North Iowa Presbyterian E-News. Presbytery Office Lakeshore Center at Okoboji 1864 Hwy. 86 Milford, IA

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1 North Iowa Presbyterian E-News Presbytery Office Lakeshore Center at Okoboji 1864 Hwy. 86 Milford, IA August 17, 2017 IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS Welcome to this issue of the E-News! We are always looking for things to include in the E-News. If you have anything you would like to share or if you would like to contribute an article, please contact Jeannie at or Please make sure your records contain the new address for the Presbytery Office. The time is coming when the Post Office will no longer forward mail that is sent to either the old Waterloo or Storm Lake addresses. Some pieces of mail have already been returned to the sender as undeliverable. The correct address is: Presbytery Office Lakeshore Center at Okoboji 1864 Hwy. 86 Milford, IA If you are a pastor who is a) serving a small church and b) has educational debt, here s some potentially good news for you: up to $5,000 a year, renewable for up to three years, is available to reduce your seminary indebtedness. For more information and an application, copy and paste this link into your web browser:

2 Presbytery of Prospect Hill Announcements At the April meeting of the Presbytery of Prospect Hill, we heard two presentations on the situation in South Sudan and received an offering for the work of the Presbyterian Church in that troubled nation. Here is an update from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and information on how you can continue to be a part of God s ministry there: The Book of Order is now available for order as a paper copy ($10 each for 1-9 copies; discounts for larger orders at or as a free PDF download at Since a new class of Elders will be taking office in most of our churches on January 1, this would be a good time to get a copy of the Book of Order for every member of the Session. It not only lays out the best practices for doing the business and planning the worship for our congregations, it also gives the theological background for those practices (see Poor Richard s Almanac in the August 3 rd issue of E-news for more on this). And, speaking of theology, this would also be a good time to order the latest Book of Confessions, which contains the newly-added Confession of Belhar! Presbytery of North Central Iowa Announcements The deadline for submitting North Central Iowa Ministry & Mission 2017 Partnership Grant Applications is August 25! Applications received after that date will not be considered. Please consider making a donation to North Central Iowa s Pastors Education Debt Assistance Fund. It s easy merely note the designation in the memo portion of your check and mail it to the Presbytery Office. Thank you in advance for helping support new ministers as they begin their service! To: Any and All Interested in Youth Ministry We will have a gathering for those in youth ministry staff or volunteer koinonia, conversation and exchange of ideas. Thursday, September 7, 2017, 11:30 a.m. in the back room of the Pizza Ranch in Ackley. Please invite anyone who may be interested!

3 Calendar Dates North Central Iowa events are shown in blue Prospect Hill events are shown in red Combined events are shown in green August 18 Lakeshore Center Board Meeting, Lakeshore Center; 11:00 3:00 (NCI & PPH) August 23 Mental Health in Iowa, First Presbyterian Church, Marshalltown; 12:00-2:00 (NCI & PPH) August 23 Vital Ministries Initiative Subcommittee, First Presbyterian Church, Ackley; 5:00 6:00 (NCI) August 25 Deadline for submitting Mission Grant Applications (NCI) September 4 Labor Day Presbytery Office Closed September 7 Youth Ministry meeting, Pizza Ranch, Ackley; 11:30 a.m. (NCI) September 11 Committee on Ministry, First Presbyterian Church, Ackley; 5:00 8:00 (NCI) September 12 Committee on Ministry; 10:00 12:00 (PPH) September 12 Moderator Meeting, Lakeside Presbyterian Church, Storm Lake; 10:00-12:00 (PPH) September 12 Committee on Prep. for Ministry, Lakeside Presbyterian, Storm Lake; 1:00 3:00 (PPH) September 15 All-Iowa Conversation, Northminster Presbyterian Church, Ames; 9:30 3:00 (NCI & PPH) (please note this date may change) September 16 Clerk of Session Minute Reviews, First Presbyterian Church, Ackley; 9:00-12:00 (NCI) September 18 Vital Ministries Initiative, John Calvin room; 2:30-3:30 (NCI) September 21 Council, First Presbyterian Church, Ackley; 5:00 8:00 (NCI) September 23 M&M Grants Consultation, First Presbyterian Church, Ackley; 9:30 1:00 (NCI) September 25 Macedonian Ministry Cohort East; 10:00 2:00 (NCI) September 28 Macedonian Ministry Cohort West; 10:00 2:00 (NCI) September 30 Clerk of Session Minute Reviews, United Presbyterian Church, Clarion; 9:00-12:00 (NCI) October 9 Committee on Ministry, First Presbyterian Church, Ackley; 5:00-8:00 (NCI) October 10 Committee on Ministry; 10:00-12:00 (PPH) October 12 Committee on Preparation for Ministry, First Presbyterian Church, Ackley; 10:00-4:00 (NCI) October 13 A Day with Dr. Thomas Long, Lakeshore Center; 9:00-4:00 (NCI & PPH) October Fall Academy Class, Lakeshore Center (NCI & PPH) October 19 Cluster in Grundy Center, First Presbyterian Church, Grundy Center; 11:30-12:30 (NCI) October 23 Macedonian Ministry Cohort West; 10:00-2:00 (NCI) October 26 Macedonian Ministry Cohort East; 10:00-2:00 (NCI) October 28 Stated Presbytery Meeting, Lakeshore Center; 9:00-3:00 (PPH) November 5 Stated Presbytery Meeting, First Presbyterian Church, Conrad; 3:00-7:30 (NCI) Attention North Central Iowa Clerks of Session The Session Records Reviews have now been rescheduled. You have two opportunities to attend: Saturday, September 16 Saturday, September 30 9:00-12:00 9:00 12:00 First Presbyterian Church United Presbyterian Church th Ave. 219 First St. NW Ackley, Iowa Clarion, Iowa All Clerks of Session should have received Notice of the Session Records Reviews and the Checklist. If someone did not receive this information, please contact Jeannie in the Presbytery Office ( or northiowapresby@gmail.com).

4 Prayers of the Presbytery of North Central Iowa Week of August 20 Week of August 27 Westminster Presbyterian Church, Waterloo Rev. Patricia Jacobs and Rev. Daniel Voigt First Presbyterian Church, Albion Rev. Bruce Baillie, Moderator Week of Sept. 3 Collegiate Presbyterian Church, Ames Rev. Craig Palmer, Interim Pastor/Head of Staff Rev. Dr. Barbara Gaddis, Parish Associate Rev. Betsy Thompson Week of Sept. 10 Week of Sept. 17 Week of Sept. 24 Week of October 1 Week of October 8 Week of October 15 Theological Institutions related to the PCUSA First Presbyterian Church, Dows Rev. Shawn Hill First Presbyterian Church, Grand Junction, and First Presbyterian Church, Paton Tere Erickson, CRE, Interim First Presbyterian Church, Reinbeck and First Presbyterian Church, Grundy Center Rev. Mike Campbell - Rev. Sheryl Campbell, Parish Associate - Bethany Presbyterian Church, Grundy Center Rev. Al Polito First Presbyterian Church, Jefferson Rev. Gordon Moen Prayers of the Presbytery of Prospect Hill Week of August 20 Week of August 27 Week of Sept. 3 Week of Sept. 10 Week of Sept. 17 Week of Sept. 24 Week of October 1 Week of October 8 Week of October 15 First Presbyterian Church, Rockwell City Rev. Jim Mossman Shared Ministry of Rolfe Lorna Peters, CRE First Presbyterian Church, Sanborn Rev. Gregg Johnson Lakeshore Center at Okoboji Beth Ehlers, CRE, Executive Director First Presbyterian Church, Sioux City Rev. Tom Murray Westminster Presbyterian Church, Sioux City Rev. Erica MacCreaigh Westlawn Presbyterian Church, Sioux City Paul Speidel, CRE First Presbyterian Church, So. Sioux City Rev. Tom Murray, Moderator Trinity Presbyterian Church, Wall Lake Rev. Richard Francis, Moderator

5 Additional Prayer Concerns Please keep Marcia Rich and family in your prayers as they grieve the loss of Bob Rich. Services were held for Bob were held on Monday, August 7, at First Presbyterian Church in Fort Dodge. Please keep Clair Hein and family in your prayers as they grieve the loss of Verlee Hein. Services for Verlee were held on August 2 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Waterloo. Please keep Lee Nicholas and family in your prayers as they grieve the loss of Margo Nicholas. Services for Margo were held on august 5 at First Presbyterian Church in Cedar Falls. Please keep Rev. Le Anne Clausen de Montes and her five-year-old son in your prayers as they start the process of assessment and treatment for some complex challenges he is facing. Please keep Peter and Rev. Rikki Sorensen and family in your prayers as they grieve the loss of Peter s mother this past week. Please keep Shari O Bannon, CRE at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Ida Grove, in your prayers. Shari s father was placed in hospice this past week, her mother is having health issues and Shari is battling some health issues of her own.

6 Amity Presbyterian Church invites everyone to their Ice Cream Social Sunday/Sundae! When: August 20, 2017 Time: 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Where: Amity Presbyterian Church 1803 Hwy. D65 Reinbeck, Iowa Loose meat sandwiches, grilled pork loin, hot dogs, pies and cakes will also be served. The Presbytery of Prospect Hill invites everyone to a service of ordination and installation for Cambria Kaltwasser to be ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament and Installed as a Professor of Religious Studies at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. When: Sunday, August 27, 2017 Time: 2:00 p.m. Where: Christ Chapel Northwestern College th Street SW Orange City, Iowa In Concert Burt Presbyterian Church Sunday, September 10, 2017; 6:30 p.m. Blake & Jenna Bolerjack, a Modern Gospel Vocal Duo, communicate their faith through music with gentleness and a testimony of love and commitment with their marriage; a chemistry easily seen as they sing together. Singing a modern gospel style, Blake & Jenna sing a mix of classic & new gospel songs with velvety harmonies. Blake & Jenna also talk about her recent cancer diagnosis and the faithfulness of God they ve seen through their journey. More information is available at: A free will offering will be taken.

7 Thoughts of David Feltman, Pastor to the Presbytery, North Central Iowa Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, In light of the events in Charlottsville last weekend, the church must speak clearly. I am glad the PC(USA) has recently adopted the Belhar Confession and I offer a portion of it below. I encourage you to read the entire Confession and the comments surrounding the Confession by Googling PCUSA and Belhar Confession. CONFESSION OF BEHLAR Corinthians 5:17-21 Matthew 5:9, 13-16; 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1-5 Romans 6:12-14; Colossians 1:11-14 James 2: 8-9 We believe that God has entrusted the church with the message of reconciliation in and through Jesus Christ; that the church is called to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, that the church is called blessed because it is a peacemaker, that the church is witnessed both by word and by deed to the new heaven and the new earth in which righteousness dwells; that God s life-giving Word and Spirit has conquered the powers of sin and death, and therefore also of irreconciliation and hatred, bitterness and enmity, that God s life-giving Word and Spirit will enable the church to live in a new obedience which can open new possibilities of life for society and the world; that the credibility of this message is seriously affected and its beneficial work obstructed when it is proclaimed in a land which professes to be Christian, but in which the enforced separation of people on a racial basis promotes and perpetuates alienation, hatred and enmity; that any teaching which attempts to legitimate such forced separation by appeal to the gospel, and is not prepared to venture on the road of

8 obedience and reconciliation, but rather, out of prejudice, fear, selfishness and unbelief, denies in advance the reconciling power of the gospel, must be considered ideology and false doctrine Therefore, we reject any doctrine which, in such situations sanctions in the name of the gospel or of the will of God the forced separation of people on the grounds of race and color and thereby in advance obstructs and weakens the ministry and experience of reconciliation in Christ. Please pray for our nation as we face the dreadful evil of last weekend and as we continue work for racial justice and reconciliation. With Love in Christ, David Feltman ************************************************************************************ Churches and Pastors in Transition Rev. John Molacek began serving Central Presbyterian Church in Nevada as Temporary Supply Pastor on August 1 st. (NCI) Please pray for First Presbyterian Church in Albion, who is in transition after Commissioned Lay Pastor Bea Lebuda retired. (NCI) Rev. Denise Parrello just began serving First Presbyterian Church in Alta. Rev. Parrello is also an ELCA pastor with Trinity Lutheran in Alta. (PPH) Please pray for the congregations of First Presbyterian Church in Cleghorn, First Presbyterian Church in South Sioux City, and Lakeside Presbyterian Church in Storm Lake as they each start the process of searching for a pastor. (PPH) The congregations of United Presbyterian Church in Denison and Ebenezer and Zoar Presbyterian Churches in George are moving forward with candidates from the PNC. (PPH)

9 Rev. Dr. Dave Ullom was installed as pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Estherville on August 6 th. Welcome Pastor Ullom! Happy 125 th to First Presbyterian Church in Armstrong!

10 Moderator s Musings Dealing with Your Stress-O-Meter If your house is like my house, that sudden jolt you just felt was the lurch of summer coming to an abrupt halt and the fall schedule getting ready to start. Where did the summer go? I haven t even had time to do the slow down and relax thing, and now it is time for fall. Wow! Like me, perhaps you can use some perspective. The simple reality is that we really don t get a break in the schedule of life. There is always something coming up, something around the corner that needs our attention (read bills to be paid, school starting, that nagging doctor s appointment I need to make, etc.). The summers that were to be used to rest, relax and refresh are crammed full of activities (ball games, swimming lessons, etc.), vacations (involving travel and more activities), family gettogethers well, you know the drill. Then there are those unexpected events that come our way that surgery that needed to be done, that accident that derailed our plans, that neighbor, friend or family member who is going through a hard time. It all adds up on the Stress-O-Meter of life. I am old enough to remember the old Calgon commercial that ends with a heartfelt prayer tag-line: Calgon take me away! Did you know the spirit of that sentiment is found in the Bible? It is, although Calgon is not the source of relief (although a good soak in peace and quiet with candlelight DOES sound attractive). No, the source of relief is God the one who has created us, knows us by name, has ordered our days, and has plans for us. The apostle Paul, knowing the early Christians (and us) are under stress, pens these words in Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. We find ourselves in a rapid-paced world that, at times, has the appearance of having gone completely bonkers. Our Stress-O-Meter is way around to the right in the red, dangerous range. Let me encourage all of us to stop for a moment or two, take a couple deep breaths, and ask God to take that load of stress off of our shoulders and fill us with the love and grace we have been commissioned to share with the world. Join me in seeking a less-stress life for ourselves, our family, our Church, our neighborhood, our world. Living into hope, The Rev. Kerry W. Carson, Moderator Presbytery of North Central Iowa

11 Poor Richard s Almanac by Richard Francis, Stated Clerk, Presbytery of Prospect Hill When we are ordained, whether as Ministers of Word and Sacrament, Ruling Elders, or Deacons, we are asked the same set of questions, one of which is Do you sincerely receive and adopt the essential tenets of the Reformed faith as expressed in the confessions of our church as authentic and reliable expositions of what Scripture leads us to believe and do, and will you be instructed and led by those confessions as you lead the people of God? (Book of Order W ) The confessions of our church are found in the Book of Confessions, a theological library that begins with the Nicene Creed and ends with A Brief Statement of Faith. Most of the documents in the Book of Confessions are from the Reformation and shortly after: the Scots Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism, and so on, but one from the 20th century has become especially relevant in the last few days: the Theological Declaration of Barmen. The Barmen Declaration (named after the city where it was written) was the response of faithful resistance in Germany to the policies and programs of Adolph Hitler and the Nazi party, policies that had been accepted by many in the leadership of the German churches. You can find a concise history of the document in any edition of the Book of Confessions, so I won t repeat it here. But I encourage you to read both the introduction and the document itself. It won t take long, and it will tell you what Christians in Germany and elsewhere were up against in the days leading up to World War II. There are some in our country who have forgotten, or who are willfully rewriting history; some who are carrying Nazi flags and lifting up the ideals of that defeated ideology. Some of these are daring to do it in the name of Jesus. So I call your attention, not only to the Theological Declaration of Barmen (and the newly-added Belhar Confession), but also to the banner created by Richard Avery and Donald Marsh to illustrate the Barmen Declaration. It shows the swastika crossed out and the Cross rising from the flames. The swastika, it is saying, is a symbol evil to be obliterated; the cross is a symbol of victory to be lifted up. There are not two sides in this confrontation; there is only the side of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our Book of Confessions stands as a constant reminder of that truth, and a guide to our actions. Blessings,

12 Stated Clerk s Message Let us do our best to make our churches places of quality and excellence so that people can grasp the truth of Jesus and grow as Christians. May our churches be places where others see Jesus. The Bible tells us that we are examples of Christ in every place we go. Because of who we serve we should always be giving our best effort at work. Ephesians 6:7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the lord, not men. There is a world of people to have a hole in their heart that only Jesus can fill. As Followers of Jesus we need to persevere and get the message of hope through. I recently attended our Synod School at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake. It was a glorious gathering with almost 700 people in attendance. Our General Assembly Stated Clerk. Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, was the Convocation Speaker each day and the theme was justice, drawing inspiration from Amos 5:24: But let justice roll on like a river, righteous like a neverfailing stream! He called for a new reformation of the church in our time. Come on, people. It s time for a reformation of heart, word and deed regarding our allegiance to God, which leads to our allegiance to one another. He said he understands the laments of our time. I want to suggest that lament is good. It frees us of the stuff that represents faithlessness in our lives. We get a chance to purge ourselves of all that internal anxiety. However, the danger of lament is that we can allow it to be a chorus of our everyday existence. Thus we are weighed down from any real spiritual or supernatural claims, because our own soul is depleted by the continuous cry of self-pity and failure to acknowledge the power, presence and possibilities of God Almighty. I am convinced this is the core of our struggle as Presbyterians. We are still lamenting the changes in the world and the loss of the church we once knew. Still lamenting that things aren t the way they used to be. News flash. News flash. They re not going back. We need to prayerfully claim the promises that God has already given to us and use those as an impetus to move forward, claiming and declaring that this mystery called life is worth engaging in... By the power of the Holy Spirit simply living into the mystery, living into it with the faith that God can do anything and everything with faith. Nelson said that prayer is important! We must become a praying community again. Prayer is the source of our power that overcomes lament. Our lacking of what we need in the face of God s abundance is representative of our failure to acknowledge fully the power of God to assist us in overcoming all of our struggles. So my friends in Christ, be encouraged. As Nelson pointed out, God has given us prayer. And his help is just a prayer away. As my father used to say, men and women are strongest when they are on their knees. Rev. Dr. Glenn S. Wilson Stated Clerk, Presbytery of North Central Iowa

13 Northminster Presbyterian Church is Looking for a Part-Time Christian Formation Director Position Description Director of Christian Formation Northminster Presbyterian Church Ames, Iowa JOB SUMMARY: To provide spiritual formation to people of all ages that will equip them to grow in their own faith. To support the mission of Northminster, which is to Gather People to Christ, Grow in Discipleship, and Serve all with Love. STATUS: This position will require hours per week with an annual salary of $17,000. QUALIFICATIONS: An active and committed disciple of Jesus Christ. A demonstrated ability to make a creative contribution to the total church ministry through Christian education and spiritual formation. Experience working in Christian Education in a church environment. Bachelor s degree in a related field of study or an appropriate combination of education and experience. Knowledge and proficiency in teaching, leadership development, and administration of educational programs and curriculum building. Spirit and vision to attract and inspire participants in the educational ministry, including children, youth, and their families. Possess strong and effective communication, organizational, and leadership skills. Working knowledge of computer, sound, and video technology. CORE COMPETENCIES: Passion for Christ and love for people of all ages; Biblical knowledge; Leadership; Planning and organizing; Time management; Problem solving; Verbal/written communication skills, ability to communicate with our youth and adults via social media. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Provide for Sunday Christian Formation, children through adult by: o Helping with curriculum resources o Teaching segments of classes or filling in when necessary o Scheduling classes and locations o Maintaining classrooms and supplies o Recruiting and supporting teachers o Evaluating programs and implementing a future vision for Christian Formation at NPC o Planning Confirmation o Actively participating in Sunday worship and in the life of the church o Coordinating with Grow team for yearly curriculum budget

14 Implement a yearly Vacation Bible School o Recruit and train volunteers o Schedule and oversee registration o Pick curriculum Lead Youth Group (Middle or High School) o Schedule gathering times o Arrange and lead a study or fellowship activities o Build relationships with youth and foster their involvement in the life of the church o Keep communication with the youth group throughout the week o Attend youth activities outside of church o Possibly attend a mission trip with the youth group Plan children/youth Christmas program Work with Pastor/Staff and Grow Team o Meet with Pastor as needed o Cooperative communication with the staff about current and future Christian Formation opportunities o Lead Children's Time during worship on occasion (approx. once per quarter) If interested in the position, please contact the church office at Send resume to: Northminster Presbyterian Church th St. Ames, IA Or amesnpc@gmail.com

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17 Greetings, The University of Dubuque Theological Seminary is pleased to announce that we will be offering eight online courses in our CLP/CRE (Christian Leadership Program for Commissioned Ruling Elders) lay ministry program. The fall term runs from September 5 to December 6, 2017, and tuition remains at $ per course. Our traditional eight fall class offerings are as follows and registration remains open: Introduction to Old Testament Dr. Mercedes Garcia Bachmann Introduction to New Testament Dr. Jordan Ryan Christian Education Dr. Susan Forshey Pastoral Care Dr. Beth McCaw Introduction to Preaching Dr. Lyle Vander Broek Presbyterian Polity Dr. Richard Shaffer Reformed Theology Dr. David Congdon Reformed Worship & Sacraments Dr. Richard Shaffer As always, current students can register by going online and paying via PayPal at or by contacting me (CGibbons@dbq.edu or / ) to pay by credit card or check. We would also ask you to pass this on and encourage anyone you may know with gifts for ministry to consider exploring their call through our Christian Leadership Program. Know that we have sincerely appreciated past referrals. Application, program information and details regarding our Certificate in Congregational Leadership can be found at the above link in the green box titled Quick Links. We review applications on a rolling basis each semester and new applicants are required to take the Online Learning Course as an introduction to distance education. Please feel free to call or me or Dr. Annette Huizenga, Assistant Dean (ahuizenga@dbq.edu or ) with any questions or comments. Thank you and warm regards from UDTS. Carla Gibbons Coordinator of Lay Education University of Dubuque Theological Seminary 2000 University Avenue, Dubuque, IA / cgibbons@dbq.edu deregistration@dbq.edu

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21 A RULING ELDER COHORT FOR NORTH CENTRAL IOWA PRESBYTERY Participation dream goal, at least one ruling elder from each of our congregations. Participants will sign a covenant promising commitment to the group and placing the dates for the eight sessions on personal calendars. Cost - $100 per participant per year. Dates Saturdays 9:30AM 2 PM October 8, 2016 January 21, 2017 April 29, 2017 July 15, 2017 Location Ackley First Presbyterian October 7, 2017 January 20, 2018 April 28, 2018 June 30, 2018 Led by Dr. Joe Small. Session 1: Origins: Calvin s unified plural ministry in Geneva Session 2: The loss of Calvin s vision and its potential recovery Session 3: Ruling elders as ministers of Word and Sacrament: Baptism Session 4: Ruling Elders as ministers of Word and Sacrament: Lord s Supper Session 5: Ruling Elders as ministers of Word and Sacrament: Proclamation Session 6: Ruling elders as Ministers of Word and Sacrament: Teaching Session 7: Councils of the church: discernment in session and presbytery Session 8: Spiritual disciplines for ruling elders and sessions The goal of the cohort, Ruling Elders who are *Scripturally - Broader and Deeper *Theologically Deeper with a basic understanding of the Book of Order, Confessions and Creeds *Spiritual Formation - Encouraged and resourced in the spiritual disciplines *Leadership - Understanding the role of Ruling Elder, learning how to support pastoral leadership and when to challenge it. *Koinonia - Connecting with other Ruling Elders, sharing best practices and supporting each other.

22 Order Commission of the National Council of Churches, and a frequent participant in international ecumenical consultations sponsored by the World Council of Churches, the World Communion of Reformed Churches and the Centre International Reformé. Dr. Small will be in Iowa for Oct. 8, 2016, October 7, 2017 and June 30, 2018, and teach with the aid of technology for the other gatherings. Dr. Small lives in Louisville, Kentucky. The Instructor Dr. Joe Small Dr. Small retired recently from his 22 tenure at the General Assembly Mission Council. Most recently, he served at the Council as Director of Theology, Worship and Education Ministries, where he directed the work of the Office of Theology and Worship, the Office of Theological Education, and Congregational Ministries Publishing. A graduate of Brown University, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, Princeton Theological Seminary, and Louisville, Theological Seminary. He has served the church in roles ranging from professor to pastor. Dr. Small is the author of To Be Reformed: Living the Tradition (2010), Let Us Reason Together: Christians and Jews in Conversation (2010), Proclaiming the Great Ends of the Church (2010), Conversations With the Confessions (2005),Preservation of the Truth (2005), Fire and Wind: The Holy Spirit in the Church Today (2002), Committed Conversation (2000), and God and Ourselves: A Brief Exercise in Reformed Theology (1997), and has written numerous journal articles, study series, and theological papers. He is a core member of "Re-Forming Ministry," co-chair of the international Reformed-Pentecostal Dialogue, board member of the Center for Catholic and Evangelical Theology, member of the Faith and Address REGISTRATION DETAILS Sign me up I am committed! Name: E Mail address CELL: Church: $ Check enclosed Make Check payable to: Presbytery of North Central Iowa Return this page along with check payable to: Presbytery of North Central Iowa Lakeshore Center at Okoboji 1864 Hwy. 86 Milford, IA 51351

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27 Dear Colleague in Ministry, We are writing to share exciting news the PTS Women in Ministry Initiative is planning a major Women in Ministry Conference at Princeton Theological Seminary on October 23-25, The conference will connect women in diverse ministries from around the world and bring together a renewal of response to God s call to all people to minister in Christ s name. It is not simply an academic series of presentations, but an opportunity for networking, sharing the joys and challenges of ministry and lifting up the powerful and effective ministries of women around the world. Please join us for this historic occasion. It is open to women lay leaders and clergy across the wider church, not just Princeton Seminary alumnae. Feel free to share this with your female friends and colleagues and consider attending the conference as a group. In ministry together, Abigail Rian Evans and Katharine Doob Sakenfeld Co-Coordinators, Women in Ministry Initiative Tennent Hall 012 Princeton Theological Seminary P.O. Box 821 Princeton, NJ 08542

28 Save the date for the 2018 Churchwide Gathering of Presbyterian Women! If you or your church has anything to be included in the E-News, please submit it to Jeannie in the Presbytery Office by ing it to If you know of someone who would enjoy receiving this communication, please Jeannie or call her at Please consider making copies of this E-News for your Session and also running several copies to make available to your congregation on your information table.