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PRESBYTERY CONNECTION A Bi-Weekly Newsletter of the Presbyteries of North Central Iowa and Prospect Hill March 19, 2020

To see North Central Iowa’s calendar of events,

please click here.

To see Prospect Hill’s calendar of events, please

click here.

The Presbytery Connection is a bi-weekly joint newsletter for the Presbyteries of North Central Iowa and Prospect Hill. If you would like to contribute to the Presbytery Connection, please contact Jeannie Stolee in the Presbytery office at 319-233-1747 or northiowapresby@gmail.com If you know of someone who would enjoy receiving this communication, please email or call Jeannie. Please consider making copies of this newsletter for your Session and running several copies to make available to your congregation. www.presbynciowa.org www.prospecthillpresby.org

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Prayers of the Presbytery of North Central Iowa

Week of March 22 First Presbyterian Church, Jesup – Rev. John White Week of March 29 United Presbyterian Church, Clarion – Rev. Bill Kem Week of April 5 First Presbyterian Church, Marshalltown – Rev. Dr. Rich King Week of April 12 First Presbyterian Churches, Algona and Irvington – Rev. Stephen Nofel Week of April 19 First Presbyterian Church, Waterloo – Rev. Amy Wiles Rev. Pat Geadelmann

Prayers of the Presbytery of Prospect Hill Week of March 22 Presbyterian United Church of Christ, LeMars – Rev. Janis Christensen Week of March 29 First Presbyterian Church, Odebolt – CRE Bill Crawford Week of April 5 Associated Church of Hawarden – Rev. Erma Wolf Week of April 12 Westminster Presbyterian Church, Ida Grove – CRE Shari O’Bannon Week of April 19 Wheatland Presbyterian Church, Breda – Rev. Richard Francis, Moderator

Additional Prayer Concerns Please pray for our state, nation and the world as we deal with the COVID-19 situation. Keep in prayer those families whose schedules have been upended and livelihood affected, small businesses who may not survive, those who have been afflicted with the coronavirus and the medical personnel as they do their best to take care of everyone. Please pray for Rev. Mark Rabideau of the Greater Greene County Presbyterian Ministries as he deals with health concerns. Please pray for Josh Ullom, son of Rev. Dr. Dave and Judy Ullom of First Presbyterian Church in Estherville. Josh has cancer back again with stage 4 metastatic lung cancer. He will have chemo IV treatments every two weeks. Please continue to remember Doug O’Bannon, son of CRE Shari O’Bannon, in your prayers as he continues to battle a liver disease and all the symptoms that come with it.

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Churches in Transition

Please pray for the following churches that are in transition: Presbytery of North Central Iowa First Presbyterian Church, Boone

First Presbyterian Church, Cedar Falls First Presbyterian Church, Greene First Presbyterian Church, Grundy Center First Presbyterian Church, Jesup First Presbyterian Church, Reinbeck Eden Presbyterian Church, Rudd

Presbytery of Prospect Hill Elliott Creek Presbyterian Church, Bronson Westminster Presbyterian Church, Ida Grove First Presbyterian Church, Lake Park Community Presbyterian Church, Lawton First Presbyterian Church, Manning First Presbyterian Church, Odebolt First Presbyterian Church, Paullina Lakeside Presbyterian Church, Storm Lake First Presbyterian Church, South Sioux City

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Iowa Tri-Presbyteries Leadership Team Seeking Candidates

The Search Committee for the Iowa Tri-Presbyteries Leadership Team is actively seeking candidates who might consider a call to serve the presbyteries of Des Moines, North Central Iowa and Prospect Hill as one of their three executives. If you or someone you know may be interested in such a position or interested in learning more, please connect them with the search website: https://engagingleaders.org/iowa-tri-presbytery-leadership-team/. Letters of interest are being received until April 24.

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A Note on Insurance During the Coronavirus Outbreak

A representative from Guide One Insurance has pointed out that individual churchs’ insurance almost certainly has a clause that comes into play under our current situation. Because the governor’s emergency declaration forbids us from holding meetings of more than ten people, if we violate that and someone gets sick as a result of that meeting, the church may be liable and the insurance company probably will not help. In other cases of potential liability (like someone falling down the steps) the insurance company would provide legal assistance in case of a lawsuit, but not in the case of a virus outbreak. As always, check your policy and/or call your insurance agent if you have questions. Richard Francis, Stated Clerk Presbytery of Prospect Hill

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Presbytery Zoom Meetings on COVID-19 Situation Transitional General Presbyter Rev. Ian McMullen has held two Zoom meetings with the pastors of the Presbyteries of North Central Iowa and Prospect Hill to keep abreast of the ever changing COVID-19 situation and to discuss how pastors and churches can continue to minister to and serve their congregations. Those meetings have been recorded and the recordings have been uploaded to the Events section of each website (www.presbynciowa.org and www.prospecthillpresby.org). You may also click here for the recording of the March 13 meeting, and here for the recording of the March 17 meeting. It is planned to have these meetings weekly and the recordings will continue to be uploaded to the websites.

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To the churches of Prospect Hill and North Central Iowa,

The conversation for church leadership has rocketed past whether or not to hold in-person worship services straight to “What do we do now?!” With the Coronavirus pandemic gripping the globe, we are in uncharted territory. And we are doing our best as a church to respond. Still, it’s difficult to ‘rejoice in our sufferings’ even though we’re told it will lead to hope.

The last time our nation faced a suffering of this magnitude was September 11th, 2001. On the Sunday following that tragedy, churches were filled to overflowing with people seeking the connection of God and fellow human. This current pandemic is happening to us collectively, but ironically we are driven to isolation. During this particular global crisis when people look to connect spiritually to each other and to God, our church buildings are dark.

But we are still the church.

The Church is the body of Christ. Christ gives to the Church all the gifts necessary to be his body. (1 Corinthians 12:27-28) The Church strives to demonstrate these gifts in its life as a community in the world. The Church is to be a community of faith, entrusting itself to God alone, even at the risk of losing its life. The Church is to be a community of hope, rejoicing in the sure and certain knowledge that, in Christ, God is making a new creation. Book of Order F-1.0301

Several Christian leaders have challenged us over the years with the question, “What would change in your neighborhood or city if your church closed?” That question was aimed at shrinking congregations and tepid ministry. I believe the question for us today is, “How will we continue to be the church when our buildings are closed for several months?” Which leads back to the question, “What do we do now?!”

Continue to be the church. Pray, Grow, Serve. “...suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope...” Yes, our hope is in Christ, but hope is not a strategy. Your church committees must continue to do their work to foster the spiritual and emotional connections that we are missing while in quarantine. Unfortunately, many churches are in their current situation because they ‘hope it will get better.’ It’s time to do the work of Christ. Organize worship, Bible studies and service projects. Blow the dust off your phone tree. (Little known fact: smartphones can be used to talk to people!) We are uniquely positioned as a society to stay connected socially and electronically even though we must maintain a physical distance.

Partner. Your local Chamber of Commerce, schools, other churches, and city governments are experiencing the same mandate to serve the people of your area. Ask how we can literally feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and (virtually) visit the isolated. Your county’s senior citizen services organizations, school districts, and daycares need our help now more than ever.

Gather electronically. Stream worship and devotion and prayer and music services. Facebook Live is easy platform to use. These ‘church services’ probably won’t look like the usual Sunday morning

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60 minutes. Here’s a chance to get creative with devotions, music, and prayer. Meet at regular times so people can plan to join in (mornings at 8 a.m. / Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 p.m. / Sundays at 10 a.m. / etc.).

Create a video conferencing account at Zoom.us A Basic account is free and can host 100 participants for up to 40 minutes. The Pro plan is $14.99/mo. and allows unlimited meeting length and users can record meetings to the cloud. Both plans allow for participants to call in using traditional telephones. Gathering people via Zoom is ideal for meetings or worship and lets everyone participate in real-time and offers opportunities like children saying prayers and others reading scriptures.

Don’t forget the ‘offline’ crowd. Make phone calls, mail cards, leave goodie baskets or groceries for neighbors. If you miss seeing them at church, call them on the phone. Talk to your church’s bank or Credit union about receiving offerings / donations at the drive up or via U.S. mail. Send self-addressed stamped envelopes to help facilitate tithes and offerings. Get creative!

Pay your staff. If at all possible, continue to pay staff throughout this crisis. The State of Iowa has relaxed the criteria for unemployment if that helps. If your church is blessed with an endowment or foundation, now is the time to utilize those funds. Consider contributing to other churches who will be hard pressed to stay afloat during an extended moratorium. Contact the Presbytery office if your Session feels the call to contribute.

Make the move to e-Giving. The Presbyterian Foundation Online Giving Program is an excellent resource for churches to receive offering and donations via their website or automatic withdrawal. Call (800) 858-6127 for more information. Your banking institution may be able to help with automated giving by using an ACH form.

Care for yourself. We will probably spend the next month adjusting to the new normal - even moving through the stages of grief - so take a few minutes to acknowledge your own emotions and name your coping mechanism(s). The APA has put together a good resource for those of us who are feeling anxious. Get enough sleep, exercise, read a book, and pray.

Continue to hope. Plan for the future even though we don’t know when this pandemic will end. Plan the celebratory return to physical gathering - whatever that looks like going forward.

“How will we continue to be the church when our buildings are closed for several months?” I think leads to the question, “What will we look like in a year?” Regardless, I think the answer remains the same: the Church is to be a community of faith, entrusting itself to God alone, even at the risk of losing its life. Physical distancing doesn’t have to be social or spiritual distancing. Stay intentionally connected and continue to serve with energy, intelligence, imagination, and love.

God is still God and we are still the church.

Rev. Ian McMullen - Transitional General Presbyter

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Poor Richard’s Almanac by Richard Francis, Stated Clerk, Presbytery of Prospect Hill On March 17, more than 30 people from both the Presbytery of Prospect Hill and the Presbytery of North Central Iowa met over a video conferencing platform called Zoom to check in with each other about how we are dealing with the requirements of life in the middle of a global pandemic. Mostly, of course, we are concerned about how we can do church when we can’t physically assemble. A video of the conference will be available for you to watch, but I also took notes, which are reproduced below. The notes are rather cryptic in places, so if you’d like more information, please contact me. For me, the most

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important thing was something Ian said: this time can be a blessing to us. It’s an opportunity for us to focus on what is important in our ministry and how we can be a blessing to the community we live in. Anyway, here are the notes:

1. Iowa Disaster Declaration prohibits gatherings (including religious gatherings) of more than 10 people for two weeks.

2. Some churches cancelled public worship and streamed their services over the internet. What did we learn from streaming services?

1. Several people watched I didn’t expect to watch and commented. 2. Some people stumbled onto it on Facebook and stayed to watch.

3. When streaming a worship service (or recording it) sound quality can be a problem. Possible solutions:

1. Use a lapel mic that records directly into your camera or smart phone. 2. If you are recording from the sanctuary, put the phone on the pulpit (stands are

available). 4. When streaming a worship service there’s no need to do a full 60-minute worship service.

1. Music can be a problem, both having people participate and getting permission to broadcast copyrighted hymns. Here are two sources for permission if you want to go ahead:

1. https://news.onelicense.net/2020/03/13/one-license-offers-gratis-licenses-to-help-cope-with-covid-19-challenges-valid-through-april-15/?fbclid=IwAR1p8dfjJ-yPpHM1aqM6NKuBrM9p2Ewey9QosMC6yvTGUeAn5LpCFhNY4xU

2. https://www.pcusastore.com/Pages/Item/14564/Hymnal-and-Book-of-Common-Worship-Rights-during-Covid19-Pandemic.aspx

2. One pastor who streamed the service commented that even 30 minutes was too long; "people just need reassurance.”

5. Staying in contact. 1. One church sends out Hometouch to every member:

https://myaccount.hometouchministry.com/order/offer. 2. Divide up the membership and assign some to each elder; everyone gets a call every

week. 3. Local access cable available in some communities for airing services/devotions. 4. With Easter coming up, what do we do? “Celebrate Easter when we can."

6. Plan to celebrate when we get back together; consider how we might acknowledge how we have been changed.

7. Have more Session/Deacons meetings (if less than ten people) to keep in contact with each other.

8. Find new ways to be of service. 9. Are people still staffing the building?

1. Some are keeping the sanctuary open for prayer. 2. Some are keeping office hours for people who need it. 3. A church that hosts AA meetings will continue to do so. 4. Keep building closed to discourage people from getting out.

10. What to do about hourly staff whose time isn’t needed right now. 1. Keep paying as an act of good faith. 2. Let people work from home if possible. 3. One church with a daycare will continue to pay staff if the daycare is shut down (funds

come from a foundation). 11. Options for giving when people are not meeting.

1. Online giving can be set up through the Presbyterian Foundation. 2. If you already have online giving make sure everyone knows about it, maybe with a

letter.

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3. If that’s not an option, consider sending self-addressed envelopes to all members to make giving by check easy.

4. Bank will take donations for the church at their drive-up/drop box. (Contact the bank first.)

5. Facebook has a PayPal option—especially good if the church doesn’t have a website. There is also Venmo.

6. Emphasize personal contact. 7. Have the church open for people to drop off their offerings—this would also be an

opportunity for people to interact (while maintaining physical distance). 12. Already-scheduled baptisms and weddings need to be postponed. Funerals may need to be

“invitation only” with a memorial service later. 13. What about a prayer walk at a public park with 10 or fewer people at a time? Need more

information. 14. We need to set an example and not try to push against the requirements/recommendations. 15. Can we get involved in feeding people, partnering with other organizations that are already

doing it? Other forms of ministry we can engage in at this time? 1. Church could be an auxiliary drop-off/pick-up point for food pantries. 2. Community meals could continue as carry-out events. 3. Many schools are still preparing lunches; they may need help with delivery.

16. Share resources by sending them to Jeannie at the Presbytery office; especially print resources.

1. Iowa Faith Leadership Network will continue to post resources and host discussions on this.

2. www.facebook.com/iowafaithleaders, and the leadership group is www.facebook.com/groups/iowafaithleaders

3. One church leader commented: “We have been using Presbyterian Outlook magazine’s online devotions for Lent. Outlook has many other resources available.” https://pres-outlook.org/.

These weekly Zoom meetings will continue until further notice. Prospect Hill will make a decision about the April 25 Presbytery meeting as we get closer to the time. Meanwhile, let’s find ways to stay in touch and support each other. You are not alone! Blessings,

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March 18, 2020

Dear Siblings in Christ,

These are truly trying times for all of us as we face a rapidly spreading virus, panic buying that has

left grocery shelves nearly empty and supplies in great demand. We have seen the worst in people

and the best. Yet, through it all, we take hope in Christ and the promise to never leave us.

We are holding each of you in prayer. Like the rest of the country, our Presbyterian communities

are physically separated, but we are still deeply connected through our common humanity,

spirituality and strong faith in God.

We are not only with you in prayer and solidarity, we are also here to serve you. In response to

increased anxieties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is

committed to supporting mid council leaders and pastors who are on the frontline of preaching words

of hope in these times. To assist you in that effort, the church has compiled special resources for

pastors, congregational leaders and members. These resources include information about virtual

worship services.

We are all in this together as we learn to cope with our new normal. Because the Presbyterian

connectional system encourages us to learn from one another, we are encouraging “crowdsourcing” as

a way of sharing ideas. What are your needs? What’s working well in your church communities? We

want to hear from you! Tell us what you need, offer suggestions or suggest resources. Please reach out

to us at connected@pcusa.org.

We are hearing the concerns many of you have regarding stewardship. The Presbyterian Foundation

offers access to an online giving system that allows congregations to accept secure online donations.

We know that many people and congregations are experiencing economic hardship because of the

coronavirus. However, for those who are able, we encourage continued support of your local church,

and sharing God’s love with our neighbors in need worldwide. We are grateful for those presbyteries

who are providing financial assistance to congregations. We recognize that not all presbyteries are

able to do so. We plan to meet with some mid councils to assess needs, and discern ways in which we

might be of assistance.

We are compelled by our faithfulness to Christ’s charge to love our neighbors. During this crisis, we

are mindful of our denomination’s commitment to Matthew 25, and urge compassion for others by

not purchasing more supplies than we need, and by speaking out against the racism being directed at

some of our Asian siblings. Jesus makes it clear that how we respond to our neighbor is of paramount

importance to him. These tough times call for the best of Christian character and actions.

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Please note that we will hold an online Easter service from the chapel of 100 Witherspoon in

Louisville for those of you who would like to be part of a national experience. Easter is a new way of

life — in which we are “dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 6:11) and called to

“walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:4). There is much new happening in the world around us. We pray

for God’s comfort and grace as we walk forward together during these uncertain times.

Finally, the past week has been full of high anxiety and mounting fears. We have heard from

government leaders and health experts, now let us turn to the Scriptures to find out where biblical

people found faith, hope and courage in the face of pestilence. Over 100 times the Bible tells us,

“Don’t be afraid.” In Psalm 27:1, David tells us why:

The Lord is my light and my

salvation; whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my

life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Yours in Christ,

Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II

Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of

the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Rev. Dr. Diane Moffett

President, Executive

Director Presbyterian

Mission Agency

Mark Smeby Concert at First Presbyterian Church, Algona Canceled The Mark Smeby concert that was originally scheduled to be held at First Presbyterian Church in Algona on March 22, 2020 has been canceled. It will be rescheduled at a later date.

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Scholarship Opportunity

The Dorothy Horn Scholarship provides financial assistance to women from Presbyterian churches who attend the University of Northern Iowa. Dorothy Horn attended the University of Northern Iowa and her estate established this scholarship endowment, which is administered by First Presbyterian Church in Cedar Falls. Those interested in more information, or an application packet, should contact First Presbyterian Church in Cedar Falls. Materials can be requested by calling 319-277-3930 or by email at firstpres@cfu.net. All applications must be returned by April 1, 2020.

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The Great Plains Small Church Connection May 4-6, 2020

The Small Church Connection Conference (formerly the Great Plains Wee Kirk Conference) will be held May 4-6, 2020 at Camp Calvin Crest, outside Freemont, Nebraska. This year’s theme is Make a Joyful Noise Unto the Lord. Kevin McChesney, composer and handbell arranger and musician, is the featured speaker. There will also be workshops on doing newsletters and blogs, technology for the small member churches, music in worship, self-care, prayer and creative/playful art. There will be archery during Tuesday break time led by level 3 NTS Coach Kim Nofel (ably assisted by level 2 NTS instructor Steve Nofel). (FYI – Steve Nofel is the new pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Algona and First Presbyterian Church in Irvington.) Please click here for the conference brochure and registration information. (If you are interested in attending this conference, please check to be sure it will still be held.)

2020

Synod School

July 26-31

Theme:

What Shall We Tell Them?

Registration begins March 2, 2020. Catalogs will be mailed to homes and churches in mid-February. In the meantime, please click the link below to view the catalog online. 2020 Synod School Catalog

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Conflict Workshop May 18-20, 2020 - Lakeshore Center at Okoboji This workshop is specifically designed to provide church leaders with the knowledge and tools necessary to address, manage, and resolve conflict in a healthy and effective manner. Participants will learn about conflict management styles, including their own default style, what the

other styles look like, and how to grow in their ability to use and understand different conflict management styles. Other components of the workshop will include learning how family of origin influences one’s attitudes about conflict, plus strategies for responding to conflict in the moment, opportunities for prayer, reflection, worship, and much more. The cost for this workshop is $450 for double occupancy or $550 for single. Limited scholarships are available for PCUSA pastors and lay leaders, sponsored by the Omaha Presbytery Seminary Foundation. (If you are interested in attending this workshop, it may be best to check as the date gets closer to confirm that it will still be held.) Please click here for an on-line application. Click here to register ($450-$550).

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Churchwide Gathering of the Presbyterian Women

Presbyterian Women’s 2021 Churchwide Gathering will be held August 5–8, 2021 in St. Louis, Missouri! The theme for the Gathering is “Rejoice in Hope” based on Romans 12:12–13, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.” Please click on this link for more information:

https://www.presbyterianwomen.org/what_we_do/build-community/churchwide-gathering/

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Accepting Apollos Applications, Transcripts and References

Now thru Monday, April 15, 2020

Could you use $4000 per semester for up to 3 years?

You are eligible for an Apollos Scholarship from

Omaha Presbyterian Seminary Foundation if you are ...

• A member of a PC(USA) Congregation

• Under care within a presbytery as an Inquirer or Candidate

• Enrolled as a full-time student in the Master of Divinity degree program in one of the 10 Presbyterian seminaries

• An individual who possesses quality of excellence for ministry

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ABOUT APOLLOS SCHOLARSHIPS

1954-2020 66 years of financial aid to seminary students

Omaha Presbyterian Seminary Foundation 7101 Mercy Road, Suite 216

Omaha, NE 68106-2616 402 397-5138

http://www.omahapresbyterianseminaryfoundation.org/

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Helpful Links

Please click here for information on The Academy.

Rev. Shawn Harmon was ordained to service as a mission worker with The Antioch Partners, a mission sending agency that works in partnership with Presbyterian churches

in the US. You can read more about them here: https://www.theantiochpartners.org/. You may contact Shawn directly at: harmonhusky@gmail.com. To support Shawn financially: www.theantiochpartners.org/giving. For online giving select “partner support for partners not listed for security reasons” and type “Harmon, Shawn.”

The Iowa Heart Foundation recommends that Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) be placed wherever people gather. AEDs have become so advanced that almost anyone can use them safely. Click here for more information.

If you feel as if you’re at the end of your rope or the recent floods or low crop prices have left you feeling hopeless, please click here to find a group or network who may be able to help.

Your Iowa Life – if you or a loved one are facing a problem with alcohol, drugs, gambling, mental health or suicide thoughts, you’re not alone. That is why the Iowa Department of Public Health has created YourLifeIowa.org so Iowans can chat live, text or call and get reliable treatment options and find nearby help. https://yourlifeiowa.org/ Farm Crisis Ministry Network - supporting farmers and those who love and care for them, sharing resources for farm families, congregations, and rural communities. https://www.facebook.com/farmcrisisministry/

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Spectrum Spirituality Project – support resources for families with one or more children who have a sensory, emotional, and/or behavioral disorder; also equip congregations to welcome and serve these families. https://www.facebook.com/pg/spectrumspirit/about/?ref=page_internal

Iowa Faith Leadership Network – to provide a space for faith leaders to develop interfaith and ecumenical relationships, collegiality, and cooperation; to share resources, ask questions, and learn together; to improve our collective ability to minister to the faith communities we serve as well as to better the lives of people in the communities around us. https://www.facebook.com/iowafaithleaders/