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A weekly newsletter from the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys
April 24, 2024
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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 28 - May 4
Crosslake Presbyterian Church of Crosslake
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Crosslake Presbyterian Church continues its ministry of compassion and mission through the people of the church. In addition to local contributions to mission, they have also helped provide funds for the building of a young woman's ministry center in Martinpur, Pakistan. Some of the members also have given funds for Christian student scholarships for higher education, four of whom are studying for nursing degrees (which is one of the few areas that Christians are allowed to find employment), one is studying for a master's degree in microbiology, one studying to be a doctor, and one studying to work in the field of artificial intelligence. They all understand that education is the way to escape poverty and to be able to give back to their communities, but most come from families with few resources.
During the Lenten period, members of the church entered into a competition with six other churches to collect food for the local food shelf. Our collection went to the Crosslake food shelf.
Many of our members go to warmer climates for the winter months, but now that the weather is improving, they will be again joining in the sanctuary. We are grateful for our 'snowbirds' because they contribute so much to our ministry together. Most of them join online through the streaming of worship on YouTube while they are away from Crosslake.
The church is served by Mark Ford, Teaching Elder; Arleen Steele, Clerk of Session; and session members Steve Anderson, Marge Angell, Dewey Kruger, Jack Becker, and Loyal Meech. Musicians are Glenda Meech and Kate Stangl. Judy Regan serves as church administrator. There are many more who serve the church faithfully and our prayer is that we may continue to be a blessing to each other and a blessing to other Christians and people in our community and around the world.
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A young man making bricks.
They revive two cents for every five bricks they make.
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Young women have few safe gathering places so this compound is being constructed to help serve some of their needs. | |
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Together in Christ
Dear Presbytery Family,
I have recently been dreaming a little bit of purchasing a home in Minnesota. I don’t know if it will happen, but I’m having fun browsing listings and considering the possibility. One thing I’ve learned to check is the flood map! I’d like to live near a lake or river, and I’m grateful that I can go to the map, click on flood risk, and watch the blue color spill across the map to let me know if the home I’m considering might be at risk. I have found some along rivers at suspiciously low prices, and sure enough, every time, I watch the waters rise and engulf the home when I click on the flood risk icon!
I’ve been thinking about this flood map, and how I would really love it if our churches were the source of flooding in the Minnesota Valleys region. Not with actual water, of course. That would be a big mess – a lot of us have been through that. No thank you! But wouldn’t it be something if we could flood this region with a sense of God’s love and care, God’s compassion and mercy? Wouldn’t it be great if people could click on a flood icon that showed the reach of the ministry of our churches, and our whole region was standing ten feet deep in God’s love?
I believe that every church is meant to be a pipeline of God’s love to the world around us. As we take some risks, venture outside of our comfort zone, and find new ways to welcome strangers, visit the jails, care for the sick (including illnesses like addiction and mental health challenges), feed the hungry, ensure clean water for those who thirst, and clothe those in need, God’s love flows into our communities.
Together in Christ,
With courage, devotion and good spirit as a colleague,
Rev. Beth Buckwalter-Miller
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Prayer List
New concerns
- For Presbytery Commissioned Ruling Elder Dennis Peterson on the death of his mother, Gloria, on April 10. Cards may be sent to Dennis at 14963 105th Ave NE, Spicer MN 56288
Ongoing concerns
- For Rev. Lynne Matthews, retired pastor most recently served First Presbyterian Church of Holland, who has lost the sight in her left eye, and dimming of sight in her right eye
- For Bea Ourada, Presbytery Business Consultant: health issues - is grateful for all of the prayers and support
- For Rev. Paul Snyder, pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Ashby: After many tests and different diagnoses, hopefully the final diagnosis is post-concussion syndrome for a fall on November 10th. The current treatment plan is providing some relief and Paul will be gradually returning to his pastoral duties.
- For Rev. Bob Bartlett, retired pastor, Round Lake
- For Rev. Michael Roys and Rev. Bonnie Roys, retired pastors, Winnebago. Thanks to everyone for their prayers and well wishes.
- Pray for our brothers and sisters in the Occidente Presbytery of Guatemala
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You are invited to the Installation Service
of Rev. Dr. Steven Voris at
First Presbyterian Church of Luverne
Sunday, April 28, at 4:00 pm
At a called congregational meeting after worship on Sunday, April 21, the congregation of First Presbyterian Church, Luverne MN voted by secret, paper ballot to unanimously call Rev. Dr. Steven J. Voris, MFA as their next Installed Pastor. The presbytery vote on April 13 giving permission for the exception to convert the interim position to installed was also unanimous. The Installation Service will be Sunday, April 28, at 4:00 pm. A reception will follow. Y'all come! Celebrate with us.
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Your cards and notes of encouragement have and will continue to make an impact. Last week, I delivered cards to adults with developmental disabilities, women receiving substance abuse treatment, and to individuals residing in a sober living home. The smiles on these recipients’ faces were priceless. It meant the world to them that someone would take the time to prepare a thoughtful note. They were touched by these small but very significant gifts.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to carefully and prayerfully prepare notes of encouragement. While you may never know the difference you have made, trust that God is using your kindness to transform the hearts of those who are often marginalized and forgotten.
I appreciate your willingness to partner with The Compassionate Way. Thanks again for your thoughtfulness.
Candace Adams
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More Than We Can Imagine:
Synod School gets ready to celebrate 70th anniversary
July 21 - 26
Buena Vista University
Storm Lake, Iowa
Seventy years ago, the first gathering of what we know as Synod School occurred. We are excited about this milestone and have a number of special plans for this year. Thinking about what those original planners put together, we can only imagine what the next 70 years might bring.
More Than We Can Imagine
Now to God who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to the power that is at work within us, to God be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21
As we look to the future of the Church, what will it look like? What innovations are already happening? What is yet to come? As we think about the lives of the young people in our lives, what will their futures be? What innovations will renew their lives and ministries? God is already doing things we cannot even imagine. What difference can that make in our lives and ministries?
Registration link.
To view the catalog, click here. If you would like to receive a catalog, send an email to office@lakesandprairies.org with your name and mailing address.
We look forward to a sharing a week of creativity, music, worship, rest, and ice cream with you!
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April 1 - May 19, 2024
Pentecost
The Pentecost Offering unites us in a church-wide effort to support young people and inspire them to share their faith, ideas, and unique gifts with the church and the world.
More information
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Changes to the Board of Pensions
As you may be aware, some significant changes are being made to the Board of Pensions healthcare coverage requirements for pastors and churches. Our EP, Beth Buckwalter-Miller, and our COL representative, Rev. David Lick attended the Board of Pensions meeting in Denver on April 23 and 24 to receive further information and instruction about these changes. In addition, Ken Green will be joining our COL meeting in June to help us better understand the changes. As we receive more information, we will share it with you, and we will work together to find our way forward.
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Grants available from FPC Madelia
The Mission Redevelopment Committee of First Presbyterian Church, Madelia is seeking applications to receive grants. Qualifying projects may include:
- Development, formation, or redevelopment of Presbyterian churches
- Evangelism or recruitment of new members
- New building construction
- Renovations or capital improvements
- Presbyterian-sponsored mission projects
A written letter of application describing the project, other funds available for the project, and the amount of grant requested should be submitted to the Mission Redevelopment Committee and postmarked by May 31, 2024. Grants will be selected and distributed by June 30, 2024.
Mission Redevelopment Committee
PO Box 156
Madelia MN 56062
office@madeliafirstpresbyterian.com
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5th Annual Ministry Leaders Retreat
September 15-19
Clearwater Forest Camp and Retreat Center
$110 for single room $60 for shared room
Register with an email to the Presbytery Office
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Pastors - would you like to attend a summer pastor's retreat? Lakeshore Center at Okoboji is offering one in June!
We're excited for a Summer Pastors Retreat, June 10-13 featuring Dr. Andrew Root. You can hear his podcast When the Church Stops Working at www.andrewroot.org/podcast/. We will study his book by the same name and have time to process and dream about where God is leading the church with our next faithful steps. Registration is open now.
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Iowa Church embodies Matthew 25 across generations
(Synod Schoolers may recognize some of these people!)
| Our Matthew 25 Missional Partners | |
Rev. Dr. Candace Adams - pastor of our New Worshipping Community, The Compassionate Way, Candace serves marginalized people in our jails, living in group homes, and in recovery from addiction. Funds will be used for the work she does.
Scattering Seeds of Compassion
April Prayer Calendar
To donate, write the check to Lakes Area Presbyterian Church with The Compassionate Way in the memo line and send to:
Lakes Area Presbyterian Church
Attn: Candace Adams
7761 Excelsior Rd
Baxter MN 56425
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Pastor Elizabeth Tot - pastor of our South Sudanese Fellowship in St. Cloud, Elizabeth serves primarily single mothers in the South Sudanese community who are struggling to make ends meet. She is a pastoral presence to the Nuer people in St. Cloud and Mankato. Funds will be used to help her care for her community here and in Ethiopia and South Sudan.
To donate, write a check to First Presbyterian Church with “Pastor Elizabeth Tot” on the memo line and send to:
First Presbyterian Church
340 5th Ave S
Saint Cloud MN 56301
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Mr. Thijin Gatwech - leader of the Nuer Professionals Network with a degree in business. Thijin lives in St. Cloud and is networked to South Sudanese people throughout the region. He helps his people receive mental health education, as well as move toward financial independence and home ownership.
To donate, write a check to First Presbyterian Church with “Thijin Gatwech, NPN” on the memo line and send to:
First Presbyterian Church
340 5th Ave S
Saint Cloud MN 56301
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If we all do a little, we can do a lot!
We have 4,938 Presbyterians on the membership rolls of our Presbytery. We have three Matthew 25 Missional Partners. How could we change their lives and ministries?
If we each gave $10 to each of our mission partners this coming year, every mission partner would receive $49,380.00! Ten dollars. Ten.
We have fifty churches in our Presbytery. How could we change the lives and ministries of our Matthew 25 Partners?
If each of our fifty churches gave $20 to each of our mission partners this coming year, every mission partner would receive $1,000. If every church gave $20/month to each of our mission partners this coming year, every mission partner would receive $12,000.
Friends, Matthew 25 calls us to welcome the stranger, visit the sick and those in prison, feed the hungry, clothe the naked. With language and cultural barriers and our own fears and trepidations this can be challenging work. Right here, in our own Presbytery, we have three missional partners who are uniquely called and equipped for this very work. By supporting them we live into what it means to truly be a Matthew 25 Presbytery.
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Matthew 25 Being Connected
Welcome to the next steps in the transformative journey of the Matthew 25 movement, Being Connected, a series of ongoing conversations dedicated to delving into the pillars of the Matthew 25 movement — building congregational vitality, eradicating systemic poverty and dismantling structural racism.
Wednesdays, May 1, 15 & 29 - 2:00 - 3:30pm CST Register Here!
Matthew 25 Continued Conversations: Vital Congregations
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2024
Apr 22-23: Beth attends BOP event in Denver
Apr 22-24: Pam attends Synod Clerk event in Kansas City
May 6-7: Pam attends records review for presbytery stated clerks
May 8-10: Pam and Karen work on project at Lakeshore Center
May 16: Chair/Leadership Zoom at 4:00pm
May 30: GA Training at FPC Redwood Falls from 11:00 - 3:00
June 20: Chair/Leadership Zoom at 4:00pm
Sep 27: Commission/Committee/Other Reports due for Presbytery Meeting
Oct 2: Presbytery Packet emailed
Oct 7: RSVP due date for Presbytery Meeting
Oct 12: Stated Presbytery Meeting (in person only) from 10:00 - 3:00 at Federated Church of Fergus Falls
Nov 27: Commission/Committee/Other Reports due for Presbytery Meeting
Dec 2: Presbytery Packet emailed
Dec 11: RSVP due date for Presbytery Meeting
Dec 12: Stated Presbytery Meeting via Zoom from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
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Grants Available from the Minnesota Council of Churches
Reflective Leadership Grant
Up to $15,000, Apply by May 28
This grant program is for leaders who are ready to design the next chapter in their ministry. Applicants might realize that their work needs to be framed or re-framed to cultivate new supporters and allies. Other applicants might have helped their staff or volunteers in expanding their ministry, but as the leader, they need time and perspective to chart out next steps for an enlarged vision.
Nurturing Children Through Worship and Prayer, up to $1.25M, apply by May 6
Farmers, Ranchers and Farm Workers ministry grants, up to $3,000, ongoing
Building Air Quality Grants, match up to $10,000, ongoing
Facility Completion Grants, average $7,500, ongoing
Greater Minnesota Antiracism Grants, up to $2,000, ongoing
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How might faith leaders and congregations courageously and creatively engage in socially transformative action from a place of spiritual grounding and depth? How might compassionate listening and radical imagination help us forge new connections across lines of difference, build a more just world with others, and facilitate a “revolution of values,” rather than fuel the flames of fear, hatred, and exclusion?
Join us onsite or online May 9–10 as we explore these questions and more during plenary sessions and workshops during United Days. Onsite registrations close May 1.
Register today at https://www.unitedseminary.edu/event/united-days-2024/
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Quick Links
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Clergy Wellness Grants
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Pulpit Supply and Moderator Information
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Public Domain Hymn Project link
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Template for a social media policy from the Luverne Church is Here
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Sanctuary
“But Boaz answered her, ‘All that you have done for your mother-in-law ... how you left your father and mother and your native land and came to a people that you did not know before. May the Lord reward you for your deeds, and may you have a full reward from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge!’” (Ruth 2:11–12)
BACKGROUND
Throughout history, the people of God have provided safe space in their places of worship for those vulnerable under the laws and customs of the time. The Hebrew people had cities of refuge for persons wrongfully accused of crimes. In the years before the American Civil War, congregations provided safety for slaves fleeing the South in the Underground Railroad. In the 1980s, more than 500 U.S. congregations provided safe houses to Central Americans fleeing civil war but whom our government refused to acknowledge as refugees.
Today churches are providing sanctuary to people with final orders of deportation. Law-abiding parents and workers caught in the clutches of a broken immigration system are entering houses of worship to fight their orders of deportation from a safe space. Congregations are standing with families at risk of separation.
Why sanctuary and why now? Eleven million undocumented persons are living in the United States, the majority of whom have lived here for more than ten years. They are our friends, neighbors, and family members. All are at risk of deportation.
Year after year, Congress refuses to pass immigration reform. Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to fund an 18 billion dollar a year immigration enforcement system that continues to deport persons with significant ties in the U.S. The film Journeying in Hope, captures the strife felt by families and ministries on the border that are offering witness and support in the midst of this crisis. Changes made in immigration policy during 2017 have made a desperate situation for many even more so and have added to the list of people likely to be targeted for immigration enforcement.
Many church communities refuse to sit by and watch another family torn apart. Congregations are standing alongside members of their church and community by assisting in the preparation of family care plans and forming communities of advocacy and support who provide accompaniment to court and advocacy to agencies and people in power. These acts of solidarity are, sometimes, enough to stop unjust deportations. When they are not, some bodies of faith are offering sanctuary.
More
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2024 Per Capita: $45.00 Total
$29.70 for Presbytery
$5.50 for Synod
$9.80 for GA
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