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The weekly newsletter from the
Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys
November 4, 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 November 8-14
First Presbyterian Church of Saint Cloud
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Don Fortner, Music Director
Mark Giese, Director of Youth and Campus
Mary Nothnagel, Admn. Asst.
Lynne Osteraas, Clerk of Session
Patty Scott, Custodian
Darin Seaman, Pastor
Dr. Marcelyn Smale, Organist
Scott Varner, Facilities
Prayer List:
Make disciples and continue to bear witness to Christ.
Faithful response to COVID-19.
For folk to adhere to safety protocols.
For those folks working for a cure.
For those who work in healthcare.
For those grieving the loss of loved ones.
For those in senior centers or nursing homes.
For a faithful response to this year's election outcomes.
For the work of nominating committees in churches.
For students, faculty and staff in schools and universities.
For those who feel isolated.
We continue to distribute food boxes monthly through Second Harvest Heartland and Catholic Charities. We recently completed a coat drive for Homeless helping Homeless and Project Connect. Some of our mission opportunities are on hold due to COVID-19.
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The November 14 Stated Presbytery Meeting will be
meeting via Zoom from 10:00 am-12:00 noon.
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Faith Based & COVID-19 Updates
When: Monday, November 9, 2020
Time: 11:00 am – 12 Noon
Hosted by: MDH Faith-Based Outreach Workgroup
Guest Speaker: Kris Ehresmann, MDH Infectious Disease Division Director
Topics to be addressed:
- Current Status of MN & COVID-19
- Data specific to Faith organizations
- Messaging and Guidance
- Sharing strategies by Faith Leaders
- Time for questions and responses
If you have specific questions, please submit them by end of Friday, 11/6/20 to
And put in Subject Line: WebEx question
This WebEx will be recorded. For those registering, we will be sharing the PowerPoint and resources afterwards.
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Congregational Meetings during Covid
By Pamela Prouty, Stated Clerk
The time of year for Congregational Meetings is upon us, and I have had several calls about how to do this during COVID.
First of all, it’s important that the congregational bylaws state that holding a congregational meeting electronically is allowed. The VB has an article which I wrote about the language for electronic meetings; the link for that article is here https://conta.cc/2PxYQMd
Along with your bylaws stating an electronic meeting is authorized, it’s also important to adopt additional rules pertaining to their conduct. These are rules which need to be approved for electronic meetings but can be adapted, updated, and changed when new learnings happen. Following are some additional rules (adapted from Robert’s Rule of Order, newly revised, 12th edition 9.36) to discuss and think about before an electronic meeting happen.
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Robert’s Rule of Order, newly revised, 12th edition states that electronic meetings must provide the “…opportunity for simultaneous aural communication among all participating members equivalent to those of meetings held in person in one room”(9.31). How will this happen?
- How will members who do not have the proper equipment or computer software required for participating in electronic meetings participate?
- What will happen if the moderator, clerk, or a member lose their internet connection? Who will run the meeting? Who will take the notes? What’s the back-up plan? In other words, have a contingency plan for technical difficulties and/or malfunctions.
- What is the method for determining the presence of quorum?
- How will a member be able to raise a point of order? What will be your methods for seeking recognition and obtaining the floor?
- What are the means by which motions are to be submitted? Do all motions need to be submitted ahead of time in writing? Will you take new business during the meeting or do you need a rule about receiving new business for electronic meetings?
- How will votes be taken and verified?
Following are some suggestions from my experience of running electronic meetings:
- At least three people (or more) are needed to smoothly run an electronic meeting; one to be moderator, one to be clerk and one to monitor the members who have questions and to monitor the voting.
- For voting, the video conferencing program, Zoom has feature called poll voting. This works well for one member on one screen. In reality at an electronic congregational meeting, the possibility is high that more than one member is on one screen. In these instances, I have found it easiest to have one person use the poll to vote, then the other members can “private chat” their vote to the person who is monitoring the voting.
- If people are connected to the electronic meeting via the phone and the computer, voting needs to happen in steps. The moderator would ask those on the phone to vote first, followed by those on the computer.
- It is possible to conduct meetings in a hybrid model meaning some people are there in person while others are present via an electronic means. In these cases, I find it extremely important that the business moves a bit slower so that members have a chance to seek recognition to deliberate and vote. And it is vital that one person monitor the computer and the moderator moderate.
- The moderator using the words, “Seeing no objection, I declare the action approved” works well for actions such as approving the agenda, minutes, and other non-controversial actions.
- The moderator needs to moderate with lots of patience. Giving space for members to ask questions, discuss, deliberate and vote is important.
- While electronic meetings are the wave of the future, it’s difficult to discuss and act on challenging topics and conflicting matters.
Electronic meetings are not going away even when the pandemic is over because they are convenient. They are a way for members to be included who might not be physically able to attend in person, for those who are travelling, plus a variety of other reasons. In order for an electronic meeting or a hybrid meeting to go well, planning ahead of time with the people involved with the meeting is so important; I can’t stress this enough. For every meeting which I plan, I meet with the moderator and others prior to the meeting to discuss every possible thing which could happen, so we have a plan.
If you have more “best practices” to share, please do so. And most important if you have questions/concerns, please contact me.
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PCUSA General Counsel Mike Kirk has provided this Q&A for congregations that have been involved with the Boy Scouts, in relation to their bankruptcy and allegations of sexual abuse.
Mike notes: The information should be helpful to any congregation that has/had a Boy Scout troop or had a troop and a charter from the Boy Scouts of America.
However, congregations need to know that:
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The national offices cannot take action on behalf of the member churches since they are, according to the Book of Order, to form separate corporations for purposes such as owning property, employing staff, and purchasing insurance (G-4.0101). Therefore, attorneys hired by congregations will likely advise congregations who believe they should file with the bankruptcy court to do it on behalf of their church corporation; and
- Churches would be wise to contact their local attorney to discuss the information in the Q&A. If the information leads them to believe they may need to file something in the bankruptcy action they should seriously consider hiring local counsel to help them with that process.
The bankruptcy action was filed by the BSA. We expect that some sort of fund will be set up by the bankruptcy court for survivors, against which they can make claims, and for parties (ex. congregations) who may be sued by survivors who might have a claim against the BSA and that party because a BSA leader engaged in abuse while the troop was “hosted” by the congregation.
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Faith Based & COVID-19 Updates
When: Monday, November 9, 2020
Time: 11:00 am – 12 Noon
Hosted by: MDH Faith-Based Outreach Workgroup
Guest Speaker: Kris Ehresmann, MDH Infectious Disease Division Director
Topics to be addressed:
- Current Status of MN & COVID-19
- Data specific to Faith organizations
- Messaging and Guidance
- Sharing strategies by Faith Leaders
- Time for questions and responses
If you have specific questions, please submit them by end of Friday, 11/6/20 to
And put in Subject Line: WebEx question
This WebEx will be recorded. For those registering, we will be sharing the PowerPoint and resources afterwards.
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Minnesota Department of Health Coronavirus Resources
Cultural, Faith, and Disability Communities COVID-19 Update:
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From the Committee on Representation
There is good news to report from the Committee on Representation. As of today, we only have four openings to fill so it would great if we could have a full slate to present for your approval at the presbytery meeting on Saturday, November 14th. We continue to ask for your thought-filled consideration to serve in one of these areas. Following are the list of openings with a brief description of the commission’s or committee’s role.
COMMISSION ON PRESBYTERY LIFE: 2023 (3 year term)
- Plans engaging, informative and celebratory Presbytery meetings, including the Commissioner Briefing and receiving the four church wide offerings: One Great Hour of Sharing, Pentecost, Peace and Global Witness, and Christmas Joy
- Provides vision and strategy for the ongoing life of the presbytery
- Promotes, encourages, and enables congregational participation in, and support of, Presbyterian mission, social justice concerns, and peacemaking initiatives, including but not limited to the presbytery’s current mission connections: Presbyterian Clearwater Forest, Lakeshore Center at Okoboji, Occidenté Partnership Task Force, Ethiopia-South Sudan Ministry Network, The Academy (Commissioned Pastor Training)
- Develops presbytery-sponsored events, both regionally and presbytery-wide, to enrich the lives and enhance the ministries of our congregations.
COMMISSION ON PRESBYTERY OPERATIONS: 2023 (3 year term)
Ensures accountability to the councils of the church.
- Between the meetings of the Presbytery, Operations uses delegated authority to take actions on behalf of the Presbytery as necessary
- Provides oversight for the Presbytery's budgeted and designated finances.
- Provides oversight for the Presbytery's property
- Acts as Trustees of the Presbytery in accordance with the presbytery’s Fiscal Accountability Policies
- Provides oversight of the Presbytery staff and implement the presbytery’s approved personnel policies.
- Nominates members to serve on the Committee on Representation
- Maintains communications with the Synod of Lake and Prairies and the General Assembly
- Receives proposed changes to Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and Operating Procedures and recommend action to presbytery.
COMMITTEE ON CONGREGATIONAL NURTURE: 2023 (3 year term), 2022 (2 year term)
Our vision is to foster the well-being of all congregations of the presbytery.
- Develops relationships with and among the presbytery’s congregations with a strong commitment to their overall health and well-being
- Conducts regular visits to each congregation
- Communicates the particular needs or concerns of the congregations to the appropriate presbytery entity.
COMMISSION ON LEADERSHIP: 3 openings for 2023 (3 year term), 1 opening for 2022 (2 year term)
- Provides support, resources, and care for pastors
- Works with congregations and pastors in the all areas of their relationships, including pastoral transitions
- Acts on grant requests from individuals seeking support for conferences, workshops, other learning opportunities
- Works with inquirers and candidates on behalf of the Presbytery as they move through the process of preparation for ministry as outlined in the Advisory Handbook on Preparation for Ministry from the General Assembly
- Provides for the training, examination, and nurture of Ruling Elders seeking to be commissioned to pastoral service
- Works with congregations in exploring non-traditional staffing models
Also, COR is working with Jim Krapf who is seeking two additional people of color to serve on the Self-Development of People. Per Jim, “The minimum number required is five members. The majority of the committee must be non-Caucasian. The members do not have to be Presbyterian Church USA members, except for the chairperson. Additional members would be helpful, since we are at the minimum. Our Committee is scheduled to be recertified in 2021 so recruiting members before then would be advantageous.” I’m sure Jim would be glad to talk with anyone who has questions or can suggest someone for him to contact.
Our prayer is that all these terms can be filled in time for the presbytery meeting! Many thanks for your thought-filled consideration. Interest Form
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First Communion at First in Ashby
Submitted by Paul Snyder
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This congregation has had a history of having First Communion following Confirmation, but this year the session decided to offer First Communion to 3rd grade and above, so Sunday 23 new communicants came to the table!! It was a great celebration and it felt good to be able to celebrate this together in person as safely as we could. We just had the kids together for the picture for a few minutes because we couldn't get them in a picture as I had them lined up and spaced out across the entire front of the sanctuary. |
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Register for Small Church Residency Conversations by Zoom
Thursday, November 12 at 6:30 pm
Saturday, November 21 at 9:00 am
We are a small and mighty group from the Presbytery inviting you into a new possibility for ministry in your specific contexts. Knowing you are a vibrant congregation seeking pastoral leadership, we are exploring the gifts of early-in-ministry pastors who would love to come and lead and create alongside you in a “Small Church Residency.” This would mean an early-career pastor would be designated for two years at your church for transformation, regeneration, reimagining, and mutual growth in ministry. Through a generous grant from the Presbyterian Mission Agency and Minnesota Valleys Presbytery, resources would be available to come alongside you to support this new minister and help you all rise and change and grow together.
Qualifications for this ministry opportunity are attached to this email, but in short, here is what we are looking for:
- Small and mighty churches willing and open for change
- Resources (financial and otherwise) to support a full-time pastor call meeting Presbyterian Minimum Guidelines (potential salary assistance up to $5,000)
If you are interested in this exciting new opportunity, we will host ZOOM conversations on Thursday, November 12 at 6:30 pm and Saturday, November 21 at 9 am to answer questions and explore possibilities about what this ministry format could look like. If these aren’t an option for you, but you think your church is up for the adventure in Small Church Residency, do reach out to the presbytery, and we’ll find a way and time to enter conversation with you!
Dreaming into the next phase of ministry with you,
The Small Church Residency Task Force
Rev. SanDawna Gaulman Ashley, Executive Presbyter
Rev. Beverly Brock, First Presbyterian Church of Foley
Rev. Lindsay Conrad, First Presbyterian Church of Mankato
Rev. Randy Knuth, First Presbyterian Church of Fulda
Rev. Paul Snyder, First Presbyterian Church of Ashby
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November Ordination Dates
11/12/2000 Beverly Brock
11/14/1999 Jon Armajani
11/18/1986 Norma Spurgin
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News from Guatemala
By Jim Krapf
On October 14, our Rev. Mark Ford and Rev. Kathy Gorman Coombs of Albany, NY co-hosted a virtual meeting of the Guatemalan Network. Participants included some 30 people from across our nation, one being a retired Guatemalan mission co-worker now in the US, plus two of our mission co-workers in Guatemala.
One of them, Leslie Vogel, shared information relevant to our scholarships for children of pastors in our sister presbytery of Occidente. She said that the education system in Guatemala was collapsing before the pandemic, but has been further disrupted by the spread of the virus and resulting restrictions. Continuing by using internet connections is challenging in two ways. Families do not always have money to must pay for access. Leslie also told the story of students needing to climb to higher elevations to get reception for their assignments and then needing to repeat the effort to submit their homework. Richard Welch, the recently retired mission co-worker, noted that educational discrepancies are increasing as wealthier families can connect their children to private schools and tutors.
During this time, your donations to scholarships can help with purchasing cell phones and internet access. Occidente’s Committee on Ministry will be making these decisions. They are anticipating that the next school year will not begin in January, but be pushed back to next March if possible by then. So please continue to make a difference with the target amount of $250 per scholarship. Your designated checks can be sent to our presbytery office.
The people ministering in Guatemala lifted up again the positive impact of “Men in the Mirror” a Christ-centered educational program to promote appropriate masculine behaviors. Pastor Mateo has recently offered this training to police chaplains across Guatemala. We have support this effort with our funds.
Leslie also reported that the coronavirus has caused many deaths including pastors. To enforce social distancing cemeteries will be closed for the upcoming traditional Day of the Dead, restricting families and neighbors from grieving together. Some people from our presbytery virtually attended the funeral for Bety Sanchez, who was a leader in women’s ministries and a gracious host and an inspiration of faith for us. She died of cancer. Her daughter Romina carries on her mother’s example of service through her work with Living Waters.
Mission Co-worker Eliane Meneges, who works with Presbyterian Women, reported that the women are meeting on line to pray for one another, to mourn together, and to encourage one another. She said that the women are seeking to make up some lost income by working from home with projects such as sewing. Thank you to those in our presbytery who donated funds for sewing machines and who offered instructions in quilting.
The pandemic has cause loss of income with people not being able to work or not being able to transport produce or animals to market. Some partnerships in the US reported that they shifted their budgeted funds from trip expenses to hunger relief. Our budget has not allowed us to do that. But you should know that your offerings to the One Great Hour of Sharing are providing relief through Presbyterian Distance Assistance. Edwin Gonzales of that agency reported that those funds are making a positive difference. Jeff Wagner of Living Waters of the World noted that clean water systems such as the ones that we have helped install remain vital for healthy conditions.
One of the US partners at the network meeting reminded us that even in these trying times our Guatemalan partners are gifting us with their prayers. AMEN!
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Prayer List
- For Beverly Raske, Renville, former Interim Executive Presbyter, broken shoulder
- For Rev. Bill Yueill, retired pastor, Zimmerman
- For Rev. John Lindholm, retired pastor, Fergus Falls
- 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
Zion Presbyterian Church, Ellsworth; Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, Rushmore; First Presbyterian Church, Rushmore - Interim Pastor
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
Hope Presbyterian Church, Spicer - Solo Pastor
First Presbyterian Church, Winnebago - Interim Pastor
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Tending to Ambiguous Losses in Uncertain Times
Nov. 12, 6:30-8:30pm | $20
Online Zoom Class Hosted by
Ambiguous losses are perhaps the most challenging kind of loss. When someone or something is physically absent yet psychologically present, or physically present yet psychologically absent, it’s hard to find clarity, it’s hard to make decisions, and it’s hard to grieve. The physical, emotional, economic, and relational uncertainty resulting from the current pandemic further complicates ambiguous losses. In this workshop, we’ll discuss the nature of ambiguous loss and ways to deepen our resilience in these uncertain times.
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Led by Carla Dahl, Professor of Congregational and Community Care at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota.
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