Wayside Presbyterian Church did a wonderful job in hosting the presbytery!
Roger Uittenbogaard highlighted our vision: Growing Faith, Growing Churches and welcomed our Transformation Consultant, Mrs. Nan Best. Watch for details for a September event by Herb Miller on “What Core Values Drive our Congregation?” (May date was changed after the Presbytery meeting to September)
Charlie Gross highlighted the skills on-line database at: www.donegalpby.com then Resource Center, then Personnel. To add yours, use password – dpres. We then spent time in prayer for one another.
The Clerk reported our membership at: 22,822 and $2million more in contributions than expenditures. The GA Commissioner rotation list was given out
The Presbytery Council report highlighted the need for a new 5 member planning task force. Send names to Elder Elaine Lenyo at elainelenyo@comcast.net
Property & Insurance had Mr. Don Martin speak. Name will be “Univest Co.” Get your church and property appraised! Don’t use 15 passenger vans. Parish Nurse programs need to be identified, Elevators need inspected. Youth groups going outside of U.S. should have special coverage for medical emergencies.
The Rev. Jack Maisch gave a memorial minute for the Rev. Clarence Collins.
Self-Development of People as 2 applicants and possibly 2 more. Contact Rev Dr Bill Brown or Rev Charlie Gross to apply.
Harvest Community Admin comm.. reported progress toward a new ministry.
Nominating Comm reported that every Dept has an elder opening. Working on a vice moderator possibility and announced our GA commissioners.
Clarita Wooldridge from Trinity became an Inquirer and Ann Hatfield from Paoli continues as an Inquirer.
Patty Stoltzfus was examined and approved for ordination! Congratulations!
Vitalization Division is working on a diagnosis tool to help congregations. Are looking to partner with COM in changing the look of triennial visits. Building spiritual energy key!
New Church Development desires to develop Certified Lay Pastors, develop a funding stream for new churches and explore new models of new church development.
Mission Beyond prayed for Rebekah Meyerend in Mexico . Highlighted Marcia Towers ’ visit (our mission co-worker in Guatemala ) and presentation at Presbytery on April 18th at 5:45pm at Round Hill Presbyterian Church. Consider a “congregational connection” with a congregation in Mthatha Presy , South Africa . Frederick_schmidt@yahoo.com
Elder Catherine Lynch showed a video about benefits of Presbyterian Investment and Loan Program and gave Cedar Grove a ‘rebate’ check.
Administration Dept gave a detailed financial report that showed that we only have $80,504 unrestricted reserves and recommended (reluctantly) that we do not pay our 2005 Synod and GA per capita that was not remitted by churches. Motion passed. A group will gather to determine actions. Churches asked to be asked for mission money. Letters will be sent to agencies giving them notice that we may not be able to pay our full commitment.
COM report had calls for Patty Stoltzfus, Richard Graugh, D. Kerry Slinkard, David Powers, Howard Fritz, Robert LaForce, and Burt Parry.
The Rev David Hall gave a multi-cultural presentation about Christ in Africa .
The Rev. Dr. Bob Bohl preached at worship and the Steps Toward Peace Team was commissioned for Apr 25 – May 5th trip to Israel/Palestine.
Outreach highlighted the Anti-Racism Leadership Training at Lincoln Univ on May 19-21st – info avail from Dorothea Murray pdmurray@zoominternet.net
Send your children ages 12-14 to Camp Survivor 2006 from July 9 – 14! An interracial/intercultural experience.
Tuesday March 28th at 7pm at Bellevue Gap – hear Rev Dr Lynn Connette talk about Joining Hands Against Hunger and link with Sri Lanka .
Sign up for Mission Project in Gulfport , MS June 19 – 23 (plus travel) by contacting Rick Schmidt at Frederick_Schmidt@yahoo.com or 717.880.6436
See how to raise the bar in education at: www.goodschoolspa.org
Earth Day is April 22nd. The Theme is “Environmental Aspects of Hurricane Katrina” What will you preach about on April 23rd?
Pre-Presbytery events coming up:
April 2006 at 5:45pm – Mission Co-Worker Marcia Towers presentation
Sept 2006 at 1:15pm – Camp Donegal , Mission Fair, Good Schools PA, “Are You Ready For Change?” (Vitalization Division)
Many Many Thanks to the Team at Wayside Presbyterian Church for their gracious hospitality! Blessings All!
If you have a good idea, I'd love to share it in this eNews letter. Send it to me via: cgross@donegalpby.com Thank-You Very Much! |
