KEEPING IN TOUCH

September 2022

A Path to Belonging

A Webinar Sponsored by the Synod of Lakes & Prairies


Loneliness has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. What does this mean in terms of ministry? What does it mean for how we live our lives?


Mark Sundby and Mary Kay DuChene recognize how hard it is to care for others amid our own loneliness. This three-part series will explore the themes from their new book, A Path to Belonging: Overcoming Clergy Loneliness, with implications for ministry. 


Great opportunity for Pastoral Leaders, Chaplains, Ruling Elders, Deacons, and all!

November 1st, 8th and 15th, 9:30-11:00 a.m. CST

There is no cost to attend this webinar series, but you must register.

Register Here

Matthew 25 - Actively engaged in the world

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The Bellevue Community Cupboard Project



First Presbyterian in Bellevue, Iowa is proud to share how we have been working to strengthen congregational vitality as well as to work toward eradicating systemic poverty. We are thankful to Paul Sinar with Sinar Media Consultants, LLC for helping to produce this video and to Kaitlyn Spring, Intern/volunteer for helping to direct the production! Glory be to God!

Union Presbyterian Church


Union Presbyterian Church of Monroe, Wisconsin, discerned that one of the gifts that our congregation had to share with our community was abundant green space, located in a residential neighborhood adjacent to a public park. When our session heard that there was no longer a community garden, we responded. We plowed and tilled two good-sized neighborhood gardens, planted by two families in the community and one single woman. Our Confirmation Class built a Little Free Library, placed it next to our front sidewalk and invited neighbors to take a book on their way to the park.

Iowa Presbyterian Gathering celebrates community with worship and fellowship


On Saturday, August 27, almost 100 Presbyterians from across Iowa gathered at First Presbyterian Church in Boone for worship, fellowship, and – of course – a good meal.


The gathering’s theme of “Celebrating CommUNITY” was evident to those gathered in person as they truly celebrated solidarity with each other, in the denomination, and with Christians around the world.


Read the full article

Practicing Inclusion -- A Leader Webinar for Ruling Elders and Deacons

Deacons and elders are invited to join Jihyun Oh, Director of Mid Council Ministries in the Office of the General Assembly, for a 90-minute webinar exploring implicit bias on October 13 at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Although your per capita dollars have covered the cost registration is required no later than October 5.

Co-Moderators of the 225th General Assembly the Rev. Shavon Starling-Louis (left) and the Rev. Ruth Faith Santana-Grace (right). Photo by Rich Copley

Co-Moderators optimistic about the future of the PC(USA)


Shavon Starling-Louis and Ruth Faith Santana-Grace expand on lament and hope.

BY PRESBYTERIAN NEWS SERVICE


Two months into their terms in office, the Rev. Shavon Starling-Louis and the Rev. Ruth Faith Santana-Grace are still reeling from the the historic 225th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The co-moderators are already seeing their schedules filling up as they begin meeting with churches and presbyteries in a time of change.


Prior to their election in June, the two answered a series of questions around their individual calling and how they see the church moving forward post-pandemic.


How do we help the church as we journey between lament and hope? Read the full article

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Presbyterian Disaster Assistance walks alongside partners in the Caribbean and Presbyterian leadership in Puerto Rico as they assess and respond to the aftermath of the disaster

by Mike Ferguson | Presbyterian News Service


LOUISVILLE — On the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Maria’s devastation to Puerto Rico, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance personnel on Tuesday were describing a different scene despite the record rainfall that Fiona brought to the island over the weekend before turning toward the Dominican Republic and smaller islands in the Caribbean.


The hurricane strength and aftermath were unprecedented in 2017, said Michelle Muñiz, PDA’s Disaster Recovery Coordinator in Puerto Rico, but the devastation caused by Hurricane Fiona is comparable. In many ways, the effects are worse than those brought by Maria, “especially the historical rainfall levels,” she said.


To make a financial gift, go here. If you are interested in volunteering in Puerto Rico or other PDA host sites, contact the PDA call center at pda.callcenter@pcusa.org or 866-732-6121.


Read the full article

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Vital Congregations


Vital Congregations works with pastors, church committees and middle governing bodies to provide training, materials and consultation for all worshiping communities and in planting new congregations.


Learn about the Commission on Congregational Vitality in the Presbytery of Milwaukee.

Co-Moderators accepting applications for Special Entities

Application forms for persons who wish to be considered for appointment by GA Co-Moderators, Rev. Ruth Faith Santana-Grace and the Rev. Shavon Starling-Louis, to the special entities – special committees, commission, task force, development team, and implementation team

  • 2020 Guiding Statement Implementation Team (2022)
  • Commission to Unify the Office of the General Assembly and the Presbyterian Mission Agency (2022) (225GA Commissioners and YAADS encouraged to apply; must be ruling elder or teaching elder)
  • Funding Model Development Team (2022) - (225GA Commissioners, TSADs, YAADs encouraged to apply)
  • Special Committee on the PCUSA and Race (2022)
  • Special Committee to Revise the Standing Rules (2022) - (224GA and 225GA Commissioners and 225GA TSADs and YAADs encouraged to apply)
  • Special Committee to Write a New Confession - (2022) - (must be ruling elder or teaching elder)
  • Task Force to Explore the Theology and Practice of Ordination - (2022)

created by the Assembly this summer are now available at the GA nominations portal here.

 

Only those who have completed and submitted an application form and for whom we have received reference forms can be considered for appointment by the Co-Moderators. The deadline for submission of applications for Special Entities is October 14, 2022.

Opportunities


PC(USA) positions - Come work for the church


Presbyterian Foundation - Work for the Foundation

2023 Per Capita


$5.50 for Synod

$9.89 for GA


Why is Per Capita important?

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Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Program


Now through October 31, 2022, changes in the rules for this program allow for borrowers who may not have qualified in the past to be eligible now.


The Board of Pensions and Presbyterian Mission Agency are offering assistance in applying for this program through EdAssist. This free program will help to determine eligibility and if eligible, assist with completing the application process. For more information - 

Free Student Loan Advising


Have student loan debt? If you've worked at a nonprofit organization, you may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness! The PC(USA) is offering debt advising and document preparation to all PC(USA) leaders and free webinars for anyone with student loan debt. Learn more

Presbyterian Women

Justice and Peace Book Club


  • Read a J&P recommended book every two months
  • Receive study guides to inform your reading
  • Discuss the books with others via Zoom


The "Club" is open to all regardless of gender.

Book lineup for the 2021-2022 Reading Season

LeaderWise


Leadership Development Workshops & Programs

Learn more



Supporting vibrant ministry for our changing world. Learn more

We are proud to provide quality programming and events year-round. From virtual workshops to overnight retreats to outdoor concerts, we offer opportunities for inspiration, learning, and entertainment. Visit our website for events open to the public and are sponsored and hosted by Mount Olivet Conference & Retreat Center.

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You are invited to attend Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders, a 5-day event that helps participants deal more effectively with interpersonal, congregational, and other forms of group conflict. Registration is now underway at https://lmpeacecenter.org/all-events/.


We would also like to introduce our new one-day event called Restorative Conversations. The workshop will benefit all levels of leadership including pastors, lay leaders, youth leaders, and Sunday school teachers. Three sessions of this workshop have been scheduled for next year: Feb. 23, May 23, and Nov. 2, 2023.

 

Please contact the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center (630-627-0507 or Admin@LMPeaceCenter.org) with questions about this or any of our outstanding workshops. Thank you for your commitment to peace and wholeness within the body of Christ!

Before we go ...

National Hispanic Heritage Month

September 15 - October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month


Documentaries and programs to help celebrate the diversity of Hispanic and Latina/e/o/x cultures. Free from PBS.

Presbyteries and churches share your news with the synod!


Keeping In Touch is a monthly publication of the Synod of Lakes and Prairies of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

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