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Upcoming Events |
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Save these dates and be on the lookout for details!
9/16/2011
Leadership Summit
with Glenn McDonald, JIM's Place,
New Philadelphia
Please Register Here
9/17/2011
Stated Meeting
Plenary with Glenn McDonald,
JIM's Place,
New Philadelphia
11/5/2011
MVP BIG TENT
featuring Ann Philbrick, plus over a dozen different workshops!*The Newcomerstown Middle School, Newcomerstown
*Note: Changed Location
12/6/2011
The Saint John's Bible, John Knox PC, North Canton
Questions? Concerns? Corrections?
Call or Email!
(800) 693-1147
(330) 339-5515
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Email Shauna
Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
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FINAL DESCENT OUTDOORS
October 2nd, 2011
At the BARLOW VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT. 12:30PM.
As part of our annual "Camo Sunday" celebration Barlow Presbyterian is hosting a Bar-B-Q/Wildgame luncheon Sunday Oct. 2nd at the Barlow Volunteer Fire Department building at 12:30pm.
Preston Edgar from the nationally televised hunting program "Final Descent Outdoors" will share stories of life as a television hunter as well as the GoodNews of salvation through faith in Jesus.
Door and raffle prizes include treestands, taxidermy mount, hats, and much, much more.
There is no charge for lunch, but we will accept donations. Proceeds from this event will go to Barlow Presbyterian and the Barlow Volunteer Fire Department.
We encourage you to invite that person who usually spends Sunday morning in woods and join us for great food, great fun, and great fellowship!!
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Will you do it?

From Thursday, October 27th through Thursday, November 3rd, people of faith across the U.S. are taking on a challenge: Live for one week on the average food stamp allotment. People of faith are taking the Food Stamp Challenge to better understand how the program works on a personal level, and to highlight the continued need for and importance of feeding programs to alleviate hunger in the United States.
$31.50 a week.
$4.50 a day.
$1.50 a meal.
Will you do it?
Click here
to register to take the Food Stamp Challenge, and share this challenge with your faith community, family, and friends.
Grace and Peace,
Michael Livingston
Director, National Council of Churches Poverty Initiative
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Join our Network and Speak Out for a Faithful Budget
The NCC Poverty Initiative's role in raising the awareness and will of Christians to act to reduce poverty is more crucial than ever. Please consider how God might be calling you and your church to join together with the NCC in the work to end poverty.May our voices grow louder and stronger as we amplify God's call for justice and righteousness. |
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Tallmadge church 'blesses' local business
A local business in Tallmadge in August was blessed by 80 church members. The owner of Little Caesar's insisted on giving them a discount just like they had earlier in the year to 190 kids attending a football cheerleading camp.
Church elder, Kurran Bishop corrected the owner, "no, no... We want to bless you."
So on August 14th, the 80 church members helped fill the restaurant, this was the debut of a program the 7 year-old Northeast Avenue church calls "Blessing in the City".
Bishop said churches are known for reaching out to individuals and families in need, whether it's distributing food or helping to pay a utility bill for a struggling resident. It's much rarer to see churches targeting small businesses...
For more on this story:
S.P.A.N Ministries
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CAMP WAKONDA
Super Senior Creative Arts
Adults only ($75 a person)
September 14th (10am) thru September 16th (4pm)
at Camp Wakonda
Register online at:
www.wakondacamp.com
or call the Christ Presbyterian Church in Canton (330.456.8113)
Get away from texting, email and phone. Take this opportunity for spiritual renewal and refreshment, breathe in God's word and hear his creation.
Sleeping Accommodations:
Health Center, Director's Cabin, Lodge and the Hoover Building.
Art, writing, drama
and discussion opportunities. Choose which ones interest you or take the time for reflection.
Questions?
Contact:
Christ Presbyterian Church in Canton
330.456.8113 |
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Book of Order
2011-2013
We will return to putting the Book of Order PDF file online without charge (free).
Book of Order 2011-2013 PDF Downloadable Version
We began putting the online PDF version on the web for free about 5 years ago. It was my decision to start charging for it. That has produced some anger and some people putting the PDF of the Book of Order on their websites for others to download free. The reason I made the decision to charge was strictly revenue based. The Book of Order sales of the hard copy have declined significantly since we put the free download on the web. The revenue stream from the sales of the Book of Order covers the production of the book (printing costs), the cost of translating and producing the book in Spanish, Korean, Portuguese, Mandarin Chinese, and Braille, editing and pre-production work, and support for technical projects such as PC-biz that feed into the book. Many of these costs will need to be covered elsewhere in a tight budget. |
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Leadership Summit and Plenary
featuring Glenn McDonald
Friday, September, 16th from 9:00am to 4:30pm
Jim's Place, 222 West High Ave, New Philadelphia
Topic: Make Disciples! But How?!
Saturday, September 17th from 9:00am to NOON
Jim's Place, 222 West High Ave, New Philadelphia
Topic: Where Your Treasure is!
Stated Meeting of the Presbytery
Saturday, September 17th, starting at 12:30pm
Jim's Place, 222 West High Ave, New Philadelphia
Please check the website for upcoming materials!
Click Here to Register for Events!
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Delight yourself in the Lord...
How much time have you taken in the last week to delight yourself in the Lord? It's been a busy week at the Mission Center as we prepare for the Leadership Summit with Glenn McDonald and a presbytery meeting. And, on top of it all, I've been teaching a doctoral intensive on Political Realities. Not ideal scheduling, but it is what it is.
However, the drives to and from Ashland have provided time apart to reflect on my way of being. The sheer beauty of the countryside has been pure gift. As an introvert, I know that I need time apart if I am to fully delight myself in the Lord. Yet I also am blessed by time together. As Bonhoeffer in Life Together writes: "Let those who cannot be alone, beware of community... and Let those who cannot be in community beware of being alone... Each by itself has profound pitfalls and perils. Those who want fellowship without solitude plunge into the void of words and feelings, and those who seek solitude without fellowship perish in they abyss of vanity, self-infatuation, and despair."
How will you delight yourself in the Lord-and through the Lord, others-even in the midst of a busy, hectic schedule? How will you balance time apart with time together? Time at work with time at play? Time doing with time to simply be?
This week, take some time to delight yourself in the Lord... And God will give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4)!
In Christ's service,

Debbie Rundlett,
General Presbyter
Click here for an archive of this year's weekly emails from Debbie
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Ten leaders from MVP were present at the Fellowship Gathering in Minneapolis a few weeks ago:
Pastors Dave de Vries, Tom Houston, Jack McClelland,
Marty Radcliff, Alice Phillips and myself, along with Elders Terri Bate, Barry Henderson, Martha Gerber, and Jim Kettlewell.
These leaders were asked to reflect on their experience at the gathering. Here are some of their reflections...
Making a Kingdom Impact
The Fellowship of Presbyterians Gathering in Minneapolis was one of the most positive, well-planned, worshipful Presbyterian events I have ever attended. The leaders of the Fellowship worked hard to set a positive and gracious tone; they did not demonize or tear down any other group or person. It was clear that they are tired of the fighting that has existed in our denomination for many years and are seeking to move beyond these squabbles to be a church that focuses on making an Kingdom impact on the world. They shared that they are seeking theological clarity and agreement on essentials, missional passion, covenantal relationships, global impact, and the creation of a culture which raises up entrepreneurial leadership. The fact that 2000 people came from a variety of contexts to find out more about this movement is a powerful reminder of the disunity that we are currently experiencing in the PCUSA. I left the Gathering enthused by what I heard but unclear about the future.
Tom Houston
I left the Fellowship meeting with hope that we can find ways to stay together as a denomination while respecting the consciences of individuals who are distressed by 10-A and other recent developments in the PC(USA). Top denominational leaders were welcomed warmly and given opportunity to speak. The Fellowship's leaders committed not to demonize the denomination and to work closely with the General Assembly and the presbyteries. We profited from hearing great speakers like Richard Mouw and Ken Bailey, and the worship was incredible!
Marty Radcliff
I went to the Fellowship Gathering for a time of listening and hoped to gain understanding of options that might be available for those churches and individuals who are discontented with the direction the PC(USA) has moved. While expecting to find lots of negativity, I instead sensed joy in the Lord, open encouragement about churches becoming missional, desire for relationships to be maintained, and hopeful options for churches in their various contexts. The program aspect of The Gathering was surrounded by worship each morning and evening. They were moving and well attended! Much time was spent in table talk with a consistent assigned group. My group was composed of nine evangelicals and one progressive. It was good sharing and listening. It also brought to mind how thankful I am to be serving God in this presbytery where most of the time we do not beat each other down, but rather serve side by side.
Martha Gerber
I found my time at the Fellowship of Presbyterians meeting in Minneapolis to be very inspiring and informative.
Worship each day was outstanding. The music was more contemporary and uplifting. Each speaker during worship and at other times throughout the two days was excellent. We heard presentations regarding the different tiers, statements from individuals of their vision for the church, as well as numerous break out sessions. I especially appreciated hearing Ken Bailey once again - what a wise and learned teacher of Scripture and the Middle Eastern culture as he used parables from Luke's Gospel as well as portions of Isaiah focusing on reprocessing anger into grace.
There were 195 table groups. The table group to which I was assigned consisted of five pastors and five elders. It was a great group. We spent a large portion of our time together discussing presentations, praying together, as well as eating lunch together. Everyone contributed to the group discussion. We were quite surprised that from nearly 2,000 people attending, a pastor from California (who has been a mentor to me) and I were assigned the same table. He and I were able to talk and pray together which was meaningful to me.
During the breakout sessions I attended Tier Four - The "New Reformed Body." I found it to be very informative, yet there is still a lot of work to be done before the next National Gathering in Orlando in January. I also attended "Connecting with the Global Church." We heard of wonderful ministry being done in different parts of the world. We also heard the sad news of the Mexican Church breaking their partnership of 100 plus years with the PCUSA following the passage of 10-A.
It appeared everyone came to the meeting with different expectations regarding issues within our denomination and their effect on the local church. I felt the Fellowship did a great job of trying to address the varying needs and places where the local church is struggling with these issues. I left Minneapolis believing there is a strong presence of the Holy Spirit at work in our church, and great things are yet to come.
Rev. Alice Phillips
Creston Presbyterian Church
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Holy Rhythms
An Invitation from the
Shared Rhythms Action Learning Team
This summer some of us have been meeting to explore the daily spiritual practices keeping us in step with the rhythm of the Holy Spirit. We are a diverse group but we are striving to move by the holy rhythm of a shared faith in Christ. As we have been exploring the spiritual practices that shape us, we have discovered a common rhythm of the Spirit guides us: availability and vulnerability.
Whenever we embrace a spiritual practice (daily prayer, Bible study, fasting, etc), we make ourselves available for God to move us in service to others. After making ourselves available, we then dare to be vulnerable as we step out in faith in a new way. Isaiah embraced this holy rhythm when he stood before the Lord and said, "Here I am, send me."
Our spiritual practices give us the healthy balance of availability and vulnerability. We invite you to share the spiritual practices that guide you. We welcome this sharing either in writing, in person at Presbytery, in song, in painting. This is an opportunity to give a testimony of how God is calling you to be available and vulnerable as a living expression of Spirit alive.
Ideally, we would like to include a testimony in each week's broadcast email. Please share by sending your testimony to Shauna@MVPJourneyingwithJesus.org.
With joy,
Bob Meyer
Pastor, Wayne Presbyterian Church
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Dear Brother and Sister in Christ.
November 5th is quickly approaching and the committee for the "Big Tent Event" has been working very hard to make this event the best training and workshop event that we can. We have been praying for our Lord to lead us as we work toward this day and we have been blessed with talents and gifts to make this day great.
I am making contact with you because we need your help in getting out the message that the "Big Tent Event" is coming and we want you to encourage others to sign up and be apart. I have listed below all the workshops that will be offered so that when you speak of this event you can share what is being offered. The event is open to all members of the church as well as those of any other denomination and the cost is $10.00 for Muskingum Valley Presbytery members and non-members $25.00. The location is the best part, we wanted to have this event as close to the center of the presbytery (geographically speaking) as possible and it will be held at the Newcomerstown Middle School in Newcomerstown, Ohio. I know that you have heard about some of the books or training that is listed and this is an opportunity to sample what others are using in ministry with great success.
Ann Philbrick, from the Alban Institute, will start us off in the morning with "Too Much Space?" followed by our breakout session in the afternoon. We will provide a continental breakfast and lunch as a part of the ticket price. Great speakers, great food and great fellowship, it doesn't get any better then this. If you are willing to help me please respond to this e-mail, all others will be called.
In Christ, Tim Thomas, CLP
MVP BIG TENT EVENT
Saturday, November 5th, 2011
9:30 - 4:30pm
Newcomerstown Middle School,
325 West State State,
Newcomerstown, OH 43832
Featured Morning Speaker:
Ann Philbrick from Alban Institute
Afternoon Workshops:
Too Much Space? -
Ann Philbrick
Discover Your Place in Ministry -
Bob Porter & Paula Lane
Sustainable Youth Ministry -
Erin Yoder & Ryan Johanning
Developing SMART Goals -
Tom Houston
Healthy Leaders = Healthy Churches -
Donna Robertson
Building an Awe Filled Community -
Ron Walker
The Journey: Growing Up in Christ -
Debbie Rundlett
Formational Prayer and Spiritual Caregiving -
Diana Circelli & Rick Hastings
Elder Communion Training -
Jim McCurdy
The Missional Clerk -
Marty Radcliff
The Missional Treasurer -
Jim Spain & Barb Schie
Will Your Church Exist Ten Years From Now? -
Matt Skolnik
Small is Strong! -
Chris Stewart & Karin Wright
Becoming the Blessed Church -
Tim Thomas
Godly Play -
Joan Brode
Be on the lookout for upcoming registration and information
on each workshop!
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The Winner of the Bumper Sticker Contest:

Scott Perkins of Wooster First
The MVP office will be selling the Bumper Stickers for $5.00 each, and the proceeds will go to help the
30- hour Famine event in 2012.
The Next Generation Teens will join students around the world, loving God and fighting hunger. Every year, thousands of students unite to do the famine. They learn about hunger-and then they do something about it. They raise money so that other teens might eat, and they experience hunger for themselves.
The bumper stickers will also be available for purchase at the Presbytery meeting in September.
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Mediterranean Chicken Salad in Lettuce Cups
Serves 4
Ingredients
4 cups coarsely shredded cooked chicken breasts(about 1 1/4 pounds)
1 15-ounce jar roasted red and yellow bell peppers, drained and cut into strips
1 6-ounce jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and coarsely chopped
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/4 cup chopped almonds, toasted
2 Tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 Tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
6 large butterhead (Bibb or Boston) lettuce leaves
2 ounces Parmesan cheese, shaved
2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 Tablespoon shallots, finely chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin olive oil
1/8 Teaspoon Kosher salt
1/8 Teaspoon Black ground pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl combine chicken, roasted bell peppers, artichoke hearts, red onion, almonds, parsley, and capers. Drizzle *Red Wine Vinaigrette; toss gently to coat. Cover and chill for 1 to 24 hours.
2. To serve, place a lettuce leaf on each of six dinner plates. Spoon chicken salad into lettuce leaves. Sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese.
*Red Wine Vinaigrette: In a small bowl combine 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar and 1 tablespoons red wine vinegar and 1 tablespoons finely chopped shallots. Let stand for 5 minutes. Whisk in 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon-style. Add 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil in a thin, steady stream, whisking constantly until combined. Stir in 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Makes about 1/3 cup.
**This reciped was modified for evening of Tuesday, August 2nd
Banana Bread
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup softened butter
6 ripe bananas, mashed (approx. 3 cups)
4 eggs (room temperature) well-beaten
2 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Lightly butter 2 loaf pans.
With electric mixer, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add mashed bananas and eggs, beating until well mixed.
In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda and salt. With electric mixer on low, slowly add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until completely incorporated.
Pour batter into the 2 lightly buttered loaf pans. Bake 45 minutes to 1 hour, until firm in the centers and the edges begin to separate from pans.
Cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack before removing from pans.
These freeze beautifully.
Compliments of Kimberley Adams, the chef of our delicious meal on Tuesday, August 2nd at Debbie's house. |
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Outreach Ministries
"Empowered 2011" The mission of the project is to reach out to the young adults of the community to hear the Word of God in a way not heard on Sunday mornings in our community churches.
"Laundry Love" The sharing of prayer, the listening to problems, and the spreading of the Good News through one on one fellowship has been tremendously rewarding to all!
"Tutoring" We have tutored over 320 students in a relationship with our local school system and our county board of Children Services!
"Living Word and Pool Party" The connection between fun developing into an understanding of Christ via the Passion Play has been a great "next step" in growing the faith in those of our community that have not known Christ in the past.
Unity Presbyterian Church which is located in East Central Ohio at the intersection of U.S. interstates 70 and 77 has developed several outreach missions. These outreach ministries has brought more seekers to their church for Sunday worship. Unity's attendance in worship has grown over 30% in the last 4 years and they now have a summer early morning non traditional seeker service on Sunday mornings.
For more information about Unity's Outreach Ministries contact: Jim Spain or Lisa Neilson at 740.432.7308; or email Unity at unity-church@hotmail.com |
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Give, Act, Pray for Japan
Responding to the Japan earthquake and tsunami
PDA is responding to needs from the 9.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Japan and the ensuing tsunamis across the Pacific rim.
PC(USA) has mission partners in Japan. World Mission has received positive reports on the welfare of mission coworkers. Read updates on the World Mission Japan page.
PDA staff and National Response Team members are contacting potentially affected presbyteries to offer assistance.
One Great Hour of Sharing funds have been sent to support an initial response through our ecumenical partner. We are meeting with a PC(USA) mission worker with experience in Asia to determine a response with our mission partners.
Read reports as they become available, and find resources on the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami index. |
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2011 - 2012 Presbyterian Planning Calendars
We still have 2011-2012 Presbyterian Planning Calendars available. The price is $7.25 each, you may pick them up at the MVP office, Monday - Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
2012 Mission Yearbooks will be available soon!
Call or email Shauna today to reserve yours!
330.339.5515
Monday - Thursday: 8:00am to 4:30pm
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