Presbytery of Northern Kansas Newsletter -
September 1, 2023
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Serving and Working Together |
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Dear PNKers,
One of the things I love about being Presbyterian is our connectionalism. We believe we are in ministry and mission together. I also love that we have a representative form of government. We nominate and elect people to represent us. We have a say in what our congregations, presbytery, synod and denomination does. We may not agree with all the decisions made but, we can serve on a committee or council that helps make decisions. We often make fun of the number of committees that a congregation or a presbytery has but those committees are how we have voice and agency. So if you have ever found yourself saying I wish my congregation or presbytery would do _(fill in the blank)_ then you should nominate yourself to serve on a committee.
At the presbytery level we pay particular attention to how many pastors and how many members of congregations serve on a committee and what we really want, and need is lay members from churches across the presbytery, in all sizes of churches, to serve and be a part of our decision-making process. A common lament is that the presbytery doesn’t pay attention to us. Well, every church member and pastor are the presbytery so ... volunteer and you will have voice in the decision-making and planning processes.
We are stronger when we work together—where would you like to serve?
Send your name and contact info. along with a list of the committees you might have interest in serving on to Gail in the presbytery office at office@pnks.org.
Melanie Hancock,
General Presbyter
and the Committee on Representation
Nancy Hoffman, moderator
Mary Andersen
Shannon Borgman
Gary Miles
Christine Wagner
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Adult Sponsors have been secured! Train Tickets have been purchased! We need you!!
The Youth Ministries Task Group is excited to announce the 2024 PNKS Summer Youth Mission Trip from July 20-26, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Trip Coordinated by YouthWorks and hosted by PNKS
Join your (completed) 6th grade through graduated high school friends for a Mission Trip to Milwaukee, WI. We will spend the week exploring, serving, learning and growing.
On Saturday, July 20th, we will ride the train to Milwaukee, WI, and spend our first night at Immanuel Presbyterian Church. On Sunday, we will explore Milwaukee, and then start our mission work on Sunday evening, 7/21/2024.
Total cost per youth is $725 and includes train transportation, most meals and lodging. Reserve your spot by October 1, 2023 with a $50 non-refundable deposit, and receive a $50 discount!
Additional cost to be paid by students: 2 lunch meals on the train (one could be a sack lunch packed for Saturday's travel), and lunch at the Milwaukee Public Market on Sunday, and any other spending money. We recommend $100 to cover these costs.
Payment Schedule:
10/1/2023 - Early Bird Discount: $50
12/1/2023 - Registration Deadline: $100
3/1/2024 - Payment Due: $325
5/1/2023 - Balance Due
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2023 Legacy Fund Applications Now Being Accepted |
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2023 Legacy Fund applications will be accepted through October 1st for review by the Presbytery Finance Committee in October.
Funds allotted for this grant opportunity for 2023 total $18,698.33 (which is 5% of the balance available in the PNK Legacy Fund as of 12/31/2022).
If funds are still available after the initial round of applications (received by 10/1/2023) are reviewed, additional applications will be accepted until 2023 funds are allotted.
Apply today if you have a project that would benefit from a Legacy Fund grant and meets the criteria.
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If you have students from your congregation attending school this Fall at Fort Hays State University or Washburn University in Topeka, we have 2 congregations that are wanting to reach out to students from those universities and they need your help!
Please send their names and any contact information you can share to:
First Presbyterian Church of Hays (for Fort Hays State University students) to the Church at presbychsec@gmail.com
and
They would love to reach out to them in some friendly (and, they promise, not obnoxious) fashion, inviting them to worship or a special activity.
And, if your congregation has a plan to reach out to students at a college near you and would like to gather the names of those students from our PNK congregations, let Melanie know and she is happy to let Pastors/Clerks know.
And, if you have a student at a college where we have a Presbyterian Church, do not hesitate to contact the local church and ask them if they would be willing to reach out to your student.....I bet they won't say NO!
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150th Anniversary at First/Hays |
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Spotted at the MLI Cohort Program! |
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SPOTTED! Our very own Dawn Avery of First Presbyterian Church of Junction City, KS. Dawn is participating in a Ministry Leadership Initiative cohort.
The Benefits of Joining an MLI Cohort
The MLI Cohort & Certificate Program enrollment season is underway! MLI cohorts take place over two years and develop proficient and theologically-informed ministers, church staff, lay leaders, and volunteers who serve in various ministry settings. Learn about adolescent development, youth and kids' culture, ministry leadership, and how to apply practical theology in your work with young people. Succeed in your own cohort!
The cohort & certificate program is jointly led by Ministry Leadership Initiative and The Center for Youth Ministry training. Ministry leaders commissioned in the program have higher satisfaction in their jobs, so they stay longer. Ministry becomes more meaningful to young people and attendance often doubles.
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Seminars, Workshops, Events |
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Heartland Presbyterian Center is excited to host our third-annual Night Under the Stars Benefit concert on Thursday, September 14. We are planning a full night with great food, a silent auction, and wonderful music with headliner Liz Longley. The event will support Heartland Center’s mission to be the camp and conference center of choice in the heartland, an oasis for the growth and renewal of body, heart, mind, and spirit for all people as God’s children.
When: Thursday, September 14th
6:00 p.m. Doors open for food, drinks, and a silent auction
7:00 p.m. The concert begins with Liz Longley
Where: Heartland Center- Genesis Hall Lawn-
16965 NW 45 HWY, Parkville, MO 64152
(limited ADA seating available)
Bring a blanket or lawn chair for a comfortable evening!
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The Emporia Presbyterian Newsletter posted stories and pictures from youth who participated in Heartland Camp this summer. Be inspired and enjoy these tales from camp. |
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Please contact the Presbytery Office with any joys or concerns you would like to have added to the PNK Prayer List. |
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