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A weekly newsletter from the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys
July 21, 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 July 25-31
First Presbyterian Church of Litchfield
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Leadership:
Clerk of Session Sue Berg
Ruling Elders Don MacKay, Amy Levinski, Bob Powers, Robbie Nordling
Deacons: Barb Bremseth, Stephanie Rech, Rosie Graphenteen, Darlene Kotelnicki, Bev Driver, ReNae Olson
CRE Gordy Pennertz
Music Director Jayne Ackman
Executive Assistant Julie Rae Pennertz
Custodian Heidi Pennertz
Prayer requests:
- For rain for our community and our farmers.
- For those who suffering loss of loved ones.
- For our nominating committee as they choose new officers for next year.
- Our fellowship as we celebrated the opening up of church with communion and potluck.
- Thanksgiving for our church leaders and faithful membership through the pandemic.
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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.
Karen, Pam and Kathy will be attending Synod School next week. Please email or leave phone messages. Kathy will return urgent calls during breaks.
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New mailing address
Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys
PO Box 431
Kerkhoven MN 56252
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Are you interested in developing a zoom type confirmation class for our Presbytery? We are looking for individuals to serve on a task force in regards to such. If you are interested, please contact Randy Knuth, the chair of the Commission on Congregational Transformation and Development at knuthr758@gmail.com or call/text 712-540-8243. |
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Office of Public Witness (PCUSA) supports Climate Action Legislation
Submitted by Earl O. Knutson, First Presbyterian Willmar
Click on the QR code below to see that the Presbyterian Office of Public Witness (OPW) supports House Resolution 2307, the "Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act." As seen, OPW has enlisted VoterVoice to enable individuals to show their support. Fill in and send the form; VoterVoice will insert Rep. Fischbach's name and forward the message.
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The Academy Offers Hope for the Future
Many churches across America, including here in Minnesota, are finding it difficult to find and/or afford a full-time ordained pastor. Several churches, however, are finding what might even be a better solution: Commissioned Ruling Elders (CREs). CREs are commissioned by the Presbytery to fulfill the role of a pastor for a specific ministry or congregation. For classes and more info, check out The Academy
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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, Lindsay Jacaruso, Rollin Haynes and Steve Anderson. 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
Thanks to the gracious generosity of the Budget and Finance Committee, we are now able to offer technology grants up $750.00 each year, not to exceed ½ of the cost of the total project. So, the total project will have to be over $1500 in order to receive that amount. This is effective May 27, 2021. Again, thanks to the Budget and Finance for graciously increasing these funds that churches may apply for in regards to technology upgrades or new projects. Please use the new form which is specific to the Technology Grant.
The above resources are shared by the Commission on Congregational Transformation and Development
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This summer, we’re celebrating our Presbyterian generosity — and inspiring congregations like yours to join our chorus of giving!
Summer of Song: A Concert Series brought to you by the Presbyterian Giving Catalog was created not only to thank those who continue giving generously, but also to lift up our connection to music, and one another.
The first concert, Elizabeth Stockton Perkins with accompaniment by Cameron Edmiston, is available on demand here — and there are still two chances to tune in for more live performances.
Tonight (July 21) at 7 p.m. EDT, The Stillman College Concert Choir, a Presbyterian-affiliated historically black liberal arts college ensemble from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, will share sacred and secular music from the Renaissance to present.
The final concert on August 21 at 7 p.m. EDT will feature The Mission Musicians, Presbyterians coming together to share their belief in the power of music to spread God’s love. They will perform a selection of beloved songs.
Both performances will also be available to view on demand at the link below after their premieres.
Please share this opportunity with your members in your newsletters or on social media, and encourage them to join us in joyfully honoring our shared love of music, and the difference we’re making together. Your congregation may also enjoy the chance to experience the concerts together! We invite you to reach out to us if you’re interested in learning about hosting a watch party.
Use this link to join the concerts live, or to view on demand at any time!
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PW's Justice and Peace Book Club
Contact Kathleen Keefer ( kathleenkeefer20@gmail.com) to register for discussions of the books by Zoom, which are 12:30 - 2:30 PM OR 6:30 - 8:30 PM. ANYONE can join! The Color of Law will be discussed on August 9.
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Women Church Leaders’ Retreat
Women’s Leadership in the Church: Ongoing Challenges and Unspoken Joys
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FY22 ACPE Extended Unit Program
VA Midwest Health Care Network (VISN 23) ACPE System (St. Cloud VA Hospital)
We are in a Veteran Administration hospital setting in Saint Cloud. We serve veterans of all ages, sexual orientation, ethnicities, and religious/spiritual preferences. We have long-term care, mental health and addictions, women’s issues, out-patient medical services, and a host of other services for veterans. What is unique about a VA hospital is that it serves our veterans who have served our country in war and in peace time. One experiences the stories of veterans through their military and civilian lives, hears about and has contact with families, works with the interdisciplinary team as a team member, and deals with crises as they arise. Obviously, one brings one’s own life experiences into the pastoral encounter as well. In CPE, one will work to gain self-awareness and then how to use that in ministry to help build the bridge between oneself and others in ministry. Our program will use family systems theories and other theories of human and faith development, theories on aging, grief, etc.
Rev. Dan Duggan is a new member of the Minnesota Valleys Presbytery and lives in St. Cloud.
St. Cloud VA FY22 CPE Extended Unit Program
October 12-2021-April 22, 2022
- Group time: Tuesday, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
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Ministry time: An additional 12 hours per week, Monday-Friday, of which 4 hours per week need to be done at St. Cloud VA Hospital, and the remaining 8 hours per week can be spent in one’s own ministry setting. One may do all of their required ministry hours at the VA if desired. Ministry hours are scheduled at student’s convenience.
- One worship commitment on a Sunday
For further information contact Dan Duggan at the information below:
Rev. Daniel R. Duggan, M.Div., BCC, ACPE Certified Educator
Chaplain, ACPE Certified Educator
320-255-6480 x7543
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Transitional Ministry Education for All Pastors—A message from TMEC (Transitional Ministry Education Consortium)
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Resources on Congregational Vitality
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Prayer List
- 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 brothers 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
Harrison Presbyterian Church, rural Spicer - Pastor, yoked parish
First Presbyterian Church, Winnebago - Interim Pastor
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BREAKING NEWS - - - First Presbyterian Willmar's 150th Anniversary celebration will go on!!!
The Anniversary Committee has revised its previous plans and is moving ahead
with the following activities through the end of the year:
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September 11 – “The Heart of Willmar 150” Celebration
Join us for an outdoor intergenerational Family Concert on the church grounds. Music/Art Activities/Games/Food. Free to the community.
October 17 – Anniversary Worship Service and Banquet
Worship Service at 10:00 am followed by a banquet in John Knox Hall. Meal is free. RSVP required by September 20, 2021.
December 5 – Advent Festival
Immediately following the worship service. Lunch will be provided in the Family Café, followed by crafts in John Knox Hall.
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The Ministry Lab is excited to announce that the 2nd installment of our Summer Worship Series is now available!
Our Summer Worship Series: Liberation #2 is ready! Let it be an excuse to share a prophetic sermon – from the perspective of a rural pastor; authentically experience a new art form; experiment with a new style of engaging liturgy; or, just take some time away from worship planning! Find more information about this service, Everyone’s Chains Came Off – Reflecting on Paul & Silas’ Liberation from Prison, here. |
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