Presbytery of Northern Kansas Newsletter -
April 15, 2021
PNK News/Events
PNK Office News
The next Presbytery Meeting is Saturday, May 1st.

The Presbytery Meetings and Events Committee has made the decision that this will be a virtual meeting via Zoom.
Presbytery Office Open to the Public

The Presbytery Office will open to the public on May 10th and we look forward to welcoming you anytime you want to come and visit. The office is open from 9:00am to Noon and 1:00pm to 4:00pm weekdays.
Face-to-face meetings can begin June 1st

All Presbytery committees and commissions and other entities and presbytery appointed moderators along with Presbytery Staff will continue virtual meetings through the end of May but will begin face-to-face meetings on June 1st. The Personnel Committee encourages careful considerations when determining whether a meeting should be held virtually or face-to-face in order to continue good stewardship of time and financial resources.
Where Do You Find the Presbytery of Northern Kansas Directory?

It's EASY -- just go to:
And, enter the word connections in the passphrase box.

This PNK Directory is available to you 24/7 and it is always as up to date as we receive the information -- AND, we count on YOU to give us any corrections or updates you know about so we can get the updates entered ASAP.

You can always find the most up-to-date Pulpit Supply List right here in the PNK Directory AND you can get to the PNK directory on your smartphone, too!

You can also find a button that will take you right to the PNK directory on the www.pnks.org website -- just click on Our Presbytery and then on Web Directory -- remember the password for everything on the Our Presbytery tab is also connections.

So, PLEASE use in-C for all your email address/phone number/mailing address questions...BUT, if you have any trouble, you are also welcome to email Dora at office@pnks.org and she's happy to get you the info. you need.

Comfort My People
Pathways to Congregational Mental Health Ministries
Session 4 - Suicide Part I: Listening to the Silence
 
April 20, 2021
1:30 – 3:00 PM
Webinar via Zoom

Suicide is a topic that can be difficult to talk about. However, throughout the country, and particularly in rural communities, it has become an increasingly important topic to be discussed. Join LeaderWise psychologist, Dr. Tom Allen and therapist, Rev. Sarah Parker on April 20th as they walk through suicide risk factors to look and listen for and highlight particular factors impacting suicide in rural communities. Together with your colleagues in ministry we will address the following topics:
  • Explore what psychological sciences teach us about suicide. 
  • Identify particular factors impacting farmers and rural communities.
  • Use vignettes to sharpen our collective sensitivity to suicide prevention.
  • Reflect and learn from our own vast and varied experiences.
Resource Center
Dialogues
Dialogues On is a resource and methodology that engages adults in conversation around difficult topics by providing well-researched information brought to life with lived experience of people at the center of each topic. By providing a helping hand to begin the conversation, Dialogues On fosters equality and justice both within our small groups and larger community.
Dialogues On: Race
Designed to engage adults in difficult coversations, Dialogues On: Race explores key topics having to do with race and religion in the United States. The Dialogues On: Race study includes the Learner Book, Facilitator Guide, and DVD.

Chapters included:
  • What Does it Mean to be White? - Daniel Hill
  • Christmas Cookies from Cambodia - Kristofer Coffman
  • Say it Loud: I'm Black and I'm Proud - Rozella Haydeé White
  • American Amnesia - Jim Bear Jacobs
  • Whither the Women? - Cami Jones
  • Two Christianities - Broderick Greer
  • A New Heaven and a New Earth - Lenny Duncan
Dialogues On: Sexuality
Explores key topics such as patriarchy and the church, women's sexuality and the church, sex and marriage, and why language matters when talking about sexuality

Chapters included:
  • A Man's World - Brandi Miller
  • I Kissed Niceness Goodbye - Carla Ewert and Linda Kay Klein
  • Sex and Marriage - Dr. Tina Schemer Sellers
  • Pink Capes and Zip-up Boots - Isaac Archuleta
  • What Does it Mean to be Transgender - Rev. Dr. Paula Stone Williams
  • Are All Welcome? - George Kekhail
  • Building and Ethic of Sexual Wholeness - Rev. Marcus Halley
Dialogues On: The Refugee Crisis
Explores key topics such as local and national policy and perspective on refugees.

Chapters included:
The Story We Live In - Brianne Casey
A People Without a Place - Dr. Beth Oppenheim-Chan
A Global Perspective - Jenny Yang
A Network of Care - Sarah Krause, MS
Facing Our History - Halima Z. Adams
Looking for Home - Aubrey Leigh Grant
Where Do We Go From Here? - Matthew Sorens
Workshops, Webinars, Resources
The Basics of Digital Church Communication
Union Seminary and Digital Congregations presents The Basics of Digital Church Communication for four consecutive Tuesdays beginning on May 11th.

You can learn more about this course offering from Union Seminary by CLICKING HERE.

Learn about more continuing education opportunities at Union Seminary by CLICKING HERE.
The Art of Transitional Ministry
Please mark your calendars for the next offering of the  Art of Transitional Ministry Education. The orientation will begin at 1:00 pm on Monday, October 18, 2021, and will conclude the evening of Thursday, October 21, 2021. At this time, the in-person orientation will be hosted at the Parkville Presbytery Church in Kansas City, Missouri.


Registration is now open. To register click here

For questions related to the content or assignments of Weeks I and II or Executive Training, contact Beth Wagner: pastrb7@gmail.com. For administrative and registration questions contact Danelle O’Connell at the Synod of Mid-America office: office@synodma.org
Good News
Progress Continues on the New Clinton Presbyterian Church Building
On January 17th, the Clinton Presbyterian Church congregation broke ground for their new church building. Elder Ed Steele was chosen as the first to break ground to honor the Steele family who helped found this congregation in 1866. The Clinton church is located in the small town of Clinton, Kansas on the west side of Clinton Lake near Lawrence.

Photographic updates as the walls go up!
Please contact the Presbytery Office with any joys or concerns you would like to have added to the PNK Prayer List.