News From the Presbytery of Transylvania
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The Too Accessible Pastor: The Danger of 21st Century Ministry
Appalachian Magazine
by Jeremy Farley
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*editor's note- Thanks to Beth Garrod-Logsdon for sharing.
I have been involved in Christian ministry for over twenty years and have over the course of this time, pastored three separate churches and ministered in hundreds more. I am a far cry from being a seasoned professional and would hardly claim to be an expert; however, I have been in this thing long enough to make a few observations.
In recent years, a string of high-profile ministry suicides have captivated the nation and left several people asking the same question my wife asked me last week, “Why does it seem that so many pastors are suddenly struggling with their mental health than in previous years?”
Though I have no statistical evidence to promote my case, I can speak from my own experience.
As of now, I have never once contemplated suicide and I certainly don’t have any feelings of depression, so I may not be an ideal candidate to speak on this subject; however, being someone who does have a little ministry experience, I am qualified to provide my opinion… in fact, I’m very good at doing this!
Though I am not depressed, I am constantly stressed and to put it frankly, I often feel pulled. I love ministry and would never be happy doing anything else, but being a younger pastor in 2019, with a younger congregation means that this shepherd is far more accessible to the sheep than any other pastor from any other era in human history — and I am not alone. Part of pastoring in the modern era means that you are more accessible than ever before.
My heroes of the faith are the old circuit riding preachers who literally pastored dozens of churches days apart from each other and yet they somehow kept their sanity. Men like Robert Sheffey would conclude a preaching service, dine with his congregation, visit an ailing parishioner, then set out across a mountain ridge all alone, on his horse, never to be contacted again until he circled back through, sometimes weeks later.
Fast-forward to the typical pastor in the autumn of 2019 and the ministry is a far different experience: Prior to even waking from bed, I see that I have received a text message from a person in the church who stands in need of encouragement.
“Good morning, pastor, today is much better… I feel good about the decision I made last week.”....
Read the Full Article
HERE
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Burnamwood Goes On Sabbatical
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At its August meeting, the presbytery approved the following motion:
that a sabbatical period for Camp Burnamwood begin on October 1, 2019, and last through calendar year 2020. At the 2020 Annual presbytery meeting, the Coordinating Commission will present a progress report to the presbytery updating the work of discernment of the camping ministry and outlining any recommended next steps.
While this was a very difficult decision to make, we are confident that this decision will help us ensure Burnamwood is around for generations to come. For more information, please read the letter we sent to our churches below.
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TRI-PRESBYTERY YOUTH RETREAT
REGISTER NOW!
November 8 - 10 2019, @ Cedar Ridge Camp, Louisville, KY
Psalm 121 - "See And Be Seen"
How do others see you? How do we see ourselves? How does God see you?
Featuring Co-Moderator of the PC(USA) Vilarie Cintron-Olivieri, Keynote
All youth 6th - 12th Grade from across Kentucky
Fellowship and Fun with our Presbyterian friends in Kentucky!
CONTACTS: Hannah McIntyre, Danville (hannah@presbydan.org)
COSTS (includes listed meals, all activities, tee shirt):
Full weekend (two nights, Breakfast, lunch, dinner Saturday; breakfast, lunch Sunday) $70
One night: lunch, dinner Saturday, breakfast, lunch Sunday: $50
Daytime only: Lunch, dinner Saturday, lunch Sunday: $30
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Walnut Hill Church
Ecumenical Sunday
October 6, 2019
Featuring: Dr. Alton Pollard III
Dr. Alton Pollard III, President of Louisville Seminary, will be the featured guest at Walnut Hill Church on Sunday, October 6, for the congregation’s
Ecumenical Sunday
observance. Held annually on the first Sunday of October,
Ecumenical Sunday
provides an opportunity to celebrate and explore Walnut Hill’s identity as “an Ecumenical Church.” Dr. Pollard will talk informally during the 10am hour and preach at the 11am worship, which will include the Lord’s Supper. Refreshments and fellowship will follow the worship hour. For more information, call the church office (859-263-5304).
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Presbyterian Women Fall Gathering Saturday, October 5th
Camp Burnamwood
Theme: Shining a Light on the Opioid Crisis
Guest Speaker: Jennifer Webb, Paralegal Specialist for the U.S. Attorney’s Office
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Kentucky Council of Churches Annual Assembly Registration is now Open!
October 24-25
First Baptist Church, Morehead, KY
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RECLAIMING JESUS!
We are living through perilous and polarizing times as a nation, with a dangerous crisis of moral and political leadership at the highest levels of our government and in our churches.
It is time to be followers of Jesus before anything else—nationality, political party, race, ethnicity, gender, geography—our identity in Christ precedes every other identity. We pray that our nation will see Jesus’ words in us. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).
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Church Openings and Other Jobs
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There are a number of Pastoral Opportunities available in the Presbytery. If you know of anyone who might be interested in one of the following positions, please share this information with them.
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*NEW*FACILITIES MANAGER- First Presbyterian, LEXINGTON
First Presbyterian Church, Lexington is searching for a part-time facilities manager. The position description can be found at the link below. Please contact
Mark Davis
if interested.
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*NEW*PASTOR- First Presbyterian, London
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CHILDREN & YOUTH DIRECTOR- First Presbyterian, Winchester
First Presbyterian Church of Winchester has an immediate opening for a part-time Children & Youth Director. The Director would function to assist in the development and implementation of the mission and ministry of the children and youth of the church. The Children/Youth Director will: plan a program and curriculum for the children/youth with the assistance of the CE Committee and the Pastor, meet with the children/youth or their parents outside of the Sunday service, and plan activities that are not part of the normal Sunday service. This is a 10 hour per week position with 4-5 hours per Sunday. The remainder of hours are to be used to meet with the children/youth or their parents, 1-2 times per week. If interested, candidates should submit their resume to Pastor Ryan at:
ryanbradney@gmail.com
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First Presbyterian Church in Paris- Part-time stated Supply
First Presbyterian Church is located 18 miles from Lexington on the scenic Paris/Lexington Road, is looking for a part-time stated supply minister to lead worship and preach each Sunday, administer the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, moderate the session and congregational meetings, visit the sick and shut-in, and lead funeral services upon request.
We are a small church but have a strong music program and a full-time Music Director. We are active in the community with music and art after-school programs.
Please consider our congregation if you are looking for a part time position. Direct inquiries to Rogers Barde, Clerk of Session, 859-987-1225.
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White’s Memorial Presbyterian-Berea
Part-Time Stated Supply (20 hours/week)
White's Memorial has been in existence as a congregation for over 135 years. Beginning in another location known as Silver Creek, White's members and friends have a deep relationship with the land and community of Berea, Kentucky. We are looking for a part-time (20 hour) stated supply minister to provide pastoral care, lead Sunday worship, and guide mid-week services. Our church is only a few miles out of Berea toward Richmond. If you are considering a call, we’d ask you to prayerfully consider our congregation. Please direct inquiries to Mickie Hudson, Clerk of Session, at (859) 582-2576.
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OCTOBER
1-5- Clean Water U
5- Presbyterian Women Fall Gathering, 10am, Camp Burnamwood
8- Coordinating Commission- 5pm
10- Nicholasville Vision Team- 2-6pm
23- Pastoral Transitions Commission, 10am, Winchester
24-25- Kentucky Council Of Churches Annual Assembly, Morehead, KY
30- Administration Commission, 3pm, Second, Lexington
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SEPTEMBER
28-Jay T. Silence-22 years
OCTOBER
10/1 Dewitt Furrow, Jr -64 years
10/1 Jim Woodring- 54 years
10/3 Harry Spickler- 43 years
10/8- Andrew Bowman- 1 year
10/12 Michael Brothers- 33 years
10/18 Keith Benze- 10 years
10/19 Roger Dermody- 22 years
10/20 Bob Shaffer- 64 years
10/24 Steve Pace- 15 years
10/26 Ernest Stricklin- 67 years
10/26 Jackie Lindberg- 22 years
10/27 Jerry Utt, II- 17 years
May God continue to bless your ministry!
If we have missed your ordination anniversary or have incorrect information, please email
rjustus@transypby.org
so we can update your information.
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Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action)
Create a great offer by adding words like "free" "personalized" "complimentary" or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"
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