Mission Yearbook Prayer Dear God, on this day we ask for your special love and protection of girls and women in the Congo who every day suffer extreme pain and humiliation of oppression and sexual violence. Amen
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Feb. 24, 2010
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Presbytery of Indian Nations Announcement Due to storm damage to Chisholm Trail Presbyterian Church, Yukon that occurred in December 2009, the stated Indian Nations Presbytery February 26-27, 2010 meeting location has been relocated to Westminister Presbyterian Church, Oklahoma Cty, who have gracefully offered their facility for the meeting. This change is made in accordance with “Pesbytery of Indian Nations operational procedures, changes of place or time of meeting. Westminster Presbyterian Church is located at 4400 N. Shartel, Oklahoma City, OK. Please do not park on the 43rd Street side of the church as the school is located on this side Parking and access are needed by parents dropping off and picking up children. Doors on the 43rd Street side are locked during the day for security, so entry MUST be from the 44th Street side of the building. Registration starts at 1:00 p.m. on Friday and the meeting starts at 1:30 p.m. Dinner is at 6:00 p.m. The price of the dinner is $9 per person. Dinner tickets may be purchased at the ticket table which will be located in the lobby near the registration table. Please go to http://www.okinp.org/presbymtg.html to register for the meeting and for dinner. You will also find hotels and restaurant information, directions and maps. Meeting packets, which include the docket and other documents, may also be downloaded from this site. The packets are password protected so please call Jean McDaniel at (405) 524-0990 or email her at [email protected] for them before downloading. Save the date and see you on Friday! THE OKLAHOMA PRESBYTERIAN HISTORY PROJECT will have copies of DIVIDED HEARTS for sale in the registration area. We expect the author will be able to be present for a book signing. Guided by a penchant for self-reflection and thoughtful discussion, Presbyterians have long been pulled in conflicting directions in their perceptions of their shared religious missionwith a tension that sometimes divides hearts as well as congregations. In this first comprehensive history of the resbyterian Church in Oklahoma, historians Michael Cassity and Danney Goble reveal how Oklahoma Presbyterians have responded to the demands of an evolving society, a shifting theology, and even a ivided church….
FROM THE DESK OF THE REV. EVERETT MILLER Join Us! MARCH 1, 2010 PLEASE CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION: FRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 555S. UNIVERSITY BLVD. NORMAN, OK. [email protected]
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February 18, 2010 PDA’s Haiti response tops $500,000 Presbyterians contributing to earthquake response in many ways by Jerry L. Van Marter Presbyterian News Service LOUISVILLE — With the transfer of an additional $101,500 to ecumenical partners in Haiti, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance has now contributed more than a half-million dollars to immediate emergency relief in the island nation following the Jan. 12 earthquake that killed hundreds of thousands. PDA Coordinator Randy Ackley announced the most recent money transfer on Feb. 17. PDA sent $100,000 immediately after the January earthquake, using funds from the One Great Hour of Sharing offering, received each year at Easter time. An denomination-wide emergency appeal was issued and a few days later an additional $109,000 was sent to partners on the ground in Haiti. These donations have helped the organization’s ecumenical partners to establish 15 food and water distribution stations, distribute 20,000 tents, and provide other needed services and supplies. “In addition to providing immediate relief, we will continue to assess long-range recovery needs and develop a comprehensive plan to help the Haitian people rebuild their lives over the next several years,” said Ackley. PDA has also approved a $200,000 grant to Hôspital Sainte Croix and an affiliated nursing school in Léogâne, Haiti. More than $2.8 million has been donated to PDA’s Haiti account (DR#000064). Presbyterian Disaster Assistance continues to accept donations online; by phone at (800) 872-3283; and by mail: Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, P.O. Box 643700, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700.Susan Lindsey, senior communications associate, contributed to this story. [Read More]
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Order the new Presbyterian Planning Calendar The General Assembly’s commitment to “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” is reflected in the Scripture verses and art of the 2010–2011 Presbyterian Planning Calendar. This 19-month calendar, which runs from June 2010 until December 2011, is a useful tool for pastors, church leaders and others. Find features such as lectionary, colors for liturgical seasons, monthly planning suggestions, staff directories and fold-out maps. Learn more about the calendar and this year's artist. Place your order today by phone (405) 524-0990 or by email to [email protected]. To order at the $6.00 price, INP must order 50 calendars
February 16 Notes About People Building on the work and ministry by Jeryy Van Marter by Presbyterian News Service Building on the work and ministry she began in McCormick Theological Seminary’s AADVENT and Common Ground projects, the Rev. Laura Mariko Cheifetz has accepted the newly created position of director of the Leading Generations initiative for the Fund for Theological Education (FTE), headquartered in Atlanta. Her work with FTE begins March 15. In her new position, Cheifetz will connect the growing network of pastoral leaders, theological educators and Christian leaders who have participated in FTE’s programs, which aim to increase the number of gifted and diverse young people considering vocations as pastors and scholars. She will also direct grant activities to support Transition into Ministry (TiM), a Lilly Endowment Inc. program that provides leadership development resources to pastors in their earliest years of ministry, fostering in them pastoral leadership practices that enrich congregational life during the transition from student to pastor. [Read More.] Finding Their Place Four pastors reflect on their first calls, search process by Emily Enders Odom Mission Communications Associate GREENSBORO, N.C. — In the language of the fly fisherman, achieving the proper “balance and tension” is essential to mastering that elusive art. And, when that same fly fisherman happens to be a candidate for the ordained ministry, the same goes to finding that first call. Mindful of the delicate balance and tension needed to reconcile what he identified as two distinct approaches to the pastoral search process, the Rev. Karlin Bilcher, a 2007 graduate of , approached seeking a call with a fly fisherman’s patience and determination. “On one level, there is a business aspect to the search process, which is just how the world works,” said Bilcher, who first enrolled with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s (CLC) in July 2007. CLC is the PC(USA)’s Internet-based matching and referral system, which connects entities seeking leaders with leaders seeking a call to service. “If I forget a period in my Pastoral Information Form (PIF), churches will think I’m not a good writer. On the other side of that, this is in the Lord’s hands. You’re not finding a job, you’re seeking a call.” [Read More.] February 17 Seminary News by Jerry Van Marter Presbyterian News Service AUSTIN, Texas — On Feb. 25, Jehu J. Hanciles, associate professor of history of Christianity and globalization at Fuller Theological Seminary, will discuss migration and mission, and the significance of African Christianity at . Sierra Leone-born Hanciles is also director of the Center for Missiological Research (CMR) at Fuller. The CMR, newly founded in 2009, houses the PhD program in the School of Intercultural Studies and aims to promote collaborative research among Western and non-Western scholars on emerging missiological issues. Hanciles’ teaching and research focuses on the history, experiences, and expressions of Christianity in the non-Western world. He has lived and worked in Sierra Leone, Scotland, Zimbabwe, and the U.S. [Read More]
Staying Connected Webinar updates Presbyterians on Haiti, suggests how to help by Bethany Furkin Presbyterian News Service LOUISVILLE — About a month after the Jan. 12 earthquake that devastated Haiti, Presbyterians are thinking about how to get involved in the necessary long-term recovery efforts. On Feb. 11, about 180 people gathered for a webinar produced by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s . Featuring presentations from , the and the regional liaison for Haiti, the webinar provided updates on the current situation on the ground in Haiti and ways Presbyterians can help. The Haitian government estimates there are 230,000 people dead from the earthquake, but the numbers continue to grow, said Randy Ackley, PDA coordinator. More than 1 million people are thought to be homeless, and there have been more than 1,000 amputations because of earthquake-related injuries, he said. In addition to the damage in Port-au-Prince, surrounding communities are feeling the impact of the earthquake, Ackley said. Many people are leaving the city for rural areas, putting a huge strain on those communities’ resources and infrastructure. [Read More] Veteran of African Mission named to coordinate the PC (USA'S) Africa work Debbie Braaksma brings more than two decades of experience to her new position by Presbyterian News Service LOUISVILLE — The Rev. Debbie Braaksma, a mission worker with more than 20 years of experience in African mission, began duties this month as coordinator of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s work in Africa. Braaksma and her husband, Del, have served in Sudan since 2005 under a joint appointment between the PC(USA) and the Reformed Church in America (RCA). They were assigned to RECONCILE, an ecumenical organization seeking to bring peace to the war-torn country. They worked with African colleagues to facilitate training opportunities aimed at mitigating interethnic conflict. Previously Braaksma was the RCA’s mission supervisor for Africa for seven years. From 1987 to 1998 she and her husband were mission workers in Kenya, serving in a community development ministry among the Orma people. “I believe Debbie will be an active and dynamic resource for our mission personnel serving in Africa, other Presbyterians from the United States involved in Africa and our African partners,” said Doug Welch, Presbyterian World Mission’s associate director for mission partners and programs. “She brings a wealth of experience and commitment to her new role.” [Read More] February 18 PNS Seeks Mission Challange Stories Congregations, governing bodies invited to share new involvements by Presbyterian News Service LOUISVILLE — The Presbyterian News Service is inviting congregations and middle governing bodies to share stories of new mission involvements or relationships they have developed as a DIRECT result of last fall’s Mission Challange '09 or Mission Celebraton '09.
During the month of October 2009, more than 50 Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) mission workers in service around the world traveled to more than 150 of the denomination’s 173 presbyteries, telling their stories and seeking to establish more and stronger connections between Presbyterians and their international mission workers. A dozen International Peacemakers from partner churches overseas were also part of the itineration, which culminated in a four-day celebration of Presbyterian mission in Cincinnati, Oct. 21-24. PNS wants to hear stories about congregations, presbyteries and synods who took up the mission challenge and established new mission programs, activities and/or relationships with overseas PC(USA) missionaries as a DIRECT result of Mission Challenge ’09 or Mission Celebration ’09. [Read More] Broadway Stars Come Out to Support Haiti Relief PC(USA) churches, synagogue unite to benefit Haitian families, children by Jerry L. Van Marter Presbyterian News Service LOUISVILLE — Leading stars from Broadway, the Metropolitan Opera, Lincoln Center, and Carnegie Hall will perform “Sending Our Love to Haiti,” a benefit concert Feb. 21 at the Bergen (N.J.) Performing Arts Center. The benefit concert is co-underwritten by The Presbyterian Church at Tenafly (N.J.) and Temple Sinai of Bergen County. Organizers promise that 100 percent of the proceeds from the gala will go Haiti relief efforts of Church World Service, United Jewish Appeal of Northern New Jersey, Catholic Relief Services and the Reformation Hope Orphanage in Port au Prince and Hospital Sacre Coeur in Milot, Haiti. Honorary co-chairs of the event are The Rev. Eileen Lindner, pastor of the Tenafly Church and interim executive for Palisades Presbytery, and Rabbi Jordan Millstein of Temple Sinai of Bergen County. “We’re blessed with an abundance of talent, energy, and generosity of spirit in Manhattan and Bergen County,” said Lindner. “This initiative began when one person asked, ‘What can we do to help?” [Read More] February 19 Presbytery and Synod News by Jerry L. Van Marter Presbyterian News Service SEATTLE — The is sponsoring a disaster response training event March 18-20 at First Presbyterian Church of Moses Lake in Central Washington Presbytery. The event will be led by the Rev. John Robinson, associate for disaster response/U.S. in Presbytery Disaster Assistance . LEXINGTON, S.C. — Congregations in Trinity Presbytery are using videos produced by the Rev. Danny Murphy, the presbytery’s associate for mission, congregational development and evangelism, to launch their redevelopment and revitalization efforts. The seven videos are part of the Spiritual Strategic Journey process of the presbytery’s Congregational Transformation program. [Read More] Lights! Camera! Faith Statements! Presbyterian Foundation announces second ‘ymiLIVE’ youth video contest by Jerry L. Van Marter Presbyterian News Service JEFFERSONSVILLE, Ind. — Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) youth groups across the country are invited to
the second on-line Youth Video Challenge as part of (ymiLIVE, pronounced why-em-eye LIVE). Sponsored by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Foundation, youth groups will compete to win one of two $25,000 endowment funds established by the Foundation to benefit their church youth ministry programs. For the contest, youth groups create a 2-4 minute video with their interpretation of John 7:38: Out of the believer's heart shall flow rivers of living waters — which is the theme of the 219th General Assembly — then post their video to ymiLIVE.org. Video submissions will be accepted March 15 - June 1. On-line voting by youth group members, leaders, parents, friends and families will continue through June 7. During that time, on-line voters will narrow the field of video entries to a group of 10 finalists. [Read More] Evil Hides in Familiar Places Making a new movie, Presbyterian filmmaker confronts segregationist past by Bethany Furkin Presbyterian News Service LOUISVILLE — Having grown up as the son of a white Presbyterian pastor in North Carolina, Jeb Stuart has fond memories of the special community he experienced at church. But Stuart, who came of age in the 1960s and ’70s, now sees the larger significance of that time and his position in America’s civil rights history. Stuart wrote and directed the movie Blood Done Sign My Name, opening in limited released today (Feb. 19). The movie, adapted from the bestselling autobiographical book of the same name by Timothy Tyson, is an epic civil rights drama. Set in 1970, it tells the story of the murder of a young black Vietnam veteran who is shot and beaten by a prominent white man and his sons. The men are acquitted in a sham trial, and many young black men riot in response. [Read More] COGA Reccommends Portland as site for 2010 GA PC(USA) national gathering last met in ‘Rose City’ in 1967 by Jerr L. Van Marter Presbyterian News Service LOUISVILLE — The Committee on the Office of the General Assembly (COGA) is recommending that the 222nd General Assembly (2016) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) be held in Portland, Ore. The decision will be made by the upcoming 219th General Assembly, July 3-10 in Minneapolis. The 2012 and 2014 Assemblies will be held in Pittsburgh and Detroit, respectively. The Assembly last met in Portland in 1967. At that Assembly, the former United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America adopted the Confession of 1967 and holding the 2016 Assembly there “would allow us to celebrate the 50th anniversary of ‘C-67’ in the place of its origin,” said the Rev. Tom Hay, director of operations for the Office of the General Assembly. Other factors in Portland’s favor, Hay added, are the size and modernity of its convention facilities, the vibrancy of its downtown, proximity of hotels to the convention site and a light rail system that extends as far as the Portland International Airport. And Portland — the “Rose City” — will be in full bloom at Assembly time, Hay said. COGA’s site selection team recommended Portland over Phoenix, Ariz. The Assembly last met in that city in 1984. [Read More]
At this moment in history, the world God loves is groaning under the weight of injusticeand slowly being robbed of its capacity to sustain life. All around you, the people Godloves are increasingly burdened by lifestyles they can't keep up for very much longer. Youand your congregation are called to help turn that around.
Many members of your congregation yearn for simpler lives. They see themselves as justa little strange, moving against the mainstream of American consumerism, odd ducks in aworld of too much, too fast, too many. In bringing simple lifestyles to the center of yourfaith-filled conversations, think of Jesus's own lifestyle, the things he said and did. Thethings he didn't do. Consider the fact that the human Jesus also woke up in the morning,yawned, scratched his beard, had a cup of fair-trade coffee, and tried to make sense outof his e-mails.
In concentrating only on Jesus-as-God, you may miss the fact that the very human Jesuschose a lifestyle that fit the mission he received at his baptism. The healer and preacheralso had to think about his next meal, his friendships, his enemies. He faced danger, helaughed, he sat around and talked with folks. He walked everywhere he wanted to go. Hecriticized religious authorities and the government, and he listened to farmers. He went tobig dinners with very important people. He observed spiritual practices but didn't spendlots of time at his local synagogue. The point here is not only that Jesus was human butalso that in his lifestyle and career choices--yes, he made them just like you do--Jesuschose to live simply and joyfully in service to others.
Continue Reading "Simplicity Itself"
BOARD LEADERSHIP AND CONGREGATIONAL GOVERNANCE
Seminar: March 16-18, 2010Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center
Facilitator: Dan Hotchkiss
How much time does your board or committee spend managing programs? Howmuch time do your program leaders (paid and volunteer) spend seeking approval forchoices they could be trusted to make on their own? True partnership begins withclear role boundaries, effective delegation and a constructive system ofaccountability. Hotchkiss helps participants, whether they want to sharpen leaders'skills, reorganize to grow, or consider an entirely new model for board governance.
