THE STATE OF THE PRESBYTERY
In This Time, In This Place, For Christ’s Sake

Elder Dennis H. Piermont, Executive Presbyter, reflects on 2011 in Presbytery of the Miami Valley, a year that saw four PMV congregations vote to leave the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A). Here’s an excerpt:

I begin this fourth “state of the Presbytery” report with a sense of profound sadness. Irrespective of however we see things theologically, what we have been witnesses of, and party to over the last four months, four of our congregations separating from the denomination brings sadness – for all sorts of reasons: the loss of collegial relationships, the reality of brokenness of our trusting of each other, the diminishment of the richness of diverse theological discourse – all sorts of reasons. But overarching all of these is that, despite any of the best efforts from some wonderful and faithful people, the Church of Jesus Christ has been harmed.

And by our very natures, we all are complicit.

This is a tough realization and perhaps a tougher admission, but when we step away those positions of self-righteousness that have been so carefully crafted and arduously defended, and see ourselves in light of our fallen and broken natures, we know it to be true. And yet somehow, this is part of the good news…

It is impossible for me to consider what has happened throughout this denomination without also considering God’s promises. I believe that through all this, God is providing new opportunities for the church to live better into its great ends. And I believe that we must begin a discipline to seek God’s voice through humility and patience, to bring us to new seasons understanding how we as the Presbytery of the Miami Valley might embrace Jesus’ vision and call…

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Racial Ethnic Scholarships from the Synod of the Covenant are available to racial and ethnic minority students for full and part-time study toward a baccalaureate degree or certification at colleges, universities, and vocational schools. Grants are also available for full-time students enrolled in their first master degree programs for church vocations at Presbyterian theological institutions and those approved by the student's presbytery. Priority will be given to Presbyterian applicants within the bounds of the Synod of the Covenant. Applicants are eligible to receive scholarships one time per year, up to a maximum of 5 years. Applicants must have and maintain a minimum of a 2.0 GPA to be eligible. Application Deadline: February 1. Learn more & apply>>

Annual Statistical Report Resources

Resources and forms for completing the 2011 Annual Statistical Report for churches are available for download. Get the resources>>

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Covington Presbyterian Church, Covington, recently held its annual Appreciation Breakfast for the town’s community workers. The twenty workers included the mayor, police chief and his deputies, street superintendent and helpers, city treasurer, water department employees, and sanitation department workers. “Our city workers go above and beyond the call of duty in serving the people of Covington. We feel this is the least we can do to show our gratitude for their efforts,” said Ron Schultz, Clerk of Session.

Good coffee for a good cause

The Presbyterian Coffee Project offers a special link between congregations and communities around the world by offering fair trade coffee for sale that ensures that more of the money reaches the hardworking farmers who actually grow it. Participating congregations testify that the Presbyterian Coffee Project is a great way to help people in need while enjoying fellowship and an excellent cup of coffee. By using fair trade coffee in our congregations, offices and homes, Presbyterians help guarantee that farmers will earn the income they need to feed their families, educate their children and improve their communities. Learn more and buy>>

Stewardship Kaleidoscope Conference March 12-14

Gratitude and Generosity: Living the Faith will be the theme of the annual Presbyterian Stewardship Kaleidoscope Conference March 12-14, 2012 in Charlotte, NC. The conference features “enlightening plenary sessions, informative workshops and inspiring worship.” Learn more>>

Light the Fire! March 21 at UTS

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Care of the Soul author Thomas Moore in Dayton April 12

Thomas Moore, Ph.D., author of the bestselling book Care of the Soul, will speak at the Fourth Annual Medical-Spirituality Conference at Sinclair Community College in Dayton on April 12, 2012. The Fourth Annual Medical-Spirituality Conference: Care of the Soul in Medicine is sponsored by Premier Health Partners, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, and Hospice of Dayton. Learn more and register>>

Save the Date: 2012 Spring Youth Retreat April 20-22

The 2012 Spring Youth Retreat, sponsored by the Presbyterian Youth Connection (PYC) Network of Presbytery of the Miami Valley, will be held April 20-22, 2012 at Kirkmont Center, Zanesfield. The retreat is for all youth in grades seven through twelve and their adult advisors. Registration forms, flyers, and more information will be sent out in the near future. Please email the PYC Network if you have questions.

2012 National Multicultural Conference April 25-29

The 13th Annual National Presbyterian Multicultural Conference, April 25-29 in Charlotte, NC,  “will provide cutting edge training led by motivated and experienced church professionals and practitioners in the field of multicultural church growth, innovative resources in the area of communication and cultural proficiency, and models of vital and growing multicultural congregations." Learn more>>

Northminster Mission Fund

Grants up to $5,000.00 are available to individual Congregations, Congregations in Partnership, Designated Presbytery Networks, and Validated Ministries of the Presbytery of the Miami Valley, for the continued purpose of building up the body of Christ. Pending available funds, grants may be renewed for one year. Learn more>>