Midweek Musings Newsletter
September 10, 2009
New documents have been posted to the docket page
for the 802nd Stated Meeting of New Castle Presbytery
Tuesday, September 22, 2009, at Trinity PC at 4:00 pm
Attention UD Students!!
All UD students interesting in finding out more about PCUSA@UD and "Building Community Through Service"
are invited to an organizational meeting at the Campus Ministry house, 157 W. Main, on Sunday, September 13, 5 - 7 pm.
Come for the free Sunday Supper! Skip the dorm food! Come to learn more about monthly service opportunities, a Spring Break mission trip
to the Gulf Coast and the weekly Women's Spirituality Group.
Questions? Contact Rev. Nona Holy, PCUSA@UD Campus Pastor, nholy@udel.edu.
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
Midweek Musings by Jim Moseley, Executive Presbyter
A FEW GOOD TALKING POINTS... WHY ATTEND ACTS 16:5?...
REGISTER NOW FOR THE OCTOBER 25, 26 RETREAT!!!
Every church at their very core desires to do more than survive. We want to thrive in the spirit of doing the work of the kingdom while we are stewards of the churches which make up the Body of Christ. Today in a climate of constant change and with so many competing interests the church is finding it ever more challenging to grow and flourish. The Gospel has not changed but the culture we speak to needs to hear from us in new and refreshing ways. Acts 16:5 is not a book or program or instant fix for reversing the loss of membership as devoted folks grow older and others move on as required by job demands and family needs.
Everything we know about church renewal tells us that a congregation must create new opportunities to reach new members while there is still energy and resources and leadership to stay the course. Renewal takes time….four or five or six years of hard work. The alternative is to slowly decline until there are so few workers and funds remaining that renewal is impossible. What is offered in Acts 16:5 is a process of discernment and not a canned plan which suggests that one size, one project, and one strategy fits all congregations.
Here are a few good reasons to attend the retreat and explore the Acts 16:5 Initiative.
First, it is based in scripture and begins with the church leadership engaging in serious and continued bible study, prayer and reflection.
Second, Acts 16:5 is not about fixing a broken church…it is about deepening faith in ways that give members confidence to imagine a new future for themselves.
Third, this initiative involves dozens of churches learning and encouraging one another in renewal. No one goes it alone. We are in this together.
Fourth, in this process each church will explore and discover a “calling” unique to its community. No two churches will embrace the exact same work of ministry.
Fifth, the Church Development Unit of New Castle Presbytery is assisting in underwriting this initiative to make it possible for every church that wants to participate has the opportunity.
Sixth, this initiative takes seriously that any change in the local church takes a sustained effort over many years and equips church leaders to stay strong. Most renewal fails because pastors and Elders underestimate the energy and focus required to plant a new vision and stick with it.
Seventh, the scripture makes it clear…every leader, every effort. every campaign, every great deed done for the cause of God’s kingdom was accomplished by those called out by God, even when they resisted and complained and argued that they were not equipped nor ready. This invitation comes to you now through the voices of many who serve on the Committees, Commissions and Units of New castle Presbytery. We have studied and prayed and sought a path that would help lead our congregations into the future. This may not be the perfect plan but it is a good plan with proven results as reported from a dozen presbyteries who are working for renewal.
I hope that you who are leaders in your church will earnestly consider this invitation understanding that sacrifices of time and money will be required.
I am always eager to visit with any church if it might be helpful in making this decision. Call me at the presbytery office at 302-366-0595.
In Christ’s Peace,
Jim Moseley, Executive Presbyter
Peacemaking Offering
Download peacemaking resources here:
Peacemaking 09 Worship Resource.pdf
Peacemaking Synods Presbyteries Use Offering.pdf
2009 Peacemaking Offering.pdf
LITANY Peacemaking Video Script.pdf
On October 4, World Communion Sunday, congregations across the denomination will promote and receive the 2009 Peacemaking Offering. This offering supports peacemaking ministries across the church and is crucial to the ongoing success of the Peacemaking Program. We encourage you to take time this week to promote the offering with congregations, groups, and individuals in your sphere of influence. Some suggested ways are to:
In a few days an email reminder about the offering will go out to all congregations and pastors. We hope you will do your part to encourage those you know to respond favorably and faithfully to the believer's calling of peacemaking as we support the reconciling work of Christ through the church.
CLP CliP
This week’s article introduces CLP student, Nancy Day. She writes:
I am nearing the completion of the CLP Program with two classes remaining, which I hope to finish up by the spring of 2010. Feeling blessed to serve at Lower Brandywine, I teach and work with the Youth Group, help to coordinate the Community Outreach Program and focus on Pastoral Care issues. I have been at Lower Brandywine for approximately 15 years serving in various capacities. Lower Brandywine gives thanks for the completion of its building expansion project that has enabled the church to expand in all areas of ministry, gloriously housing a growth in the number of children and teens in worship and Sunday School. We continue to focus on outreach, working to reach out in God's love and glory, spreading the wonderful joy of Christ's love.
Our Community Outreach program is set for the fall and well in 2010, and we pray that the variety of programs will reach all of God's children, touching them with His love in some way. Please share the dates with your church family and friends, and we hope you will join us!
· 2009 Events
September 13 at 3:00 pm - Organ Concert and Dedication with Rudy Lucente
October 24 at 8:00 pm - Scott Davidson Quartet
November 14 from 9:00 am - 10:30 pm - 4th Annual Storytelling Festival (check www.LBStoryFest.com )
December 6 at 6:30 pm - Holiday Music Christmas Sing-a-Long with Phil and Marilee Calabrese
December 11 at 7:30 pm - Choral Scholars led by David Christopher (Hadley event)
· 2010 Events
January 17 at 3:00 pm - Kennett Trio Concert with Donna Beech, Martin Beech and Robert Hoch
February 14 at 3:00 pm - Curtis Institute of Music Concert (Hadley event)
March 6 at 7:30 pm - Slyte of Hand Celtic Music
April 18 at 3:00 pm - Melanomie Baroque Instruments
May 7 at 8:00 pm - Hugh Sung Visual Recital, Music Seen, Visions Heard (Hadley event)
Other busy CLPs in the last week were Sally Cordrey (CLP graduate) and Cindy Joseph (CLP student). Sally ministered at Georgetown Pres. (Pastor Mike Williams was away) in the aftermath of the shooting of one Georgetown police officer and the wounding of another. There are many police officers in the congregation so Sally took special care in preparing the service. Cindy read scripture during the service and reported that Sally did an excellent job ministering to the congregation. Judy Adams (CLP graduate and Inquirer under care of the Presbytery) chose to visit Georgetown Pres. last Sunday, as well.
Until next time...
Carole Miles
New Form of Government Task Force report available
New Form of Government Task Force report available. The final draft of the report of the Form of Government Task Force to the 219th General Assembly (2010) is now available online at the task force’s Web site (www.pcusa.org/formofgovernment). The website can be accessed by following the link to the left. In its report, the task force proposes a new section of the Book of Order – Foundations of Presbyterian Polity – as well as a revised Form of Government and an advisory handbook. Also available are answers to frequently asked questions about key issues of the task force’s work and a letter to PC(USA) elders from Carol Hunley, a task force member who is a ruling elder. Visit their Web site often for updates and additional resources. The task force invites you to visit their page on Facebook: “PC(USA) New Form of Government” (http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=43344804663).
Taking the long view
Where has the denomination been in the 25 years since Reunion? Comparative Statistics, published annually by the office of Research Services, may help answer that question. The statistics provide information about the membership, congregations, ministers and finances of the denomination and presbyteries.
Jack Marcum, coordinator of Research Services, introduces the most recent edition of the publication with a statistical portrait of the first quarter century of this reborn denomination. Take a look to see where we’ve been and where we are today.
Church Treasurer & Business Administrator News
Published annually, this newsletter highlights crucial Benefits Plan and related information for church treasurers, business administrators, and others responsible for clergy benefits coverage.
Here are a few of the important developments you’ll find in this edition:
- The dues percentage will remain unchanged for the Medical Plan Traditional Program and for seminary students in 2010. Dues for the Affiliated Benefits Program will increase in light of the specific claims experience of participating groups.
- A number of modifications to the Medical Plan were made to reduce the complexity of this sometimes difficult-to-understand plan, as well as to comply with current federal regulations and to address an overture from the 218th General Assembly (2008).
- The Board has released its annual salary study and reports to assist with reviewing clergy compensation and planning for next year.
Do you know church treasurers, business administrators, ministers, or other church colleagues who might find this information valuable?
Then please forward this announcement to them!
Thank you for reading and sharing the Church Treasurer & Business Administrator News.
Social Security Corner
Keep up-to-date on Social Security with the Midweek Musings Newsletter...
Social Security Column
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Question:
Can a widow receive Social Security benefits on her husband’s record?
Question:
How do I qualify for benefits as a divorced spouse?
Question:
What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
Question:
It seems difficult to figure out what plan to get for Medicare prescription drug coverage. What is the easiest way to compare plans?
Question:
How many Social Security numbers have been issued since the program started?
Download Social Security Q&A here for the answers to these and other questions: Aug 09 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.pdf
Next issue - FINANCIAL PLANNING FOR THE UNDER 35 CROWD...
Career Insights For Teens
Interfaith Career Counseling for Youth*
Upcoming Programs
FALL I: (2 Sessions)
- Saturday, September 12 (9:30 – 12:30) and
- Saturday, September 19 (9:30 – 2:30)
Trinity Presbyterian Church -1120 Darley Road
Call Sue Crump at (610) 558-5680 or check www.careerinsightsforteens.org for information and application.
FALL II: (2 Sessions)
- Sunday, October 18 (1:00 – 5:00) and
- Sunday, October 25 (1:30 to 6:00)
Congregation Beth Shalom - 18th & Baynard Blvd.
Call Bob Stoddard at (302) 571-1691 or check www.careerinsightsforteens.org for information and application
* CIFT is an interfaith youth program of New Castle Presbytery
Calvary Presbyterian Church Worship in Spanish
Beginning September 13, 2009, Calvery PC
will have 9:00 am Sunday worship
in Spanish with nursery and church school in English
Download document here for more information: New Times - 9-09.pdf
John Calvin’s 500th Celebrated by Limestone Presbyterians in Lecture Series
Limestone Presbyterian Church is celebrating the 500th anniversary of the birth of John Calvin with a six Sunday morning lecture series by Dr. Claude Foster starting this Sunday, September 13th, at 10:00 a.m. John Calvin [Noyon, France July 10, 1509-Geneva, Switzerland May 27, 1564] was the most systematic Protestant theologian of the Reformation. With his classic, Institutes of the Christian Religion, his commentaries on the Holy Scriptures and his Ecclesiastical Ordinances, by which he created a Genevan theocracy--a haven for Protestant refugees--Calvin's influence on the religious, political and cultural history of the western world is inestimable. French Huguenots, Scottish Presbyterians, English Puritans, Dutch and German Reformed Christians acknowledge him as their key founders. The heritage of the New England American colonies was founded on Calvinism and some of the earliest Presbyterian churches in the United States started in southern Delaware. The class will consider: Who was Calvin? What was the historical context in which he lived, and what were the forces which shaped his personality? What were the major elements of his theology? What is Calvin’s legacy? Dr. Claude R. Foster taught history at West Chester University until he retired in 2007. Dr. Foster is the author of many articles on historical topics published in American and German journals as well as several books.
Calvin Jubilee Lectures CDs Available: Limestone Presbyterian co-pastor, Bruce Gillette, attended the national Calvin Jubilee anniversary celebration this summer in Montreat, NC. He got CDs of many of the conference's lectures and would be happy to lend them to New Castle Presbyterians. Limestone Presbyterian Church is located at 3201 Limestone Road (Route 7) in the Mill Creek area of Wilmington. Additional information is available by calling 994-5646 or visiting the church web site: http://www.limestonepresbyterian.org/
You're Invited
Coolspring Presbyterian Church
is pleased to invite all Presbytery members and friends
to attend the
Dedication Service of our new Community Hall.
Sunday, September 13, 2009 - 2:00 pm
Coolspring Presbyterian Church
28843 Log Cabin Hill Road
Lewes, DE
Phone: 302-703-2545 / Email:
CoolspringChurch@comcast.org
Organ Concert & Dedication
Rudy Lucente Organ Concert and Dedication
Sunday, September 13 - 3:00 p.m.
Lower Brandywine Presbyterian Church
101 Old Kennett Road, WilmingtonDE 19807
(across from Winterthur)
Download flyer for more information:
Rudy Lucente Organ Concert and Dedication.pdf
Eboo Patel Invitation
If the young men who flew planes into the twin towers on 9-11 in 2001 had received positive mentoring from persons who love their neighbors, instead of from hateful religious fanatics, the world would likely be in a much healthier condition today. That's a central point that Eboo Patel, founder of the Interfaith Youth Core, makes in his book, Acts of Faith. Eboo is a resident of Chicago, a Rhodes scholar, an American citizen of East Indian heritage, and a Muslim. He will be the featured speaker for young people at the Montreat College Conference January 2-5, 2010, but you will have a chance to meet him because he is coming to the Wilmington Friends School on September 23rd, and will speak there at 7:30 p.m. I'm eager to hear Eboo speak, because I've promised to establish a chapter of the Interfaith Youth Core in Delaware. The IFYC promotes interfaith understanding through service. Young people of faith work together on a community service project, and afterwards discuss their feelings and motivations, sharing with others how their respective religions inspire such action. That's how IFYC works. Please join me on September 23rd to hear this interfaith leader who is inspiring young people worldwide toward good acts of faith!
For more details, download this flier. Eboo Patel Invitation.pdf
--Rev. Tom Davis
Communications Consultant, New Castle Presbytery
Presbyterian Women
Presbyterian Women in New Castle Presbytery
2009 Fall Workshops and Gathering
September 16, 2009 – Ocean View Presbyterian Church
September 17, 2009 – St. Andrews Presbyterian Church
Download flyer for more information:
Gifts of Women flyer II.pdf
Wonderful Wednesdays
At Pencader Presbyterian Church
2303 Glasgow Avenue – Newark, DE 19702
Pencader Presbyterian Church will be conducting a “homework help night” beginning Wednesday, September 16, 2009 in the church’s Fellowship Hall. The format for the evening will be a combination of games, fun, dinner, help with homework and a character lesson. There will be teachers available to assist or students may just want a supervised area to complete their work. The evening will begin at 5:30 p.m. and last until 7:00 p.m. with dinner served about 6:00 p.m. for $2.00. Computers will be available as needed. The first session will run every Wednesday for ten weeks (September 16 through November 18) with additional sessions to follow. Initially assistance will be offered for students in grades 3-8 with possible expansion to other grades as the program progresses. Please visit our website www.pencaderchurch.org or call Don Keister at 302 834-7688 for more information.
Home Life Management Center 20th Anniversary Celebration and Re-dedication
When:
September 25, 2009
12 pm - 5 pm
Open House 12 pm - 3 pm
Dedication 3 pm
Reception immediately following
Where:
Marian E. Hinson Home Life Management Center
709 North Madison Avenue /Wilmington, DE
Visit their website for more detailed information: http://www.ywca.org/site/pp.asp?c=gjIQI4PKKoG&b=5327649
Lewes PC Sanctuary Reopening/Rededication Celebration
Saturday, September 26th & Sunday, September 27th
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
Community Yard Sale
It's a yard sale! It's more! It's West Nottingham's 2nd Annual Huge Community Yard Sale on Saturday, September 26, 2009 from 7:30 a.m. until noon on the corner of Firetower Road and Tome Highway. Space is available to rent for $10 for a 10' x 10' space. Vendors wanted! Please contact WNPC at 410-658-6366, x21 to reserve your space. Payment must be made at the time your space is reserved. Checks can be made payable to West Nottingham Presbyterian Church. Please include your name, phone number, how many spaces you want reserved, what you are selling, and any special requests. Hope to see you there!
CROP Walk for New Castle Presbytery is October 18th
All New Castle Presbyterians are invited to join a Presbytery-wide CROP Walk on Sunday afternoon, October 18th. Registration will be open from 1:00-2:00 p.m. in the Newark United Methodist Church’s parking lot located on Delaware Avenue in Newark. This CROP Walk has options for two walks, a 1.3 mile walk or a 5 mile walk. Volunteers are needed as walkers, crossing guards, to help at water stations and/or to sponsor walker(s). CROP Walks seek to overcome poverty, to feed the hungry, to shelter the homeless, to cloth the naked, to care for and provide medicine to the sick, to provide water to the thirsty and hope to the needy. Church World Service provides all these services and more to thousands of God’s children in the USA and in hundreds of impoverished nations. The money raised during this walk will go to support Church World Service’s efforts, with 25% going to four local charities: the Delaware Food Bank, Newark Empowerment Center, Community Kitchen and Hope Dining Room. This is an intergenerational event for children, youth, adults and seniors. Rich Lapointe is the CROP Walk Chair (office phone: (302) 366-7040, home phone: 292-0539 and email: rlapointe@newark.de.us
Promotional Packets for churches with the walkers’ registration forms will be available from the Presbytery Office and at the September Presbytery meeting.
St. Francis Day in a Box! Green Bible at a Bargain Price and much more!
The Humane Society of the United States' Animals & Religion program is encouraging churches to have a blessing of the animals service. October is just around the corner, and this wonderful multi-media package of resources can help make your St. Francis celebration extra special for your congregation. For only $15, your St. Francis Day in a Box includes: The Green Bible (see below); Amazing Grace DVD, courtesy of Walden Media; The HSUS’ Eating Mercifully DVD
Feast of St. Francis sermons; Humane Society Youth booklets with animal protection-inspired service learning project ideas for teens and youth’; A Religious Case for Compassion for Animals, by Matthew Scully: a booklet from The HSUS Animals & Religion series and 100 HSUS All Creatures Great and Small postcards. Whether you are planning a special service for St. Francis Sunday, a pet blessing ceremony or other event, the St. Francis Day in a Box resources are sure to engage your community in creation care. To order St. Francis Day in a Box click on this link: https://secure.humanesociety.org/site/Donation2?df_id=1800&1800.donation=form1
The summer 2009 issue of the PCUSA Theology & Worship’s Call to Worship journal: “a helpful resource for preachers and teachers of the Bible was released in October 2008 when HarperCollins Publishers came out with “The Green Bible” for this purpose: “The Green Bible will equip and encourage people to see God's vision for creation and help them engage in the work of healing and sustaining it. With over 1,000 references to the earth in the Bible, compared to 490 references to heaven and 530 references to love, the Bible carries a powerful message for the earth.” The Green Bible has its New Revised Standard Version biblical texts related to creation-care in green letters, an index to key passages, and a collection of essays by N.T. Wright, Barbara Brown Taylor, Desmond Tutu, Brian McLaren and others. The appendix has suggestions for further readings as well as practical steps to take for better caring for God’s creation. The Green Bible is a joint project of Eco-Justice Program of the National Council of Churches, the Sierra Club and the Humane Society. The publisher took seriously the authors’ reflections; this Bible is printed on “recycled paper, using soy-based ink with a cotton/linen cover.” The Green Bible got rare press attention for the publication of a new Bible with reports on it in USA Today, National Public Radio and elsewhere.” The worship professor at PCUSA's Austin Seminary has developed a blessing of the animals service for Presbyterians. Contact Bruce Gillette for a copy of it; Limestone Presbyterian Church has done the service for the past three years and it is very popular.
News from the Board of Pensions
Stewardship of Self Wellness Tip:
Walk during your lunch hour. Our information-based society has made it harder than ever to get the physical activity our bodies need to stay healthy. Walking during lunch or short breaks at work offers a quick way to accumulate the thirty minutes or more of daily, moderate physical activity recommended by experts. Find more expert advice on how to fit walking into your overall wellness regimen with the Mayo Clinic EmbodyHealth Web site.
For more wellness tips, visit the Get Inspired page on the Stewardship of Self section of Pensions.org. We’d also like to hear about your wellness success stories and statements, so if you have one to share, please contact us!
Medical Plan Changes Announced
As first reported in the summer 2009 issue of The Board Bulletin, a number of modifications will be made to the Medical Plan effective January 1, 2010.
- Changes to out-of-pocket costs—Several out-of-pocket costs will change for both medical and surgical care and prescription drugs. These changes are being made to simplify the Plan, as well as to comply with the new federal “mental health parity” mandate, which requires that benefits for medical and surgical services cannot exceed those for mental health.
- A new health management service provider—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 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. The covered services include specified therapies to promote growth and improve function.
- 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.
Details about these changes will be emailed, mailed, and posted to Pensions.org over the coming months.
Open Enrollment for Optional Dental and Supplemental Death Benefits
This year’s open enrollment period for Optional Dental and Supplemental Death Benefits will be October 5 through November 20, 2009.
There are no rate changes for either program for 2010. For program details, please visit the Optional Dental Program page and the Supplemental Death Benefits Program page.
This year, Pensions.org will also serve as a central repository for all of the required enrollment materials, so look for the online materials beginning October 5.
Mark Your Calendars for the 2009 Tax Tips Webinar for Ministers and Churches
This year’s Tax Tips event is scheduled for December 9. Registration will open in mid-October, so watch Pensions.org and your email for announcements.
New this year, the popular session will be presented as a Webinar, although members can still call in if they do not have access to the Web.
The Board’s E-learning Offerings Expanding in 2010
This year the Board offered a variety of SkillSoft courses to a pilot group of Plan members. The offerings were extremely popular, so we are providing a new portfolio to members starting in January 2010.
Registrants will have access to ten courses that focus on stress and conflict management for one year. Some of the courses include:
· Finding Your Balance
· Time Management
· Leading Effective Meetings
· Handling Conflict
Space is limited to 200 seats, so look for announcements and registration information on Pensions.org, and in your email and mailbox in mid-October.
Benefits Connect—Convenient Online Access to Your Benefits Information
Active and retired members and surviving spouses have access to Benefits Connect, the Board’s secure Web site that provides online access to their personal and Plan benefits information, as well as useful tools.
To register, visit the Board’s Web site at Pensions.org and select “Register” under the Benefits Connect logo. If you have questions, you may complete the Contact Us form or call us at 800-773-7752 (800-PRESPLAN).
As your Regional Representative I am available to work with presbytery leadership by offering:
- Retiree Luncheons,
- Church Treasurers Workshops
- Clergy Terms of Call seminars
- CPM Consultations, and
- Benefits Overview Workshops for Presbytery Leadership Events and for those congregations that have several staff members enrolled in the Benefits Plan.
Generally many of these workshops and presentations could be done in one hour or so, and may well save hours in the years to come. Let me know if you would like me to hold such an event or workshop in your presbytery.
Regards,
Helen Locklear
Regional Representative
Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
2028 S. Hwy 53, Suite # 321 / LaGrange, KY 40031
1-800-773-7752 ext 7047 / 1-502-222-4568 Fax
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