Presbytery of the Miami Valley
An eUpdate for Church Leaders - June 2021
May Presbytery Meeting
Catch the Building Spirit’s
2021 Habitat House Build
Presbyterian/Catholic Partnership now in its 29th year

Catch the Building Spirit, the Presbyterian/Catholic Habitat for Humanity partnership, which provides affordable housing for families in need, will construct this year's house at 233 West Pease Avenue, West Carrollton. It begins with Blitz Week May 24 through June 4 (when the main structure of the house is built: framing, siding, roofing, etc.). Construction will continue throughout the summer to complete all the rest of the house: June to September, Tuesday through Friday, 8:30 A.M. to 3:30 P.M.; Thursdays, 4:00 P.M. to dark; Saturdays, 8:30 A.M. to 3:30 P.M.

The house is being built for the Koko family, who first moved to the United States from Sudan in 2006. After struggling for many years, they wanted a home of their own. Through many years of hard work, not only did all three become citizens, but they also qualified for a Habitat House. The house is two stories, three bedrooms, two baths.

For more information, visit Catch the Building Spirit or email Hank Baust, Presbyterian Coordinator for Catch the Building Spirit, at bausthd@gmail.com or call 937-429-0360.

Habitat Houses through Catch the Building Spirit is a designated network of Presbytery of the Miami Valley.
More News and Information for You
Meet our new Moderator and Vice Moderator

At its May 11 meeting, Presbytery of the Miami Valley elected and installed Minister of the Word and Sacrament Ben Beres as Moderator of presbytery and Minister of the Word and Sacrament Sarah Sparks-Franklin as Vice Moderator of presbytery for 2021-22.
Ben Beres is the pastor of Huntsville Presbyterian Church, sheepdog for a great little community in Huntsville, Ohio, and much prefers barking to biting. He’s the blessed husband of Sarah and adoring father of Mason, 15, and Kirk, 9 3/4.

He’s served on Administrative Commissions, the Committee on Preparation for Ministry, and the Committee on Ministry of this presbytery, and also got to serve as a Commissioner to the 220th General Assembly for the Presbytery of the Miami Valley.

Ben graduated from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in 2005 and is wrecking the statistical curve for first calls. When he’s not navigating the choppy waters of physical-distance pastoring, he enjoys meandering conversations, comic books, coaching his kids, and embarrassing his wife with his effervescent karaoke skills.


Sarah Sparks-Franklin is the pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Springboro. She is married to Jonathan and they have two children, Cora (5) and Levi (1.5). Over the past 5 years, Sarah has served the presbytery in various capacities. She was a member of the Executive Presbyter Search Committee and was an Alternate Commissioner for the 224th General Assembly. Sarah currently serves on the Presbytery’s Committee on Nominations. In February of 2018, she went on a trip with other members of the PMV to visit Covenant’s sister church and our sister presbytery in Colombia.

Sarah went through the ordination process in the PMV, graduating from Princeton Theological Seminary in 2013. Upon graduation, she and Jonathan moved to Bloomington, Indiana where Sarah served as a full-time Director of Youth and Young Adults at First United Methodist Church. She was ordained and installed at Covenant on March 13, 2016.

In her spare time, Sarah serves as a board member of Young Clergy Women International, an organization that supports, empowers, and equips clergywomen under the age of 40. When she’s not running after her two small children, she enjoys trying new varieties of cold-brew coffee, Netflix binging, having nerdy theological discussions with her spouse, and spending time with her close-knit group of college friends.
Looking for a Local Mission Project?
Presbytery partners with Brethren Disaster Ministries
to rehabilitate a tornado damaged home in Trotwood

Presbytery of the Miami Valley is excited to partner with Brethren Disaster Ministries (BDM) in rehabilitating the home at 4658 Marlin Rd in Trotwood as part of the Tornado Survivors Pathway to Homeownership Program.

The home will be called “The Fearn House” in memory of First Presbyterian Church, Middletown, member and Ruling Elder, Fearn Gerber, who wanted part of her estate gift to be used for affordable housing. Fearn was the first woman to be the moderator of Presbytery of the Miami Valley. Additional funds for this project are coming from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the PMV Tornado Fund, and gifts from individuals and congregations.

Volunteers will sign up with BDM and work under the guidance of trained BDM team leaders, who will be able to provide training as well as any tools or materials needed. Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the summer.
Position Opening: Office Manager
Presbytery of the Miami Valley
Presbytery of the Miami Valley is seeking a part-time Office Manager to work collaboratively with all staff and leaders of the presbytery, supporting the presbytery and its churches, as the presbytery seeks to live out its mission:

Presbytery prepares, equips, nurtures, and connects congregations in their ministries for God’s mission.

The position requires strong general administrative, bookkeeping, and communications skills.
Stewardship Kaleidoscope
in Cincinnati September 13-15
The annual Stewardship Kaleidoscope conference will be held in Cincinnati September 13-15. Over two dozen workshops will be available to in-person attendees.

Stewardship Kaleidoscope is an annual conference offering excellent plenary speakers, informative workshop leaders, provocative worship experiences, and incredible networking opportunities for all who are passionate about stewardship and generosity. Drawing leaders from across the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A), the ELCA, and other ecumenical partners, Stewardship Kaleidoscope is designed to help participants explore stewardship in its many colorful dimensions!
Summer Camp at Kirkmont Center
Registration is open for 2021 Summer Camp at Kirkmont Center, Zanesfield.

Eighteen day and overnight camps for all ages are available from June 6 through August 6.
Presbytery of the Miami Valley PC(USA)