“On the morning of the resurrection, God put life in the present tense, not in the future. God gave us not a promise but a presence. Not a hope for the future but power for the present. Not so much the assurance that we will live someday, but that he is risen today. Jesus’ resurrection is not to convince the incredulous nor to reassure the fearful, but to rekindle the believers. The proof that God raised Jesus from the dead is not the empty tomb, but the full hearts of his transformed disciples. The crowning evidence that he lives is not a vacant grave, but a spirit-filled fellowship. Not a rolled away stone, but a carried-away church.”
Clarence Jordan
Big Tent
The theme – based on Romans 12:2, chosen by our Stated Clerk, Reverend Dr. J Herbert Nelson II, Called to a Movement beyond Institution, will emphasize our hope of the Gospel and its power to challenge institutional conventions. The goal is to come together and live in this moment, immersed in our current cultural context of racial division, gender inequality, and economic disparity to be renewed, refreshed and reformed, so that we may be sent out to affect change in our own communities. Big Tent will provide a place where our Presbyterian polity and identity is the foothold by which we proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in action and answer the call to discern the will of God together.
Based at two downtown hotels, the Radisson and Lord Baltimore, the event will be accessible and affordable – making it possible for more Presbyterians to come together for a time of learning, engaging, and fellowship.
Work Days at Camp Story
May 18 – May 21, 2019
Work Week will begin at 8:30 with breakfast on Saturday, May 18th in the lodge.
There is a lot to do at Camp Story. It falls into two categories: Spring Cleaning and Basic Maintenance projects. Plan to come for a day or two or more. We have three RV sites with 30 Amp outlets but no water or sewer hookups or you can stay in one of the cabins. McClure and Gillette have heat now and a bathroom. We will schedule the meals together starting with the 8:30 breakfast on May 18th. Food help and donations for continental breakfasts, lunches and the evening meals would be appreciated. The numbers at each meal will be determined as we approach the work week. The numbers will vary daily.
If you can help in any way during work week or any other time please contact Dick Birkholz at dick.birkholz@gmail.com (307-752-0518 call or text) or Elwyn Maloy at ecmaloy@fiberpipe.net (307-751-2914 call or text). Also there is a sign-up sheet in the Narthex information area of each church.
There a number of Capital Improvement projects going on with many finished by the time of work week. If anyone is interested in working on those project please contact Dick Birkholz.
Sheridan PWs Hosting Statewide Spring Gathering
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! On May 3 and 4, the Sheridan PWs are hosting our state wide Spring Gathering here at First Presbyterian Church.
Friday May 3 is our annual Business meeting, with 2 speaker, a trolley ride, a Communion Service and ice cream social.
On Saturday, May 4, our featured Speaker is Dr. Mary Neal who is the New York Times Bestseller author of two books: 7 Lessons from Heaven: How Dying Taught Me to Live a Joy Filled Life and To Heaven Back: A Doctor’s Extraordinary Account of Her Death, Heaven, Angels and Life Again, A True Story. Dr. Mary Neal will speak on Saturday May 4 from 8:30-10:30 and this section is open to anyone interested –family, friends at no charge.
Message from Ed Boenisch, Cheyenne JustFaith Volunteer Coordinator
Rev. Diana Hartman (1st Presbyterian Church) and I are reaching out to you to invite you to an important workshop.
Would you like your church to be a more vibrant instrument for changing the world?
Would you like to see more members of your congregation engaged in the work of mercy, compassion and justice?
Would you be interested in an educational tool that has a nation-wide track record of inspiring new and deepened commitments to the work of the Gospel?
We invite you to join us for a dynamic introduction to the work of an organization called JustFaith Ministries, which creates resources that inspire a deepening of faith, compassion and community.
Tuesday, May 14, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Laramie County Library
Cottonwood Room (main floor lobby)
Jack, a nationally recognized and celebrated speaker, is a dynamic, humorous and interesting presenter. We are confident you will be intrigued, inspired and captivated! The title of his presentation is “Transformed People, Transformed Church, Transformed World” and it is exactly what the churches of this country need at a time such as this. Jack will be introducing the JustFaith program, and how its use in your church will inspire your members to actively engage in the work of mercy, advocacy, organizing, solidarity, earth care and economic justice.
Note: Rev. Hartman has facilitated the JustFaith program the last two years. I have facilitated JustFaith for eight times. Both of us can answer questions and share with you how it has transformed the folks who were in the program. There are currently 95 grads in Cheyenne (50,000+ in the U.S. from 1,400+ congregations
Our goal is to have a dozen or more churches represented at the event. The May 14, 2019 presentation is FREE, but you are asked to register in advance justfaith.org/cheyenne-workshop.
For more information, you can go to the JustFaith website www.justfaith.org or contact me, Ed Boenisch, at eboenisch@bresnan.net 635-1639 h, 214-0645 c, or Rev. Diana Hartman, pastordiana@firstprescheyenne.org, 638-3345 o, 772-1295 c.
We hope you will join us. It could change your church! Attached you will find a flier and info sheet.
Ed
Spring Statewide Gathering of PW
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! On May 3 and 4, the Sheridan PWs are hosting our state wide Spring Gathering here at First Presbyterian Church. Please see insert for cost and details.
Friday May 3 is our annual Business meeting, with 2 speakers, a trolley ride, a Communion Service and ice cream social.
On Saturday, May 4, our featured Speaker is Dr. Mary Neal who is the New York Times Bestseller author of two books: 7 Lessons from Heaven: How Dying Taught Me to Live a Joy Filled Life and To Heaven Back: A Doctor’s Extraordinary Account of Her Death, Heaven, Angels and Life Again, A True Story. Dr. Mary Neal will speak on Saturday May 4 from 8:30-10:30 and this section is open to anyone interested –family, friends at no charge.
Report from The Tyre Evangelical Center
Reporter and deaconess of Tyre Church Genvieve Zourob wrote:
(Ghazali, for Evangelical training and development)
Despite my personal circumstances that made me not attend, I made sure to follow and know all the details of the celebration.
The Evangelical church of Tyre celebrated the 9th group of Syrian female refugee graduates in crafts, which this group had 29 graduates, and made the total number of graduates 167 since 2014.
Rev. Amir Ishak started the celebration with a welcome speech and thanking who attended despite the bad weather. And made sure to explain what does Ghazali (Tabitha) means and how did she serve widows and orphans during Bible times (Acts 9). The event had 2 hymns my Roshin Khello from Syria. And Rev Suheil Saoud, Secretary of social and medical services in the Synod participated, who also made a speech about the importance of my, and my wifes, Esther, work in Tyre, and linked it to the work of John Calvin, the Evangelical reformer, in serving refugees 5 centuries ago. Rev Amir gifted Rev Souheil the Ghazali-Tabitha logo as a souvenir.
Then, we gave special certificates for the following graduates: Fatima Assi in Crochet, Nehma Rizk in Sewing and Samira Hussien in Crafts. But before, Fatima, our first graduate since 4 years who became one of our trainers, made a speech about how the church helped her. Also, her colleague Samira made another speech too.
At the end of the event, we had an exhibition for the graduates work that dazzled and was liked by all who saw it.
We hope to be able to graduate the 10th group soon too.
Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
May 31-June 1, 2019
Presbyterian Church of Jackson Hole
An event sponsored by The Evangelism and Redevelopment/Leadership Team of the Presbytery and the Presbytery of Yellowstone! It is being funded by both Presbyteries and by the Synod of the Rocky Mountains!
It will focus on “Equipping Christ Followers to Go into the Neighborhood.” The keynote speaker will be Co-Moderator of the PCUSA Vilmarie CINTRÓN-OLIVIERI,
She is a native of Puerto Rico and an English as a Second Language teacher. She is a ruling elder who has served on the Committee on Theological Education and as a translator from English to Spanish at numerous General Assemblies. As our ultimate global ambassador, Vilmarie has a deep passion to share the good news of Jesus Christ. When she was elected, she said, “We don’t know when our time will come. We need to try to live every day, loving God and loving the neighbor in concrete ways, not only by our words but by our actions. We must look for ways to be better Christians, citizens, and neighbors, to effect change and make a difference.”
There will be worship and breakout sessions focusing on engaging our neighbors.
The cost will be low and housing will probably be paid for!
2019 Webinar Series from the Presbyterian Foundation
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.
Presbyterian Women of the Synod of the Rocky Mountains Triennial Gathering
The Presbyterian Women of the Synod of the Rocky Mountains Triennial Gathering, will be held August 9-11 at the Holiday Inn, Sheridan, WY, 1809 Sugarland Dr
Clergy/CRE Groups
Who is your pastor’s pastor? To whom do they turn when they need to talk? Where are the safe places where they can be open and talk about the realities of their ministries and the struggles, the strains and the joys?
The Presbytery of Wyoming has encouraged and supported our General Presbyter, Steve Shive, to convene and meet with groups of Clergy and Commissioned Elders throughout the state.
The meetings usually meet at 10:00 AM with a format including:
Check-In and Reflection
A Spiritual Practice
Prayer Together
The groups usually break up at noon and they all go to lunch together!
Basin Group
Community Federated Church, Thermopolis, Tuesday, May 14
Southeast Group
First Church, Cheyenne, Wednesday, May 1, 10:00 AM
West Group
Star Valley United Church, Thayne, Thursday, May 30, 10:00 AM
North Central Group
First Presbyterian Church, Gillette, Thursday, May 9, 10:00 AM
First Presbyterian Church of Cheyenne Anniversary Celebration
1869-2019
Celebration weekend key events
Friday, May 17
6 pm
Memory Lane Festivities @ Church
Saturday, May 18
4 pm
Anniversary Banquet @ Kiwanis House
Sunday, May 19
8 - 9:30am
Pancake Breakfast @ Church
9am
Stained Glass Tour of Church
9am
150th Birthday Party for Children @ Church
10am
Worship Service (one service only Congregation Photo Reception
Camp Story 2019 Schedule
Camp Story Camps - 2019 Schedule
LIT (Leaders in Training)
Alumni senior high campers receive in depth leadership training and one on one mentoring, as they shadow camp staff and gain valuable leadership skills through hands-on experience. LIT’s work with campers grades K -5 application and references required.
Age
14 - 17
Dates
June 9 - 21
Price
$150
You and Me Weekend
This brief intro to camp is perfect for our youngest campers. Accompanied by a loved one they get to share all the aspects of their first camp experience! Each camper brings one adult for the weekend. Check in Friday 4- 5 PM. check out Sunday 10:30 AM
Age
5 - 7
Dates
June 14 - 16
Price
$130
Day Camp
Want to experience some of the fun at camp, but not quite ready to stay for several days overnight? Come join fellow campers daily from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and return home each evening. Transportation will be provided to/from designated pick up/drop off location at First Presbyterian Church in Sheridan.
Age
5 - 10
Dates
June 17 - 21
Price
$120
God and creation
Learn the wonders of God and all he created! Join us for this 6 day experience where we will learn about Gods creations from the stars in the sky, to the vegetation on the ground, and the rocks we form our foundations.
Age
11 - 18
Dates
June 23 - 28
Price
$270
Night Owl
Whooooooo’s ready for a week of nighttime fun? Enjoy camp like you’ve never seen it before with stargazing, flashlight games, late-night campfires, glow in the dark games and more! Stay up late each night and sleep in the next day after a night of fun under the moon. We’ll have breakfast at lunch, lunch at dinner, and dinner when the stars are in the sky. There will be lots of your favorite camp activities by day, too.
Age
14 - 18
Dates
June 29 - July 3
Price
$250
Backpacking Camp
Submerge your soul into the great outdoors during our five day Backpacking Camp. This out trip into the Big Horn Mountains will be one to remember. Grab your sleeping bag, backpack, hiking shoes, and get ready for an adventure!
Age
11 - 18
Dates
July 6 - 12
Price
$320
Around the World
Take a trip around the world at Camp Story this summer. We will learn about many different cultures and how they worship, dance, different foods they eat and so much more! You don’t want to miss this camp!!
Age
10 - 13
Dates
July 7 - 12
Price
$270
Starters Camp
This is your campers first real summer camp experience!! They will stay three nights at camp without a parent enjoying the company and atmosphere of the camp with other fellow campers. This is the first camp experience of many more to come.
Friday – Jason Moore presenting a workshop on “Making Worship More Creative”!
Information to be included in packets or to be considered for the agenda must be submitted to Jan DeBeer (aa.presbywy@gmail.com) no later than Friday, April 5th. If you miss this deadline, your report or other information will not be included on the docket for the April Presbytery Meeting!
The churches in the Presbytery of Wyoming would experience anew the resurrected Christ!
The Presbytery Personnel Team as it interviews potential candidates for the Stated Clerk position and makes a recommendation to the Presbytery. Mark Owens will be retiring at the end of May.
The Presbytery meeting in Casper, April 26-27.
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.
The Worland Church as they navigate the transition to a part-time pastor and as they say goodbye to their pastor of ten years, Rev Guy Helms.
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.
The First Presbyterian Church of Sheridan and the United Presbyterian Church of Laramie as they are discerning who God is calling as their new pastor!
Dakota (Frederick) and Tanner Kohfield as they begin a year of ministry as YAVs (Young Adult Volunteers) with the PCUSA in Tucson, AZ
Community Federated Church, Thermopolis, as they begin the call process for a new pastor.
Rev. Amir Issak and the Tyre Evangelical Center as they live out the love of neighbor among the many refugees in their community! Rev. Amir asks, "We have around 4 families from a Kurdish background that started to attend church with us on Sundays. They are around 25 persons, we are constantly following up with them spiritually and humanitarian. Pray for them for the Lord to bless them and fulfill their needs"
Rev. Larry Turpin and the Union Presbyterian Church, Evanston as Larry will be retiring on June 15th. Pray for the many transitions that are occurring in Larry and Julie's life and the life of the congregation!
Ben Pascal, pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Jackson Hole, and his family and the church, as Ben is on Sabbatical from April 29-August 7. Pray for a time of refreshment and renewal for Ben and family and a time for the church to discover what God is doing in the world. Its focus is "At Home In the World."
