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WyoConnect
January 12, 2019

Vision

  • Cultivating Transformational Leaders
  • Equipping Christ’s followers to go into the neighborhood

Steve Shive’s Sabbatical Schedule

Steve Shive, General Presbyter of the Presbytery Wyoming, will be concluding his sabbatical from mid-December to mid-January, specifically December 19 through January 19. During this time if you need administrative help be in contact with Jan DeBeers at aa.presbywy@gmail.com or 307-472-4717-. If you need assistance with any Council issues please be in touch with Melinda Brazzale at mlbrazzale@gmail.com or 307-256-0506. If there are any issues regarding Churches or pastors please be in touch with Lynn Williamson at LDelg75839@aol.com or 307-262-3673.


Survey Sheds Light on Character of New Worshiping Communities

In July, the Presbyterian Mission Agency released the results of a survey tracking the progress of worshiping communities. It includes responses from NWC leaders as to the number and nature of communities, leaders and participants in the 1001 movement.

Some key findings regarding the nature of NWC participants vs. members of established congregations were:

  • 68 percent of NWC participants are under age 45.
  • The largest age group within NWCs is 26 – 45; in PC(USA) congregations, it is over 65.
  • 53 percent of participants in NWCs and 9 percern of PC(USA) congregations are people of color.
  • 29 percent of NWCs and 5 percent of PC(USA) congregations are racially diverse (i.e., no race comprises more than 79 percent of its membership).

(from New Church – New Way)

To see a copy of the report, go to presbyterianmission.org and search for “2018 Leaders Report”. Or contact Jon Moore at 502-612-5026.


The YAV Experience – A year of service for a lifetime of change


The Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) program is an ecumenical, faith-based year of service in sites around the world and across the United States. YAVs accompany local agencies working to address root causes of poverty and reconciliation while exploring the meaning and motivation of their faith in community with peers and mentors.

Program benefits include a regular stipend, housing, transportation costs covered and student-loan assistance during the year. Follow @yavprogram for program updates & apply today at https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/yav/apply/


Year-End Report

It is time to begin planning for the submittal of the year reporting and statistics for the national church office.

The deadline for submittal of the information is January 31, 2019. As always, the most important item is the Year End final membership total. This will drive the per capita calculation basis for the following year (2020) for Presbytery, Synod, GA and your local church.

The electronic link to the input section of the Statistical Reporting Website is:
https://ogaapps.pcusa.org/soc/AdvancedSearch.aspx

The link to the help file for FAQ’s is:
http://oga.pcusa.org/section/churchwide-ministries/stats/statistical-reporting-faq/

The Wyoming Presbytery deadline for submittal of the information through the website is January 31, 2019. I expect that you may have questions and trouble putting the data in and be aware that I can assist in in-putting the data for you even after this deadline and would be glad to do so if you get me the details. I will have access to make corrections and changes to the data once submitted and can get the data in past the deadline for about 2 weeks.

Also, I am available to assist in any way in this process including entering the data for you if necessary (It takes me about 5 minutes for each church).  If you need the access PIN or password (should be the same as before) for your church let me know and it will send it to you.

Mark


2019 Triennium


What is Triennium? Triennium is gathering of Presbyterian youth that happens every 3rd summer. This opportunity is open to youth going in to 9th grade through graduated senior. Triennium takes place at Purdue University in West Layette, Indiana on July 16-20, 2019. The theme for this Triennium is “Here’s my Heart.”

The first Triennium was held in 1980. The driving purpose behind the conception of Triennium has three parts;

  1. To enable Presbyterian youth in North America to address the prophetic and crucial dilemmas of our world and embark on a journey toward global unity.
  2. To enable Presbyterian youth to rediscover their Christian and Presbyterian roots, to nourish personal faith, and to develop leadership through worship, theological reflection, study and devotion.
  3. To enable Presbyterian youth to participate in setting the directions for the youth ministry programming of their own Presbyterian denomination.

Triennium has expanded to reached over 5,000 youth participates from all over the world bringing them together to worship and interact. Past participants claim that it is a spiritual opportunity that they never regret.

There is something amazing about being surrounded by over 5,000 people worshiping, singing, and taking communion together as one in Christ.

The Wyoming delegation will gather in Denver on July 15 for a night of fun and fellowship. Then the next day we will travel to Purdue for 5 days of worship and spiritual growth. The cost will be around $1,000. This includes travel expenses, food, and lodging. The Presbytery of Wyoming has funds set aside to assist with the cost. If you know a current 8th-12th grader that would be interested in attending please contact me at cjclem@actaccess to register them for this experience.



2019 Webinar Series from the Presbyterian Foundation

Jan 9 How to Engage Your Givers
Gifted givers, thoughtful givers, casual givers, and reluctant givers
Feb 13 Year-Round Stewardship
Why, how, results
Mar 20 How to Endow One's Pledge
Life ends but our story continues
Apr 10 How to Talk About Money
Talking about money as a spiritual discipline
May 8 End of the Year Giving
Importance of, Reason for, and How to

When

All webinars will be at 11:00am Mountain. Instructions to join will be sent out three days prior

To Register

Rob Hagan
509.521.5400
rob.hagan@presbyterianfoundation.org

Rev. Dr. Rob Hagan
Ministry Relations Officer
Presbyterian Foundation

Rob loves to work with the church to help it flourish and grow through stewardship and generosity. He workks with pastors and church leaders to cultivate generosity and promote stewardship within their congregations.

Karl Mattison
Vice President for Planned Giving
Presbyterian Foundation

Karl enjoys seeking out great stories and solutions to share with churches on a wider scale so that churches can more easily learn from each other. Karl is the original developer of the Planned Giving Navigator, a technology program to help churches implement outstanding planned giving programs.

More information at www.presbyterianfoundation.org


Cultivating Transformational Leaders

In his book The Missional Leader, Alan Roxburgh writes: “The challenge for so many church leaders, whether or not they have received formal training, is that they are not equipped to lead such a (missional) church. They were trained to pastor and teach in an existing church context to the satisfaction of its members. •We need the entrepreneurial leader who can birth new faith communities. We need the prophet who has learned the discipline of listening to God and is able to impart a clear vision and discerning counsel. We need the evangelist who can commend Christ with grace and authority and equip the local church to communicate the good news. •”


A One-Year Presbyterian Experience in Church Planting

A one-year residency is available in Colorado Springs beginning in summer 2019 within a program for forming new faith communities. Under the sponsorship of the Presbyterian Church (USA) 1001 Program for establishing new worshiping communities, this residency provides the resident with valuable experience in forming new communities of faith and concomitantly fosters the church planting work of the Presbytery of Pueblo.

The resident will engage in three activities as follows.

  1. The resident will assist Rev. Collin Downing (M. Div., Fuller) in his ministry of establishing a new worshiping community in the Ivywild neighborhood of Colorado Springs (Wayfarers Chapel, now in its fifth year).
  2. The resident will survey various localities within the Presbytery of Pueblo (southeastern Colorado) having potential for being the setting for starting a NWC. These localities include urban places with various social justice issues, rural areas containing small cities which economically have been left behind, mountain towns with a tourism basis and a focus on an outdoor lifestyle, and university settings with a potential for a campus ministry that evolves into a new worshiping community.
  3. After doing the initial survey of potential new worshiping community places, the resident (in cooperation with the Presbytery) will select one in which to begin preparing for a new worshiping community. This work will include doing a neighborhood assessment, developing relationships within the community, identifying and developing relationships with potential ministry partners, and developing a mission plan for moving forward.

The ideal applicant for this residency will have a strong allegiance to Jesus Christ, strong entrepreneurial inclinations, willingness to be a risk-taker, a love for gathering people together for a common purpose, a sensitivity to the leading of the Spirit, and a passion for bringing the uncommitted into a relationship with Jesus.

The resident will have the ongoing support of two persons: Rev. Collin Downing, pastor of Wayfarers Chapel and Dr. Ronald Anderson, Executive Presbyter of the Presbytery of Pueblo. In addition, he or she will participate in a cohort of people engaged in various aspects of church planting led by Rev. Downing.

Applications are invited from persons who are at any stage of seminary education—pre-, mid-, or post-seminary. Applicants are not restricted to persons of a particular denominational background, but must be comfortable within this denominational context. The Presbytery of Pueblo is part of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the stipend for this program comes from the PCUSA 1001 New Worshiping Communities program. The Presbytery itself includes persons with diverse opinions on some of the “hot-button” issues but the focus of this loving community is on their unity in discipleship to Jesus Christ.

The residency carries a stipend of $35,000 (which can be allocated to some combination of salary and health insurance) and modest housing.

For further information, contact Dr. Ronald D. Anderson, Executive Presbyter of the Presbytery of Pueblo, 719-250-2856, puebloexp@gmail.com. The deadline for formal application for this residency is March 15, 2019 and is made through the PCUSA 1001 Program at https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/1001-2/apprenticeship/ which also contains additional information.


Healthy Pastors, Healthy Congregations

After a successful three-year pilot in more than 40 North Carolina congregations, The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) will roll out Healthy Pastors, Healthy Congregations nationally in 2019. Applications for the program, which supports pastors and congregations encumbered by financial challenges, will be accepted beginning January 2019. 

Healthy Pastors, Healthy Congregations brings a church's pastor and congregational leadership together to work toward financial sustainability, by providing financial education and consultations to both the pastor and congregational leaders. In addition, qualifying pastors who complete the program with their congregation's leadership receive grants of up to $10,000 for debt reduction or retirement savings. 

The success of Healthy Pastors, Healthy Congregations rests on covenants among the pastor, the congregation, and the Board of Pensions. Each party promises to take specific actions that, together, will help the pastor and congregation build a brighter financial future. 

How it works

Healthy Pastors, Healthy Congregations combines pastor and congregational leader education with grants of up to $10,000 to qualifying pastors. 

Pastor education

The pastor receives a grounding in financial literacy and management skills through, at minimum, seven online training modules plus the congregational leader training session.

The pastor also receives financial counseling through Ernst & Young Employee Financial Services, at no cost to the individual.

Education for pastors
Educational components Mode Time commitment
4 terms of call lessons online 1 hour
3 personal finance lessons online 1.5 hours
Congregational leader training session in-person seminars 2 hours
Financial counseling by Ernst & Young individual advising & online tools 2-3 counseling sessions

Congregational leader education

Educating congregational leaders is a key component of the program. Members of Session and the Personnel Committee and any other key congregational leaders, along with the pastor, commit to a single, two-hour training session. This in-person session teaches congregational leaders to

  • enhance their methods of financial analysis and decision-making;
  • improve stewardship through effective management of church finances; and
  • care for their pastoral leadership in part through just compensation and benefits.
Education for congregational leaders
Educational components Mode Time commitment
A Theology of Benefits in-person seminar* 1 hour
Financial Realities of Pastors in-person seminar* 1 hour

* These seminars are designed as a single two-hour session, with a meal or snack provided by the Board. 

Grant awards

A one-time grant of up to $10,000 is available to eligible pastors.

The pastor and congregational leaders must complete their educational sessions and consultations before the pastor applies for a Healthy Pastors, Healthy Congregations Grant.

If the pastor also receives or received a Minister Educational Debt Assistance Grant through the Assistance Program, the combined grants may not exceed $25,000.

Pastor eligibility

To qualify, the pastor must

  • be enrolled in Pastor's Participation in the Benefits Plan;
  • have a total household adjusted gross income* of less than $118,200 (twice the median salary for congregational ministers); and
  • have a total net worth of less than $250,000 (excluding value of home and auto).

*Adjusted gross income is the total income you and your spouse report on your federal tax form. It may include earnings from you and your spouse's job, self-employment, alimony income, and interest from a bank account — minus specific deductions, or adjustments, you're eligible to take.

How to apply

  • Speak with your Church Consultant to explore your interest in Healthy Pastors, Healthy Congregations or call the Board at 800-773-7752 (800-PRESPLAN).
  • Applications will be available beginning January 2019.

Survey Sheds Light on Character of New Worshiping Communities

In July, the Presbyterian Mission Agency released the results of a survey tracking the progress of worshiping communities. It includes responses from NWC leaders as to the number and nature of communities, leaders and participants in the 1001 movement.

Some key findings regarding the nature of NWC participants vs. members of established congregations were:

  • 68 percent of NWC participants are under age 45.
  • The largest age group within NWCs is 26 – 45; in PC(USA) congregations, it is over 65.
  • 53 percent of participants in NWCs and 9 percern of PC(USA) congregations are people of color.
  • 29 percent of NWCs and 5 percent of PC(USA) congregations are racially diverse (i.e., no race comprises more than 79 percent of its membership).

(from New Church – New Way)

To see a copy of the report, go to presbyterianmission.org and search for “2018 Leaders Report”. Or contact Jon Moore at 502-612-5026.


Communication Opportunity

Research Services of PC(USA) is eager to invite clerks of session of congregations in your presbytery to communicate their needs to PC(USA) national agencies via this fall’s Clerk’s Annual Questionnaire.

Ministries of the PC(USA) use our Clerk’s Annual Questionnaire to discern information from congregations. These ministries also use our Presbyterian Panel to learn what Presbyterians want and need, providing the Church with insights into general practices, beliefs and opinions.


Technology Grant

Does your church need/desire to update its technology• purchase a new computer, install new sound equipment, etc.? The Presbytery is providing $3000 matching Technology Grants from the Futuring the Faith Funds. All you need to do is to send an estimate of the cost along with some receipt showing that you have raised 50% of the amount and the Council will receive and evaluate your request! Funds are available!


Walk the Camino De Santiago

June 8 – 23, 2019

Join Steve and others from Wyoming Presbytery on an amazing spiritual Journey

Interact with other pilgrims from around the world. Participate in daily spiritual practices. Walk between 3 and 12 miles per day for 9 days. Enjoy free days in Lugo and Santiago de Compostella.

Land Cost - $850 - Accommodation (Double), Breakfast, Ground transportation, Daily Luggage Transfer [Excess funds will be used for additional meals. There will be a small supplement for a single room.] Estimated Air Cost - $1200 - $1500 from Denver

Group Size - 10 - 20 people

Informal Statement of Interest due November 1, 2018extended to January 1, 2019

Commitment and $500 Deposit due January 1, 2018extended to January 15, 2019


Flyer

Caring

"Memento Domine"

  • Victims of the horrible Camp Fire in California... for ways to help, see http://pda.pcusa.org/situation/california-fires
  • Patti Butler, wife of the deceased Rev. Dennis Butler had brain surgery the week of December 10-16. She is now recovering well at home.
  • Congratulations to Rev. John Taylor, interim pastor at Ft. Laramie Community Presbyterian Church and United Presbyterian Church in Guernsey, who celebrates 50 years of ministry!
  • Thanks be to God! Thea McKee has been granted disability by the Board of Pensions!
  • The Presbytery as it learns to go into its neighborhoods
  • Peace in Syria, Palestine and Israel.
  • Presbytery of WY Stated Clerk, Mark Owens as he continues to heal from cancer surgery.
  • Rev. Amir Issak and the Tyre Evangelical Center as they live out the love of neighbor among the many refugees in their community!
  • The Worland Church as they navigate the transition to a part-time pastor!
  • Libby Tedder-Hugus and Shayla Graham as they lead pioneering work in the New Worshipping Communities in Casper and Pine Ridge!
  • Rev. Shayla Graham, pastor at Pine Ridge New Worshipping Community, for healing of the seventh cranium nerve after her surgery to remove a tumor on her auditory nerve.
  • The United Presbyterian Church of Riverton as they put their building on the market to sell and the Administrative Commission as they work with them to determine next steps.
  • Rev. George Pasek and the Powell Church as he serves as their Interim Pastor and as they work on their Mission Study!
  • The First Presbyterian Church of Sheridan and the United Presbyterian Church of Laramie as their PNC finish their Ministry Information Form and begin searching for and discerning who God is calling as their new pastor!
  • Dakota (Frederick) and Tanner Kohfield as they continue a year of ministry as YAVs (Young Adult Volunteers) with the PCUSA in Tucson, AZ
  • The Presbytery Council, COM and Evangelism and Congregational Development Team as they envision new goals for the Presbytery in light of our new vision!

Upcoming Events

Dec 19-Jan 19
Steve Shive Sabbatical

January 30 - WyoConnect deadline

Jan 31
Year end report deadline

Feb 13
Webinar-Year Round Stewardship

web
info

February 13 - WyoConnect deadline

Mar 15, 2019
Application Deadline for Presbyterian experience in church planting


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Mar 20
Webinar-How to Endow Ones Pledge

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Apr 10
Webinar-How to talk about money

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May 8
Webinar-End of Year Giving

web
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Jun 8-23, 2019
Walk the Camino de Santiago

Camino de Santiago

Jul 16-20,2019
Presbyterian Youth Triennium

Purdue University

As  always, stay in touch through our Facebook page and website.

WyoConnect is published every other Saturday by the Presbytery of Wyoming.  Submissions of general interest to the Presbytery are welcome by midnight the Wednesday prior to publication.  To ensure consideration in the next newsletter, please email articles to wyo.pby@gmail.com by Wednesday prior to publication.  Let us know how you and your congregation are living to make Christ known in your corner of Wyoming!

 

Blessings,

Richard Turner
Editor

Copyright © 2019 Presbytery of Wyoming, All rights reserved.
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