Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Peace in the New Year!
Jim Amy Deb
Gretchen Pam Elona
The synod office will be closed Dec. 24 through Jan. 3.
(Photo is from Christmas 2019. We look much the same in 2020, maybe better.)
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Blue Christmas Service -Manitowoc Cooperative Ministry
Monday, December 21, 7 p.m.
The holiday season can be an especially difficult time for those who are living with loss or grief. All are invited to a special Blue Christmas worship service at 7 PM on Monday 12/21 to remember and honor our loss and grief. If you like, have a candle ready to light during the service at the indicated time. View and interact on Facebook live, or view at a later date on our YouTube channel. All are welcome. If you know anybody else who may be living with grief, please share this invitation with them.
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Viewing the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn, popularly known at the "Christmas Star," will culminate on Dec. 21.
"The planets regularly appear to pass each other in the solar system, with the positions of Jupiter and Saturn being aligned in the sky about once every 20 years.
What makes this year’s spectacle so rare, then? It’s been nearly 400 years since the planets passed this close to each other in the sky, and nearly 800 years since the alignment of Saturn and Jupiter occurred at night, as it will for 2020, allowing nearly everyone around the world to witness this “great conjunction.”
The closest alignment will appear just a tenth of a degree apart and last for a few days. On the 21st, they will appear so close that a pinkie finger at arm’s length will easily cover both planets in the sky. The planets will be easy to see with the unaided eye by looking toward the southwest just after sunset.
To see this phenomenon, here’s what to do:
- Find a spot with an unobstructed view of the sky, such as a field or park. Jupiter and Saturn are bright, so they can be seen even from most cities.
- An hour after sunset, look to the southwestern sky. Jupiter will look like a bright star and be easily visible. Saturn will be slightly fainter and will appear slightly above and to the left of Jupiter until December 21, when Jupiter will overtake it and they will reverse positions in the sky.
- The planets can be seen with the unaided eye, but if you have binoculars or a small telescope, you may be able to see Jupiter’s four large moons orbiting the giant planet."
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A Winter Learning Opportunity for Presbyterians |
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Pastoral Care
February 1-March 8, 2021
Join this class to explore what it means to reflect on what it means to provide pastoral care in a variety of settings and concerns. Rev. Lisa Watson, a long-time hospital chaplain, who currently serves as a
Marriage and Family Counselor is the instructor.
Who might want to take this class?
- Deacons who provide pastoral care and make pastoral visits
- Commissioned Pastors who would like to improve their pastoral care
- Those who might be called to be commissioned pastors as it meets the criteria of participating presbyteries
What will this class involve?
This course is designed to introduce you to pastoral care and the issues that commonly arise in this ministry. Our goal is to address topics that are directly relevant and applicable to your ministry work. Through readings, discussion, and self-reflective exercises, you will:
- Increase your understanding of the essence of pastoral care.
- Identify theological, scientific and awareness resources for future use in pastoral care
- Deepen self-reflection awareness and skills needed to provide thoughtful pastoral care. There will be one book to read in advance and two instruments to take prior to the class.
The class runs asynchronously, meaning, you will participate in weekly activities at your own pace, based on your schedule. Each week, you will be expected to complete an assigned reading, participate in a discussion, respond to two of your classmates’ discussion posts, and complete an assignment. We estimate that you will spend about two hours weekly on coursework. There will be two Zoom meetings with the instructor: February 15 and March 1 from 7-8 p.m.
What is the cost?
$125 for those whose presbyteries support The Academy. $150 for those whose presbytery is not a partner. For those interested in the whole series of 11 classes in the Academy, there is an additional discount.
Who is sponsoring this?
This is a class offered through The Academy, a series of classes for church members designed to deepen faith as participants encounter Christ in a new way. For those who are called or are exploring a call to become a Commissioned Pastor, this is a program that can help that happen. The Synod of Lakes and Prairies and the Presbyteries of Minnesota Valleys, North Central Iowa, Northern Waters and Prospect Hill are the current sponsors of the Academy.
How do I register or find additional information?
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The Association of Presbyterian Church Educators invites all involved in educational ministry to embark on a 3-day, “Anything But Ordinary Time” virtual adventure like never before, Feb. 4-6! While 2020 may feel like anything but ordinary, we know God is “making all things new.” While we yearn to be with one another face-to-face, we will instead have a closer-than-front-row seat to every plenary speaker, preacher, musician, and workshop leader. These trailblazers will inform, inspire, and challenge us to:
- Create and build community through technology
- Grow in how we lead through the strength of diversity, and
- Build hope for the church, for our ministries, and for ourselves.
Whether you are a seasoned educator/pastor, inquiring student, or a parent teaching from home for the first time, we will all walk away from our screens with a renewed sense that we are the church and God is with us no matter what.
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The Art of Transitional Leadership |
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Learning Ministry Skills for Today’s and Tomorrow’s Church
Pastors, Staff, COMs and Congregational Leaders
February 8-12, 2021
Online
Whether it is a change in leadership or a changing community, leading a congregation through change is both challenging and rewarding. It takes knowledge, skill, resilience and spiritual strength to navigate the waters of change in a way that leaders and congregations thrive. This training is for individuals who are considering ministry in temporary settings (as an interim, transitional or designated pastor) or are experiencing ministry in these transitional times. Materials presented will include the basics of transitional ministry and will be of value to all congregational pastors regardless of their ministry setting. Best practices in transitional ministry include ways to enter the congregation and community, how to analyze a congregation’s strength and growing edges, and how to assist a congregation in moving toward a vibrant future. This training will delve into navigating change, the pastor as a spiritual interpreter of transition, family systems, mission focus ministry, conflict mediation, and building resiliency.
Participants completing the full 30 hours of training will meet the requirements for Week I Transitional Ministry Education. If you want a certificate of completion, you must actively participate in all sessions in their entirety. We will meet Monday-Thursday from 9:00-11:30, 1:30-4:30 and Friday from 9:00-noon. Tuition and fees cover the tuition as well as the costs of taking the Thomas Kilman Inventory and the Intercultural Development Inventory. Continue reading for additional information.
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Formation for Mission: Dipping into the Well of PC(USA) Resources |
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A Spring Learning Opportunity for Presbyterians
March 13-14, 2021
This weekend class offers participants the opportunity to learn more about the breadth and depth of resources available for Presbyterian church leaders. This course provides the opportunity to interact with a number of national staff people for the PC(USA) and to become acquainted with the resources their offices offer to aid and further the ministry of local congregations.
Who should consider taking this class?
- Anyone who wants to grow in their faith and understanding of being Presbyterian
- Session members and Deacons
- Committee chairs
- Commissioned Pastors seeking a helpful continuing education opportunity
- Those who might be called to be commissioned pastors
What will this class involve?
Through a series of interactive panel discussions with national staff for the PCUSA, participants will dip deep into the well of resources for:
- Understanding and engaging the Matthew 25 initiative of the denomination and its focus on building congregational vitality, eradicating system poverty and dismantling structural racism.
- Forming lifelong disciples who are grounded in the reformed tradition and equipped for evangelism, equipped to be peacemakers and witnesses to the world, and who engage the reformed tradition to work towards justice and equity for all God's people.
- The Presbyterian Publishing House will share new resources for faith formation of all ages and participants will explore a variety of resources and how they can be used in local congregations.
- This class will meet by Zoom on Saturday 9:00-5:00 and Sunday 9:00-3:00 CT.
What is the cost?
$125 for participants from partner presbyteries. $150 for participants from non-partner presbyteries. For those interested in the whole series of 11 classes in the Academy, there is a discount.
Who is sponsoring this?
This is a class offered through The Academy, a series of classes for church members designed to deepen faith as participants encounter Christ in a new way. For those who are called or are exploring a call to become a Commissioned Pastor, this is a program that can help that happen. The Synod of Lakes and Prairies and the Presbyteries of Minnesota Valleys, North Central Iowa, Northern Waters and Prospect Hill are the current sponsors of the Academy.
How do I register or find more information?
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Daisy Dille, a longtime member of the Synod staff passed away on December 3, 2020.
Daisy Rae (Mahoney) Dille was born September 3, 1936 in Cairo, Ill. to Ray and Yula (Wilson) Mahoney and died December 3, 2020.
In 1957, she married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, George. They have two sons, three grandsons, one great-grandson, and two great-grandbabies on the way. Her family was the most important thing in her life!
Daisy and George cherished their time together in the many places they lived: Mounds, Ill., Killeen, Texas, St. Louis and Hannibal, Mo., Topeka, Kan., Eden Prairie, Minn. and Manhattan, Kan. She enjoyed travelling with George, camping, reading, quilting, and working on photo albums for her family. Daisy loved watching the men’s Minnesota Gopher’s basketball, K-State baseball and basketball teams, Junction City baseball, and most of all, watching her grandkids participate in sport activities! Upon her retirement as Administrative Assistant to the Synod Executive in October 1998, she and George moved to Manhattan, Kan. to be near their family.
A celebration of her wonderful life will be held at Westmoreland United Methodist Church, Westmoreland, Kan. for family only. Daisy’s ashes will be scattered over her beloved Kansas Flint Hills on the Dille Farm by her family in Olsburg, Kan.
Memorial contributions may be given in memory of Daisy Rae Dille to the Mounds, Ill. Public Library (First St., Mounds, IL), Manhattan, Kansas Public Library, or to the Johnson Cancer Research Center, K-State University, Manhattan, Kan. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502. Online condolences may be left for the family on the funeral home website.
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Year of Leader Formation: Investing in Ruling Elders and Deacons |
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As Christians, we are in a continuous process of growth in relationship with God, each other, and self. This is also true of those who have been called to service in the ordered ministries of the church. During 2021, resources specifically geared toward this growth as well as the ecclesial development of Presbyterian leaders will be provided for those currently serving and those preparing to serve PC(USA) congregations as ruling elders and deacons. Focused in large part around the new resource, Coming Alive in Christ: Training for Ruling Elders and Deacons Based on the Constitutional Questions, the Year of Leader Formation will also include a webinar series, a formation focus within the existing Regarding Ruling Elders articles, a new hymn, and other resources throughout 2021. Events, announcements, and links will be available and updated on the Year of Leader Formation webpage.
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"Blessed be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love..."
Per Capita offerings are an individual effort to show that we believe and belong to this body that we call 'Presbyterian'. Our individual offerings join with others' in the joyful participation in the Spirit's collective work of strengthening and expanding the Church. Our particular structure and style of discernment welcomes all voices to the decision table and the Lord's table, ensuring our leaders are able to serve God and God's people with energy, intelligence, imagination and love.
In giving to support Per Capita, we are saying, "Thank you for the gift of the Church." We are working together, seeking the mind of Christ, working for justice and mercy in the world, and participating in God's continual reformation of the Church.
We are the Church, together.
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Information and Resources on COVID |
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Thank you to the presbyteries of North Central Iowa and Prospect Hill for sharing this information presented by Lisa Allgood, Executive Presbyter of the Presbytery of Cincinnati.
As an immunocytochemist and graduate of the University of Medicine and Dentistry in NJ, Lisa Allgood spent 36 years as an executive in the pharmaceutical industry. Ordained as a Ruling Elder and through her CRE training, Lisa has served in many capacities on sessions and for the Presbytery.
Lisa shared an update of the progress of coronavirus vaccines and answered questions about current best practices for for churches as we navigate the Advent and Christmas seasons during this pandemic. Please click on the items below to be taken directly to that resource.
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Breakdown Whiteness an online resource
explains racism to white audiences
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A group of academics in religious studies, history, and ethics recently joined together to develop Breakdown Whiteness, an online resource designed to explain structural racism to white audiences.
The website serves as a clearinghouse of existing resources designed to dismantle white supremacy in America. Resources are categorized by age and subject. The site also includes a glossary of terms and actions that can be taken to stop the policies and practices, which enable systemic and structural racism.
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The Youth Theology Network (YTN) provides a place where young people can turn to explore questions about their faith, purpose, and call to ministry in the world. A national network of colleges, universities, and theological schools funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. to identify, ignite and cultivate the gifts of a new generation of Christian leaders who will make an impact in the world, YTN also partners with the Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE).
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During 2020 the Presbytery has given $9,106.84 in Technology Grants including providing one-year subscriptions to Zoom to 5 churches.
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Vernon Presbyterian Church seeks Stated Supply
Our church is nestled in a rural/suburban setting, tucked between the communities of Big Bend and Mukwonago, with the larger city of Waukesha only ten minutes away, and major city Milwaukee only twenty minutes away. Within our area there is something for everyone, from youth to retiree, in entertainment, athletics, arts, food, shopping and FUN! Outdoor activities abound nearby with bike and hiking paths, parks, sports venues, water options, and much, much more. An hour or two by car takes you to Madison, Lake Michigan, or even to the edges of Chicago!
Our membership and leadership recognize the past, live in the present, and embrace the future, through the energy of Jesus Christ. This congregation stands more on small group initiative and creative resourcefulness than strict format, because we are all servants at the core, and giving good service does not always require a meeting. We are a participating church in the Milwaukee Presbytery.
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Cyber Security Awareness
Being able to identify a phishing scam is an important skill in our current virtual environment. The bad actors have become much more sophisticated in the methods that they use to obtain confidential information. According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans lost an estimated $1.9 billion to cyber fraud in 2019.
Each day, thousands of people and organizations become victims of these scammers pretending to be their bank. We want to help you feel more confident in your ability to spot a scammer. We recently learned of a tool from the American Bankers Association that can help you look for red flags in communications you receive. You can even take an interactive quiz to test your knowledge. Visit www.BanksNeverAskThat.com to take the quiz and learn more about the tricks that scammers use. The more adept we all become at spotting scams, the harder it will be for cyber criminals to find their next victim.
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Online Calvin Symposium on Worship
The annual Calvin Institute of Christian Worship’s symposium will be offered online and free, January 6–26, on key topics and themes in worship and the Christian life. This online learning opportunity is designed for pastors, preachers, musicians, worship leaders, students, faculty, artists, and planners, and all interested worshipers around the world. Registration is required. Read more.
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Applications available for the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Programs
by the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Programs | Special to Presbyterian News Service
According to a news release from the program, congregations may apply for grants of up to $50,000 to underwrite a renewal program for their pastor and for the pastor’s family. Up to $15,000 of the funds are available to the congregation to help cover costs for ministerial supply while the pastor is away.
There is no cost to the congregations or the pastors to apply for the competitive grants, which represent the Endowment’s continued investment in renewing the health and vitality of American Christian congregations.
Details and applications for the 2021 programs are now available. To learn more about the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Programs, view an informational video here. Listen to interviews with previous grant recipients here. The deadline to apply is April 21, 2021. Full article.
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MATTHEW 25 WORSHIP SERVICE
The leadership of the PC(USA) has prepared a recorded worship service based on the Matthew 25 vision for congregations to use however and whenever they like. It is our goal that congregations find it helpful during a busy season of virtual and in-person worship services.
The prerecorded complete worship service is available for viewing and download. Korean and Spanish versions of the recorded service, as well as English subtitles, are available by clicking the CC button at the bottom of the video. Continue reading.
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Acting Against Racism
A free conversation guide from the Christian Century.
It can be difficult to know where to begin a conversation about racism and to identify specific action steps to address it.
Let this downloadable guide help you begin or continue this critical conversation.
This 14-page guide offers articles from the Century's archives, study questions, and specific actions to pursue. It’s yours free when you sign up for the Christian Century’s free weekly email newsletter.
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May 17-21, 2021
Online and Free!
Preaching for the Future Church
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Are you doing something in your presbytery or synod from which others might learn? You have a standing invitation to send Tricia Dykers-Koenig articles to share.
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To subscribe email: office@lakesandprairies.org
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