Presbytery of Missouri River Valley

NEWS:

GROUNDBREAKING TO BE RESCHEDULED:
Gethsemane Presbyterian Church of Council Bluffs will hold their groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, May 9 at 3:30 on the site of their future church. The address is 224 Wallace Avenue. Directions to the location: Take Hwy. 275 to the Lake Manawa area, go south on East Manawa Drive approximately 1 mile to construction area between tank farm and power plant. They hope to be in their new building before the arrival of cold weather, maybe as early as September 2008. Come join in the excitement of a new project within our Presbytery.

KOMAREK TRUST FUNDS AVAILABLE IN 2008: Komarek Trust Funds are available for "physical repairs and improvements" in churches in MissouriRiver Valley Presbytery. The grant(s) are for situations where the local church does not have adequate funds to meet specific needs. Trust amounts in the past have been between $10,000 and $18,000 depending on the market. First time applications are given priority, and the funds are usually available in September. Deadline for filing your application is June 15, 2008. (Application forms located under "Forms" - Mission & Mission Interpretation)

MRV MISSION COMMITTEE HAS MINI-GRANT FUNDS AVAILABLE IN 2008: Each year, mini grants (up to $2,000) are awarded by the Presbytery through the MRV Mission Committee. Churches should design a partially self-funded program or project. The mini grants are for start-up expenses for programs that will be continued by the congregation. (Application forms located under "Forms" - Mission & Mission Interpretation)

Project Burning Bush - June 29-July 12

Now Accepting Enrollment!

Project Burning Bush Institute at Union-PSCE 2008

June 29-July 12, 2008

A life-changing experience at Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, Virginia, Project Burning Bush is a place for rising Juniors and Seniors in high school to explore how God is calling them to Christian leadership in their churches and communities. The experience includes:
     - Creative workshops
     - Classes with seminary faculty
     - Community outreach
     - Spiritual formation
     - Mentored projects
     - Vocational retreat
     - Resources for your future
Applications received before March 1 will be given priority. All participants receive a full scholarship!
For more information and to download an application, visit their web site: http://www.projectburningbush.org/

Synod School - July 27-August 1

Synod School 2008 - Coloring Outside the Lines

Date: July 27 - August 1, 2008
Location: Buena Vista University, Storm Lake, Iowa
Theme: Coloring Outside the Lines

“Coloring Outside the Lines,” the theme for this year’s Synod School, is a look at how the church might move beyond timidity and try new things. The Rev. Scott Nesbitt, pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Clinton, Iowa, will challenge us to become like little children who can paint a picture with bold colors and call it beautiful even though almost every boundary has been completely disregarded.

The week-long event is described in this year's brochure as “a special learning and personal enrichment experience for all ages.” The brochure notes, “The week is designed for laity and clergy, individuals and families. Classes and activities are available for adults, youth and children – some separately, some are intergenerational – to stretch the mind and nurture the soul.”

As one individual noted after last summer’s Synod School, “I didn’t know Presbyterians could gather together and have fun.” Another described Synod School as “an unexpected spiritual awakening – wow!”

For more information, please visit website of the Synod of Lakes and Prairies at www.lakesandprairies.org

Calvin Crest 50th Anniversary - August 22-24
    Brochure
     Cookbook Information
      Additional celebration information - www.calvincrest.org

OWLS 2-Day Event
Heads up! OWLS will gather again in September. OWLS (Older, Wiser, Livelier Saints) is an older-adult ministry conducted jointly by Homestead and Missouri River Valley presbyteries. Each mid-September the joint committee presents a mid-week two-day gathering at Camp Calvin Crest for seniors. It is a joyful, helpful, relaxing event. Some older adults attend every year. The exact dates are not yet known, but it will be in mid-September. Make plans to attend. When you want more information phone either Brad Field (402-489-5676) or George Hooper (402-339-2602).