An eUpdate for Church Leaders - September 2022

Registration is now open for Playology

Saturday, September 24, at Kirkmont Center

Playology is an experiential interactive training and practical resources event, to help you integrate recreation and play into ALL your ministries. Experienced leaders will lead a full day of workshops, mix and mingle activities, lunch and discussion on the Theology of Recreation, ending with Closing Worship. All of the elements are extremely practical by design, so participants can take the experience and immediately apply them to their own contexts.  

This event, which will be held September 24 at Kirkmont Center, Zanesfield, is a great resource for EVERYONE! Whether you come alone or in a group, you will experience creative ways to build community. 

Pastors, leadership, teens, and children (8 and older will participate. Younger children can be registered for childcare.)

This event is being sponsored by the Equipping for Ministry Network of Presbytery of the Miami Valley.

More info and registration

Apply for a Matthew 25 Grant from Synod of the Covenant

Presbyterian Churches and Institutions may apply now for Matthew 25 grants designed to help you augment your ministries to strengthen congregational vitality, to eradicate structural racism, and to dismantle structural poverty. Matthew 25 Synod Grants are available to Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregations and institutions within the Synod of the Covenant.

Completed applications are due by September 30, 2022. Letters of Endorsement are due by October 7, 2022.

The purpose of the grant must specifically be Christian in focus and adhere to the objectives of the PC(USA) Matthew 25 Initiative. Special consideration will be given to churches, ministries, and institutions which are primarily composed of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color and/or whose proposals are centered directly on the same context (neighborhood) as the congregation. 

Projects must directly address at least one of the three Matthew 25 mission priorities of the Synod of the Covenant. 

The grant awarded may be up to $5000.00 annually. Grants must be applied for every year. Evidence of institutional or congregational financial support for the project is strongly recommended. 

Learn more and apply

Peace and Global Witness Offering

September 4 - October 2

A gift to the Peace and Global Witness Offering enables the church to promote the Peace of Christ by addressing systems of conflict and injustice across the world.

Individual congregations are encouraged to utilize up to 25% of this offering to connect with the global witness of Christ's peace. Mid councils retain an additional 25% for ministries of peace and reconciliation. The remaining 50% is used by the Presbyterian Mission Agency to advocate for peace and justice in cultures of violence, including our own, through collaborative projects of education and Christian witness.

This year the offering will be received September 4 - October 2.

Learn more and get resources

Oxford Presbyterian Church welcomes David LaMotte September 23-25

Oxford Presbyterian Church, Oxford, will welcome speaker, author, and musician David LaMotte for a weekend of inter-generational Christian Education events September 23-25. Everyone is invited to attend.

This weekend of offerings will explore the question: How do we decide what is ours to do — and what isn’t — in a sea of demands for our time and energy? How can we maintain personal sustainability, caring for our own hearts, minds, bodies, and spirits so that we can engage in the holy work of healing ourselves and the world around us? This is sure to be an event that will feed your spirit.

Learn more

Adaptive Leadership Workshop and Practicum for Church Leaders

This LeaderWise workshop introduces church leaders to adaptive leadership and asks them to work on a challenge in their system. This workshop will be held online the first Thursday of the month from August through November, 9:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.

Participants will put the concepts into practice in between large group gatherings. This is an excellent opportunity for church Sessions or presbytery teams to join together. It will also be helpful for individuals looking for learning, feedback, accountability, and support.

The cost of this workshop is fully covered by the Synod and Presbyteries.

Learn more and register>>

Advanced Boundaries Training

Advanced Boundaries Training from LeaderWise will be held online September 13-14, 1:30 - 4:00 P.M.

Advanced Boundaries Training is for pastors and other church leaders who’ve taken LeaderWise’s boundaries training in the past year, this advanced boundaries training offers leaders the opportunity to reflect on their experiences since the first training, and to delve deeper into topics covered in the training, as well as discuss topics such as triangulation, gender, leaving/retiring well, and other topics not previously covered.

The cost of this workshop is fully covered by the Synod and Presbyteries.

Learn more and register>>

Older Adult Ministry Leadership Retreat

The Presbyterian Older Adult Ministry Network is thrilled to offer this retreat at a significantly discounted rate! Your conference registration includes lodging, meals and retreat programming. Pastors, educators, volunteers and all of those that work with and among older adults are encouraged to attend this retreat.

Learn more and register

The Art of the Dangerous Sermon October 12-14

Annual Preaching Seminar at UTS in Dayton

United Theological Seminary, Dayton, will host its annual Preaching Seminar October 12-14, virtually and in-person at its Trotwood campus. This year’s theme is “The Art of the Dangerous Sermon.”

We are living through a season of societal upheaval, suffering, and high-stress ministry. Divisive politics harden congregations and intensify trauma for members and clergy. This preaching conference seeks to unmask the cultural “gospels” that are limiting, the worldviews that may be unconsciously steering our understanding of gospel, and the “gods” who undercut our preaching. We do not serve a tribal God but Jesus the Christ. Preaching normed by the call of Jesus is not safe; but it can inspire wonder, connection, hope and deep transformation.

This event, led by Dr. Frank Thomas, will equip preachers with a range of tools to proclaim with integrity, boldness, intentionality, and care.

Learn more and register