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Peaks Postings, August 9, 2016 Page 2
Roswell Presbyterian Church
launches a new worshiping
community in northern Atlanta
by Emily Enders Odom | Presbyterian News Service
LOUISVILLE – The way Mark Roberson sees it, it
was Roswell Presbyterian Church’s turn to plant a
church.
Roberson, a ruling elder for over 50 years—18 of
those at Roswell—knew more than just a little about
church planting. He’d
worked with
thePresbytery of
Greater Atlanta’s New
Church Development
Commission (NCDC),
and in 2011 he just
knew it was Roswell’s
time.
“We had done some
very exciting mission
projects both locally, in
terms of affordable
housing, and interna-
tionally,” Roberson says,
“but since we had come
to a conclusion on some of those initiatives that
were in a maintenance mode, our pastor, Lane Al-
derman, said, ‘We need a new big thing that will ex-
cite the congregation.’ Out of that came this ques-
tion, ‘Why don’t we plant a church? We’ve never
done that.’”
And just like that, the seed—that would eventually
take root toward as The Mustard Seed Project—
was planted.
Roswell immediately formed an exploratory group at
the church to initiate the investigation. Roberson
and fellow church member, Jerry Bowden, and oth-
ers, along with the church’s associate pastor for
Mission Outreach, the Rev. Mary Cox, and the Rev.
Sara Hayden—who was then the director of the
presbytery’s NCDC and is now director of Appren-
ticeships and Residencies for the Presbyterian Mis-
sion Agency’s 1001 New Worshiping Communi-
ties initiative—were charged with finding the right
place to plant a church, how to fund it, and overall
what to do.
When Roberson started to realize that the church’s
exploration was getting serious, he knew that the
congregation would be concerned for their pastor,
the Rev. Lane Alderman, who had been battling
cancer since 2000 with a
recent recurrence in
2009-2010.
“I said to Lane the first
question that the con-
gregation is going to ask
you is whether or not
you’re up to this,”
Roberson recalls. “And
what Lane told me was,
‘I take it day by day, and
today I am. There’s no
better legacy that I
would like to leave than
planting a church.’”
In moving the church’s
vision closer to reality, the first thing that Roswell
did was establish a business plan that called for the
Roswell Church to support the new worshiping com-
munity for five years. Roswell then launched a fund-
raising campaign—over, above, and separate from
the church’s operating budget—to raise the money
to fund the new church plant.
“We ran a campaign with a goal of $800,000,”
Roberson says. “In two months, we raised $715,000
in either donations or pledges. We chose not to ap-
ply for any grants of any kind, believing that there
were folks who needed that money and we didn’t.”
Click here to read more.
Mustard Seed Project Core Group meeting space in Georgia. (Photo by Meaghan Cochrane)
Peaks Postings, August 9, 2016 Page 3
New Benefits Connect Is Live! The Presbytery of the Peaks’ Committee on Ministry will be offering assistance to congregations wishing to
enroll employees through the new Benefits Connect on line system at the August 20th Presbytery Meeting at
Covenant Presbyterian Church in Roanoke from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm. There will be several computer sta-
tions with trained COM members available to assist treasurers, office managers, secretaries, and benefit
managers of congregations as well as help identify the new variety of benefit options available for lay em-
ployees. They will also be able to assist pastors in using Benefits Connect to view their benefits and man-
age their personal information. More information about available options can be found in the Overview of
the 2017 Benefits Plan on the Board of Pensions website: http://www.pensions.org/
PLEASE NOTE: Congregation Employee Representatives/Benefit Managers will need to contact the Board of Pensions to register positions new to your current BOP account at least 10 (ten) days prior to using Bene-fits Connect to select from the new menu options. To be assisted by COM members and staff congregation employee representatives/benefit manages need to have their most recent BOB invoice, a log-in ID, and password to access the new system. These can be generated on the Benefits Connect web page:https://benefitsconnect.pensions.org/_layouts/15/BenefitsConnect/Login.aspx;
or by calling the Board of Pensions at: 800-773-7752 (800-PRESPLAN).
Peaks Postings, August 9, 2016 Page 4
Job Opportunities
Nursery Worker
Forest Presbyterian Church is
looking for a part-time, paid,
lead nursery worker who loves
children and Jesus.
If interested please send your
resume to:
Forest Presbyterian Church, PO Box 311, Forest,
VA 24551, or [email protected]
YOUTH DIRECTOR Covenant Presbyterian Church, Roanoke
We are hiring a part-time Youth Director for
its Middle School and Sen-ior High (grades 6-12) youth.
Job Type: Part-Time Up to 20 hours per week
Salary: $18/per hour
Required Experience/Education (see website)
Apply to: [email protected]
Or call Kim Garst, 540.989.3314 for more info.
Youth Pastor Wanted Buchanan Presbyterian Church We are offering a part time position of YOUTH PASTOR. This person does not need to be ordained, but motivated with a love of the Lord Jesus and a call for introducing youth to a relationship with Christ. This special person will cre-ate a Christ-honoring pathway for our youth to bring their friends to the church during the week as well as Sunday morning for Sunday School and wor-ship. Should the Lord be nudging you, please call Marina Gopadze, pastor, at 540-254-1320.
MISSION AND
MINISTRY
WORSHOPS AUGUST 20, 2016 Presbytery Meeting
9:30 AM TO 11 AM
Covenant Presbyterian Church
1831 Deyerle Rd. SW, Roanoke
Be challenged to think creatively about ways your
congregation can reach out to your community
Come Experience the New Worshipping Com-
munities of Wild Goose and Under The Wing.
Workshop presented by several leaders of this
new worshipping community.
Cindy Correll, Coordinator of Joining Hands in
Haiti will be share about the ministry supported
by the Presbytery of the Peaks in Haiti
Andy King, Teaching Elder, Campus Minister at
Radford University will share his experiences
from his recent trip to the Holy Land
Members of the Presbytery of the Peaks will
speak about the Presbytery trip to Guatemala
July 23 to 30, 2016
Click here for more information.
Peaks Postings, August 9, 2016 Page 5
LEADERSHIP IN MINISTRY TRANSITIONS BENEFIT CLL'S LEARNERS
Leadership in Ministry is a vibrant, learning, and leadership development oppor-
tunity. The individuals who go through it, usually go through it numerous times
and become devoted followers of the Bowen Family Systems Theory. Read
more to learn about the CLL's expanded role in LIM! Read More
WHAT SHOULD A GOVERNING BOARD BE GOOD AT?
Dan Hotchkiss will be at the CLL in October to lead Governance and Ministry: The Art of Cultivating Staff-
Board Partnerships. We've had Dan lead for us before -- Change, Organization and Generosity in Smaller
Congregations and Small Churches: Adventures in Vitality. He knows what he's talking about! This is a re-
post from Dan's blog. Read More
Peaks Postings, August 9, 2016 Page 6
West Virginia Flood
Response: What to
Do to Help Now Submitted by Denise Pillow, Hunger Action Advocate
1. Pray. It is our first and best response. God is
amazing!
2. Give money. While it is satisfying to buy prod-
ucts to send and to see a big truck full of items
pull out of the parking lot on its way to survivors…
it is hard to manage when it gets where it is going.
We need to purchase from local merchants what
survivors need so that when they are back to nor-
mal there are still local businesses to support.
3. Instead… try printing photos of commonly
needed supplies and putting them with a price tag
on a bulletin board. Let members pick them off the
board and “pay” for them in their donation.
4. Gather a group of caring adults to come to
Rainelle and White Sulphur Spring on Saturday,
August 6th. We will be canvassing both towns to
make sure we have been in contact with all who
might be in need. We will gather promptly at 9:00
AM for instructions and prayer and will then go out
to walk the town and listen to stories and check in
on current needs. We will have lunch on our own
and then regather at 5:00 for sharing and prayer.
We will conclude at 6:00 PM. If you have a group
or just one or two please email Barbara Chalfant
at [email protected] for further instruc-
tions. We are inviting youth to come with their par-
ents.
5. Volunteer to help with long-term recovery. We
need people who are good fundraisers, organiz-
ers, care managers, planners, lawyers, social
workers, paperwork managers, and workers
Click here to read about the PCUSA response.
Seeking Applicants for
‘The Way Forward’
Submitted by Valerie Small, PCUSA
Dear Colleagues in Ministry, I hope that this email
finds you well. As you know, the 222nd General
Assembly (2016) created several special commis-
sions, committees, and task forces to be appointed
by the Co-Moderators of the 222nd General Assem-
bly and, in the case of
the Way Forward
Commission, the Co-
Moderators with the
Moderator and Vice-
Moderator of the
221st General As-
sembly. Persons who
wish to be considered
for appointment must
complete an applica-
tion form and provide three references.
The first two online application forms are now avail-
able. Application forms for the Way Forward Com-
mission and the 2020 Vision Team can be found
at ganominations.pcusa.org .
Please share this link widely throughout your mid
council and with persons — especially persons of
color and persons under the age of 40 — who may
feel called to service on the Special Commission or
the Vision Team.
The online application form is due on August
17. Thank you for your assistance in sharing this
link widely.
Read more about the Way Forward Committee...
Peaks Postings, August 9, 2016 Page 7
Department of Labor’s New Overtime Rules & How
They Affect Congregations On May 18, 2016, the U.S. Department of Labor announced changes to
the White Collar Exemption Regulations of the Fair Labor Standards Act
(“FLSA”). The FLSA addresses which employees are entitled to minimum
wage and overtime. Those changes will take effect on December 1, 2016.
There is no exemption in the FLSA or its regulations for non-profit organi-
zations. Therefore, all non-profits, including churches, presbyteries, and
synods, need to assess the impact of the FLSA changes on their organi-
zation. A number of churches in the Presbytery are asking how the
changes announced will affect them. Below are two links to documents
produced by the legal office of the General Assembly to help churches
understand these changes. The changes do not affect teachers (pre-school) or ministers.
If you have more specific questions or need more guidance you may contact Robin Padgett, the Presbytery’s
Accountant/Office manager, for assistance.
http://www.presbyterianmission.org/wp-content/uploads/flsa-changes-may2016.pdf http://www.presbyterianmission.org/wp-content/uploads/2015-17.doc
CROP Walk Kick Off
If you are interested in joining our community-wide effort to eradicate
hunger and poverty, we invite you to attend the Danville Area CROP
Hunger Walk Spaghetti Supper and Kick Off Program 6:00 PM on
August 3, 2016, at Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, Virginia.
Enjoy a delightful dinner with people who want to make a difference
in our world while learning about the CROP Walk and its work. Please RSVP
[email protected] to let the team know that you are attending.
I hope you will join our efforts to make a difference in the lives of people in Danville, Pittsylvania County, and
the world. In the words of Jesus Christ, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave
me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me…Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of
the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:35)
The actual CROP Walk is October 2, 2016 at Ballou Park in Danville. Registration starts at 2:00 p.m.
Any and all are welcome!
Peaks Postings, August 9, 2016 Page 8
HUNGER/POVERTY UPDATE
IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD! Who: Hunger and Mission Committee members;
other interested individuals. We hope to have at
least one representative from every congregation in
the presbytery.
What: A brief update on opportunities for helping to
alleviate hunger/poverty and eliminate causes, in-
cluding a time for optional sharing of what your con-
gregation is already doing
Where and When:
Farmville PC, Tuesday, August 9, 12:00 noon
Salem PC, Sunday, August 14, 3:00 p.m..
Mallow PC, Sunday, August 28, 3:00 p.m.
Those attending the Farmville gathering are invited
to bring a bag lunch; light refreshments will be
served at all other locations. Gatherings should last
one to one and a half hours at most, depending on
participant sharing. No need to register – just come!
In the absence of registration contact information,
please check Presbytery of the Peaks Facebook
page or call the Presbytery office: 434.845.1754
x106 prior to travel on day of event to make sure
there has not been an emergency postponement.
Questions?
[email protected] 540-968-0025
Leadership Institute for
Faith-Based Community
Engagement
A Partnership between Lynchburg College's
School of Education, Leadership Studies, and
Counseling, Heroes and Dreams Academy
(Richmond) and the Faith-Based Community
VISION
The Leadership Institute for Faith-Based Commu-
nity Engagement seeks to connect and equip faith-
based leaders with skills, strategies,and resources
to promote sustainable community restoration.
While needs assessment is important, the focus of
the institute will be on how to create structures that
lead to meeting the needs within the community, not
just identifying them. Emphasis will be placed on
identifying assets of individuals, organizations, and
institutions within the community and how those as-
sets can be leveraged to improve communities. Par-
ticipants will identify and map assets within their
communities to create solutions.
FORMAT AND COST
Institute participants will meet from August 2016 to
January 2017 on the following dates: August 13,
September 10,October 1,November 5,December 3,
and January 7. All sessions will be held on the
Lynchburg College Campus. Sessions will run from
8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. each day. Per participant cost
of the Institute is $600. Please see registration form
for payment options.
Contact Dr. Paula Lichiello at
Lichiello@ lynchburg.edu for additional information.
Peaks Postings, August 9, 2016 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
Aug. 9 12PM Hunger/Poverty Meeting Farmville PC
Aug. 11 9:30AM Committee on Ministry Holbrook St. PC, Danville
Aug. 11 12PM Church Development Amherst PC
Aug. 14 3PM Hunger/Poverty Meeting Salem PC
Aug. 17 9:30AM Examinations Committee Peace PC, Roanoke
Aug. 20 9:30AM Workshops & Presbytery Covenant PC, Roanoke
Aug. 21 3PM Hunger/Poverty Meeting Christiansburg PC
UPCOMING PRESBYTERY MEETINGS
August 20, 2016 (Saturday) 9:30-11AM Workshops; 12:30-5:30PM Meeting, Covenant PC in Roanoke
November 17, 2016 (Thursday) 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Christiansburg PC in Christiansburg.
On-Line Calendar
Peaks Postings is published each week on Tuesday. Please submit news, events, or prayer requests by noon on Mon-
days to Jeff Binder 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: peakspresbytery.org
Jeff Binder, Associate Presbyter, Youth & Young Adults
Nancy Dawson, General Presbyter
Julie Dyke, Administrative Support
Steve Earl, Associate Presbyter for Ministry
Robin Padgett, Office Manager
Denise Pillow, Hunger Action Advocate
Hugh Springer, Stated Clerk