PRESBYTERIAN DISASTER ASSISTANCE UPDATES (PDA) http://www.pcusa.org/pda/
2012 PER CAPITA $33.70: $24.35 to Heartland Presbytery, $2.72 to the Synod of Mid-America, $6.63 to the General Assembly. (Submitted by presbytery staff)
2012 Stated Meetings schedule is located at http://www.heartlandpby.org/files%20misc/2012StatedMeetingDates.pdf
Bring your checkbooks or plenty of cash to the February 11, 2012 Stated Meeting of Heartland Presbytery. It is the pleasure of the Maya Quiché Partnership Committee to provide, for sale, tons of beautiful crafts purchased during their January trip to Guatemala. Plan on buying gifts for others or just something for yourself! All items will be for sale at their display table at the Southridge Presbyterian Church. (Submitted by Rachel Lausch 1/30/12)
Steve Lampone , deputy director of the Kansas City, MO, Parks and Recreation Department, will be the speaker for the February meeting of Church Women United at 10:00 a.m. Monday, Feb. 6, at Westminster Hall in Second Presbyterian Church, 55th and Brookside, Kansas City, MO, 64113. Parks and Rec is responsible for all of Kansas City's 38 City Parks, ten community centers, and a host of other buildings, functions, fountains, city artworks and civic activities. All are welcome to come for the program and meeting. Meeting begins with refreshments. There is no charge. Reservations are not required. The building is wheelchair accessible. No childcare is provided. (Submitted by Gail Cunningham 1/30/12)
See VBS 2012 curriculum! Last chance for VBS Extravaganza February 7 4:30-6:30 at St. Paul's School of Theology's Cokesbury store, 5123 East Truman Road , Kansas City, MO 64127. Food will be available. If you RSVP, (not required) we will be on the lookout for you! education@heartlandpby.org (Submitted by Malinda Spencer 1/30/12)
From the Heart: Panera Bakers at Gilda's Club! Monday, February 6 thThe very talented Panera Bread Company bakers are coming to Gilda's in February for a fun-filled, fabulous, workshop on creating and decorating delicious breads and cookies. This interactive workshop is sure to be tasty, as all participants will join in the fun, and will leave with bread and cookie baking secrets, and goodies to take home. This workshop is sure to get a "rise" out of all members who join in the fun! Be sure to bring a friend for this heart-warming, and tummy filling event. Event O pen to the Public 6:00 - 8:00 pm M onday, February 6 th, Gilda's Club, 21 West 43rd St. Kansas City, MO. RSVP by February 3rd to rsvp@GildasClubKC.org . Everyone is touched by cancer in the community. Check out their website for further information www.gildasclubkc.org . (Submitted by Jolene Shaw 1/30/12)
New School/Old School divisions in Missouri: Their Relevance to Today.
The 1837 date of the Old School|New School division in Missouri is incorrect when applied to Missouri Synod of PCUSA. According to Teaching Elders Timothy and John B. Hill, chroniclers of that era, Missouri Synod tried to remain neutral and did so until 1842 even though some congregations, centered in the northeastern part of the state, leaned toward the New School. The four-year effort not to divide the Presbyterian Church in Missouri may be seen as Synod stubbornness. Or it can be looked upon as an act without input from small frontier mission congregations who found it extremely difficult to send commissioners to week-long Spring and Fall presbytery meetings. General Assembly commissioners were duly elected but oftentimes could not afford the trip which could mean a month away from home. The vote was there; the voice was absent.
So, in 1837, when the PCUSA split, membership and resources were divided. The few Teaching Elders’ ministries were spread even thinner over more congregations who competed with each other. General Assembly did not ask and Missouri Synod did not tell how congregations worked with each other to provide regular preaching and sacraments—at times with the Cumberland church. It could be speculated that the people in the pew recognized New School music and preaching to be more upbeat.
What happened, happened. What might have happened if differences could have been worked out before 1837 is mere speculation. But it might be interesting to ponder whether there might have been a more successful effort to quell border difficulties which occurred within Heartland Presbytery’s bounds if Presbyterians were in conversation with one another. For at that time and place the manner in which congregational government was practiced is very similar to nFOG. Then, and now, church leadership relied and relies on knowledge of the Presbyterian form of government by the entire congregation so that the conversation is about doing the mission in a particular place according to the needs of that place. (Submitted by Ruling Elder Nancy Ehrlich, Presbytery Historian 1/26/12)
Dear Friends in Heartland Presbytery, Are you tired, out of creative energy, feeling flat? Come to Arkansas in the spring and be renewed! All church professionals are cordially invited to join us at our Annual Retreat, April 22-24 at beautiful Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center. Rev. Dr. Jana Childers, homiletics professor at San Francisco Theological Seminary, is our presenter. We would love to see you there! Keep watching for registration information. (Submitted by Susan Gray, Presbytery of Arkansas 1/25/12)
Benefits Connect Tip:Church treasurers and business administrators can now submit service changes online. Church treasurers and business administrators who are registered as their employing organization’s authorized web representative on Benefits Connect can now submit service changes online. If you haven’t registered yet, just follow the simple steps outlined on the site.
Newly Updated Healthcare Guides for 2012 Now Available The Board of Pensions has updated several key healthcare communications for 2012 to help members better understand — and use — their healthcare benefits:
Copies of these publications are available by calling the Board at 800-773-7752 (800-PRESPLAN), or you can view, download, and print them from Pensions.org.
New Online Resource for Retirees on Pensions.org The Board of Pensions has created a new section on Pensions.org dedicated to the specific needs and concerns of retired plan members. The section includes information on topics that are often relevant throughout retirement, including healthcare, finances, death benefits, housing, and post-retirement service. The section also provides resources for retirees seeking further information and assistance. For more information on this new section and how it can assist you throughout this stage of life, read the recent Pensions.org news article .
Reminder To Use Benefits Connect To Streamline Administrative Processes A friendly reminder to church treasurers and business administrators: You can access many features through Benefits Connect, the Board’s secure benefits website, to help you streamline some administrative processes, including online salary and services changes. Once you’ve registered on Benefits Connect as your employing organization’s authorized web representative, you are given access to these and other features. If you are already registered, simply go to the log-in page . If you still need to register, go to the registration page and follow the step-by-step instructions for creating your user profile and establishing your password. Please note: If you continue to submit service changes by fax or mail, you should use the latest forms on Pensions.org . The service change forms have been divided into specialized forms based on the prompting event, such as a new service or a change in employment status. These forms are available for the Traditional Program and the Affiliated Benefits Program . If you have questions, please contact the Board of Pensions at 800-773-7752 (800-PRESPLAN).
Tax Webcast and Guides for the 2011 Tax Year Now Available To help ministers and churches understand the latest tax law changes, the Board of Pensions has released new and updated resources in the Tax Resource Center for members , treasurers and administrators , and mid-councils on Pensions.org:
The information provided in the above-described resources is not intended as a substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice that you may require while preparing your tax returns. (Submitted by Doug Kelley 1/30/12)
NEW PIPE ORGAN FOR HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH IN SHAWNEE A new pipe organ has been installed at Hope Lu theran Church in Shawnee, Kansas. The 21 stop mechanical action organ was built and installed by Pasi Organs of Roy, Washington. Organ builder, Martin Pasi, has gained international acclaim for the quality workmanship and superb sound of his instruments. The beautiful pipe shades, or wood carvings, which decorate the facade of the Hope organ carry a Kansas motif embedded with Christian symbols. Dedication of the new organ will take place in the morning worship services at Hope Lutheran on Sunday, March 25. A Dedicatory Recital will be presented by Dr. Michael Bauer on Sunday, April 15, at 4:00 p.m. with a demonstration of the organ at 3:00 p.m. Dr. Bauer is a member of the organ faculty at the University of Kansas and has served as organ consultant for Hope congregation. Future events include a concert of organ concerti with the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra in September, a hymn festival on Sunday, October 21, with organist Charles Ore of Concordia University, Seward, NE, and an organ recital in November presented by Craig Cramer of Notre Dame University. All are welcome at each of these events. For complete information go to www.hopelutheran.org . (Submitted by Linda Wallace 1/30/12)
Northeastminster Church is looking for church groups or individuals who would be able to help them in the maintenance and repair of the Eastminster Church building, especially in areas of plumbing, carpentry and funds. Eastminster is located at Anderson and Benton Blvd. in the Northeast area of Kansas City. Northeastminster is making plans to move to the Eastminster building and would also appreciate some help in packing. The members of the congregation will be working at the Northeast Church building, 301 Van Brundt Blvd., Kansas City, MO, beginning at 9:00 am the Saturdays of Jan. 28, Feb. 4, Feb. 11, and Feb. 18. If you are able to help, please email Kathleen Knehans kknehans@aol.com The Northeastminster congregation thanks those who have already volunteered and those who can in the future. (Submitted by Kathleen Knehans 1/23/12)
Earthkeepers meets the fourth Monday at 7:30 PM at Village Presbyterian Church (south door). Please join us as we plan for 2012-2013 and continue to review issues which are vital to explore in areas of environmental justice. (Submitted by Diane Waddell, moderator 1/23/12)
Thanks to all who contributed to making Embracing Hope a great day. Congregational Ministries Division would appreciate participant feedback in this survey: http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e5ig38nqgxje2bx8/start (Submitted by Malinda Spencer 1/23/12)
VBS Extravaganza participants will receive up to 20% off at Cokesbury through February 12. All three opportunities are open house—come and go as you please. Tuesday, February 7 , 4:30-6:30 p.m. Cokesbury bookstore at St. Paul’s Theological Seminary, Kansas City, MO RSVP appreciated to education@heartlandpby.org (Submitted by Malinda Spencer 1/19/12)
Interfaith Interactions: Christians, Jews, and Muslims all have a “Father Abraham” and he is the same person. (See Exodus!) Sadly many of us seem to have forgotten that truth and, as a result, much suffering and misunderstanding has occurred, wars have been fought, and distortions perpetuated. But in our commitment to peacemaking and reconciliation Village Church understands the importance of dialogue (as well as a good meal!). Thus it is that the church, in cooperation with The Institute of Interfaith Dialogue, will be hosting a Dinner of Abrahamic Traditions on Thursday, February 23, 2012. Activities begin at 6:00 pm with a reception followed by dinner (free) at 6:20 and a presentation at 7:00 on the topic “Respect for Parents and Elders in Abrahamic Traditions.” Presenters include Dr. Mark Holland, Pastor, Trinity Community Church, Rabbi Scott White, Congregation Ohev Sholom, and Dr. Abdulbaki Agas, Associate Professor, Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. In a time of shifting family traditions and an increasing loss of respect for the elderly among us, the topic seems timely so come, learn, discuss, dine, share and grow in our understanding of one another. To make a reservation call The Institute of Interfaith Dialogue at 913-438-8300 or kansascity@interfaithdialog.org or Village Church at 913-671-2347 or jay.mckell@villagepres.org (Submitted by Jay McKell 1/18/12)
Available for pick-up from First Presbyterian Church, Warrensburg, MO Panasonic Copier Model FP-7728. Has two drawers for one for letter and one for legal sized paper. Also provides duplex copying and reduction/enlargement. Used for several years in the church office, still working. Contact FPC Warrensburg 660 747 5731. (Submitted by Nancy Jones 1/17/12)
Join us at Ecumenical Advocacy Days, Washington, D.C. March 23-26, 2012. Presbyterian Women Scholarships Available! Interested in learning more about advocacy for domestic and international issues in federal and local government? Looking for hands-on training in advocacy skills? Want to work for a just and Godly economy? Ecumenical Advocacy Days (EAD) may be the experience for you! At the 10th annual EAD, March 23-26, 2012, in Washington, DC, we will explore economy, livelihood and our national priorities through the lens of Isaiah 58. Join other Christians in seeking a global economy and a national budget that break the yokes of injustice, poverty, hunger and unemployment throughout the world — heeding Isaiah's call to become "repairers of the breach and restorers of streets to live in." We will worship, dialogue and be inspired and equipped to speak boldly as people of faith. Rousing preachers, stimulating theologians and internationally known policy experts will offer a faith-based vision for a just economy and a healthy livelihood, along with training on key policy issues and grassroots advocacy —culminating with lobby visits on Capitol Hill. In addition, area specific workshops will be offered on Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, Domestic U.S., Eco-Justice, Global Economic Justice and Peace & Global Security. You can learn more about EAD and register online at www.advocacydays.org . This year, Presbyterian Women is sponsoring 8 scholarships of $180 each (the cost of earlybird registration). For a scholarship application, please email Lois Bingham at ljbingham@gmail.com . Scholarship applications must be received via email by January 30, 2012 to be considered. Preference will be given to first-time attenders and with hopes to build age, racial/ethnic, geographic, and experiential diversity. If you are already planning to attend EAD this year, please let us know. Send a note to Lois telling us you'll be there. We're working on finding a time for Presbyterian Women to connect over the weekend. Also plan to attend the Compassion Peace and Justice training day with the Office of Public Witness on Friday, March 23. Check http://www.pcusa.org/events/18750/compassion-peace-and-justice-training-day/ for registration information! For more information, contact Meagan Manas, Justice and Peace program specialist, Presbyterian Women, meagan.manas@pcusa.org , 212/870-2738. (Submitted by Gail Cunningham 1/9/12)
FREE to a church or non-profit organization: A Yamaha organ, completely electronic model 405. It has two 49-note keyboards, 13 bass pedals, a Leslie speaker and a roll-top cover. Very good organ sounds and enough volume for a fairly large area. Comes with a matching bench with storage space. For details contact Jenne Bird-Rogers at 816-847-2904. (Submitted by Jenne Bird-Rogers 1/6/11)
In an effort to encourage discussion and evaluation of the current educational experience of our children Rolling Hills Presbyterian Church will host a feature film screening of Race to Nowhere: The Dark Side of America's Achievement Culture, Thursday, February 2 @ 7:00 p.m. in the Rolling Hills Sanctuary, 9300 Nall Ave. Overland Park, KS. Tickets are free to members and the public. Registration is requested at racetonowhere.com or by calling our church office, 913-642-9100. A brief panel discussion follows the 80 minute film on Feb. 2. Extended discussion will take place on Sunday, February 5 @ 9:45 a.m. at Rolling Hills Presbyterian Church. (Submitted by Laura Breckenridge 1/5/12)
The four overtures that will be voted on at the Stated Meeting of Heartland Presbytery February 11, 2012 are posted and available for examination at www.heartlandpby.org . Please contact David Meerse at clerk@heartlandpby.org 816.924.1730 or 800.332.4849 if you have any questions. (Submitted by David Meerse 1/3/12)
Called to act: volunteers needed
Could your church benefit from improving your ministry to children? For Christian educators, volunteers, and pastors, the Children Welcome! event will be February 23-25 at Hillside Christian Church on Vivion Rd. The commuter rate is $130; a half scholarship rebate is available from the PC(USA), until funds are all claimed. Conference registration includes keynote addresses, child friendly worship, workshops (called “Discovery Groups”), and 3 meals. For a separate registration, a children’s program with many enrichment activities, will be available all day Friday and Saturday. For $65, your church can send someone to this conference. For more information or help registering/claiming your scholarship, please contact Malinda Spencer. (Submitted by Malinda Spencer 12/8/11)
A Response to the end of the PCUSA- INPM Partnership We stand in support with the 11 mission co-workers as they discern their call and desire to remain with the work they have been called to in Mexico. Additionally, we unite with any congregation or individual who has mission partnerships with our Mexican brothers and sisters and may this witness more fully contribute to the abundant life that God promises to all people. ( To read the entire article click http://www.heartlandpby.org/files%20misc/PCUSA-INPM.pdf. (Submitted by Laurie Anderson 12/12/11)
PW of Village Presbyterian Church host their Annual Visiting Scholar Lectures March 9-10, 2012. Save the date for Brian McLaren. A former pastor and college English teacher, McLaren is an author, speaker, activist and networker among innovated Christian leaders. He is considered an elder statesman of the "Emerging Church" movement. His dozen books include: A New Kind Of Christianity, A Generous Orthodoxy, and most recently, Naked Spirituality. Mark your calendar and visit our website for more information: http://www.villagepres.org/ministries-programs/visiting-scholar/ (Submitted by Meg McLaughlin 10/31/11)
Acts 16:5 Initiative video now available. To check it out contact Malinda Spencer in the Church Resource Center, 816.923.5486. (Submitted by Leigh Gillis 10/31/11)
PHEWA seeks nominations for social justice ministries awards Deadline is Feb. 15 for awards to be celebrated at GA 220 in Pittsburgh. The Presbyterian Health, Education and Welfare Association (PHEWA) is seeking nominations for seven ministry awards that will be celebrated during the 220th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in Pittsburgh next July. PHEWA seeks nominations of: The Community Transformation Award, Nancy Jennings Award, David Hancock Award, Margaret A. Fuad Award, Florence Iversen Kraft Award, Faith In Action Award, BREAKING THE SILENCE AWARD. Nominations for any of the awards should include the name of person, congregation or organization being nominated; contact person for the nomination with addresses, phone numbers and email addresses; and a two page description of the ministry or individual, including why they are deserving of this recognition.Electronic submissions are preferred, but nominations sent by mail will also be considered. Send by email or by regular mail to: PHEWA, 100 Witherspoon St., Rm. 3228, Louisville, KY 40202-1396. Click here for full story http://www.pcusa.org/news/2011/10/5/phewa-seeks-nominations-social-justice-ministries-/ (Submitted by presbytery staff 10/6/11)
Is your congregation doing innovative ministry? Each year Union Presbyterian Seminary awards congregations for innovative ministry. Since 1991, 87 churches in 28 states have received these awards. Each of the eight awards carries a $1,000 prize to support the congregation in its ministry. For more information and to apply for one of the Union Presbyterian Seminary Congregation Awards, you may download the brochure and application , request an application by sending an e-mail to April Swofford at aswofford@upsem.edu or call 1-800-229-2990, ext 231. The application and instructions are only available electronically. The deadline for the 2012 Awards is FEBRUARY 15, 2012. (Submitted by presbytery staff 9/28/11)
Is your church on facebook? Should it be? Attend this FREE webinar and learn how to keep your congregation and your church safe! The Insurance Board is holding these upcoming webinars you do not want to miss! https://insuranceboard.ilinc.com/perl/ilinc/lms/event.pl (Submitted by Leigh Gillis 9/28/11)
The Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study inspires thousands of Presbyterians daily as they uphold the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in intercessory prayer. To learn more visit http://www.pcusa.org/missionyearbook . (Submitted by presbytery staff 9/19/11)
Free legal help for Missouri homeowners: Legal Aid of Western Missouri is available to make presentations to Missouri churches and community groups on a variety of topics that affect homeowners, including foreclosure prevention, mortgage modifications (to lower payments), bankruptcy, debt collection, the Missouri Property Tax Credit (providing tax refunds to seniors and disabled homeowners and renters), beneficiary deeds, and more. If you are interested in hosting a presentation, please contact Mindy Fox at mfox@heartlandpby.org .
From Church Order and Listening: Many Sessions are wondering what steps to take to revise or prepare By-Laws and Manuals of Operation for the local congregation in order to be in accord with the new Form of Government. For a start, we suggest checking out these templates which we found on the pcusa.org website. http://www.pcusa.org/resource/advisory-handbook-councils/ http://www.pcusa.org/resource/sample-bylaws-congregations/
Book of Order PDF file online. You can find it in the Church Store at http://store.pcusa.org/Browse-Categories?id=6567 . (Submitted by presbytery staff 7/25/11)
Support the Theological Education Fund Take time to think about the ways in which PC(USA) seminaries make a difference in your congregation and middle governing body. Your funds help keep that vital work going. Give to the Theological Education Fund , which supports all of the denomination’s seminaries. Any amount will help!
Heartland Presbytery is the central receiving for Shared and Directed Mission Support, Special Offerings, and Gifts. The Remittance Form may also be used for Per Capita. (Submitted by Brian Hathhorn 1/12/11)
For information on lectionary texts not included in the three year cycle, visit http://www.churchresourcecenter.org/ThePromiseofYearD.pdf (Submitted by Malinda Spencer)
Recycling Again! Harold Thomas Center. Feel free to bring paper, including phone books, cans, and plastic. Check the items accepted at http://www.deffenbaughindustries.com/pdfs/Deffenbaugh%20Recycling%20Guidelines.pdf . We appreciate your help in making our quota. (Submitted by Malinda Spencer)
All items listed on this page were included in previous editions of the Heartland Connection.