Resources for Congregations

• Forms & Documents

 

• Mission in the PC(USA) Resources
• Casa del Sol at Ghost Ranch
• Mission & Social Justice
• Church Development & Redevelopment
• Church Planting
• Church Transformation
• Stewardship
• Ideas from Congregations to Congregations

PC(USA) Mssion Network Contacts

Growing Christ's Church Deep and Wide - a churchwide commitment to participate in God's activity though Jesus Christ in transforming the Presbyterian Church (USA) by fostering the growth of Christ's Church Deep and Wide in evangelism, discipleship, servanthood and diversity - http://deepandwide.ning.com/

presbyweb.net - a website of resources and stories for church growth and transformation - www.presbygrow.net

An Invitation to Expanding Partnership in God's Mission - a covenant to collaborate, encourage and support each other as partners in mission - http://www.pcusa.org/calltomission/

Also see stories of mission partnerships at http://www.pcusa.org/worldwide/get-involved/resources.htm

Annual Report of the General Assembly Council – a 38 page report on the mission and ministry of the General Assembly Council - http://www.pcusa.org/gac/07annualreport.pdf

General Assembly Council At a Glance - a one page listing of highlights of mission and ministry - http://www.pcusa.org/gac/ataglance.pdf

Funding Presbyterian Mission - a one page summary of sources and uses of funds by the General Assembly Council - http://www.pcusa.org/gac/gacbudgetflier.pdf

2009 Retreat Schedule

Dear Presbyteries and Churches,

I am writing to share the exciting 2009 retreat schedule for Casa del Sol. Casa del Sol is the retreat center at Ghost Ranch in the high desert of New Mexico - a perfect place for come for retreat.

Would you please forward this e-mail to churches in your presbytery or include it in your newsletter? As part of the PC(USA), it is important people in our churches are aware of the unique retreat offerings at Casa del Sol.

We hope churches will post the attached 2009 schedule or include it in their newsletters.

Blessings and in gratitude for your help,

Nancy Copeland-Payton
Companion for Communications for
Casa del Sol Retreat and Spiritual Center

Casa del Sol Retreat Schedule 2009

New opportunities coming soon.

New opportunities coming soon.

Church Planting Village

Your one stop shop for church planting. Here you will find the Church Planter's Resource Library, enlistment resources, equipping resources. Also featured are 7 Steps for Planting Churches for the church planter, partnering church, and field partner.

Natural Church Development

THE international website for a movement of congregational transformation that pays intentional attention to what God is doing, what God desires, what God has given, and God's call for all to participate in the work of God in the world. NCD outlines the eight characteristics of healthy and vibrant churches.

ChurchSmart

ChurchSmart Resources is an independent Christian publishing company and training organization. Their focus is on church planting, church health and leadership development. Many church leaders have come to know them as the national partner for Natural Church Development (NCD) in the USA. Through the end of 2003 they have trained nearly 2000 church leaders in NCD principles and surveyed over 20,000 churches in the USA, our Presbytery being one of them. Their dream is to partner with ministry leaders to create a “new normal” for churches in America and around the world. They want to see churches that are healthy, vibrant and multiplying. To see church leaders overflowing with hope, joy and love for the people God sends their way.

CoachNet

Offer coaching, training and resources for Christian leaders. Their mission is to assist leaders in finding out what God wants them to do, and doing it. This Presbytery has a growing Coach training program and network. For more information within the Presbytery, contact Lorna at the Presbytery office.

Church Innovations

Church Innovations is a non-profit organization devoted to renewing the Church’s focus on God’s mission in the world. Rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and wholly committed to following God’s leading for every congregation, we provide research and consulting tools, products and processes that increase your church’s capacities to experience God’s renewal and transformation.

PC(USA) Stewardship Resource Page

ELCA Stewardship Resource Page

The Alliance Stewardship Resource Page

If your church has come up with an idea that works well for your congregation and you'd like to share it on the web page, please email it to itsupport@povpc.org .

Simple Sundays: What Snow Taught Us

by Rev. Rob Craig (Columbus, First)

It was about a year ago that we were warned of terrible weather conditions for a Sunday morning. Without much history under a new pastor's stole (or belt) and without much policy available, several elders and I made the decision to cancel activities for a Sunday morning. A wide variety of responses emerged and the best one was "Simple Sunday". It is the kind of "third way" thinking that is delightful.

We want to be available for adventurous souls who wish to come to worship. On the other hand, we do not want to cause any leaders, or their loved ones, to sense a requirement, or even encouragement, to venture out in what they deem to be unsafe conditions.

So, if a Sunday morning appears unusually dangerous, but is not a Sheriff's snow emergency, staff and three or more elders will announce a "Simple Sunday". A pastor or our music director will take responsibility for morning leadership. No other staff or leaders will be required, or unnecessarily encouraged, to attend. We will be led by staff in simple worship. The leader will assign tasks among those who attend.

The decision will be made no later than 5:00 a.m. on the Sunday and will be communicated through: emails to the congregation; The Republic; White River and QMIX radio; WFIU, WISH, and WTIU television; and a phone tree and the web site, if possible.

Thanks for the good strategy that maintains an opportunity to worship and learn without creating guilt for those who think it best to remain at home.

Stewardship and Youth

by Rev. Peggy Casteel (Columbus, First)

The Stewardship Committee of our church gave a huge opportunity and responsibility to our youth. This committee challenged our youth to decide where to designate the 40% portion of the Pentecost Offering meant for local missions. This committee asked that this decision meet two requirements. First, that the funds be given locally and second, that the funds go to help children/youth at risk in our community.

The leadership of the Youth Nurture Committee began providing education to our youth regarding missions all during the month of November. During the Sunday School hour, the Senior Youth learned about mission with Danny and Sarah Sanders. During Youth Group, both Junior and Senior High had visits with Gretchen Laemmer from Witness Committee and Jean Ozols, Director of Resource Development for the United Way. Both Gretchen and Jean provided a starting place for teens to begin learning about all the wonderful organizations that help children/youth at risk in our community. The teens were then encouraged to get on-line and research their organizations of interest. They were also encouraged to call or visit their agencies as well.

How the teens activated their funds was to write a short paragraph stating the mission they chose and why they chose it. We had several youth participate. . . They all made great choices and I am sure that our entire church will celebrate together this wonderful learning opportunity for our youth.