Midweek Musings Newsletter

September 24, 2009 

 

 

Acts 16:5 Initiative

Download Acts Initiative and hotel brochure here:  Acts Initiative and Hotel Brochure.pdf

Also available on the Brochures, Forms and Other downloads page

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Midweek Musings by Reid Beveridge, Stated Clerk  

 

            We won’t be “musing” this week. We’ll be reporting on the events of the 802d Stated Meeting of New Castle Presbytery.

 

            Recently, in August actually, I traveled to Richmond where our presbytery minutes for 2008 were viewed by the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic. This comment isn’t about that, but rather to reflect on the number. I don’t know when our numbering system began that gives us the number of 802d meeting in September 2009. But it was a very long time ago.

 

            The reason I note this is because in the presbyteries whose minutes I reviewed, the numerical was far smaller: in the one hundreds generally. This means those presbyteries were created either in 1958 at the time of merger of the PCUSA with the old United Presbyterian Church, or in 1985 when the northern and southern Presbyteries reunited.

 

            We in New Castle, as well as Philadelphia Presbytery, trace our origin to the first presbytery meeting in 1706 convened by the Rev. Francis Makemie. Further, we are the presbytery of most of those first churches, with two Makemie churches just across the line in the Virginia portion of Delmarva.

 

            But I digress. Three particular approvals from last Tuesday afternoon and evening merit lifting up.

 

            One.  The presbytery approved Executive Presbyter James L. Moseley for five more years of service. It should go without saying that Jim arrived on our shores five years ago from the Presbytery of New Hope in North Carolina. The Presbytery Council had unanimously recommended another five years of his leadership. One presbytery commented that New Castle Presbytery is a very different place today than it was five years ago.

 

            Two. The presbytery examined and approved the commissioning of Elder William Reed to be commissioned lay pastor at Manokin church in Princess Anne, Maryland. Manokin has been under the aegis of an administrative commission since March 2008. That commissioned decided it was now was time to move from its day-to-day leadership to a pastoral model. Bill arrived in our presbytery with his wife, the Rev. Mary Reed, at the first of the year from eastern Kentucky, where he had served four different churches as interim. He is a lawyer and also a former stated clerk of Transylvania Presbytery.

 

            Three. The presbytery examined and approved Inquirer Katy Moore LeFranc to advance to the status of candidate. Katy has received her M.Div. degree from Union Theological Seminary in Richmond. Now living in Lancaster, Pa., she is continuing to study Greek at the UCC seminary there and will complete her clinical pastoral education before being ready for her first call.

 

            Other items of note:

• Treasurer Doug Gerdts announced that per capita will remain the same for 2010 as it has been in 2009: $30.57 per member.
• Received, on first reading, the Clergy Sexual Misconduct Policy. This is posted on the presbytery website behind the “docket” link. This policy will, when approved on second reading, require all minister-members of the presbytery to undergo misconduct training. The first round of this training will be offered at the Presbytery retreat in Ocean City, MD in March.
• Approved on second reading the Clergy Code of Ethics. Also posted, same place.

 

- Reid Beverage  

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Deepest Condolences

 

 

It is with deep regret and sadness that we inform you that Charles Martin, retired pastor of First and Central Presbyterian Church, passed away last Sunday, September 20th.  Services for Rev. Martin will be held in November.  The Midweek Musings Newsletter will provide detailed information as soon as it becomes available.  Please keep the Martin family in your thoughts and prayers.  God Bless.

 

 

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CLP CliP 

 

            The CLP Group was well-represented at Tuesday’s Presbytery Meeting at trinity Presbyterian Church in Claymont DE.  Present were CLPs Linda Williams and Bill Reed, graduate CLP Judy Adams, and CLP students Felipe Garcia, Roarke Moore, Ginny Jones and Carole Miles.  I hope I didn’t miss anyone.

 

            A highlight of the meeting was the examination and commissioning of Bill Reed to serve Manokin Presbyterian Church for three years.  A native of Chicago, Bill is the husband of Pastor Mary Reed of the Presbyterian Church of Dover, and this is not his first commissioning.  He served five churches as Interim Pastor in Kentucky before he and Mary moved to Delaware.  Bill has served the church in many other positions on the national, Synod, Presbytery and local level.  We are most fortunate to have him in the New Castle Presbytery family.  You can read Bill’s complete bio and faith statement in the Presbytery Meeting Docket, 9/22/09, on the Presbytery website.

 

            Please keep the CLPs and CLP Program in prayer as we begin Reformed Theology, taught by The Rev. John Ames, and continue to serve our churches and the Presbytery in Christ’s name.

 

                    Elder Bill Reed

 

 

Until next time, God bless!

 

Carole Miles

 

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News from the Board of Pensions

 

The Medical Plan of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is undergoing some changes. Maximize your benefits by reviewing these changes to ensure that you understand how they affect active Plan members.

 

The upcoming changes to the Medical Plan are happening for good reasons. Together they:

 

What’s New

 

• Changes to out-of-pocket costs — Your out-of-pocket costs, including deductibles and copayments, will change for both medical and surgical care and prescription drugs, effective January 1, 2010. Some will decrease while others will increase. Details are available on Pensions.org (see below).
• A new health management service provider — Effective January 1, 2010, ActiveHealth Management® will replace and expand upon the services currently provided by CareAllies, including pre-certification, case management, and specialized support for individuals with certain chronic conditions. ActiveHealth Management also brings with it personalized online health information and support capabilities.
• Expanded coverage for children with congenital developmental disabilities — In response to an overture to the 218th General Assembly (2008), the Medical Plan will cover “habilitative” services for dependent children with developmental disabilities, including autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and spina bifida. Beginning January 1, 2010, covered services include specified therapies to promote growth and improve function.
• A new dependent coverage waiver option — Effective October 1, 2009, you can waive coverage for your spouse and/or dependent children provided they have comparable medical coverage through another employer or military services-related group healthcare plan. (Choosing this option will not affect the benefit dues paid by your employing organization.) See Administrative Rule 206.
• An increase in the maximum lifetime benefit — To keep pace with changes in the cost of living, the maximum lifetime benefit payable under the Medical Plan for each member, spouse, and dependent child will increase from $3 million to $3.5 million, effective January 1, 2010.

You can find more information in the summer 2009 issue of The Board Bulletin. You may also view the Medical Plan Changes for Active Benefits Plan Members e-learning module.

 

Questions?

 

Watch your mail over the next few weeks for a special mailing that provides additional details about the changes to your healthcare benefits. More information will also be sent to you by email and mail and will be posted to Pensions.org over the coming months.

 

You may also call the Board at 800-773-7752 (800-PRESPLAN) or contact us through Pensions.org.

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Social Security Corner

 

 

 

Keep up-to-date on Social Security with the Midweek Musings Newsletter

 

Social Security Column

 

TOOLS TO HELP YOU DECIDE WHEN TO RETIRE

 

These days, everyone is taking a new look at their finances — and no one is looking more closely than the millions of baby boomers who are nearing retirement age.  While some boomers expected to retire at one of the traditional milestones, such as age 62, the current economy is forcing many of them to re-evaluate their plans.  Many are wondering if they should work longer, or how their Social Security benefit – or their spouse’s benefit – would be affected if they continued working.

 

To help them find answers, Social Security has published a fact sheet called When To Start Receiving Retirement Benefits.  You can read it online at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10147.html. 

 

Read entire article here:   Retirement Tools.pdf

 

 

NEXT ISSUE - BECOMING A PAYEE MAY BE THE BEST WAY TO HELP...

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Lewes PC Sanctuary Reopening/Rededication Celebration

 

 

Saturday, September 26^th & Sunday, September 27^th

 

Come one, come all for a wonderful weekend of fun festivities as we celebrate the completion of LPC’s beautiful, historic sanctuary.  Tons of activities for all ages.  Mark your calendars, and join us for the celebration!  Invite your friends and neighbors, too.  It’s going to be a great weekend!  Download the schedule of events here for the weekend:  LPC Sanctuary Rededication.pdf

 

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Jeremiah's Coffee House at Hanover PC

 

Saturday, September 26th

5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Free Admission

 

Download flyer for more information:  Hanover coffee hse 9-09.pdf

 

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St. Andrew's Coffee House

 

Looking for an alternative night out?  Come join us for Christian music, fellowship, and a good time.  Oh, by the way, yes a great cup of Java as well!

 

St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church

200 Marrows Road - Newark, DE

 

Free Concert

 

 

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Men's Retreat

 

White Clay Creek PC is sponsoring a men's retreat in October.  All men in the presbytery and their friends.are invited.

 

"Band of Brothers"

Redeeming the Times

WCCPC Men's Retreat

October 9-11, 2009

Black Rock Retreat Center, Quarryville, PA

 

Download flyer for more information:  White Clay Men's Retreat flyer & regis.pdf

 

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Beginning Retreat OpCertificate Program & Coursses in Youth Ministry Leadership

 

The Center for Lifelong Learning invites you to share this information about our Youth Ministry Leadership Initiative, a certificate program in youth ministry, with  your congregations and presbytery youth councils or leadership. 

 

The next Beginning Retreat, featuring Rodger Nishioka and Neema Cyrus-Franklin, is Oct. 9-11.  We recently awarded certificates to twelve new graduates of this program. These individuals are pastors, paid and volunteer youth directors and assistants, and came from 8 different states.  The program, which began in December 2004, has awarded 25 certificates to date and anticipates at least 6 others completing the certificate in the coming year.  Participant feedback is overwhelmingly positive, and plans are in the works to hold “graduate” events in 2010-11.  Commnets from past evaluations have included the following: “practical information, supportive colleagues;” “info I can put to use NOW!;”  can’t wait for the next course!”

 

October 9-11 YMLI Beginning Retreat   The Youth Ministry Leadership Initiative is a partnership between the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta and Columbia Theological Seminary.  The program – a series of 8 courses - is designed for lay leaders and pastors who are committed to developing strong programs for youth within our churches.  This opening weekend will allow participants to ask important questions about their particular call to youth ministry and youth ministry as a whole.  Successful completion of this course and seven others will lead to receiving the Certificate in Youth Ministry; all youth leaders are invited to attend. Leaders:  Rodger Nishioka, the Benton Family Associate Professor of Christian Education at Columbia Theological Seminary, author and nationally-known leader in youth and young adult ministry, and Neema Cyrus Franklin, Director of Youth Ministries for the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta will lead this event. Program fee: $165 includes two meals.  On-campus housing additional. 

 

To register, please visit www.peopleware.net/index.cfm?siteID=572&event=2009LL&subeventDisp=1009YMLBEG.  For more information about the YMLI course of study, see the information at this link: http://www.ctsnet.edu/Files/Forms/YMLI_WebBrochure2009_updated070209.pdf or contact Sarah Erickson at 404 687 4526 or ericksons@ctsnet.edu. 

 

We would LOVE to have you join us!  Please register by 9/30/09.

 

Download registration form here:  YMLI_WebBrochure2009_updated070209.pdf 

 

Rev. Sarah F. Erickson, Director of Lifelong Learning

The Center for Lifelong Learning / Columbia Theological Seminary

PO Box 520 / 701 S. Columbia Drive / Decatur, GA  30031

404-687-4526 phone / 404 687 4591 fax 

 

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Immigrant Ministry Event

 

New Castle Presbytery has been an on-going partner in the discussions and planning of the Immigrant Ministry Dialogue - 2009 to be presented October 11-12, 2009 at the Princeton Theological Seminary.  For those individuals interested in immigrant ministry, below is a link to the promotional brochure including registration information.

 

Download brochure here:  Immigrant Ministry Dialogue 2009.pdf 

 

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Lower Brandywine Community Outreach and The Hadley Fund present

 

 

Scott Davidson Quartet

Saturday, October 24 - 8:00 PM

This is a FREE concert! 

 

Venue:

Lower Brandywine Presbyterian Church

Across from Winterthur

101 Old Kennett Rd.

Wilmington, DE 19807

www.lowerbrandywine.org

 

(Directions can be found on the web site above)

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Meeting Ground Fundraiser

 

“There’s No Place Like Home” Meeting Ground’s 6th Annual Autumn Gathering

Downl.oad flyer here:  MG 2009 Autumn Gathering Info.pdf

 

 

Meeting Ground’s 6th Annual Autumn Gathering will take place on Saturday, October 24, 2009, from 11AM to 2PM at the Deerfield Golf and Tennis Club in Newark, Delaware and will include a buffet luncheon, silent auction and overview of Meeting Ground’s programs and services.  Tickets cost $45/per person and all proceeds from the event go directly to support the emergency shelter and transitional housing programs of Meeting Ground assisting those persons – men, women and children - who are experiencing homelessness.

 

Meeting Ground is a religious corporation under Maryland law, and a mission cause of the New Castle Presbytery, devoted to work “with and among the poor, homeless, the sick, and any who are outcast, living on the margins of society, or those who seek a refuge or a home.”  Annually, Meeting Ground provides 30,000+ bed-nights of emergency and transitional housing, as well as 45,000+ meals, to the homeless of the Town of Elkton and wider Cecil County, and also organizes and hosts volunteer mission work opportunities for churches around the country to come and work on behalf of those experiencing homelessness.

 

We ask everyone who is a supporter of our work at Meeting Ground to please attend this event.  We would appreciate the opportunity to thank you for your support.

 

Menu

Seasonal Sliced Fresh Fruits and Berries

The “D” Mixed Greens Salad – field greens, shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion and house-made herbed croutons, balsamic vinaigrette

Grilled Vegetable Pasta Primavera – roasted red peppers, yellow squash, zucchini, carrots, basil, garlic and olive oil

Deerfield Pan-seared Crab Cakes, Old Bay remoulade

Chicken Grand Marnier – egg-dipped boneless chicken breast, sautéed shallots, orange zest, Grand Marnier and a touch of cream

Long Grain Wild Rice Pilaf

Zucchini and Squash Medley

Chef’s Selection of Assorted Desserts

 

Silent Auction Items

Artwork

Gift Baskets

Restaurant Certificates

Phillies Tickets

Jewelry

Plants

Spa Packages

Horseback Lessons

And many other items …

 

Tickets may be ordered by telephone: 410.275.2936 or email: autumngathering@meetingground.org <mailto:autumngathering@meetingground.org> ; please make checks out to ‘Meeting Ground’

 

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Holy Land Pilgrimage

 

 

Take a journey of a lifetime

A pilgrimage to the Holy Land!

Bethlehem, Nazareth, Jerusalem & Galilee

10 Days of Biblical Discovery

February 23 – March 4, 2010

 

Your Tour Hosts:  Rev. Steve Brundage, Pastor of First Presbyterian, Newark and Rev. Laurel Brundage

 

Download brochure for more information:  Holy Land Pilgrimage 2010.pdf  

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Presbyterian Youth Triennium  2010

 

GREETINGS!!!

 

July 2010 - Triennium happens!!!

 

Once again, thousands of Presbyterian Youth will gather at Purdue, Indiana for "such a time as this."

 

July 20-24 - put it on your calendar TODAY!!!

 

If you are a pastor or a youth pastor - help us know where the youth are who would like to come!

If you are a high school student - entering 9th grade through graduating 12th grade - you MUST come with us!

If you are out of high school - contact me about being a Young Adult Advisor!!

Triennium has a web page - complete with a DVD to watch from '07 - www.presbyterianyouthtriennium.org and a Facebook page that has over 2000 "friends" already - and YOUTUBE has quite a few videos from past Triennium events!

I also have a "hard copy" DVD if anyone wishes to borrow it for Promotion.

I never got to Triennium as a teenager - my first was 2007. I am excited to go again!!!

 

Laurie Hiller Brumbaugh

302.629.9077

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Summer Collegium Announcement

 

     Applications are now available for the Summer Collegium, a project in support of small congregations at Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia.  Clergy (and their spouses or partners) from 25 small churches of all Christian denominations are invited to spend nine days at Virginia Seminary for encouragement, education, rest and renewal.  All expenses, including travel, books, meals, lodging, child care at home and pulpit supply, are paid by a grant from the Lilly Endowment.  

 

     The theme of the Summer Collegium this year is Leadership in the Small Congregation.  Our keynote speaker will be Alice Mann, a prolific writer on congregational ministry, and John Bell from the Iona Community in Scotland will join our worship team for the conference. 

 

     The dates for the Summer Collegium are June 23 - July 1, 2010.  Application forms are on our website, www.vts.edu/education/collegium, or will be sent in the mail by emailing SummerCollegium@vts.edu or by calling 703-461-1760.  Applications must be postmarked by December 15, 2009, to be considered. 

 

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Hanover Series on Full Inclusion

 

The Month of October will be devoted to glbt (gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender) diversity.  The theme of the month is "The Road to Emmaus"  planned by a task force created by the Worship Committee.   Below are the dates and the topics in the series. Please note especially the concert on the afternoon of October 11.

 

4 October: Worldwide Communion Sunday

Sunday School:  Larry Peterson: What are the Origins of Homosexuality and What are the current issues?  Worship: Andy Jacob: The Road to Emmaus

 

11 October (National Coming Out Day)

Sunday School: Coming out stories from a mixture of Hanover Presbyterian members and faculty members at the University of Delaware

Worship:  Speaker: Patrick Evans, Yale Institute of Sacred Music, and former Director of Music at Hanover.

 

Concert: 3 p.m. celebrating glbt diversity.  Performers include the Rainbow Chorale of Delaware; Patrick Evans, baritone (Yale Institute of Sacred Music); Frank Voltz, harp (Winston-Salem, NC, recording artist); Krystal Rickard, lyric soprano and conductor; Adult Choirs from Newark United Methodist Church and Hanover Presbyterian Choir; readers from AIDS Delaware, Delaware Pride, Just For Youth, Hanover Presbyterian Church.

 

18 October

Sunday School: Tiona.M will show 40 minutes of her documentary film "Black Womyn: Lesbians of African-American Descent."  Her documentary has

been featured in many film festivals including last year's Philadelphia Gay-Lesbian Film Festival, and many universities including the University of Delaware's GLBT Film Series in Spring 2009.  Worship Service: Guest speaker, Tiona.M, Philadelphia producer/writer

 

25 October

Sunday School: Brian Gray, author and member of Hanover, will discuss one of his forthcoming books about scripture and homosexuality

Worship Service: Andy Jacob will provide a wrap-up for the month's activities.