Attached for registered visitors is the AEPS 2011 (year to date) Financial Report. The Steering Committee expressed appreciation earlier this year for the outstanding work by our former treasurer, Sue Coller. I will be distributing this financial report at our annual meeting in Pittsburgh. If you have any questions, please direct them to the treasurer or any member of the steering team. If you haven't paid your 2011 membership dues, please do so today! Thank you for contributing your gifts and resources to our presbytery leader learning community and fellowship. Sincerely, Kevin Yoho, treasurer kevin@newarkpresbytery.org

This follow-up email is a request for you to purchase your “meal ticket” now – or before noon on August 18. Gathering of Presbytery Leaders August 25, 2011 at the DoubleTree Hotel Three Presbytery Leaders who have homes in Minnesota wish to host our colleagues who will be visiting Minneapolis and participating in the meeting of the Fellowship at the DoubleTree – August 25-26. The Fellowship indicates that its program will end at 5 PM on Thursday and that there will be a worship service with Richard Mouw speaking from 7 until 8:30 PM. We have arranged for us to gather beginning at 5 PM in one of the DoubleTree meeting rooms where we will have an opportunity to reflect with one another on what we are witnessing. We have also arranged for some “heavy” appetizers and things to drink. We’ll open the room at 5 PM and the food will be available sometime after 5:30. Folks can leave to attend the worship service or stay and talk as they wish. There is no agenda – other than fellowship – and perhaps a time around 6:15 when folks can share with the whole group what they are thinking and feeling. We need you to let us know if you wish to gather with us and we need to you to purchase the “meal” in advance – so that we can order the correct quantity and not be left paying for those who don’t make it. The cost for the appetizers and the room comes out to $25 a person. The three of us will pick up any uncovered costs. We will need you to let us know by Friday noon, August 19. You can go to the PTCA website to purchase your “ticket” by credit card or by sending (make sure it gets there in time) your $25 check to the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area, 122 W. Franklin Ave., Suite 508 Minneapolis, MN 55404. You need to do this – whether or not you have already responded to Dana Knapp. We look forward to gathering as colleagues and together, I know, we hold in prayer this church we love so dearly. Dana Knapp – Presbytery of Northern Waters Peter Nord – Presbytery of Baltimore (with a house in Grand Rapids, MN) Chaz Ruark – Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area. PTCA Website: http://presbyterytwincities.org/fellowshipgathering/

Presbytery Leader Gathering at the Fellowship August 25 5 – 7 PM Dear Colleagues, Three of your colleagues who have homes in Minnesota would like to extend a bit of hospitality for those of you who will be attending the Fellowship meeting in Minneapolis. Their agenda has the Thursday, August 25 afternoon program ending at 5 PM and they recently added a talk by Richard Mouw from 7:00 until 8:15. We think it would be good to gather as Presbytery Leaders to share some food and perhaps some thoughts following the afternoon sessions. We are in the process of renting a room at the Doubletree Hotel (where the Fellowship meeting is happening) and would like to invite you to join us for something to eat and a cash bar. We are currently talking either sandwiches or heavy appetizers. There is no real agenda in this gathering. It will be a time for us to gather and to talk with each other about what we have heard. There may be a time for an open mike for GPs and EPs to share with the whole group. But mostly it will just be a time to be together. We envision the room opening at 5 PM and the food being available around 5::30. We may offer a time – say around 6:30 when we might have an open mike for folks to share what they have heard as well as their thoughts. If you are going and would be interested in joining us – please email Dana Knapp – to let him know. executivepresbyter@northernwaters.net You can also let us know if you would like an open mike opportunity, as well. And let your colleagues know that this is happening and encourage them to join us. In the next few days you will be able to register in advance through the Presbytery of Twin Cities Area website where you can pay by credit card for the cost of the food and room. We’ll need your payment in advance so that we can have the right amount of food available. These are interesting times and it will be good for us to connect with one another. Dana Knapp, Executive Presbyter Presbytery of Northern Waters Peter Nord, General Presbyter Presbytery of Baltimore with a home in Grand Rapids, MN Chaz Ruark, Executive Presbyter Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area

Join some of your colleagues at the Big Tent for an afternoon of conversation, worship and support in the face of the rapidly changing context in which we conduct our ministries. We will meet on Friday, July 1, 2011, at the Tabernacle Church from noon to 6 p.m. Transportation from downtown will be provided. You should bring your own lunch; beverages and snacks will be at the church. Please let Sue Krummel know (email: skrummel@greatriverspby.org) if you plan to be there (if you have not already done so) in order to facilitate the planning for room space and transportation. See you there!

Last year at A.E.P.S. we voted to expand our membership to Associates serving in middle governing bodies! We want to expand our community that so we can equip and encourage each other for the work of Jesus Christ! Let's learn and discern together. We hope you will pass on this information to your colleagues and encourage them to join! You are a gift to our learning community! Membership form for 2011 is attached.

A message from a steering committee member. This month: Kevin Yoho, Newark Presbytery ---------------------------------- Hello from Newark Presbytery... What is the possibility you are living into this very moment? Each Middle Governing Body has a unique context geographically, historically, and organizationally. Our leadership teams increasingly express their gifts in unique configurations. Its easy to understand why we invest in doing whatever it is we do, better. We are passionate about an improved MGB, building a more responsive organization, or deploying ministry assets more faithfully, while trying our very best to bring forward everyone and everything we have valued in the past. When Henry Ford's cars started appearing on the dusty roads of America, people wondered, "Where do you put the saddle?" thinking the car was just a faster horse. The car was way more than a faster horse. Besides not needing a saddle, this sublime transportation technology changed the way we regarded boundaries and new conversations emerged. The use of the automobile transformed people's lives. In Newark Presbytery, we realize that a "new" mission design, partnership, initiative, or model needs to be more than a faster, better, way to do what we have been doing. In many cases, what we have been doing no longer needs to be done. In every case, there are opportunities emerging that must not be lost. During session listening conversations, I invite elders to set aside their assumptions and imagine ministry without (for example), their pews, choir, or familiar liturgy and worship schedule, or members, or (gasp) their building! For just a few, safe, minutes they are given permission to experience the initial anxieties but also the possibility of an eventual breakthrough. Its a joy to see conversations emerge that promote a more humble, intentional, and authentic ministry behavior. I am the possibility that Newark Presbytery's 8,000 members are a blessing of reconciliation to our 800,000 neighbors. How about you? We don't need a saddle to drive a car. What are your MGB's game-changing possibilities? What is the possibility you are living into this very moment? I welcome your comments and responses! Thank you for your ministry. Sincerely, Kevin Kevin Yoho Email: kevin@newarkpresbytery.org Twitter: @kevinyoho General Presbyter, Newark Presbytery

Announcing the Cape Cod Learning Community for Presbytery Leaders/Executives and Associates August 7-11, 2011 – New Date! For more info, contact Rev. Dana Lindsley by email at danalindsley@psne.org or phone 860/388-0874. This experience will be an intentional learning community: a group of peers gathering together to provide mutual support for learning, reflection, and growth. Most, if not all the learning/teaching, is done by participants. Each attendee will be responsible for a two hour presentation and/or discussion on a book, process, best practice or experience related to executive or church work, or faith. August 7-11, 2011 Paraclete Retreat House at the Community of Jesus, Orleans, Massachusetts “People learn best in community, when they are engaged with one another, when everyone is both student and teacher, expert and apprentice, in a rich exchange of experiences and learnings.” Margaret Wheatley “Finding Our Way” Details for the Cape Cod Learning Community on the attached FLYER! Agenda The event begins with dinner in Paraclete House at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday. Following dinner there will be a time for introductions and orientation to our location, the Community of Jesus, and Cape Cod. We will review the nature of a Learning Community or Community of Practice and we'll make some decisions about how our event will unfold. Each day Monday through Thursday will begin with worship led by our chaplain for the event, who may be a participant of the group. There will be two learning components also led by participants each morning. After lunch, depending on our preferences and the weather, we may have a learning component or we will have individual study and recreation time. After supper we have the option of informal group time, discussion, etc. The event concludes following lunch on Thursday. Meals Restaurant quality meals, three per day, will be provided on-site by the nuns of the Community. Box lunches for those who wish to eat somewhere else are available on request. The Benedictine hospitality of the Community leads the nuns to respond to all special dietary needs. Please let us know of those needs in advance. Learning Components Each participant in the Learning Community will be expected to lead a presentation, discussion, activity about a book, process, experience, or learning related to executive, church work, or faith. The time frame is about two hours. Projector and screen will be available for use, but bring your own laptop. Handouts are appreciated by many. These learning components are the “meat” of our week. We are peers gathering together to provide mutual support for learning, reflection, support and growth. The whole agenda is flexible to allow participants to help set the group learning rate and schedule. Spouses are welcome to attend any or all of the learning events as auditors. Extended Stay For those who wish to extend their stay on the Cape before or after the event arrangements should be made with Christy Haig at the Scribes Office scribes@communityofjesus.org (508-255-1094, ext. 3501). It is very likely that room will be available. For more info, contact Rev. Dana Lindsley by email at danalindsley@psne.org or phone 860/388-0874. REGISTRATION FORM is attached with flyer.

AEPS ANNUAL MEETING October 19-21; Pittsburgh Dates: Begin Wednesday, October 19 at 5:00 PM End Friday, October 21 at 11:30 AM Goals: Participants will leave feeling refreshed There will be time for fellowship and fun There will be time for affinity groups Plenary design will include conversation partners with plenty of time for table discussions Great thinkers will be leading us such as: Rev. Joe Small formerly of the Office of Theology and Worship John Crosby, pastor Christ Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis and member of the Presbyterian Fellowship Tod Bolsinger, pastor San Clemente Presbyterian Church, moderator of the MGB Commission And we are waiting to receive confirmations from even more! Featuring Music from EXECUTIVE SESSION! the renowned (infamous?) jazz ensemble of Sheldon Sorge and Wilson Gunn featuring guest percussionist Corey Schlosser-Hall The planning team would love to receive your suggestions concerning speakers and format. Please email Nancy Dawson . Look for more details in the future. Hope to see you there!

MGBMatters In addition to the protected Blog and Forum space on www.aeps.org, you are invited to join in the Google Group created by the AEPS leadership team to offer you additional conversational space. Everyone has gifts to bring, let's share them. Visit MGB Matters group

2010 PC(USA) Fall Meetings

Association of Executive Presbyters Annual Meeting (October 2-4, 2010)

OGA Fall Polity (October 3-5, 2010) MGB/GAMC Consultation (October 6, 2010)

Marriott Louisville Downtown 280 W. Jefferson St. Louisville, Ky 40202

Association of Executive Presbyters Annual Meeting (see schedule) Saturday, October 2, 1p–Monday, October 4, noon

OGA Fall Polity Conference (see schedule) (see overview) Sunday, October 3, 7:00p–Tuesday, October 5, 8:30p

Second Year Stated Clerk Conversations Wednesday, October 6, all day Sponsored by the Office of the General Assembly

Annual Meeting of the Association of Stated Clerks Breakfast meeting on Tuesday, October 5

Gathering of Synod Stated Clerks who are attending the Fall Polity Conference Lunch on Tuesday, October 5

Middle Governing Body and General Assembly Mission Council Consultation Wednesday, October 6 (see schedule)

General Assembly Mission Council Thursday, October 7,–Saturday, October 9

General Assembly Committee on Representation Saturday, October 2–Monday, October 4

Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ..... Paul Reiter began to travel home last Wednesday (8/18) with the blessing of his doctor. He arrived on Thursday. His healing is going very well. But on Friday, he noticed a rash and now has been diagnosed with shingles. He is under medication for this new challenge but his spirits are up. Paul said that he was told there might be complications and setbacks as he moved through the healing process. This is simply one of the setbacks. Thank you again for the prayers and caring! Betty Meadows, President of AEPS

Dear Colleagues in Ministry,

There are few activities within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) that serve as common bonds among our congregations despite geographical, demographical, and theological differences. The Special Offerings are one of the shared practices engaged by an overwhelming majority of our churches. The Offerings are "connective tissue," bringing together all stripes of Presbyterian congregations into common mission in Christ's name. Even so, we believe there is great untapped potential in these Offerings. As leaders in our denomination, you play a key role in revitalizing these Offerings which impact so many areas of the connectional church's ministry.

That is why we urge you to participate in a focus group on the Special Offerings commissioned by the General Assembly Special Offerings Advisory Task Force and held on July 6th and 7th during the proceedings of the 219th General Assembly in Minneapolis. The focus groups will be conducted by the Alford Group [www.alford.com] and take place at the following times:

• Tuesday, July 6th     10:30 AM - Noon, 
• Tuesday, July 6th       1:30 PM - 3:00 PM, 
• Tuesday, July 6th       3:00 PM - 5:00 PM,
• Wednesday, July 7th  10:30 AM - Noon, 
• Wednesday, July 7th    1:30 PM - 3:00 PM,

Please find attached a concept paper that describes your important role in the research and analysis of the Special Offerings.

Please contact Denise Dukes, Denise.Dukes@pcusa.org , (502) 569-5026, to schedule and confirm your participation.

We thank you in advance for the key role that you will play in growing the potential and effectiveness of these important church-wide Special Offerings!

Grace and peace,

The Rev. Karl Travis
First Presbyterian Church, Ft. Worth, TX
Chair, Special Offerings Advisory Task Force

The Rev. Betty Meadows, President of AEPS
General Presbyter
Mid-Kentucky Presbytery

 

 

 

 

 

Hello. You may have questions about how to get the most from visiting the AEPS website. Your Frequently Asked Questions have been answered! Well, mostly, we hope. Here is a FAQ on the distinctive features of the Blog and Forum sections of our website. We hope its helpful. Please let us know how we can make online conversations easier and and more effective.

Sincerely, The Tech Team

 

 

Come learn the latest research on religious giving and how to cultivate generosity among our congregations and members. The Rev. Dr. Bill Enright, executive director of the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving will be sharing a consultation with Middle Governing Body Executives on Thursday afternoon, March 17th in Indianapolis, IN. (This consultation follows on the heels of the 2010 Stewardship Kaleidoscope Conference, March 15 -17, at the Hilton Indianapolis Downtown. http://www.stewardshipkaleidoscope.org )

The Bill Enright consultation on Faith & Generosity is in partnership with AEPS and the General Assembly Mission Council. There is no cost for participation, but each individual is responsible for his or her own transportation and lodging. It is our hope that you can combine this with participation in the Kaleidoscope conference and take advantage of the conference rates at the hotel. The consultation is planned for 2:00 - 5:00 PM on Wednesday, March 17th with a follow up conversation at dinner. Please save the date and stay tuned for further details.

The denomination has invited the Rev. Dr. Bill Enright to have a discussion with members of AEPS following Kaleidoscope.  There is no cost for this gathering other than maybe a delayed plane ticket to return home.  I have heard Dr. Enright and the information he brings is extremely helpful to all of us. -Betty Meadows

Monthly Letter and Updates from AEPS

Dear Members of the Association,

Advent greetings!

On October 2 and 3, 2009, you helped create one of the best Association meetings in recent history. You brought your energy, your ideas and your wisdom to the meeting. We voted on many changes to the By-laws, one of those being that membership is open to Synod Executives. The Steering Committee, whose names are seen below, wanted more inclusiveness and openness as we move into our future with God, a future that includes much change from what is to what will be. The fact that the church is changing does not escape anyone. These changes can be seen and felt in the downsizing of the General Assembly, in the various ways presbyteries are led, in the titles for people in the role of executive, and in the myriad of changes in congregations, especially how congregations are birthed.

One of the most important roles today in the Presbyterian Church (USA) is the role of the presbytery. How presbyteries help congregations be vital, train leaders, birth new churches, and interpret the work of the General Assembly Mission Council and the Office of the General Assembly are just a few of the significant responsibilities that presbyteries have. And how Executives lead is vital. We are to lead in such a way from our crucial point in the system that the PC(USA) is strengthened for Jesus Christ.

The purpose statement you voted on is this: We believe God gathers middle governing body leaders who are at the church's fulcrum point, and who serve as connectors between congregations and the larger church, to be a learning community that resources and supports both each other and the church as a whole. Through scripture, prayer and dialogue we seek to discern a way forward amid the pressing issues and opportunities of the Presbyterian Church (USA). This community offers its unique perspective to the church in order to challenge and inspire us to a more faithful and fervent witness to our Lord Jesus Christ.

God bless you! And thank you for who you are and for what you do in the name of Christ.

Betty Meadows
President

Tom Evans
President-Elect

 

Association of Executive Presbyters - 2010 officers
President- Betty Meadows - Mid Kentucky - bettym29@bellsouth.net
President-Elect - Tom Evans - Sheppard's and Lapsley
thomasevans2000@gmail.com
Past-President - Graham Hart - Peace River - graham@peaceriverpresbytery.org
Secretary/Treasurer - Sue Coller - Minnesota Valleys - sue@minnesotavalleys.org

Steering Committee:
Jim Moseley - New Castle - jmoseley@ncpresbytery.org
Kevin Yoho - Newark - Kevin@newarkpresbytery.org
Phil Barrett - Des Moines pby1@presbyteryofdesmoines.org [co-opted]
Corey Schlosser-Hall - North Puget Sound - corey@npspresbyterians.net
Mary Newbern Williams - John Calvin - revmarynw@johncalvinpresby.org

 

This workshop is on reframing presbyteries to be missional, with Alan Roxburgh.

 

Hi,

This is a sample blog entry demonstration.

 

Click on Create a New Blog

Choose the Topic area to post in

Give your Blog a title

If referring to a calendar event, click Event Date and choose date.

Enter text in text box.

Select if Everyone can view or only those who have requested and received account access as registered members.

If adding an Image or File, click and attach the respective button below.

When done, click create.

There you go, a published blog!

--------------

 

Want more flexibility in writing your blog post? Hover your mouse over each tiny graphic button below to see its function.

You can format your text using the little buttons B I U, etc. 

You can Copy and Paste from other documents. The Default when you Paste from another application into this window is full formatting as the original. Sometimes that's not what you want, so click the appropriate Clipboard icons below and then paste your text into the window that opens, then click INSERT which will remove the formatting of the text you are pasting. 

If you want to upload a document, click on the Choose File button below, then ENTER.

(Same for a image file, just click on the Choose File under Images, below)

Before you click Save, decide who gets to comment on your blog. Everyone, or just those who requested and have been granted access to the site?

Questions, contact Kevin (kevin@newarkpresbytery.org) or Corey (corey@npspresbyterians.net).