VALLEY BRIDGE – March 16, 2016
THE WORD FROM RICK – A Big Weekend
It was a big and busy couple of days, as two significantevents took place within the bounds of our presbytery over the past weekend, and I was privileged to be part of both gatherings.
On Friday night and Saturday, our new Commission on Leadership sponsored its first event, a Leadership Development Workshop for commissioned ruling elders (CREs), those in some stage of CRE training, and other interested folks. Twelve individuals gathered at the Presbytery office in Willmar for this workshop, which had two parts to it.
On Friday night, Scott Prouty and I got to explore “Conflict Modes” with the group. Using an instrument called the TKI and information from our week at the Mediation Skills Institute in 2014, we helped the group consider the different ways that people behave in conflict situations and how each style works, and doesn’t work. There was a lot of information to cover in a short time, but hopefully, the participants got a glimpse into how they work in difficult situations.
On Saturday, the group worked with Mark Sundby from the North Central Ministry Development Center in New Brighton. Mark helped those in attendance look at other issues related to their personal leadership styles, especially as it all relates to the work of commissionedruling elders.
Believing that strong and well-nurtured leaders are essential to building healthy congregations, this event was the first of what we hope to be many more events offered by the presbytery to strengthen those who are called in leadership roles as teaching elders, CREs, elders and deacons.
On Sunday afternoon, a second big event took place in the southwestern corner of the presbytery. After two years of serving as a student pastor, attending seminary classes, and jumping through all of the ordination hoops, Tom Voigt was ordained as a teaching elder (Minister of Word and Sacrament) in the PCUSA, and installed as the pastor of the First Presbyterian Churches of Edgerton and Lismore.
It was a standing room only scene at Edgerton for this grand celebration. Tom’s family shared in the service, along with members of both congregations and colleagues from across the presbytery. The church was overflowing with joy, along with high hopes for the next chapter in the lives of the Edgerton and Lismore congregations. Congratulations to the saints of the two congregations, and welcome to our family, Tom!
Lest I forget, in between the two events, I had the opportunity to spend Sunday morning with the saints of First Presbyterian Church in Blue Earth. The trip to the home of the Jolly Green Giant is always a delight. This is my fourth trip to preach in Blue Earth, and Sunday was about 60 degrees warmer than my first visit in March 2013!
By the time all was said and done on Sunday, I had traversed a 402 miles triangle across the prairies and valleys that make up the Minnesota Valleys landscape. It was a great day, and a very good weekend. I am honored to be in your midst! I look forward to many more adventures together!
Grace and Peace to you all,
Rick