THE VALLEY BRIDGE Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys FEBRUARY 16: 6TH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY 6TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Psalm 119:1-8; 1 Corinthians 3:1-9; Matthew 5:21-37 Health Awareness and Prayer for Healing Fellowship of Prayer: First Presbyterian Church of Mountain Lake Staff List: Moderator Jim Krapf Clerk of Session Jeanette Hale Treasurer Charlotte Peters Elders: Sandy Melheim, Steve Peters, Jan Stadtlander, Frank Wallert, Jay Schied Prayer concerns: Pulpit supply and/or full time Pastor IN THIS ISSUE: Page 2: Around the Presbytery Page 3-4: The Word from Rick Page 5: 1001 Worshiping Communities Pages 5-6: The Making of Global Disciples Page 7: Presbyterians Changing History Page 8: Calendar, Gospel reading Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys 4055 Abbott Drive Willmar MN 56201 320-235-7910 minnesotavalleys.org Monday Friday 8:00 4:30 We re on Facebook too!
Page 2 AROUND THE PRESBYTERY Something new on Wednesday nights at First Presbyterian Church of Mankato: In addition to the youth choir practice, bell choir practices, confirmation class and perhaps a committee meeting or two, there is now a Youth Worship Service. The services are short and casual, and they are aimed at young people, but they are certainly open to anyone who would like to come. The services begin at 5:30 in the chapel, lasting 15 minutes. Afterwards, worshippers are invited to the Wednesday night meal. Once a month, the women at Union Presbyterian Church of Saint Peter get together for a lunch gathering at a local restaurant on the fourth Wednesday. From Pastor Scott Prouty of First Presbyterian Church of Redwood Falls: As Christians we have been called to show the love of God to the world. A perfect day to do this is on Valentine s Day. We may give cards or flowers to those in our intimate circle. This February, I want to challenge you to step out of your box and do something you normally do not do. Perhaps you could double or triple the amount of food you bring for the food shelf. Sign up to do Meals on Wheels. Contact a nursing home and see if someone needs a visit. Volunteer to read a book to children at school. Shovel your neighbor s driveway. Take a person shopping that does not drive. Pick someone up and bring them to church with you. Bake cookies for your neighbors. Try to wear a smile all month. If someone is down, ask if they need a hug. Take someone that has had a loss out for a cup of coffee. Share your faith story with someone else. Write a letter to a friend or relative you have not spoken with in ages. Clean out all your closets and donate things you no longer need. Secretly pay someone s bill at a restaurant. Pray for blessings upon someone you do not like. Find creative ways to touch the hearts of others. Have fun with this, and have a very happy Valentine s Day yourself. The Men s Club at First Presbyterian Church of Winnebago hosted a Valentine s Day Cookout for the church on Sunday, February 9: We will be firing up the grill, offering burgers, hot dogs, beans, chips and brownies with ice cream. As in previous years, there is no charge to you, so plan on taking your sweetie out for a gourmet lunch on us!
Page 3 THE WORD FROM RICK: GETTING ORIENTED Last week, I spent three days in Louisville, Kentucky, receiving my orientation to the Presbytery Leaders Formation Program (PLFP). This program is intended to help those of us who are new to the role of presbytery leader be better prepared to engage in this level of ministry. Our meeting was held in what I and some of my colleagues refer to as the Godbox on the Ohio, better known as The Presbyterian Center. During our time at the orientation, my six colleagues and I received the wisdom and insights of three seasoned mid-council leaders. They shared with us some of the practices that have been and continue to be useful to them in their ministries, and offered us guidance in handling situations that we were facing in our ministry settings. Learning from those who have been on this journey for some time is always valuable! In addition, we had the opportunity to interact with some of the ministry staff, receiving guidance regarding the Church Leadership Connection, congregational grants, and the Office of Constitutional Services. Finally, we had time to converse with Linda Valentine, the Executive Director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency, and Gradye Parsons, the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly. Linda shared with us some of the excitement that she sees around the church, particularly in the work of the 1001 New Worshiping Communities initiative and the Young Adult Volunteers in Mission (YAV) program. She indicated that the denomination hopes to triple the size of the YAV program over the next several years. In my mind, this is one of the very best things we do as Presbyterians, and it deserves the attention of more of our 18-30 year old folks! Gradye Parsons previewed General Assembly for us and indicated that this will indeed be a significant summer for the PCUSA, and that he has no crystal ball that will predict what will take place. He indicated that while the issues around the definition of marriage will provide significant conversation, he thinks that the divestment topic will be as intense if not more so.
Page 4 THE WORD FROM RICK, CONTINUED All in all, the orientation to the PLFP program was very beneficial to me. It affirmed some of the things that I am doing and reminded me that I need to consider taking on some other things that I had indicated that I wanted to try. I picked up some valuable ideas and learned how to navigate some of the resources available to me and to us. I ended my visit by spending time with two of my former colleagues from Texas. One of those colleagues, Phillip Lotspeich, is involved in a program called New Beginnings, which is helping congregations to take a good, hard and deep look at themselves as they seek to discern God s future. He got me excited about how this could be a tool for us to use. The Council will learn more about this next month. The other colleague, Megan McCarty, is one of my Texas kids who worked in our youth and camp ministries there. Megan, is a former Young Adult Volunteer who is now studying at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. We talked about her passion for a personal hands on investment in mission and ministry that transforms the world. She had just returned from a trip to Israel and Palestine with the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship and is excited about sharing her insights at GA in Detroit this summer. It was a good week. I feel oriented and am ready to get back among the saints here and continue our journey together. Blessings on your journeys! Have a great week! Grace and Peace, RICK In the News The Board of Directors for Clearwater Forest approved the search committee s unanimous recommendation to call Rich Swartwood as the next Executive Director for Clearwater Forest. He is scheduled to begin his ministry on March 12. Rich comes to us from the Pyoca Camp, Conference and Retreat Center in Brownstown, Indiana. Don t Forget The Ordination of Elaine Boyd: The Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys will have the privilege of ordaining Elaine Boyd to the office of Teaching Elder this coming Sunday, February 16. This service of Ordination is a worship service of the presbytery, and the participation of Presbyterians from across the face of this presbytery is strongly encouraged. The Ordination Service begins at 2:30 p.m. and will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Willmar, 312 SW 6 th Street. The presence of Teaching and Ruling Elders in these services is an important part of our connectedness. We will look forward to seeing you there!
Page 5 GET IN THE GAME: 1001 WORSHIPING COMMUNITIES At the Presbytery Office Saturday, March 15 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Lunch Provided You are invited to a workshop on starting a New Worshiping Community. Vera White from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) office will inspire us, spark our imaginations, and help us take steps in forming new disciples for Jesus in our presbytery. Please RSVP by contacting Karen Lange at the presbytery office. THE MAKING OF GLOBAL DISCIPLES By Occidente Partnership Chair Jim Krapf When we met as the Presbytery in Renville, we gathered under Jesus command: Go ye into all the world. These words were front and center, carved on the wood base for the organ pipes. For centuries the church has fulfilled our Lord s commission to make disciples of all nations. Our Occidente Presbytery partners in Guatemala have introduced us to the concept of global disciples. During our Presbytery s deliberations and devotions, I was making constant connections to my experiences with them. My faith is nurtured and expressed through these relationships. The same can be true for others, whether that be listening to their stories, exchanging prayer requests, supporting scholarships, or participating in a mission trip. Understanding yourself as a global disciple influences the way you pray, understand scripture, receive communion, make offerings and sing.
Page 6 THE MAKING OF GLOBAL DISCIPLES, CONTINUED The three hymns sung during our worship at Presbytery were enriched by these relationships. Come, Join Us in Community extends an invitation to all fellow global disciples to mutually serve one another. Singing Great Is Thy Faithfulness expresses a deeper assurance when you know it also expresses the sustaining faith of people who have struggled greatly. Called as Partners in Christ s Service reveals a shift from parentalism to peer relationships in the way we work to fulfill God s mission together. The team going to Occidente is taking a wall hanging embroidered with Joshua 24:15, As for me and my family we will serve the Lord to be hung in the manse that they will be helping to construct. This can prompt conversations about how they and we develop faith within our families. The stories the team will share when they return will be a blessing to the families in your congregations. Among the prayer requests sent by the Occidente Executive Council was that God would guide them as they prepare for the 500 th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017. Together we can sharpen our theology as Presbyterians. Theological affirmations were a part of the Presbytery s examination of two candidates for ordination as Teaching Elders. Their approval was a highlight of the meeting. Both received colorful stoles purchased in Guatemala. Both of their faith journeys include an appreciation of being global disciples. In her statement of faith, Elaine Boyd proclaimed: The Spirit frees us from self-interest and brings us into unity with God s purpose of demonstrating and declaring God s love and grace for the world. Kathy Blair declared: The Spirit unites us to Christ and binds all believers together, providing the faith community what is needed for God s ongoing mission in this time and place. This year s team includes Edith Alvarez (Brainerd), LeRoy Ennenga (Worthington), Rev. Mark Ford (Brainerd), first timers Karen Clement (Blue Earth), Rev. Stephanie Huisman (Fulda), and Rev. Steve Tyykila (Canby). They take with them your prayers, concerns, and gifts. All of these experiences enable us to see ourselves as part of God s Kingdom that extends beyond borders. And that shapes the way we understand and engage in issues that affect our fellow global disciples. Jesus prayed that his disciples would be one, so that the world would believe that God had sent him (John 17). Our oneness can be a powerful healing witness in this broken and hurting world.
Page 7 Presbyterians changing history Presbyterians have been involved in movements that have changed history and improved the lives of people. Sometimes we initiate movements, and sometimes we sign on late; nevertheless, we are there. Last summer, we commemorated the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Justice. We remembered Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. s magnificent I Have a Dream speech, and many of us remembered a notable Presbyterian who also spoke at the Lincoln Memorial on Wednesday, August 28, 1963: Dr. Eugene Carson Blake, the stated clerk of the United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America (UPCUSA). Rev. Edler G. Hawkins served as the first African American moderator of the General Assembly in 1964, while Blake was the stated clerk. Rev. Margaret Towner was ordained as the first woman minister in 1956. And when the 175th General Assembly of the UPCUSA authorized the creation of the Commission on Religion and Race in 1963, Rev. Gayraud Wilmore became its executive director. Elder Ann Kearns, who traveled to the March on Washington as a 16-year-old on a bus chartered for youth, said that her parents were frightened for her to go. But, she writes, They soon realized it was the things they had taught me that caused my desire... things like being proud of your heritage and standing up for yourself. In his speech, Blake said, We come [to the Lincoln Memorial] late, late we come in the reconciling and repentant spirit in which the humble Lincoln of Illinois once replied to a delegation of morally arrogant church [leaders], Never say God is on our side; rather pray that we may be found on God s side. In March, a delegation from Racial Ethnic & Women s Ministries/Presbyterian Women, partnering with the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations, will participate in the 58th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women in New York City. The participants will discuss challenges and achievements for women and girls and their access to education, science, technology, and employment. The Presbyterian Mission Agency Board will vote on an item this week to encourage Presbyterians to join the We Will Speak Out campaign, a global coalition of Christian-based organizations seeking to end sexual violence around the world. If approved, this will be a cross -ministry-area initiative in Presbyterian Mission. The board will also vote on the Women of Faith Awards nominees. The Women of Faith Awards Breakfast one of the most popular breakfasts held at the General Assembly will take place on Sunday, June 15, 2014. This year s theme is Prophetic Women of Faith, recognizing women who not only are compassionate but carry on the prophetic tradition in the church. Presbyterians continue praying that we may be found on God s side through our involvement in movements that we hope will change history and improve the lives of people, not just in the United States but all over the world. Rhashell Hunter, Director Racial Ethnic & Women s Ministries/Presbyterian Women
Page 8 PRESBYTERY CALENDAR Wednesday, February 12: Rick visits Terry Morse, Bonnie Roys and Jim Krapf Sunday, February 16: Rick Carus visits First Presbyterian Church of Ashby; Elaine Boyd s Ordination at First Presbyterian Willmar begins at 2:30pm Tuesday, February 18: Conversation and Visioning at the presbytery office at 10:00am. MATTHEW 5:21-37 You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, You shall not murder ; and whoever murders shall be liable to judgment. But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, You fool, you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny. You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery. But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell. It was also said, Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce. But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery. Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord. But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let your word be Yes, Yes or No, No ; anything more than this comes from the evil one.