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A weekly newsletter from the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys
August 25, 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 29 - September 4
Christ United Presbyterian Church of Marshall
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Staff: Pastor Anne Veldhuisen, Office Admin Mary Thielke
Elders: Sharon Kabes, Sharon Williams, Dave Kabes and Barb Springer
We are thankful that throughout the pandemic we have been able to continue support for Esther's Kitchen, using our church facilities, which serves dinner to go, 5 days each week to those who are in need. We ask prayers for this program as we will begin in person meals in the near future.
Please pray for our church, Grace First Parish in Russell and Pastor Anne as we begin a temporary shared ministry in September. If this ministry is successful for all, it will become fully effective in January 2022.
Prayers also for our members and neighbors facing health issues and those impacted by this season's drought. Continued prayers for all who are impacted by the pandemic as we enter into the second wave.
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Covid19 Update:
The Minnesota Council of Churches had a Zoom meeting on Tuesday with Mary Higgins from the Minnesota Department of Health. The surge of new Covid19 cases in Minnesota is troubling. The difference between reported cases in August of last year and this year shows 2021 up 84%. And in the last few weeks the infection rates are changing dramatically. From July 1-15, confirmed cases were between 50-200 cases per day. From August 1-15, confirmed cases were 500-1200 per day. Between August 16-19, they were between 1300 and 1600 per day. There are not as many deaths as last year because the older and more vulnerable population has mostly been vaccinated. So the cases that are hospitalized now are much younger and healthier.
The Delta variant is much more contagious the original Covid19. In tests with the originally virus, each person averaged infecting three people. With the Delta, each person infects seven. We hear a lot about breakthrough cases; the statistics show those who are ill are 99.6% unvaccinated.
The concern is how to keep children who cannot be vaccinated safe. The advice is to have everyone around them that can be vaccinated. Also other mitigation recommendations are still distancing and masks. As you are starting to think about programs with children and youth this fall, please keep their safety and health as your greatest priority.
I am with all you who are really sick of this. We need to work together and do what we can to stop the spread. The more the virus spreads the better chance for more variants to evolve. The last thing we need is to have another even more contagious or deadly strain appear.
My friends, stay safe and look to the safety of those around you.
--Kathy Terpstra, Gap Executive Presbyter
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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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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
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 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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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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