Category Archives: Synod

Invitation from the Synod of Lincoln Trails

Dear Friends,

For many years now the Synod of Lincoln Trails has gathered for an overnight fall assembly meeting to discuss together a book chosen by the assembly leadership team. This book tends to be a springboard into the planning for the upcoming year and helps the assembly shape and form together the partnerships the Synod hopes to grow and develop.

This year, in anticipation of some new opportunities developing between our synod, the Synod of Mid-America, and the Synod of Lakes and Prairies, the leadership team has chosen the Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow’s book But I Don’t See You as Asian. We are also fortunate enough to be able to welcome him to our assembly as well. Because of this unique opportunity, we, as a leadership team wish to extend an invitation to the larger synod to join with us Friday night 7:00 -8:30 at Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis (770A N. Meridian St.) for a discussion with Bruce to help us create a space to identify and work to remove barriers of racism within our society.

We also recognize that it is physically impossible for many of you to make it to this event in person. Plans are underway to record this discussion as well and the synod will be happy to let you know when that will be available to view. There will also be refreshments and time to connect. We look forward to seeing you there!

In Christ,

Karen Hahn
Moderator, Synod of Lincoln Trails

Campus Ministries within the Synod of Lincoln Trails

As young people leave home and head off to college for the first time in the fall there will be all kinds of organizations, activities, and opportunities competing for their attention.  They will be seeking out the activities and events where they can meet people and make new friends.  We would like to make sure that the Presbyterian Campus ministries around Indiana and Illinois are able to reach out to the rising first-year students from your congregation and help connect them to other young people from churches like yours and to find fellowship, worship, education, and service opportunities in their new home.

Below you will find contact information for all the ministries in the Synod of Lincoln trails that are registered with the PC(USA)  “U-Kirk” network. If you would share with us the names and contact information for your rising first-years we would love to have the opportunity to reach out to them and make them feel “spiritually” welcome in their new surroundings.

Download contact information.

Thank you in advance for your help and every blessing on your ministry!

In Christ’s name,

Dwight Podgurski
Butler University
303-947-8644; dpodgurski@secondchurch.org

Rev. Mihee Kim-Kort
Indiana University
812-345-9388; miheekk@gmail.com

Dr. Ben Gates
Fort Wayne and Indiana Institute of Technology
gatesb@ipfw.edu

Jessica Hawkinson
Lake Forest College
jhawkinson@firstchurchlf.org

Autumn James
Northern Illinois University and Kishwaukee College: 
815-756-2905; Christian.Ed@westminsterdekalb.org

Rev Julie Windsor Mitchell
Northwestern University
847-864-2320; ucm@u.northwestern.edu

Allen Bol or Rev Dave Comstock
Purdue University
Allen:  bolallen@gmail.com
Dave: 317-506-8184; pastordaveip@gmail.com

Transitional Ministry Education (Interim Pastor Training)

The Synods of Lincoln Trails and Mid-America (MALT) have joined together to provide interim training every spring and fall to pastors nationwide. Transitional Ministry Education is intended for those presently engaged in interim ministry and those inquiring about this ministry. Committee on Ministry members and presbytery staff persons with responsibility for congregations in transition will also find the training helpful. The next interim pastor training will be April 20-24, 2015.

Find out more on the Synod of Lincoln Trails website.

The Art of Transitional Ministry

November 3-7, 2014
Mercy Center – 2039 N Geyer Rd., St. Louis, MO 63131

ABOUT TRANSITIONAL MINISTRY EDUCATION

We live in a time of great transition in our churches and culture. Transitional Ministry Education is intended for those presently engaged in or inquiring about the nature of transitional ministry. This includes Temporary Transitional Ministry positions; which may include interim ministry, designated ministry, other temporary ministry or Installed Transitional Ministry which includes all other parish ministry positions. Committee on Ministry members and presbytery staff persons with responsibility for congregations in this time of transition will also find the education helpful.

Basic Transitional Ministry Education consists of 60 contact hours plus a practicum. The contact hours are divided equally between two residency weeks: Week I (30 hours) and Week II (30 hours), separated by a practicum which combines reflection on, and experience in, some aspect of interim/transitional ministry.

MALT offers education for both Weeks I & II. Participants must complete both Residency Week I and all practicum assignments before taking part in Residency Week II. Those who complete the first week of basic education at another site must complete all MALT practicum assignments prior to attending Residency Week II.

We offer a full thirty (30) hours of education for each week. If you desire to receive a Statement of Completion for this event, you must actively participate in all sessions in their entirety (30 contact hours).

Early registration will ensure participants ample time to complete reading assignments prior to the start of each residency week.

RESIDENCY WEEK I

Participants will be introduced to and invited to reflect on:

  • The dynamics of our context of ministry in transitional times.
  • Their own self as a leader and leadership for the congregation in transition.
  • The dynamics of the congregation in a time of transition and the work of the transitional leader
  • Working with the congregation as a system, processing change issues, and managing conflict.

PRACTICUM CONTENT

Participants will:

  • Reflect on their leadership style.
  • Use analytic skills for reflecting on ministry situations.
  • Working with the congregation as a system, processing change issues, and managing conflict.

RESIDENCY WEEK II

Participants will reflect on:

  • The dynamics of the transitional period utilizing integrated learning conversation from their own ministry context.
  • Living with and in the congregation as system and the Transitional Pastor as a self-differentiating leader.
  • Transition as possibility for congregational transformation, reframed purpose and growing ministry capacity.

SCHEDULE

The education begins with registration on Monday at 10:45a.m. and concludes at 11:00 a.m. on Friday. Commuters are welcome with the understanding that they will participate fully in ALL sessions.

FEES

  • Double Occupancy – $700
  • Single Occupancy – $800
  • Commuter – $400
  • Additional Night – $100

A $100 deposit is required for each registration. Full payment of fees is required at onsite registration.
Registration is limited. Participants will be accepted in the order in which complete registrations (including presbytery signature) are received. The Registration Deadline is October 10, 2014.

Fees Cover:

  • Faculty costs
  •  Meeting space
  •  All materials provided for the education
  •  4 nights lodging
  •  4 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners

Commuter fees cover:

  • Faculty costs
  • Meeting space
  • Materials
  • 8 meals

CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY

  • Prior to registration deadline: 100% refund of fees.
  • Up to two weeks following registration deadline: 50% refund of fees.
  • After two weeks following registration deadline: No refund of fees.
LOCATION: Mercy Center, St. Louis,  Missouri

REGISTRATION IS LIMITED!

QUESTIONS/INFORMATION?

Synod of Lincoln Trails
Kristi Miller
Email Kristi
800.566.5996
317.923.3681

Synod CREs are Invited to Celebrate Carol McDonald’s Retirement

Save the Date: April 5, 2014 for a Party!

Carol McDonald will be retiring as the Synod Executive for the Synod of Lincoln Trails in August of 2014. As a part of the celebration all of those who have attended CLP/CRE training by the Synod, provided leadership and all those serving as CREs within the Synod are invited (with a guest) to attend a worship/reunion/education event/party for Carol from 10:00am-4:00pm on Saturday, April 5, 2014 at First Presbyterian Church in Champaign, IL. There is no charge for this event!

RSVP to Kristi Miller.

Final CRE Continuing Education Class for 2013

Advent, Christmas and Epiphany
CRE Continuing Education Opportunities

The final “Sacred Seasons” preaching workshop will be led by the Rev. Dr. Laura Reason, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Highland, Ind. Dr. Reason is a nine-time teacher of preaching and worship leadership to Synod of Lincoln Trails ruling elders.

The final workshop is November 2 and will focus on Advent, Christmas and Epiphany. Registration deadline is October 25th.

Cost: $35 per class. Includes lunch and teaching materials.

Class will be held at Philo Presbyterian Church in Philo, Ill from 9:30am – 2:30pm (Central Time).

For more information contact Kristi Miller via email or by calling (800) 566-5996.

ALL New Pastors Reunion

November 21-23, 2013

The Synod of Lincoln Trails is excited to sponsor the first ever REUNION of ALL New Pastors Program participants. Beginning with Group One and including everyone, even Group Twenty Two!

The retreat will be held at Hawthorn Suites in Champaign, IL, beginning with supper Thursday evening, followed by worship, play, and reflection. The event ends after breakfast on Saturday morning.

Your cost is ONLY $100! Spread the word among your old new pastor friends!

Click here to register online using Eventbrite.

Would you like to help plan the event? Share talents of music, art, or dance?
Contact Peggy McDonald.