PRESBYTERY GATHERING
Via ZOOM online video conferencing
Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Optional: 2:00 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.
Planning for Re-Opening Your Congregation

Presbytery Gathering: 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

  • Trauma, Resilience and Moving Forward: Panel Presentation and Conversation with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
  • Essential Presbytery Business
  • Online Worship
There is business for us to do, and there are lots of important connections and support that we can provide one another. Rev. Dr. Erin Cox-Holmes, our Executive Presbyter, will preach. We will have some time learning about resilience from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. More details will follow next week, including some ZOOM online practice sessions so that we can be prepared for this new experience.
 
Coming on May 8: Presbytery Advisory on Re-Opening Congregations
When the state order for lockdown came in mid-March, it up-ended our lives, but the instructions were simple: Cease in-person worship and activities, and stay home except for essential business. And that is what we all have done.

As we prepare for re-opening, decisions will be much more complicated. Re-opening will be in phases, with parts of the state moving from “Red” to “Yellow” on May 8. None of the counties that make up our presbytery appear to be anywhere near “Yellow.” Until this happens and the governor lifts the current “Red” restrictions, the presbytery mandate continues.

But eventually, our areas will move to “yellow.” It could be that parts of our presbytery open more quickly than other parts. As re-opening plans are put together, it will be the responsibility of each session to adopt their timelines and procedures, in consultation with the presbytery Leader Team and COM. We should all be aware that any potential return will be for small gatherings, practicing social distancing, wearing face masks, and taking many steps for safety.

The Presbytery Leader Team will meet on May 7, and updated guidance will be issued on May 8. In the meantime, there are 4 resources that will be very helpful to sessions as you begin your planning.

Opportunities to Reflect, Learn & Encourage
As we move through this pandemic, we are so impressed with how the pastors and leaders of Donegal Presbytery’s churches are experimenting, trying new things, and seeking to be faithful in such different and creative ways. We want to create opportunities for us to reflect, learn together, encourage one another, and build each other up. (This includes our pastors and validated ministries and those who are honorable retired). There are several ways that this can happen:

1.       Fill out the survey below “Learning from Ministry in A Time of Pandemic.”  We’ll be sharing results with one another and using the answers to help us have conversations about what we are learning as we reflect on everything we are doing differently.

2.       Send the survey to your session/staff and ask them to fill it out.  We will send you the results of your session/staff surveys for your group reflection.

3.       Join in our Support/Learning Cohorts . Currently we host 2 weekly Zoom Support groups for pastors, clerks of session or other congregational leaders. There is the NewLead Pastor cohort, and a new Book Conversation group we are launching. In the coming weeks, we’ll continue to gather pastor cohorts (virtually) to reflect and learn together.

4.       Invite Erin and Michael to your session in the fall to reflect in person  and use this as an opportunity to dream and plan about what God might be doing in and through the life of your congregation as we start to think about the future.
 
Thanks, and God bless you as you learn ministry in these days!
Michael and Erin
Current Openings for Audio/Video Specialists

Due to the need for many congregations to “go virtual,” there is an immediate need for freelancers with skills in shooting video, video editing and audio editing/troubleshooting. The presbttery will develop a list of people who are available, and provide some limited funding for congregations seeking to add these capabilities. We will send more information on this initiative next week. Right now, we are looking to develop our list. Click here to apply!
Looking Ahead . . .
Saturday, May 16, 2020
Pre-6k Zoom Pep Rally at 8:30am
6K begins whenever you want

LOCATION: Run wherever you can while maintaining social distancing practices!

More info HERE
Stewardship
Kaleidoscope
Real Tools for Real Ministry

September 21-23, 2020
Cincinnati, OH

The annual Stewardship Kaleidoscope conference offers education, worship experiences an d amazing opportunities for growth in stewardship and generosity.

Keynote speakers this year will include:

  • Bob Sitze – author of Stewardshift: An Economia for Congregational Change
  • Denise Anderson – Coordinator for Racial and Intercultural Justice, Presbyterian Mission Agency
  • Jon Wolf - Pastor of Digital Engagement & Faith Formation, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Overland Park, KS.

We will have over 40 workshops providing the resources you need to address change in stewardship.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
Seeking Preschool Director
Central Presbyterian Church, Downingtown PA

Central Presbyterian Church is seeking a director for a nonprofit preschool. Part-time employment with flexibility in scheduling is required. CPC is seeking a person with strong skills working with children ages 3 to 5 years and parents; along with networking with other preschools. Organizational and leadership skills are a must. The desire to have all children be successful and a “can do” attitude are sought qualities. A minimum of a 2 year college degree and experience working with children. Forward resume to John Warren at CPC ., 100 West Uwchlan Ave, Downingtown,PA 19335 or info@cpcdowningtown.org