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A weekly newsletter from the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys
April 14, 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 April 18-24
First Presbyterian Church of Dawson
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Staff:
Rev. Herbert Rotunda (UCC) pastor
Session:
Dr. Thomas Hansen
Valerie Sather
Sharilyn Bates
Danny Lee
Stan Menning: Clerk of Session
We, like all others, learned a lot about ourselves and traditional worship and ministry patterns during COVID. We did online worship for a few weeks before we returned to limited social-distanced in-person worship. Ministry to home bound and Care Center members was also limited by safety protocols. With the Easter season turning winter into spring, we look forward to finding new ways that God calls us to ministry with those around us. We continue to pray that we treat each other with kindness and compassion during these difficult times.
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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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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. In order to best serve you, we need to hear from you! Please take this brief survey so we can plan our events and opportunities to serve the greatest needs of our Presbytery.
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. Please complete the survey monkey in order that we might best know how to help serve you.
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. The Commission on Congregational Transformation and Development
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 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
On Monday, March 29, 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).
Online classes are being offered in a couple of different ways:
- If there is a “yes” in the online column and a “no” in the in-person column, this particular class and time is only online. All participants will be on Zoom.
- If there is a “yes” in the online column and a “yes” in the in-person column, this particular class is being offered in a hybrid manner. This means both the online students and the in-person students will be in the same class.
- People who are planning to be on campus are welcome to take online classes. You will need to bring your own device to use to join the class via Zoom from somewhere on campus.
In-person classes:
- Due to pandemic regulations and continuing expectations of social distancing, some class capacities need to be reduced/limited and other instructors have chosen to cancel their classes due to the difficulty of conducting the class with social distancing.
- We are adding an option for you to request being put on a waiting list so if a class you want is full because of the reduced capacities, let us know. If capacities can be increased, we will let you know you can have the class you want.
- A few faculty members have offered to do a second class:
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Wading into Watercolors will be offered in the morning by Howard Chapman in the morning (all morning) with 10 participants in the morning class in addition to the 10 in the afternoon class.
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Looping over a Mold with Sandy and Hannah Maxa will be offered online AM2 and in person PM1. 10 participants in each class.
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THAT’S in the Bible?! With Katie Stryt will be offered online AM2 and in person AM1.
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International Relations in Flux with Bill Davnie will be offered in person AM2 and online PM1.
Canceled classes:
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Cultivating Compassion with Dede Johnston
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A Divine Madness: Mysticism and Mental Illness through Christian History with Jim Dumerauf
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Silk Painting/dyeing with Janey Nottage-Tacey
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Ballroom and Latin Dance with Jason and Jill Johnson
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Cards for Special Occasions with Liz Snyder and Carol Ferrell
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Synod School Band with Steve Bowie
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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Help People Improve Their Lives
With your donations to the One Great Hour of Sharing offering during Lent, you are a channel of Christ’s love. The more money given in our Presbytery, the more funds will be available for Self-Development of People grants in our Presbytery. Last year we were able to award a grant for just under $6000 to support education for the children of Somali refugees in St. Peter.
You can become more personally engaged by serving on our Presbytery’s SDOP Committee. There is a place for you in this ministry if you have a compassion for struggling people and value the approach of self-development, not just hand-outs. We can better serve our communities by having additional representatives from across the Presbytery. If you or someone you know would like to serve, please contact Rev. Jim Krapf, chair of the Committee, at 808 4th Ave., Worthington, MN 56187; jimcynkrapf16@gmail.com; 507-350-1662.
The majority of the committee is to be people of color; they do not all have to be Presbyterian; but the majority of the committee needs to be Presbyterians, including the chair. Members can serve on the committee as long as they feel called to this ministry.
Responsibilities of the members include: 1) Certification training (required every three years; we are due this year; virtual training is scheduled for April 10 from 10:00-12:00) 2) Soliciting donations to the One Great Hour of Sharing offering which funds SDOP grants 3) Soliciting applications for grants (this may include reaching out to congregations or community organizations through various means of communication--when we can, in-person informational meetings could be the best) 4) Review applications to see if they met the criteria, including conducting an on-site or virtual visit (this process may include working with the applicant to revise the application). 5) Submit the application to the national office for their approval 6) Make sure the checks are sent. 7) Review the project (usually six months later) and submit a report to the national office.
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Minnesota Department of Health Coronavirus Resources
Cultural, Faith, and Disability Communities COVID-19 Updates -April 8
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Matthew 25 Bible Study
The Gospel and Inclusivity
This study focuses on the fundamental connection between the vitality of our congregations and the work of dismantling racism. This Bible Study can be done alone but could have greater impact when done in a group.
(from the Presbyterian Mission Agency)
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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 Occidente Partners in Guatemala
- For the families of the three Occidente pastors that have recently died
- For those who have contracted the Covid virus
- For the "Men in the Mirror" program. Men from Occidente that MVP supported financially to attend the classes are sharing the information they gained with different churches in the eastern and central parts of Guatemala. They, along with the chaplains of the national Presbyterian church, are training Christian policemen in what they learned from "Men in the Mirror."
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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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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 April 22, Navigating Post-Pandemic Unknowns, led by Rev. Kara Root and Rev. Lisa Larges of Lake Nokomis Presbyterian Church, will focus on living with discernment, gentleness, and compassion in this transition. Together we will draw from a wellspring of spiritual gifts and practices to guide and sustain us in the months ahead. 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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