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A weekly newsletter from the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys
August 11, 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 15-21
Maine Presbyterian Church
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Pastor: Ed Morgan
Clerk of Session: Linda Gronner
Treasurer: Lindsey Moe
Session Members: Connie Anderson, Jim Crouse, John Moe, Ethelynn Snyder, Jerry Trupka, Marian Wasvick
O God, in these uncertain times of health and well-being, we look to you for our comfort and strength. Abide with all who suffer from the illness of this pandemic. Comfort those who have lost their loved ones. Strengthen those who care for the sick and the lonely. Inspire us to care for others in need and for ourselves. Bring healing to our world, we pray. We humbly ask in Jesus’ name and for his sake. Amen.
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We are very happy to report that
our website and emails working again!
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A note to those attending the presbytery meeting in Mankato on Tuesday, August 17: We would like everyone to wear masks while singing. You may also wish to wear a mask the rest of the day, even if vaccinated. |
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SDOP Opportunity
Our August 17 Presbytery meeting will include a focus on the Self-Development of People program. The 10:30 to 11:00 worship service with communion will praise God for this mission’s history, values, and benefits. The following hour workshop will explain the criteria and the process of applying for grants.
You are urged to share this information with service providers in your community. The supplementary email included an informational flyer with our time line printed on the back.
If you believe that hand-ups, rather than hand-outs, are more constructive and satisfying, then you could appreciate how these grants empower grass root groups to take responsibility to improve their situations. If you feel gratified when efforts contribute to human dignity and self-reliance, then you should know about this opportunity.
SDOP grants are not limited to Presbyterians or to Christians. Last year, Hikmah Youth Enrichment Program in St. Peter received $5400 to help hire teachers to tutor Somali refugee children. The year before $3000 funded a bead/basket business for South Sudanese refugee women in St. Cloud.
To qualify for grants, grass root groups must meet the criteria of owning, controlling and benefiting from the project. Even though some non-profit organization in your community may not satisfy these stipulations, they may know of such a group and/or might initiate such a group. Let them know.
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Camp Scholarship thank yous in words and pictures |
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Thank you for the money you gave us so that we could go to camp. We had a great time and enjoyed making new friends and learning more about Jesus.
In the picture just above, Alexis is on the left and Kenley is in the middle. Thank you so much again. We had a great time.
Alexis and Kenley
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New mailing address
Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys
PO Box 431
Kerkhoven MN 56252
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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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This summer, we’re celebrating our Presbyterian generosity — and inspiring congregations like yours to join our chorus of giving!
Summer of Song: A Concert Series brought to you by the Presbyterian Giving Catalog was created not only to thank those who continue giving generously, but also to lift up our connection to music, and one another.
The final concert on August 21 at 7 p.m. EDT will feature The Mission Musicians, Presbyterians coming together to share their belief in the power of music to spread God’s love. They will perform a selection of beloved songs.
Performances will also be available to view on demand at the link below after their premieres.
Please share this opportunity with your members in your newsletters or on social media, and encourage them to join us in joyfully honoring our shared love of music, and the difference we’re making together. Your congregation may also enjoy the chance to experience the concerts together! We invite you to reach out to us if you’re interested in learning about hosting a watch party.
Use this link to join the concerts live, or to view on demand at any time!
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Women Church Leaders’ Retreat
Women’s Leadership in the Church: Ongoing Challenges and Unspoken Joys
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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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The Ministry Lab is excited to announce that the 3rd installment of our Summer Worship Series is now available!
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 – use as best fits your setting!
We have completed our third segment: Believe Jesus – Reflecting on Thomas’ Need to See & Touch.
Preacher: Rev. Jia Starr Brown, First Covenant Church, Minneapolis (Non-Denominational); Spoken Word Artist: Joe Davis & The Poetic Diaspora musical collective (ELCA); Musician: Piano: Sam Reeves; First Covenant, Minneapolis, MN; Vocalist: Robert Robinson; First Covenant, Minneapolis, MN; United Seminarians: Chance Martinez-Colon and Mike Mataczynski
View information on all three services and request access here.
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