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A weekly newsletter from the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys
April 28, 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 May 2-8
First Presbyterian Church of Doran
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Clerk of Session, Mary Ann Layton
Treasurer, Beverly Christensen
Elders, Barb Baumgartner, Mike Wanek and Alice Gowin
Please pray for our ageing congregation.
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Photos from the final worship service at First Presbyterian Church of Jackson
Submitted by Deb Hess, First Presbyterian Church of Redwood Falls
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Pastor Eunice Woodberry leads the final worship service |
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Jeff Bullock. For the last 18 years, he served at the University of Dubuque; first as Dean of the theological seminary and, for the last 16 years, as President. He is an ordained Presbyterian minister, having served congregations in Murrysville, PA and Seattle, WA. He was ordained at the First Presbyterian Church in Jackson MN.
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Mary Jo Lutz, Session Member, reading the letter from Penny Jo Temple Johnson (Cambria and Madelia) who was also ordained at the church.
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The Trimont MN, United Methodist Church Bell Choir. The bells were donated to that church. |
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Karen Lange is normally available Monday through Friday from 7:30 - 3:30, checking emails until 4:00 or 5:00 (except after 2:00 on Thursday afternoons for banking). |
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More News regarding climate
by Earl O. Knutson, First Presbyterian Church of Willmar
Previous notes (Sep 23 & Oct 21, 2020) called attention to our group, Presbyterian Action Team (PAT) aka Presbyterians for Carbon Dividends (P4CD). (PAT emphasizes our affiliation with the Citizens Climate Lobby, while P4CD emphasizes our affiliation with Presbyterians for Earth Care.) These connections were further explained in a recent mailing to the 52 churches in the Presbytery.
The present note presents an initiative of the PC(USA) Office of Public Witness, namely a convenient method to support a particular climate legislation. This bill, House Resolution 2307, closely matches previous legislation that was endorsed by PC(USA) at the 2018 General Assembly. Presbyterians are invited to visit tinyurl.com/cr26b5hb, which will bring up a statement from the Office of Public Witness AND a fill-in form to send a message to their US Representative. OPW will send that form to the named representative on PC(USA) letterhead.
Final note: as churches begin to plan Adult Sunday School sessions, they are invited to visit tinyurl.com/29tykdwb which brings up an offer by two P4CD members to present a 45 minute zoom lesson about the need for action regarding climate and the PC(USA)-endorsed strategy. |
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Pastors, Christian Educators, Youth Workers,
Sunday School teachers and Youth Committee volunteers
IF YOU COULD
Sharpen your faith-formation ministry’s vision and purpose
Be more efficient in your time devoted to youth ministry
Plan your calendar 12 to 18 months ahead
WOULD YOU SIGN UP FOR THAT?
Announcing: “Plan-It” Wednesday, June 9th
Join us for PLAN-IT - a one-day ZOOM (10:00am-4:00pm) guided planning experience for those responsible for your faith formation ministries. Register as a team or individual.
Pastors – invite key volunteers in your setting to join you!
Children’s Ministry and Youth Workers – recruit your Pastor to join
They will thank you for it!
The June 9th Plan-It event is a Zoom video call
In fact, 3 separate Zoom sessions, scattered throughout the day
Each Zoom session is facilitated by Lyle Griner
individual/team planning time between Zoom sessions
individual/team coaching by Lyle Griner is available that day
Cost: $39 per church* (*see below for Minnesota Valleys discount code)
Minnesota Valleys Presbytery congregations only, choose this option ↴
WED JUN 9, 2021 with an added copy of the book PLAN IT
Then, use the coupon code MINNESOTAVALLEYS for a $25 discount and a free digital copy of Lyle’s book, Plan It, which contains an abundance of tips and tricks for planning your year.
With the coupon code, that lowers your registration cost to $28.95
THANK YOU Minnesota Valleys Presbytery Commission on Congregational Transformation & Development for the discount!
With Lyle and friends, we will review common and best-practice faith formation lenses, planning tools, and potential templates that may work in your setting. Through group Zoom sessions, and some planning time in between Zoom sessions, participants will design a well-balanced, intentional, nine-months-to-a-year framework.
Sounds awesome, right?
You could have your Children’s & Youth Ministry planned for
the entire 2021-2022 year...in JUNE!
For more info, contact:
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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, Gerri Mitchell, Lindsay Jacaruso. 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
The Commission on Congregational Transformation and Development has the privilege of awarding matching Technology Grants of up to $500. However, because of the demand, churches or other entities will not be able to receive grants in two consecutive years. Grants have been used for updating office equipment, purchases to buy or replace computers, or updating audio video equipment. If your church has not received a grant this year or last, take advantage of this grant. Please use the new form which is specific for the Technology Grant.
The above resources are shared by the Commission on Congregational Transformation and Development
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REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER CAMP
Summer camp programs at Clearwater Forest are expected to resume in 2021 with new regulations in place to ensure the safety of our entire community.
At Clearwater Forest each session of camp for children, youth, adults and families is rich in a variety of activities, fresh air, engaging worship, and connection building. The loving, enthusiastic and dedicated summer staff provide guidance and support for campers to take healthy risks through fun, challenging and adventurous activities. Whether its learning to paddle a sea kayak or completing the high ropes course, these activities help any camper stretch and grow in a safe Christian community. Leadership opportunities abound for all ages – from choosing daily activities, participating in planning and leading worship, to leading a cabin or quest group through the various daily activities.
RENTAL DISCOUNT!
We are offering rooms in Leaning Tree Lodge, Eagle Lodge and the Carriage House for a discounted price! Renting at 25% occupancy. Contact the office for more information: office@clearwaterforest.org or (218) 678-2325.
STATEMENT ON RACIAL JUSTICE
Clearwater Forest stands firm in our Christian beliefs that each Black life is created in God’s image, because every human is created in God’s image. We commit to using our shared voices to speak against systemic injustice.
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Lakeshore Center at Okoboji is located in a secluded setting of 55 acres on the west shore of West Lake Okoboji, with 600 feet of sand beach, complete with a canopy of large oak trees. It is located away from the centers of activity in the Lakes Area, resulting in a tranquil setting. It is an ideal location for family reunions, church retreats, youth group events, choir retreats, church leadership retreats, quilting retreats, summer camp, business meetings, and much more!
Contact us today to learn how Lakeshore can meet your needs for your next event! Call 712-337-3313 or email here.
Register for summer camp below:
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2021 Synod School
July 25-30
Registration is open
2021 Theme: Called Out
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Just as God called Lazarus out of the tomb, God calls us out of our slumber, out of our sleep, out of our complacency, out of our grief, out of our past, out of our comfort, out of our quarantines and more. God has plans for us and never stops calling us. Join us as we embrace the newness 2021 brings and what it means to faithfully wake up, rise, and respond to God’s call. “Sleeper, awake. Rise from the dead. And Christ will shine on you.”
Ephesians 5:14, NRSV
UPDATES
The Synod School Committee made the decision to move ahead with holding Synod School at Buena Vista University with some online options for those who are unable, for whatever reason, to join us in person this year. The first two columns of the linked document show you whether a class will be held online or in person (or both).
We will post regular updates on the Synod website as other decisions are made. We have four subcommittees working on details and want to make sure you have the information to make the decisions you need to make.
Sincerely,
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Hope Presbyterian Church of Spicer seeks CE Director
Hope Presbyterian is seeking a Christian Education Director. The position's salary will be a minimum of $12.50 per hour dependent upon qualifications (education and experience), for 10-15 hours per week. Applicants, please send a cover letter and resume to the attention of the Personnel Committee at our church address, 7730 N Shore Dr, Spicer MN 56288. Link to the job description. |
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SAVE THE DATE
2022 PW SUMMER SYNOD GATHERING
Thursday June 16, 4:00 PM - Sunday, June 19, 11:00 AM
Theme: PW BETTER TOGETHER
Place: Hilton Garden Inn, Sioux City Riverfront, Sioux City IA
Final details will be available this Fall. Registration will start in January 2022.
More details to follow.
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Minnesota Department of Health Coronavirus Resources
Cultural, Faith, and Disability Communities COVID-19 Updates -April 26
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Prayer List
- For Rev. Randy Knuth, First Presbyterian Church of Fulda
- 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 brother 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
Hope Presbyterian Church, Spicer - Solo Pastor
First Presbyterian Church, Winnebago - Interim Pastor
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Worship and Music Conference
June 20-25 - in person at Montreat
June 27 - July 2 - online
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This intergenerational conference is for children, youth, adults, pastors, directors, organists, pianists, guitarists, percussionists, ringers, worship leaders, choir members, and anyone who loves and takes part in the worship and music of the church.
Conference Highlights
- *NEW* Multi-generational Hymn Festival Choir led by Tom Trenney
- Daily Worship Reflections focused on collaborative worship planning for congregations of ALL sizes
- A variety of practical offerings to explore the cultivation of inspirational worship
- Living SCRIPTure: Biblical Storytelling for Middler and Senior High conferees
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A select number of programs will be streamed and available virtually – join us from anywhere!
General Information
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Rev. Karen Hutt is offering three rounds of ACPE accredited CPE units:
Unit One: Public Chaplaincy: Care in the Public Square - Sept. '21-Jan. '22
Unit Two: Rural Chaplaincy: Care in Towns and Agricultural Regions - Feb. '22 - June '22
Unit Three: TBD - June '22 - Sept. '22
Applications are available now for all three units.
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Mount Olivet Conference & Retreat Center’s Living Well, Leading Well series continues in April and May with a focus on health and healing as we transition to the next phase of the pandemic. On May 22, Professor Deborah Hunsinger (Princeton Seminary) will present Healing Collective Trauma. She will share psychological and spiritual tools for increasing resilience and finding hope and joy in our life together. Click on the links above to learn more and register.
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