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A weekly newsletter from the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys
September 15, 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 September 19-25
First Presbyterian Church of Mountain Lake
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Staff: Linda Becken, CLP
Julie Johnson, Clerk of Session/Church Secretary
Steve Peters, Custodian
Char Peters, Treasurer
Session Members: Steve Peters, Frank Wallert, Jerry Logue, Jean Haberman, Roxann Wellman
We are a small congregation, so we celebrate having recently welcomed two new members. One of our post-Covid highlights was a shared picnic and worship in the park last July with the congregation from St. James. We enjoyed worship music provided by the Bullypulpit Bluegrass Band.
As we look to some changes in the near future, we pray that our members are able to adapt and continue to support our church. We pray for those who have recently lost loved ones and for our members who are experiencing health issues.
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Executive Presbyter, Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys
We seek a down-to-earth, collaborative leader to partner with the 51 congregations of our western Minnesota presbytery. We are blessed to live, work, and worship in the beautiful landscape of lake country and rolling farmland, small rural communities, college towns, and resort communities. We are congregations who seek to be a collective expression of the Body of Christ, joyfully participating in Christ’s on-going life and work. We seek an EP who can help us live into this vision by encouraging us to build partnerships and embrace a vibrant future. You can find more information about the position on the CLC website. Or, you can email gmilloy@lakesandprairies.org. Deadline for Application is October 31, 2021.
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COVID Update from Kathy
Last Wednesday, I was in a Zoom meeting with the association of mid-council leaders. Lisa Algood gave us an update on Covid. Lisa is the Executive Presbyter of the Presbytery of Cincinnati and a trained immunocytochemist who spent 36 years as an executive in the pharmaceutical industry. Here is the information she has shared, and we are not out of the COVID woods by a long shot.
Here’s the good news:
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The vaccines work. A peer-reviewed study just came out this morning, published in the Lancet. The data, gathered from December 8, 2020, through July 4, 2021, show that of more than 1.2 million adults who received a first dose, fewer than 0.5% reported contracting breakthrough infections two weeks or more after getting the jab. Among those who got both shots, fewer than 0.2% experienced a breakthrough infection a week or more after getting their second shot. And if you don’t think vaccines work, go to your local cemetery and count the number of children there before 1950 and after 1950. We have essentially eradicated most childhood disease through vaccination.
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Masks work. Another recent study showed that flu activity, or incidence of flu cases, in November 2020 was approximately 91% lower than in November 2019, according to the data. Flu vaccines were up but we were still under significant masking. Overall we had 1% of the number of hospitalizations for flu nationally in 2020 than in previous years. Yes – masks work.
Now the bad news – it's becoming dire.
Every one of our counties in the Presbytery is at highest risk and vulnerability right now. Numbers are at the same or higher than the worst peak we experienced this past January/February. Most of even our major hospitals here – and we have LOTS – are overrun. ERs are beginning to turn away anything that isn’t COVID. ICUs are full again.
So, for the Love of God:
- If you aren’t vaccinated, get vaccinated. These are ridiculously safe and effective vaccines. The longer we have unvaccinated people running around, not only will we continue to have record number of hospitalizations and deaths, we create conditions for serious additional variants to evolve – and eventually one of those will be able to evade the vaccines altogether and we’ll be back where we started.
- If you are vaccinated, get the booster. Although antibody titers (levels) decline over time, cellular immunity is still robust (see the breakthrough data above) but – get the booster anyway. There are additional boosters back in clinical testing that will be targeted against delta and other variants. Get those too. Hamilton County will start booster shots 9/20.
- Get your flu shot. Everything you can do to boost your immune system is a good thing.
- Wear masks, whether you’re vaccinated or not, whenever you are indoors in a crowd. The Presbytery office requires them.
- Whatever precautions you had in place this past January – go back to them. Sigh deeply and shoulder the fights you’re going to have. Do it anyway – because you love your community of believers and want them ALL to be safe. Ideally everyone in a sanctuary is masked at all times. For everything.
Above all, believe that He Who is faithful is always faithful – and He loves you. Deeply, madly, for always.
Me too.
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Save the Date!
On Saturday, October 23 from 10-2 at the First Presbyterian Church in Willmar (the new location for the presbytery office) we will have the Clerk Review (2019 and 2020 records), a training for church treasurers and other church finance people and congregational personnel committees. More details will be coming. Lunch will be provided, and registration will be done through the presbytery office.
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Climate Speak-out at Presbytery
I'm Earl Knutson, a member at First Pres Willmar. My passion is a healthy climate for my grandkids and great-grands, and by the way for your grands and great grands, and by the way for all grands and great-grands.
I'm a member of a group called Presbyterians for Carbon Dividends, which is a small branch on Presbyterians for Earth Care. We are about 80 strong from all over the US. Our core group, about eight, meets twice a month via zoom.
Our group is firm in the belief that we badly need a tax on carbon to slow global warming which causes harmful climate change.
We have a few projects to encourage and enable all Presbyterians to lobby Congress to include a carbon tax in forthcoming climate legislation. Some months ago I wrote to all 52 presbytery churches offering some of our products. The Valley Bridge has carried three of our offerings. I hope that many Presbyterians will join in. Some here already have.
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People Investing in People
Our Presbytery’s Self-Development of People Committee is now fully composed and qualified to review and decide on grant applications. We are grateful for the opportunity we had to present this opportunity at the August 17 Presbytery meeting.
Our invitation at this time is for congregations and their leaders to identify grassroots groups in their communities who are struggling but want to improve their situations. This is a wonderful way for your church to join God in reaching out to neighbors in need.
The basic criteria to qualify is that the group 1) own, 2) control, and 3) benefit from the project.
The process includes: 1) Groups submitting application forms to committee chair by October 1; 2) Committee reviewing, doing on-site or zoom visit, and deciding by November 1; 3) National office deciding and distributing funds in January. We have $4500 available for our presbytery.
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Zoom Confirmation Project Update
A task force consisting of Scott Prouty, David Choate, Jill Boeyink, Emily Meyer (co-opted from the Ministry Lab) and Randy Knuth are working on rolling out an opportunity for churches of the Presbytery to participate in. We are hoping that our efforts will be received by smaller congregations, especially who may have only one to a few students who may want to participate in this ground-breaking project. Our confirmation program anticipates to be launched the first part of September. So watch your Valley Bridge for developing announcements. Contact Randy Knuth, 712-540-8243 or knuthr758@gmail.com if you'd like to be a part of this exciting program. He will gladly share with you details thus far and get you on the list.
--For the Commission on Congregational Transformation & Development
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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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150th Anniversary at First Presbyterian Church, Windom
On Sunday, October 17 the First Presbyterian Church in Windom will be celebrating 150 years. Former pastors and people who have been ordained out of our congregation, as well as former members and others have all been invited to a worship service at 10:00 a.m. followed by a catered lunch at 11:30 a.m. and a program at 1:00 p.m. “To God be the Glory” is our theme as we reflect and celebrate our past and look forward to our future mission and ministry. You are all invited to join us; please RSVP to bdmuller@mvtvwireless.com.
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Presbyterian Clearwater Forest September newsletter
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The Cultural, Faith, and Disability Communities COVID-19 Update
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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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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
Maine Presbyterian Church, rural Underwood - 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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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 of 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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Access to The Ministry Lab's three free worship services will be closing after Sunday, September 19, so we can honor our copyright agreements with contributors. Now is the time to take advantage! We hope these services have provided leaders with an opportunity to take a breath, this summer.
We'd be happy to create new services! Please let us know if and what would be most helpful to you and your congregation.
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