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A weekly newsletter from the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys
August 18, 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 August 22-28
First Presbyterian Church of Mankato
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Session members: Terry Kuechle, Rachel Mueller, Bob Madsen, Kelly McBride, Jim Connors, Curt Koenen, Kelly Vihstadt, Dick Lewis, Garry Fay
Deacons: Genette Carleton, Mary Topp, Janet Goff, Marilyn Hanson, Brad Stinocher, Hannelore Leipold, Gwen Michel, Derek Fette, Suellen Lloyd, Karen Nelson, Sol Filfili
Staff: Pastor Lindsay Jacaruso, Bailey DeVetter, Lynnette Stadtherr, Bridget Hermer, Ben Marti, Mark Zallek, Brenda Liebhard-Johnson
Prayers for all the leaders making difficult decisions during this time and for all the people preparing for another school year.
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Photos from the Presbytery meeting in Mankato Aug 17 |
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Wonderful help at the registration table - thanks so much!!! |
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At left: Paula Tift leads part of the SDOP Presentation
At right: Moderator David Lick anoints Rev. Brian Jones's hands for service at Hope Presbyterian, Spicer
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Rev. Lindsay Conrad, First Presbyterian Mankato, leads communion |
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At left: Dick Andzenge leads part of the SDOP Presentation
At right: Chuol Yat shares about his recent mission trip
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New mailing address
Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys
PO Box 431
Kerkhoven MN 56252
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2021 Minnesota Valleys
Pastors’ Rest and Renewal Retreat
When: 6 pm Sunday, Sept 19 – 9 am Wednesday, Sept 22
Where: Leaning Tree Lodge at Clearwater Forest
Cost: $50 (double occupancy), $100 (single occupancy, space allowing) in Leaning Tree lodge, which includes lunch and dinner each day at the dining hall, and informal breakfast in Leaning Tree.
Description: This retreat is designed for active and retired pastors and CREs in Minnesota Valleys Presbytery. The purpose of the retreat will be to rest and recreate in “God’s woods and waters.” Other than mealtimes and worship and devotional times, you will be free to relax, fish, golf, boat, hike, or chill in a swing or hammock. You will also have opportunities to hang out with colleagues and build friendships with your peers in the Presbytery. You will have the opportunity, if you wish, to share ideas, collaborate, and encourage each other. Our sincere hope and prayer is that you will come home from this retreat with recharged batteries and renewed energy.
See flyer for more information
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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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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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This summer, we’re celebrating our Presbyterian generosity — and inspiring congregations like yours to join our chorus of giving!
Summer of Song: A Concert Series brought to you by the Presbyterian Giving Catalog was created not only to thank those who continue giving generously, but also to lift up our connection to music, and one another.
The final concert on August 21 at 6 p.m. CST will feature The Mission Musicians, Presbyterians coming together to share their belief in the power of music to spread God’s love. They will perform a selection of beloved songs.
Performances will also be available to view on demand at the link below after their premieres.
Please share this opportunity with your members in your newsletters or on social media, and encourage them to join us in joyfully honoring our shared love of music, and the difference we’re making together. Your congregation may also enjoy the chance to experience the concerts together! We invite you to reach out to us if you’re interested in learning about hosting a watch party.
Use this link to join the concerts live, or to view on demand at any time!
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Women Church Leaders’ Retreat
Women’s Leadership in the Church: Ongoing Challenges and Unspoken Joys
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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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Transitional Ministry Education for All Pastors—A message from TMEC (Transitional Ministry Education Consortium)
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Prayer List
- For Carissa Cunningham, daughter of Pastor Jason and Annalisa Cunningham (Luverne), who underwent heart surgery on Monday, August 9.
- 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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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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So happy to send you this 2021 Racial Ethnic Student Scholarship application from the Committee on Racial Ethnic Ministries of the Synod of Lakes and Prairies, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). A copy is provided here as an attachment to this email, a hard copy if this was mailed to you, or available as a link on the synod website here, https://lakesandprairies.org/finance-grants/scholarship-funds/. We hope that you will post it wherever announcements are made for college students.
The Student Scholarship is an educational assistance program designed to encourage Indigenous and students of color in their preparation for academic success in higher education. Students must have a permanent residence within the Synod of Lakes and Prairies, be active members in a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregation and have confirmation of enrollment in a college, university, or specialty program.
The synod is committed to partner with students and schools for leadership development and quality instruction for lifelong service. Application awards are based on personal achievement, financial need and recommendation from a teacher and pastor.
Completed applications are due September 30, 2021, and must include an official transcript and financial aid statement.
Please help share this news by distributing the form to eligible students and interested church partners. Still have questions? Contact Elona Street-Stewart, 651-357-1149 or estreetstewart@lakesandprairies.org.
Send completed form to:
The Committee on Racial Ethnic Ministry
Synod of Lakes and Prairies
2115 Cliff Drive
Eagan MN 55122-3327
Fax: 651-357-1141
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The Ministry Lab is delighted to offer a 2021 Summer Worship Series featuring three excellent preachers and a beautiful team of current United Theological Seminary students giving voice to the diversity of identities and contexts of our supporting congregations. Worship formats vary across the state, so all three services are available in video and print form. You can access the service in its entirety, or each segment individually. Use as best fits your setting!
View information on all 3 services and request access here.
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