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Maumee Valley Presbytery is the
body of Christ, Presbyterian (U.S.A.), in northwestern Ohio and
southeastern Michigan. Our vision statement is: |
Shifting GearsBy Rev. Bob Butcher Brothers and Sisters, You are aware that these are difficult times for our denomination and our Presbytery. Since last summer there has been a great deal of concern over the Peace, Unity and Purity (PUP) report received by the General Assembly and much conjecture over what accepting this report will mean for our church, nationally and locally. We have attempted to address this concern during the last three Presbytery meetings, but we recognize that we may not have satisfied the needs of many of you. It is the opinion of the Presbytery leadership that we are long past the time to debate the question of the ordination of sexually active homosexuals and lesbians. We are also past the time to debate the ramifications of the PUP report. We must recognize that we are divided on this issue and that neither side can easily alter its posture. What remains to be seen is whether or not, given our division, we can continue to live together in mutual love, support and respect. Our decisions concerning the future of our congregations and our Presbytery should not be made hastily, based on emotion, anger or frustration. Rather we should engage in scripture study, prayer, and serious discernment of the Holy Spirit’s leading. Therefore, we are currently shifting gears: we are arranging the content of the “issue” (and changing the name to “focus”) of the day at Presbytery meetings. In May we have invited Dr. Rebecca Cole-Turner, elder, spiritual director, and counselor to speak to us about discernment and how to develop a process for discernment in our congregations. Later in the year we will hear from a New Testament scholar regarding the texts having to do with the nature and unity of the church. In November we will bring in a speaker to address the means by which those who seriously disagree with each other may yet stay together in one church. We hope you will do two things: One, be present, along with members of your congregation, to hear these presentations. Two, whether your inclination is to stay or to leave the denomination, you will engage the Presbytery and its leadership in the decision process. We feel this is a fair request. Pray for us as we will for you. Yours in Christ, Bob Butcher.
GA Moderator and Vice Moderator Visit Maumee ValleyBy Rev. Bob Bidwell On March 27, Moderator Joan Gray and Vice Moderator Bob Wilson had a meeting with the leadership of Maumee Valley Presbytery and concerned pastors and elders to talk about the state of affairs within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). About 30 people were present at the Presbytery office for the meeting, which was very insightful and honest. Discussion about Peace, Unity and Purity, the Trinity Paper, talk of churches leaving the denomination (including property issues), funding issues and their implications on the work and ministry of the denomination were all handled in a very frank and non-defensive manner. During the nearly four-hour meeting, the atmosphere always remained collegial and respectful, and though there were clearly differences among those gathered, it was also clear that such issues can be discussed in a civil manner, as Christians struggling to find God’s will, not just our own. The time together was, at least for me, a real sign of hope, and a reminder of the graciousness of God. Joan Gray and Bob Wilson’s ability to talk to all individuals without judgment and defensiveness is exactly the leadership and example we need in such a difficult time. Meetings such as this, where we allow ourselves to hear one another, share openly, and struggle together are the only way we will be able to hear the voice of God over the clutter of our own thoughts and views. May the dialogue continue.
May 15th Pre-Presbytery Training EventBy Rev. Gavin Pitt I have been very much involved in church transformation and redevelopment over the last 3 years. Our church in Napoleon had undertaken a process to strengthen our church and we have been in the midst of many activities and changes to do this. We have used proven methodologies, objective assessment tools, and relationships with skilled and experienced leaders that have given new life to our congregation and, I believe, a positive future. What we have been able to do is the result of a process that focuses on the leader and leaders in a joint effort to make changes in our church that will last beyond any pastor’s tenure. The leadership of our church (elders and deacons) has undertaken the hard task of leading and initiating the changes they believe the Holy Spirit is calling them to make. It still involves the remainder of the congregation, and the leadership has heard positive feedback about what we have been able to do. For me, the primary change has been to focus on me as the leader of the leaders. This is what is called “shared ministry.” I have been equipped, challenged and forced out of my comfort zone! I thank God for this wonderful opportunity. Join us May 15th to hear more about transformation and redevelopment possibilities in your church. (This event is sponsored by the MVP Branch of Congregational Life, Redevelopment and Transformation Team.)
Mobile Health Fair MinistryPlease bring your Hygiene Kits for this summer’s mobile Health Fairs to the May Presbytery meeting at Market Street Presbyterian Church in Lima on May 15. Maumee Valley will once again be hosting the Mobile Health Fairs June 25—July 6. There is a need for funds to continue to carry out the medical and dental follow-up care programs in 2007 and beyond. We are asking members and congregations to make a contribution to the presbytery to help meet the costs of the follow-up care program. Please send your donation and designate it for this ministry. We are also recruiting volunteers to take free training on how to take blood pressure and pulse, do vision screening for adults and children, how to test breathing, skin inspection, give hearing tests, do dental screenings and test blood sugar levels. The training will take place from Tuesday, May 29 through Monday, June 4 at the Synod office in Maumee. This will make it possible for the Mobile Health Fair Ministry to become a year-round program. If you would like to participate and have questions please contact Clair Brewer at 419-433-6313 or email clairhbrewer@yahoo.com.
Presbytery Bus Trip to PC(USA) Louisville Headquarters Sept.27Come and go with us on a Presbytery Bus Trip to the Presbyterian Church (USA) headquarters in Louisville, KY on Thursday, September 27, 2007. The bus will depart Maumee, OH at 7 am, stop and pick up passengers in Findlay, at 8 am, and arrive in Louisville at 2 pm. Once there we will tour the denominational headquarters building and meet with Stated Clerk, Clifton Kirkpatrick and General Assembly Council Executive Director, Linda Valentine. We’ll depart at 4:30 pm and arrive home late. Bus reservations are $40 or $10 down payment with balance due by Sept. 5. Reservations are refundable until then. A pick up point in Lima can be arranged if five or more reservations are received. For more information contact Rev. Charles Kamp at 419-446-2530. Contact the Presbytery office or go to www.maumeevp.org for a reservation form.
Two-Cents-A-MealThank you to the 10 congregations
in Maumee Valley Presbytery who participated in the CentsAbility/Two-Cents-A-Meal
Program. In 2006 over $5,100 was collected. Maumee Valley Presbytery’s one
half share was distributed among agencies in Toledo, Findlay, Fremont, and
Sandusky.
Congregational Conflict?When people are blaming instead of discussing… When discussions turn to personalities instead of issues… When people are labeling or questioning motives instead of behavior… When people are threatening to leave or withhold their money… Call for help:
First-ever National Elders Conference“The Elder as Spiritual Leader...Reclaiming the Call,” the first ever National Elders Conference will be August 29-31 in Nashville, TN. Visit www.pcusa.org/eldersconference.
MVP ShirtsHave you noticed the Maumee Valley Presbytery shirts with the new logo on them at Presbytery meetings lately? They are pretty sharp! Now you have an opportunity to order one for yourself or your pastor. We are accepting shirt orders through May 24. If you would like a MVP golf shirt or two, either long or short sleeve, please contact Beth Wenner in the Presbytery office at 419-423-9073. Beth will fax or mail all the information you will need. |
Maumee Valley
Presbytery P.O. Box 853 Findlay, OH 45839-0853
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