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Contents:
2. Mission in Zambia
3. Presbyterian Women
4. CRE Preparation Program
5. High School Retreat & Triennium
6. Planned Giving Navigator
7. Job Opportunities
8. Bob & Dusty Fiedler Fund
9. Presbytery Calendar
December 15, 2015 Volume 9; Issue 37
Peaks Postings, December 15, 2015 Page 2
Mission in Zambia Submitted by Charles Johnson, Mission Co-Worker
Charles and Melissa Johnson have recently been invited to serve a four year term as Presbyterian mission co-workers in Zambia, by the Church of Central Africa, Pres-byterian Synod of Zambia (CCAP/Z) and Presbyterian World Mission. Charles recently made contact with the following information in hopes of connecting with one or more Presbytery of the Peaks congregations interested in learning more about, and possibly supporting, the work he and his wife Melissa will be doing.
The history of the partner church dates back to the Church of Scotland and David Livingstone. I will be serv-ing as a development specialist, working primarily at Chasefu Theological College and Chasefu Model Farm, where I will be teaching seminary students improved agricultural techniques. Chasefu is located in Eastern Zambia, near the Malawi border. The idea is to train the trainer, so when they leave for a congregation, not only will they be able to feed their own family (preaching doesn’t pay a lot in Zambia), but they will also be able to pass on the knowledge they’ve gained to their congrega-tion and community, benefiting families and creating sustainability. Other aspects of our mission will include working with our partner in the areas of participatory community development to improve food security, nu-trition, sanitation, water and education, using appropri-ate technology.
My background is in agriculture; I farmed in South Texas from 1994 until just before beginning our work with World Mission. In addition to my experience farming, my undergraduate degree is in agronomy from Texas A&M. We currently live in San Antonio, where we are
members and elders at Northwood Presbyterian Church.
Between now and the time we leave in mid-March, we are trying to connect with churches involved in hunger ministry, with the hope of visiting, to share our call story, and our work in Zambia, as we build support for the mission. We would appreciate any assistance you might provide with regard to churches in Presbytery of the Peaks. Please contact either of us after you have had the chance to review the information that I am at-taching, so we can discuss further. My cell is (210) 246-2214 and Melissa’s is (210) 218-9847.
Here are a few links that tell a little more about the work we will be doing:
https://youtu.be/BCDptfWeWHM
http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/missionconnections/charles-and-melissa-johnson/
http://www.pcusa.org/resource/charles-and-melissa-johnson-prayer-card/
http://missioncrossroads.epubxp.com/i/592761-win-2015/13
Peaks Postings, December 15, 2015 Page 3
Building Generous Congregations
A one-day seminar at Princeton
Theological Seminary Monday, January 11, 2016
Is your congregation’s practice of stewardship stuck in a rut? Are
you prepared for the challenge of raising money for ministry to-
day? Discover how to cultivate a culture of
generosity in your congregation at this one-day seminar for
pastrs and church leaders. Learn to revive stewardship and grow
a community marked by gratitude and generosity.
Fee: $70
Early Bird Fee: $50 (ends December 1, 2015)
News From the
Presbyterian Women Submitted by Theresa Underwood, Moderator Hello, Women of the Presbytery of the Peaks!
This is a very busy time of the year for all of us. The members of your Presbytery of the Peaks PW Coordinat-ing Team have been very busy since the last newsletter. They worked very hard on the 27th Annual Gathering that was held on Saturday, September 26, at Peace Pres-byterian Church in Roanoke (see detailed article). The Gathering was awesome, and thanks to all who at-tended!
Eleven members of the Coordinating Team met together on October 23-24, to plan important activities for the women of the Presbytery during the coming year. We enjoyed a wonderful time and delicious food at Mas-sanetta Springs Camp and Conference Center in Harri-sonburg, Virginia. Our time included sharing laughter and fun, as well as concern for one another, devotions, and committee meetings.
Plans are now underway for the Spring Neighborhood Gatherings that will be held in April. We will have two Neighborhood Gatherings on each of three Saturdays in April. You will be hearing more about each of these events in the next newsletter.
Click here to read the full newsletter...
2016 Two Cents-a-
Meal and Community
Outreach Block Grant
Information
Submitted by Denise Pillow, Hunger Action Enabler
Congregations and 2015 grant recipients will soon be receiving 2016 grant information. Please read carefully, as there are changes for the coming year.
2015 Two Cents-a-Meal Offerings
To assist in our mission efforts and to ensure that your congregation’s participation is acknowledged, please remit 2015 Two Cents-a-Meal offering by January 11, 2016. Thank you!
Questions??? Contact Denise Pillow,
[email protected] or 540-968-0025.
Peaks Postings, December 15, 2015 Page 4
Attention Clerks of
Session and
Moderators:
Please mark your calendars! The Session
Records Work Group will conduct a Session
Records Training Event to assist Clerks of
Session Saturday, January 16, 2016,
from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon at Bedford
Presbyterian Church. Detailed information
will be mailed in early December.
Presbytery of the Peaks
CRE Preparation Program
BEGINNING JANUARY 9 Old Testament course First in a Series of Courses for the Peaks Presbytery’s Commissioned Ruling Elder (CRE) Prepa-ration Program If you are a Ruling Elder and feel called to serve in ministry for one of the smaller churches in the Presbytery of the Peaks, this program is for you. Courses in the program include Old Testament, New Testament, Re-formed Theology, Worship & Sacraments, Preaching, Presbyterian Polity, Christian Education, and Pastoral Care. To join the OT class, complete the online application by clicking here, or at peakspresbytery.org (Resources/Forms &Documents/
CRE Forms). Information about course location and materials will be sent
to you upon receiving your application.
Class Dates: January 9 January 23 February 6 February 20 March 5 March 19 April 2
Classes meet 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Cost: $100 (includes course materials) Registration Deadline: December 21
Continuing Education
Courses @Columbia
Theological Seminary
Decatur, GA— Looking for the perfect gift for a church professional or active volunteer? Making your list of New Year’s Resolutions already? Register yourself or a friend for one of the courses offered at the Center for Lifelong Learning at Columbia Theological Seminary. Early registration discounts are available for most courses, and participants are encouraged to register in plenty of time to complete any pre-course reading and assignments. The following is a sample of what’s sched-uled in the next few months. For additional courses, visitwww.ctsnet.edu/lifelong-courses-and-events.
Peaks Postings, December 15, 2015 Page 5
Presbyterian Youth Triennium July 19-23, 2016 Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
The Presbyterian Youth Triennium is a gathering of about 5,000 Presby-terian youth and adults from all over the world. Next year’s event is set for July 19-23, 2016 on the campus of Purdue University in West Lafay-ette, Indiana.
The program includes daily worship services, keynote, small groups, recreation, and music. This year’s theme is “GO” ...as in GO and See...GO and Do Likewise... Teach me the way I should GO...Let my people GO...GO into the world.
Total cost is $515. The Presbytery of the Peaks will pay transportation costs for our entire delegation. Churches are encouraged to split the cost with the participant. Applications are now available! Peaks Presbytery Web Site: CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION or by contacting the Peaks Presbytery office (434-845-1754) or our Presbytery’s Registrar, Ann Graham at [email protected]. Ann Graham is FAMOUS! Click here to read the article!
Registration Deadline is February 1, 2016.
“A New PerSPECKtive”
High School Retreat Sponsored by the Presbytery of the Peaks Youth Council
Friday, Feb. 26, 7pm through Sunday, Feb. 28, 11am
@ Camp Bethel (off Route 11, north of Troutville)
Cost : $95/person includes housing, four meals and a cool t-shirt
Contact Ann Graham ([email protected]) for more information.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION
Deadline for registration is Feb. 1st
!
Peaks Postings, December 15, 2015 Page 6
Peaks Postings, December 15, 2015 Page 7
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Director of Ministry to Children, Youth, and Families TRINITY ECUMENICAL PARISH in Moneta, VA seeks an
energetic and enthusiastic person of integrity who is
dedicated to engaging children, youth, and families in a life
giving transformative faith. Click here for a list of
competencies and job description and go to www.smltep.org
for information on Trinity. Interested candidates should send
a resume including educational training and ministry
experience, a cover letter explaining your vision for children,
youth and family ministry and references
to [email protected] by 1/15/16.
Church Choir Director
Forest Hills Presbyterian Church (725 Beechnut Lane,
Martinsville VA) is seeking a Part-Time Choir Director to lead
our choir in worship on Sunday mornings and our rehearsals
on Wednesday evenings (approx. 10hrs/week). Music and
leadership experience is required. A Bachelor’s degree in
related field is preferred. Compensation will be $10,000-
$15,000/year commensurate with experience and education.
To apply send cover letter and resumé to:
or call 276-632-5411 for more information.
Director of Children’s/Youth Ministry
Forest Hills Presbyterian Church (725 Beechnut Lane,
Martinsville VA) is seeking a Part-Time Director of
Children’s/Youth Ministry to lead our children and youth on
Sunday mornings and on Wednesday evenings (approx.
10hrs/week) with emphasis on Christian Education and
nurture. Experience working with children/youth is required.
A Bachelor’s degree in related field is preferred.
Compensation will be $10,000-$12,000/year commensurate
with experience and education. To apply send cover letter
and resumé to: [email protected]
or call 276-632-5411 for more information.
Church Pianist Needed
Peace Presbyterian Church, 5646 Cloverdale Road (220 Alternate) Bonsack area seeks a pianist to play for Sunday services 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each Sunday. Pay is negotiable. If interested please call 540-366-8117 to schedule an interview.
Peaks Postings, December 15, 2015 Page 8
Congratulations to
Marina Gopadze of Buchanan Presbyterian Church.
She has been named
Citizen of the Year by the town of Buchanan!
Union Presbyterian Seminary's Middle East Travel
Seminar will be taking place May 12-31, 2016, led by
Professors Frances Taylor Gench, Stanley Skreslet, and
Rodney Sadler, traveling to Egypt, Jordan, and Israel/
Palestine.
Included are visits to museums and important archeo-
logical sites belonging to the world of biblical antiquity.
Opportunity is given to observe first-hand contemporary
manifestations of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity in
these lands, and to converse with religious and political
leaders regarding the quest for peace in this troubled
region.
Students, alumni, and interested friends are welcome.
For more information, contact Professor Frances Taylor
Gench.
January 15, 2016 is the deadline to apply.
BOB & DUSTY
FIEDLER FUND TO
SUPPORT CHILDREN AT PRESBYTERIAN
COMMUNITY CENTER
A special fund has
been established at
the Presbyterian Com-
munity Center to
honor and thank Bob
and Dusty for their
faithful and loving
ministry at Covenant.
The Bob and Dusty
Fiedler Fund will be
administered by the
Center’s Executive Di-
rector and proceeds will be used to help children in the
Pathways after school program. For example, funds
may be used to cover school fees, or tuition for camps
like Montreat, or the cost of other enrichment opportu-
nities that these children would not otherwise experi-
ence. Bob and Dusty have personally and professionally
supported the work of the PCC for many years and this
fund helps continue that legacy. Bob has regularly led
devotions for the PCC kids, even using his ukulele. They
have both sorted food for the pantry after various food
drives, like Trick or Treat S.O.M.E. Dusty has tutored
children in Pathways and she has helped guide the
growth and expansion of programs by serving on the
Board of Directors for multiple terms. Gifts in honor of
Bob and Dusty may be directed to the Fiedler Fund at
the Presbyterian Community Center, 1228 Jamison Ave-
nue SE, Roanoke, 24013. Please write the check to the
PCC, with the Fiedler Fund noted in the memo line.
Peaks Postings, December 15, 2015 Page 9
“To enhance, equip and empower congregations and leaders to become bold servants of transformation
for the glory of the Triune God.”
PRESBYTERY CALENDAR
Date Time Event Location
Dec. 17 10AM Examinations Committee Bedford PC
Dec. 24-Jan. 3 POP office will be closed
Jan. 2-5 Montreat College Conference Montreat, NC
Jan. 4 10:30AM POP Staff Meeting
Jan. 9 10AM POPYoCo Meeting Bedford PC
Jan. 11 1:30PM CRE Workgroup POP Office
Jan. 14 9:30AM Cabinet Meeting POP Office
Jan. 16 9AM Session Records Workshop Bedford PC
Jan. 21 Committee Reports Due
On-Line Calendar
Peaks Postings is published each week on Tuesday. Please submit news, events, or prayer requests by noon on Thursdays to Rita Fleet at
[email protected] for inclusion in the following issue.
Guidelines for announcements or news items to be featured in Peaks Postings:
Keep the information to one page or less.
Use links to web sites rather than including lots of details.
Please obtain permission from the people pictured in your photos before submitting them to Peaks Postings. Peaks Postings Editors reserve the right to
feature or not feature an article. Our first priority is to feature activities within POP churches and the Presbytery.
edit submitted articles/announcements.
limit the number of weeks an article/announcement is featured. Past issues of Peaks Postings are archived for about six months on our website, Presbytery of the Peaks.
Presbytery of the Peaks
1022 Floyd Street, Suite A
Lynchburg, VA 24501 Phone: 434-845-1754
Toll Free: 1-888-557-3257
Fax: 434-845-7829
e-mail: [email protected]
Web Site: www.peakspresbytery.org
Jeff Binder, Associate Presbyter for Youth & Young Adults
Nancy Dawson, General Presbyter
Steve Earl, Associate Presbyter for Ministry
Rita Fleet, Executive Administrative Assistant
Robin Padgett, Office Manager
Denise Pillow, Hunger Action Enabler
Hugh Springer, Stated Clerk
