Grant opportunity, small church networking, camp for clergy

MARCH 19, 2024

Information for ministers, educators, church administrators, clerks, and congregations

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Past Issues

In This Issue

Columbia Seminary Accepting Grant Applications Through April 30
Retired Ministers and Spouses/Survivors Invited to Board of Pensions Seminar
May Commissioned to Serve at St. Andrews Church
Pastoral Updates From COM
Camp for Clergy Taking Place This Summer in Colorado
OCF Hosts Gatherings for Small Church Leaders
Presbytery Events
Church and Community Events
Employment Opportunities

Columbia Seminary Accepting Grant Applications Through April 30

The Center for Lifelong Learning at Columbia Theological Seminary is accepting applications through April 30 for its reKindle grant program. Awards of up to $10,000 are available to help congregations become thriving communities and focus attention on a mission priority. The funds can be used for consultations, new program development costs, stipends for program participants and/or program leaders, retreats and events, and resources and travel in support of the grant activity.

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Retired Ministers and Spouses/Survivors Invited to Board of Pensions Seminar

On April 18, the Board of Pensions will hold its complimentary Third Act seminar and luncheon at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, VA. Board of Pensions retirees, spouses, and survivors are invited to register online by April 5. Join the Board’s educators to break bread together and enjoy fellowship with retired colleagues as we discuss the seminar’s focused topic, aging and brain health.

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May Commissioned to Serve at St. Andrews

On March 10, the congregation of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Kilmarnock celebrated the commissioning by the POJ of Susan Riley May as a commissioned ruling elder/lay pastor. Susan completed the on-line Pathways courses offered by Union Seminary, was recommended by the session, and then examined and approved by the Commission on Ministry. Her duties will include leading worship bi-monthly, developing a ministry of outreach, and creating a social media presence. She joins the pastoral team of local clergy who together with the session are leading the church as it serves Christ in the community.

Pastoral Updates From COM

At its meeting on March 14, the presbytery’s Commission on Ministry took the following actions:

Granted retired status to Rev. Jim Dunkin
Granted retired status to Rev. Ray Roberts
Approved the transfer of Rev. Brint Pratt Keyes to Shenandoah Presbytery

We praise God for Jim, Ray, and Brint and their service in glorifying our Heavenly Father and guiding our community to deeper faith.

Camp for Clergy Taking Place This Summer in Colorado

Omaha Presbyterian Seminary Foundation invites pastors to a nurtured retreat in Colorado in August. Enjoy time and space for private or collaborative planning, worship and music guides, and field trips. Camp for Clergy takes place at the YMCA of the Rocky Mountains Estes Park Center and is offered in partnership with Columbia Theological Seminary's Preacher's Studio for Renewal. Spouses, partners, friends, and children are welcome.

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OCF Hosts Gatherings for Small Church Leaders

Small church leaders, you are invited to a virtual networking gathering from the Office of Christian Formation. These online gatherings will be held six times in 2024 with the next on April 4 at 7 p.m. The times and dates vary. Participate when you can to share in conversation and learn, ask questions, receive and share resources for ministry, and support one another. Each gathering will start with a question or topic related to Faith Formation leadership in small churches, then discussion can go from there. Future gatherings are scheduled for May 8 at 1 p.m., Aug 6 at 3 p.m., Oct 10 at 7 p.m., and Nov 13 at 1 p.m.

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