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SOUND BYTES
The newsletter that preceeded Agape Herald

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SOUND BYTES
News Notes from the Interim General Presbyter
The Presbytery of Huntingdon

April 2002

Greetings:

Greetings from the Presbytery Office! I trust that your journey through the Lenten Season was one of mystery and introspection and the Easter Season will bring you renewal and new resolve.
Frederick Buechner, in his book, Listening to Your Life writes this about the risen Christ: ìAs you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me. Just as Jesus appeared at his birth as a helpless child that the world was free to care for or destroy, so now he appears in his resurrection as the pauper, the prisoners, the stranger: appears in every form of human need that the world is free to serve or ignore. The risen Christ is Christ risen to his glory and enthroned in all this glorious canvas, stained glass, mosaic as Redeemer and Judge. But he is also Christ risen in the shabby hearts of those who, although they have never touched the marks of the nails, have been themselves so touched by him that they believe anyway. However faded and threadbare, what they have seen of him is at least enough to get their bearings by.î

Presbyterian Communicators Introduced!

Wow! What a joy! We now have under the convener, Peggy Kendall, a group of 39 communicators who have agreed on a position description. Thanks to Stu Carlson, Huntingdon, who put the thinking of the group in written form, this mode of operation will be tested and, I am sure, will be improved over time. Keith Smith, member of the Administrative Umbrella Team, will have oversight and will coordinate the work of the group with the overall Communication Strategy of the Presbytery. The 39 Presbyterian Communicators represent 36 of our 54 churches. The goal is to have every church in the Presbytery with a communicator.
Role
ìThe role of the Presbyterian Communicator is to facilitate communication within the Presbytery of Huntingdon. The Presbyterian communicator will work to improve communication: * from Presbytery to its congregations, * from the congregations to the Presbytery, * between the individual congregations within the Presbyteryî.
Expectations
ìThe output expected from implementing this role are: * to achieve a spiritual community which is relational and communal, * share best practices to enhance each congregationís effectiveness, * help advance the Mission/Vision of the Presbytery and * develop and strengthen ties between the Huntingdon Presbytery Churches.î

Practical Application
In a practical way, these communicators, working with the pastor and other appropriate persons within the congregation, will be the ones who are to be contacted when we want to get ì the word out and aboutî on any issue, project, meeting, workshop, training event, celebration or concern.

Note: Attached to the Sound Bytes is a listing of the Presbyterian Communicators and the churches they represent. Please use them in a helpful and winsome way.

Snow Shoe Presbyterian Church Damaged

At staff meeting, Jean Haynes reported on the extensive damage to the Snow Shoe Church due to frozen water pipes in a hot water heating system that failed. The water damage was enormous and hardwood floors, plaster, ceiling tiles, carpeting, etc., were damaged beyond repair. Even though the insurance will cover some of the loss, the defective heating system and other things will not be covered. Even tables were destroyed. The cost of the damage was extensive. Members of the church and community have started the ìclean up processî, the obtaining of estimates for repairs, working with the insurance company and members and friends have started to contribute money to cover expenses.
If any church or individual would like to contribute to this endeavor, please make checks payable to The Presbytery of Huntingdon and make sure that you designate the purpose of the check is for the Snow Shoe Fund. Send checks to the Presbytery Office. Our treasurer, Bruce Brower, will place the money in a ìpass through accountî and the money will go directly to the church. Also, please pray for the congregants of this church. They feel even more distraught over the fact that much of the damage was done to the recently renovated section of the church that other churches of the Presbytery helped to redo.

Attention Church Musicians

The Presbyterian Association of Musicians is presenting ìGathered By Grace ÖThe Community at Worshipî Conference at the Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The 2002 Albuquerque Conference on worship and music will be held for July 14-19. It is for Pastors, Musicians, Educators, and Worship Committees from all size churches. For copies of the brochure, please contact the Presbytery Office and we will copy the one that we have. Contact: Janine Barony
814-684-2803.

Attention College Students

The 2002 National Presbyterian Student Forum will focus on ìThe Six Great Ends of the Church ÖBringing Them All Togetherî. This is a place and a time when college students gather to think and reflect theologically about the mission of the church and their place in it. The Presbyterian Collegiate Connection of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is sponsoring this conference. It will be held at Denison University in Granville, Ohio from June 12-16, 2002. If you have questions e-mail returner@ctr.pcusa.org or call 1-888-728-7228 ext.5765. We have one brochure in our office and could copy that for you.

The Annual Conference on ìCritical Issues in Higher Educationî sponsored by the Higher Education Program Area of the PCUSA will take place Monday through Sunday, July 15-21, 2002 at Ghost Ranch Conference Center, New Mexico. The theme is ìCan We Believe and Think At The Same Time? The Integration of Faith and Knowledge.î For additional information contact: http://www.ghostranch.org or call 505-685-4333. The conference is for students, faculty, administrators, trustees, chaplains, and those who minister to them. We have a brochure and can copy one or more for you. Just call the Presbytery Office.

Frontier Mission Project of the Presbyterian Church (USA)

Kay Lewis is a person with whom you must speak about mission projects; of course she is not the only one. I will have something to say about others next. Kay can talk about Outreach in Thailand or the Global Day of Prayer for Burma or why there is suffering in Burma. Call her if you or your congregation wants to explore mission projects. She is also very involved in the New Wilmington Missionary Conference and would be happy to present a program on that conference as well. Dr. Kay Lewis can be reached by calling: 814-684-3761.

Thailand Mission Trip

One of the most exciting meetings that I have been a part of was the last meeting of the Discipleship Umbrella Team when the Bepplers introduced Judy Black from the Sinking Valley Church to talk about her impressions of the mission trip to Pahk 5 Nan. Judy, in a very short period of time made me feel that I had been with the group and experienced the incredible experience myself. The mission trip was deeply moving for all the people from our Presbytery that traveled to Thailand. This trip is a deeply significant time for people who are on a faith journey and most are. Attached also is a list of the ìThai Travelersî. Invite one or more to present a power point presentation or speak at your church or community gathering. You can live part of the experience through them.
Why was the DUT meeting so wonderful for me? Not only because of the fine reporting of Judy Black and David and Marcia Beppler, but also because of the DUT memberís enthusiasm about the Covenant-Relationship between the Presbytery of Huntingdon and Pahk 5 Nan. The desire that this relationship be deepened and broadened and a desire to explore the possibilities for doing this were exciting to witness.
A List of Thai Travelers is also attached to the end of the Sound Bytes. This attachment is not available electronically.
 

A New Journal

The Christian Networks Journal is a new quarterly magazine that has quickly earned a reputation among Christian leaders for it bold commitment to unbiased reporting and in-depth Biblical analysis of todayís most important and theologically difficult issues.
Dr. Thomas Tewell, Senior Pastor, Fifth Avenue Networks Journal is fantastic! ìI especially appreciate your interviews with some of my very favorite Christian authors including Fred Rogers, Lloyd Ogilvie, Tony Campolo and Walter Brueggemann. The layout is wonderful and the interviews and the articles are excellent. I particularly like this journal because it not only provides an opportunity for understanding a global issue but also provides revenue for global missions and emergency relief. What a great idea! I believe that it will help many peopleÖincluding me.î The subscription cost is $15.00 per year. Contact: Christian Networks Org at 1000 W.Wilshire Ste. 342, Oklahoma City, OK 73116-9726. I have not read the journal yet but it has had great endorsements.

Muslims-Jews-Christians In Open Dialogue

Thursday, April 11, 2002 at the Edith Davis Eve Chapel on the Penn State, Altoona Campus at 7 p.m. you have an opportunity to experience: Presentations on The Concept of God, The Concept of Salvation and the role of the community, inter-panel discussions, audience participation and enjoy refreshments. This program is offered in order to: encourage opportunities for dialogue, renewal and personal growth, celebrate and understand our differences and learn to respect other belief systems and share concepts and commonalties through public forums and study opportunities. Among the distinguished panel of presenters is our own Reverend Kathy Colebank, First Presbyterian Church, Altoona. This should be a very informative and inspirational event. Why donít you encourage car pooling and take a number of persons from your church.

Theological Task Force on Peace, Unity and Purity of the Church

This Task Force, commissioned by the laying on of hands by three moderators who appointed them has twenty members and was established bye the 213th General Assembly (2001). It is trying to model ways for the church to deal with fundamental and difficult issues. It has had two meetings.
The charge to the Task Force is to ìlead the Presbyterian Church (USA) in spiritual identity of our Christian identity in and for the 21st century, seeking peace, purity and the unity of the churchî.
There will be a ìwhole church discernment processî. There will be focus groups at the 214th General Assembly (2002). More details of the work of the task force can be found on the website at: www.pcusa.org/oga/theo-task-force and in the church press. There has been and will be regional consultations where the Stated Clerk and the Executive Director of the General Assembly will pursue questions being asked by the Task Force.
Attached to the Sound Bytes, as a third attachment, is a covenant. Governing bodies including sessions are ask to use it as a model for working together. This attachment is not available electronically.

Interim Executive Training

MALT Interim Executive Training sponsored by the Synods of Mid-America and Lincoln Trails is offering this training from October 31 to November 3, 2002 at the Mercy Center in St. Louis, MO. If you have been "recommended by your governing bodyî or if you have served as an Interim Executive or if you are in serving in an executive position now," you are eligible for such training. Our COM would be the entity in this Presbytery that would recommend to the Presbytery your name. The brochure about this can be copied and sent to you upon request.

McCormick Theological Seminary Offer Dynamic Conference

ìfor such a time as thisÖî is the theme of the April 27-29, 2002 conference in Chicago, Illinois. The presenters are a dynamic trio: Frederick Buechner, Ann Weems, and J. Barrie Shepherd. All three of these have touched the hearts of many Presbyterians and others. There will also be a drama presentation by the Thuma Mina Mission Theatre Company: ìWalk with Me-Camina Conmigoî. Thuma Mina means, ìSend me, Lordî in Zulu. Three McCormick students are in the cast. In addition to the above, there will be a fellowship cruise on ìThe Odysseyî on Lake Michigan and Cliff Kirkpatrick, State Clerk of the General Assembly, will be awarded the ìDistinguished Alumnus for 2002 Awardî. Each moment there are opportunities for growth and fellowship. If you have questions, call, Grayson Van Camp at 773-256-0781 or email her art gvancamp@mccormick.edu
A great opportunity for continuing education!!

Thank You

As I leave you at the end of April, I leave with such good feelings and experiences. The leadership and people of this Presbytery are the ìsalt of the earth.î I will miss you all very much. Thank you for your gracious support and your willingness to work hard and accomplish so much in nineteen months. You are a ìspecial people!î
Thomas of Celano, writes about Saint Francis, ìOn one occasion the brothers entreated Francis to teach them how to prayî Öthe following is one of the prayers he taught: ìWe adore you, Lord Jesus Christ, in all our churches of the whole world, we bless you, for by means of your holy cross you have redeemed the world.î

May adoration and praise sound loudly in word and deed from all of the churches in the Presbytery of Huntingdon!
 

Peace through Love,
 

Judson C. McConnell
Interim General Presbyter

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MARCH SOUND BYTES
 

Retirement Announced

After serious and prayerful thought, I have informed the Personnel Committee and the Presbytery Council that I have chosen April 30th as my last day to be with you and will take formal retirement beginning May 1, 2002. Before I chose the date of retirement, I conferred with Kathy Colebank, Chair of the Search Committee for the permanent General Presbyter, and with Barry Vance, Chair of the Personnel Committee. Barryís gracious response to me was that I should set the date that would best fit my retirement plans. I then decided on the above dates. Barry reassured me that the Personnel Committee would take the necessary steps to bring the appropriate leadership to the Presbytery if there was time before the permanent General Presbyter was ìon boardî.

Attached to the Sound Bytes is a copy of my report to the Personnel Committee and the Council. This Presbytery has completed most of the tasks that needed to be done during the interim period. You are to be congratulated!

You may recall, early in my sojourn with you, I quoted from Spencer Johnsonís book, Who Moved My Cheese. It is a book about the inevitability of change and common responses to it. He quotes from A. J. Cronin: ìLife is no straight and easy corridor along which we travel free and unhampered, but a maze of passages, through which we must seek our way, lost and confused, now and again checked in a blind alley. But always, if we have faith, a door will open for us, not perhaps one that we ourselves would ever have thought of, but one that will ultimately prove good for us.î It seems to me that the Cronin quote speaks volumes about this interim period through which we have traveled together.
In doing so, we have become very aware of Johnsonís understanding of the dynamics of change: 1. ìChange Happens (They keep Moving the Cheese ìthe familiarî), 2. Anticipate Change (Get Ready for the Cheese to Move), 3.Monitor Change (Smell the Cheese Often So You Know When It Is Getting Old), 4. Adapt to Change Quickly (The Quicker You Let Go of Old Cheese, The Sooner You Can Enjoy New Cheese), 5. Change (Move with the Cheese), 6. Enjoy Change! (Savor the Adventure and the Taste of New Cheese!) 7.Be Ready to Quickly Change Again and Again (The Keep Moving the Cheese)î. What a challenging and productive time it has been!

I am thrilled that, ìif the way be clearedî, Reverend Jim Hanly, (The Personnel Committeeís recommendation was received most enthusiastically by the Presbytery Council) has agreed to become the Coordinator of Administration and Program in the time between May and September. If a permanent General Presbyter is installed before September, his time in that position will naturally end sooner. I think that the Personnel Committee made a superb choice. What has been started will continue. Things will not fall through the cracks. He accepted ìthe callî, not having sought it, but was willing to continue to serve the Presbytery in its time of leadership- need. It is obvious that he is eminently qualified for the position. Just as you have supported and prayed for me, I am sure that you will pray and support him as well.

Study Leave and/or Leader Development Possibilities

Louisville Seminary announces a Symposium on the Churchís ministry with children: ìChildren at Risk-Hope for the Futureî. The Symposium will be held at the Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky on March 22 and 23, 2002. Workshops on Caregivers Taking Care of the Themselves, Nurturing Resilience in Children and Teaching the Bible to Children have been scheduled. Call I-800-264-1839 for more information. Check www.lpts.edu for more details.

The 2002 Racial Ethnic Convocation will be held July 25-28, 2002 at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott Hotel, Los Angeles, California. For more information, contact: reconvo@ctr.pcusa.org. There will be workshop topics on: Spiritual Growth and Discipleship, Community Outreach, and Church Growth, Gospel and Culture, Leadership Development and Social Justice. There will also be Worship and Bible Study.
 

Conferences and/or Seminars

The Pennsylvania Council of Churches announced that the 17th Annual Governmental Briefing: Pennsylvania Impact will have as its theme: ìPoverty and Its Eradicationî. It will be held on May 7, 2002 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Camp Hill, PA. One closer to this Presbytery will be held on May 8, 2002 at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Monroeville, PA. The schedule for the day begins at 9 a.m. and the last session begins at 3 p.m. April 30 is the deadline for registration. If you wish a copy of the registration form, contact the Presbytery Office 814-684-2803.

Columbia Theological Seminary and the Office of the General Assembly are planning a dynamic conference on a most significant and timely topic: ìThe Role of the Constitution in the Life of the Churchî. People from across the church will reflect on the Presbyterian Constitution and how it can be a source of strength for the members of the Presbyterian Church. ìThe Constitution is one of the great assets of our denomination. It lifts up our common faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and the great truth of the Gospel in our Book of Confessions. Our Book of Order, also built on deep Reformed theological convictions, calls us to an ordered life as a covenant community, to mutual accountability in the body of Christ, and to faithful worship of God.î (Laura Mendenhall, President of Columbia Theological Seminary and Clifton Kirkpatrick, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly). There is a deep hope that this conference will help the church both to affirm the great strengths of our Constitution and to develop a fresh vision about where God is leading the denomination in shaping the Constitution for the 21st Century.
For those churches and church leaders who have been struggling with the Confessions and the Confessing Church Movement as well as other interested people, this promises to be a powerful conference. It will be held on April 26, 2002 at Columbia Seminary, Decatur, Georgia. April 12 is the deadline for registration. Call the Presbytery Office for a copy of the registration form and additional information on places to stay, etc.

Small Church Celebration

Congregants and Leaders from Small churches are invited to this celebration. The cost is: $250.00 per person which includes registration, food, lodging and a shuttle to and from the airport. Questions about topics, themes, etc., are to be directed to Dale Jackson, Associate for Small Church Development, PCUSAÖ1-888-728-7228.

Third Churchwide Theology Convocation

Mark these dates on your calendar! April 23-26, 2003, yes 2003. The office of Theology and Worship of the Presbyterian Church (USA) will hold its third church wide theology convocation on the topic: WE BELIEVE IN ONE GOD, A Conversation About the First Article of the Nicene Creed.

Annual Gathering of Men of the Presbyterian Church (USA)

This gathering will be held in New York on April 19-21, 2002. The topic will be ì Forgive As We Are Forgivenî. It will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, La Guardia Airport It will include a trip to the United Nations and optional tours to Lower Manhattan, Time Square, ìNewî Harlem, and Broadway Theater Area, etc. There will also be keynote addresses and worship. Workshop topics include: A Different Kind of Hero: The Modern American Male, Retribution and Mercy: Biblical Responses to Violence, A Romp Through the Bible, Facing Racism: A Challenge to the Church, The Presbyterian Church and the U.N., Men of Faith: Exploring Male Spirituality, Agree to Disagree: How Presbyterians Can Get Along, Men and Their Money: How to be a Spiritual Millionaire, Letís Talk About It: Empowering Men to Share Their Faith, A New Generation: Reaching Adult Men etc. (Exciting Topics!) For more information go to www.pnyc.org or pmarcum@ctr.pcusa.org discounts on flights and rental cars are available. Registration by March 15: $145 after March 15 $160.

49th Annual Recreation Conference

This conference will be held from May 6-11, 2002 at Montreat North Carolina. A huge range of courses is offered. For further information, call Carl Horton, 1-888-728-7228 ext. 5453 or www.recreationworkshop.org the cost of the full registration is $405.

Leadership Development for Clergy and Church Professionals

Union ­PSCE (Union Theological Seminary, and the Presbyterian School of Christian Education) Richmond Virginia, announced two workshops: Clergy Transitions and Leading Change and Conflict Management. *The Workshop: Clergy Transitions will be held at the Seminary from March 4-6, 2002. Roy Oswald, Senior Consultant, The Alban Institute will be the leader.
* The Workshop: Leading Change and Managing Conflict within the Church will be led by Edward White, Senior Consultant, The Alban Institute from April 8-11, 2002. The Tuition for each seminar is $350.00. To register call: The Center for Ministry and Leadership Development at 804-278-4301.

Beyond Sardines and Soup Kitchens: Faith Formation with Youth and Young Adults

This conference is also sponsored by Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education (PSCE) with Rodger Nishioka as its leader. It will be held from April 3-5, 2002. The tuition is $195. The course will identify how the church can help in the faith formation and transformation of young people, explore the most current research in the fields of youth and young adult ministry, and will identify practical applications of research to ministry with youth and young adults. For those interested in youth and young adults, you must know that Roger is a ì pro.î He held our church spell bound and the youth were thrilled when he spoke at Market Square Church in Harrisburg. I know him personally. He is on the faculty at Columbia Theological Seminary. More information is in the Presbytery Office. You may also contact The Center for Ministry and Leader Development, Union/PSCE 3401 Brook Road, Richmond, Virginia 23227, c/o Sheila Partin.

Note: The Presbytery may be able to help you out financially on costs of all of the above conferences etc, if the need is there, contact the Presbytery Office.

New Clergy PersonsÖNote

TASTE (Transitional and Survival Skills Training Experience) for all three classes will be held beginning at noon on Monday, July 29, 2002. Taste I and Taste II will conclude on August 5 and Taste III on August 3. It will be held at Shippensburg University in Shippensburg, PA. This program is offered by the Synod of the Trinity and is especially for its newly ordained clergy and their families. This is a great experience in practical theology (those things that were not taught in seminary). Participant fee is $450.00. This fee is paid by a cooperative effort through funds from the Synod, the Presbytery and the local congregation. This experience is for the entire family and for singles as well. It is for persons in their first call. One attend two years in succession and then again in his/her fourth year in the pastorate. Those attending develop a support group of caring-colleagues who frequently communicate beyond the Taste Experience. It is a special time to learn, to grow, to ìunloadî if you wish, share common experiences etc., and to move ahead. . Childcare is available at no extra charge. For more information, call the Presbytery Office and talk with your General Presbyter or call 800-242-0534 ext. 229. You may also contact the Chair of Ministry to Working Task Groups, Jake Wagner (Committee on Ministry) by e-mail JACOBW@ACSWORLD.net

Positions Available

The Presbytery of Lake Huron is seeking a General Presbyter. Send information (PIFíS and/or Resumes) to: the General Presbyter Search Committee c/o Presbytery of Lake Huron Search Committee, P.O. Box 6129, Saginaw, MI 48608-6129.

The Bedford Presbyterian Church (Bedford, New Hampshire) (donít worry, Doug!) 4 Church Road, Bedford, New Hampshire 03110 or Phone: 603-471-5841 Fax: 603-471-5708 Website: www.presbyternne.org/bedford/. A brochure and letter is on file in the Presbytery Office.

New Castle Presbytery is looking for an Interim Executive Presbyter. The position description etc is on file in our Presbytery Office. The deadline is March 31, 2002. Contact: E. Thomas Mathew, Chair, Search Committee at tom_Mathew@prusec.com

Retired Pastors and Spouses

Did you know that there is an Association of Retired Ministers, Their Spouses or Survivors and that the Association Publishes a Quarterly Newsletter? They hold an Annual Convention and this year it will be held June 27- 30 in Sacramento, California. For hotel reservations, contact The Clarion Sacramento Hotel at 1-800-443-0880. Registration is to go to Dana Shackelford, ARMSS Registrar, Activity #SE01042, PCUSA, Section 205, Louisville, KY 40289. Additional information and a copy of the registration form can be sent to you upon request from the Presbytery Office

Interim Ministry Basic Training

Interim ministry training occurs in two phases with the first course offered in the fall and the second leading to certification in the spring. The training is specifically designed for individuals seeking calls as intentional interim ministers to serve churches during the periods between installed pastors. The Interim Ministry Basic Education Training, Phase I, will be held October 7-11 at the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, Pittsburgh, PA. Contact Jim Davison (412-362-5610) for additional information.

SERVE (Sending Experienced Retired Volunteers Everywhere)

The Newsletter for February is in the office. Executive Director: Jennings Bunch can be reached at: E-mail: jb_serve@prodigy.net or check www.serve-intl.org. Retired persons may find significant challenges here.

An Invitation to Join: The Company of Pastor

In response to the expressed needs of Presbyterian Pastors, the office of Theology and Worship has developed: THE COMPANY OF PASTORS. The Company is open to all ministers, commissioned lay pastors, and Christian educators. Those who join commit themselves to daily disciplines of prayer, reading of Scripture, and the Book of Confessions. Those who join will also be a part of a book subscription program and will commit to reading books of theological significance for pastors on a quarterly basis.
Contact information: E-mail: NohraC@ctr.pcusa.org or phone 1-888-728-7228 ext. 5335. The Presbytery Office has more information if you wish to contact Janine.

OGA ANNOUNCES ON-Line Magazine: PERSPECTIVES

Perspectives is an online magazine designed to examine Presbyterian Church life with new eye: -to engage the Bible and our theology in exploring issues facing the church, -to utilize a constitutional and confessional framework for appreciating the ambiguities we face, - to rediscover new avenues from the lessons of history that enable us to comprehend contemporary situations.

Hereís the link to Perspectives: http://www.pcusa.org/oga/perspectives/index.htm
Churches Looking for an Interim

Rev. J. Ray Brubaker, Honorably Retired, is looking for an Interim position. He is highly recommended by the Presbytery Executive of Lehigh Presbytery, Harvey Johnson. The Presbytery Office has a brief sketch of him. Harvey suggests that you can get more information on him by calling Jim Neel, Interim Search Committee, 610-929-4911. Correspondence may be directed to the Pennside Presbyterian Church, 253 N. 25th Street, Reading, PA 19606

Link2 Lead

By now all of the churches of Huntingdon Presbytery can get information on their community through Link2Lead. Five persons from each church can register to get this important demographic information. Check with Janine Barony, Administrative Assistant, here in the office for details. The five members can register now at www.Link2Lead.com. The web site is brought to you by Percept, the premier supplier of demographics for the church. The Presbytery of Huntingdon and the Synod of the Trinity has partnered to fund this program so that each church in the Presbytery has access to this important information. One needs to know the demographics of the community surrounding the church if it is going to reach out in any significant way and speak and listen to the community. One person said this about the information he received from this source ìI find Percept material to be invaluable to understanding the setting and needs to which we are called to ministerî and another reported ìGreat Site!!! The information contained on this site is wonderful. I know it will be very useful. Thank you.î

New Director of New Manager of Judicial Process and Social Witness

Mark Tammen announced that Elder C. Laurie Griffith has been appointed to this position. Her extension number at the Presbyterian Center is 5432 and her email is: lgriffith@ctr.pcusa.org

Online Training for CLP (Commissioned Lay Pastor)

Dubuque Theological Seminary has announced this new program. Our Committee on Ministryís Ministry Group to Inquirers, Candidates and Lay Pastors is looking into this and other seminary courses and workshops for Lay Pastors. Charles Curley and Kerra Becker English from COM (Committee on Ministry) are working with Alice Meloy, Peggy Kendall and Jean Haynes from LUT (Leadership Umbrella Team) to deepen and broaden our curriculum for Lay Pastors researching more seminary options like the one listed here.

Funds Available From General Assembly

We now have a listing of unassigned General Assembly Restricted Funds that are available. Our office has the application form and the list of funds. You may request a copy of these two resources. Application instructions may be viewed and downloaded from the PC (USA) Web Site at: http://funds.pcusa.org. Session applications must be forwarded to the Presbytery by May 1, 2002 for endorsement and forwarded to the Synod by June 1, 2002. For example, Fund #59234 ìTo be used in Christian Education program of the UPCUSA Class Dî has $22,748. Other funds are much smaller but are worth going after. Would it not be wonderful if our Presbytery and/or several of its churches would apply for Christian Education monies and be granted them. Of course, the project would have to be considered by the readers as having fulfilled the requirements and have significant worth.

Other Enclosures with Sound Bytes

Not only are we enclosing my report to the Council and the Personnel Committee but also we are, at the request of Alice Meloy, including information on the Presbytery Retreat and, at the request of Kay Lewis, some information on SDOP (Self Development of People).

May your Journey of Faith during this Lenten Season be filled with mystery and new direction. May we continue to pray the prayer of Saint Francis, making it truly our prayer, ìAlmighty God, and You, my Lord Jesus Christ, I pray You to enlighten me and to dispel the darkness of my spirit; give me a faith that is without limit, a hope that is ever unfailing, and a love that is universal. Grant, O my God, that I may really know You and that I may be guided in all things according to Your will.î

Peace through Love,
 

Judson C. McConnell, Interim General Presbyter

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Interim General Presbyterís Report
The Presbytery of Huntingdon
To
Presbytery Council
And
Personnel Committee
March 4, 2002
 

It hardly seems possible that I am in my 18th month as Interim General Presbyter and when I leave you on April 30th, I will have completed a 19th month sojourn with you.

I leave with mixed emotions. I am pleased and fulfilled with our, and notice I said our rather than my accomplishments. In fact, when I think back to the time when the Presbytery office was literally in the trunk of my car and three days a week in both my trunk and at Barry and Linda Vanceís Bed and Breakfast, Cedar Hill in Spruce Creek, I am amazed at where we are now in a comparatively brief time- span.

I also leave with sadness that I will be leaving such a dedicated and talented group of Presbytery leaders and a Staff Team that has become a working and caring ìteamî.

I regret that I did not have more time to spend with congregations and their leadership but the mandate of an interim is to primarily set the organizational and leadership stage for your permanent General Presbyter and help to position the Presbytery to move ahead into its vision of mission. This, I believe, has been done. Of course, not perfectly for there are still areas that need ìtweakingî and improving but the big issues have been faced and worked with in creative ways.

I leave with a sense of accomplishment and a heartfelt thanksgiving to God for the Spiritís work in and through the leadership of this Presbytery.

I think we need to rehearse what the accomplishments have been so that we all can celebrate them together. From my perspective, I would list the following:
ï The hiring and developing of a staff into a working team Ö

ï The inclusion of the Pastoral Care Consultant, Resource Center Coordinator, and the Treasury Service Finance Director in staff meetings on a quarterly basis making them also part of the ìteamîÖ

ï The leasing of office space, furnishing it, as well as developing office systems that (although perfecting the systems is still in progress) are efficient, hospitable and supportiveÖ

ï The designing of a database and the implementing of that database so that information can be easily accessedÖ

ï The additions to the Web Site making it more user- friendly, accessible, and dynamic with frequent updating and closer liaison between Presbytery staff and Web MasterÖ

ï The developing and implementing of three major ìSummitsî around areas of concern growing from the work of Task Force 2000: i.e. Small Church Summit, Communications Summit and Leadership Summit. From these Summits, two Working Tasks groups were instituted. These Task Groups worked for a year and now present their Presbytery Strategy papers: on Communication and on the Small Church, for vote at the April meeting of PresbyteryÖ

ï The effective use of consultants from the Synod, the Presbytery of Hudson River Presbytery, The Board of Pensions, The Presbyterian (USA) Foundation and the Presbyterian Historical SocietyÖ

ï The Hosting of the Moderator of the General Assembly (PCUSA) and his wifeÖ

ï A careful improving of the new structure of the Presbytery to make it more efficient and less redundantÖi.e. Trustee, as part of AUT and Christian Education, as part of LUT to name but a couple areas of changeÖ

ï A re-vamping of the process of nominations and a re-working of the Nominating Committee to improve its access to the gifts of the people of Huntingdon congregations and working well in advance of deadlines, as well as to streamlining its invitation methodologyÖ

ï A concerted effort in making meetings spiritual growth experiences as well as accomplishing agendas (however, we still have a way to go in understanding how this can be done and taking the time to do it)Ö

ï A complete reorganization of the COM committee with the intention of making it more pro-active, preventative and supportive of Pastors, Churches, Lay Pastors, Inquirers, and CandidatesÖ

ï The Planning and Implementing of an Orientation Workshop for COM members with using Executive Presbyters from three Presbyteries of the SynodÖ

ï The production and distribution of an enlarged and user-friendly Directory with a complete revision and updating of the directory anticipated by the end of AprilÖ

ï The completion of a Lay Pastor Brochure with the intention that it be more user-friendly. Confusions in the system were remedied which also required re-working and re-organizing adding to the good work that had preceded the development of brochure and establishing the process and the requirements for both Certified Lay Pastor and Commissioned Lay Pastor ProgramsÖ

ï The treasury data entered into Quick Books computer program with increased technological possibilitiesÖ

ï The development of a complete personnel system by the Personnel Committee that included annual reviews of the staffÖ

ï The Council reviewing the IGPíS recommendations for Council and Presbytery Meetings focusing attention on ìVisioningî for the Council and ì Education î, ìSpiritual Enrichmentî and ìLeader Development for Presbytery Meetings along with its other tasks Ö

ï The purchase of a Power Point Projector and screen with Power Point Training of staff scheduled for a yet­to-be decided on date in AprilÖ

ï The development and training of an ìOffice Volunteer GroupîÖ

ï The establishing of a partnership with Synod and the Percept Group for access to the demographics of the region through Link2Lead and Vista (the training for Link2Lead will take place at the Presbytery Meeting in April and for Vista at an is yet-to-be-determined time) (this time will be established after all the churches have been entered at the Percept Office because of former serious omissions)Ö

ï The working with six congregations on important issues facing those congregations

I believe that this Presbytery is well on its way to realizing its vision if there is continuation and carry-through with what has been accomplished in this transitional year and a half.

I also have some serious concerns about this Presbytery as well.

These are as follows:
1. The over-use of certain leaders because there are not others who have been challenged, or who have volunteered or have been trained to carry on the important tasks. I have continually spoken of the ìlack of depth in our leadership poolî. However, I have been pleased that we have two chairpersons who are new to the Presbytery and have been elected to important committees Ö

2. The refusal on the part of some to allow their negative perceptions of individuals and/ or groups to change or give individuals or groups a second opportunity to prove that change has taken placeÖIt seems as though it is hard to live down a negative reputationÖ

3. That there is great difficulty on the part of leaders to go to events outside the Presbytery bounds for mind and heart expanding and possible life-changing experiencesÖ

4. That we are not actively and aggressively recruiting young adults for leadership in the PresbyteryÖ

5. That we have not integrated new people into Task Groups in the numbers that I had hoped would produce future leadership for the PresbyteryÖ

6. That there seems to be some hesitancy about using Task Groups that phase in and out with more of a tendency to form committees as well as a hesitancy to co-opt members which could use good and gifted people who are not elders or deaconsÖ

7. That we have been slow to pick up on my recommendation that the Council or a Task Group from the Council act as a Visioning or Futuring GroupÖ(looking for growth areas in every phase of Presbytery Life)Ö

Of course, in my opinion, the greatest asset the Presbytery is its people. The leaders are and have been most gracious and patient in moving through these difficult and sometimes frustrating transitional times. I am hesitant to list the names of all those individuals who have worked tirelessly to make the accomplishments listed above come to pass. I hope that I have expressed my gratitude to you personally for there is no question that neither the members of the staff nor I could have accomplished anything without their help.

Yes, there is much more to do but I have tried to guide the staff and the Presbytery Leadership in ways that would take seriously the Vision and Mission Statement of the Presbytery and do the necessary things that Interims are called to do.

I hope that I have supported those traditions that have been and are meaningful to the Presbytery while challenging some of the traditions that, in my opinion, desperately need changed for the future health of the Presbytery.

Thank you, each one of you, for your graceful acceptance of me and for the welcoming spirit you have had toward me and thank you also for all the support in making this time of transition productive.

Peace through Love,
 

Judson C. McConnell, Interim Presbyter

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February 2002

Lent

It hardly seems possible that we are now in the season of Lent! As we enter this season perhaps we should read again from the prophecy of Joel: ìReturn to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments, ways the Lord. Return to the Lord, your God, for God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and repents of evil. Who knows whether he will not turn and repent and leave a blessing behind him?î Joel 2:12-14a

A friend of mine wrote this prayer. I share it with you in this Lenten Season:
ìLord, help us to realize Your Divine Presence in and around us all the time and freely embrace your Presence with all our heart, mind, soul and strength.
Lord, help us to release whatever we hold onto that separates us from Your Holy Presence-Your Love, Joy, Peace, Truth, Grace and Guidance.
May we awaken to Your Presence in all aspects of our lives.î C. Tuozzo

By the way, are you familiar with the journal, Weavings? It is a Journal of the Christian Spiritual Life. I believe that it has much to offer those persons who want to grow spiritually. It is published six times a year. Each publication centers on a theme. The March/April one focuses on Creativity. Visit Weavings onlineÖwww.weavings.org

Mission Speaker

Not too long ago, a man came to the office to see me. We had a delightful conversation about some of the mission work in Haiti. Many of you may have heard or know this man whose name is Rodney Babe. We talked about the churches in Huntingdon that have supported this very important ministry. Rodney works primarily on community development projects helping the Haitians with water, agricultural and educational projects. I was impressed with him i.e., his vision, competency and humility. He wanted to get to know me and through me give his thanks to those churches in the Presbytery that have supported this mission.

Kay Lewis has a video presentation of this work and would be glad to come to your church, show the 30-minute video, and speak to this vital mission.

Regional Service and Church Relation Teams
Board of Pensions

The Board of Pensions is seeking to provide continuity to members while making changes to their need therefore they are modifying the structure. Rev. Steven Fleming will serve the Synods of the Northeast and the Trinity while they search for a representative for our region. Steve has been named an Educational Specialist along with James Graham and Linda Souder. When the replacement mentioned above is named, Steve will devote all of his time to the educational dimensions of the Board. As many of you are aware, Steve has been most helpful to the pastors and others in this Presbytery.

Retired Pastors Annual Convention

There is an association for Retired Ministers, their spouses or survivors. ARMSS is the acronym for the association. Among the many accomplishments of ARMSS is an annual convention that brings 250 or more together. The 6th Annual ARMSS Convention will be held at the Clarion Hotel, Sacramento, Ca., June 27-30, 2002.
Two years ago ARMSS instituted a Certificate of Merit Award. A Presbytery has an opportunity to nominate a retired pastor, spouse or survivor for meritorious service to the mission of the presbytery since he or she has retired.

Since so many of our number have retired or are planning to retire, this is information that the Presbytery and the retiree need to keep in mind. For more information call
888-728-7228.

African American Male At Risk Proposals

Friday, March 1, 2002 is the deadline for the African American Male At Risk Program. At the October meeting of the Synod of the Trinity, an additional sum of $100,000 was designated for work in this area for the next three years. These grants are for events and resources for events, which conform to criteria. You may call the office (814-684-2803) for these criteria. Events must be Afro centric and oriented to African American males issues. Evaluation Format may also be obtained at the office.

Looking For Leadership

The First Presbyterian Church of Charleston, West Virginia is looking for a Director of Child-Family Ministry. We have the CIF on file in the Presbytery office. You may contact the church at 304-343-8961 or e-mail: office@firstpresby.com

The Synod of South Atlantic has initiated a search for a permanent executive. A notice is presently in Presbynet on SYPRES, EPS, and Stated Clerks. Send pifís to Rev. Paul K Hooker, c/o St. Augustine Presbytery, 1937 University Blvd. W., Jacksonville, Florida 32217 or e-mail: PKHooker@mediaone.net

The Presbytery of Homestead is looking for and Executive Presbyter. The Presbytery serves 62 congregations in eastern Nebraska. April 5 is the deadline for applications. Send PIF to the Synod of Lakes and Prairies, Homestead Search Committee, 8012 Cedar Avenueís, Bloomington, MN 55425-1210

The Upper Ohio Valley Presbytery is currently looking for an Interim Executive Presbyter. For more information, please contact, Rev. Allan Drake, e-mail: revdrake@spii.net
 

Continuing Education Opportunities for all (Information on these opportunities may be requested from the Presbytery Office):

Systems ApproachÖSystems: A Comprehensive Approach for Ministry, Building Beliefs September 30- October 3 2002, Montreat Conference Center. For more information contact 828-669-2911 or http://www.montreat.org

Shalom Conference, April 18-20,2002, Laurelville Mennonite Church Center, Mt. Pleasant, PA. Questions? Call: 1-800-839-1021 this is an intergenerational, ecumenical conference for adults, youth and children. It is co-sponsored by the Presbyterian Church (USA). Leadership: Kenneth E. Bailey, Ron Stone, Linda Peachy, Titus Peachy and Peter J. Dyck.

Interim Pastor Training

Cosponsored by the Synod of the Pacific and the Synod of Southern California and Hawaii, an Interim Pastor Training Conference will be held at Zephyr Point, Lake Tahoe, Nevada. The training will be held July 21-26, 2002. Interim training is an important aspect of congregational and pastoral life. I had the opportunity to lead a conference at Zephyr Point last summer. The beauty of that area is awesome! Maybe you could combine vacation and training. Think about it. Registration is not complete without the signature of an Executive or General Presbyter or Chair of the Committee on Ministry. Brochures are at the Presbytery Office.

Work Well Done!

The Working Task Groups, one on the Small Church and the other on Communication, have reported out at the January meeting of Presbytery. These reports are strategy papers. They are to be read by the April 2nd Presbytery meeting. It is at that meeting that the Presbytery will act on the Task Groupsí work. Both of these task groups have worked hard and have wrestled with the complex issues that surround the two foci. They have concerned themselves, both with individual congregational needs, as well as those of the Presbytery. I have invited those individuals from the task groups to be present at the April meeting. They are to be commended for their outstanding and dedicated work. Now it is up to the Presbytery to make the important decisions that need to be made for a successful implementation of the strategies. Human and Financial Resources will be needed. Our heart-felt thank-you is extended to each of the members of the task groups.
 
 

Camp Krislund

What a gift to the three Presbyteries! Camp Krislund and its staff! Why doesnít your congregation or individual within your congregation Adopt-A-Camper? More than 50 non-Presbyterian campers attended Krislund last year through the generosity of ìadoptiveî churches. Think about this worthy project

A Disturbing Letter from the Covenant Network of Presbyterians

I quote from a letter from the Covenant NetworkÖ(the complete text can be requested from the Presbytery office)Ö(As you know the Covenant Network supported the passage of Amendment 01-A an amendment defeated by our Presbytery at its last meeting and from all indications will be defeated nationally as well) I am very disturbed if what is stated is factualÖ ìWe believe that the greater danger to the unity of the church comes not from those who advocate change but from a different source. It is summarized in a statement, ëA Strategic Vision for Transformation of the PCUSA, recently issued by the Presbyterian Coalition. (If you have not seen it, you may find it posted on their website, at www.presbycoalition.org/strategicVision.htm.) . The statement, which reiterates a presentation made by the Presbyterian Lay Committeeís chairman at the Coalitionís meeting in fall 2001, calls for transformation of the Presbyterian Church into a narrowly conservative body and creation of ëand effective shadow denomination while the PC (USA) is being transformed.í To this end, the statement outlines the following steps: *destabilizing the denomination by withholding mission support and per capita funds ëto accelerate dynamic and drastic restructuring of the PC (USA); *taking control of the governing bodies by restricting membership in presbyteries to ëministers who are accountable to viable congregationsí; *redefining ëconnectionalismí as only among ëlike-minded churchesí, * forcing those who disagree with them on ordination standards ëto peacefully separateí from the church or be disciplined. We are confident that most Presbyterians, whether or not they agree with us on matters of ordination, do not want to live in the denomination this ëstrategyí would create-one where all must hold the same perspective, where pastors of struggling congregations, military and hospital chaplains, retired clergy, and ministers who serve our governing bodies and seminaries would no longer be members of presbytery, where the threat of withdrawing financial support is wielded as a means for getting oneís way, and where no efforts at reconciliation for the sake of the unity of the Body of Christ would be attempted. Ö

We urge Presbyterians of every viewpoint to reject the Coalitionís plan. We hope that all will join in active support of the denominationís mission, ministry and leadership, and in a commitment to honest, respectful dialogue about matters currently dividing us. We appeal to the leaders of the Presbyterian Coalition and the Presbyterian Lay Committee, and to others with whom we disagree, to work with us to embrace the unity and freedom God has already given in Christ, the Presbyterian tradition of tolerance in non-essential matters, and a spirit of love and mutual forbearance that becomes a Christian community.î Note: This extended quote was necessary for an understanding of the intent of the letter.

If this letter is an accurate understanding of the intention of the Coalition and Lay Committee, then, I believe, we must first understand the intention of the Coalition and join with the Covenant Network in its call for the rejection of the Coalitionís plan where and when and however it appears and continue serious conversations about our differences as well as celebrate those issues where we stand together.

Peacemaking Grants

The Andrew Murray Scholarship Fund and Peacemaking Grants have again been announced. The deadline for both is May 15, 2002. The Peacemaking Grants recognize one peacemaking endeavor from each Presbytery in the Synod. The Scholarship Fund is awarded to ministers and members of Presbyterian Churches within the Synod who are planning to travel to the countries of the former Soviet Union. For more information, see www.syntrinity.org justice@syntrinity.org Information will also be distributed at the April Presbytery Meeting.

Link2Lead (Note Attachment)

Attached to these News Notes is a copy of the latest Link2Lead.com Resources (Local Church Guide to Percept Tools). Please continue to use this valuable resource to help your congregation better understand the context of the their ministry and mission. Just a reminder: each congregation can have up to five leaders to have access to this information. For more information contact, Janine Barony, Administrative Assistant, Presbytery Office. Note particularly the new ministry called Ministry Match. Ministry Match is a Web based resource that will allow your church leaders to compare their list of church programs to the preferences for those programs in the communities where your congregation is located.

PresbyNet

Nearly 3, 000 new members joined the Presbyterian Church (USA)ís online community last year. It hosted the first electronic Face-to Face and hosted a guest speaker to assist with sermon preparation during Advent. It has ìlive chatî features. For more information, contact presbynet.staff@pcusa.org or call 1-800-872-3283.
 

Self Development of People

Those who read The Daily News, Huntingdon, PA may have read the article ìHuntingdon Presbytery Gives Grants To 2 Mount Union Organizationsî. A Picture of the Teen Ministry International was also included in the article. The pictureís caption read: The Self-Development of People Committee of the Presbytery of Huntingdon Monday presented a $4000.00 check to Teen Ministry International Inc. to support the new Youth Center in Mount Union. Good Work SDOP! Kay Lewis is chair of this committee and Elaine Africa also serves on that ecumenical committee. Funding for grants is in partnership with the General Assembly.

Church Leadership Connection

Just a reminder: Stated Clerk James R. Davis is now handling this service for the Presbytery on an interim basis. We thank Rev. David Vogan for his faithful work as a volunteer doing matching service for us.

Taste (Transition and Survival Skills Training Experience)

The Synod has announced that Taste I, II and III continue to have as its goal: ìOur goal is to move toward happier and more effective ministers and congregations. Those eligible to attend are ministers ordained in the last twelve months with a call to this Presbytery. It is designed for the entire clergy unit, spouse and children are encouraged to attend. The Presbytery and the Pastorís Continuing Education Fund from the congregation cover payment for such training with no cost to the participants. This is a very practical experience that deals with issues and training not covered in seminary. I urge newly ordained ministers to take advantage of this series of events. More information will be distributed at Presbytery. For more information, contact the Synod of the Trinity,
717-737-0421.

Applications For Scholarships:

Two scholarships: Mary Meade Maxwell Church Vocations Scholarship and the Mary L Clark Ministry Study Grants are available through application to the Synod of the Trinity. The Maxwell Grantís purpose is ìfor use in providing scholarship assistance to persons preparing for full time church related vocations.î The Clark Grantís purpose is ìto be used to provide financial assistance to persons who are residents of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and who are engaged in the Presbyterian Ministryî. Applications and more information can be requested from the Presbytery Office (814-684-2803) or from Sam Strohm or Kerra Becker English, Committee on Ministry.
 

My God Continue to Bless You and Your Congregation!
 

Peace through Love, Judd McConnell, Interim General Presbyter.

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January 2002

Death of William Kendall
It was with deep sadness that members of the Presbytery greeted the news that Bill Kendall had died of a massive heart attack on New Year's Eve. Peggy and Bin have had a great deal of stress in their lives recently, with the news of the sudden death of Bill's brother and the settling of his estate. Bill's brother died from a fall in the Swiss mountains while mountain climbing. The Presbytery extends its heart-felt sympathy to Peggy and her family. When I talked with Peggy today, I learned that if people want to extend their sympathy in a tangible way, the Kendall family have asked that monetary-gifts go to the Pennsylvania Nature Conservancy expressing Peggy's and Bill's concern for ecology and the care of God's creation. The Conservancy address is: Lee Park Suite 470, 1100 East Hector Street, Conshohocken, PA 19428. A Service of Resurrection for Bill was celebrated at the Upper Spruce Creek Church on Friday, January 4 at 10:30 a.rm

Peggy's address is 714 Devonshire Drive, State College, PA 16803, her telephone number is (814) 238-7875 and e-mafl address is: pkendall@penn.com

Death of Charles McGaha's's Father

Our office staff received news of the death of Charles McGaha's father. We are saddened by this news and our prayers are with Charles and his family. The funeral service for Mr. McGaha was held at the Criswell Funeral Home in Aida, Oklahoma on January 4, 2002. Charles' address is: P.O. Box 485, Reedsville, PA 17084.

Thank You

The Presbytery Staff thanks those who sent Christmas cards and best wishes to the office. Each wish was appreciated. We certainly hope that your Christmas was filled with peace and meaning. We also wish for you God's presence and mercy throughout 2002 and may each of you have a Happy New Year!

Directory Corrections

The Directory Committee is appreciative of the many thanks they have received for their work of the Directory project and also for the corrections that have come into the office. Corrected sheets will be distributed at the January Presbytery meeting. There will be a complete directory correction by the end of April or before. Please continue to send your corrections to Janine Barony at the Presbytery Office. We will make additional corrections to its form, as well as content.

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Presbyterian Historical Society

Margaret McConnell, Vice President For Institutional Development, Presbyterian Historical Society, has reminded the Presbytery that the Historical Society stands ready to help the Presbytery and its churches. "The Mission of the Presbyterian Historical Society, as a department of the Office of General Assembly, is to serve all levels of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in its administrative, legal and historical needs; to collect, preserve and share information relevant to the American Presbyterianism and to encourage appreciation of the church's heritage." The offices are located at 425 Lombard Street (the Historic District), Philadelphia, PA 19147 (215) 627-1852 and in Montreat, North Carolina. Margaret's office is in Philadelphia. A visit to the Historical Society is a good experience. We have invited Margaret to speak to the Presbytery sometime in 2002. I appreciated learning that congregations who send materials to the Society still own the materials, however, they are protected and preserved by its staff.

Still Reflecting on September 11, 2001

The Washington Report to Presbyterians, in its September/October 2001 has published a most insightful article entitled "Deny Them Their Victory: A Religious Response to Terrorismî. If you wish a copy, please call the office (814) 684-2803.

Churchwide Redevelopment Conference

On January 10-13, 2002 in Phoenix-Mesa, Arizona there is an exciting conference on the important topic of Church Redevelopment. The theme of the conference is "Come from the Four Winds, 0 Spirit ... That they May Live"! Ezekiel 3 7:9 it is sponsored by the Churchwide Redevelopment Training Network and The Evangelism and Church Development Program Area of the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. For more information,
phone (888) 728-7228 or view, www.churchredevelopment.net

If it is impossible for you to attend, you may want to visit the web site for information and resources.

Interim Executive Presbyter Search

Lehigh Presbytery is searching for an Interim Executive. The interim will begin May 1, 2002. At this time, the Executive Committee of the Presbytery is in the process of developing a position description.

2

Debt Cancellation in Poorest Countries

The Presbyterian Washington office in its Issues Updates published a most compelling article by Catherine Gordon on the urgency of debt reduction for the poorest countries. If you wish a copy of this brief article, please contact the Presbytery office.

National Middle Eastern Presbyterian Caucus Advisory Committee for Middle Eastern Ministries of the Presbyterian Church invites congregations and
Presbyteries to:

• To pray on a regular basis for the 15 million Arab Christian to continue their witness and hold fast and stay in their homeland

  Advocate justice and peace in Israel and Palestine because of our long mission relationship with the region. The GA resolutions and stand on the Israeli and Palest@ conflict is well known. Our church supports the security of the state of Israel and its pre-67 borders and supports the creation of the Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza with Jerusalem o be shared by both nations according to the UN resolutions 181,242, and 338.

  Open new doors to by welcoming the Middle Eastern people to your churches or help establish prayer groups, fellowships, and new congregations in your community.

  Support and encourage interfaith dialogue between the PC (USA) and the
  Muslim faith and the PC (USA) and the Jewish Faith

  Help stop the stereotyping of the Arabs and Muslim and work for greater understanding, relationships and partnerships with one another.

  Be a prophetic voice at a time when civil liberties and human rights of Middle Eastern people are at risk.

Churches Looking For Pastors

Presbyterian Seminaries are now sending us listings of their graduating seniors who will be in search of a call. They are in booklet form and the Presbytery office has them on file. If you wish to come to the Presbytery office they are available for your PNC to use. This is an important way to find a pastor and I would suggest that you are very assertive about going about your task. My own church took its APNC to three Presbyterian seminaries to interview graduating students. They were encouraged and energized by doing this and did call a wonderful graduate to become the Associate Pastor. Please use these booklets as one of the valuable tools in your search. So far we have received @s form Columbia, San Francisco, Louisville, Union, PSCE (Virginia) and McCormick Seminaries. We will be receiving others, I am sure.

Policy Statement On Healing Domestic Violence

The 213th General Assembly (2001) policy on Healing Domestic Violence is now in the office. This is a very helpful document and Study Guide: "Turn Mourning Into Dancing" and may be viewed on the World Wide Web at http://www.pcusa.org/oga/publications/dancing.pdf

3

An Interesting Report on Ordination Exam Results
 

The results of the latest reading group: 

Bible #96	%Passed 64.6	%Failed 35.4
Theology #96	%Passed 5 1. I	%Failed 48.9
Worship and Sacraments # 189	%Passed 74.1	Failed 25.%9

These are difficult exams. It is one of the ways that Presbyteries and Churches have in @g to uphold high educational standards for Presbyterian Clergy.

Summary of a Prospectus for a New Task Force of the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy

"Harvesting Seeds of Justice: Ministering in Church and Society with Persons Who Have Disabilities'... The Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy invites comments and nominations of people to serve on a task force having a General Assembly mandate to structures new social witness policy for the church. Email: peters@ctr.pcusa.org

A Good Idea

Recently, I received an e-mail from a pastor in Granville, Ohio (a pastor who I did not know and did not know me). She alerted me that a very fine Presbyterian couple from her church was moving to our area. She was interested in getting this couple affiliated with another vital Presbyterian Church. I sent this information to a pastor in the area where this couple had moved.

Wouldn't it be good if, when a person moves from your church, you would write the Presbytery executive or a pastor of a Presbyterian Church in the area to which they are going and introduce them to those new potential friends and a new Presbyterian community!

Faith - Based and Community Initiatives

The White House has suggested the following Web-Links for information and consideration:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/faith-based/

Thanks to Don Goss for this information.

Children At Risk

Louisville Seminary has announced that on March 22-23, 2002, they will host a seminary on the topic of Children At Risk: Hope for the Future. For more information visit www.lpts.edu We will be receiving more information so you may also call the Presbytery Office.

4

Stewardship in Our Time

There will be a "Network Meeting 2002", March 13-15, 2002. This is for committee chairs or volunteers in the area of stewardship. It is hoped that our Presbytery is interested in sending one or two persons and that we should encourage those persons to apply. Please contact the DUT chair, Jim Hanly, if you are interested in attending this type of event and for more information about it. This is to exchange ideas and inspiration and learning resources in this area.

Mission Trips

The National Volunteers Office (www. pcusa.org/nvo) has produced a booklet on: "Mssion Trip:e'. It lists and describes the 2002 and 2003 trips. It names the trip by state, international, project title and description, states address of the place, the contact person/s, the nature of the work, group specifications that which the project provides, and additional information. It is a wonderful resource book that encourages intentional mission trips with service to others, to the church, and to God in the manner of Christ is the focus. Pastors and church leaders may want to challenge their congregants to think of volunteering to serve in this way. (Resource: 72950 National Volunteers PC (USA), 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, KY 40202-1396)

Mission Personnel Avaflable For Your Church

The list of Personnel available for speaking throughout Pennsylvania is now available. Updates periodically are listed in March, June, September and December and can be found on http://horeb.pcusa.org/mc/speakers/

The following people are available:

Ed and Audrey Carlson (Adult Education, Pakistan) 544 Mercer Road, Butler, PA 16001 - 9724) 287-3512. Ed also served in the Sudan. E-maiI: butcarlson@aol.com

M@orie Daniels (Education, Women's Issues, the Spirituality of mission,
Paldstan) U6 McClellandtown-Lwnbert Road, McCleUandtown, PA 15458
(724) 737-1314 E-mail: mdaniels@lcsys.net

It is expected that the church or Presbytery that invites a mission worker will pay travel expenses (mileage, meals, and lodging). An honorarium is also appropriate if the mission personnel are retired persons.

5

Available To Speak on Islam and Christian/Muslim Relations

We have received the following names from the People in Mutual Mission, Worldwide Ministries Division of the PC (USA):

Jim and Carol Brees (evacuated from Pakistan in mid September) 1085 Elicker Road, New Kensington, PA 15068 (412) 795-4978 E-mail: jdbrees@yahoo.com

Marjorie Daniels (information listed above under Mission Available...

Target Dates

The Working Task Group on ìPresbytery Strategy for the Small Churchî is scheduled to report out at the March Presbytery meeting. It is working on the final draft of the strategy now ... will consult with the Council about it and then bring it to the Presbytery for its approval.

The Working Task Group on "Communicationsî will meet in January to read a strategy paper and will send its work on to the Council for consultation with the hope that it will be presented at the March Presbytery meeting.

Rural Ministry Conference

"Can We Break Bread Together?" is the theme of the Rural Ministry Conference 2002 sponsored by the University of Dubuque and Wartburg Seminaries, Dubuque, Iowa. The 21st Annual Rural Ministry Conference has as its goals to: "enrich your congregation's ministry... learn how eating can be a spiritual practice ... reflect on Biblical stories about food and eating ... enjoy table fellowship and agape feasting ... explore how producing and preaching food intersect..." Contact the Center for Theology and Land, P.O. Box 5004, Dubuque, IA 52004-5004 e-mail: ruralmin@wartburgseminar.edu or
(563)589-3117 or www.ruralministry.com

Session Visits

Your General Presbyter would like to visit your session meeting to get better
acquainted with the mission and work of your congregation. If your session meets on a Tuesday or a Wednesday and if you are open to such a visit, please contact me. I have no hidden agenda. I am just interested in getting to know the work of our congregations in more depth.

General Presbyter Search Committee

This talented and verse group is working very hard. Please pray for them and their difficult and challenging task. It is a group that has really become a "faith community" and is trying desperately to discern God's will through all that they do.

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An Observation

I continue to be impressed with the dedication and the competency of the Presbytery leadership. Your leaders are special gifts of God to each of us in this Presbytery. I am pleased with the amount of progress they have made within the tune that I have been with you. I am convinced that the Presbytery is ready to "move on" with a permanent General Presbyter and Stated Clerk to continue and enlarge its vision and mission.
 

Peace through Love ... So let us continue to pray:
"Almighty God, and You, our Lord Jesus Christ, we pray you to enlighten us and to dispel the darkness of our spirits; give us a faith that is without limit, a hope that is ever unfailing, and a love that is universal Grant, 0 our God, that we may really know You and that we may be guided in all things according to your will".

(St. Francis of Assisi) (Adapted)

Rev. Judson C. McConnell D.D.
Interim General Presbyter

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