voluntary initiative for churches, individuals, mid-councils, and agencies of the Presbyterian Church (USA) as well as other ecumenical partners and interested organizations, to take a leadership stance in opposition to racism and racial privilege. Its premise is that it would be right and fair for predominantly white churches and affiliated organizations to return benefits that have accrued to them directly or indirectly from systemic inequities. The act of gathering and turning back resources that would otherwise benefit others could be redressive to complicity, restorative to conscience, and could represent a good faith step toward broader reconciliation. Visit the web site.
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The Church Network's 65th National Conference
Minneapolis, Minnesota
July 7-10, 2021
The Church Network (TCN) is an inter-denominational professional association of churches and individuals which exists to connect, develop, and strengthen church leaders in administration. If you are involved in church leadership with accountability for any area of administration, or if you desire a professional relationship with The Church Network, there is a membership classification for you.
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Rev. Karen Hutt is offering three rounds of ACPE accredited CPE units:
Unit One: Public Chaplaincy: Care in the Public Square - Sept. '21-Jan. '22
Unit Two: Rural Chaplaincy: Care in Towns and Agricultural Regions - Feb. '22 - June '22
Unit Three: TBD - June '22 - Sept. '22
Applications are available now for all three units.
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Presbyterian Association of Musicians
We at PAM are excited about our Worship and Music Conferences at Montreat this summer! Learn all about what we are offering this summer at our conference website.
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Nonprofit Tech for Good focuses on providing useful, easy-to-understand news and resources related to digital marketing and fundraising.
Today, with 50,000+ monthly visitors and more than one million followers on social networks, Nonprofit Tech for Good is a leading technology resource for nonprofit professionals.
Founded in 2005 as a Myspace Page by Heather Mansfield, https://www.nptechforgood.com/
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Festival of Homiletics
is Online and Free this year
May 17-21, 2021
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Justice and Peace Book Club
- Read a J&P recommended book every two months
- Receive study guides to inform your reading
- Discuss the books with others via Zoom
The "Club" is open to all regardless of gender.
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Presbyteries and churches share your news with the Synod.
Are you doing something in your presbytery or synod from which others might learn? You have a standing invitation to send Tricia Dykers-Koenig articles to share.
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To subscribe email: office@lakesandprairies.org
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