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A weekly newsletter from the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys
July 14, 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 July 18-24
First Presbyterian Church of Lismore
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Clerk of Session: Lorna Van Der Linden
Treasurer: Dean Knips
Elders: Candace Joens, Dean Knips, Kathy Knips, Joyce Gengler, Sheila Erwin and Kathy Altman
We covet prayers for patience and understanding as we begin our search for a new pastor.
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Karen Lange is normally available Monday through Friday from 7:30 - 3:30, checking emails until 4:00 or 5:00.
Karen will be out of the office on Friday, July 16.
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Presbytery Office Moving Day is July 15!
New mailing address:
Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys
PO Box 431
Kerkhoven MN 56252
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Photos from Paul Snyder's installation at Ashby on July 11 |
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The Administrative Commission to install Paul Snyder |
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Gap Executive Presbyter Kathy Terpstra delivered the charge to the congregation |
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Hayley Stevens, Ashby church, asked the congregational questions |
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John Lindholm led the offertory prayer |
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Filming and Recording Worship Services
Over the last year and a half, many churches have gone public on the internet. Whether you are showing your sermons live or recording them and publishing later, it might be important to let people know. Most in your congregations already know what is going on, but visitors may not. It might be wise to include an announcement in your bulletin or on your screen at the beginning of worship to let everyone know that they could end up being internet sensations. I especially think of our young ones who are up front, cute and funny during children's sermons.
Possible wording: Notice of Filming: Worship services are filmed and recorded. (include where they will appear: Church website, Facebook, YouTube, etc.) While most of the footage will feature worship leaders, video of the congregation may also appear. Children during children's sermons may be seen. If you have concerns, please contact:_______
Kathy Terpstra
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Are you interested in developing a zoom type confirmation class for our Presbytery? We are looking for individuals to serve on a task force in regards to such. If you are interested, please contact Randy Knuth, the chair of the Commission on Congregational Transformation and Development at knuthr758@gmail.com or call/text 712-540-8243. |
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Presbyterian Planning Calendars 2021-2022
It's time to order 2021-2022 Presbyterian Planning Calendars. This year's cost is $10.00 each plus the cost of shipping the calendars to you (no shipping cost if picked up). Please email Karen to order. Pay after receiving the calendars. Order deadline is July 20.
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Office of Public Witness (PCUSA) supports Climate Action Legislation
Submitted by Earl O. Knutson, First Presbyterian Willmar
Click on the QR code below to see that the Presbyterian Office of Public Witness (OPW) supports House Resolution 2307, the "Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act." As seen, OPW has enlisted VoterVoice to enable individuals to show their support. Fill in and send the form; VoterVoice will insert Rep. Fischbach's name and forward the message.
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Summer camp has begun!
The counselors are in full swing with campers, games, worship, and leading Quest (the Bible study portion of the day). We equipped the staff with counselor kits this year, which included a variety of useful items for being at camp all summer. First Aid Kit, Tick Wrangler, Tennis Balls, Highlighter with Tabs, Rug, Sunscreen, Bugspray, Waterproof Playing Cards, Headlamp, Fidgets for kids, Lighter, Large Bin, and a few other items were included in their kits.
We are seeking sponsors for our counselors. Sponsorship costs $100, which helps cover the cost of their counselor kits. Being a sponsor also means reaching out to your counselor to see how they are doing, and perhaps even sending a care package of your own! The counselors will write a note to you to let you know how their summer is going to open the relationship. If you are interested in sponsoring a counselor this summer, please reach out to me (replying here works!) to let me know, and I will let you know which counselors are still in need of sponsors. You can see their bios on the website here.
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The Academy Offers Hope for the Future
Many churches across America, including here in Minnesota, are finding it difficult to find and/or afford a full-time ordained pastor. Several churches, however, are finding what might even be a better solution: Commissioned Ruling Elders (CREs). CREs are commissioned by the Presbytery to fulfill the role of a pastor for a specific ministry or congregation. For classes and more info, check out The Academy
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Transitional Ministry Education for All Pastors—A message from TMEC (Transitional Ministry Education Consortium)
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From Transformation & Development
The Commission on Transformation and Development is working to make sure we are serving you and your churches the best we can in this next year.
The Commission on Congregational Transformation and Development exists to resource congregations. We have identified six critical areas: discipleship, evangelism, mission, spiritual leadership, stewardship and worship. Please feel free to contact any of the members of the Commission on Congregational Transformation and Development as to what might be areas that you may be seeking assistance with locating valuable resources. Those currently serving on the Commission on Congregational Transformation and Development are: Randy Knuth, chair, Anne Veldhuisen, Michael Hartwell, Darlene Scherbing, Barb Wawrzyniak, Lindsay Jacaruso, Rollin Haynes and Steve Anderson. Please let us know how we can come alongside of your congregation. Please contact Randy Knuth, the chair, at 712-540-8243 or via email at knuthr758@gmail.com.
Having a difficult time finding pulpit supply? Have you considered a virtual sermon?
A Sermon for Every Sunday ( asermonforeverysunday.com) is a website that provides lectionary-based video sermons by America’s best preachers for use in worship, bible study, small groups, Sunday school classes, or individual use. All you do is push the button. If you have a computer and a projector, these professionally recorded sermons can be downloaded and viewed on Sunday mornings. The site features nationally known preachers from multiple denominations. Although donations are accepted, the sermons are free. Check out asermonforeverysunday.com.
Technology Grant
Thanks to the gracious generosity of the Budget and Finance Committee, we are now able to offer technology grants up $750.00 each year, not to exceed ½ of the cost of the total project. So, the total project will have to be over $1500 in order to receive that amount. This is effective May 27, 2021. Again, thanks to the Budget and Finance for graciously increasing these funds that churches may apply for in regards to technology upgrades or new projects. Please use the new form which is specific to the Technology Grant.
The above resources are shared by the Commission on Congregational Transformation and Development
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FY22 ACPE Extended Unit Program
VA Midwest Health Care Network (VISN 23) ACPE System (St. Cloud VA Hospital)
We are in a Veteran Administration hospital setting in Saint Cloud. We serve veterans of all ages, sexual orientation, ethnicities, and religious/spiritual preferences. We have long-term care, mental health and addictions, women’s issues, out-patient medical services, and a host of other services for veterans. What is unique about a VA hospital is that it serves our veterans who have served our country in war and in peace time. One experiences the stories of veterans through their military and civilian lives, hears about and has contact with families, works with the interdisciplinary team as a team member, and deals with crises as they arise. Obviously, one brings one’s own life experiences into the pastoral encounter as well. In CPE, one will work to gain self-awareness and then how to use that in ministry to help build the bridge between oneself and others in ministry. Our program will use family systems theories and other theories of human and faith development, theories on aging, grief, etc.
Rev. Dan Duggan is a new member of the Minnesota Valleys Presbytery and lives in St. Cloud.
St. Cloud VA FY22 CPE Extended Unit Program
October 12-2021-April 22, 2022
- Group time: Tuesday, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
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Ministry time: An additional 12 hours per week, Monday-Friday, of which 4 hours per week need to be done at St. Cloud VA Hospital, and the remaining 8 hours per week can be spent in one’s own ministry setting. One may do all of their required ministry hours at the VA if desired. Ministry hours are scheduled at student’s convenience.
- One worship commitment on a Sunday
For further information contact Dan Duggan at the information below:
Rev. Daniel R. Duggan, M.Div., BCC, ACPE Certified Educator
Chaplain, ACPE Certified Educator
320-255-6480 x7543
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An hour-long conversation reveals the riches found in Jesus’ teaching on ‘The Judgment of the Nations’
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Prayer List
- 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 brothers and sisters in the Occidente Presbytery of Guatemala - for their health, safety, and recovery from the effects of the Covid pandemic
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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
Harrison Presbyterian Church, rural Spicer - Pastor, yoked parish
First Presbyterian Church, Winnebago - Interim Pastor
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Women Church Leaders’ Retreat
Women’s Leadership in the Church: Ongoing Challenges and Unspoken Joys
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PW's Justice and Peace Book Club
Contact Kathleen Keefer ( kathleenkeefer20@gmail.com) to register for discussions of the books by Zoom, which are 12:30 - 2:30 PM OR 6:30 - 8:30 PM. ANYONE can join! The Color of Law will be discussed on August 9.
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BREAKING NEWS - - - First Presbyterian Willmar's 150th Anniversary celebration will go on!!!
The Anniversary Committee has revised its previous plans and is moving ahead
with the following activities through the end of the year:
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September 11 – “The Heart of Willmar 150” Celebration
Join us for an outdoor intergenerational Family Concert on the church grounds. Music/Art Activities/Games/Food. Free to the community.
October 17 – Anniversary Worship Service and Banquet
Worship Service at 10:00 am followed by a banquet in John Knox Hall. Meal is free. RSVP required by September 20, 2021.
December 5 – Advent Festival
Immediately following the worship service. Lunch will be provided in the Family Café, followed by crafts in John Knox Hall.
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Our Summer Worship Series Is Here!
The first of our three-part Summer Worship Series includes Rev. Tyler Sit (New City Church, Minneapolis; UMC) preaching Staying Awake: How Jesus Calls Us to Show Up for Justice; Show Up, a video from Minneapolis-based Spoken Word Artist, Joe Davis and The Poetic Diaspora; and Awake, Awaken/Here in This Ordinary Place, a sing-along song led by local composer/musician Bret Hesla.
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