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A weekly newsletter from the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys
February 3, 2021
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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 February 7-13
First Presbyterian Church of Amboy
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Clerk of Session: Nancy Runge
Administrative Assistant/Treasurer: Shirley Rose
Financial Secretary: Dean Runge
Pastor: Elaine Boyd
Worship Musicians: Ruth Lemmon, Cindy Boesch
Session members: Keith Larson, Mike Stevens, Jim Teague, Jane Caldwell, Karla Caldwell, Jamie Rose, Joel Caldwell, Cindy Boesch, Dave Oliver
The session felt it wise to suspend in person worship during November and December, but we have been meeting in person for worship since January 17, while trying to take proper precautions with masks and distancing. The confirmation class which had been meeting weekly by Zoom is now meeting socially distanced in the fellowship hall.
Even though many of our regular activities and mission have been interrupted, we continue to be strong supporters of Maple River Loaves and Fishes food shelf with volunteers and funds.
Our building and volunteers are provided quarterly to the Red Cross for bloodmobile blood collection.
Our annual “Mitten Tree” to collect new hats and mittens to be provided for students in need at the elementary schools. We took some lap quilts that had been made previously to the women’s shelter.
Prayer concerns:
Thanks to Nancy Runge for her service as clerk of session and prayers that someone will hear God’s call to that role as she steps down.
Thank you to Rhonda Martin for her many years as administrative secretary and to Shirley Rose for ably filling that position.
For confirmation students: Summer, Shaylee, Kyara, and Kennedi and their mentors, Debi, Shirley, Jane, and Cindy.
For teachers and students now returning to full in person school days.
For discernment about all of our meetings and the COVID safety concerns.
For all in our communities dealing with anxiety and loneliness.
For members dealing with various issues of health.
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Last week I had the privilege of worshiping with First Presbyterian Church, Windom. The day included Commissioning Rev. Pamela Prouty as the new Stated Supply Pastor. The day was a blessing for both the congregation and the Presbytery. In transition for a year, Windom’s prayers were answered with a new part-time pastor. Rev. Prouty is not new to the Presbytery, but she felt the call to expand the way she serves in ministry to include solo pastor leadership. |
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Last week, Faith, Silver Lake and First Presbyterian, Winnebago begin their first steps in being resident churches. The congregations will be teaching and learning communities as a part of the pilot Small Church Residency Program. Step one includes completing the U.S. Congregational Vitality Assessment. The assessment helps congregations assess their strengths based on seven marks of congregational vitality—discipleship, outward focus, evangelism, servant leadership, worship, caring relationships, and ecclesial health. Onboarding for the pastors called to the congregations will include professional assessments in Dealing with Others, Self-Management, Motivations and Thinking Styles, Change Management, Conflict Transformation, and Creativity. Currently, the program is targeting pastors from Columbia, Dubuque, and Louisville Presbyterian Seminaries. Rev. Paul Snyder will chair the Small Church Taskforce group in the interim. The other members are Rev. Beverly Brock, Rev. Lindsay Jacaruso, and Rev. Randy Knuth. The taskforce would welcome having a Ruling Elder join the team. The U.S. Congregational Vitality Assessment is available at the cost of $200 for all congregations in the Presbytery. Contact Karen Lange if you would like to take the survey. The surveys and interpretation of results are through Research Services, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
The Presbytery Paycheck Protection Program was fully converted into a grant. We are thankful for the Synod’s help. The $41,000 grant is available as income to support continued ministry in the Presbytery. Additionally, the market value of the Presbytery’s investments increased by $192,550. In conversation with other commissions, the Commission on Operations will explore how the additional funds can be used to expand the Presbytery’s vision and possible direct support to congregations.
The Transformation Going Beyond Change Grant has funds available in the following areas:
Pastor’s Retreat
Conflict Mediation and Coaching Training (already designated for 2021)
Scholarships for Lay Leadership Participation (registration, travel, lodging)
Webinar Series (Preaching About Change, Podcasting, Social Media and Ministry)
Small Church Residency (already designated for 2021-2022)
Preaching and Social Media Ministry Conference
Cultural Competence Training Two-part Series
Equipping for Mission/Community Engagement Two-part Series
Leadership Assessment Instruments (e.g., U.S. Congregational Vitality Assessment, and others) for congregations engaged in intentional transformation efforts.
The funds are available to support ministry initiatives in 2021. The commissions are encouraged to pursue creative ways to use the resources to build the capacity of congregations and leaders across the Presbytery.
During my final weeks in the Presbytery, I am working toward a smooth transition. I am meeting weekly with leaders and passing on ongoing tasks. I look forward to Saturday’s Presbytery Meeting and the special presentation from Dr. Raj Nadella. I encourage you to attend the upcoming meeting and especially the presentation that begins at 10:00 a.m.
Today let us entrust to God the things that are God’s. Let us build one another up in the faith. Let us place our hope in tomorrow, for every day belongs to the Lord. Let us cast away our fears, for perfect love cast out all fears. Let us rejoice in what we have. God’s grace is sufficient for our needs. Let us extend the peace, for we are peacemakers. Let us speak words of life, for life and death is in the power of the tongue.
Rejoicing in the Grace that is ours!
Rev. SanDawna Ashley
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February 6: Stated Presbytery Meeting by Zoom, Beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Theme: Matthew 25
Speaker: Raj Nadella - "God at the Margins: The Roman Empire and Matthew's Theology of Kin(g)dom Community"
Raj Nadella is the Samuel A. Cartledge Associate Professor of New Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary. His research and teaching interests include postcolonial biblical interpretation, migration and New Testament perspectives on economic justice and their ethical implications for the Church and society. He is the author of Dialogue Not Dogma: Many Voices in the Gospel of Luke (T&T Clark, 2011) and an area editor for Oxford Bibliographies Online: Biblical Studies. He is the co-author of Postcolonialism and the Bible and co-editor of Christianity and the Law of Migration, both forthcoming in 2021. He has written for publications such as the Huffington Post, Christian Century and Working Preacher.
Nadella is actively involved in the academy and the Church on issues such as race, economic justice and immigration. He serves on the National Council of Churches USA’s Faith and Order Commission and chairs the Society of Biblical Literature (SBL)’s Committee on Underrepresented Racial and Ethnic Minorities in the Profession (CUREMP).
To register for the presbytery meeting, email Karen Lange
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Ruling Elder Training 101, learn about the duties and responsibilities of being a Ruling Elder and meet other REs from around our presbytery
led by Rev. Pamela Prouty
Ruling Elders Rule! We had a great time together at the Ruling Elder training. Following are some books which I recommended. The recording of the training is above. And as always if you have questions or concerns or ideas for other trainings which could be done, please contact me.
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Spiritual Leadership for Church Officers by Joan Gray
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Presbyterian Polity for Church Leaders 4th Edition by Joan Gray and Joyce Tucker
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Principles of Presbyterian Polity by Carlos Wilton
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Ten Dumb Things Churches Do and How to Avoid Them by Philip Wiehe
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Deacon Training 101 – More Than Just a Social Visit: Practicing the Ministry of Caring in Your Congregation
led by Rev. Leanne Thompson
Here are links to the handouts Leanne is sharing with viewers.
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Position Available
Gap Executive Presbyter
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION: The Gap Executive Presbyter will serve as the presbytery leader and head of staff for the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys during the search process for the permanent Executive Presbyter. The Gap Executive Presbyter will work with the leadership of the presbytery, holding the presbytery’s vision before the collective body, and providing the coordination, nurture, and encouragement necessary to promote the ministry and mission of the presbytery through its officers, committees, congregations and members.
TYPE OF POSITION: This is a half-time, exempt position appointed by the Commission on Presbytery Operations for a one-year term or until permanent Executive Presbyter position is filled, reviewed at 6 month intervals or at intervals deemed appropriate.
Letters of application due to LeRoy Ennenga by February 5, 2021.
Contact LeRoy Ennenga for detailed position description, questions or comments.
Phone: 507-360-9254
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Church Safety/Security Resources
Mitigating Attacks on Houses of Worship Security Guide: A DHS Guidebook for both thinking about the security of Houses of Worship and achieving a security plan best suited to the unique circumstances of every community.
Houses of Worship Security Self Assessment: A CISA developed baseline
security self assessment tool designed for a person with little to no security
PDA Resource Guide for Human Caused Disasters
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Minnesota Department of Health Coronavirus Resources
Updated faith related guidance documents have been posted. Anything you can do virtually, you should do virtually at this time.
COVID19 Vaccine Update
New updated documents are:
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Beginning January 1, 2021 the standard mileage rates are:
56 cents per mile for business use
16 cents per mile for medical, or moving purposes
14 cents per mile for service of charitable organizations
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2021 Per Capita
$43.00 Total
$28.52 for Presbytery
$5.50 for Synod
$8.98 for GA
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Worship Opportunities
If you are interested in having someone new give a Sunday Message via Zoom or have something recorded to show, here are some PCUSA mission co-workers currently in the states who would be willing to do a sermon or talk about mission on Sunday or another time. They are open to share their stories with anyone interested.
Any groups that might like to have a guest, please contact one of these folks. Do you have a Bible Study group or maybe your Presbyterian Women's group. Think about it!
This might even be a good idea for Lenten services. Please consider using this wonderful resource available to your congregation.
Eliane Menezes
Eliane Menezes: Mission co-worker in Guatemala, Serving with the National Union of Presbyterian Women of the National Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Guatemala (IENPG)
Tyler Holm
Mission Co-worker in Malawi since 2013, Serving at the University of Livingstonia, College of Theology
Betsey and Eric Moe
Serving with the Presbyterian World Mission and CEDEPCA
Jose Jones
Mission co-worker in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Serving at the Presbyterian Community of Kinshasa (CPK) Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.
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Prayer List
- For Rev. John Lindholm, retired pastor, Fergus Falls, health concerns
- 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 Occidente Partners in Guatemala
- For the families of the three Occidente pastors that have recently died
- For those who have contracted the Covid virus
- For the "Men in the Mirror" program. Men from Occidente that MVP supported financially to attend the classes 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."
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Pastoral Leadership Opportunities
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
First Presbyterian Church, Slayton - Pastor
Hope Presbyterian Church, Spicer - Solo Pastor
First Presbyterian Church, Winnebago - Interim Pastor
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New online and printable Lenten devotional for 2021 from Presbyterians Today
The Way to Shalom
A Lenten Journey to Peace and Wholeness
Lent is all about spiritual renewal. It is a sacred time of preparation for Easter and a time to reflect on what God has done to redeem us and how we can live a whole and full life as a child of God.
Many of us see Lent as a season of penitence, fasting, service and contemplation — but at the top of our list should be a prayer for the acquisition of peace. In our devotional this year, we invite you to reflect upon the gift of shalom, the Hebrew word with a host of meanings: peace, security, well-being, health, completeness. Our spiritual goal: exploring how can we receive this gift of shalom and, in turn, bestow it upon the world.
Now, more than ever, we deeply crave shalom. Our world is in desperate need of peace. The United States has just come out of a contentious election, a struggle with a global pandemic, and painful racial violence. Poverty, misery and despair fill many corners of the world. Yes, we desire peace. We need peace.
Every week from Ash Wednesday (February 17) through Easter (April 4), this year’s devotional focuses on shalom — and what it can mean in our lives and how we can bring it to the world. We explore themes of justice, peace, healing, hope, repairing and reconciliation. You’ll find Scripture readings along with beautiful meditations and prayers written by the director and staff of the Presbyterian Office of Public Witness in Washington: the Rev. Jimmie Hawkins, Catherine Gordon and Christian Brooks. You’ll be challenged and moved — and hopefully, spiritually enriched.
The Way to Shalom is online and free for download or printing. You’re invited to use it, share it, excerpt from it and make it your spiritual companion this Lent.
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From Minnesota Department of Health
We have received many requests and questions about “clergy” qualifying as essential workers when it comes to vaccine prioritization distribution.
We recognize that faith leaders and clergy are critical to our communities during the COVID19 pandemic. We acknowledge that each of you may play a single role, or a variety of roles, under the umbrella of your title: Pastor, Counselor, Critical support staff, Nursing home/hospital/hospice clergy, Food shelf distributor, Administrator, Preacher, Home care provider, and the list goes on. Faith leaders and clergy also include a full representation of the diversity of our population, including some of those at high risk for COVID-19 due to age, health conditions, and other social vulnerabilities. Because of all of these variables, there is no one category that “clergy” falls under in terms of vaccine priority. Please evaluate your specific situation to determine where you fit. Right now vaccine eligibility is as follows:
- If you are a staff member of or provide direct patient services in a health care or long-term care facility, access vaccination through that facility. Go to the link above for specific information about who is eligible for Phase 1a.
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If you are 65 and over, a child care worker, or educator for pre-k through grade 12, make an appointment to be vaccinated by going to this State of MN website: Find My Vaccine / COVID-19 Updates and Information - State of Minnesota (mn.gov)
Please note: There continues to be a very limited supply of COVID-19 vaccine in Minnesota. It will be quite some time before these two eligible categories of people receive vaccine. We encourage Minnesotans to remain patient as more vaccine arrives in the weeks and months ahead.
As more vaccine becomes available in Minnesota, health care providers will be reaching out to their patients as they become eligible for vaccination.
The Minnesota Department of Health will also keep the public informed about eligibility and availability of vaccine through our website, public announcements, social media and all other methods available to us. We will continue to also rely on trusted partners, like yourselves, to spread accurate and timely information about vaccination as it becomes available.
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Learning Ministry Skills for Today’s and Tomorrow’s Church for Pastors, Staff, COMs and Congregational Leaders
February 8-12, Online
Whether it is a change in leadership or a changing community, leading a congregation through change is both challenging and rewarding. It takes knowledge, skill, resilience and spiritual strength to navigate the waters of change in a way that leaders and congregations thrive. This training is for individuals who are considering ministry in temporary settings (as an interim, transitional or designated pastor) or are experiencing ministry in these transitional times. Materials presented will include the basics of transitional ministry and will be of value to all congregational pastors regardless of their ministry setting. Best practices in transitional ministry include ways to enter the congregation and community, how to analyze a congregation’s strength and growing edges, and how to assist a congregation in moving toward a vibrant future. This training will delve into navigating change, the pastor as a spiritual interpreter of transition, family systems, mission focus ministry, conflict mediation, and building resiliency.
Participants completing the full 30 hours of training will meet the requirements for Week I Transitional Ministry Education. If you want a certificate of completion, you must actively participate in all sessions in their entirety. We will meet Monday-Thursday from 9:00-11:30, 1:30-4:30 and Friday from 9:00-noon. Tuition and fees cover the tuition as well as the costs of taking the Thomas Kilman Inventory and the Intercultural Development Inventory. Continue reading for additional information.
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Living Well, Leading Well
A monthly series of virtual workshops sponsored by Mount Olivet Conference & Retreat Center promoting wholeness, wellbeing, and renewal in our personal and professional lives. Each workshop will be taught by specialists in the areas of counseling, biblical studies, peace-making, and pastoral ministry. See below for details on our next two topics in this series.
CULTIVATING WISDOM
Thursday February 11, 6:30-8:30pm | $20
Every day brings a new flood of information. It’s difficult to take it all in, much less to discern what bits are trustworthy, significant, and true. Perhaps what’s missing is not information so much as wisdom. In this workshop, we’ll explore what the Bible’s wisdom tradition has to offer Christians as we face the peculiar challenges of life today. Join Rev. Dr. Carol M. Bechtel, Professor of Old Testament at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan, for this timely and interactive online event. Register here.
PURSUING JUSTICE
Thursday March 11, 6:30-8:30pm | $20
Join Rev. Chris Dorsey to learn about our call to “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God” (Micah 6:8). Dorsey is President of Higher Education & Leadership Ministries and has worked as a university chaplain and professor of preaching. An engaging, insightful teacher, Dorsey has significant leadership experience in racial justice and equity in churches and seminaries. Register here.
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Meet our Presenters and Preview the Workshops
On March 2, the Presbyterian Foundation will present a Day of Learning covering practical tools for stewardship and financial sustainability.
10:30 a.m. CST - Church Mission and Sustainability with Stephen Keizer and Rev. Gail Monsma
Ensuring the long-term viability of your church mission in the face of evolving cultural pressures means it is important for churches to develop creative and comprehensive stewardship programs.
This workshop will provide ideas for creating a culture of generosity through a comprehensive stewardship program. We will talk about how people give, donor motivation, how to craft your mission story, leadership’s role in stewardship, provide giving tools as well as discuss how planned giving fits into a stewardship.
1:00 p.m. CST - Virtual Campaigns and Online Giving with Rev. Ellie Johns-Kelley and Karl Mattison
2020 forced everything into a distanced and virtual environment. Stewardship included. There are some blessings in disguise. Join us to call out some of the most important lessons learned for conducting efficient and effective stewardship campaigns. In this seminar, we will share the top five features that we can leverage from a virtual stewardship campaign and how we can effectively use these tools going forward. The pandemic has been a miserable experience, but let’s grasp and grow from lessons learned.
4:30 p.m. CST - Practical Tips for Church Budgeting with Olanda Carr and Rev. Dr. Jonah So
In this workshop we will cover the basic items to consider when creating a
church budget. An overview of the various types of church budgets – zero-based, program, line-item, and narrative – will be provided. Additional time will be allocated to the narrative budgeting process, including beginning steps and resources.
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Formation for Mission: Dipping into the Well of PC(USA) Resources
A Spring Learning Opportunity for Presbyterians
March 13-14
This weekend class offers participants the opportunity to learn more about the breadth and depth of resources available for Presbyterian church leaders. This course provides the opportunity to interact with a number of national staff people for the PC(USA) and to become acquainted with the resources their offices offer to aid and further the ministry of local congregations.
Who should consider taking this class?
- Anyone who wants to grow in their faith and understanding of being Presbyterian
- Session members and Deacons
- Committee chairs
- Commissioned Pastors seeking a helpful continuing education opportunity
- Those who might be called to be commissioned pastors
What will this class involve?
- Through a series of interactive panel discussions with national staff for the PCUSA, participants will dip deep into the well of resources for:
- Understanding and engaging the Matthew 25 initiative of the denomination and its focus on building congregational vitality, eradicating system poverty and dismantling structural racism.
- Forming lifelong disciples who are grounded in the reformed tradition and equipped for evangelism, equipped to be peacemakers and witnesses to the world, and who engage the reformed tradition to work towards justice and equity for all God's people.
- The Presbyterian Publishing House will share new resources for faith formation of all ages and participants will explore a variety of resources and how they can be used in local congregations.
- This class will meet by Zoom on Saturday 9:00-5:00 and Sunday 9:00-3:00 CT.
What is the cost?
- $125 for participants from partner presbyteries. $150 for participants from non-partner presbyteries. For those interested in the whole series of 11 classes in the Academy, there is a discount.
Who is sponsoring this?
- This is a class offered through The Academy, a series of classes for church members designed to deepen faith as participants encounter Christ in a new way. For those who are called or are exploring a call to become a Commissioned Pastor, this is a program that can help that happen. The Synod of Lakes and Prairies and the Presbyteries of Minnesota Valleys, North Central Iowa, Northern Waters and Prospect Hill are the current sponsors of the Academy.
How do I register or find more information?
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The Ministry Lab's 2020-Year-in-Review letter was sent directly to our member congregations (that's you!). If you did not receive yours, please click this link to find out what's new and where we're headed in 2021.
Included in the letter was a survey to inform the creation of Co-Lab Feedback Cohort Groups. As many leaders face fatigue and anxiety, we want to develop affirming, life-giving networks to encourage new visions and innovations. Help us help you with this 5 question survey.
Blessings in this transitional season - we're here to connect you with one another and resources for hope and resilience in these times!
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