Presbytery News
Presbytery Highlights
Between Me & Thee
Millennium Musings

Programs/Groups
Waldensian Partners


Presbyterian Women

Youth Council Apps
ALP/CLP Program

Mission
Honduras Trip
Mission Yearbook 

Church News

News from Churches

Synod News
Synod School

Denominational News
Disaster Response
Interim Pastor 
Training

News Journals



PCUSA News Briefs 
Beliefnet.com
PresbyWeb.com
Presby Outlook
Presbyterians Today

Congregational Ministry in a New Century
Erin S. Cox-Holmes, Associate for Congregational Ministries

Presbytery Day 2000 marked the end of the 99/00 program year for the Presbytery of Kiskiminetas. One of the core values of our presbytery is our commitment to offer top quality events for congregations seeking to transition their churches into the "new age" in which we live. This past year saw these events:

• Fall Enrichment: "Sacred Cows Make Gourmet Burgers" and "Growing Spiritual Redwoods" with Bill Easum
• Leader Training: "Turn-Around Strategies for Smaller Membership Churches" with Ron Crandall
• Presbytery Day: "Worship Wars" and Preaching Workshop with Tom Long, and "Workshop Rotation Model" and "Computers in Sunday School" with Neil MacQueen

I have been amazed by the number of churches making changes: big and small. A growing number of churches are switching to WoRM, the rotation model we've been talking so much about. Churches are experimenting with computers, websites, digital photography, projection, contemporary services and music. It's an exciting time to be in ministry. Exciting things are happening in this presbytery.

I am constantly asked at national events how Kiski does it: How do we, so far off the beaten track, manage to attract the speakers and sponsor the events we do? And how can we offer them virtually for free - when most groups charge much, much more than we do for the same events? The answer, of course, is through the dedication of the congregational ministries committee, and the generosity of your mission dollars.

The one thing which is not exciting is the number of churches which don't seem to have a clue that we offer these events, or why they ought to attend.

So-we need your help. If you're reading this article, then you are a person who still reads print media. Although our events are well-attended, many of the churches who most need to consider new strategies are not represented. We send out print brochures and fliers at least 5 times for each event. We publish them prominently on the website. We speak to them at presbytery gatherings. I couldn't tell you the number of struggling churches I visit They are looking for help. Yet when I ask who they have attending the revitalization events, they look at me blankly. They have no idea we offer them. What more do we need to do to get the message across?? Call, write, or email me to share your ideas.

CURRICULUM CONSULTS & VBS KITS

If you would like to look at new curriculum options for the fall, either Lynn Rising or I am available to assist you in the Resource Center. I am available by appointment to come consult with your church regarding your specialized Christian Education needs.

The VBS kits are now available for check-out for preview or to reserve for use during your Vacation Bible School.

WEBSITES AND OTHER DIGITAL MATTERS

If you're thinking about a church website you have 2 good options. The first is to register your church with www. forministry.com. A ministry of the American Bible Society, this group will give your church - FREE!! - 5 pages to personalize so your members will know what's going on. It's not as flexible as your own design-but it's very good. To see 2 examples, click on "our churches" then click on Bethel or Homer City. You can have a site up and running in an hour. The other good option is to use Microsoft's Frontpage, which can be purchased for less than 100 dollars. While the learning curve is higher, the program is novice friendly. You can do a lot with it. Contact me for tips on getting started with Frontpage.

Blessings,

Erin