Connecting & Informing the Presbytery of Arkansas
April 27, 2023
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The Thriving in Rural Ministry Program at the University of the Ozarks is hosting a retreat for rural and small church ruling elders from May 19-21 on campus. If you have interest in learning more about sacramental theology, preaching and polity, this retreat is for you! Participants will not only spend some time considering these important areas of ministry, they will also have the opportunity to receive certification from COM to officiate at the table or lead a session meeting as needed. Attendance will not only afford an opportunity for study and collegiality amongst your fellow ruling elders, but also help you serve your congregation in important ways, should you feel called to do so.
The retreat will be led by Revs. Phillip Blackburn, Blake Brinegar, and Stewart Smith. The University of the Ozarks will cover all of your expenses and we would love to have you. If you are interested in learning more, contact the Rev. Phil Blackburn at pblackburn@ozarks.edu.
Click here for a special message from General Presbyter Stewart Smith regarding pastoral support for our small churches.
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Disaster Assistance Needed |
Emily Hook, Ferncliff Associate Director, reports that the bucket are slightly more needed, but they are more expensive to buy and sometimes difficult to find. She says they have a larger stockpile of hygiene supplies in the warehouse, but they send out so many hygiene kits that we can always use more supplies!
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The Presbytery's Resource Team met recently and they were asked to share about their ministry needs and what they felt the needs were in their congregations. This sparked a lot of evolving ideas and conversation. One idea that came out of it was that we should survey the "community wisdom" by asking a question in one Update and then sharing the responses in the following Update. Hence, the birth of Inquiring Minds (IM).
But this first IM is going to be a little different, you will be surveyed about some of the ideas the Resource Team came up with to see where you stand on them. But you will also have the opportunity to share your own responses to their question.
So click here now, then watch the next Update to read the results.
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Vera Lloyd Garden Party 2023 |
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Mark your calendars for Sunday, May 7 from 2-4 p.m. when Vera Lloyd will be holding their 2023 Garden Party at the Peel Mansion in Bentonville. There will be hors d'oeuvres, live music, a wine pull and a silent auction! Tickets are $50 per person or $250 for a table of six. You can purchase individual tickets via mail or at the Eventbrite link below! If you are interested in reserving a table of six, sponsoring the event or donating an item for the silent auction, contact Kerri Daniels at kerridaniels@veralloyd.org or 501-666-8195.
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Recently I have been asked some questions about two of the proposed amendments to the Book of Order we voted on at our March Presbytery meeting (22-X and 22-Y) dealing with household worship. The questions pertained not to the amendments per se, but the individuals asking the questions were not aware there was a section of the Book of Order which addressed such things.
The Directory for Worship, section W-5.0104 states, “Household worship offers a valuable opportunity to remember and anticipate the Lord’s Day, studying appointed Scriptures and reflecting on and preparing for the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.” Household worship establishes a rhythm of daily living and offers an opportunity to prepare, to remember and to glorify God. Some of us, may already be doing this without knowing it was referenced in the Book of Order. Household worship also includes expressions of giving, sharing, and service to others. This can become a way to model for those around us, part of what it means to live in community with one another daily.
Household worship provides a way for children to know and worship God. This also affords children an opportunity to lead and participate in worship through praying, singing, listening to, and telling biblical stories. Again, from the Directory for Worship, “Household worship provides an excellent opportunity to teach children the shape and elements of the Service for the Lord’s Day, so that they may be full and active participants in the church’s worship.” This is a gentle reminder that, while we may stop once a week and gather as a community to worship God, there is also a part of our daily lives which should be focused on the worship of God. May you pause daily to remember your connection to God through Christ. Blake Brinegar, Stated Clerk
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In Memoriam: Rev. Dr. Heinrich Eiler |
Rev. Dr. Heinrich Eiler died on April 5, 2023 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
Heinrich and Jean had moved to Eau Claire several years ago to be
closer to family as health issues began to mount.
Heinrich was beloved by many in this presbytery as he participated in the
worship life of Kirk in the Pines Presbyterian Church in Hot Springs Village; as he served
as an interim pastor at Central Presbyterian Church in Fort Smith; as he served on an interim basis on the presbytery staff; and perhaps most importantly as he gave outstanding leadership
in our presbytery’s Lay Academy program.
Many students treasure the weekends spent learning about polity, reformed theology, preaching and worship and sacraments. This program provided the training for the first Commissioned Ruling Elders that served in our presbytery. Heinrich provided administrative leadership to the program and also taught some of the courses. Heinrich was a great theologian but one who had the pastoral skills that provided a practical application to everything that was taught. As one of our colleagues stated, “Heinrich’s ministry continues to have ripples all across the presbytery in a good way.”
At this time, we have not been able to locate an obituary.
Thanks be to God for the life of Rev. Dr. Heinrich Eiler.
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The Presbyterian Women held their spring gathering on April 22 at Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center! They celebrated Earth Day by bringing gifts of garden gloves and seeds, weeding the garden spots, as well as making over 300 health and school kits. They ended the day together by planting a tulip tree near the dining hall.
Joel Gill was a great host, shepherding the 55 women on tours which included patting the animals, hearing about the Eco system and drinking in the wonderful beauty of the camp on a lovely day. (Pictured are four women from Park Hill Presbyterian Church in North Little Rock).
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Mission Possible - It's a Wrap |
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The youth of our Presbytery were so grateful for the opportunity to serve the Little Rock community for Mission: Possible 2023. We spent Saturday morning packaging disaster relief kits at Ferncliff (260 hygiene kits and 487 school kits!!!), and then the afternoon delivering cookies and listening to the stories of people affected by these storms.
Thanks to everyone who made Mission: Possible possible! Thanks to Emily and the other leaders who moved this event to Little Rock in the last minute, to Ferncliff for your continued partnership, to Trinity Pres for hosting us, and to all who welcomed us into your homes. We are so thankful for the chance to hear your stories and learn from you!
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Check out Ferncliff's video video about their disaster relief work in Central Arkansas. We were grateful to partner with the DAC at Mission: Possible! |
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Support Ferncliff's Summer Day of Service |
Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center needs your help getting ready for another awesome summer!
On Saturday May 13th from 9:00am-3:00pm the Ferncliff staff will be welcoming volunteers of all skill levels to work on various projects around the camp site to help them transition into the summer camp season. If you would like to volunteer, click here.
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Celebrating Pentecost with Children |
On Wednesday, May 3, at 12:00 noon, join Elizabeth Christie, MWS Rebekah McLeod Hutto, and Juniper LaNunziata as they share fun and meaningful ways to help children connect with Pentecost. In this one hour webinar from PRC (Practical Resources for Churches) they will present ideas for worship, education, and home.
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Thursday, 4/27, 2pm MOC
Tuesday, 5/2, 10am COM
Tuesday, 5/2, Staff Meeting
Wednesday, 5/3, Celebrating Pentecost w/ Children webinar
Tuesday, 5/9, 10am Staff Meeting
Saturday, 5/13 ,9am-3pm Ferncliff Day of Service
Friday-Sunday, 5/19-21, Elder Retreat at College of The Ozarks
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Presbytery of Arkansas
9221 N. Rodney Parham Road
Little Rock, AR 72227
501-663-2424
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