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| Welcome |
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Welcome to the Prairie Faith Shared Ministry Website.
Prairie Faith Shared Ministry (PFSM) consists of six Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) congregations on the Kansas Praire in Trego, Ellis, and Ness Counties; Bethlehem, Immanuel, Zion and Emanuel in Trego County, Saint John in Ellis County, and Our Redeemer in Ness County. PFSM is served by two ordained ministers and one intern. The PFSM office is located at 338 N. 7th Street in WaKeeney (785-743-2005).
"Blessed are those who come in the name of the Lord!" |
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| Message from Intern Ann |
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One of our recent Gospel lessons focused on when the disciples were journeying with Jesus to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. This started me thinking of my internship year here at Prairie Faith as another leg on my voyage with God.
I thank all the Prairie Faith members for being with me on this voyage. I have appreciated all the help you have given me. You have both encouraged me in where I was doing well and challenged me in areas where I needed to improve. These were both helpful. Other interns have trouble getting people to fill out feedback sheets; I have received sheets totally filled with useful information.
Living in the countryside and having farmers in the congregations has also been educational. I have learned a lot about calving and respect the hard work involved. I have also enjoyed listening to the new bird and insect sounds and appreciating the wide open sky. It is ironic that I, who likes snow, was here during a mild winter. I have also learned about setting mouse bait. This is a skill I was not so thrilled to learn, but is something I certainly may need to do again.
I like the model of geographical parishes and am glad I was able to experience it here at Prairie Faith. Not only have I learned a lot from Pastor Randy, who has been a wonderful match as a supervisor for me, I have also learned from working with Pastor Jon, Donna and Marla. It has also been wonderful working with both the St. John and Prairie Faith Councils. It has helped me realize all the work the dedicated members do.
When I started here I was not sure that I wanted to stay in Parish ministry. However, this voyage has helped me affirm that this is what I am being called to. I look forward to the assignment process in late September. I hope that by Christmas I will be “setting sail” with a congregation as a new pastor.
I am thankful for the opportunity I had to be with you. I expect that Melinda will have a wonderful time with you also. May God continue to bless you all and your ministries.
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| Prairie Faith Council Highlights |
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June 16, 2009 meeting
Pastor’s Report
• Pastor Randy on vacation June 20-21, Marla Deines preaching; July 5-July 13—Lay service; Continuing Education July 20—24
• Pastor Jon on vacation June 29—July 9, Marla Deines preaching
• Pastor Jon gave a report on the Synod Assembly, Boundary workshop and the Missional Church meetings
• Intern Ann will be meeting with the Western Iowa Candidacy Committee June 25-June 27
Internship Committee
• Intern Ann last Sunday will be July 26. The new intern, Melinda McClusky will be arriving July 29. First preaching Sunday is August 2
Old Business
• Reviewed the Incorporation by-laws. They will be published in the next newsletter for all congregational members to review. (Articles are included in this newsletter as an insert. Please review them—contact a PFSM council member if you have questions.)
• 30th Anniversary of Ordination celebration has been set for July 19 at the Commercial Bldg. in WaKeeney. Everyone is invited to attend the planning meeting July 7—7:00 p.m. at BLC after reservations have been received to make final plans for the dinner. RSVP by July 1, 2009
• The next joint service will be August 16 at Zion with a potluck dinner following. Youth will be doing the service, it will include a service of welcome for the new intern. The loose offering has been designated to go to the youth
New Business
• PFSM will support Kim Frederking’s application for PMA and will provide books and supplies
• The council added PMA Marla Deines to the staff. She will be issued a letter of call, her start date will be July 1 and will be installed Aug. 16 at the joint service. The job description will include but not limited to—provide visitation for home bound, hospitalized and nursing homes; assisting and leading in Bible studies; leading & preaching at worship services & nursing homes
The next meeting will be August 11 2009, 7:30 p.m. Devotions to be given by Ray Rumpel. |
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| Prairie Faith Council Calls New Staff Member |
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In the on-going work to provide additional ministry for the people and congregations of Prairie Faith Shared Ministry, the PFSM council has created a part-time staff position for a Parish Ministry Associate (PMA). The PMA staff person would work within all of our PFSM congregations, in coordination with Pastors and other staff, to help in the areas of visitation, worship leadership and preaching, as well as leading Bible study. This position is for 10 hours a week.
To fill this position the PFSM council has issued a call to Marla Deines. As well as being a certified PMA, Marla is a Prairie Faith member from Bethlehem. Marla says she is excited to use her gifts in service to the Church right here among us. She begins July 1st and will be installed at our joint service on August 16th. Please welcome Marla and her ministry among us. Treat her as a member of our PFSM ministry team. Expect to see her doing ministry with us starting in July.
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