InPrint-April 2011 by Dennis Sanders

inprint April 2011

A poster in the narthex of Kwanzaa Presbyterian Church in North Minneapolis.

a publication of the presbytery of the twin cities area

Stated Meeting: Highlights from the March 2011 Meeting

Don’t Look Now, But It’s Happening! By Chaz Ruark

The following article was a blog post that originally appeared on the PTCA website on January 28, 2011.

want to begin this blog with a note of appreciation to the folks at United Seminary for hosting our January Stated meeting of the Presbytery and to all those who made the effort to attend the meeting on a cold winter’s day. Thank you everyone! Also a reminder to remember Mary McNamara in your prayers as she recovers from cancer surgery and now faces treatment.

and 4) the vote. It is the hope of B&O as well as the Council that this process will provide as much information as possible and create an atmosphere where points of view are heard without falling into a predictable pro vs. con debate that can grow contentious. For those who attended the January meeting, it felt quite different from previous discussions/votes and I hope it has started us down a path where we find that culture of civility. The emphasis at the January meeting was the Holy Spirit’s work in this new vision. As I reflect on the meeting I want to lift up an observation. I think the most significant moment in the entire meeting happened almost be accident. Gordon Stewart, minister member serving in Chaska stood up in support of approving the Belhar confession for inclusion in the Book of Confessions. He spoke passionately for his position, the only problem was he spoke during the time set aside for presbyters to raise their concerns with the Belhar confession. In his zeal, Gordon said that adopting the Belhar was a “no brainer” inferring that there wasn’t a valid argument to oppose the confession. While his language wasn’t inflammatory, it could certainly be interpreted as dismissive. The Moderator asked Gordon to complete his comments during the time set for those in support. When Gordon returned to the mic, he began his comments with a confession and an apology. He said essentially, “I said this is a no brainer, and that is not fair to those with concerns. I apologize for that remark.” (not an exact quote)

We are headed in the right direction, it may take us a while to get there, but we are moving down that road.

As you hopefully know by now our new vision for Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area is: “We fearlessly follow the Holy Spirit into a changing world!” (shameless plug) and one of the goals we have set for ourselves is to: establish a culture in which controversial issues are consistently addressed in a Christ-honoring, honest, civil, respectful, healthy, and mutually affirming manner. This particular goal is getting tested right out of the gate.

In those few minutes when Gordon sat down and thought about what he had said, the Holy Spirit stirred within him to confess his dismissive statement and show respect to his fellow presbyters who honestly disagree with his point of view. I see this as an incredible step in the life of PTCA. We are learning how to state our views while honoring one another in the process. Would it have been better if Gordon had not made the statement in the first place? Yes, but he gave us an excellent example by heeding the Holy Spirit and retracting a hurtful comment. We are headed in the right direction, it may take us a while to get there, but we are moving down that road. Don’t look now, but it’s happening, the Holy Spirit is leading us, and it’s time for us to follow.

At the January, March, and May Stated meetings of PTCA we are Chaz Ruark is the Executive Presbyter of the Presbytery of the Twin voting on controversial issues sent to the presbyteries by the 219th Cities Area. Photo: Pastor Gordon Stewart speaks to the Presbytery as General Assembly. Our Bills and Overtures Committee (B&O) is Moderator Vince Gin looks on. working hard to deal with these required votes while discovering a means to live into our new goal. The process they have outlined, with the approval of the Council is to 1) have a Pre-Presbytery gathering to present information, (November -Belhar, JanuaryNFoG, March-Proposed Constitutional amendments) 2) provide balanced information on the presbytery website, 3) present a brief argument for approval/disapproval followed by open discussion, inprint/presbytery of the twin cities area/ april 2011/ 2

contents april 2011

Four “We Are Each Other’s Business.” Kwanzaa Community Presbyterian Church maintains a strong Presbyterian presence in North Minneapolis.

Eight March 2011 Presbytery Meeting

Page Two: Notes from the Editor

Celebrating Kwanzaa (church, that is)

A Room of Their Own at First, Baldwin

Presbytery Meeting Summary

Meet PHEWA. What’s PHEWA?

Woman, Here Is Your Son

Open Positions

Transitions

Events

Backpage

Highlights from the March 2011 Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area in Golden Valley, MN. inprint/presbytery of the twin cities area/ april 2011/ 3

COVER STORY

“We Are Each Other’s Business.” An African American Presbyterian Church is making its presence felt on the North side of Minneapolis.

By Dennis L. Sanders

F or Alika Galloway, a co-pastor of Kwanzaa Community Presby-

neighborhood.

terian Church in North Minneapolis, the work done by the African Galloway highlighted several ministries and partnerships that American congregation is not simply the work of one church, but a Kwanzaa is engaged in during her 45 minute presentation. This included the summer Freedom School Program. Developed by reminder of Presbyterian connectionalism. the Children’s Defense Fund, this program is in its ninth year and is intentional about cultural awareness and reading. The need for “This is not Kwanzaa’s ministry, this is the Presbytery’s ministry” this program in Minnesota is great, as Galloway noted that African she said over and over American males in Minnesota have again to a gathering some the lowest high school graduaof leaders in the Prestion rates in the United States. bytery of the Cities “Lower than Mississippi, lower than Area on February Alabama,” Galloway said. 24. The Kwanzaa Task

“This is not Kwanzaa’s ministry, this is the Presbytery’s ministry”

Force of the PTCA had invited a number of Presbytery leaders to come to Kwanzaa to see the extent of what Galloway called a “Presbyterian presence in North Minneapolis.”

-Rev. Alika Galloway

Galloway also talked about a new urban garden the congregation has planted filled with organic crops and using “ancient” seeds.

The presentation took place in the site of the former Calvary Presbyterian Church in North Minneapolis. Kwanzaa actually has two campuses: the former Calvary site where Sunday worship takes place, and the former Highland Park Presbyterian building also located in Galloway noted that when Kwanzaa was chartered-which happened to be on February 24, 2002- it was tasked with two goals: to North Minneapolis. The congregation used to worship at Highland revive Presbyterian worship in North Minneapolis after the closure Park site until last year, but beginning in April it will being used for the Northside Women’s Space, a drop-in space providing women of two congregations in the area, and community engagement. Kwanzaa had succeeded on both counts, Galloway said, averaging who trade sex a way out of prostitution and offer a safe, welcoming and quiet space. about 200 in worship on Sundays and taking part in a number of initiatives designed to make an impact in their surrounding

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Among the other ministries taking place or in the planning stages at Kwanzaa include a Sunday Pre-School program. Parents will be able to worship and rest while the children will go on field trips and talk about their experiences.

the area. It was started in 1997 by Father Greg Tolaas, a priest at the Church of St. Phillip, a northside Catholic congregation. In 2009, the program moved to Kwanzaa’s 3700 Bryant property. McPhereson said the program starts around 1:30PM with the first children coming from school. Between that time and the end of the program at 6:00PM, the children learn about life skills, receive tutoring and a healthy meal. McPhereson noted that many of the children who take part in the program live with a lot of instability in their lives and Patchwork Quilt gives them one place that doesn’t change. “This is the one place that is stable,” she said.

The need to talk is important because Galloway notes children in the area enter kindergarten with less than a thousand word vocabulary, much less than middle class children. The hope is that leaving their neighborhood, something many children in poverty are not Elwyn McPhereson, a deacon at Kwanzaa and the Coable to do, will not ordinator of Patchwork Quilt, an afterschool program only help these chilhoused at Kwanzaa, speaks to Presbytery leaders about dren grow their vothe program. cabulary, but it will also help them become city-wide citizens and it allows them to see the world. The hope is to launch the program in about six weeks.

As Galloway concluded her presentation, PTCA Executive Presbyter Chaz Ruark spoke glowingly about the ministries going on at Kwanzaa with the support of Presbytery mission dollars. “Continue the networking,” he said to the gathering, urging those invited to the event to “tell others about what is happening” at Kwanzaa. “Kwanzaa is making a terrific difference,” he said.

Elwyn McPhereson, a deacon at Kwanzaa, spoke about the Patchwork Quilt Program that is housed at Kwanzaa. McPhereson is the Coordinator of Patchwork Quilt which is a North Minneapolis organization that provides an after-school program for children in

PTCA Seeker Seminar

lis. Registration begins at 8:30am with light breakfast refreshments and continues until 2:30pm with lunch provided.

The seeker seminar includes time for personal introductions and reflection, presentations on spiritual disciplines and formation, the The Committee on Prepa- CPM process and expectations, academic preparation and fellowration for Ministry (CPM) is ship and conversation with members of the Committee as well as offering a one day semi- meeting with current inquirers and candidates over lunch. nar for individuals feeling a sense of call to ministry If you have felt a stirring in your heart towards ordination as Minisin the church as Minister ter of Word and Sacrament please register for this seminar to talk of Word and Sacra- with the committee about your journey. ment. The CPM hosts seeker seminars two to If you are a pastor or a church member who has been in conversathree times a year. This tion with a member of your church regarding becoming a Minister seminar provides a struc- of Word and Sacrament or if you know of someone in your congretured way of meeting with gation that you believe may have a call to the ministry of Word and orienting individuals and Sacrament, please share this information with them and ento the opportunities, chal- courage them to attend this upcoming seminar. lenges and responsibilities that lie ahead should To register or if you have questions please contact Bill Davnie, they pursue a formal relaPTCA CPM Co-Chair (bcdavnie@gmail.com) or Lisa Watson, PTCA tionship with the CPM.. CPM Seeker Seminar leader (lisa.a.watson@healthpartners.com). All persons interested in the preparation for ministry are required to participate in a seeker seminar prior to coming under care of the committee on Saturday May 7 at Lake Nokomis Presbyterian Church in Minneapo-

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Editor’s Note: The following was written by Janet Ruark, Interim Pastor of First United Presbyterian Church in Baldwin, Wisconsin. She writes about the creation of a room to minister to special needs children and their families. The work was funded in part by a grant in 2010 from the Mission and Witness Committee of the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area.

Jesus Loves the Little Children...ALL the Children

At the January 2010 Session Retreat, one elder with two autistic sons shared her experience talking with parents of special needs children who either do not feel welcomed in churches or who have been asked to leave because their children were too noisy and disruptive. The Session responded by setting a goal of reaching out to families with special needs children. The Mission and Outreach Committee talked with and visited a church in New Richmond, Wisconsin, who has a ministry to special needs children. They made a recommendation to Session about having a Quiet Room or Therapy Room separate from the church nursery, where parents could take children when needed. The Session decided which room to use, some of the preliminary ideas for use of the room, and wrote a grant request to the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area to help with some of the more expensive equipment. The church has worked deliberately and prayerfully, and with the special equipment now in place is beginning to get the word out in many and various ways. In the meantime, the room is being used by our current members. Originally in our “wisdom” it was thought that this room should be off limits to all but the special needs children. But we don’t have that many children and they like playing in there together. Last Sunday, the Outreach Committee met with the children before Sunday School to put together a list of simple rules for use of the room. The primary rule is that if a parent needs the room for their child and asks everyone else to leave, they must leave with no arguments. In the meantime they know set the limits on how to use the equipment safely, and on sharing.

First United Presbyterian Church in Baldwin, WI creates a safe space for children with autism and other special needs kids.

By Janet Ruark

With the Therapy Room equipped and ready, and we are now working on making our restrooms more accessible to all. It has been over a year since the idea first began forming, and in the meantime our elder has taken several opportunities to share with the children and the rest of the congregation what it means that her sons have autism, and why they respond sometimes the way that they do. It has been wonderful to watch her older son become more comfortable coming forward during the Children’s Message, and participating in the Christmas programs. And the younger son is feeling more at home in the church, too. At this point we feel that if nothing else happens, we have learned to better nurture our own members. And we feel ready to greet and welcome others. As our flyer reads, “Jesus loves the little children, ALL the children …”

All photos by Janet Ruark.

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Earthquake. Tsunami. Nuclear meltdown. Any one of these disasters could be catastrophic. Rescue efforts continue in Japan following the March 11 tsunami and earthquake and the growing nuclear crisis. Thousands have been confirmed dead, tens of thousands are missing, and hundreds of thousands have been evacuated. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is responding through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) and our ecumenical and mission partners. Already, $100,000 from the One Great Hour of Sharing offering has been sent to provide immediate relief. While Japan is among the world’s most advanced countries, the damage caused by the unprecedented scale of these multiple disasters is beyond imagination. You can make a difference in bringing God’s healing to this devastated nation, where Presbyterians have been engaged in active mission work since 1859.

WHAT YOU CAN DO GIVE—Financial support for relief efforts wherever disasters occur can be designated to DR000148. Support exclusively for these disasters can be designated to DR000117. Donations may also be made to One Great Hour of Sharing, which supports PDA. Gifts can be made online at www.pcusa.org/pda, by phone at (800) 872-3283, or by mailing a check to: Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), P.O. Box 643700, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700. ACT—Congregations and individuals can put together Gifts of the Heart hygiene kits and baby kits. Stay informed through the PDA website and Rapid Information Network e-mail reports. PRAY—Join with others in lifting up the people of Japan and those providing aid. Learn more at www.pcusa.org/pda.

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The Proposed New Form of Government (nFOG), celebrations of ministries old and new and the adoption of a new policy on disability were among the business items at the March 2011 meeting. By Dennis L. Sanders

Highlights from the March 2011 Stated Meeting

Under the theme “In a Changing World,” the proposed New Form of Government (nFOG), discussions on the Amendments to the PC(USA) Constitution and the approval of a new Presbytery policy on disability were among the issues addressed at the March 12 Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area at Valley Presbyterian Church in Golden Valley. Richard Bueller, pastor of Valley Community Presbyterian Church welcomed the gathered presbyters to the congregation noting that 2011 is the 60th anniversary of the chartering of Valley. After a sung confession led by the Wellsprings band, Executive Presbyter Chaz Ruark gave his report citing several issues that have affected the Presbytery since it last met in January. Ruark talked about the letter from a number of “tall steeple” pastors called the Fellowship which has caused a lot of discussion throughout the Presbyterian Church (USA). The letter has called for a meeting on like-minded pastors this summer in Minneapolis. Acknowledging that there has been a “range of emotions” on the topic, he urged the Presbytery to not get over excited and asked that presbyters remain engaged in discussion with each other, in light of the recently passed Strategic Plan. A number of PTCA pastors have signed the letter, Ruark said, but they have also remained in discussion with the larger Presbytery. Ruark asked the gathered to seek out in the Spirit those with different opinion.

Ruark also shared briefly about the recently concluded case by Permanent Judicial Commission involving PTCA pastor Erwin Barron. An article about the case appeared in the Minneapolis StarTribune before the information could be shared at the next Presbytery meeting. Ruark said that many people contacted the Presbytery office in shock, finding out for the first time about the case. The case in question charged Barron with violating the PC(USA) Constitution by marrying another man in September 2008 in San Francisco. Barron, who now lives in California, married his partner in the time period when same-sex marriage was legal in the state of California. Ruark reminded the PTCA that in a disciplinary case there is a strong need for confidentiality and that according to the Book of Order, the presbytery will inform the Presbytery after the case is concluded. During the Report of the Stated Clerk, Nancy Grittman went into further detail about the disciplinary case which took place on February 28 at Oak Grove Presbyterian Church in Bloomington by reading the Orders of the case, which included the history, findings of the Investigative Committee and the Recommendation of the Investigative Committee. The PJC voted 3-3 on the charges and Rev. Barron was acquitted. It takes a vote of 2/3 of the Permanent Judicial Committee to convict.

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Ruark also brought before the Presbytery a request by Warrendale Presbyterian Church in St. Paul to request an Administrative Commission be put together to help the congregation close its ministry. After 120 years of active ministry, the congregation is facing a changing neighborhood and the fact that many of its members are now homebound and the congregation can no longer maintain the building. After thoughtfully looking at other options, the congregation decided at a January 2011 meeting to begin the process of dissolution with the consent of the Presbytery. The Presbytery did approve 4 members to the Administrative Commission. These include, Rev. Amy Kosari (First-Ellsworth, WI and Laurel, Hager City, WI), Rev. David Stewart (Dayton Avenue, St. Paul) , Rev. Phil Gebbengreen (Edgcumbe, St. Paul) and Elder Tom Radio (House of Hope, St. Paul). The Presbytery also approved that the other three members will be appointed by the Presbytery Council.

nFOG Raises Quorum Issue

The Report of the Bills and Overtures Committee included a discussion and vote on the proposed New Form of Government (nFOG) which passed by a wide margin: 118 for to Several presbyteries in the Synod of Lakes 35 against. and Prairies published the following information regarding action necessary if the The Presbytery then moved on to an introduction to the Amendments to the Constitunew Form of Government of the Presbytetion of the Presbyterian Church (USA). A vote on accepting the amendments will take rian Church (U.S.A.) is passed. The anplace at the May 2011 meeting. nouncement states, "Although it is not yet Rev. Dr. Charles Amjad Ali, a professor at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, gave the sermon clear that the proposed new Form of Goventitled “Change and Hope in a Fragmented World: The Clash of the Periphery and the ernment will receive a majority vote among the presbyteries, there is one issue Center,” preaching on Mark 5:21-43. that needs your immediate attention, the As Warrendale Church began the process of dissolution, the Presbytery had the chance matter of quorum requirements for meetto hear about a new church that is being born. Members from Chain of Lakes New ings of session and the congregation. If Church Development in Lino Lakes, shared what they fledgling church home meant to the new Form of Government passes, it them. A New Church Property Team has come together to look for property to build a will be important to have dealt with this permanent home for the church, which is now meeting at a Senior Center in Lino Lakes. before July 10, 2011." It adds, "The current "Book of Order" (G-7.0305 and GThe Committee on Preparation for Ministry heard the faith statements of two Inquirers 10.0202)sets minimal quorum levlooking to become candidates for ordination. Kathleen Whipple of Presbyterian Church els. These stipulations are not included in of the Master in Coon Rapids and Karen Larson of St. Luke Presbyterian in Wayzata gave the new Form of Government. Local testimonies of their faith journeys. Both Whipple and Larson were approved to become candidates. Also Lisa Johnson (LeSueur) was certified for examination for ordination churches will have to set their own quopending a call and Mary Caplinger (Hope Presbyterian, Richfield) was removed from the rum levels. If a church has not set quorum levels prior to July 10 the default reverts to roll of candidates at her request. the standard of "Roberts Rules of Order The Disabilities Concerns Taskforce brought forth recommendations to the Presbytery’s Newly Revised," which is a majority of Disability Policy. The proposals were approved. membership. This means that every meeting of the session and congregation would The next Presbytery meeting takes place Tuesday, May 10 at Peace Presbyterian Church have to have a majority present to conin St. Louis Park. PC(USA) Moderator Cindy Bolbach will preach at the meeting. duct any business, including changing the quorum requirements." Questions regarding these changes should be addressed to presbytery stated clerks. -Duane Sweep, Synod of Lakes and Prairies

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When Crisis Calls

Who do you turn to when a congregation deals with alcoholism, mental illness or drug use? PHEWA, that’s who.

this umbrella of networks not only for the person requiring help, but the congregation as well. Six months ago, members of a 230member, mid-western congregation initiated a ministry program with previously incarcerated women who were dealing with addictions, and, frequently, mental illness. Five months into the new ministry, a participant, who was intoxicated at the time, threatened the pastor and a member of the congregation with a knife.

Following the threat, church members, staff and the other particiBy Doug Mitchell pants in the new ministry were both scared by the possibility of violence and afraid for the program’s survival. Meetings among the members, church staff and presbytery personnel were held to determine appropriate next steps. The session was faced with the decision of whether or not to continue this crucial new ministry and how to best assist the participant who was clearly in need of requently in our church ministry, members and staff come into professional help. contact with people who have problems that go beyond their capacity to respond with caring and effectiveness. It is always our A few days before the session meeting, the pastor, concerned that desire to respond to those who need our help with the utmost neither she nor members of the session were trained to make the compassion, but on occasion we are faced with situations that are best decisions, called the office of the Presbyterian Health, Educabeyond our personal expertise. The Presbyterian Health, Educa- tion and Welfare Association (PHEWA) in Louisville. She spoke with tion and Welfare Association (PHEWA) provides the link between the PHEWA Program Assistant, Susan Stack, and explained the presbyteries, congregations, ministers and others with specialized, circumstances surrounding the incident. Because of Susan’s long professional expertise at no cost to those asking for assis- association with PHEWA and her familiarity with each of the nettance. For more than 50 years, the PHEWA umbrella of networks works that comprise the umbrella, she recognized immediately has helped congregations and the church at large learn how to that several PHEWA Networks were needed to address the individoffer an inclusive welcome. They provide assistance in developing ual issues. strategies for effective responses to a wide variety of needs encountered in the practice of ministry, both in the congregation Within two days, the pastor who called was actively working with and in the surrounding community. professionals from PHEWA’s addictions network (Presbyterians for Addiction Action), serious mental illness network (Presbyterian PHEWA was created in 1956 by action of the General Assembly to Serious Mental Illness Network) and the institutional chaplains and provide resources, peer support and networking connections for pastoral care network (Presbyterian Association of Specialized Presbyterians involved in social welfare and justice ministries. They Pastoral Ministries). These three volunteer ministry networks proprovide programmatic, organizational and technical assistance to vided the expertise the session needed to make the most approPresbyterians working for social justice and encourage churches to priate professional referrals for the participant and a well-informed be responsive to the needs of, and to listen and learn from the decision about the continuation of the ministry. voices of those who have been excluded and suffering. Their ministry is grounded in Micah 6:8: Recently the pastor informed PHEWA that "the woman who drew the knife on a church member and me was removed from the program for one year. With the help of the three PHEWA volunteer What does God require of us? ministry networks we established very specific requirements that To do justice she must complete during her time away from the program, inTo love kindness cluding but not limited to receiving mental health counseling, To walk humbly with your God. refraining from the use of chemicals and allowing members of the session to meet with her psychologist prior to her return. We are While PHEWA has been responding to individual crises for years, a praying for her safe return to the program.” recent incident highlights the current and customized need for

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In addition, based on the input from PHEWA advisors and an evaluation of the original program outline, the ministry has continued under a new model. In the new and improved program each woman develops an "Individual Fresh Start Plan" and receives assistance in pursuing that plan. As this article is being prepared for publication, another woman in the program is currently transitioning out of a group home into her own apartment. Church members helped her find and furnish the apartment and have located rental assistance, job referrals and other supports.

in an area of ministry that you may want to get started, or to help work through problems that arise in a ministry you have already begun. To make these PHEWA connections, you may call Susan Stack at (800) 728-7228 x5800 or email her at susan.stack@pcusa.org. PHEWA is a membership organization that needs your support. To make a contribution to this vital ministry please visit the PHEWA website at http://gamc.pcusa.org/ministries/phewa.

PHEWA works with pastors, congregations, presbyteries, and their Doug Mitchell is the Associate Pastor for Faith and Action at Westminministries, using a grassroots peer-to-peer consultancy ap- ster Presbyterian in Minneapolis and serves on the board of the Presproach. PHEWA can connect you to those with proven experience byterian Health, Education and Welfare Association.

lifting the veil of secrecy by carol pine In my own recovery from alcoholism, a wise woman told me, “You are only as sick as your secrets.” This is true for human beings as well as organizations, including churches. When our committed team of volunteers at House of Hope Presbyterian Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, started a ministry in 2004 to address addiction in our midst, we took this advice to heart. And we took action. House of Hope Presbyterian Church has chosen to take the veil of secrecy away. We have decided to move the issue of addiction from the church basement into the church sanctuary. Our ministry is called Faith Partners and we are joined by more than 300 communities of faith around the U.S. who have decided to lift the veil of secrecy around addiction and offer hope for healthy recovery. The Presbyterians for Addiction Action leadership team of the PHEWA has endorsed Faith Partners. It is a model of ministry that is sorely needed in congregations. Its special strength is voluntarism matched with pastoral support. The need grows People of faith who struggle with addiction — or their families and friends — often seek help from their pastor. And yet most seminaries offer little or no training in addiction and recovery. Pastors are often poorly equipped to help and Faith Partners is a solution to this dilemma. At House of Hope Presbyterian Church our team of 14 volunteers, working with the Rev. Darlene Auger Stensby, has created a program of education, outreach and support to help people affected by addiction.. Our pastors are better prepared, thanks to customized training and support from our volunteer team. Celebrating recovery We started an annual Recovery Sunday service focused on addiction and recovery at both our 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services. Our first speaker was a noted news broadcaster who told his story,

along with his wife, who shared her story as a concerned family member. In our second year, one of our own pastors described the loss of her daughter and brother to anorexia and alcohol. In both cases, our speakers offered information and hope for recovery, even in the face of devastating loss. Our team has organized and offered educational programs for adults and youth on the destructive effects of Methamphetamine and alcohol addictions, depression, eating disorders, gambling and sexual addictions — especially in this age of cybersex. We have created a growing library of resource materials for congregation members to borrow and use. In our Faith Partners educational brochure, we also include a list of area resources offering help for a wide range of addictions with phone numbers and website addresses. We are blessed to live in the Twin Cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis where help for addiction and support of recovery is broad and strong. Perhaps most importantly, our team members are willing to go “on record” as part of Faith Partners. Their names are listed in the Faith Partners brochure that appears in kiosks around the church. They wear Faith Partners nametags on the days we offer special programs. Our hope is that congregation members will seek us out when they need support, help or a compassionate ear. Our pastoral staff knows our team members are available to talk with anyone who asks for help. Finally, an effective Faith Partners Ministry at House of Hope Presbyterian Church could not have started or grown without the enthusiastic support of our pastoral staff. They have taken time out for training to understand addiction and recovery and they are working with us to plan our programs for future years. Those of us in healthy recovery know that we are walking miracles. God has given us new life. The people who love and care about us give their gift of support. When a “church home” offers sanctuary and healing compassion for its members, it is a church at its very best. Carol Pine is the co-founder of Faith Partners at House of Hope Presbyterian Church, St. Paul, Minn., former board chair of the Hazelden Foundation, and a member of the leadership team of Presbyterians for Addiction Action. Carol can be contacted via email at carol@ pineandpartners.com . Rev. Stensby retired from her call at House of Hope in 2009.

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“Woman, Here Is Your Son” A Lenten Meditation -by Kara Root

Throughout Lent, Lake Nokomis Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis is exploring the Biblical Stations of the Cross. Stations have been set up in the sanctuary, and the congregation is doing a Lenten Worship Project, bringing in images that they find in media, our lives, art, etc. and helping to construct one of the stations during worship each week. Below is the most recent station, "Jesus Cares for his Mother," Station 12. It is based on John 19:25-27.

of that moment you would witness an exchange, a giving away or a giving to, his mother, his friend – ‘Woman, here is your son. Here is your mother.’ And from that hour – it says, he took her into his house.

This week our session had an interesting request presented to us. A former member, whose father made this baptismal font in 1968 in a woodshop in his garage, has a new baby granddaughter born across the country in Maine. This grandmother came to us to ask whether she might be permitted to ship this baptismal font to a Catholic church in Maine for one week, so that her granddaughter could be baptized in it. She talked about the tie to family, the link to her parents and their love and now absence. She talked f you had been standing there that day, like Scrooge with the about the desire to provide that sense of connection, of identity, Ghost of Christmas past, a silent, unseen observer of the scene unfolding around you, amid the heat and the dust, the crowds and her longing to have her side of the family represented as the baby’s other side of the family would be. the horror... if you had watched closely you would have seen two dramas unfolding simultaneously. On one side of you are the soldiers – they’ve done their work for the day, gotten this man up on Now, as crazy as this sounds, and as bizarre a request it is, it was an opportunity to see and hear one another in a deeply significant the cross, and they turn to the spoils – his possessions to divide and keep. They decide to roll dice, cast lots, to gamble for his final way. So we said, Let’s talk about it. We sat in this space and wrestled together with our understanding of faith, of baptism, of combelongings, the very clothes off his back, all that he had of value, munity, of the meaning of this piece of furniture and its absence, all that belonged to him, his final tie to this earthly life. So you’d of our community’s desire to participate in some way. see them laughing, maybe, huddled together, a winner about to be declared, the one who would become the new owner of that which had once been his.On the other side of you is Jesus. Naked And in that conversation, there was one thing said that struck me and dying on the cross. Stripped of all that he had, all that he was, as deeply profound and important: When we are baptized, when the water covers us and we are united with Jesus in his death and all that anyone thought he would end up being. And standing resurrection, we are born into a new family, a deeper, broader, near the cross, unable to tear themselves away, refusing to leave him alone in these last hours, waiting with him for his last breaths, wider family than the ones of our birth, a family that spans the are those who love him. His mom, his aunt, his friends Mary Mag- constraints of time and space, stretches past limits and bloodlines, dalene and Mary, Clopas’ wife. And his dear friend. John, presuma- denominations and state lines, we are bound to one another, bly. “The disciple whom Jesus loved,” as he calls himself, as he de- brother, sister, mother, son, daughter and father, in the family of God. fines himself. As you watched, you would hear behind them, as though in another world, the soldiers’ game, competing for his When that bawling, wet child opens her eyes, whichever bawling, belongings, and across from them you would see the people to whom he belonged. Or who belonged to him. And in the middle wet child she may be, we say to her, Little one! Look around you!

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Here is your mother, here are your sisters and brothers and fathers – we are your family now, and just one piece of it! We represent the family you now are part of, you will never see its limits – saints gone before and those yet to come, languages and cultures a million miles from here that you will never lay eyes on - they belong to you and you belong to them. In Christ, we are now connected, We are family.

we belong to each other. And so this is why we can’t not care. If you take someone into your home, you get sick when they get sick. You are there when they cry and you see them mad and you make them mad, and you laugh together and support each other, and you can’t help sharing life with them in the very most ordinary of ways. That is what it is to be the family of God. To say to the world, you are not alone, brother. I am here, sister. And to hear those words back from those sitting next to you.

And then it became apparent to those of us sitting there – that at some level, and whether this grandmother realizes it or not, this request is not about her family. This is about God’s family, and all Three weeks ago we did this for Sarah and Tim. We heard the of ours. So we decided to let the font go there. And we will send words of Christ, who bears our suffering, we heard the words of along a message, that as this baby is baptized we celebrate with Christ as he held out before us this family and he said, LNPC – here joy a sister joining the family of God – far away in Minnesota this little part of God’s family is extending our own welcome, in wood is your mother, grieving the loss of her son, here is your son, lost to you and to the world as he was to her. It didn’t and water, in symbol and sign, to the matter whether they were “one of us” or not, family of God. That despite differences we perceive as human beings - in faith, in Through Jesus’ death we are they are family. They belong to Christ so they belong to us. We belong to Christ so we the miles between us, in the theology made brother and sister, belong to them. From that hour we took that defines us, in the human dynamics them into our home. that get in the way of real human relationships – something is happening here mother and son, father and As we gather in these weeks in the shadow in this moment that we are part of (and of the cross, as we keep glancing in on Christ would be even without our font standing daughter, family to one anin these last moments of his life, tonight we in for us! would be even if we never even hear behind us, as though bartering for the knew this baptism took place! that we are other. To the world. dead man’s clothes, the greed and the selfpart of every time anyone is baptized!) interest, the disconnect and division, the way The family of God is welcoming a sister. that sacred things are made cheap and human life is boiled down to what we have or Through Jesus’ death we are made own, the way hope is lost and people are brother and sister, mother and son, father isolated and forgotten, left to fend for themand daughter, family to one another. To the world. We are joined in a deep and profound way, as real and selves, But right in front of us is Christ, in the midst of bearing the unchosen as the families we were born into. Given to one another. suffering of all the world, in the midst of joining us so fully as to take on death and all its impact, holding Japan and Libya and Yemen and the Ivory Coast, holding Sarah and Tim, and little ConThe early Christians from the very beginning called one another nor’s family, and a new little baby in Maine, and he says This one is brother and sister, through Christ’s death they were famyours now, and you are theirs. Here you are. Brothers and sisily. Strangers and neighbors, Slaves and owners said sister, ters. Given to each other. Bound in the suffering that I bear with brother. Scholar Rodney Stark explains that one of the reasons you. Bound to one another in my death. Christianity went from about 1000 people to 6 million people in less than 300 years may be in part because of this understanding of family in God. The Roman Empire went through two major Every year we celebrate the beginning of the Church at Pentecost, plagues in that time. When this happened most everyone who and rightfully so, when the Spirit of God comes upon the disciples could run, ran: Roman doctors fled to the countryside and those and they speak the message of Jesus that penetrates the hearts of who were not sick and dead left the sick and dead to fend for people from far and wide, and the community of fear becomes the themselves. Except the Christians. Christians stayed and nursed community of faith. But I think, in some way, the church also beeach other, they stayed and nursed the sick because they had a gins right here, in the shadow of the cross, with these words. profound understanding that these were not sick people, separate Woman, here is your son. Here is your mother. from me, these are brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers. In Christ, these are my family. Of course, by doing so, they also devel- May our awareness of our place in the family of God continue to oped immunity to the disease that enabled them to survive when carve room within us for the suffering and joy of others; may we others died. step up and welcome one another into our home. We are bound in our suffering, in all the ways we’ve seen on this Lenten journey are part of our humanity and part of Christ’ suffering on the cross – our sorrow and pleading, our shame and regret, our hopelessness and impossibility, the crosses we bear for ourselves and others - as Christ holds all of those in his own being what he gives us in return, in that moment, is one another. Here is YOUR mother, his mother, here is YOUR son. By belonging to him

Amen. Kara Root is the pastor of Lake Nokomis Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis. The drawing is “Woman, Behold Your Son” by John Stuart.

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positions available For more information on the positions listed below, please go the PTCA website at www.presbyterytwincities.org/jobs.

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Nursery Care Provider, Chain of Lakes Presbyterian Church, Lino Lakes Director of Middle School and High School Ministries, Westminster Presbyterian, Minneapolis Nursery Staff Position, First Presbyterian, Hudson Church Business Administrator, North Como Presbyterian, Roseville

Do you have a church staff position that needs to be filled? Send in your job announcements to Dennis Sanders at communications@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.)

PC(USA) Commissioned Lay Pastor Event in Dubuque, June 9-11 The University of Dubuque Theological Seminary will host the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s National Conference for Commissioned Lay Pastors (CLPs) and CLP candidates, June 9-11. The conference will feature the Rev. Thomas Gillespie, emeritus president and professor of New Testament at Princeton Theological Seminary as the keynote speaker. CLPs from around the country will come to share ideas and visit with others who are serving in this unique calling. Basic CLP classes will be offered for those candidates who have not yet been commissioned, while advanced CLP classes will be available as continuing education for those who have completed the foundational requirements of the PC(USA). Opportunities for fellowship and relaxation will also be provided, including an evening cruise on the Mississippi River. The University of Dubuque Theological Seminary has been on the cutting edge of Commissioned Lay Pastor education.

The Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area has created a resource explaining what Per Capita is and how it helps fund the mission of the wider church. You can use it as a bulletin insert or as a separate brochure. To download the resource, please go to the Presbytery website at www.presbyterytwincities.org.

Boundaries Training Set for April 28 The Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area will host a Level One Boundaries Training Event on Thursday, April 28 at North Presbyterian Church in North St. Paul from 8:30am to 3pm. Lunch will be provided and the cost for the event is $50 which will cover materials and lunch.

Over the past 10 years, the seminary has had over 3,000 registrants in its CLP distance learning program. Says UDTS President Jeffrey Bullock: “Our church is in a time of incredible transition. As we explore new models for providing pastoral leadership, Commissioned Lay Pastors will play an increasingly important role. Our seminary is committed to providing quality preparation for You must sign-up for the event online before the close of business on these leaders. This conference is another way we can Wednesday, April 27. To register please go to the Presbytery website at support their ministry.” www.presbyterytwincities.org.

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transitions 

Please remember Rev. Harry Lichy (First, Pine City) and family following the death of his granddaughter. A funeral took place in late March.

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Former minister member Carole Lloyd, wife of former minister Member Neal Lloyd who had surgery on Wednesday to remove a tumor. She is recovering quite well. Neal was the Senior Pastor of First Presbyterian in Rochester, MN.

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Stephen Robertson will become the new Associate Pastor for Pastoral Care at Westminster Presbyterian in Downtown Minneapolis. Robertson was approved for the position at a special congregational meeting of the congregation. His previous calls include being Associate Pastor at Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church in Chevy Chase, MD and the pastor of Eastminster Presbyterian in East Lansing, MI.

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Heidi Vardeman, the Senior Pastor at Macalester-Plymouth United Church in St. Paul will be ending her ministry with the congregation in the summer of 2011. She has been in ministry with Macalester-Plymouth since 2001.

ordination anniversaries There are no five-year ordination anniversaries for April.

Congratulations to Presbyterian Church of the Apostles in Burnsville, Apostles--Burnsville MN for becoming the second “Earth care Congregation” in the Presby- Church of the Apostles tery. (North Como Presbyterian in Roseville, MN was the first congre- Becomes Second PTCA Earth care gation.) Earth care Congregations is a program from the Environmental Ministries office of the Presbyterian Church (USA) that certifies Congregation environmentally responsible congregations. The goal of the program is to inspire churches to care for God’s earth in a holistic way, through integrating earth care into all of church life. To find out how your “It is exciting that Presbyterian Church of the Apostles is dedicated to stewardship of God’s earth. The congregation’s church can become an Earth care Congreactions and commitment are an inspiration to gation, please go the Environmental Minispeople of faith who are answering God’s call to tries blog or www.pcusa.org/ care for the earth,” says Katie Holmes, associate environment . Below is an article from for Environmental Ministries. Church of the Apostles’ newsletter explaining their environmental ministry. The Earth Care Congregations program was Presbyterian Church of the Apostles was started in 2010 by PC (USA) Environmental Miniscertified as an Earth Care Congregation tries. The goal of the program is to inspire by the Presbyterian Church(USA) Environchurches to care for God’s earth in a holistic way, mental Ministries on December 9, 2010. through integrating earth care into all of their This honor speaks to the great commitchurch life. The Earth Care Congregation certificament that Presbyterian Church of the tion honors churches that make that commitApostles has to caring for God’s earth. ment and encourages others to follow their example. To become an Earth Care Congregation, Presbyterian Church of the Apostles affirmed the Earth Care Pledge to integrate environmental practices and thinking into all For more information on the Earth Care Congregations, program facets of its church life and completed projects and activities in the go to www.pcusa.org/environment . fields of worship, education, facilities, and outreach. The Earth Care Congregation certification is designed to recognize churches that make the commitment to take seriously God’s charge to “till and keep” the garden.

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events Month-long Arts Fair at Cherokee Park: The Annual Cherokee West Arts Fair will celebrate the diversity of this St. Paul neighborhood. Cherokee Park United Church will host opening and closing activities. The Opening Reception is Saturday, April 16, 4:00 7:00pm and includes a poetry reading at 5:00 p.m., Ray Roybal, noted Chicano artist, presentation at 6 p.m., and light refreshments. The Closing Cabaret concludes the fair on Saturday, May 14, beginning at 7:00pm with live vocal and instrumental performances and light refreshments. Cherokee Park is located at 317 Baker St. in St. Paul. For more information contact the church at 651-227-4275.

All are invited. Westminster is located at 1200 Marquette Avenue in Minneapolis..

Workshop on Older Adults and Depression at Trinity Woodbury: On Monday, April 28, 2011, Trinity Presbyterian Church will host a workshop entitled “Gray Matters: What Older Adults, Families and Caregivers Need to Know About Depression.” All-too-often depression in elderly people goes untreated because many people think that depression is a normal part of aging and a natural reaction to chronic illness, loss and social transition. Depression is a serious and treatable condition that needs attention regardless of age; however, it is important to note that untreated depression is a Children's Play on Mental Illness at Trinity : Trinity Presbyterian major reason the elderly make up a large percentage of those who in Woodbury presents the music “Further Fidgety Fairy Tales” at attempt suicide each year. 2PM on April 17. The Fairy Tale Musicals return with new, reimagined familiar fairy tales to raise awareness about children’s Kay King, Director of the Older Adults Program at NAMI Minnesota mental health. “Further” Fidgety Fairy Tales include Goldilocks and (National Alliance on Mental Illness Minnesota) and a former Exthe Three Bears (obsessive compulsive disorder) ,Boyd Who Cried ecutive Director of a retirement community, will share her extenWolf (Tourette syndrome), and CinderEdward (bipolar disorder). sive experience to educate participants about the difficult changes This family-fun production is free, but registration is appreciated. individuals may face as they grow older. Call 651.738.0045 or by email at dee@trinitywoodbury.org. Trinity · Identify Signs/Symptoms of Depression in Older People is located at 2125 Tower Drive in Woodbury. · Understand Losses associated with Aging · Recognize Risk Factors/Warning Signs of Suicide Holy Week in Art Talk at Spirit of Life : Sunday evening, April 17 · Explore the Process of Recovery (5:00 p.m.), Spirit of Life Presbyterian Church will host a dinner · Discover Resources for Seniors, Families and Caregivers followed by a special program on Holy Week in Sacred Art as seen This workshop is appropriate for senior citizens and family memthrough the eyes of Renaissance masters. Dr. Rick MacArthur, pasbers, as well as social workers, clergy and other professionals who tor of Arlington Hills Presbyterian Church in St. Paul, will present work with this population. the program focusing on a wonderful painting titled the Turin Altarpiece. This masterpiece depicts numerous scenes from Jesus’ life during his last week in Jerusalem. The painting, created by Hans Memling in 1470 and sometimes called Scenes from the Passion of Christ, captures the essence of these significant events from Palm Sunday through the Resurrection. Twenty-three scenes in one panel will be highlighted. The banker and his wife who commissioned this artwork fifteen centuries after the events took place are hidden in this painting. Come join us and see if you can find them.

Sponsored by the Faith-Based Health & Wellness Network (www.fbhw-mn.org), the presentation will be held from 6:30 pm to 8 pm at Trinity Presbyterian Church, located at 2125 Tower Drive in Woodbury. This event is free. For additional information contact Dee Lindblom at (651) 738-0045.

North Como 60th Anniversary Event: Come to House of Hope Presbyterian Church on Friday, April 29th, 6-7 pm to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of North Como's chartering. Enjoy fellowship, The evening will begin with a soup dinner at 5:00 P.M. with the friends from the past, refreshments, a toast and the debut of our program following at 6:00 P.M. The Spirit of Life congregation wel- 60th Anniversary documentary. Childcare through 5th grade. Free Macalester Choir concert at 7:30 pm. To RSVP, contact Chris at 651comes all in the community to come to this free event. 488-5581 by April 24. House of Hope Presbyterian is located at Spirit of Life is located at 14401 Pilot Knob Road in Apple Valley. 797 Summit Avenue in St. Paul. Walter Mondale to speak at Westminster, Minneapolis : Former Vice President Walter Mondale will speak on the earthquake and tsunami devastation in Japan and the resulting nuclear crisis in that country at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Downtown Minneapolis, April 17 at 9:15am. Mondale, who is a member of Westminster, is uniquely prepared to address this topic, having been Vice President of the United States during the Three Mile Island nuclear incident, and having served as U.S. Ambassador to Japan. As a result of these experiences, Mondale offers unique insight into this urgent situation. Following his presentation, he will respond to audience questions..

Partnership for the Missional Church: Saturday, May 14, 2011, 9:00 a.m. to noon, Mount Olivet Lutheran Church of Plymouth, 12235 Old Rockford Road, Plymouth. Consider being part of one of 16 congregations to participate in the first ever Twin Cities Partnership for Missional Church cluster. These intentionally ecumenical clusters engage in a dynamic three year process that supports each congregation in discovering and developing their own unique response to God’s promised and preferred future for them. To learn more about this exciting missional church process, contact us at Church Innovations 651-644-3653 and ask for John Mueller Nowell, or contact John directly at jmnowell@churchinnovations.org.

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events, continued Charity Concert at Dayton Avenue: The vocal ensemble group Caritas will perform a benefit concert for the Saint Paul Area Council of Churches (SPACC) at Dayton Avenue Presbyterian Church on Sunday, May 22, 5:00 p.m. This is a live performance of a capella choral music including classical, pop, sacred and secular tunes entitled, “Imagine a world…” Proceeds will support SPACC’s Project Home program which provided safe shelter to 580 families last year, including 1,088 children! Tickets are $10 and may be purchased online via the Saint Paul Area Council of Churches web site, or at Dayton Avenue Presbyterian Church (217 Mackubin Street) on the day of the concert. For more information contact Connie Johnson at (651) 789-3857.

112 W. Franklin Ave. Suite 508 Minneapolis, MN 55404

Fax: 612-871-0698 E-mail: communications@ptcaweb.org Web: www.ptcaweb.org Twitter: www.twitter.com/ptcaweb Facebook: www.facebook.com/ Family Camp at Clearwater Forest: Families are encouraged to sign up for this won- presbyterytwincitiesarea

derful, intergenerational event held June 17-19 at PCF. Families enjoy lodging in Leaning Tree and Eagle Lodges, have fun through staff led recreation, experience campfires by the lakeshore and meaningful Bible studies and worship led by Jan Snell, Director of Children's Ministry at House of Hope Presbyterian Church in St. Paul. Family Camp helps people start out their summer enriching their most important relationships! To sign up, visitwww.clearwaterforest.org or call 218-678-2325 for more information or to register over the phone.

Chaz Ruark, Executive Presbyter: ep@ptcaweb.org

Lake Nokomis to Co-Sponsor August Conference: Lake Nokomis Presbyterian

Risa Anderson, Office Manager: of-

Presbytery Staff

Nancy Grittman, Stated Clerk: statedclerk@ptcaweb.org

Church is co-sponsoring a week-long conference at Luther Seminary designed to foster fice@ptcaweb.org “compassionate communication” in the midst of conflict. Called, “Leading from the Heart” the goal of the conference is to turn “crippling conflict into caring community” Dennis Sanders, IT/Communications through nonviolent communication. Specialist: communicaThe event, which will be held August 8-12 at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, will teach church leaders learn how to:

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tions@ptcaweb.org

Express yourself so that you will be heard more fully Transform criticism into opportunities for mutual understanding

"Inprint is a publication from the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area (PTCA). The mission is to share brief Heal pain from unresolved conflict, guilt and shame highlights with links to resources and  Build authentic community based on honest expression and empathic listening news. Recipients include congregaThe leaders for the workshop will be Professors Deb Hunsinger of Princeton University tions, minister members, other memand Teresa Latini of Luther Seminary (and a minister-member of the Presbytery of the bers, committees, and friends. Please Twin Cities Area). send submissions and e-mail corrections to Dennis Sanders, editor, at For more information and to register, please go to www.luthersem.edu/ communications@ptcaweb.org . leadingfromtheheart. Usual distribution: Monthly. Stay in dialogue in the midst of difference and disagreement

Experience deeper self-connection, inner peace and self-care

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The Backpage In Our Midst By Cynthia Bolbach This month’s column by the Moderator is a video podcast available at www.youtube.com/gradyeparsons. Below is the transcript.

It’s the first day of April as I record this video, and there are weather forecasts calling for snow in the Northeast. Nevertheless, it is unmistakably spring, and as proof I offer two words: Opening Day – the time when all major league teams start off with perfect records, hoping to capitalize on off-season changes. For Christians, of course, it is the season of Lent, the time when we journey with Jesus toward the cross, the time when we seek not to deny him – but, with human failing, inevitably do. It is also the time when we look forward with faith to the journey’s next step – the journey toward the empty tomb, when we experience the miracle of God’s saving grace and the promise of new life – and a perfect record for each of us. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is also on a journey – a journey whose end is not yet known. Our presbyteries are voting on important issues, most notably a change to ordination standards, a proposed new Form of Government, and the addition of the Belhar Confession to The Book of Confessions. It is both exciting and daunting to be in the midst of such change. At the same time, I know that the anxiety of change has the potential to overwhelm us. I also know that in the months ahead, some of us will rejoice and some of us will grieve over changes that are made. The adoption of any of these changes will bring change to the way we live our lives together. We have also seen over the past few months the beginning of several conversations about what the PC(USA) should be – how do we as a denomination effectively proclaim that saving grace of an empty tomb to a 21st century world? I take comfort in knowing that the church in every time and place has had to confront change. I also take comfort in knowing that God has always been with us in the midst of change, and that God is with us now. I invite you to join in the conversations that are happening across the church, so that we, together, may discern the new things that God is creating in our midst.

Elder Cynthia Bolbach is Moderator of the 219th General Assembly (2010) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

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