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A weekly newsletter from the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys
September 8, 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 12-18
Ashford Presbyterian Church of Milroy
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Pastor: Troy Krause
Session: Patricia Rosa, Dan Leach, Clay Rosa, Kim Leach
Treasurer: Carolyn Datwyler
We are a very small parish. Prayers for church members, leaders, and those who are dealing with hard things.
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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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Commission on Leadership Highlights
The Commission on Leadership met last week face to face for the first time since January 2020! We met at the Presbytery office. Deb DeMeester, Director of Leadership for the Synod of Lakes and Prairies, gave an enlightening presentation on trends in pastoral leadership. We learned and talked a lot about how to better support our pastoral leaders and trends in pastoral leadership. COL has taken action on some ideas for supporting our pastoral leaders. We also considered business. We are excited to share that the First Presbyterian Churches of Kasota and Lake Crystal have called a new pastor, the Rev. Jeanne Kumbalek who will be starting in November. Also we have a candidate for ordination, Laura Messer who is being called to the Faith Presbyterian Church in Silver Lake. A special presbytery meeting has been called for Monday, September 27 at 2:30 to examine her for ordination. This meeting will be held at the Presbytery Office (First Presbyterian Church, Willmar, MN); more information will be coming out on September 17, so be watching your inbox. Also we want to share that the Rev. Elaine Boyd will be retiring from the First Presbyterian Church, Amboy at the end of September. COL spends a lot of its time talking about churches in transition and receiving reports from churches. We took action to raise the Moderator fee to $50 per meeting and want to remind you that we raised the pulpit supply rate to $150 plus mileage at the IRS rate; adding another $50 for a second worship service on the same day. We also updated the pulpit supply list; if you know people who would like to be on the pulpit supply list, please let us know. If you ever have questions or concerns, please contact COL co-chairs Bev Brock and Deb Hess.
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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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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
Chaplain position open in Duluth
We are looking for someone called to chaplaincy within a restorative justice framework. CHUM in Duluth holds the contracts for Northeast Regional Corrections Center and St Louis County Jail, and we have two chaplains retiring October 1st. We are offering options! This can either be filled as a full time, benefits eligible position or two part time positions (20 or 24 hours/week at the prison and CHUM shelter or the St Louis County Jail, respectively). Applications close on September 12th. The link can be found here: https://www.chumduluth.org/employment.htm. Contact Rev. Patricia Benson (pbenson@chumduluth.org) if you need more information, or if you have questions.
CHUM is “People of faith working together to provide basic necessities, foster stable lives, and organize for a just and compassionate community.” We provide emergency shelter, food and street outreach throughout Duluth.
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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 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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