Whitewater Valley Presbytery

May 2, 2024

Office Hours:

M-F 8:30am-4:30pm

Office - 317-923-3681

Note from Ron Snow

Vice Moderator of WVP

The Presbytery of Whitewater Valley convened on Wednesday, May 1, for its quarterly stated assembly. The theme for the day was “Live into Hope”, and I believe the actions of the assembly mirrored our theme. Before providing the highlights of the meeting, I would like to convey heartfelt thanks and gratitude to First Presbyterian Church of Muncie and St. Andrew Presbyterian Church of Muncie for the wonderful gifts of welcome and service they provided to all who attended. Some of the highlights indicating how Whitewater Valley Presbytery is “living into hope” include:

· Due to the positive response from our last stated assembly, the docket was once again constructed as “worshipful work” with prayers, music, and witness to God’s Word woven into the business portion of the docket.

· An Overture to General Assembly was approved by the assembly. This document (download it HERE) overtures the 225th General Assembly (2024) to:

o Call for a day of prayer and fasting on Sunday, September 22, to pray for our nation’s leaders, citizens who will be voting in upcoming elections, and to pray for an end to division and a new birth of freedom and peace in our nation and world.

o Speak prophetically to the Church and to the nation beyond the church to reject as false doctrine the ideology and idolatry of Christian Nationalism, call for repentance from the beliefs that one ideological interpretation can be proclaimed the only Christian faith, and to proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord.

· The Amistad Christana Administrative Commission reported to the assembly sharing the refined vision of Amistad, as well as a request to recommission Amistad through the end of 2025. You can download the report HERE. The assembly approved this request.

· The assembly approved the Personnel Committee’s reminded the body of the reasoning behind the title of Transitional Lead Presbyter, for Erin McGee. The new title suggests that members of the presbytery work together to do ministry with the guidance of our Presbyter, doing away with the “Executive” terminology that is often used in a hierarchical approach. Additionally, the assembly approved the job description update to comply with particular fiduciary needs.

· The following individuals, elected this past November as commissioners to the General Assembly, were commissioned to this service at the meeting: Elder John Currant, Rev. Winterbourne Harrison-Jones, Elder Carolyn Kendall, and Rev. Deb Mitchell.

· Sandy Garcia, seminary student currently completing her supervised ministry at First Presbyterian, Bluffton was received by the presbytery as a candidate for the ministry of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA),

As you can see, we had a full agenda for my first assembly as Vice-Moderator. I am humbled and blessed to serve in this capacity, and I look forward to walking together with all of you as we “live into hope” with a vision of our God brought near.

Peace,

Ron Snow

Elder, Second Presbyterian Church, Indianapolis

Vice-Moderator, Whitewater Valley Presbytery

A note from the WWV Personnel Team…

Hopefully, each of you have received the gift of Sabbath rest; hopefully weekly. That sacred time set aside to not be productive but to rest in God’s care. Taking time to rest may be the most radical thing we can do in our culture today.

Our faith teaches us that we need extended sabbath rest periods, and we recognize that Craig Shaw is long overdue, serving for more than 20 years. Craig is so faithful as a staff person for WWV; and his adaptability was so needed especially during COVID; his ability to pivot and figure out ways for us to stay connected virtually were essential.

So now, we will let him rest! Craig’s sabbatical begins on Monday May 6 and will continue through July 8. PLEASE DO NOT contact him during his sabbatical; if you need help, please feel free to reach out to the Presbytery office for further direction. Thank you in advance for your care and respect!

Franklin First Presbyterian Church May 5th

On the following Sunday, May 5, Maurice Clerc, organist emeritus, Dijon Cathedral, France, will present a concert at 12:30.

Later in the year, other concerts will be offered:

October 27: Peter Van De Velde, organist, Antwerp Cathedral, Belgium, and

November 17: L evente Kuzma, Hungary’s most prominent concert organist

These concerts are supported by a generous grant from the Branigin Foundation and are offered to the public free of charge.

First Presbyterian Church is located at 100 E. Madison St., Franklin.

Synod of Lincoln Trails

Oasis Grant Deadline to apply

June 15, 2024

Who is elligible?

Pastors, Commissioned Pastors, Chaplains, and those in validated ministries as determined by their presbytery.
Those in active full-time or part-time ministry.

Click here to apply

Church Financial Leadership Grants

The Presbyterian Foundation has Church Financial Leadership Grants available for pastors and New Worshiping Community leaders to help with the cost of attending Stewardship Kaleidoscope and the Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising.

Learn More

Rural and small town congregations and non-profits are leading with hope in their communities. Hopeful leadership is theologically grounded and practical. During this workshop, we will discuss a robust theology and practice of hope for congregations and share examples of hope-full ministries that are transforming local communities.

ON-LINE EVENT DATE & DETAILS

This workshop will be offered twice to offer the most scheduling flexibility for attendees. Attendees do not need to attend both sessions.

Workshop(s) are listed in Eastern Standard Time (EST).

Wednesday, May 8

10am - 12 Noon

Tuesday, May 14

1pm - 3pm

Fan the Flame: May 8, 2024

For over 70 years, Pyoca has kept the fire of faith burning. For generations, we've been the place you can send your kids to camp to explore, grow, rest, and play. But that fire doesn't happen by accident. God's faithfulness has guided us. Beautiful servants have blessed us. Amazing staff continue to lead us. And they keep the fire going.

Save the date and join us as we celebrate Pyoca's second annual Day of Giving on Wednesday, May 8th! After exceeding our goal of raising $15,000 in 2023, our goal in 2024 is to raise $25,000 in one day. Your financial support will go toward:

$10,000 - 2024 Mission Support
$10,000 - Camp Scholarships
$ 5,000 - New Lodge Kitchen Stove

No matter the size of gift, your contribution enables us to fan the flame of our

ministry and keep the fire of faith burning.

Donate on Wednesday, May 8th by choosing "Fan the Flame" at the link provided above. Increase your impact by setting up a recurring monthly donation! Recurring donations of $10 or $25 per month add up quickly and make a huge difference in the life of our ministry every year.

If you would prefer to donate by check, please make checks out to Pyoca or Pyoca Camp and Retreat Center.

Checks can be mailed to:

Pyoca Camp and Retreat Center

886 East County Rd. 100 S.

Brownstown, IN 47220

Thank you for your support of this ministry. Your prayers, service, and financial contributions keep this ministry thriving for years to come!

Donate Here