Our Common Ministry - Presbytery of Chicago

Our Common Ministry
Presbytery of Chicago
www.chicagopresbytery.org
February 2006 • Volume 22 Number 1
Cleaning the lens—our responsibility
A new moderator for the Presbytery of Chicago will be
installed at the February meeting of the Presbytery Assembly:
Elder Gordon Zerkel. Our Common Ministry asked him to
share how he sees his
role as incoming
Moderator in light of the
new vision: “Chicago
Presbytery – a Beacon of
Hope, Guiding Leaders,
Congregations and
Communities,” and our
now redefined mission
priorities: Empower
Ministry, Develop
Congregations, and
Advance Justice (also the
names of our reorganized
Mission Priority
Leadership Teams).
obstructed. He says, “We rely on each other and primarily
upon our God whose beacon never fails, and who is our only
constant guide. The beacon that we purport to be is made up
of essentially two parts: the
light and the lens. If the light
is indeed the light of God,
then we have no role in
insuring the energy that
keeps that light going. It
burns with a fuel beyond our
ability to manufacture or
refine.”
he wants to ensure that the “beacon” that the Presbytery
offers has an unobstructed lens. “What I bring to the position
of moderator is a cleaning cloth -to see that the light of the
beacon gets out to guide leaders, congregations and communities, and also to allow those communities (both internal and
external) to look back into that light and see its Source.”
In leading the Presbytery as moderator, Gordon says, “It is my
prayer that in my Moderatorial year we will all work together
to see that the the view is kept unobstructed. Without clear
vision we cannot empower ministry, develop congregations or
advance the cause of justice. In the weeks and months to
come we will need many hands, many towels, and many clean
cloths to keep our vision clear. God is calling us to the task.
Come, labor on.”
But keeping the lens clean is
our responsibility, Gordon
says.
Gordon recognizes that our
institutions, including the
Presbytery of Chicago, are
made of human hands and
Gordon is humble about
therefore
not infallible. Yet
his gifts of leadership –
Future, past and present Presbytery moderators:
there
is
a
rich
corporate histoleadership that has
(from left) Don Register, Lynne Myers and Gordon Zerkel ry, going back some 175 years.
spanned 23 years of volunteer service to the Presbytery – but he is clear about one thing: He says, “Before there was a Sears Tower (many of us remember when the Board of Trade was the tallest building in
Chicago), before there were two world wars, two so-called
“Without clear vision we cannot empower
conflicts and countless military actions and the hundreds of
ministry, develop congregations or advance
thousands of lives lost in them, before there was the great
fire, before there were the world champion White Sox, Bulls
—Gordon Zerkel
the cause of justice.”
and Bears.....there was the Presbytery of Chicago.”
As an active elder in the Presbytery, Gordon identifies with
other leaders, and sees that, as humans, the vision is often
Table of Contents
Presbyter’s Pen
Disaster Relief update
Develop Congregations
Advance Justice
2
3
4-5
6-7
Empower Ministry
Transitions
Saugatuck, Higgins, Coming Events
Church in Community
Páginas en Español
Mission Fair
Multifaceted trip
to Guatemala, pg. 6
8-10
9
11
12
13-15
16
ROCK on the Ropes, pg. 4
Presbyter’s Pen
New beginnings, renewed hope
BY ROBERT C. REYNOLDS, EXECUTIVE PRESBYTER
The Presbytery of Chicago welcomes new leadership when we gather for the February 14
Assembly meeting. We will install our next
Presbytery Moderator, Elder Gordon Zerkel
(Evanston Northminister). At the same time, we
will celebrate with deep appreciation the faithful,
capable services of outgoing Moderator the Rev.
Lynne Myers and immediate Past-Moderator the
Rev. John McFayden. Persons in other presbytery leadership positions are also beginning or
continuing, and we are thankful for them as well.
I recall the last book in the Bible, The
Revelation to John, at this time of new beginnings. It is especially inspirational this year as we re-align
the Presbytery’s structures, processes, and resources in a
newly adopted mission strategy for 2006-10. The following
excerpt from Revelation speaks of God’s loving presence and
the strong hope we have in God’s love.
Robert C. Reynolds
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven
Staff generosity
The staff of Chicago Presbytery decided to forego the traditional
gift exchange at their Christmas party and give to a disasteraffected family instead. The staff contributions totaled $1325!
Rev. Deb Roberts, Coordinator of the Presbytery Disaster
Recovery and Response Team, identified a blended family of 14
from Metairie, LA to benefit from the staff’s generosity. This
town on the outskirts of New Orleans sustained a great deal of
wind and flood damage. People were forced from their homes
and businesses. It was weeks before they could return to the area.
This family is now living with relatives in a FEMA trailer.
The prospects for work and repair of their home are not
promising. The family is known to members of Naperville
and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.
And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out
of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her
husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,
‘See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with
them as their God; they will be his peoples, and God himself
will be with them; he will wipe every tear from their eyes.
Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be
no more, for the first things have passed away.’”
“During 2006 we make new beginnings
in leadership and mission, shaping our
common life in the light of our vision for
the future.”
Let us pray that God makes a home in our world in the coming
years, conveying a clear sense of God’s love among us and our
hope renewed. We must act boldly, trusting we can discern
God’s will while launching our mission in three inter-related
directions to Empower Leaders, Develop Congregations, and
Advance Justice. During 2006 we make new beginnings in
leadership and mission, shaping our common life in the light
of our future vision, “Chicago Presbytery—a beacon of hope
guiding leaders, congregations, and communities.”
Knox through the Rev. Tom Oler, former pastor of Lumen
Christi Presbyterian, formerly in Naperville. Oler’s church
has a pre-school and there is an elementary school across the
street with families that the church has supported.
Gifts and gift cards were purchased for the family and delivered before Christmas by Julie Mildrum, a member of Knox
Naperville who has a sister from New Orleans. Julie’s husband, a commercial airline pilot, flew all the boxes of gifts to
New Orleans at no cost. There was great joy in being the
bearer of these gifts. The mother of the large family declared
it a miracle. Christmas had come from far away from friends
in Christ they had never known.
Presbytery staff also takes a regular collection for the CentsAbility hunger campaign – donating “pocket change.” In
2005, their contributions totaled $120.
OUR COMMON MINISTRY is published six times a year by the Presbytery Council’s Communications Work
Group of the Presbytery of Chicago, the regional governing body of the Presbyterian Church in Lake, Cook, and DuPage Counties.
Robert C. Reynolds
Geraldine Parker
Simeon D. Carson
Gustavo Vasquez
Executive Editor
Managing Editor
Graphic Design
Spanish Translator
Contributors
Phyllis Beattie, Glenna Elvery, Nadine McBeth,
Gale Morgan-Williams and Joseph Pixler
OUR COMMON MINISTRY
100 S. Morgan
Chicago, IL 60607
Ph. (312) 243-8300
Fax. (312) 243-8409
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.chicagopresbytery.org
Next Issue: April 2006
Deadline for copy: February 27, 2006
OCM invites comments, questions and stories from our readers. Please direct your letters to the Editor, Ms. Gerry Parker
at [email protected]. Thank you. We look forward to hearing from you.
2
Disaster Relief update
Response and Recovery
They are being called “The Twisted Sisters” in the Gulf States
– Katrina, Rita and Wilma. Katrina struck the Gulf Coast of
Louisiana and Mississippi with an unprecedented fury on
August 29, 2005. For 12 hours a Category 4 storm battered
whatever was in its path with winds and waves and storm
surges that defied human imagination with its power,
unleashing wanton destruction. Volumes have and will be
written about Katrina, followed three weeks later by
Hurricane Rita in Texas and Louisiana. And let’s not forget
Wilma which, along with Rita, battered the coasts of Florida.
Devastated area
“Nothing can prepare you for the extent of devastation and the
impact upon human lives and community,” reports Deb
Roberts after a tour of Louisiana, Mississippi and Eastern
Florida, “not the remarkable hours of live television nor the
thousands of heart breaking pictures. To see it firsthand only
intimates at the long-reaching effects and the supremely difficult task of rebuilding.” Our POC disaster response coordinator goes on to say that there is nothing to compare it to in
American history. The entire city of New Orleans, which is the
fourth largest port in the world, came to a complete and unlivable standstill for weeks. Historic regions of Mississippi
became slabs of cement and broken forests of debris. Florida
– mostly forgotten – sought to rebuild yet again. Refugee
populations who resettled there lost everything all over again.
David Bebb Jones was part of a group that signed up with
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and was assigned to work
with Westminster Presbyterian Church in Gulfport, MS. For
five days, they “mucked out” homes and cleared debris from
their yards. He talked with a FEMA Inspector, living in his
van, who said there are over a million applications for aid.
He meets with each homeowner to assess the need. Dave
writes, “We helped a few people in 12 homes among the
thousands, perhaps a million, in need. It demonstrated that
this enormous effort is being accomplished very slowly and
mostly by church volunteers. There are many commercial
contracts for the massive cleanup, but the individual homes
are done by volunteers.”
Stephanie Friant writes, “New Orleans was devastated. The
city and surrounds were changed in an instant.
Neighborhoods were flattened, people have dispersed to
other areas of the country, social systems have disintegrated,
basic services are minimal at best, and no one on the federal
and city levels is really in charge. How could I be on a mission trip to a city where only a short time ago I left from
there to go on a mission trip somewhere else? How could
this city, once vibrant, positive and basking in a rich cultural
history, be so depressed, doubting and wondering if there is
a future? How could so little have been done in three
months?” Stephanie is a McCormick Seminary student,
whose home is in New Orleans, and who was part of a
Presbytery-sponsored work trip in December 2005.
The McCormick Theological Seminary New Orleans Work
Trip participated in St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church’s
Rebuilding Hope in New
Orleans program (RHINO).
They spent two days helping
Berean Presbyterian church set
up a Household Item Pantry
and emptied out a churchowned apartment where the
tenants were not returning. For
three days they worked on gutting two homes. Both homes
had been flooded twice.
Disaster Response and Recovery team members
Elder Rena Hatcher (Knox Naperville)
Everything had to be removed.
Coordinator Deb Roberts, and Robin Jones, team
The mold was everywhere.
member and pastor, Tinley Park Faith United
Water had seeped into every
crevice. Memories were added to the curbside pile along with
soggy carpets and spoiled food. “As many told us,” writes
Stephanie, “our actions may be drops in a bucket, but we have
to do something, we have to get started somewhere.”
Presbytery’s Disaster Response and Recovery Team
That has been the challenge for Presbytery’s Disaster Response
and Recovery Team. How to get started, and where to begin?
The generosity of Chicago Presbytery churches contributed to
the development of the Volunteer Villages and supported the
salaries of hundreds of affected church workers. Trips are
now scheduled to these areas in continued effort to support
the work of the Volunteer Villages and the churches in these
affected communities. Five such trips have been scheduled –
one each month. To organize or participate in a Work/Mission
Trip, contact Deb Roberts (630) 355-8181 ext 106 or PDA Call
Center (866) 732-6121.
A brochure is being prepared, giving guidelines such as
“What to Expect” and “What to Bring” for work trip participants. A Web page on the Presbytery of Chicago Website gives
the latest news, service opportunities, bulletin inserts, application forms, and links to other helpful sites. Learn what
churches are doing by reading stories posted on the Web page.
Continues on Back Page.
3
“Develop Congregations” – News of our churches
ROCK on the Ropes
Junior High youth from Naperville River Glen “rock on the
ropes” each fall. For the past two years, ROCK, the name of
the youth group, enjoyed a natural high on Great Oaks
Camp’s High and Low
Ropes courses.
During this two and a half
day event, students are
challenged mentally and
physically. For some students, this is their first
time spending more than
one night away from
home, while others have
never had a
Students learn to trust
camping/cabin experience.
After camp, every student feels that they learned something
about themselves and a lot about each other.
Students and leaders alike participate in the low ropes initiatives. These initiatives assist students in their trust for one
another, their teamwork abilities, and their lead/follow gifts.
Group leaders participate in these initiatives with the students but are asked not to give advice, or assist students in
any way. Following the students’ lead proves to be a challenge
for most, but in the end, the team work and bonds that form
between students are worth the effort.
Being belayed high above the ground and having faith in only
the harness around their waist and many cables strung
through trees is another element that challenges the students
to learn to trust in something they know little about. It is a
great parallel for their continued walk with Christ.
All students are encouraged to begin or end their high ropes
adventure with the zip line. After climbing between trees,
swinging upside down, and swaying on single cables, students
climb to the top of one of the highest trees to begin their decent
on the zip line. “One, Two, Three” is all it takes for most, but for
others, prayers, tears, and a bit of gentle persuasion are what
they need to take the leap off a platform built for two.
With these adventures, engaging lessons about the love of
Christ, and our fellowship with Him, make this a weekend to
remember. When the next year rolls around, as early as
January, students begin asking, “We’re going to Great Oaks
again aren’t we??” From this kind of response, we’re glad to
say, “Of course!”
SOS — Sleep Out Saturday
4
On a cold, wet, rainy night in November, Wheaton First
hosted participants in Sleep Out Saturday. The event raised
over $65,000 for Bridge Communities, a non-profit organization based in Glen Ellyn that works to: inspire and effect
change by advocating for homeless families; provide services
and opportunities that connect families to a better future;
collaborate with faith-based partners, community groups
and businesses to leverage resources and create long-term
solutions; and lead by example through an innovative
program and grassroots involvement.
Youth from Wheaton First and other churches participated.
These young people got a glimpse of what if feels like to be
homeless and sleep outside in shelters made out of tents,
cardboard boxes and tarps. Some participants slept in cars.
The event included a rally at the College of DuPage, a program
about homelessness, and an opportunity for participants to
journal their observations and reflections on the experience.
People often think of homelessness as an inner city issue. According to one suburban newspaper, however, almost 48,000 people
in DuPage County used homeless prevention services in 2005.
For more information, visit www.bridgecommunities.org.
ICE and Hope
Are you participating in the ICE program? Recently created by
an emergency responder, ICE encourages everyone to program
an I.C.E. – In Case of Emergency- contact number into their
cell phone to make it easier for emergency personnel to identify whom to call on your behalf in an accident or emergency.
The Pastoral Care Committee at Wheaton Hope goes beyond
this. They maintain a Family Emergency Contact List in the
church office. The list provides a means of contacting specified
family members or close friends for members when an emergency situation leaves an individual personally unable to contact the people they would like notified of the situation. When
appropriate, the office staff contacts those on a person’s list.
Participation is voluntary, and names and contact information
are not used for any other purpose. The program is particularly
helpful for those living alone or with out-of-town family.
Affordable Toys for Sale
Like it or not, the “reason for the season” gets drowned out
for some families by the financial pressure that comes from
our society’s emphasis on gifts at Christmas. Downers Grove
First has a thoughtful and creative solution to this financial
challenge for families who don’t want to accept handouts, but
who are grateful for
the opportunity to
make their limited
funds go further than
would otherwise be
possible. The congregation collected
new and “as new”
toys and games, and
held a toy sale early
in December. Toys
Toy shopper gets assistance
were sold at prices
ranging from 50 cents to $2.00. Free gift-wrapping and babysitting services were provided, and shoppers enjoyed hot
chocolate and cookies while they shopped.
“Develop Congregations” – News of our churches
About 500 “gently used” toys were collected and nearly $350
in receipts donated to the church’s Walk-In Ministry. Items
left over after the sale were donated to Toy Express
Children’s Charity.
Biblical Storytelling awakes and
engages
“Stay Awake, because you never know when the time will
come!” (Mark 13). Her arm unfolds, her open hand sweeps
outstretched, her stance firm, Dr. Tracy Radosevic expresses
Jesus’s mid-Holy-Week storytelling climax to his disciples,
that signs of the times surpass the beauty of Jerusalem’s religious buildings. Radosevic is Editor of the bulletin of NOBS
(Network of Biblical Storytellers www.nobs.org).
Mosque in Morton Grove
Morton Grove Community joined with the Muslims in
breaking ground for their Mosque. On November 11, Pastor
R. Michael Winters, together with other interfaith leaders
were guests of the Muslim Education
Center on this auspicious occasion for
Morton Grove and Islam.
The Mosque proposal had been quite
controversial in Morton Grove.
Members of Morton Grove Community
Church and other leaders in the interfaith community in Morton Grove
stood arm and arm with the Muslim
Education Center. The Muslims were
persistent and held fast to their values of
charity and justice throughout the entire
contested process.
Rev. Michael Winters, pastor of
Morton Grove Community at
groundbreaking
The groundbreaking was a wonderful day of celebration with
many speakers, including Congresswoman Jan Schakowski.
Taize worship
Participants engaged by storytelling
Members of Northlake Trinity were engaged by her movements and her voice as it radiated at the November weekend
Biblical Storytelling Festival there. Through her skillful
interplay, the Biblical stories themselves unleash the life
that, for three millennia, attract people today.
Trinity’s Pastor Rev. Jim Shiflett, doctoral candidate for
Biblical Storytelling and Spiritual Transformation, and
Radosevic led twenty-nine people developing their skills in
storytelling of their own life stories and in particular Biblical
narratives. Living expositions, thus experiencing grace
directly, surpassed abstract ideas and dull dogma by
exposing the dynamic life inside the Bible’s covers.
Storytelling engages people’s experiences. Touching the
emotions of Biblical persons, especially non-verbally, such
as multi-media, moves people’s feelings. The Festival highlighted storytelling’s effectiveness in worship, education and
impacting community.
Grants from Chicago Presbytery’s Empower Leaders MPLT
and the Synod of Lincoln Trails’ Biblical Literacy program
funded this event, which was jointly sponsored by Trinity
and Berkeley Hillside. Other churches in the Presbytery have
expressed the desire to sponsor more Biblical Storytelling
events. Rev. Jim Shiflett and Dr. Radosevic can be reached
through [email protected], 847-455-5545 or
630-852-6752.
Jim Shiflett and Chuck Yopst contributed to this story
Park Forest Calvary United Protestant is offering Taize-style
worship for the south suburbs. The service, offering a time of
quiet contemplation including song, scripture and prayers, is
held at 7:30 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of each month.
Foot-stompin’ enthusiasm
“With foot-stompin’ enthusiasm and joy, Chicago
Cornerstone celebrated its 3rd anniversary in November,”
says Elder Reginald Williams. The church is a merger of two
former Chicago churches: Roseland and South Shore.
The celebration worship service centered on the theme
“Building From Our Past, In the Present, For the Future.”
The Rev. Alvin Bridges, founding pastor of Cornerstone, and
former moderator of Chicago Presbytery, is committed to
moving and grooming Cornerstone for the future.
During the three-day celebration, sermons were given by the
Rev. Thomas Jackson, pastor of The New Original Church of
God in Christ and the Rev. Marty Gool, pastor of Chicago
Chatham Bethlehem. Choirs of both churches participated,
as well as the Interfaith Choir of Valparaiso, IN.
Cornerstone’s Liturgical Praise Dancer performed.
Cornerstone provides many services for the community and
is the headquarters of the Presbytery’s Associated Urban
Ministries (AUM) and the Racial Ethnic Youth Leadership
Camp (REYLC).
5
“Advance Justice” – Mission Stories
Cuba partnerships revisited
Eighteen travelers from nine congregations of the Presbytery
of Chicago traveled to Cuba in November to strengthen existing church-to-church partnerships and establish new ones.
They traveled under a license granted by the U.S.
Department of Treasury to the POC. The trip marked the
sixth anniversary of the partnership between the POC and
Presbytery of Havana.
This trip held some unique
features. Several travelers
were delayed when going
through Customs. The others
waited several hours for them
outside the terminal and had
the opportunity to witness
tearful reunions of a number
of Cuban families whose travel
has been severely curtailed as
Muscle from the Presbyteries of Havana and a result of political differences
Chicago combine to clear a lot for a community between the U.S. and Cuban
governments.
garden in San Antonio, Cuba
Another unique feature of the trip’s format allowed the group
from POC churches with existing partnerships to visit other
churches within the Presbytery of Havana and see their vitality amidst tough economic conditions. First Havana was
home base for all travelers the first two days which included
a morning visit to the Evangelical Theological Seminary in
Matanzas, (co founded by the Presbyterian Church).
For the second part of the trip, those from POC churches
with Cuban partner churches split off from the group and
stayed with their partners for several days of projects that
ranged from concerts to special worship gatherings.
In the third part, members of the group from churches without partnerships were able to stay at other churches around
Havana and participate in their mission projects, including
development of a community garden at one church, as well as
Sunday services.
All travelers reunited the final night in Havana for a meeting
to reflect on their experiences. They also met the two baseball teams sponsored by First Havana, a neighborhood youth
outreach program that symbolized how well the Cuba church
has maintained its relevancy in a challenging environment.
Besides winning a number of trophies for their on-field triumphs, the team members also testified to the importance of
Christian values in their lives.
While the Presbytery of Chicago license expired Nov. 30, the
Cuba Partnership Mission Team has assisted at least one
local church’s successful effort to obtain a travel license for
its own use and thus ensured the continuation of the relationship between the Presbyteries of Chicago and Havana.
For partnership updates, contact Mission Team Moderator
Muriel Miller, [email protected].
6
This trip included representatives from Elmhurst, Glen
Ellyn Southminster, Arlington Heights Southminster,
Chicago Fourth, Chicago First, Highland Park, Palatine,
Evergreen Park and Oak Park Fair Oaks
Cuban Distance Learning
On World Communion Sunday, members and friends of
Clarendon Hills Community joined hearts and minds with
Christian brothers and sisters in Cuba. Daniel Izquierdo, pastor of Clarendon Hills’s sister church in San Antonio, Cuba,
has written a Bible study in Spanish and English for the
churches to share. After a simple Cuban meal and discussion
of the church’s connections with the Cuban people, John Vest
led a study of 2 Corinthians 6:1-2. Participants were asked to
reflect on the study. At the church in Cuba, members were
also asked to write their reflections on the study. The churches then exchanged these reflections by mail.
Multifaceted trip to Guatemala
Members of Orland Park recently completed a mission trip in
Zacapa, Guatemala with 70 other volunteers. The trip was
organized by Hearts in Motion, based in Highland, IN, whose
mission focus is
Central America.
In Zacapa, five
groups handled a
variety of assignments including
general dentistry,
Bible school, a
general medicine
clinic, EMT training and construcGuatemalan children received dental care
tion. The three
from Orland Park participated in all of the assigned areas. A
highlight of the week was administering dental care to 1,000
children and then providing them with vitamins, toothpaste,
clothing and necklaces the church had made. “The communities were touched by our work and we were inspired,” says one
member of the Orland Park group.
Hands-on mission
Wildwood Presbyterian Church sent a mission team to El
Amaton, El Salvador, a rural village on the slopes of a volcano
on the Guatemalan border. Six church members went to help
build a three-room addition to the school in El Amaton, where
Wildwood member Megan Gregory is a Peace Corps volunteer.
Megan grew up at Wildwood and is a veteran of mission trips
in the youth group there. Her faith and commitment to
social justice led her to join the Peace Corps as an agroforestry volunteer in El Salvador. When Megan learned of the
critical need for additional classrooms, she notified her
church family.
“Advance Justice” – Mission Stories
Wildwood, with help from Megan’s network of family and
friends, quickly raised the $6600 needed to build the addition. The families of the schoolchildren were volunteering
their labor to build their school, and Wildwood decided to
join them. They decided a hands-on approach was a great
addition to their financial support.
The mission team helped the parents with the footings,
foundation and the beginning of the brick walls on the project which is being accomplished completely by manual labor.
They will never forget the beautiful children and the warm,
generous response of the people of El Amaton.
In other news, youth from Wildwood took their annual summer mission trip to Washington D.C. in July. Forty-nine
youth and ten adults spent a week at Capitol Hill Presbyterian
Church and worked with various community service agencies, including the nation’s largest shelter for homeless people. They returned to a Sunday worship celebration of ten
years of youth mission trips to places such as Kentucky,
South Dakota, and New Mexico. Part of the fun was a reunion
of mission trippers from the last ten years
Partners in hunger relief
The Hunger Mission Team (HMT) announces that three new
covenant partners joined the team in the past year. They are
Jubilee Economic Ministries (JEM), and the Sessions of
Oaklawn Community and
Cicero Warren Park. The
Hunger Mission Team
(HMT) is particularly excited about the unique contribution of JEM’s members
Pam and Lan Richart.
Meet Jubilee Economics
Ministries - A Covenanting
Partner with the Hunger
Lan Richart promotes benefits of Fair Mission Team! Pam and
Trade Coffee to visitors at local church Lan Richart of JEM are
active members of the
Hunger Mission Team. They have brought to the table vitality and a refreshing commitment to core biblical values.
JEM’s stated core beliefs are in the wisdom and practice of
the biblical Sabbath-Jubilee in today’s world. They also
believe that people of faith and conscience have both a
choice and a responsibility to sustain life rather than destroy
it through the current practices of economic systems that
dominate the global economy.
JEM’s roots are right here in Chicago, where this not-forprofit corporation was founded by the Rev. Lee Van Ham and
his wife, Juanita Mangan Van-Ham. Lee is the former pastor
of Wheaton Hope and member of the HMT predecessor, the
Presbytery Hunger Program. Lee and Juanita currently live
in San Diego, California, where they continue to work with
JEM to promote alternatives that create economic justice.
JEM and Fair Trade
The work of Jubilee Economics Ministries includes education for churches about the importance of buying fairly-traded products. Fair Trade expresses the Sabbath-Jubilee values, which ensure that workers and the land will be treated
justly and kindly. Fair Trade also provides a market-based
approach to sustainable development that links consumers
directly with producers, which
reduces the number of levels in the
distribution chain. As a result, a
greater share of revenue gets in the
hands of small-scale farmers. Fair
Trade Certified™ products include
coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate bars,
bananas and other fruits.
Is Your Church a Fair Trade
Church?
One of the first things a congregation can do is to serve fair trade coffee and tea on Sunday mornings. If
you are not yet doing this, Pam and
Lan can help connect you with a Fair
Trade coffee cooperative. But there is so much more. Ask
Pam and Lan to come to your church to talk about Fair Trade
and the impact of our consumer choices on people and our
planet. Take our congregational audit with them. Together,
explore the key question: “What does our faith have to do
with what we buy?”
You can reach the Richarts at 773.989.3346 or
[email protected]. Visit the JEM website at
www.jubilee4justice.org to learn more about Jubilee
Economics Ministries.
The Hunger Mission Team continues to fund hunger agencies feeding the hungry in a variety of ways with grants. HMT
is able to make these grants because of the generous gifts of
Presbyterians to the Presbytery authorized Cents-ability
Offering. The criteria for funding and its funding application have been updated for use by not-for-profit organizations fighting hunger. These forms are available from the
Presbytery Office (call Bonita Gilchrist) and have recently
been sent to all pastors.
The PC (USA) 2006 Mission Yearbook for Prayer and
Study, “From Age to Age” is a good resource for congregations and individuals interested in learning about
and supporting our denomination’s mission efforts.
Presbytery of Chicago page is 284. There is also a
Children's Mission Yearbook for prayer and study.
Chicago Presbytery is named on pages 34 and 84.
Title for that is also "From Age to Age."
7
“Empower Ministry” – News of the Presbytery, Work Groups and Mission Teams
Presbytery problem solving
After several years of transition, the Presbytery’s Business
Affairs department begins 2006 as a more efficient and
responsive operation. Business Affairs staff looks forward to
being able to generate current, meaningful financial information for any entity of the Presbytery at any given time.
To accomplish this, a number of major steps have been taken:
• New staff was hired in 2005 with a goal to improve the
Presbytery’s stewardship of assets and its service and support to congregations, missions and programs.
• An exhaustive audit of finances and records helped staff
discern problems, make corrections and strategize ways in
which the Presbytery can better respond to its constant and
changing business needs and responsibilities.
• An accounting software conversion has been implemented
and the computing system converted or enhanced.
The Information Systems Work Group was responsible for
upgrading the technological infrastructure of the Presbytery
office. A new robust server was installed and the network
operating system was converted from Novell to Microsoft
Server. Storage capacity was substantially increased as well
as providing faster network operations. At the desktop, six
new computers were installed and others were upgraded to
Windows XP Professional operating system. Additionally at
the desktop, the e-mail software was converted from
GroupWise to Outlook and the Microsoft Office suite of
productivity software was upgraded to the current release.
“Business Affairs staff looks forward to being
able to generate current, meaningful financial
information for any entity of the Presbytery at
any given time.”
The advantages from these changes include:
• The project enables the implementation of the new
Accounting System scheduled for the first quarter of this year.
• All personnel are now using the same version of software
facilitating easier sharing of information.
• Commonly used resources – such as conference rooms, presentation equipment, etc. – will be centrally scheduled.
• Office personnel can now access their Presbytery e-mail
from outside the office.
• The entire infrastructure can be managed remotely by the
outside support organization facilitating faster resolution of
problems and ensuring the environment is operating at
optimal efficiency.
Goals for 2006 include streamlining accounting and other
business functions to provide prompt service to all, assessing
opportunities for better stewardship in risk management
and cost-sharing, and developing relationships with the various entities of the Presbytery to reflect and enhance the
connected nature of our Church.
8
Tasks will include a comprehensive listing of churches,
manses and other properties, working with Mission Priority
Leadership Teams to identify needs and develop proactive
partnerships and solutions, and continuing to provide guidance to congregations in a wide range of business matters.
Inspired by the Parable of the Talents, the Presbytery’s
Business Affairs Work Group will seek ways to care for and
channel our many gifts so that our missions and ministries
can return blessings ten-fold. The Work Group invites congregations to contact them with any questions, and they will
provide or help you find whatever business assistance you
may need.
Article provided by John Coughlin, Director of Business Affairs
and Chip Kyle, Moderator of Information Systems Work Group
Significant issues debated
Following are highlights from the December 13 Presbytery
Assembly meeting, held at Park Ridge Presbyterian Church:
There were two pre-Presbytery meetings: one on church facility
maintenance, presented by the Property Ministries Team, and
the other on an overture to remove provision G-6.0106b from
the Book of Order, proposed by five congregations in the
Presbytery. The latter was debated and voted on at the
Assembly. There was also a Mission Fair, which ran continuously throughout the Assembly time. (See photos on back page).
Worship featured a Powerpoint presentation of beautiful
pictures illustrating the words to hymns sung and an inspiring sermon by Rev.
Joy Douglas Strome.
The offering collected for Shared
Mission Support
totaled $2097. Over
one hundred dollars
was received through
the Cents-Ability
Barbara Bundick presents Golden Scribe
Hunger donations.
Award to Cindy Clark.
Executive Presbyter: Robert Reynolds called attention to the
fact that the Assembly was held on the 1,000th day of the Iraq
war. He also lifted up celebrations held recently in some of
the racial-ethnic congregations of the Presbytery, including
Chicago Cornerstone, Pine Avenue, Pullman and Vida
Nueva. He reminded commissioners that the PC(USA) is
committed to a two-state solution in the Middle East, as the
Assembly considered overtures regarding Peace and Justice
in the Israel-Palestine.
Stated Clerk: Janet Wilson reminded congregations that it
was time to submit Session minutes for approval. She
reviewed the membership of Presbytery’s Permanent
Judicial Commission. Elder Robert Foster was thanked for
his years of service to the Presbytery in the Constitutional
Procedure Committee. The Golden Scribe Award was presented by Rev. Barbara Bundick to Cindy Clark, Evanston
Northminster for the best work on Session minutes.
“Empower Ministry” – News of the Presbytery, Work Groups and Mission Teams
Presbytery Council reports:
Business Affairs presented motions to approve several loans
and to accept the 2004 Audit and Management Letter. A
motion to direct Des Plaines First to reimburse the
Presbytery for its payment of a property tax bill was extracted
and replaced with one that deferred repayment until the
appeal was resolved, due to the church’s financial contraints.
Motions were approved.
Budget Work Group received approval of a motion to continue the 2005 Expense Operation Budget through April 30,
2006 at which time more up-to-date information about
2004 and 2005 financial outcomes will be available.
History and Archives
Work Group presented
framed lithographs of
four 19th century
Presbyterian churches
and introduced Cecilia
Cooper, the donor.
They also reminded
the Assembly that
2008 is the 175th
Cecilia Cooper, donor of the lithographs, is pictured with Rev. Bill
anniversary of the
Presbyterian Church in Langdon, member of the History and
Archives Work Group.
Chicago and requested
that churches work on compiling their own histories.
Ecumenical and Inter-religious Work Group presented three
overtures to the Assembly for consideration: One affirming the
action of the 216th General Assembly for a process of phased,
selective divestment and an amended one affirming the efforts
of the Mission Responsibility Through Investment Committee
(MRTI) but removing the perceived threat of divestment.
Presbyters were asked to vote on one or the other overture. The
vote was a tie, so the matter was tabled for further consideration
at the February Assembly. The third overture requested that
should any PC(USA) funds be divested as a result of the MRTI
Transitions
PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY
Enrolled as Inquirers Under Care:
• Jessica Corlett, Chicago Fourth
• Rebecca Montgomery, Homewood First
Enrolled as Canidate Under Care:
• James McAuley, Evanston First
• Amy Pagliarella, Chicago Fourth
• David Sanchez, Skokie Carter-Westminster
United
• Traci Smith, Glen Ellyn Southminster
Examined and Approved for Ordination:
• Laura Cheifetz, to Coordinator of AADVENT, McCormick Theological Seminary
• Priscilla Wilkins Stevens, to Health Care
Chaplain, the Moorings, Arlington Heights
process, the proceeds be reinvested in peaceful pursuits in
Israel, the West Bank and Gaza. This overture passed and will
be forwarded to the 217th General Assembly. This was one of
the two significant debates at the December Assembly.
Staff Personnel Work Group thanked retiring staff member Betty
McGinnis with testimonies from many of the groups she has
staffed during her years of service. Among them was Phyllis Beattie,
representing Nurture Community Mission Priority Leadership
Team, who demonstrated some of the ways Betty has been helpful.
Committee on Ministry presented names of Interim
Pastors, Temporary Supply/Moderators and Stated
Supply/Moderators for
approval. Other actions are
listed in Transitions below.
All were approved.
Committee on Nominations
presented a proposed slate of
nominees for Commissioners
to the 217th General Assembly
and introduced Moderatorelect candidate Rev. Don
Register, who was elected
Phyllis Beattie acting out calls to Betty
unanimously.
McGinnis
for help, and Betty sharing her
Committee on Preparation for
experiences
on
staff and expressing gratitude.
Ministry presented several outstanding persons in preparation for the Ministry of Word
and Sacrament. See Transitions below. All were approved.
The second significant discussion concerned the Overture to
the 217th General Assembly to remove provision G-6.0106b
from the Book of Order. The overture was approved by a vote
of 142-50.
Advance Justice MPLT, (formerly Cultivate Community
MPLT) called on Rev. Deb Roberts, Coordinator of the
Disaster Response and Recovery Team, to report on the work
of the team. See report on page three.
COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY
Arrivals:
• The Rev. Erica Schemper, from Christian
Reformed Church in North America, to
PC(USA), as Pastoral Resident, Chicago
Fourth.
• The Rev. Christine Wenderoth, from
Presbytery of Genesee Valley, as Director of
the JKM Library and Associate Professor of
Ministry, McCormick Theological Seminary.
Departures:
• The Rev. Lynne Barger-Elliot to Lake
Michigan Presbytery as Member at Large.
• The Rev. Christine Marie Conrath to
Presbytery of Charlotte as AEP for Pastoral
Care.
• The Rev. Steven Koski, from LaGrange
First, to Presbytery of Cascades as pastor,
First Presbyterian Church, Bend, Oregon.
• The Rev. Lauri Keller Schroeder, to
Blackhawk Presbytery as pastor, St. Anne
Presbyterian Church, St. Anne, Illinois.
• The Rev. Heather Shoup to the Presbytery
of Minnesota Valleys, as Interim Pastor,
Hope Presbyterian Church, Spicer, MN.
• The Rev. David Aja Sigmon, to Presbytery
of New York City, as Pastor, Fourth Avenue
Presbyterian Church, Brooklyn, NY
Changes within the Presbytery:
• The Rev. Daniel Imo to Temporary Supply,
Chicago Sixth Grace
• The Rev. Fred J. Powell, to Labor Outside
the Bounds in Providence Presbytery as pastoral supply to two congregations, Fishing
Creek and Uriel Presbyterian Churches
• The Rev. Kris Ronnow, to Moderator,
Riverside.
Retirements:
• The Rev. Lawrence J. Rich
9
“Empower Ministry” – News of the Presbytery, Work Groups and Mission Teams
Giving thanks
The Presbytery’s Stewardship and Financial Development
Work Group celebrates the faithful stewardship of our
churches. At press time, our Shared Mission Support
receipts total $1,169,398, only $80,600 short of our budgeted goal! Of our 107 churches (including new church development Wicker Park Grace), 71 sent in pledges, totaling
$1,066,466. Of the 36 churches who did not submit a pledge,
22 of them have contributed which explains why the receipts
exceed the pledges. The budget was $1,250,000. If all the
churches completed their pledges, we could likely meet our
budget goal!
The mission programs and resources of the Presbytery
depend on the support of the churches. With gratitude, the
Presbytery acknowledges these churches who have faithfully
contributed to Shared Mission Support.
Together we can do more
Rethinking Childhood
The educators of the Presbytery gathered in December at
Oak Park Fair Oaks to learn about recent research on childhood today. The Rev. Dr. Eileen W. Lindner, Deputy General
Secretary for Research and Planning for the National Council
of churches of Christ
in the U.S.A. was the
featured speaker.
Dr. Lindner is a
Presbyterian Minister
and author of books
and articles on child
advocacy, most
notably When Churches
Mind the Children. She
Educators gathered: Back row; Treyva Estler, Deb
shared many stories
Helms, Betty McGinnis, Lynn Nuzzo, Phyllis Green.
and research facts
Front row: Terry Jackson, Eileen Lindner, Cyndi Frost about children and
youth, and how childhood today differs from other periods in the history of the
United States. In one story Lindner told, a child was quoted
as saying, “My mother thinks that my dad is lost – but he has
died and went to God”.
The issues and problems that youth face today, such as eating
disorders, societal violence and suicides, impact families
within our churches. Church leaders need to “rethink childhood” to be better prepared to meet their needs. The event
was sponsored by the Empower Ministry MPLT.
Help for property problems
The Property Ministries Team (PMT) presented “A Year In The
Care of Church Facilities” as a December Pre-presbytery
event. Members from about a dozen churches participated.
10
The Power-point presentation covered planning for
emergency, annual and long-range facility needs. It will be
repeated in an expanded format in the March LEAD morning
workshop at Wheaton First. Planning is in process for an afternoon session on other administrative challenges facing churches.
The tragic destruction of the Pilgrim Baptist Church January
7 by a fire reportedly triggered by an open-flame-adhered
roofing repair process is a reminder to all of us who have
churches with wooden roof decks and framing to use caution
when contracting for new or repairs to roofing. Pilgrim
Baptist was a landmark Adler Sullivan structure originally
designed for the KAM Israel congregation where Adler’s
father was Rabbi. An anchor institution and a part of the
religious and cultural heart of the Bronzeville community
lost its home.
Article submitted by Robert A. Hutchins, Moderator of PMT. He
can be contacted at Tel/fax: 773-348-6216 or [email protected].
Women in leadership
Presbyterian Women in the Presbytery of Chicago held their
Fall Gathering at Chicago Fourth, continuing the theme,
Tending the Flame – Women Called to Lead. The spring gathering celebrated the Ordination of Women to the Ministry of
Word and Sacrament. The fall gathering celebrated the ordination of women as Deacons and Elders, by recognizing the
First Woman Elder and First Woman Deacon ordained in
each of our congregations.
A list of the First Woman Elder and First Woman Deacon in
each congregation was compiled by Rev. Cossy Ksander. The
program included a panel of First Woman Elders and Deacons
sharing the stories of how they came to be ordained, and the
challenges they faced as new leaders. Panel members were
Lena Novencido (Elder, Chicago Faith Community), Shin
Kim (Elder, Evergreen), and Margaret Hatfield (Deacon,
Evanston First), with Ruby Brown (Chicago Crerar
Memorial) as moderator. Also part of the morning program
was a presentation on the Horizons Bible Study 2005-2006 by
the author, the Rev. Dr. Kathleen Bostrom.
Women’s Near North Healthy Heart Program was the Fall
2005 mission project. Terrill Stumpf (Director of the Center
for Whole Health, Chicago Fourth) brought thanks for the
$10,000 grant they received from the 2004 PW Thank
Offering and Lola A. Coke, Clinical Nurse Specialist and
Manager with the Near North Healthy Heart Program,
explained how the program reaches out to underserved
women in the Near North neighborhood with a variety of
counseling, support, planning and testing services.
Worship meditation, Some Women Who Saved the Day, by the
Rev. Dr. Martha Page Greene concluded the gathering.
The Church in the Community
Presbyterian Camp News
Campers from Orland Park worship on the shores of Lake Michigan
New Camps Planned for the Summer of 2006
• Music Camp, a chorus and music camp for campers who
have completed grades 4 -7 will be held July 9-15 and will
feature a concert for parents and friends.
• Girl Power, for girls who have completed grades 6-8, will
include stories about girls who aspire to leadership positions
in today’s world, and in the Bible. This camp is scheduled
for July 16-22.
• Ropes, Rocks & Rivers, for campers who have completed
grades 6-8, is an adventure camp which includes the ropes
course, climbing wall, kayaking on Lake Michigan, and
canoeing on the Kalamazoo River.
Volunteers Wanted
If you are interested in volunteering as a counselor at camp
this summer, please call for an application. We are looking
for adults with experience in working with youth. A criminal
background check and training are required.
Summer Camp brochures are now available. If you would
like one, please call the camps at 1-800-728-1164 or e-mail
us at [email protected]. If you are planning your own
retreat, a special brochure is available. Would you like a visit
at your church? Give us a call and we’ll see if we can stop by
for a Sunday service or a special church event.
SEE YOU AT SAUGATUCK!
Article submitted by David Johnston, Camp Director
Higgins Scholarships awarded
The Higgins Scholarship Committee of the Presbytery of
Chicago awarded 59 scholarships for the 2005-2006 academic year, totaling $74,400. The Higgins Scholarship was
established to benefit seminary students, with preference
given to students from McCormick Theological Seminary and
the Presbytery of Chicago who are pursuing the Master of
Divinity degree. The Higgins Scholarship Committee is a
covenant partner of Advance Justice MPLT.
This year’s recipients are:
MASTER’S LEVEL:
McCormick Theological Seminary
• Jorge Betancourt, Laura Crim, Nayoung Ha, Allison Hales,
Hardy Kim, Doln Kim, Jamie Kasik-Wasowski, Jorge Montes,
Kathryn Otto, Irene Pak, Beverly Rehfeldt, Betsy Thompson
and Janet Tuma.
Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, GA
• Amy Baer, Karen Fleming, Ryan J. Baer
Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of
Christian Education, Richmond, VA
• Edwin Banasiak, Jarrett McLaughlin, Norma Calvo-Cascante,
and Philip Scalera
Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, NJ
• Christine Davies, Brandon Willett, Deanna Womack, Rebecca
Montgomery, Kristin Willett, and Mathew Wrzeszcz
St. Paul’s Theological College, Kenya, Africa
• Samwel Chir Chir, Daniel Edoyma, Jerono Edna, Elisha Keter,
Apollo Kiriko, Nila Kirui, Jonah Kosgey, Ignitios Malimo, Paul
Mwangi, Jared Nato, James Nderi, Eunice Ngetich, Samwel
Ojiaya, Nathan Shirengo, Edwin Tarus, Noah Togom, Emily
Too, and Joseph Wanyoike
Individual Seminarians:
• Tanya Sadagopan, Christian Theological Seminary,
Indianapolis, IN
• Nathan Chiroma, Dallas Theological Seminary, Dallas, TX
• Kevin Ward, Dayton Theological Seminary, Dayton, OH
Kevin A. Thomas, Pittsburg Theological Seminary, Pittsburg, PA
• Harold Armstrong, San Francisco Theological Seminary, San
Anselmo, CA
• Solomon Kimetto, Kenyan Methodist University, Chepkorio,
Kenya
• Samuel Karoki, Presbyterian College, PCEA, Nairobi, Kenya
• Lackson Mwampashi, Olivet English Language School,
Tanzania, Africa
• Julius Rono, University of Eastern Africa Baraton, Kenya, Africa
• Martin Lunde, University of Edinborough, England
• Ryan Mandeville, Regent College, Vancouver, BC
• Jonathan Warren, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary,
Austin, TX
DOCTORAL LEVEL:
• Daniel Bonilla-Rios, Union Theological Seminary and
Presbyterian School of Christian Education, Richmond, VA
• Joellen Hosler, Chicago Theological Seminary, Chicago, IL
• Daniel Imo, Lutheran School of Theology, Chicago, IL
Coming Events
• Feb. 14, Pre-Presbytery event
• Feb. 14, Presbytery Assembly, Evanston Northminster, 4:00 pm
• Feb. 17-19, Confirmation Weekend, George Williams College
• Mar. 4, Saturday, LEAD: “Called to Serve,” 9 am – 2 pm,
Wheaton First
• Apr. 22, Presbyterian Women’s Spring Gathering
• Apr. 25, Presbytery Assembly, 1:00 pm
• Apr. 29, Learner’s Fest, Chicago Sixth Grace
• June 13, Presbytery Assembly, 4:00 pm
• June 15-22, General Assembly meets in Louisville, KY
• Jun. 23-24, Go A.W.O.L., Summer Mission Project sponsored
by Youth Ministries Team
• July 7-11, Presbyterian Women’s Churchwide Gathering,
Louisville, KY
• Aug. 12, Saturday, Abbreviated Presbytery Assembly, 10:00 am
For more information on these events, call (312) 243-8300
unless otherwise noted.
11
The Church in the Community
Media Relations Annual Report
Our Common Ministry asked Mason Essif to provide an update
on how his services have been effectively used by the
Presbytery of Chicago since his hiring in 2003. Following
are excerpts from his report:
“Reactive” has been the operative
word this past year for Media
Relations at the Presbytery of
Chicago. As Media Relations
Consultant, Mason Essif has spent
most of his time responding to
media inquiries, mainly concerning
the denomination’s controversial
Middle East actions.
When the 2004 General Assembly
passed several overtures regarding
peace in the Middle East, there was
a negative response from the Jewish
community as was seen in editorials
in
the Los Angeles Times and the
Mason Essif, Presbytery Media
Wall
Street Journal. “It took many in
Relations Consultant
the denomination unawares,” Essif
pointed out. For him, the hot-button issue hit closer to home
when reporter Ron Grossman wrote an editorial in the
Sunday edition of the Chicago Tribune early in October
severely criticizing the actions.
Essif worked with Executive Presbyter Robert Reynolds to
coordinate a response to that editorial and the Tribune eventually issued a correction and clarification to Grossman’s
article. In addition, he collaborated with the communications staff at PC(USA) to get a letter to the Tribune’s editor
by Moderator Rick Ufford-Chase published.
Other efforts included working with WTTW Channel 11 to
include Rev. Reynolds in their panel discussion of divestment issues during their November 10, 2004 broadcast and
with WGN radio to do a similar discussion later in November
including both Don Wagner from the Presbytery’s Middle
East Task Force and Nanette Sawyer from the Ecumenical
and Inter-Religious Work Group.
Essif also helped other outlets covering the story such as
Daily Southtown and the Daily Herald. He says these relations
are continuing and since the Presbytery’s unprecedented
deliberations on the issue of peace in the Middle East, he has
been proactive in working with the Tribune, WBEZ and others on providing further coverage. “While the media attention to actions of the 2004 General Assembly might have
been unexpected,” Essif says, “it afforded us the opportunity
to meet and engage in the public forum. The media realized
we had something to say and I think we say it well.”
12
In other instances Essif had to manage situations where the
Presbytery could not comment or engage in a public debate
though pressured by the media to do so. This had to do with
allegations, eventually proven unfounded, of sexual misconduct at Presbyterian Camps at Saugatuck. “Some times you
have to work with the media to help them understand and
appreciate why their pursuit of a story could prove detrimental to finding out the truth,” Essif explains. He notes that
both he and Rev. Reynolds were able to convince several
news organizations that truth would not be served by
premature and unsubstantiated reporting.
Proactively Essif succeeded in including two Presbyterian
ministers in Crain’s Chicago December 2004 article,
“Preachers to seek out in Chicago.” He gave reporter Mark
Scheffler names of several Presbyterian Pastors doing
dynamic work in the area, and eventually Scheffler choose to
profile Joy Douglas Strome of Chicago Lakeview and John
Buchanan of Chicago Fourth. “I think he was drawn to Rev.
Douglas Strome because of the growth her congregation has
seen since she took the pulpit,” remarks Essif.
A current project is to develop a media guide to provide local
media with an overview of the experts and expertise that
makes up the Presbytery of Chicago. Leaders who will be
“While the media attention to actions of the
2004 General Assembly might have been
unexpected,” Essif says, “it afforded us the
opportunity to meet and engage in the public forum. The media realized we had
something to say and I think we say it well.”
included in the guide will be given help and guidance on how
to be effective communicators to reporters, writers and producers in the local media. “Our people do a lot and know a
lot; I am hoping to be able to help them spread their ‘good
news.’”
In an exciting new development, Essif is working with the
Stewardship and Financial Development Work Group to create a professional grade video documentary that will help
detail and describe the mission of the Presbytery. While the
main purpose will be for better internal communication,
helping local congregations better understand local
Presbytery funded projects, the documentary will also be
used to provide valuable stories to local news stations of
putting our faith into action.
Compartiendo Nuestro Ministerio
Presbytery of Chicago
www.chicagopresbytery.org
Limpiando el Lente
Un nuevo moderador del Presbiterio de Chicago será instalado en la próxima Asamblea Presbiterial en febrero: el
presbítero Gordon Zerkel. Nuestro Ministerio Común le preguntó al nuevo moderador cómo ve su papel de moderador
a la luz de la nueva declaración de Misión: “Presbiterio de
February 2006 • Volume 22 Number 1
entonces no tenemos ningún papel en asegurar la energía
mantenga la luz. Ella reproduce con un combustible que va
más allá de nuestra capacidad de fabricar o de refinar.”
Pero, “mantener el lente limpio es nuestra responsabilidad”,
recalcó Gordon.
Ante la responsabilidad como Moderador del Presbiterio
Gordon dice: “es mi oración, que en mi año de Moderatura,
todos trabajemos juntos para mantener la visión sin
obstáculos. Sin una visión clara no podremos empoderar el
ministerio, desarrollar congregaciones o avanzar en la
causa de la justicia. En las semanas y los meses por venir,
necesitaremos muchas manos, muchas toallas y muchos
paños de limpieza para ver nuestro camino desde el otro
lado. Dios nos llama a la tarea: ven a la labor”
Importantes Debates
A continuación se presentan los asuntos más importantes,
debatidos en la pasada Asamblea Presbiteriana del 13 de
Diciembre, celebrada en la Iglesia Presbiteriana de Park Ridge:
Futuro, pasado y presente de los moderadores del Presbiterio: (de
derecha izquierda), Don Register, Lynne Myers y Zerkel
Chicago – un faro de esperanza, guiando al liderato, congregación y comunidades” y de nuestras nuevas prioridades
de misión: Empoderamiento del Ministerio, Desarrollo de
Congregaciones y Justicia Anticipada (nombres de nuestros
nuevos Equipos de Liderato de Prioridades Misioneras).
Gordon es humilde sobre sus cualidades como líder, liderato que demostrado a través de 23 años de servicio voluntario al presbiterio. Para el hay algo claro: desea asegurarse
que la guía que ofrece este “faro” (el presbiterio) sea clara y
sin obstáculos. “Lo que yo traigo a la moderación es un
paño de limpieza para ver que la luz del faro de esperanza
ilumine a los líderes, congregaciones y comunidades, y
también permitir a esas comunidades (internas y externas)
mirar dentro de esa luz y ver su fuente.”
Como un presbítero activo del presbiterio, Gordon identifica con otros líderes que, como humanos, frecuentemente
tenemos obstaculizada la visión. Él dice, “confiamos en cada
uno y sobre todo en nuestro Dios quien es el faro nunca falla
y quién es la única guía constante que tenemos. El faro que
pretendemos ser se compone de dos elementos esenciales:
la luz y el lente. Si la luz es -de hecho- la luz de Dios,
Hubo dos reuniones en la pre-Asamblea: una sobre mantenimiento de las instalaciones de la iglesia, presentado
por el Equipo del Ministerio de Propiedad, y la otra sobre
la propuesta para derogar la disposición G-6.0106b del
Libro de Orden, presentada por cinco congregaciones del
presbiterio. La última fue discutida y votada en la asamblea. También hubo una presentación sobre Justicia en
Misión, la cuál se desarrolló durante la Asamblea. (Véase
el artículo anexo con las fotos).
En el culto se mostraron hermosos cuadros hermosos que
ilustraban las palabras de los himnos cantados y del sermón ofrecido por el Rev. Joy Douglas Strome. La ofrenda
recogida para el Apoyo a la Misión Compartida sumó
$2097. Más de cien dólares fueron recibidos por las
donaciones del programa Cents-A-bility Hunger .
Presbítero Ejecutivo: Roberto Reynolds llamó la atención al
hecho de que se celebró Asamblea en el día 1,000 de la
guerra de Irak. También resaltó las celebraciones recientemente en algunas congregaciones del presbiterio, incluyendo las iglesias Cornerstone, Pine Avenue, Pullman y Vida
Nueva. Así mismo, recordó que las comisiones designadas
por la IP(EUA) están comprometidas con la búsqueda de
una solución de los dos estados de Palestina e Israel, para
alcanzar paz ya justicia en el Medio Oriente.
Continues
13
Compartiendo Nuestro Ministerio
Secretario Permanente Janet Wilson recordó a las congregaciones que era hora de someter las minutas de los
Consistorios para la aprobación. Ella revisó la membresía de
la Comisión Judicial Permanente del Presbiterio.
Agradecieron al Presb. Roberto Foster por sus años de servicio al presbiterio, en el Comité del Procedimiento
Constitucional. El premio de “El Escribano de Oro” fue otorgado por la Rev. Barbara Bundick a Cindy Clark, de la Iglesia
Northminster en Evanston, por el trabajo realizado en las
minutas del consistorio.
los grupos que atendió
durante sus años servicio.
Con ella se encontraba
Phyllis Beattie, representante Equipo de Liderato
de Misión para la
Consolidación de
Comunitaria, quien testifico del importante papel
cumplido por Betty.
Reportes del Concilio Presbiterial:
• Asuntos Administrativos. Fueron presentadas las siguientes
propuestas: aprobar un préstamo para la Primera Iglesia de
Chicago, Pullman y Altgeld Gardens; aceptar la auditoria
2004 y la Carta gerencial para aprobar la venta de terrenos de
Firman y la reparación y reemplazo de un horno en las oficinas del presbiterio. La propuesta para requerir a la Primera
Iglesia de Des Plaines el reembolso al Presbiterio por cada
pago de los cobros de impuestos a la propiedad, fue remplazada por otra propuesta para diferir los pagos hasta que la
solicitud fuese aprobada debido a la situación financiera en la
que se encuentra esta iglesia. La propuesta fue aprobada.
• El Grupo de Trabajo de Presupuesto recibió la aprobación
de una propuesta para continuar con el Presupuesto de
Gastos Operativos del 2005 hasta abril del 2006, cuando
habrá más información actualizada y disponible de los
gastos entre el 2004 y 2005.
• Equipo de Trabajo de Ecumenismo y Relaciones Inter.Religiosas presentó tres propuestas para la consideración
de la Asamblea: la primera comprendía la reafirmación de
la resolución tomada por la 21ã Asamblea General, en torno
a ejecutar un programa de retiro selectivo de inversiones
de la iglesia en negocios que contribuyan con el financiamiento del conflicto entre Israel y Palestina y la segunda,
es una enmienda que reafirma los esfuerzos del Comité de
Misión de Inversiones Responsable (MRTI), pero excluye la
amenaza de la des-inversión. Los presbíteros fueron consultados para votar por una de las dos propuestas. La
votación arrojó un empate por lo que el asunto será debatido nuevamente en la reunión de febrero. La tercera propuesta solicitó que si cualquier inversión de la IP(EUA) es
retirado, como resultado del proceso de MRTI, que sean
reinvertidos en iniciativas que procuren la paz en Israel, la
zona oeste y la franja de Gaza. Esta propuesta pasó y será
remitida a la 217a Asamblea General. Éste era uno de las
dos discusiones significativas en la asamblea de diciembre.
• El Grupo de Trabajo del Archivo Histórico presentó
litografías enmarcadas de cuatro iglesias presbiterianas del
siglo XIX presentó a Cecilia Cooper, quien las donó.
También se recordó que en la Asamblea del 2008 se celebrará el 170 Aniversario de la Iglesia Presbiteriana en
Chicago por lo que se solicitó que las iglesias trabajen en la
compilación de sus propias historias.
•El Comité de Ministerio
presentó los nombres de Pastores Interinos, Moderadores
Temporales y Suplentes para su aprobación. Las otras
acciones están registradas en las notas (en inglés) ubicadas
en otras secciones de este boletín. Todas las propuestas
fueron aprobadas.
•El Comité de Nominaciones presentó una propuesta para
presentar una plancha con nominaciones a los Comisionados
para la 217ma Asamblea General y presentó al candidato a moderador Rev. Don Register, quien fue electo por unanimidad.
•El Comité de Preparación para el Ministerio presentó algunas personas en proceso de preparación para el Ministerio de
la Palabra y los Sacramentos. Ver otras notas (en inglés) dentro
de esta publicación para mayores detalles. Todas las personas
fueron aprobadas.
Equipo de Trabajo de Personal agradeció a Betty McGinnis,
miembro retirada del personal, con testimonios de varios de
14
Phyllis Beattie expresando su agradecimiento a Betty McGinnis por su ayuda,
quien a su vez comparte sus experiencias y
expresa su gratitud a este reconocimiento.
Después de almuerzo, se llevó a cabo la segunda discusión
con respecto a la propuesta a ser presentada en la 217ma
Asamblea General, en torno a la eliminación de la disposición G-6.0106b del Libro de Orden. La propuesta fue
aprobada por una votación de 142-50.
La Comisión de Cultivo de la Comunidad MPLT (ahora
Justicia Anticipada) solicitó al Rev. Deb Roberts,
Coordinador del Equipo de Respuesta para la Recuperación
del Desastre, para divulgar el trabajo del equipo. Ella anunció que un equipo del trabajo irá a la región del desastre la
4ta semana de cada mes y que se está desarrollando un protocolo permanente para atender situaciones de desastres. La
información sobre el trabajo que se requiere y el trabajo
realizado está pu8bluicada en la página WEB del Presbiterio
(www.chicagopresbytery.org)
Compañerismo con Cuba
Dieciocho viajeros de nueve congregaciones del Presbiterio
de Chicago viajaron en noviembre a Cuba para fortalecer el
compañerismo de iglesia a iglesia existente y establecer
nuevas relaciones.
Representantes de la iglesias presbiterianas Elmhurst, Glen
Ellyn Southminster, Arlington Heights Southminster, Cuarta
de Chicago, Primera de Chicago, Highland Park, Palatine,
Evergreen Park y Oak Park Fair Oaks viajaron bajo una
licencia otorgada por el Departamento de la Tesorería de los
Estados Unidos al Presbiterio de Chicago. Esta visita marcó
el sexto aniversario de la sociedad entre el Presbiterio de
Chicago y el Presbiterio de La Habana.
Compartiendo Nuestro Ministerio
Después de llegar el 7 de noviembre al Aeropuerto de Jose
Marti de La Habana, varios viajeros fueron retenidos en la
aduana. Los otros esperaron varias horas por ellos fuera del
terminal y tuvieron la oportunidad de atestiguar el encuentro
de varias familias cubanas,
cuyas posibilidades de viaje,
se han visto
seriamente
afectadas como
resultado de
diferencias
políticas entre
los gobiernos de
Muscle from the Presbyteries of Havana and
los Estados
Chicago
combine to clear a lot for a community
Unidos y Cuba.
garden in San Antonio, Cuba
Este viaje permitió a los visitantes de iglesias del Presbiterio de Chicago, visitar otras iglesias dentro del Presbiterio de La Habana y ver
su vitalidad en medio de las difíciles condiciones económicas.
La Primera Iglesia de La Habana hospedó a los visitantes,
durante los primeros dos días del viaje (el cual incluyó una
visita matutina al Seminario Teológico Evangélico de
Matanzas). El la segunda parte del viaje, el grupo de visitantes
del Presbiterio de Chicago se dispersó, para quedarse varios
días en las iglesias que participan en el programa de compañerismo. Participando en varios actividades que iban desde
conciertos hasta servicios de adoración. En la tercera parte,
los visitantes de las iglesias que no participan directamente
en el programa de compañerismo, pudieron permanecer en
otras iglesias alrededor de La Habana y participaron en sus
proyectos de misión, incluyendo el desarrollo de un jardín
comunitario en una iglesia y servicios dominicales.
Los visitantes se reunieron la noche final, el 13 de noviembre, en La Habana, para reflexionar en torno a sus experiencias. Además, se reunieron con los dos equipos juveniles de
béisbol, que patrocina la Primera Iglesia Presbiteriana de La
Habana en su comunidad, lo que representa un símbolo de
la relevancia que la iglesia ha mantenido en medio de situaciones desafiantes. Además de ganar varios trofeos en el
campo deportivo, los miembros de equipo testificaron de la
importancia de los valores cristianos en sus vidas.
Aunque la licencia de viaje a Cuba del Presbiterio de
Chicago, se venció el 30 de noviembre, el Equipo de Misión
de Compañerismo con Cuba ha ayudado exitosamente a –por
lo menos- una iglesia local para obtener su propia licencia
de viaje y de esta forma, asegurar la continuación del programa entre los Presbiterios de Chicago y La Habana. Para
información actualizada, puede ponerse en contacto con el
Moderador del Equipo de Misión Muriel Miller:
[email protected].
La Pluma del Presbítero
Un Nuevo Comienzo, Renovando
la Esperanza
POR ROBERT C. REYNOLDS, PRESBÍTERO EJECUTIVO
El presbiterio de Chicago le dará la bienvenida al nuevo liderato en la Asamblea que se reunirá el próximo 14 de
febrero. Estaremos instalando al nuevo Moderador,
Presbítero Gordon Zerkel (de la Iglesia Northminister en
Evanston). Al mismo tiempo, estaremos celebrando con profundo agradecimiento, el extraordinario servicio prestado
por el Moderador saliente Rev. Lynne Myers y su asesor
inmediato Rev. Rev. John McFayden. Las personas que están
en otras posiciones de la dirección del presbiterio, bien sea
porque continúan o se inician en sus cargos, también
recibirán nuestro agradecimiento.
Irónicamente, recuerdo el último libro de la Biblia - el
Apocalipsis de Juan – en tiempo de nuevos comienzos. Este
año es muy inspirador, ya que realinearemos la estructura,
los procesos y los recursos a la nueva estrategia de misión
para el período 2006-2010. El siguiente extracto del
Apocalipsis habla de la presencia amorosa y la gran esperanza que tenemos en el amor de Dios.
“Vi un cielo nuevo y una tierra nueva; porque el primer cielo
y la primera tierra pasaron, y el mar ya no existía más. Y yo
Juan vi la santa ciudad, la nueva Jerusalén, descender del
cielo, de Dios, dispuesta como una esposa ataviada para su
marido. Y oí una gran voz del cielo que decía: He aquí el
tabernáculo de Dios con los hombres, y él morará con ellos; y
ellos serán su pueblo, y Dios mismo estará con ellos como su
Dios. Enjugará Dios toda lágrima de los ojos de ellos; y ya no
habrá muerte, ni habrá más llanto, ni clamor, ni dolor;
porque las primeras cosas pasaron”.
Oremos porque Dios haga un hogar en nuestro mundo en
este próximo año, que traiga u claro sentido del amor de Dios
entre nosotros, así como la renovación de nuestra esperanza.
Debemos actuar audazmente, confiando en que podemos
discernir la voluntad de Dios, mientras que lanzamos nuestra
misión en tres direcciones interrelacionadas:
“empoderamiento” de líderes, desarrollo de congregaciones y acciones de justicia. Durante el 2006 viviremos un
nuevo comienzo en el liderato y la misión, que moldeará
nuestra vida en comunidad, a la luz de nuestra visión para el
futuro, “Presbiterio de Chicago un faro de esperanza guiando
a los líderes, las congregaciones y comunidades”.
Nueva Declaración de Misión:
Presbiterio de Chicago - Un Faro de Esperanza
Guiando al Liderato, las Congregaciones y las
Comunidades.
15
Vision Statement
“Chicago Presbytery – A Beacon of Hope, guiding
Leaders, Congregations and Communities.”
Presbytery of Chicago 100 South Morgan Street Chicago, IL 60607
Third Annual Mission Fair
The Presbytery’s Network Empowerment Work Group sponsored the Third Annual Mission Fair, featuring the ministries of covenanted
mission teams of the Mission Priority Leadership Teams (MPLT). Held throughout the December Assembly meeting time at Park
Ridge, commissioners strolled through the area, learning about some of the ways churches and agencies are partnering with the
Presbytery of Chicago in mission.
Resources from Stewardship and
Financial Development Work Group
Racial Ethnic Youth Leadership Team
Response and Recovery
Continued from page 3
For instance, Western Springs has developed a relationship with
the Presbyterian Church in Gautier, MS. A work trip is planned:
the group will stay in the church. The Gautier church has sent
Western Springs a DVD about their situation. The two congregations have developed prayer partners and look forward to a long
and growing relationship.
Nurture Community MPLT leaders,
Kathy Matsushima and Phyllis Beattie
PDA is looking for volunteers who can join the PDA staff for a
limited time, serving as a Tent Village Manager or Cook or
sharing technical skills as a Work Group Foreman, electrician, or
construction worker.
Chicago Presbytery is committed to developing a Disaster
Response and Recovery Team that understands the needs of a disaster situation and can respond readily. This will involve establishing a protocol or a process of response that enables us to be in
a state of preparedness; ready to care and reach out within hours.