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The weekly newsletter from the
Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys
April 15, 2020
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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 April 19-25
First Presbyterian Church of Edgerton
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Elders: Clerk Sue Fraser, Brian Gilbertson, Colby Hadler, Debbie Johnson, Sandy Klingenbery, Kent Van’tHof, Lloyd Zwart, Pastor Thomas Voigt
While the Coronavirus Pandemic has changed our ministry approach and routines, it hasn’t affected our message … it has simply made it more relevant than ever before. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today and forever!
(Hebrews 13:8)
He is our strong and sure anchor during these changing times.
Filming Sunday morning worship times to be shown on our Facebook page and YouTube has become our new normal. We rejoice that technology also allowed us to worship together for Maundy Thursday/Good Friday including virtual communion. Our elders have been diligent in providing care by ‘keeping tabs’ on one another and meeting needs that arise. While we wouldn’t have chosen these circumstances, the reality of ‘togetherness’ amidst separation is being formed, which brings a sense of assurance and confidence. God is good all the time!
We have partnered with our local school in providing meals for those individuals and families that have been especially hard hit with job loss and financial strain during these times. The generosity and service of our people is inspiring to see; we want to be open to and discerning of other opportunities to share the love and life of Christ.
It is a blessing to be part of the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys, and we continue to pray for God’s wisdom and care as we journey together.
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Often this coming Sunday is called Low Sunday. The name comes from the anticipated low attendance following Easter. Churches have learned only to expect the faithful core to show up for worship. Senior pastors often take a break, and if available, Associate Pastors are tasked with leading worship. This Sunday can be just as intimidating for preachers. What is the Word from the Lord? What can people hear? Has all been said?
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I am currently reading Craig Satterlee's book When God Speaks Through Change. The author suggests that preachers should focus their sermons on discovering God in change and transition and invite listeners to discern how they are called to respond in faith.
On the Governor's call yesterday, judicatory leaders discussed the impending new normal after the Shelter At Home Order ends. With Minnesota Health officials, we discussed the role of the Church in setting the tone for the broader community's response. The Governor's Briefing is a weekly conversation. Together, faith leaders are watching for God. Although fully aware of denominational differences, we hold a general understanding of the tasks to discover God amid uncharted waters.
Things will be different
was echoed throughout the call. However, I thought when the dust has cleared, the new normal may return us to a way of life that reverses the trajectory of the last 20 years. For many, the last two decades has revealed the brokenness in American society, the haves have more and the have-nots have less. Racism is more profound and politics are uglier. The disparity in education remains. Justice yet needs to roll down like water. Our gains are in relationships and communities becoming more inclusive. The gift of diversity reminds us that all are created in the image of God with particular gifts to offer the world. Scientific gains have improved medicine, and in many ways before COVID19, people were living longer and healthier. A greater sense of humanity has changed hearts and brought people together as an answer to many prayers. We have lived the dance, two steps forward, and one step back.
Minnesota's Stay at Home Order is extended to May 13. It is anticipated that high risk and vulnerable populations will be advised to continue social distancing practices beyond when business reopens, and in-person worship resumes. Social media has broadened our reach. And I am encouraged that we will continue to incorporate media ministry in our futures.
As we pray for normalcy, let us so be open to the new normal. David Whitesock, a coach and Social Architect, says the new normal will likely be "something nicer, more egalitarian, morally competitive, collaborative, and community-minded." I find hope in this possibility. Whitesock encourages us to break apart "normal" into economic, psychological, and cultural terms. Addressing how and why will force us to answer value questions. Why so many shoes? Did I really need all of these things? Will I have a chance to use all of this stuff? What would I take back if I could? Have my blessings benefited only me and mine? Have I fully given all I have to give? What needs cultivating in my world? What makes me feel alive? How is it with my soul today? How are things between God and me?
There must be light at the end of the tunnel. There is grace for this time. I believe that this is true.
Blessings,
SanDawna
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A special presbytery meeting is being planned for May 12 at 1:00 p.m. via Zoom. The actual call for the meeting will come via email by Tuesday, April 28, 2020.
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Online worship opportunities in our presbytery
Edgerton: 10:30 Sunday mornings Worship on church Facebook Page, and 11:30 Sunday mornings Worship Audio Version available on church website
Ellsworth Zion, and Rushmore Emmanuel and First are worshiping using Facebook Live at 9:05 a.m. on Sunday mornings and 7:05 p.m. on Wednesday evenings during Lent. We also have a conference call set up for those who do not have Facebook set up for 3:05 p.m. on Sundays and 7:05 p.m. on Wednesdays. We are using Start Meeting for the conference calls.
Fergus Falls: our sermon available on our website
(
www.federatedff.org
)
and our YouTube channel (
FF Federated Church
)
Friday afternoons. We will also post a devotion video in the middle of the week.
Jackson: Facebook Live - Facebook site is Salem Lutheran Church, Jackson, MN
Sunday 9:30 a.m., Wednesday 5:30 p.m., Holy Week - daily devotions, MT and GF 5:30 p.m.
Lake Crystal: Our church is sending Worship bulletin content and sermon via email and regular mail to our membership for each Sunday. Also recording a service from Sanctuary of myself and musician to be accessed on You Tube on the Friday before the given Sunday.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSDuL79Bte0CjYxgTVor1ng
Lismore: 9:00 Sunday mornings - Worship on church Facebook Page
Litchfield: 10:00 am Sunday mornings and Tuesday morning Bible study by Zoom. Contact
Gordy Pennertz
for instructions.
Luverne: 10:15 am Sunday mornings on Facebook Live. Also carried by local cable company.
SUNDAYS on Facebook
10AM sermon/prayer with Pastor Lindsay
10:20 (ish) Children's Time with Bailey DeVetter
10:30 (ish) Music Selection by Ben Marti posted
Randall: 10:00 am Sunday worship service is on Facebook and
webpage
Redwood Falls: 10:15 am worship on Facebook Live on First Presbyterian Redwood Falls page and 6:30 pm Lenten Service (same)
Spicer Hope: Facebook live at 10:00 link on Hope Presbyterian Church
website
.
Also services are uploaded there later in the day.
Willmar: Facebook Live at 10:00 am Sunday mornings
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224th General Assembly (2020): Stated Clerk Nominating Committee recommends J. Herbert Nelson, II, to seek a second term
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Coronavirus/COVID-19 Resources for Congregations and Members
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?—Psalm 27:1
Along with our brothers and sisters all around the world, we’re now coming to terms with the “new normal” brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. It is our hope and goal to equip churches and worshipers with useful information and resources during these trying times. Please check back often for updated information. If you have ideas or resources that might be of interest to the wider church, we invite you to email them to us at
connected@pcusa.org
.
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New Resources from Theology, Formation, and Evangelism
End-of-Life pastoral care resources / Resources at the time of death. The PC(USA) Office of Theology and Worship has developed resources for prayer at the time of death in situations where patients are quarantined, pastors or loved ones are not permitted to be present, and medical personnel may be seeking to offer spiritual care. Two documents are provided, each in two versions:
Prayer at the Time of Death
(
booklet
,
larger print
) and
Comforting the Bereaved
(
booklet
,
larger print
). These materials are based on the
Book of Common Worship
© 2018. Adapted with permission of Westminster John Knox Press. All rights reserved. – April 13, 2020
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Guidance for Faith-Based Communities from the MN Department of Health
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Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Emotional and Spiritual Care
Resources in response to COVID-19
Building Resilience
Webinar for Faith Leaders
This one- hour program is designed to increase participants’ understanding of their own signs of stress and to teach in-the-moment tools to engage the relaxation response in body and mind. This webinar is designed for faith leaders in this season of COVID-19 and will engage participants in responding to questions and prompts to help create a personalized self- care and resilience-building plan, with attention to the particular issues facing faith leaders and awareness of the importance of the spiritual life which guides us all. Those attending will build on their experience while practicing new tools that have been shown to be effective in sustaining our capacity to serve in the midst of challenging circumstances.
Building Resilience
Webinar for General Audiences
This one-hour program is designed to increase participants’ understanding of their own signs of stress and to teach in-the-moment tools to engage the relaxation response in body and mind. This webinar is designed for anyone who is responding to the COVID-19 situation and will engage participants in responding to questions and prompts to help create a personalized self- care and resilience-building plan. Those attending will build on their experience while practicing new tools that have been shown to be effective in sustaining our capacity to serve in the midst of challenging circumstances.
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance can offer either of these one-hour webinars live to groups upon request.
These webinars have been recorded and are available at
www.bit.ly/PDAESCwebinar
. Anyone wishing to view this webinar should also download and print out the accompanying handout, which participants will use as they participate in the webinar.
Live Faith Leader Support Webinars
In addition to the B
uilding Resilience
webinar,
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance can offer a live webinar to groups upon request. These webinars can be tailored to the group’s needs, with PDA offering a panel of presenters to respond to issues that may include self-care, changing needs of ministry in this time, and responding in times of stress, trauma and bereavement.
Please contact Kathy Riley, PDA national staff and Team Lead for Emotional and Spiritual Care at
Kathryn.Riley@pcusa.org
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Prayer List
- For the family of Carol Stiles, ruling elder and former presbytery moderator from First Presbyterian Church of Foley, who passed away on April 10 Obituary
- From Rev. Steve Boots: For Betty’s recovery.
- 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
- For Rev. Elaine and Kent Boyd at First Presbyterian Church of Amboy
- Rev. Araceli Itzep from the Occidente Presbytery
- For Bety Cifuentes, the treasurer of the Partnership Committee, who is beginning chemotherapy
- For the "Men in the Mirror" program. Men from Occidente that MVP supported financially to attend the classes a couple of years ago are going to share 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, will also be training Christian policemen in what they learned from "Men in the Mirror."
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Presbyterian Women: Opportunity is Knocking at Your Heart
The Minnesota Valley PW Spring Gathering that was scheduled for June 2, in Renville has been postponed for now. Please watch for future announcements!
Our PW Presbyterian Women are hoping to have some more women join our Coordinating Team. We usually meet twice a year, once in the Spring and once in the Fall. We also have a Spring Gathering, a day for all MN Valley Presbyterian Women to meet together for fellowship, food, fun, interesting speakers, SERRV vendors, and much more, usually in June. With the virus this year it is very possible that our Spring Gathering will become a Fall Gathering!
Our CT has members that have been on this team for many years and would like some new faces, ideas, etc. We do need a Treasurer, if you enjoy working with numbers. This might be just the thing for you! We have committees too: Communications, Mission/Issues, Search. Please consider this opportunity as we continue to fulfill the Presbyterian Women Purpose
If you have any questions or concerns about this opportunity, please contact me at:
Gloria Rust, Moderator
H) 507-283-4975
C) 507-227-7393
Blessings to all as we work together to praise God, knowing that all things are in his hands!
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Register today to join a book study . . .
The Girl in the Photograph
THE TRUE STORY OF A NATIVE AMERICAN
CHILD, LOST AND FOUND IN AMERICA
by Sen. Byron L. Dorgan
This book study is sponsored by Presbyterian Women in the Synod of Lakes and Prairies and led by members of the PWS Native American Concerns Committee.
It is open to interested women and men across the synod,
via Zoom teleconferencing (using computer or phone)
There is no charge to participate nor to use Zoom, yet registration is required.
Daytime study begins: Monday, April 27, 2020 at 1:30-2:30 PM (CST)
Evening study begins: Monday, April 27, 2020 at 6:30-7:30 PM (CST)
Groups will meet every two weeks for four sessions
Synopsis:
“In this poignant account, former senator Dorgan connects the tale of an abused girl on the Standing Rock Reservation in North Dakota to the larger story of the U.S. government’s mistreatment of Native Americans. Dorgan first encountered five-year-old Tamara (no last name is given) in 1990, when her photograph appeared in a Bismarck Tribune story about the beating she endured in a reservation foster home. The next weekend, Dorgan writes, he traveled from Washington, D.C., to Standing Rock to meet Tamara. But he soon lost track of her. Twenty-seven years later, she reached out to him on social media. Dorgan uses the harrowing details of Tamara’s life story—which includes sexual abuse, homelessness, untreated PTSD, and attempted suicide—to put a human face on the plight of indigenous Americans in general. Among many shocking statistics, he notes that the federal government allocates less healthcare funding per Native person than per incarcerated person. On a more positive note, Dorgan profiles young Native American leaders, such as Mariah Gladstone, whose Indigikitchen project promotes traditional foodways as a means to improving Native Americans’ health. Dorgan’s plea for change serves as an informative and moving introduction to a great injustice.
Provide the following information:
- Name
-
Email address
- Phone #
-
Presbytery
- Afternoon or evening study preference
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Four Students from Dubuque Seminary Looking for Summer Internship
Are you open to serving as a ministry learning site? If so, students from Dubuque Seminary are looking for summer placements. Congregations will provide housing and a monthly stipend. Summer internships are paid at the rate of $1,000 a month. The work-week includes 40 hours, Sunday and mid-week worship leadership, mission engagement and mentor conversations. Students will receive training in pastoral ministry, sit on the session with voice, participate in the presbytery, be assigned to a presbytery commission, engage in community outreach, and participate in the presbytery transformation training. Additionally, interns will receive a mentor.
A successful internship will include a learning experience that prepares new leaders to serve the church with a greater sense of vocational clarity. Interns will gain cultural competence, develop skill in adaptive leadership, and grow in their pastoral identity.
For More Information:
Rev. Dr. SanDawna Gaulman Ashley
Executive Presbyter
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An Invitation to Spiritual Leaders
This is your invitation to submit a short video of yourself offering a meditation of your favorite passage from the Bible for the Presbytery YouTube channel. If you are interested, please contact Steve Tyykila
(
styykila@gmail.com
)
or Andy Davis (
revrn1973@gmail.com
). We'll give you more parameters and information, but we are looking for informal (not from the pulpit), personal, short (less than five minutes) videos on your favorite passage that you can record from your phone or computer. Thanks!
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Pastor Cohort Groups
We are creating pastor cohort groups for interested pastors. Each group will meet monthly via Zoom. The format will include prayer, a book study, case studies, special speakers, cross-pollination of resources and active listening. Interested? Email
SanDawna
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Executive Search
The Search Committee for the Iowa Tri-Presbyteries Leadership Team is actively seeking candidates who might consider a call to serve the presbyteries of Des Moines, North Central Iowa and Prospect Hill as one of their three executives. If you or someone you know may be interested in such a position or interested in learning more, please connect them with the search website:
https://engagingleaders.org/iowa-tri-presbytery-leadership-team/
Letters of interest are being received until April 24.
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Pastoral Leadership Opportunities
First Presbyterian Church, Ashby
- Pastor, yoked parish
Zion Presbyterian Church, Ellsworth; Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, Rushmore; First Presbyterian Church, Rushmore
First Presbyterian Church, Fulda
- Solo Pastor
First Presbyterian Church, Lake Crystal
- Pastor, yoked parish
Maine Presbyterian Church, rural Underwood
- Solo Pastor
Faith Presbyterian Church, Silver Lake
- Solo Pastor
Hope Presbyterian Church, Spicer
- Solo Pastor
First Presbyterian Church, Winnebago
- Interim Pastor
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