...

rivers of living water

The Rev. Timothy Hart-Anderson from
Westminster Presbyterian Church, Minnea-
polis, MN, pouring water during the Open-
ing Worship Service of the 219th General
Assembly. Photo by Dennis Sanders.

emerge
july/august 2010

a publication of the presbytery of the twin cities area

When I first came to the PTCA, the 219th “… kind of like thanksgiving”
General Assembly was already on the front
burner. In the year and a half I have been by chaz ruark
present it drew closer and closer with both
excitement and trepidation. And now it sits firmly in our rear view mirror. First of all,
hear and believe, I am incredibly proud of our Presbytery for the marvelous way in
which we hosted this complex gathering of Presbyterians. The many volunteers who
stepped up with smiles and patience were a wonderful gift to the people who came
from around the country (and the world too) to our community and faced the double
challenge of navigating a strange place as well as the work of the Presbyterian
Church (USA). The amazing level of talent and commitment of those volunteers who
worked for months to plan and execute the varied activities from picnics to worship,
and the hundreds of details in between provided a joyous experience that will long be
remembered by everyone who attended this GA. The tireless efforts of those who
organized, recruited, and prayed provided an atmosphere in which every participant
felt welcome, free, and inspired to tackle the business that we are required to process
every other year. I know that many others shared the experience that I had as friends
from all over the country made a point of telling me what a fine job PTCA (and our co
sponsors Minnesota Valleys and Northern Waters) did in hosting this meeting. There are no words to adequately express my gratitude

emerge/presbytery of the twin cities area/ july-august 2010/ 1

Kind of Like Thanksgiving, continued
to all those who gave their time, talent, and resources. I must admit the image that came to my mind in the
midst of this meeting was one of a large family Thanksgiving sup-
The meeting itself was rather interesting this year. My
per. There are the countless hugs as folk we genuinely care for
responsibilities prevented me from following the committee work
come through the door. There are all those cousins we only see
and the floor discussions as closely as I normally do, but the
once a year, but enjoy so much. There are the Aunts and Uncles
sense I got was that this assembly listened to one another better
we don’t really understand but whom we appreciate because they
than some past assemblies have done. There was no strong ma-
are a part of the family. There are the siblings whom we know in
jority, conservative or liberal. The votes tended to be close and
our hearts we love, but whom we haven’t talked to in a year be-
persons who tend to take strong positions on either end of the
cause of what happened last Thanksgiving. Everyone makes nice
political spectrum could claim both some loses and as well as
early in the day, eventually A mentions something from the news
some victories.
and a discussion follows that leads B to walk over to the kids table
for games in order not to get mad. C tells a story that reminds D
that she feels hurt. And at some point F screams that the family
In a close vote the Assembly is asking Presbyteries to consider a
doesn’t understand him and steps outside for a smoke. Finally, we
change in the language of ordination standards and inclusion. As
break bread together and for a time we think of others ahead of
we have done so many times in the last two decades we will dis-
ourselves. Soon, it’s time to go home and while it may not have
cuss the proposed changes and vote how we believe the Spirit is
been a perfect day, it was after all a family time, and we walk
leading us. Most prognosticators predict the voting will follow fa-
away knowing we’ll be back next year and that all the good things
miliar patterns across the country.
about this family will overshadow the dysfunctional things.
NFOG passed the Assembly and will now be considered
Like a family, being a part of the Church can sometimes
by the Presbyteries. NFOG is a new draft of
be messy, but it is still a wonderful blessing
the Form of Government section of our Book
of Order. It attempts to establish principles of
Like a family, being a from God. We as a Presbytery accepted the
challenge to host this meeting and we did so
governance rather than the manual of opera- part of the Church can
in magnificent fashion. Thanks to each and
tions approach that typifies our current book.
This effort to streamline our Constitution now
sometimes be messy, every one of you who were a part of this proc-
ess. Now we accept the challenge to reflect
faces the challenge of convincing the people but it is still a wonder-
and vote on the recommendations of the
in the pews that it fits our emerging needs as ful blessing from God.
General Assembly. I pray that we will be as
a denomination. PTCA’s Bills and Overtures
successful in following God’s direction to
Committee will assist Council in preparing a
serve the world according to the Divine Will.
study process so that we can make as well informed a vote as
possible.
An item of business that drew a lot of attention was the -Chaz Ruark is the Executive Presbyter of the Presbytery of the
Middle East Study Committee report. This was a report that dealt Twin Cities Area..
with the difficult issue of peace between the Israelis and Palestini-
ans. After much discussion in committee the Assembly voted to special presbytery meeting july 27
recommend it for study to raise awareness of the plight of inno-
cent Palestinians caught between warring factions. The language The Presbytery of the Twin Cities
was modified in an effort to make the report more balanced and Area will meet on Tuesday, July
fair as Israel’s right to exist was affirmed, but the seemingly over 27 at the Oliver Christian Center
zealous security measures were questioned. in Minneapolis starting at 4PM for
A hot button issue on the definition of marriage was an- a special meeting. Among the
swered with a study, but no recommended changes in our Book of issues being considered is ap-
Order language. proving Associate Pastors for
The Belhar Confession has been recommended to the House of Hope in St. Paul and
Presbyteries for inclusion in our Book of Confessions. This re- Korean Presbyterian in Brooklyn
quires a strong majority and ratification by the next Assembly in
Center, as well as approving a
order to be accepted. The Belhar Confession is a document writ-
ten in South Africa in the time of Apartheid that raises the doctrine new Treasurer for the Presbytery. You can read the call
of inclusion in the body of Christ. and on page 11.
These are just the highlights, the Bills and Overtures
Committee will diligently prepare study material and opportunities
for our Presbytery to equip itself for voting on these proposals.
Please watch carefully for those opportunities so that we can work
together to lead our Church according to God’s Spirit.

emerge/presbytery of the twin cities area/ july-august 2010/ 2

contents
“i’ll remember It for a very long time”
GA in Brief 3 -by paul moore
I was one of many Commun-
Presbyterians Voices 7 ion servers and arrived at Bruce shared that he dreams of a church where we have more
7:30 a.m. at the Convention people in their 20’s than 30’s than 40’s than 50’s than 60’s than
for Justice Luncheon
Center to receive my training. 70’s instead of vice versa, which we have now. Amen and preach
And even though I’ve admin- it! His thoughts shared the Core Value of “Investing in Future
GA Gift Project 8 istered Communion hundreds Generations” we articulated at Chain of Lakes.
of times, I appreciated that we
received training. I quickly I watched the breathtaking baptism of Alexis Renee Sanders.
Thanking COLA Vol- 9 learned that whoever planned Alexis is part of Kwanza Community Church. Watching Rev. Alika
unteers and implemented this
service was paying Outgoing Moderator Bruce Reyes-Chow gives
Words from GA Com- 10 attention to details. the sermon during Opening Worship at the
missioners 219th General Assembly. Photo by Dennis
As soon as I entered Sanders.
Call to Special Meet- 11 the Convention Cen-
ter I felt the spiritual
ing
energy. I saw many
Presbyterians who I
Mac-Plymouth Mis- 12 know and greeted
sion Trip them. We had a feel-
ing of celebration
Transitions 13 from the start. I could
feel a sense of antici-
pation—that some-
Open Postions, 14 thing very special
Events was going to happen.
I felt like a greeting
machine—dispensing “hi’s” and “how are yous” and “this
is a very special day” to anyone I knew who came near
me.

We Presbyterians are so good at identifying our own

problems. It felt good to celebrate!
The opening of worship took my heart away. Fern Cloud, a com-
missioned lay pastor from Rapid City was dressed in traditional
Native American apparel. She and Elona Street-Stewart shared
the welcoming. Animals (humans dressed that way) and then
large Native American figures walked by where I sat. I saw a
bunny hopping and skunks skitter by. The processional was a
story of creation with a midwestern accent.
I so appreciated a welcome from these Native Americans. It fit
our history and context.
Now former moderator Bruce Reyes-Chow knocked the sermon
out of the park. Much of what he shared is what we are trying to
create at Chain of Lakes Church. He shared the challenges of
being Presbyterian mean we have to work together. He shared a
beautiful story of a an elderly woman who became angry with him
in a congregation he served because of how the flowers looked in
the sanctuary. After her outburst, Bruce shared with her that he
didn’t care about the flowers. That is the mistake we all make
about people who disagree with us. We don’t care about them.
We don’t care about them as people, as brothers and sisters in
Christ, as children of God. We just don’t care enough. Bruce
shared the Core Value of “Healthy Disagreement” that we’ve ar-
ticulated at Chain of Lakes.
Galloway take Alexis in her arms was seeing an illustration of
God’s clinging to us as humans. (The preceding thought came
from Donna Christison from Community Presbyterian in Plain-
view. Donna shared this with me after worship.) I teared up when
many of the Kwanza Community church, sitting near the stage
rose to affirm that they would raise Alexis in the faith. This Afri-
can-American congregation from North Minneapolis committed to
instilling faith in this precious child. I very much appreciated the
diversity in worship. We shared theological diversity—musicians
from Westminster, Church of All Nations, and Christ Presbyterian
in Edina—shared their gifts. I appreciated the different styles of
music from classic hymns to contemporary Praise Band selec-
tions. Through our diversity we were united in our desire and pas-
sion to worship. These diverse styles complimented each other
and didn’t tear at the fabric of our unity.
The power of worship will fade, but the principles lived out give us
as Presbyterians hope in which to grasp as we face an unsettling
future.
Paul Moore is the organizing pastor of Chain of Lakes Presbyte-
rian Church in Lino Lakes. This article is excerpted from Paul’s
blog “Chain Link” which can be found at colpres.org.

emerge/presbytery of the twin cities area/ july-august 2010/ 3

Moderator election
With an unusually large number of
contentious issues on the agenda,
the 219th General Assembly
(2010) — with the theme “Out of
-by the office of general assembly
the believer’s heart shall flow rivers
of living water” (John 7:38) —
could have been a stormy crossing. That it wasn’t is a tribute to
the spirit of civility and unity that predominated among the 712
commissioners and 200 advisory delegates who diligently ad-
hered to their commissions “to discern the mind of Christ.”
They were also well-served by two calm and competent leaders
— Moderator Cynthia Bolbach and Stated Clerk Gradye Parsons.
While no Assembly produces consensus on many issues, the
219th General Assembly demonstrated Presbyterian governance
at its best — elders, ministers and advisers worshiping, laughing,
praying, singing, studying,
debating and navigating po-
tentially treacherous waters
together to seek the best way
forward for the Presbyterian
Church (U.S.A.).
Bolbach, an elder from Na-
tional Capital Presbytery, was
elected moderator opening
night (July 3) on the fourth
ballot. She was the only elder
in the field of six candidates.
Bolbach employed brief an-
swers and a winsome sense
of humor to steadily gain
ground, rising from 149 votes
(30%) of the votes on the first
ballot to 325 votes (53%) on
the decisive fourth ballot.
None of the other five candidates — the Rev. Julia Leeth of Santa
Barbara Presbytery, the Rev. James Belle of Philadelphia Presby-
tery, the Rev. Maggie Lauterer of Western North Carolina Presby-
tery, the Rev. Eric Nielsen of Northern Waters Presbytery, and the
Rev. Jin S. Kim of host Twin Cities Area Presbytery — exceeded
23% of the vote on any ballot. Bolbach’s running mate for vice-
moderator, the Rev. Landon Whitsitt, pastor of First Presbyterian
Church in Liberty, MO (Heartland Presbytery) was installed later
in the week.
Middle East peace
The Assembly voted 558–119 (82%–17%) to approve “Breaking
Down the Walls,” the report from the Assembly’s Middle East
Study Committee. The amended report, which was hotly debated
in the days leading up to the Assembly, affirms Israel’s right to
exist as a sovereign nation within secure and internationally rec-
ognized borders and commends for study “A Moment of Truth”—a
statement by Palestinian Christian leaders that emphasizes hope
for liberation, nonviolence, love of enemy and reconciliation. It
also calls for the Israeli and Egyptian governments to limit their
blockade of Gaza solely to military equipment and authorizes a
seven-member Monitoring Group on the Middle East to assist with
implementation of the church’s policy in the region. The Assembly
deleted two historical analysis sections—by Palestinian Christians
and a “Liberal Zionist”—from the 172-page report and ordered
their replacement with “a series of eight narratives” arising from
the range of “authentically” Palestinian Christian, Muslim and Is-
raeli perspectives.
emerge/presbytery of the twin cities area/ july-august 2010/ 4
Assembly in brief
The Assembly voted 529–135 to refer a theological paper on the
relationship between Christians and Jews back to the offices of
Interfaith Relations and Theology and Worship for revision. Oppo-
nents of the paper—“Christians and Jews: People of God”—
argued that the paper is fl awed because Palestinian Christians
were not included in its development.
A paper on Christian-Muslim relations that calls for greater dia-
logue, understanding and cooperation between Christians and
Muslims was adopted 548–29.
Ordination standards
The Assembly voted 373–323 (53%–46%) to
delete the current G-6.0106b from the Book of
Order that requires “fidelity within the covenant
of marriage between a man and a woman or
chastity in singleness,” and replace it with lan-
guage reading: “Standards for ordained service
reflect the church’s desire to submit joyfully to
the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life.
The governing body responsible for ordination
and/or installation shall examine each candi-
date’s calling, gifts, preparation, and suitability
for the responsibilities of office. The examination
shall include, but not be limited to, a determina-
tion of the candidate’s ability and commitment to
fulfill all requirements as expressed in the consti-
tutional questions for ordination and installation. Governing bodies
shall be guided by Scripture and the confessions in applying stan-
dards to individual candidates.” The 2008 Assembly sent a similar
measure to the 173 presbyteries. It was narrowly defeated. This
will be the fourth time proposed amendments to G-6.0106b have
been submitted to the presbyteries since the provision was placed
in the PC(USA)’s Book of Order following the 208th General As-
sembly (1996).
Civil unions and Christian marriage
The Assembly voted to maintain the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.)’s current definition of marriage as “between a man and a
woman.” In voting 439–208 to approve the report of its Special
Committee to Study Issues of Civil Union and Christian Marriage,
the Assembly turned back several overtures seeking to change
the constitutional definition of marriage in the Directory for Wor-
ship to “two people.”
The report calls for further discussion of issues around the
church’s understanding of marriage and same-sex unions and the
development of resources that will help guide presbyteries, ses-
sions and ministers, particularly in states that have legalized gay
marriage.
The Assembly also voted to send to the churches a minority re-
port that defends what its supporters call a more “traditionalist”
stance against any sexual relations outside heterosexual mar-
riage.
The Assembly voted 366–287 to urge the Board of Pensions to
extend the same spousal and dependent benefits to same-gender
domestic partners as it does to married plan members. It also
approved an increase in BOP pension dues of up to 1 percent,
effective Jan. 1, 2012, to cover the cost of the additional benefits.
To address concerns that the added benefit would create a moral
dilemma for some church employers, the resolution includes a
provision urging the BOP to create a “relief of conscience” fund to
segregate dues of employers who are conscientiously opposed to
same-gender benefits. The Board has a similar provision for em-
ployers who object to their dues being used to pay for abortion
procedures.
Governance
The Assembly
voted 468–204
to approve a
massive revi-
sion of the
Form of Gov-
ernment that
has been
worked and
reworked over
the last four
years. The
Form of Gov-
ernment has
been amended
more than 300
times since it
Commissioners and Observers filter out of the Middle East
was adopted in
1983 at Pres- Committee room during a break. Photo by Dennis Sanders.
byterian reun-
ion. The revi-
sions are intended to make it less regulatory and more missional.
Assembly Committee on Form of Government Revision moderator Social justice
Tim Beal of Baltimore Presbytery said the new Form of Govern-
ment is “clear about standards but allows flexibility for councils
(governing bodies) to best determine how to express those stan-
dards.” The revision now goes to the presbyteries for their affirma- Presbyterians of color might subject them to harassment or racial
tive or negative votes.
The Assembly voted 566–104 to create a 21-member middle gov-
erning body commission with authority to act on the Assembly’s-
behalf in responding to realignment requests from synods and
presbyteries. In response to concerns that the commission might
be able to act unilaterally to change synod and presbytery struc-
tures, the Assembly adopted an amendment that makes explicit
that the commission can only act “upon a majority affirmative vote
of the affected presbytery or presbyteries or a majority affirmative
vote of the presbyteries in the affected synod or synods.”
The Assembly’s action also requires that all decisions of the com-
mission be approved by a two-thirds majority.
Also assigned to the new commission is supervision of the work of
the Assembly’s Special Committee on Administrative Review of
the Synod of Boriquen in Puerto Rico and Its Constituent Presby-
teries. The special committee, appointed by the 2008 Assembly,
reported that the synod “is rife with power struggles among indi-
viduals, groups, and the middle governing bodies of the synod . . .
that undermine the ability of the church in the Commonwealth of
Puerto Rico to focus on Christ’s Great Commission.”
emerge/presbytery of the twin cities area/ july-august 2010/ 5
Doctrinal statements
By a voice vote, the Assembly voted to continue work on correct-
ing “incomplete and insufficient” translation of the Heidelberg
Catechism from the original German into English in cooperation
with the Christian Reformed Church in North America and the
Reformed Church in America. Those denominations are working
on similar corrective translations of five questions in the cate-
chism.
The Assembly voted 525–-150 to send the Belhar Confession to
the presbyteries for their votes to include it as
the 12th doctrinal statement in the denomina-
tion’s Book of Confessions. The Belhar Confes-
sion was developed in the mid-1980s by the
South African churches as their theological re-
sponse to the racism of apartheid. The confes-
sion is valuable, proponents say, because it
seeks to address issues of racial justice and
reconciliation that are still relevant today.
Leaders
The Assembly confirmed the General Assembly
Mission Council’s election of elder Linda Valen-
tine to a second four-year term as executive
director of the General Assembly Mission Coun-
cil; the Rev. Tom Taylor as president of the
Presbyterian Foundation; the Rev. Stephen A.
Hayner as president of Columbia Theological
Seminary; the Rev. Michael Jinkins as president
of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary;
and the Rev. Paul T. Roberts as president and
dean of Johnson C. Smith Seminary in Atlanta.
The Assembly voted 420–205 to “refrain from holding national
meetings in states where travel by immigrant Presbyterians or
profiling.” The action came in light of a recently enacted Arizona
law that many feel unfairly targets Hispanic Americans.
The Assembly also approved recommendations calling for:
• An immediate moratorium on all executions in the United States;
• Establishing a theological wetlands education center in the Pres-
bytery of South Louisiana;
• The church at every level to become informed and active in pre-
venting gun violence;
• Increased attention to human rights, particularly in the areas of
human trafficking, detention of immigrants and the continuing
problem of torture;
• The PC(USA) to become “an HIV and AIDS competent church,”
including encouraging all Presbyterians, especially ministers, to
be tested to help eliminate the stigma associated with
HIV/AIDS testing;
• Reaffirmation of the PC(USA)’s longstanding commitment to
public education and equal educational opportunity for all children;
 Assembly in brief, continued
• Renewed efforts to combat violence against women and children and nonviolence, building on the PC(USA)’s 1980 statement
along the U.S.-Mexico border; “Peacemaking: The Believers’ Calling.”
• A General Assembly Mission Council-led review of compensa- In other action related to peacemaking the Assembly called for:
tion policies in the agencies of the church in light of the 14 com-
pensation principles adopted by the 2001 General Assembly; and • The United States to end use of seven military bases in Colom-
a study that as- bia;
sesses the long- • The peaceful reunification of North
term implications of and South Korea;
current economic
trends in the United • Prayers and advocacy to end vio-
States and their lence and warfare in Sudan;
impacts on the • Restoration of sustainable agriculture
church. in Haiti;
• Restoration of democracy in Mada-
International gascar; and
peacemaking • The protection of religious minorities
around the world.
The Assembly
called for the U.S.
government to end
direct combat op-
erations in Afghani-
stan, the first time
since the war be-
gan in 2001 that the
Assembly has is-
sued such a call.
PC(USA) Moderator Cynthia Bolbach offering a small smile as the
The action also
calls for the United photographer tries to be inconspicous at the Committee on Theo-
States to increase logical Issues and Institutions Press Conference. Photo by Dennis
humanitarian and Sanders.
economic assis-
tance to Afghanistan.
On a broader front, the Assembly authorized a denominational
study to consider new thinking and approaches to peacemaking

As participants arrived for the annual Native American Con-

sulting Committee dinner at the 219th General Assembly of A Woman of Faith
the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the Rev. Irvin R. Porter,
moderator of the Church of the Indians Fellowship in Tacoma, Wash., lit a sage branch
and quietly smudged the room in preparation for the gathering.
Keynote speaker Elona Street-Stewart, right, a recipient of a 2010 PC(USA) Women of
Faith award and the Synod of Lakes and Prairies' associate for racial ethnic ministries
and community empowerment, called on the crowd to remember their history. She
said, "We are a proud, beautiful, intelligent, adaptive Native American people!" she
proclaimed. "At the time of first contact ... we had difficulty understanding why our
normal activities alarmed the newcomers. We had no idea that we were being caught
up in the massive globalization of the old world with the new world."
-Duane Sweep, Synod of Lakes and Prairies. Photo by Presbyterian News Service.

emerge/presbytery of the twin cities area/ july-august 2010/ 6

 Eco-Faithful
“We Are One.”
-by Kim Coulter and Dennis Sanders

Members of the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area were in the spotlight at the Presbyterian
Voices for Justice Awards Luncheon on Sunday, July 4 in Minneapolis, during the 219th Gen-
eral Assembly activities.
Presbyterian Voices for Justice is a new
organization born from the merger of
the Witherspoon Society and Voices of
Sophia in 2009.
The Andrew Murray Award went to Ann
and Manley Olson, of Falcon Heights, North Como Presbyterian in Rose-
MN, for their outstanding leadership in ville,MN was honored with an-
the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). As other award for its role in social
members of North Como Presbyterian concern at the 219th General As-
Church in Roseville, MN , the two have sembly on July 6.
been long-time active Presbyterian
On Sunday, Ann and Manley Ol-
leaders at congregational, presbytery
son, both members at North
and national levels. Manley Olson is Como, were honored with an
currently serving as co-chairperson of award from Presbyterian Voices
for Justice. Now it was the entire
congregation’s turn.
the Committee on Local Arrangements and
The congregation received the
Ann serves on the COLA Executive Commit-
Restoring Creation Award by
tee.
Presbyterians for Earthcare, a
Accolades for the pair include creation of the member-based organization that
progressive group, Voices of Sophia, a re- works alongside the Presbyterian
sponse to the hostility to the Re-Imagining Church (USA) on environmental
Conference of 1993. Ann served 10-years as issues, at their luncheon on Tues-
day. The award is given to an
treasurer for the group.
institution that is engaged in envi-
Members of the Kwanzaa Community Church, ronmental stewardship and is
Presbyterian, of Minneapolis, were honored awarded annually.
with the Whole Gospel Congregation Award for The luncheon began with Manley
their commitment to living out the Presbyterian Olson, an elder at North Como
Voices for Justice’s radical, liberating Good and Co-Chair of the Committee on
News in our society and the wider world. The honorably retired Rev. Bebe Baldwin of the Pres- Local Arrangements leading
bytery of Twin Cities Area, introduced the Kwanzaa Church as a different way to ‘do’ church.” those gathered in a song he wrote
called “In A Round World.” His
She described examples of various community mission endeavors with the poor and oppressed son, Mark Olson accompanied
as transformational ministry. A planned community garden has flourished in a vacant lot near him on a guitar.
the church. She likened this ministry to the miracle preformed with the loaves and fishes, feed-
ing all the children. Congratulations to North Como
for their work in Environmental
Kwanzaa’s newest project, the Northside Women’s Space, is a drop-in place designed as a Stewardship!
safe haven for women and teens who trade sex, or who prostitutes.
Through tears of joy and joined by several members of the North Minneapolis congregation,
Kwanzaa co-pastor Rev. Alika Galloway, received the award speaking to the many members
present at the luncheon, “We are one. Regardless of whom you are and what we look like, we
are one.”
Kim Coulter is director of communications of the Presbytery of Des Moines in Urbandale,
Iowa. Dennis Sanders is Communications Specialist for the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area.

emerge/presbytery of the twin cities area/ july-august 2010/ 7

Underwear and socks: simple gifts, simple
necessities. Presbyterian Women (PW) in the
three hosting presbyteries (Twin Cities Area, Simple Gifts
Minnesota Valleys, and Northern Waters) -by Meg Flanigan
collaborated to organize this year’s Gift Pro-
ject for the 219th General Assembly (2010).
Those coming to Minneapolis were invited to bring underwear, socks and gift cards with them. Expecting to receive 1,500 donations,
PW had nearly 7100 by Wednesday afternoon.
Throughout the week the women separated and bagged children’s, women’s and men’s socks and underwear. Ann Rock (a member
of First Presbyterian in Stillwater, MN), co-chair of the Gift Project, was sur-
prised by everyone’s desire to help. She was overwhelmed by “the generos-
ity of people who’ve come here… I think they have a real heart for mission.”
A number of commissioners commented on the accessibility of the project.
People were able to participate at any level – spending any amount from $3
to $300. The Minneapolis-based Target company gave $1,000 for store
credit, which the co-chairs used to purchase gift cards worth $20 each.
Special bags of underwear and socks were made by members of the GA Gift
Project, after several men had come by asking for these items.
Even during the interview for this article, several gentlemen approached the
Gift Project booth with immediate needs. Gently and respectfully, Rock found
the appropriate sizes and shared supplies with them.
Minister commissioner from Donegal Presbytery, the Rev. Jane Deford, par-
ticipates in a thrift shop ministry with her congregation. She still wanted to
contribute to the Gift Project,
however, and brought donations to General Assembly. “Quite frankly, underwear and
socks offer a dignity to the person wearing it that’s only seen on the inside.”
A total of 18 shelters will receive socks and underwear.
-by Meg Flanagan of Presbyterian News Service. Dennis Sanders, Communications
Specialist for the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area, contributed to this report.

Assembly-goers give generously! Offer total

from Sunday’s worship service: $33,189.58
The offering will be distributed to the Global Alliance against
Traffic in Women (GAATW); PC(USA) Office of Collegiate Minis-
tries; Presbyterian Student Advocacy Leadership Team
(PSALT); Presbyterian Student Fellowship (PSF); and Presbyte-
rian Clearwater Forrest.

Offering total from ecumenical worship service: $5,632.31.

The offering will be used to support young adult ecumenical

formation with the National Council of Churches of Christ in the
USA, and to support relief and development work of Church
World Service.

emerge/presbytery of the twin cities area/ july-august 2010/ 8

 “What’s a COLA Volunteer?” That question

“Messengers from God”
-by Jay Wilkins my hotel in downtown Minneapolis. The ques-
ings.
So, what is a COLA volunteer? An angel – a messenger from God bringing good news to wondering and wandering Presby-
terians far from home. Thanks be to God for each one of them.
-Jay Wilkins was a Minister Commissioner from Donegal Presbytery.
came on the tram from the airport baggage
claim area to the bus that would deliver me to
tion was humorous for it was asked by some-
one who obviously had no clue as to the an-
swer. The question was prompted by a name
tag being worn by two youth who escorted
several of us to the bus. The person asking the
question assumed that COLA had to do with
the soft drink business, but we reached the
bus and off we went.
So, what is a COLA volunteer? The Committee
On Local Arrangements makes the meeting of
thousands of Presbyterians possible. The com-
mittee began its work years ago, recruiting
hundreds of volunteers who act as guides, as
identification and ticket checkers, planning
mission trips, acting as hosts for all who come
to the General Assembly. These volunteers
come from all over Minneapolis, and all over
Minnesota. They all wear a smile, and even say
“Welcome back” when we return to the meet-

Photo: PTCA Office Manager Risa Anderson and Betty Dyer, Office Manager for the Des Moines Presbytery, staff the Volunteer
Check-in booth. Photo by Dennis Sanders.

Just across the street from the Minneapolis Convention Center is Cen-
tral Lutheran Church, a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran
Welcome to Minnesota, Land of
Church in America. In the spirit of ecumenism and hospitality, Central Lutherans
placed several banners on the side of the church facing the convention
center welcoming Presbyterians to Minnesota.
But Central did more than just say “welcome.” They also opened their
doors to their full communion partners. The sanctuary was open for
viewing and for prayer July 4 and July 6-9. Also, the congregation
offered tours of the Restoration Center, Central’s social justice minis-
try, July 7 and 8 from 9am-3pm.
Central Lutheran also opened it doors to its fellow Lutherans when the
ELCA had their Churchwide Assembly in August of 2009. The church
offered a tent called “Pub Central” and was going to offer a dinner of
“potluck favorites” on its North Plaza during Churchwide Assembly.
However, plans were abruptly changed when a tornado barreled
through downtown Minneapolis causing minor damage to the Conven-
tion Center , wrecking Pub Central and damaging Central’s stee-
ple. Fortunately, no one at the church or the convention center were injured.
Despite the weather, nearby Westminster Presbyterian liked what they saw Central doing and use some of their ideas in the creation
of Westminster’s “Calvin Café” and other activities at the church during General Assembly.
The Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America have been in full communion since 1997. This full
communion was between three Reformed denominations (Presbyterian Church (USA), United Church of Christ, Reformed Church in
America) and the ELCA.
-Dennis Sanders, Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area

emerge/presbytery of the twin cities area/ july-august 2010/ 9

My Life As A GA Commissioner
Editor’s Note: The Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area sent eight commissioners and one young adult advisory delegate to the 219th
General Assembly. Below are some thoughts by the commissioners.

Matt Johnson, Pastor

Aldrich Avenue Presbyterian Church
Minneapolis
I am a member of the Form of Government Revision and am pleased to report that the committee
did a lot of good work, and finished up early yesterday (July 6) (just before 4:00 PM)! We have
made some significant amendments to the task force's proposal, primarily (in my opinion) in the
areas of: striking language that narrowly defined the word "church" to refer to the denomination;
clarifying language that some interpreted as introducing mandates around per capita collection;
clarifying language that some interpreted as giving presbyteries more power over selecting candi-
dates in the call process; inserting the title "committees on representation" for the required entities
in councils above the session; other editorial/theological changes of less consequence.

It was a pleasure to be part of the committee, to see the process work well, to collaborate with both
overture advocates and task force members to improve the document, and to get done early.

Peace to you,

Marian Michael, Elder

Valley Community Presbyterian Church
Golden Valley
I was very honored to be a commissioner for our beloved Church. The outstanding worship, fellowship with commissioners, work with
my social issues committee, and the voting on important issues was a uplifting experience. The atmosphere of decorum and respect
was always present. God's love was reflected in one another throughout the week. I appreciated learning the process of GA. COLA
received many accolades for their organization and hospitality. Showing off Minneapolis made us all proud.

Joy Smith, Pastor

Presbyterian Church of the Apostles
Burnsville

Greetings Friends,
I have been a member of the civil union and Christian marriage commit-
tee and we completed our work on Tuesday with the passing of the peace.
Our time together was intense, emotional, prayerful, theologically diverse and
in the midst I am hopeful for our larger church. I am pleased with the results
of our work and expect God is doing a new thing with us. Our results include
the recommendation to GA to receive "the final report from the civil union and
Christian marriage task force" who were assigned to define the meaning of
civil unions and Christian marriage; in addition the recommendation to GA 2
overtures: one that defines marriage as "a covenant between two people"
and another that prohibits married persons to testify against the other. I am
really enjoying the process, seeing colleagues from across the country,
and participating in the shaping the PCUSA.
Thanks for this opportunity,
Peace,

emerge/presbytery of the twin cities area/ july-august 2010/ 10

Dear members of the Presbytery Organ Looking for
of the Twin Cities Area, Call to Special Presbytery Good Home
As moderator of the Presbytery
of the Twin Cities Area, and with
Meeting
the concurrence of Presbytery -by Vince Gin
Council, I am calling a special
meeting of the Presbytery for Kwanzaa Commu-
July 27, 2010, 4:00 p.m., at nity Presbyterian Church in
Oliver Christian Ministry Center at 2647 Bloomington Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Fa- Minneapolis recently had a
milia de Fe Hispanic NCD will be our host. pipe organ removed from
The items on the agenda for this special meeting are: their worship space. It is now
in storage and looking for a
1. Approval of terms of call for The Rev. JoAnn Lee, who has accepted a call
as Associate Pastor at the House of Hope Presbyterian Church, St. Paul, home. The Kwanzaa congre-
MN. gation would like to see this
organ have a new home and
2. Approval of the membership of the Administrative Commission to conduct if your congregation is inter-
the installation of The Rev. JoAnn Lee at the House of Hope Presbyterian
ested please contact Tom
Church, St. Paul, MN.
Snyder at 612-203-4904 or
3. Approval of terms of call for The Rev. Mark Lee, who has accepted a call email him
as Associate Pastor at Korean Presbyterian Church of Minnesota, Brooklyn at tsnyder@ties2.net.
Center, MN.
4. Election of a treasurer of The Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area. The Rev. Edwin Martin will be The organ is a 1947 Moeller,
nominated by the Nominating Committee. Nominations from the floor will be in order, but if there is five rank all pipe organ. It
to be someone nominated, there must be a written statement of the person’s qualifications and the
person’s agreement to serve if elected. This information must be available prior to the meeting on
was used in a 300 seat wor-
July 27th. ship space. There are re-
pairs that are needed but the
No other business may be conducted at this meeting. (G-11.0201). This special meeting is neces-
sary due to the cancellation of the regular stated meeting in July, which was cancelled by Presby- organ is still a useful music
tery Council due to the General Assembly meeting in Minneapolis July 3-10. resource for a church. Kwan-
The quorum for this special meeting will be any three minister members and the elders present,
zaa is not asking for any-
provided that three churches are represented by elders (G-11.0202). thing for the organ, but there
would be moving and instal-
Grace and Peace,
Elder Vincent Gin, Moderator lation costs.

-you can download a copy of the Presbytery Packet for this meeting by going to
www.presbyterytwincities.org/presbyterypacket.

' Presbyterian Clearwater Forest, Deerwood,

Camp in A Van Minn., opened this summer its "Camp-In-A-
Van" program, a program where a local con-
gregation partners with Clearwater Forest to
provide an outdoor ministry experience at the local church site. Similar to a Vacation
Bible School, this program helps introduce youngsters in grades kindergarten through
sixth to camp songs, stories, games and Bible studies. Three or more summer camp
staff are housed and fed by the people of the church and they work with volunteers to
help the church have a successful, Christ-centered day-camp experience.

According to Andy Kennaly, program director, three "Camp-In-A-Vans" are scheduled

this summer. Kennaly wrote, "Next summer, Clearwater will offer several more oppor-
tunities, but be sure to register soon because they are already being claimed simply
by word of mouth." Registration materials are available by emailing Kennaly at andy@clearwaterforest.org or by calling
the camp office at 218-678-2325. Kennaly noted that sending in a registration along with a $250 deposit will hold a
space for a church on the summer 2011 calendar.

emerge/presbytery of the twin cities area/ july-august 2010/ 11

 and stories of sleeping outside for 13 years in
Creating Moments of Sanctuary the same “safe” place.
-by Tom Ewald  We walked the desert in the places they
walked, filling the water tanks and picking up
the empty water bottles–and went back to all
the water we could possibly ever want, without
thinking.
And we learned:

 That it’s a good thing to recognize ra-

cism–to understand white privilege and — yes
— to feel some guilt for the luck of the draw
that makes us members of that privileged
group. Because we did nothing to deserve it
and we feel guilty for being treated so
“special.”

 We learned that there are many symbols

of racism– the laws passed to enable local
police to stop people because of the color of
their skin; the casual wave-through by Border
Guards who look only at our white faces.
On June 19, 2010, 26 senior high youth from Macalester Ply-
mouth United Church traveled to Tucson, Arizona to work with
Borderlinks and Humane Borders to experience first hand the
 We learned that people of passion can risk everything to sup-
port the rights of oppressed people–and that those people can be
devastating effect that U.S./Mexico border policy is having on the
our role models, defeating our cynicism and hopelessness about
lives of people crossing the border illegally to seek work in the
systemic change.
United States. Accompanying the youth were the church’s associ-
ate minister and six other adults.
 We learned that we can create moments of sanctuary for
In addition to filling water stations in the desert and picking up people by being there when they are in need, ministering to their
belongings left by immigrants in their journey across the desert, most basic needs for survival and safety, their needs for self-
the youth served food to members of the homeless and migrant esteem and belonging by sharing with them, listening, caring, and
communities at Cross Street Ministries, took part in a vigil remem- witnessing their pain.
bering lives lost in the desert, and witnessed “Operation Stream-
line” in which approximately 75 people picked up by desert patrol,
all of whom were in four point shackles were processed by the The trip was made possible with the support of Macalester Ply-
court in less than two hours. They also met with people on both mouth United Church congregation, youth fund-raising, and a
sides of the immigration debate to hear their perspectives. grant from the United Church of Christ.
One of the participants wrote of the trip: For a full account of the week, including pictures, go to
www.macply-youth.blogspot.com and read the blog that the youth
We have experienced so much that we can’t blog fast enough.
updated on a daily basis.
 We’ve experienced heat so intense that we couldn’t stay out- Tom Ewald is the Associate Pastor at Macalester -Plymouth
side for an hour without someone passing out, yet we know peo- United Church in St. Paul. Macalester-Plymouth is a “union
ple have walked through this inferno for DAYS. church” affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the
United Church of Christ.
 We have seen that no matter how militant and unwelcoming
and racist our culture may be, the people of Nogales, Mexico
rushed to our rescue when we collapsed in the sun.

 We watched people efficiently “processed” in groups for de-

portation–with intentional, individual attention given to assuring
that they understand their situation–yet we have seen that their
attorneys may not even know their name and they are given 20
seconds for their personal case.

 We have met people in Tucson who founded the Sanctuary

Movement, people who are passionate about the rights of the
oppressed, people who have met weekly for over ten years to
remember those migrants who died crossing.

 We talked with men and women who are homeless or illegally

in the US, who shared needing a new pair of glasses but were too
blind, too debilitated by hepatitis C to find a new pair of glasses,

emerge/presbytery of the twin cities area/ july-august 2010/ 12

 George Kneieremen, an Honorably
Retired Minister Member of the transitions
Presbytery, has been diagnosed
with cancer of the esophagus and was admitted into hospice
in late June.
 Jeanette Orr, the mother of Gene Orr, died on June 25 in 
Cedar Falls, IA. A funeral took place on July 2 in Cedar Falls.
Gene has served several churches in the area includ-
ing, Presbyterian Church of the Way in Shoreview and most
recently Arlington Hills Presbyterian Church in St. Paul.
 Matthew Robbins-Ghormley has accepted a new call at Trin-
ity Presbyterian Church in Tacoma, WA. Robbins-Ghormley
was pastor at Randolph Heights Presbyterian Church in St.
Paul since 2006. His last Sunday at Randolph Heights was
July 18.
 Zach Wilson has left his call as pastor of Spirit of Life Presby-
terian Church in Apple Valley in late June. He has accepted
a call to serve as Interim Minister at First Presbyterian
Church in Stillwater, MN. His first Sunday at the church will
be August 1. Wilson was pastor at Spirit of Life since 2003.
biennial event. Sanders is a Minister Member at Large in the
Presbytery.
Pending Presbytery approval on July 27, Ed Martin, honora-
bly retired will be the next Treasurer for the Presbytery of the
Twin Cities Area. Martin would replace Jim Payne, an elder
from Plymouth Presbyterian Church in Plymouth, who has
served as Treasurer for six years.
 Mary Boehlke, wife of Rev. Robert Boehlke (honorably re-
tired), fell and broke her hip on July 22 and had surgery the
next day. Please pray for a swift recovery
 Risa Anderson, Office Manager for the PTCA, fell and broke
her wrist on July 15 and had surgery July 20. She continues
to rest and heal from her injury. Please keep Risa in your
prayers.

 Paula Sanders will end her duties as the Executive Coordina-

tor for the Committee on Local Arrangements for the 219th
General Assembly at the end of July. Since August of 2009,
Sanders has coordinated the local volunteer efforts for the

 John W. Butt (8/25/1963 )

ordination anniversaries
 Rebecca Fletcher (8/25/2007 )

 Robert T. Cuthill (7-1-55)  Deborah D. Lind-Schmitz (7/23/1989 )  Ralph E. Galloway (8/25/1980 )

 Roger D. Ezell (7-1-84)  Alika P. Galloway (7/25/1996 )  Elizabeth Hart-Andersen (8/25/1985 )

 Katherine Estes Collins (7-2-89)  Daniel W. Johnson (7/25/1981 )  Kristine M. Holmgren ( 8/26/1979 )

 William Yeager (7-5-1962)  Bill Young (7/25/1976 )  Joan B. Beebe (8/28/1977 )

 Eugene H. Orr (7-7-1974)  Barbara Anne Keely (7/26/1987 )  Louise L. Bender (8/30/1992 )

 Kayton R. Palmer (7-7-1957)  Jack M. Terry (7/31/1966 )

 Newell D. Krogmann (7-9-1995)  Joshua D. Heikkila (8/1/2004 )

 Cynthia L. Ray (7-10-1983)  Dayton D. Hultgren (8/3/1957 )

 Frederick J. Beebe (7-12-1953)  Carol L. Reed (8/3/1986 )

 John R. Buzza (7-12-1970)  Bruce K. Hillyer (8/4/1996 )

 Carl Christensen (7-12-1987)  Annika Lister Stroope (8/5/2001 )

 Erwin C. Barron (7-14-1985)  Gary Titusdahl (8/5/1984 )

 Byron Thompson (7-14-1996)  Kara K. Root (8/6/2006 )

 Douglas R. Potter (7-16-1958)  Ronald D. Wilson (8/6/1972 )

 Gordon C. Stewart (7-18-1967)  David Colby (8/17/1997 )

 Paul B. K. Tshihamba (7/18/1993 )  April M. Davis Campbell (8/20/2004 )

 Neal Solomonson (7/20/1986 )  Camille Cook (8/20/2006 )

 Richard A. Lundy (7/21/1957 )  Angella Pak Son (8/20/2003 )

 O. Carl Grosse (7/23/1989 )  Christopher Carlson (8/21/1983 )

emerge/presbytery of the twin cities area/ july-august 2010/ 13

For more information on the positions listed below, please go the
PTCA website at www.presbyterytwincities.org/jobs. positions available
 Children, Youth and Families Ministry Director, Edina Community Lutheran, Edina.

 Christian Educator, Chain of Lakes Presbyterian- Lino Lakes

 Youth Director, House of Hope Presbyterian, St. Paul

 Interim Pastor, Spirit of Life Presbyterian, Apple Valley

Do you have a church staff position that needs to be filled? Send in your job announcements to Dennis Sanders at commu-
nications@ptcaweb.org. For more information on interim pastor openings, please contact the Committee on Ministry at
com@ptcaweb.org. (Oh, and let us know when you fill the position, so we can remove it from the job listings.)

ings. Only a few committees have additional meeting times.

events
PC(USA) retirees plan to meet in Twin Cities: The 14th annual
convention of the Association of Retired Ministers, their Spouses
or Survivors takes place at the Ramada Mall of America in Bloom-
ington, Minn., Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 9-12. With the
theme “Called to a Lifetime of Service: God’s Plan or Ours,” the
convention will feature worship, plenary sessions, workshops and
excursions. Informal conversations and gatherings will being op-
portunities for members and friends of ARMSS to connect and
reconnect. The registration fee before Aug. 17 is $125 plus a $20
membership fee for those who are not currently members. After
Aug. 17 the registration fee is $175. The current ARMSS newslet-
ter can be found by going to the presbytery website,
www.presbytertwincities.org or by contacting Ginny Nyhuis, Box
700311, Oostberg, WI 53070 (gnyhuis@verizon.net) or the Rev.
Ellen Davis, 1540 Garret Lane, #204, Lincoln, NE 68512
(edavis11@neb.rr.com).
Resources to Help Welcome Veterans: Following the well at-
tended pre-presbytery meeting in May, questions have been re-
ceived by the Presbytery Disability Concerns Task Force on how
individuals or churches can engage in this unique role in healing
the wounds of war by providing support to veterans and their fami-
lies.
The task force would like to direct you to a few easily available
resources. You can find them by going to the following link on the
Presbytery website: www.presbytertwincities.org/ministries/
disabilityconcerns.
Presbytery Nominating Committee Looking for Synod Com-
missioners: The Nominating Committee is seeking applications
from Ministers who would like to represent the Presbytery as Min- leaders across the United States that will provide additional re-
ister Commissioner to the Synod of Lakes and Prairies for a three sources for the future interfaith and immigration work of the par-
year term beginning in January 2011. We are also looking
for Young Adults, aged 17-23 to serve for a one-year term. Elec-
tions will take place at the September Presbytery Meeting.
The Synod meets three times a year, usually in Farmington, MN,
south of the Twin Cities. The meetings run from Sunday evening
to Tuesday noon and will take place in 2011 on January 16-18,
May 1-3 and October 2-4. Travel, room and board are paid by the
Synod. Commissioners and Young Adult Advisory Delegates will
serve on a Synod Committee which meets during the meet-
To download the application forms, please go to presbyterytwin-
cities.org/committees/nominating-committee/.
Stranger to Neighbor Training, August 10: Meeting at the Min-
nesota Church Center, 122 W. Franklin Ave., Minneapolis. Gain
the knowledge-base and skill set to become an interfaith leader
on immigration. This training is open to staff and volunteers from
local immigration organizations, religious leaders, and student
groups.*
Participants will be prepared for interfaith leadership in the follow-
ing areas:
 Religious Pluralism 101 - Introduction to interfaith
cooperation
 “The Changing Face of America” – A brief history of
immigration in the US
 Exploration of many sacred texts around immigra-
tion, and how different traditions are responding to
the needs of immigrants now
 Storytelling around “welcoming the stranger”
 Mobilize and sustaining an interfaith and immigration
movement
 “Changing the conversation” - Engaging the media
Participants will receive a Stranger to Neighbor curriculum re-
source at the end of the training, and will have the ability to join
the Stranger to Neighbor group on Interfaith Youth Core’s Bridge-
Builders network, an online social forum of 3,000 young interfaith
ticipants.
This training is presented by the Interfaith Youth Core, in partner-
ship with the Minnesota Council of Churches.
For further questions contact Gail Anderson at 612-230-3210, or
gail.anderson@mnchurches.org. To RSVP email Dejan Selimovic
at dejan.selimovic@mnchurches.org.

emerge/presbytery of the twin cities area/ july-august 2010/ 14

Community Based CPE 112 W. Franklin Ave.
Program Available- The events, continued Suite 508
Greater Minneapolis Council
of Churches invites pastors, chaplains and faith leaders into our Community-Based
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Program.
You can now complete a unit of CPE using a parish or institutional chaplaincy setting
as your clinical placement through our newly accredited ACPE Center.*
Join us to: Minneapolis, MN 55404
 Further develop your pastoral care and counseling skills.
Fax: 612-871-0698
 Re-evaluate your direction in ministry. E-mail: communications@ptcaweb.org
 Reconnect to passion for social justice ministries. Web: www.ptcaweb.org
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ptcaweb
 Explore spiritual renewal with a small group of peers. Facebook: www.facebook.com/
We are now accepting applications for Fall 2010 and Spring 2011. presbyterytwincitiesarea
Contact:
The Rev. Dr. Susan Allers Hatlie sallershatlie@gmcc.org 952-484-3334. Presbytery Staff
Consultation Groups at United Seminary for Religious Leaders: United Theologi- Chaz Ruark, Executive Presbyter:
cal Seminary of the Twin Cities will offer to religious leaders in both parish and special- ep@ptcaweb.org
ized ministries the opportunity to participate in consultation groups designed to support
and enhance their ministries. For the 2010-2011 academic year, United will offer two Nancy Grittman, Stated Clerk: stated-
tracks. clerk@ptcaweb.org
Track One: Pastoral Care and Counseling
Risa Anderson, Office Manager: of-
The Pastoral Care Consultation Groups are offered for pastors who seek to improve fice@ptcaweb.org
their knowledge and skill in pastoral care and counseling. Each group is limited to
eight (8) participants and meets for a four-hour block, once a month, for ten months. Dennis Sanders, IT/Communications
Meetings will be scheduled to fit the needs of participants. Each session will involve Specialist: communica-
collaborative consultation around case studies from the ministries of group members. tions@ptcaweb.org
This year we will offer three kinds of pastoral care consultation groups: one for reli-
gious leaders working primarily in congregations; one for religious leaders working
primarily in specialized pastoral care settings (e.g. chaplains); and one for those in-
terested in focusing on Narrative theory for their pastoral care and counseling work.
Participants in the Narrative group must already have had some significant exposure
to narrative ideas and practices. All pastoral care groups will be facilitated by Christie
Neuger. This is a Certificate program and is also eligible for CEU credits. In addition, "EMerge:Monthly," is a publication
completion of this program will partially meet the requirements for Pastoral Care Spe- from the Presbytery of the Twin Cities
cialist designation in the American Association of Pastoral Counselors. See our web- Area (PTCA). The mission is to share
site (www.unitedseminary.edu/Institute) for more details. brief highlights with links to re-
Track Two: Church Leadership & Administration sources and news. Recipients include
congregations, minister members,
The Church Leadership and Administration Consultation Groups are offered for pas-
tors who seek to improve their knowledge and skills, especially for times of leadership other members, committees, and
challenges and conflict. The group is limited to eight (8) participants and meets for a friends. Please send submissions and
four-hour block on the third Tuesday (8:30 AM – 12:30 PM) of each month from Sep- e-mail corrections to Dennis Sanders,
tember 21, 2010 through June 15, 2011. Each session will engage in collaborative editor, at communica-
consultation around case studies from the ministries and leadership challenges of
group members. The group will be facilitated by Mary E. McNamara, president of tions@ptcaweb.org . Usual distribu-
United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. This is a Certificate program and is tion: Thursdays.
also eligible for CEU credits.
If you are interested in participating in either consultation group track, please go to our
website (www.unitedseminary.edu/Institute) and download a registration form for a fall
group. Cost for each track is $500 for the 10-month program. Groups are expected to
fill quickly so if you are interested, please register as soon as possible.
If you have any questions, please contact Christie
Neuger, cneuger@unitedseminary.edu.

emerge/presbytery of the twin cities area/ july-august 2010/ 15

Once you get ordained, you start to learn that there are a ton of things
that no one taught you in seminary. You might have thought that all a
pastor had to do was give sermons and offer pastoral care, but you start
to figure out that
you have to learn to “thanks and
read a budget or
become a webmas- godspeed.”
ter or be the gen-
eral contractor for a
building project at your church.

One the most common duties is to be a volunteer coordinator. Most pas-

tors have to learn how to get local congregations involved in the life of
the church. We ask people to serve as a deacon or sit on the church
session. We might ask a youth to participate in worship. All in all, you
keep asking and reminding folks that being church is a team activity, not
just for the pastor alone.

For nearly a year, Paula Sanders has faced the usual job of a pastor as
volunteer coordinator multiplied ten times. She was called to be the Ex-
ecutive Coordinator for the Committee on Local Arrangements for the
219th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA). It was up to
her to get the nearly 3000 volunteers needed to make General Assembly
a success. Paula, along with Project Assistant Julie Flingai, went to
Presbytery meetings across a five state region, spent hours in meetings
with the COLA committee and folks from General Assembly in Louisville,
getting all the volunteers registered, and making sure that all the com-
missioners and other guests basically had a good time.

At the end of July, Paula and Julie’s positions will end. We will miss their
presence here in the Presbytery office and offer prayers for them as they
look for employment and what God has in store for them next.

We, the Presbytery staff, want to say thanks to Paula and Julie for a job
well done. They were called to be in here in this place at this time to
make sure that travelers from across the nation were given gracious hos-
pitality and they did that in spades.

Godspeed, Paula and Julie, on your journeys.

Chaz Ruark, Executive Presbyter

Nancy Grittman, Stated Clerk

Risa Anderson, Office Manager

Dennis Sanders, IT/Communications Specialist

emerge/presbytery of the twin cities area/ july-august 2010/ 16