December 2008 • Volume 24 Number 5www.chicagopresbytery.org

The Presbyterian Committee on Self-Development of People(SDOP) has been investing in the common good for thirty-eight years by means of grants to grass roots organizations whoare struggling to improve their lives. SDOP began in 1970,growing out of the American Civil Rights Movement. As RuthUchtman, member of the National SDOP committee,explained to the Chicago Presbytery’sSDOP committee, “At that time com-munity activist James Forman saidthat, instead of doing for people whatyou think they need, give the money directly togroups of poor people who know what they needto improve their lives but lack the funding to doit.” SDOP funds represent one-third of the contributions to the One Great Hour of Sharing

offering.

Since that time, Presbyterianshave been investing in peoplethrough the SDOP grants made atthe national and presbytery levelto projects based on specific cri-teria. The first and foremost cri-teria is based on what JamesForman said, that projects “bepresented, owned, and controlled by the groupof people who will directly benefit” and projects

“must address long-term correction of conditions that keeppeople bound by poverty and oppression.”

This has been a busy and exciting year for the ChicagoPresbytery’s SDOP committee. Our community workshops atGoodcity on the West Side, Jack Clark’s Family on the NorthSide and Marquette Bank on the South Side generated 48applications, 17 of which met the criteria and were selectedfor site visits. The committee distributed just over $30,000 infunding to 16 of those in amounts from $500 to $5,000. Theamounts are small, yet for some groups, this grant is the firstoutside investment they have ever received and it is a strongvote of confidence and that can lead to other funding.This year’s funded groups are CBA Juniors, Youth

Empowerment Group, SPRED Parents with DisabledChildren, Stepping Stones Women’s Resource Center, ENER-GY, Englewood Block Club Federation, Korean SingleMother’s Support Group, Washington Park Advisory Council,Native American Veterans, Seniors Together Organizing

Projects (STOP), Dialogue to Action, Soldiers on aMission, Prisoner Relief Foundation,Englewood Lawn Care, FNA, andHood Ministry.

Several of the applications reflected the tragedyof violence against Chicago school children.CBA Juniors is a rapidly growing group of youth

in Chatham who are preparing themselves forjob success through interviewing and intern-ships with local businesses while spreadinganti-drug and anti-gang messages. YouthEmpowerment is a group of young women,ages 12 to 25 in Roseland who are starting acleaning business to earn money and avoid

the dangers of the street. One young lady, age12, arrived at the site visit with her arm in asling. When I asked her about it she said, “Igot shot.” She had been shot while standing

on the corner waiting for a bus.

Other funded projects address prisoner re-entry into societyand joblessness. Englewood Lawn Care and Hood Ministryare using their SDOP grant to purchase landscaping equip-ment for businesses that will employ youth and others. FNAis a shoe shine business to employ ex-offenders and otherswho need a job.

As Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group ofcommitted citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is theonly thing that ever has.”

Members of the Chicago SDOP Committee are: Mark Agerton,Luis Chavez, M. Coleman Gilchrist, Mathew Lang, Otis C.Monroe, Sarah Jane Moore, and Yvonne G. Moore and staffBonita Gilchrist and Carlene Hyrams.

Sarah Jane Moore is responsible for this article.

Investing in the Common Good

Our Common Ministry

Presbyter’s Pen 2Mission Fair 2008 3

Advance Justice 4-5Develop Congregations 6-7

Empower Ministry 8-9Presbytery News 10-11

Coming Events, Notices 12Páginas en Español 13-15

Saugatuck 16

Gathering All Nations – pg. 7

Table of ContentsFocus onMissionpg. 10

Presbytery of Chicago

“Never doubt thata small group ofcommitted citi-zens can changethe world.Indeed, it is theonly thing thatever has.” —Margaret Mead

By Rev. Robert C. Reynolds, Executive Presbyter

“The Lord will give what is good, and our land will yield itsincrease.” Psalm 85:12

Christians around the world enter the Advent sea-son this year facing turbulent times. A global eco-nomic crisis has brought losses of wealth to the“haves” and magnified hardships to the “have-nots.” As U.S. national leadership is transitioning,its impact on our future peace and prosperity can-not be measured. We are experiencing uncommonuncertainty. What then, should be our AdventHopes and Dreams?

People of faith can squarely face uncertain times,trusting in God’s proven character of unwaveringlove and faithfulness, rather than with disablingfear and anxiety. This is the message of Psalm 85.

It is not God’s character to restore the fortunes of the wealthyat the expense of sustained poverty among the poor. We arecomparatively wealthy. Our Advent hopes and dreams musttherefore be for neighbors near and far who are poor, hun-gry, and naked and whose hardships increase. Christ’s savinggrace is for all people.

Eugene Peterson wrote, “The self is only itself, healthy andwhole, when it is in relationship, and that relationship isalways dual, with God and with other human beings.Relationship implies mutuality, give and take, listening andresponding.” (From Earth and Altar by Eugene H. Peterson)Seeking these qualities in our relationships—with God, withothers, and with the Earth—we invite God’s participation inour Advent imagining. It is there where, “The Lord will givewhat is good, and our land will yield its increase.”

Jesus brought hope and joy to the faithful relationships ofMary and Joseph and to relationships within the earlychurch. Their context too was uncertain. Similarly, in ourtime, remembering Christ’s birth brings to mind God’s con-tinuing faithfulness, entering human experience promisingrestoration.

During Advent we wait, remembering God’s gifts of peace tothe faithful and wholeness to the fearful. In our Adventprayers during stressful uncertain times, pray that God willenter all our relationships, with Christ and our church com-munities, with poor and prosperous people, friends andfamily, strangers and enemies, local and global neighbors,the Earth and all creation. Pray with the Psalmist, recallingGod’s eagerness to be among us, restoring our lives and rela-tionships with what is good—peace and prosperity for all.

Presbyter’s Pen

2 December 2008

Robert C. Reynolds

OUR COMMON MINISTRY is published five times a year by the Presbytery Council’s Communications WorkGroup of the Presbytery of Chicago, the regional governing body of the Presbyterian Church in Lake, Cook, and DuPage Counties.

OCM invites comments, questions and stories from our readers. Please direct your letters to the Editor, Ms. Gerry Parkerat gerryparker5@comcast.net. Thank you. We look forward to hearing from you.

Robert C. Reynolds Executive EditorGeraldine Parker Managing EditorSimeon D. Carson Graphic DesignNoris Caban Spanish Translator

ContributorsLaura Taylor de Palomino, Gale Morgan Williams, Nadine McBeth, Joe Pixler

OUR COMMON MINISTRY100 S. MorganChicago, IL 60607

Ph. (312) 243-8300Fax. (312) 243-8409E-mail: breynolds@chicagopresbytery.orgWeb: www.chicagopresbytery.orgNext Issue: Feb. 2009 Deadline for copy: Dec. 15, 2008

Advent Hopes and Dreams

Cool Congregations CChhiiccaaggoo SSeeccoonndd hosted a workshop called CoolCongregations, presented by Faith In Place and IowaInterfaith Power & Light (IIPL). Iowa Interfaith Power &Light has invented the workshop, designed to help congrega-tions and congregants measure their carbon footprints andthen lower them.

The event was well attended (110 plus persons) and veryinformative. All attendees received an energy efficient com-pact fluorescent lamp (CFL) and helpful handouts. The newInterfaith Power & Light carbon footprint calculator wasintroduced at the workshop and those in attendance weretrained on its use. The calculator allows you to input basicinformation about energy use, and then provides a total“footprint” in pounds of carbon and acres of land. This toolhelps a congregation find out where its emissions are coming

from and identify steps to significantly reduce energy use.

The workshop trainer was Sarah Webb from Iowa. Shetrained teams from at least ten local congregations on how touse their footprint measure and implement a CoolCongregation program in their respective churches. This willenable a congregation to save money and save Creation at thesame time.

Cash prizes are being offered to congregations that make themost progress in shrinking their footprints. To enter thecontest, churches must measure your footprint before theend of the year. Visit CCoooollCCoonnggrreeggaattiioonnss..ccoomm today to meas-ure your footprint. Churches in Wilmette, Winnetka,Glencoe and Northfield are looking for Presbyterian church-es to join an interfaith workshop to share information, goals,success/failure stories on green efforts. For more information,contact Henrietta Saunders, (847) 729-2329 hankandboys@comcast.net.

3December 2008

Pictured here are:• The Philippine Solidarity Project (Advance Justice) (Matthew Lang)• Chicago Somang, South Asian and Wicker Park Grace New Church

Developments (Develop Congregations) • Church World Service (Partners of End Hunger and Homelessness)• Youth Ministry (Empower Ministry) (Beth Freese Dammers)• Ghana Partnership (Multi-Team Covenant)

OOtthheerr ppaarrttiicciippaannttss::Committee on Women in the ChurchThe Night MinistryAngelic Organic Learning CenterInterfaith Council for the HomelessBuilding Community through LanguageClergy RetreatSouthside Christian EducationTouchstonesAfrican American CongregationalTransformation

Congregations in Solidarity with LatinAmericaPeacemaking Mission TeamCuba PartnershipDakota PartnershipDwell/YAV PartnershipMission Council #8Multicultural Church Ministry TeamResource Center Work GroupStewardship/Financial Development WorkGroup

Presbyterian CampsPresbyterian Church FoundationMcCormick Theological SeminaryDisaster Assistance Relief TeamCampus MinistriesNetwork Empowerment Work GroupMiddle East Task Force

2008 Mission Fair

The Sixth Annual Mission Fair was held during the October PresbyteryAssembly meeting at Naperville Knox. Over thirty entities partici-pated, some of which are pictured here. The event is sponsored by

the Network Empowerment Work Group of the Presbytery Council.

The purpose of the Mission Fair is to lift up the projects that are funded byShared Mission Giving and thereby demonstrate the hands-on approachto mission.

Headline

PC(USA) Cuba partners meetCarmen Lago of Libertyville First and the Rev. Millerattended the annual meeting of the PresbyterianChurch(USA) Cuba Partnership Network and CubanPresbyterians this fall. The meeting was held at theEvangelical Theological Seminary in Matanzas, Cuba.

The two represented Chicago Presbytery’s Cuba PartnershipMission Priority Team and were part of a 28-member con-

tingent of Americansfrom PresbyterianChurch (USA) enti-ties that have part-nerships with thePresbyterianReformed Church inCuba. They met with32 CubanPresbyterian leadersto discuss ways towork together.

The group also heardfrom leaders of theOffice of ReligiousAffairs of the Cuban

government. They discussed communication problems anddifficulties related to the political differences between thetwo countries.

Part of the expenses for the Chicago representatives and aCuban participant were funded through a Presbytery ofChicago covenant grant.

Despite storms, Cubans welcome ChicagoansMonths ago, when they made plans to visit Cuba, elevenmembers of the Presbytery of Chicago looked forward to atime of sharing with their brothers and sisters of thePresbytery of Havana. But days before their departure inSeptember, the second of two hurricanes in a two-week period raked the island.

The Chicagoans questioned whether they should go and possibly cause more burdens, but their hosts responded viae-mail: “Come!”

The travelers came, and they listened to the stories ofresilient people. They let them know that Chicagoans contin-ue to support the Cuban church, as they have done since1998 when the Presbyteries of Havana and Chicago formedtheir partnership.

The Cubans were most concerned with the storm-stokedprice of gasoline – the equivalent of $6-$7 a gallon (nearlyhalf of a typical Cuban’s monthly salary) – and the lack of foodbecause many crops had been battered by Hurricane Ike.

Several Chicago Presbytery churches sent relief money withthe travelers. Much of it went to the Cuban Presbyterian synodto repair damage to church roofs and the summer camp.

The group, led by the Rev. Muriel Miller of Evergreen Park,represented Evanston Northminster, Western Springs andChicago Lake View churches. In addition to financialresources to help with programs in local churches, they tookmedicines, Sunday school supplies and clothing.

Peacemaking in ColombiaIn September and October the Rev. Diego Higuita Arango,Executive Secretary of the Presbyterian Church of Colombia(IPC), came to the United States as an InternationalPeacemaker through the PC(USA)Peacemaking Program inLouisville, KY. ChicagoPresbytery was blessed to haveRev. Diego with us during thattime, preaching, speaking tosmall groups, and addressing thePresbytery Assembly in October.

Rev. Diego spoke eloquentlyabout the context of Colombiaand about his own story as helived through the violence ofColombia’s past. He offered ourPresbytery many thanks for our leadership in passing theoverture to General Assembly regarding Colombia, and herequested our continued help in pushing forward the pointsapproved in the resulting Resolution. Most prominentamong these is the opposition of the IPC to the ColombiaFree-Trade Agreement and the continued push to changemilitary aid from the United States through Plan Colombiainto social aid.

The Presbytery’s Peacemaking Committee andCongregations in Solidarity with Latin America (CSLA)Covenant Team are grateful for the hospitality of the follow-ing groups for their assistance in planning a wonderful visitwith Rev. Diego: Canto de Esperanza, Chicago Fourth,McCormick Seminary, Oak Park First United, NapervilleRiver Glen, Wheaton First, and the Presbytery Staff.

If you would like more information about Colombia or aboutthe CSLA, please contact Rev. Mamie Broadhurst atmamie@firstunitedoakpark.com. For more informationabout the Peacemaking Committee, please contact CarleneHyrams, chyrams@chicagoprresbytery.org.

Aim: 100% Mission InvolvementThe Mission and Church in Society Committee at ChicagoHeights First has initiated a 100% Mission InvolvementProgram. The initiative calls for a commitment of “heart andsoul” from each church member. It does not mandate afinancial or continuing time commitment and does not

“Advance Justice” – Mission Stories

4

The Rev. Muriel Miller (second from left), joined by theRev. Abel Mirabal-Padilla, pastor of Guanabacoa

Presbyterian Church (left), accepts a gift from the con-gregation for preaching there.

December 2008

Rev. Diego Higuita Arango

“Advance Justice” – Mission Stories

5

require any particular skills. A letter sent to all householdsincluded details, including suggestions for formal missionwork (e.g., serve at a local PADS site) and individual activi-ties (pray for someone going through a difficult time).

The church committee has also published a Mission Book,listing the mission ministry of all of church committees andorganizations which has been distributed to all churchhouseholds.

Barefoot Sunday With the cold weather upon us, it makes us even more appre-ciative of warm footwear and dry feet. In June, members andfriends at Western Springs culminated their two-monthyouth group’sshoe drivewith “BarefootSunday.”Worshipperswere invitedto leave theirshoes on thechancel stepsand departfrom thechurch barefootas a reminderthat 300 million children in the world do not own even onepair of shoes. Participants were reminded to bring sandalsfor the walk or ride home. The more than 450 pairs of shoesdonated became part of the shoe drive by Soles4Souls™, anational organization soliciting shoe donations from indi-viduals and corporations. For more information, contact thechurch office at pcws@presbyws.org.

“Ugly Quilts”Itasca First’s quilters are undertaking a new mission activitythis year: participating in the My Brother’s Keeper “UglyQuilt” project. An”ugly quilt” is a sleeping bag made fromany old fabric scraps, such as old clothes or bedspreads. Thequilts are given to people who are homeless. It is an inexpen-sive way to make a dif-ference in these lives.The quilters use old,clean, tattered blan-kets, mattress pads,beach towels, andneckties as fillers;embroidery floss andcrochet cotton is usedfor tying the quilts.

For more information about the project and how it got start-ed, contact Mission Council member Joann Smith throughthe church office at office@fpitasca.org, or visitwww.reese.org/sharon/uglyquilt.htm.

Solidarity with Presbyterians in ColombiaIn August, thirteenPresbyterians fromChicago Presbytery visitedColombia. This delegationwas organized by theChicago Presbytery’sCongegations in Solidaritywith Latin AmericaMission Team (CSLA) andits ecumenical partner, theChicago Religious LeadershipNetwork on Latin America(CRLN). The group was hosted by the PresbyterianChurch of Colombia (IPC)where they had the unique opportunity to witness and offersolidarity with people enduring a continuing non-violentstruggle for peace amid a 40-year-old violent civil war.

The group visited sixteen congregations in two IPC presbyter-ies to share in worship and reflection. They visited Afro-Colombian communities where they met with indigenousleaders, learning directly from them about their struggles tohold on to their ancestral lands as government and corporateinterests have violently and illegally displaced them seeking tosteal their territories. Four million mostly rural Colombianshave been forcibly displaced from their homes and their liveli-hoods, fleeing for their lives to urban centers without meansor abilities to meet their most basic human needs.

Since its founding by missionaries in 1856, the PresbyterianChurch in Colombia has been strongly engaged in missionand ministry. With a primary focus on education, the IPCoperates numerous schools which for 150 years have reachedout to the broader community with a vision of inclusion andsocial engagement. Facing what the United Nations calls “thegreatest humanitarian catastrophe in the WesternHemisphere,” the IPC has provided human rights trainingand links to humanitarian aid for the thousands of displacedpersons who have flooded into the communities where IPCchurches are located. IPC has recently created an officecalled Diakonia, which documents human rights violationsand channels humanitarian aid.

IPC also is an active participant in the Colombia EcumenicalNetwork, which brings together key mainline protestantdenominations in Colombia with a number of Catholic reli-gious orders to offer accompaniment to vulnerable commu-nities, speak out against human rights violations, and pressfor a negotiated peace to the longest violent conflict in thehemisphere. Our prayers for their personal safety and mate-rial support to help meet the physical needs are critical.

The June meeting of the PC(USA) 216th General Assemblyapproved a comprehensive resolution on Colombia

Continued on Page 9

December 2008

Barefoot youth donate shoes

One of the “Ugly Quilts”

Rev. Bernardino Lopez (center), pastor ofCartagena’s Presbyterian Church, presents anIPC banner to Oak Park First United delegates

(from left) Deb Stracco, Stacy Vojta , KrisRonnow, Rev. Mamie Broadhurst, Nick Stracco.

Growing a CongregationYou don’t have to have a green thumb to grow tomatoes orherbs inyour ownbackyard. Afew tipsfrom aneighbor orthe localgarden cen-ter are allyou need.But when itcomes togrowing achurch, where do you turn for answers? This was the ques-tion explored by over 50 Hispanic members representingBerwyn Canto de Esperanza and Chicago Emmanuel,Ravenswood and Vida Nueva during a workshop onSaturday, October 18.

“There is no single or magic formula for healthy, holistic,church growth,” said the Rev. Dr. Héctor Rodríguez,Associate for Hispanic Congregational Enhancement withthe General Assembly Council, and facilitator for the work-shop. “But there are some universal traits that growing con-gregations share, such as an emphasis on spiritual nurture,dynamic worship, shared leadership, evangelistic passion, aninspiring vision, an enabling pastor, and genuine fellow-ship,” he added.

And yet, participants wondered why even when all thosecharacteristics are present, growth is not guaranteed. “That’sbecause congregations and their leaders are not always will-ing to take risks, or to let go of old traditions, in order to freeup energy and explore new ministry ventures,” clarified Dr.Rodríguez. “A growing church has more stepping stones thanstumbling blocks,” he concluded.

The event was held at Chicago Vida Nueva, and included anopening praise time, led by youth from Emmanuel, and aclosing meal. This workshop was part of a bi-annual seriesco-sponsored by a covenant between Hispanic congregationsand the Presbytery of Chicago. Themes for 2009 includeevangelism and immigration issues.

Article submitted by the Rev. Magdalena Garcia, Pastor ofChicago Ravenswood

AACTC receives mission programgrantThe African American Congregational TransformationCovenant (AACC) is the recipient of a $573,900 grant fromthe combined Presbyterian Church judicatories: GeneralAssembly, Synod of Lincoln Trails and Chicago Presbytery.The Mission Development Resource Committee (MDRC) ofthe General Assembly approved a $100,000 grant, to be dis-bursed over five years. The Synod’s portion of the grant is

$75,000, and the Presbytery is contributing $294,900. Thechurches of AACTC are responsible for the balance of$104,000.

The MDRC asks that each participating church provideappropriate goals and objectives and clearly stated, realistic,measurable methods. Each of the eight participating church-es has specific objectives. Five broad goals are:• Increase racial ethnic membership• Create leadership development opportunities• Develop systems of evangelism and discipleship to reach

new populations• Assess cultural worship styles and their impact on church

and community• Renovate sacred spaces and redevelop existing facilities.

The theological rationale of AACTC states: “The AACTC isguided theologically in our direct efforts to transform the cityof Chicago. It is the place where we have been assigned to bea viable and visible witness for the Christ and the church. Wetrust in our mandates gleaned through scripture to addressthe ills found in our cities. We believe that God is calling usto seek out the lost and present the message of Christ as weare empowered to demonstrate God’s love, compassion andcare. If the epidemic proportions of HIV/AIDS, addictions ofdrugs and alcohol, broken homes and lives aren’t addressedspiritually, we as a church have failed. Therefore, AACTCchurches are preparing to take bolder steps to transform andreform the city.”

For more information about AACTC and its goals, contactCarlene Hyrams, CHyrams@chicagopresbytery.org,

Acts 16.5: A Process forCongregational Transformation The Conference On Congregational Transformation ForMission To A Post-Christian World was held in October,jointly planned by the Presbyteries of Chicago and Blackhawk.Keynote speaker Dr. Craig Van Gelder, Professor ofCongregational Mission at Luther Seminary, challenged par-ticipants to remember that all congregations are missional bynature, called to share in the Divine Mission of redemption.Though missional by nature, congregations live into that reali-ty to different degrees. Therefore all congregations can benefitfrom a transformation process that helps them enter morefully into the reality of their God-given missional nature. Develop Congregations Mission Priority Leadership Team isorganizing to offer resources to facilitate this transformationprocess for the congregations of our presbytery by partneringwith The Vital Churches Institute to participate in the Acts16:5 Initiative. We will be joining over twenty other presbyter-ies that have benefited from this process. Acts 16:5 reminds usthe “the churches were strengthened in the faith and grewdaily.” The Acts 16:5 Initiative “invites congregations toengage in a deliberate process of transformation, assists themin developing a coherent Biblically-grounded approach totransformational congregational life; and helps them indesigning specific transformational ministries.” Congregations in the presbytery will be invited to consider

“Develop Congregations” – News of our churches

6 December 2008

The Posada-Hernández family, (ChicagoRavenswood), enjoys worship time.

“Develop Congregations” – News of our churches

7

participating in the process. For enrolling congregations,there will be several equipping seminars held annually withinthe bounds of the presbytery. In the upcoming months, moreinformation about the Initiative will be shared with congrega-tions and some may enroll. Others may choose to come to theKick-Off Seminar on A Defining Vision for YourCongregation, to be held in the spring of 2009. You are invit-ed to begin theconversationwithin your con-gregation abouthow Acts 16:5can be a processof transforma-tion that willtransform yourcongregation andimpact yourneighbors for thesake of God’s king-dom.

Oldest Chicago Presbyterianchurch celebratesChicago’s oldest Presbyterian Church just celebrated its 175th

anniversary. On May 13, 1833 two companies of troops accom-panied by their chaplain Rev. Jeremiah Porter arrived at FortDearborn from Ft. Brady, Sault Ste. Marie. The followingSunday Rev. Porter preached his first sermon in the tiny vil-lage of Chicago. The congregation of First Presbyterian Churchwas formally organized on June 26th.

Chicago First contributed much to the growth ofPresbyterianism in Chicago. Second Presbyterian, ThirdPresbyterian (later part of the United Church of the MedicalCenter), 41st Street Presbyterian (which merged with First in1912), Westminster Presbyterian (now Fourth Presbyterian),First Congregational and Plymouth Congregational all hadties to First. Members of First were leaders in the creation ofChicago cultural and philanthropic institutions including theArt Institute, the Chicago Symphony, Presbyterian Hospital(now part of Rush Hospital), the Presbyterian Home, andmany settlement houses. Elders and Pastors of First wereleaders of the abolition movement in Chicago.

Chicago First hosted the June Chicago Presbytery Assembly.At the meeting Philo Carpenter, who welcomed Rev. Porterto Chicago, reminisced about the early years of witness.Members of First began their own celebration on June 22with a visit to Rev. Porter’s gravesite in Rosehill Cemetery.On June 26 First Church celebrated their history through askit based on writings of former pastors, members andobservers. The celebration included birthday cake and a slideshow of the “People and Places of First Presbyterian.”

The traditional anniversary banquet was held in October atInternational House. Several former pastors and studentinterns attended. Speaker Dr. Cynthia Campbell,McCormick Seminary President, directed the congregation’sattention to the future. The final event was a grand musical

program featuring the organ and an expanded choir per-forming works introduced to First by James Mack, who wasMinister of Music for many years.

Article submitted by Diane Luhmann, church historian

Western Springs marks end ofRamadan The leadership of the Muslim Educational Cultural Center ofAmerica (MECA) invited non-Muslims to join them for thebreaking of the fast at the conclusion of Ramadan onSeptember 10. Members of Western Springs attended theevent which included a reception, the breaking of the fast atsunset, prayers, dinner, and a program of speakers from sev-eral faith traditions. Youth from Western Springs werematched with youth from the mosque, and seated together atthe dinner. Duncan Lewis, one of the youth commented: “Ienjoyed attending the breaking of the fast dinner, and sittingwith people my own age from the mosque helped me tounderstand some of their customs and traditions. It wasgood to exchange Facebook information with some newfriends.” For more information, contact the church office atpcws@presbyws.org.

Fifty years youngSouth Holland United celebrated its 50th anniversary withworship in June. Thechurch’s threeremaining chartermembers – Carl Bihland Herb and DarleneGuth – were honoredat a dinner followingthe service. Amongthe special guestsreturning for the cele-bration were formerinterim pastor Fred Milligan and former “pastoral spouse”Michael Kumbalek (his wife, Jeanne, was unable to attend).The Rev. Jerry Boutelle, who was ordained at the church in1971, said: “You should remember with satisfaction all thelives you have influenced, the faith you have nurtured andthe benevolent work you have supported for the Church ofJesus Christ.”

Gathering all nationsEvanston First hosted the “gathering of nations” in a multi-cultural worship service in October. The celebration drewover 400 people from across the Presbytery on WorldCommunion Sunday. The gathering of nations celebrated thegood news of our common ministry in a multiculturalChurch. The service began with a procession of nations rep-resenting 20 countries and languages and then continuedwith many cultural expressions for witnessing to the expan-sive love of God.

CCoonnttiinnuueess oonn PPaaggee 99

December 2008

Pictured are Aubrey Thompson (church treasur-er), former pastor Rev. Harold Walker, and

Edward Verrett, former member.

Gathering of nations at multicultural worship

Answering God’s callOne of the key programs of the Synod of Lincoln Trails(SOLT) is the Lay Pastor’s Training. It is a two-year trainingthat equips lay leaders to supply vacant pulpits, conduct wed-dings and funerals and make hospital visits. Several mem-bers of Chicago Presbytery have taken advantage of this pro-gram to “Empower Ministry.” Nadine Mc Beth, a graduate ofthis training, shared her experience.

“The actual classes for the Lay Pastor Training took two yearsto complete, but the difference it made in my life will neverend. I learned a good deal of “stuff,” but more importantly, Iwas inspired to continue studying and growing in my faith.The more I learn, the more I want to know. The more Iknow, the deeper my faith becomes. With God’s help, thisgrowth will continue as long as I do.

The people in the class came from all walks of life and rangedin age from early 40’s to 70-something. Their education lev-els and occupations varied just as widely, but all were attend-ing in answer to God’s call. Many are now serving ruralchurches where they function as full time pastors for congre-gations not able to attract an ordained pastor. Some use thetraining to deepen their own faith or to better serve theircongregations as church officers and employees.”

Nadine continues, “Personally, I preach twice a month at asenior home, do pulpit supply, conduct funerals and memo-rial services, make hospital visits, and in other ways use mytraining to live out my faith.”

The two-year training includes courses in History ofChristianity, Reformed Theology, Old and New Testaments,the sacraments, preaching, the Book of Confessions and theBook of Order. Students also create their own Statement ofFaith. Nadine concludes, “I’m so blessed to have had thisopportunity. My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner.”

Synod New Pastor’s Training “This is my third and final year of participating in the seven-teenth class of the new pastor support and training programprovided by the Synod of Lincoln Trails. With only one moreretreat left for our group, I’ve been joking with some of mycolleagues that we must be about to become ‘old pastors,’”says the Rev. John Vest, Associate Pastor, Chicago Fourth.

Whether that is true or not, Vest is appreciative of the experi-ence with this valuable ministry for the pastors of the Synodof Lincoln Trails. Each class of newly ordained pastors thatparticipates in this three year program is invited to tworetreats per year that draw pastors from across the Synod, aswell as several more geographically defined cluster groupsthroughout the year.

These are all excellent opportunities to converse with fellowministry practitioners about the ups and downs of their calls,ministries, and personal lives. No one beside other pastorscan know so well the challenges and blessings of this life, so

having this safe space to be with sisters and brothers in min-istry has been important for many of the participating pastors.

Vest reflects, “The training and professional reflectionengaged in on these retreats has also been thought provokingand helpful. Probably my favorite aspect of our gatherings isthe snapshot of the diversity and variety of ministries thattakes place in our Synod. We have urban, suburban, andrural pastors. Some of us come from multiple pastor staffs,some of us are single associates, some of us are solo pastors,some of us are interim pastors, and some of us are engagedin specialized ministries. We have liberals, conservatives,and moderates. The generative conversations that emergefrom this mix help us all recognize the multitude of gifts withwhich God has blessed us, which we are called to use in serv-ice to God’s people. I am grateful for this experience and willcherish the friendships made through this group for years tocome.”

Article submitted by Rev. John Vest, Associate Pastor, ChicagoFourth

Child Safe WorkshopOn a Saturday in October, over 60 members of LibertyvilleFirst gathered to talk about how to keep children and youthsafe in their church. Loretta Gratias-Bremer, (ChicagoPresbytery consultant) and Sue McCurdy, (ElmhurstPresbyterian) from the Presbytery’s Child Protection TaskForce were present as church leaders participated and dis-cussed why it was important to have a child protection policyin their church, how child abuse was defined and ways torecognize those who abuse children and youth.

The church in Libertyville takes seriously the issue of safetyand those who were gathered included not only ChurchSchool teachers and Youth Leaders but also elders and otherofficers of the church. The local church’s policy states thateach leader must attend training and submit to a backgroundcheck prior to working with children and youth. The eventwas organized by Jan Schuett, Director of Children’sMinistries at Libertyville First.

Maintaining boundariesThe third training event coordinated by the TRUE NORTHresponse team was held on Monday, October 6th at WilmetteFirst. There were 41 participants and team members whoattended the event, led by Susan Richey Nienaber, a consultant from Alban Institute.

When participants were asked what was most helpful, comments included:

• Very informative• New ways of looking at these issues• Great videos (the ones used are from Faith Trust Institute

and are available at the Presbytery office)

“Empower Ministry” – Guiding Leaders

8 December 2008

“Empower Ministry” – Guiding Leaders

9

• Helpful to discuss behaviors that actually occurred in problematic professional clergy life

• To understand the in depth reason behind it all• Dual relationship discussion was extremely helpful

Information shared about establishing and maintainingappropriate boundaries included:

• Anything you say or do, or anything you neglect to say or do,may result in a boundary problem. Leaders must be aware,constantly and conscientiously, of their strengths andweaknesses, their privileges and responsibilities, and of theeffect of their actions

• Avoid risky behavior. Excessive and intimate touching orhugging may spell trouble.

• When in doubt, check it out.• Be other-centered as the professional• Clergy and lay leaders are responsible for establishing and

maintaining boundaries.

TRUE NORTH will continue to offer events in 2009. A com-prehensive report on participation in the required trainingwill be given at the December Presbytery Assembly Meeting.

Solidarity with Presbyterians in ColombiaContinued from page fiveresponding to the call of the IPC to Presbyterians in theUnited States. The resolution calls on the members and con-gregations of the PC(USA) “to study the situation inColombia, diligently pray for the work of the PresbyterianChurch of Colombia, and advocate with senators, represen-tatives, and the president of the United States to lay down theweapons of violence and support the nonviolent struggle ofthe churches and civil society of Colombia and those in theU.S. who stand beside Colombians to end the violence.”

The resolution calls upon Congress to withdraw military sup-port, end the aerial fumigation, transfer U.S. funding to civilsociety to strengthen democracy, nonviolence, health care,education, and nutrition, especially among the displacedColombians. It also urges Congress to reject the proposedFree Trade Agreement with Colombia, “which would havegrave consequences for workers, indigenous and Afro-Colombian populations, and the environment.”

The Chicago delegation personally presented and reviewedthis GA Resolution with Brian Nichols, the current DeputyChief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá. We also dis-cussed with Embassy officials two specific cases of IPC andthe Colombia Ecumenical Network of communities wherehuman rights and illegal land grabs were occurring as wewere meeting.

The Chicago delegates returned committed to tell their sto-ries, to raise consciousness of what is occurring in Colombiaas we stand together with the Presbyterian Church in

Colombia to denounce injustice and bring about a more just,humane world community. They urge further study of the GAResolution and the imzplications of its recommendations.Members of the delegation are available to help local church-es study and find ways of being engaged in supporting thisministry. For more information, contact Gary Cozette,Program Director, CRLN at GCozette@crln.org. In themeantime, keep praying for the people of Colombia.

Gathering all nationsCCoonnttiinnuueedd ffrroomm PPaaggee 77zzzzzz

December 2008

Multicultural worship is at ease in incorporating symbols, music,and worship patterns from around the world, and around theblock. South Asian Fellowship, an NCD in Wheeling with over100 members offered a colorful, graceful liturgical dance. BonitaGilchrist, Rev. Eddie Knox, Jr., and Rev. Samuel Akhtar sharedscriptures highlighting the movement from Abraham’s covenantto be a blessing to the nations, to Isaiah’s vision of God’s community coming from the east, west, north, and south, andthe message from Ephesians that we are one in Christ acrossmultiple boundaries, no longer strangers or aliens.

The afternoon worship service was a partnership between theMulticultural Church Ministry Team (MCMT) of the Advance Justice Mission Priority Leadership Team of the Presbytery ofChicago and Evanston First. The vision for the service was tosee the face of Jesus in every person and to reach out andembrace differences. God’s shalom was felt as The Voices ofPullman and the Instruments of Peace Liturgical Dance Groupfrom Chicago Pullman sang and danced their way into ourhearts and hands as the congregation responded by standing,clapping, and singing with the choir. Korean Drummers wereinvited to embody Psalm 150: Praise God with clanging cymbals;praise God with loud clashing cymbals!

With this joyous beginning Rev. Raafat Girgis, Associate forRacial/Cultural Diversity, and Multicultural Ministries inLouisville, offered the message for the evening. Continuing thejourney through scripture Rev. Girgis returned to Abraham andmoved to the example of Ruth who devoted herself to the familyand faith of Naomi, the many nations involved in the formationof the people of God, including the woman from Samaria whoovercame social and cultural limitations to accept Jesus’ livingwater and become the first disciple to proclaim the goods news.Following the service participants enjoyed a bountiful feast,organized by Evanston First.

Evanston First has hosted World Communion multiculturalservices in the past and invited the Multicultural ChurchMinistry Team (MCMT) to partner in their efforts this year.Their efforts will continue to promote integrated worship as anongoing witness to the glory of God working among the nationsand here at home.Article submitted by Jane Esterline, member MCMT

Focus on missionMission was the theme in October, when the Presbytery ofChicago gathered at Naperville Knox. Commissioners regis-tered against a backdrop of displays by mission teams fromall over the presbytery, showcasing their efforts to developcongregations, advance justice, and empower ministry. (SeeMission Fair photo essay on page 3).

There were two mission-oriented pre-presbytery events. TheRev. Diego Higuita-Arrango, Executive Secretary of thePresbyterian Church in Colombia and the 2008 InternationalPeacemaker, spoke on “Colombia: A Country of Contrasts.”Also, DART, the presbytery’s Disaster Assistance ResponseTeam and the PDA (Presbyterian Disaster Assistance)reported on local and national outreach to victims of naturaldisasters, including outreach to our own churches who suffered flooding damage from Hurricane Ike.

Mission takes courage. During worship, the Rev. MichaelKirby, pastor of Chicago Good Shepherd, preached abouttranscending our fear through faith in Christ. We do live infearful times. There were so many commissioners parked inthe bank lot across from the church that it set off a rumor of arun on the bank. Communion was celebrated during worship,and the denomination’s Peacemaking Offering was received.

The Presbytery was honored by the presence of the Rev.Bruce Reyes-Chow, the moderator of the 218th GeneralAssembly. Rev. Reyes-Chow spoke about the power of theHoly Spirit and about the need of the church to reclaim itsjoy. Joy comes from preparing the church for those who areto come in the future. God is challenging us to move to awider focus of mission and ministry – a new way of beingchurch. The greatest gift the Presbyterian Church (USA) hasto offer the world is our connectional nature, where two peo-ple reading scripture and praying faithfully, yet reaching verydifferent conclusions, can nonetheless serve Christ together.So doing, we model something bigger to the world than justourselves. We are one in Christ. Rev. Reyes-Chow was joinedby the Presbytery’s commissioners to the 218th GeneralAssembly, who spoke about the spiritual power of serving asa GA commissioner. They are available during the next twoyears to visit churches in the Presbytery to share their expe-riences and answer questions.

The Moderator was in Chicago Presbytery for several days.His itinerary included a meeting with Presbytery staff, wor-ship at Chicago Pullman, participation in McCormickSeminary’s Urban Pastors workshop, and the Wicker ParkGrace Retreat. He also met with the African AmericanCongregational Transformation churches.

The Presbytery made several decisions about its 2009financing and its long-term future.

The assembly approved the sale of the Presbytery’s officebuilding at 100-110 South Morgan, for a price of $4.16 mil-lion. The offer is not contingent on the buyer’s ability tosecure financing. The closing is anticipated for June, 2009,and the presbytery will lease back the office space for at leastnine months beyond that date. The sale represents the cul-mination of many years work by the Business Affairs WorkGroup. The Morgan Street property was originally purchasedfor approximately $485,000.

The Presbytery set its 2009 per capita rate at $18.54. When com-bined with the per capita for Synod and GA, the total per capitafor 2009 is $28.29 per member per church. The per capitaapportionment is a church-wide practice of budgeting for Bookof Order mandated functions on the basis of church size.

The Presbytery’s recommendation for the division of SharedMission Giving dollars was changed to 32% GeneralAssembly, 10% Synod of Lincoln Trails, and 58% Presbyteryof Chicago. The previous recommended division of 36/11/53was set in 1990. This action is consistent with the actions ofthe other presbyteries in the Synod. It is anticipated that,even with this change, Chicago Presbytery will likely remainin the top ten presbyteries nationally in Shared and DirectedMission Giving.

The assembly did not approve a proposed change for 2009only that would have allowed two-thirds of the draw on thenet assets from the sale of Agape House to go to thePresbytery’s operating budget instead of to campus ministry.The assembly did, however, allow a one time disbursementfrom the Agape House principal to correct financial actionserroneously taken to disburse 2008 funds in 2007. Theassembly also authorized the disbursement of matchingfunds for campus ministry fund-raising, even when thatfund raising is not part of a joint effort.

10 December 2008

Presbytery News

General Assembly Moderator the Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow

Chicago Presbytery General Assembly commissioners spoke to the Presbytery.

11

Finally, the presbytery approved a revised job description forthe Director of Business Affairs position, and also recom-mended that a $10,000 gift received from the Synod ofLincoln Trails be added to the initial funds for the PresbyteryReformation Task Force.

The Presbytery of Chicago has a new web pageCommissioners were treated to a tour of the new web page’shighlights. One of these is that Presbytery call papers willnow be available for download. (Contact the stated clerk forthe password.) The new calendar format allows one to get allthe pertinent details of coming events simply by rolling yourmouse over the listing. The web address remains unchanged:www.chicagopresbytery.org.

The actions of the Committee on Ministry and theCommittee on Preparation for Ministry can be found inTransitions on page 12.

The assembly received reports from Rev. Diego Higuita-Arrango about the mission of the Presbyterian Church ofColombia, and from the Ghana mission team, members ofwhich recently travelled to Ghana.

Commissioners were treated to a special booklet from theCommunication Work Group. The booklet contains all theskits from the June, 2008 celebration of 175 years ofPresbyterians in Chicago. Churches will be receiving a copyin the mail. For more information, or to receive extracopies, contact the presbytery office.

The assembly authorized the moderator to appoint twoadministrative commissions: one to work with thePresbyterian Church in Glenview to support the sessionwhile the congregation searches for a pastor, and one toimplement a merger between the Chicago Norwood Park andChicago Saint Andrew. The assembly also authorizedNorwood Park and St. Andrew to begin the process of sellingtheir buildings, as the two congregations will seek newleadership in a new location.

A hundred years of serviceDedication * Commitment * Success

Give a man a fish and you have fed him for today. Teach aman to fish and you have fed him for a lifetime. ChicagoChristian Industrial League, (CCIL), an organizationembarking on 100 years of service, teaches people tofish…and landscape…and cook and…the list goes on. Ahand up, not a hand out.

There has been a strong relationship between Chicago areaPresbyterian churches and CCIL throughout the last 100years. Founded in the Presbyterian faith by ReverendGeorge Kilbey in 1909, CCIL’s focus was on helping men whowere down and out – the mission has since evolved. CCIL

restores families and individuals affected by poverty andhomelessness by providing comprehensive programs andservices that empower people to transform their lives andstrengthen our community.

CCIL began helping the homeless in an old, rented ware-house with two bottomless chairs, a three legged kitchentable whose fourth corner was nailed to the wall and an oldhorse and wagon. From its meager beginnings to a 3.5 acrecampus and 120,000 square foot facility, CCIL has growninto an example of progress, growth, and self-sufficiency.Standing as a beacon on Chicago’s West side, CCIL hasevolved into a community center providing housing, a com-prehensive array of services and answers to some uniqueissues in North Lawndale.

CCIL’s new state-of-the-art, eco-friendly facility located at2750 W. Roosevelt Road in Chicago is home to a full-serviceorganization providing the tools people need to achieve selfsufficiency and build their lives through a healing curricu-lum and a strong commitment to restoring families.Families and individuals referred to CCIL are prepared tohelp themselves, and CCIL’s unique emphasis on employ-ment readiness allows clients to build financial security.Ongoing assistance ensures continued success in strength-ening our community with every household reached.

Our Presbyterian roots are deep and strong with dedicatedboard members and countless Presbyterian churches, indi-viduals and communities. Without this bond and the gener-ous support and contributions provided throughout theyears, CCIL’s incredible legacy wouldn’t be possible.

Visit www.ccilworks.org for more information about CCIL’smission, programs, partnerships and people served.

Article submitted by Jenny Brandhorst. Communication Manager,CCIL.

December 2008

CCIL’s new facility at 2750 W. Roosevelt Road

Presbytery News

Resource Center previews threeresources At the October Presbytery Assembly meeting, commissionersviewed the Presbytery’s new website, heard the first-handaccounts of Commissioners to General Assembly, and talkedwith the GA Moderator, Bruce Reyes-Chow. People whonoticed the synergy of these events will enjoy reading TheBlogging Church by Brian Bailey with Terry Storch. If a churchis looking for a cost-effective way to tell its story, this book isan introduction to the potential and power of blogging. “WhyBlog?” and “How-to” chapters are interwoven with interviews with blog-writing ministers.

Joyce MacKichan Walker and Linda LeBron have written BeTween: Exploring Faith & Christian Life with Older ElementaryChildren. This resource addresses the “faith and life lessons”tweens and their parents face as the children enter adoles-cence. With a base design of eight sessions for tweens andeight sessions for parents, this book has ideas for mixing theage groups in selected sessions, and even for combining cer-tain sessions to make an overnight event. Tweens will covertopics such as moodiness, materialism and real friendship;topics for adult discussion include communication, humandevelopment and service.

One of the newest additions to the Resource Center isWorship Frames: How We Shape and Interpret Our Experience ofGod by the Reverend Deborah J. Kapp, member, Presbyteryof Chicago and Associate Professor of Urban Ministry at

McCormick Theological Seminary. Using the sociologicalconcept of frames, Kapp develops a different way for peopleto analyze, discuss, design and deepen worship.

If any of these books would help your church’s ministry, youcan check them out from the Chicago Presbytery ResourceCenter. Call (312) 243-8300 ext. 1314, or emailahensley@chicagopresbytery.org to reserve what you need.

Coming Events2008•• DDeecc.. 77,, 3:30 pm, 23rd Annual Sing-along Messiah, Chicago

Second•• DDeecc.. 99,, Pre-Presbytery meeting, SDOPz recipients•• DDeecc.. 99, Pre-Presbytery meeting, Clergy taxes, Committee

on Ministry•• DDeecc.. 99 Presbytery Assembly meeting, 1 pm, Chicago Fourth

22000099•• JJaann.. 22--1177,, Delegation to Philippines•• JJaann.. 1166--1199,, Faith in 3D, a tri-denominational event,

Orlando, FL•• JJaann 2233--2244,, ““Hope in Conflict,” training event, sponsored by

Presbytery and COM, Western Springs•• JJaann.. 2233--2255 Junior High Winter Retreat, East Bay Camp,

Bloomington, IL•• FFeebb.. 1100,, Presbytery Assembly meeting, 4 pm.•• FFeebb.. 2200--2211,, Part two of “Hope in Conflict” training event•• MMaarr.. 77, 8:30-3:00, L.E.A.D. 2009, presented by Chicago

Presbytery and McCormick Theological Seminary, held atMcCormick Seminary.

12 December 2008

TransitionsCOMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY

EExxaammiinneedd aanndd AApppprroovveedd ffoorr OOrrddiinnaattiioonn• Jessica Gregory, to serve as associate pas-

tor, at Evanston Northminster..• David Lower, to serve as pastor, Winnetka.

EExxaammiinneedd aanndd EEnnrroolllleedd aass aa CCaannddiiddaattee• Sarah Iliff, Wheaton First.• Eric Heinekamp, Naperville Knox.

NNeeww IInnqquuiirreerrss• George Atkins, Evanston First.• Jeffrey Lehn, Chicago Fourth.

DDeeeemmeedd PPrreeppaarreedd aanndd AAuutthhoorriizzeedd ttoo PPuurrssuueeaa CCaallll• Linda Jones• Jane Esterline

RReemmoovveedd ffrroomm tthhee RRoollll ooff IInnqquuiirreerrss aannddCCaannddiiddaatteess• Carol Carpenter

COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY

AArrrriivvaallss• Jennifer Ayres, from Greater Atlanta

Presbytery, to serve as Professor ofChristian Ethics at McCormick Theological

Seminary.• Douglas Basler, from Yellowstone

Presbytery, to serve as temporary supplyand moderator at Morton GroveCommunity.

• Susan Bernauer, from Ohio ValleyPresbytery, to member at large.

• Andrew Davies, from Plains and PeaksPresbytery, to graduate student at LoyolaUniversity, Chicago.

DDeeppaarrttuurreess• Patrick Day, from associate pastor, Lake

Forest First, to Greater Atlanta Presbyteryto serve as pastor of NorthminsterPresbyterian Church in Roswell, GA.

• Martha Langford, to Genesee ValleyPresbytery, to serve as associate pastor atThird Presbyterian Church, Rochester, NY.

• Mark Wendorf, to Northern New EnglandPresbytery.

CChhaannggeess iinn tthhee PPrreessbbyytteerryy• Lolly Dominski, from associate pastor,

Arlington Heights Southminster to gradu-ate student.

• Janet Dykstra, to interim pastor/moderatorat Tinley Park Faith United.

• Matthew Lang, from designated pastor, DesPlaines First, to member-at-large.

• Charles Matz, from stated supply,ChicagoRogers Park to member-at-large.

• Kathy McNair, from Thirty Good Minutesto member-at-large.

• Ann Rosewall, from interim associate pas-tor at Evanston Northminster, to GarrettTheological Seminary, to serve as InterimDirector of Field Education.

• Warren Wiggins, to serve as interim pas-tor/moderator at Hickory Hills.

• Caryle Wilkie, to serve as supplypastor/moderator at Brookfield and NorthRiverside.

• Michael Winters, to serve as interim pas-tor/moderator at Oak Lawn Community.

• Frank Yamada, to serve as Director of theCenter for Asian Ministries and AssociateProfessor of Hebrew Bible at McCormickTheological Seminary.

HHoonnoorraabbllee RReettiirreemmeenntt• James Larson, from pastor, Burbank

Manor, effective October 31, 2008.

DDeeaatthhss• Catherine Price, associate pastor at

Western Springs (UCC).• Joseph T. Ledwell, HR.• Dana Ferguson Myers, associate pastor,

Chicago Fourth.

13

Invirtiendo en el Bien Común¿Dónde va el dinero?

El Comité Presbiteriano del Autodesarrollo de la Gente(SDOP por sus siglas en inglés) ha estado invirtiendo en elbien común por treinta y ocho años a través de donacionesa organizaciones comunitarias que están luchandopara mejorar sus vidas. SDOPcomenzó en 1970, creciendo delMovimiento Americano de losDerechos Civiles. Como RuthUchtman, miembro del comité NacionalSDOP, explicó al comité SDOP delPresbiterio de Chicago, “en aquel momentoel activista comunitario James Forman dijoque, en vez de hacer por la gente lo quéusted piensa ellas necesitan, de el dinerodirectamente a grupos de gente pobre quesaben lo que necesitan para mejorar sus

vidas pero carecen de losrecursos financieros parahacerlo.” Los fondos de SDOPrepresentan una tercera partede las contribuciones a laofrenda Una Gran Hora deCompartir.

Desde entonces, los Presbiterianos han estadoinvirtiendo en gente a través de donaciones alSDOP concedidas a nivel nacional y depresbiterio para proyectos basados en criteriosespecíficos. El primer y más importante criterioestá basado en lo que James Forman llamó, queproyectos “ estén presentados, poseído, ycontrolado por el grupo de personas que se

beneficiará directamente” y los proyectos “deben tratar lacorrección de condiciones a largo plazo que mantienen agente atada a la pobreza y la opresión.

Este ha sido un año ocupado y emocionante para el comitéde SDOP del Presbiterio de Chicago. Nuestros talleres decomunidad en Goodcity en el lado oeste, Jack Clark’sFamily en el lado norte y Marquette Bank en el lado surgeneraron 48 solicitudes, 17 de las cuales cumplieron loscriterios y fueron seleccionadas para visitas de sitio. Elcomité distribuyó un poco sobre $30,000 enfinanciamiento a 16 de éstos en cantidades desde $500 a$5,000. Las cantidades son pequeñas, pero para algunosgrupos, esta concesión es la primera inversión exterior quehan recibido y es un voto de confianza fuerte y eso puede

llevar a otras fuentes de ingreso.

Los grupos financiados este año Jóvenes CBA, Grupo deCapacitación de Juventud, SPRED Padres con NiñosMinusválidos, Stepping Stones Centro de Recurso deMujeres, ENERGY, Federación de Club de Bloque deEnglewood, Grupo de Apoyo a Madres Solteras Coreanas,

Consejo Asesor del Parque Washington, VeteranosNativo-americanos, PersonasMayores Juntas OrganizandoProyectos (STOP), Diálogo enAcción, Soldados en Misión,

Fundación de Ayuda al Preso, Cuidado deCésped Englewood, FNA, y Ministerio en el

Barrio.

Varias de las solicitudes reflejaron la tragediade la violencia contra los alumnos deChicago. Los jóvenes CBA es un grupocreciendo rápidamente de jóvenes enChatham que se están preparando para eléxito en el trabajo mediante entrevistas e

internados con negocios locales mientras quedispersan mensajes anti-narcóticos y anti-pandillas. La Capacitación de Juventud es ungrupo de mujeres jóvenes, de edades entre

los 12 a 25 años en Roseland que estáncomenzando un negocio de limpieza para ganar dinero yevitar los peligros de la calle. Una joven, 12 años de edad,llegó al lugar de visita con su brazo en una amarrado.Cuando le pregunté sobre ello dijo, “me hirieron.” Lehabían disparado mientras esperaba en una esquina por elautobús.

Otros proyectos financiados tratan sobre el reingreso depresos a la sociedad y el desempleo. Cuidado de CéspedEnglewood y Ministerio en el Barrio están utilizando sudonación de SDOP para comprar equipo de jardinería paratrabajos que emplearán jóvenes y otros. FNA es un negociode brillo de zapato para emplear a exdelincuentes y otrosque necesitan un trabajo.

Como Margaret Mead dijo, “Nunca dude que un pequeñogrupo de ciudadanos comprometidos puedan cambiar elmundo. De hecho, es la única cosa que lo ha hecho.”

Los miembros del comité de Chicago SDOP son: MarkAgerton, Luis Chavez, M. Coleman Gilchrist, Mathew Lang,Otis C. Monroe, Sarah Jane Moore, y Yvonne G. Moore ypersonal Bonita Gilchrist y Carlene Hyrams. Sarah JaneMoore es responsable de este artículo.

December 2008

www.chicagopresbytery.org December 2008 • Volume 24 Numero 5

Compartiendo Nuestro MinisterioPresbytery of Chicago

“Nunca dudeque unpequeño grupode ciudadanoscomprometidospueda cambiarel mundo. Dehecho, es laúnica cosa quelo ha hecho.”

—Margaret Mead

Creciendo una CongregaciónLa familia Posada-Hernández, (Chicago Ravenswood),

disfruta de tiempo de adoración.

Usted no necesita tener unpulgar verde para producirtomates o hierbas en supropio patio. Algunosconsejos de un vecino o uncentro de jardín cercano estodos lo que necesita. ¿Perocuándo es sobre cómo creceruna iglesia, a dónde se tornapara buscar respuestas? Esaes la pregunta explorada porcerca de 50 miembros

hispanos que representaban a BBeerrwwyynn CCaannttoo ddee EEssppeerraannzzaa yCChhiiccaaggoo EEmmaannuueell, RRaavveennsswwoooodd y VViiddaa NNuueevvaa durante untaller el sábado 18 de octubre.

“No hay una fórmula sencilla o mágica para crecimiento deiglesia sana, holística,” dijo el Rdo. Dr. Héctor Rodríguez,Asociado para Desarrollo Hispano Congregacional de elConcilio de la Asamblea General, y facilitador del taller.“Pero hay algunos rasgos universales que las congregacionesen crecimiento comparten, tales como énfasis en desarrolloespiritual, adoración dinámica, dirección compartida,pasión evangelística, visión inspiradora, un/a pastor/afacilitador/a, y compañerismo genuino,” él agregó.

Pero, los participantes se preguntaban porqué inclusocuando todas esas características están presentes, elcrecimiento no es garantizado. “Es porque lascongregaciones y sus líderes no siempre están dispuestos atomar riesgos, u olvidar las viejas tradiciones, para liberarenergía y explorar nuevas avenidas de ministerio,” aclaró elDr. Rodríguez. “Una iglesia creciente tiene más piedras decamino que escollos,” él concluyó.

El evento fue llevado a cabo en Vida Nueva, en Chicago, eincluyó unos momentos de alabanza en la abertura, dirigidopor la juventud de Emanuel, y concluyó con una comida.Este taller es parte de una serie semestral co-patrocinada porun convenio entre las congregaciones hispanas y elPresbiterio de Chicago. Los temas para el 2009 incluyenevangelio y asuntos de inmigración.

Artículo sometido por la Rda. Magdalena García, Pastora deChicago Ravenswood.

Enfoque en MisiónMisión fue el tema en octubre, cuando el Presbiterio deChicago se reunió en Naperville Knox. Los/as comisionados/asse matricularon contra una serie de exhibiciones de losequipos de misión de todas partes del presbiterio, mostrandosus esfuerzos para desarrollar congregaciones, para avanzarjusticia, y para fortalecer el ministerio. (Véase el ensayo defotos de Feria de Misión en la página 3).

Hubo dos acontecimientos pre-presbiterio orientados haciala misión. El Rdo. Diego Higuita-Arrango, SecretarioEjecutivo de la Iglesia Presbiteriana en Colombia yPacificador Internacional 2008, habló sobre “Colombia: Paísde Contrastes.” También, DART, siglas en inglés para Equipode Respuesta de Asistencia de Rescate y PDA (siglas en ingléspara Asistencia Presbiteriana al Desastre) informó sobreesfuerzos locales y nacionales para ayudar a víctimas dedesastres naturales, incluyendo asistencia a nuestras propiasiglesias que sufrieron daño de inundación del huracán Ike.

La misión toma valor. Durante la adoración, el Rdo. MichaelKirby, pastor de Chicago Good Shepherd, predicó sobresuperación de nuestro miedo a través de la fe en Cristo.Vivimos en épocas temerosas. Había tantos/ascomisionados/as estacionados en el estacionamiento delbanco frente a la iglesia que surgió un rumor de unfuncionamiento en el banco. Comunión fue celebradadurante la adoración, y la ofrenda de Paz fue recibida.

El presbiterio fue honrado con la presencia del Rdo. BruceReyes-Chow, moderador de la 218ª Asamblea General. Rev.Reyes-Chow habló sobre el poder del Espíritu Santo y lanecesidad de la iglesia de reclamar su alegría. Alegría viene depreparar la iglesia para quienes vengan en el futuro. Dios nosestá retando a movernos hacia un énfasis más ancho de misióny ministerio – una nueva forma de ser iglesia. El mejor regaloque la Iglesia Presbiteriana (E.U.A.) tiene que ofrecer al mundoes nuestra naturaleza connectional, donde dos personasleyendo la Palabra y orando fielmente, aunque alcanzandoconclusiones diferentes, puede no obstante servir a Cristojuntamente. Así que haciendo, modelamos algo más grande almundo que sólo nosotros mismos. Somos uno en Cristo. Rev.Reyes-Chow fue rodeado por los/as comisionados/as delPresbiterio a la 218ª Asamblea General, quienes hablaron sobrela energía espiritual de servir como Comisionados/as de la AG.Están disponible durante los próximos dos años para visitar lasiglesias en el Presbiterio para compartir sus experiencias ycontestar a preguntas.

El Moderador estuvo en el Presbiterio de Chicago por variosdías. Su itinerario incluyó una reunión con el personal delPresbiterio, adoración en Chicago Pullman, participación entaller de Pastores Urbanos del Seminario McCormick, yretiro de Wicker Park Grace. También se reunió con lasCongregaciones Africo-Americanas en Transformación.

El presbiterio tomó varias decisiones sobre financiamientoen 2009 y su futuro a largo plazo.• La asamblea aprobó la venta del edificio de oficinas del

Presbiterio en 100-110 Sur Morgan, a un precio de $4.16millones. La oferta no es contingente en la capacidad delcomprador de asegurar financiamiento. El cierre seanticipa para junio del 2009, y el presbiterio arrendará elespacio de oficina por lo menos nueve meses luego de esafecha. La venta representa la culminación de muchos añosde trabajo del Grupo de Trabajo de Asuntos de Negocio. Lapropiedad de la calle de Morgan fue compradaoriginalmente por aproximadamente $485,000.

• El presbiterio fijó su “per capita” para 2009 en $18.54.Cuando está combinado con “per capita” del sínodo y GA, eltotal “per capita” para 2009 es $28.29 por miembro poriglesia. El prorrateo de “per capita” es un mandato a laiglesia en general establecido para presupuestar las órdenesdel Libro de Orden basado en el tamaño de la iglesia.

Compartiendo Nuestro Ministerio

14 December 2008

The Posada-Hernández family, (ChicagoRavenswood), enjoys worship time.

Compartiendo Nuestro Ministerio

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• La recomendación del Presbiterio para la división de dólaresde Misión Compartida fue cambiada a Asamblea General32%, Sínodo de Lincoln Trails 10%, y Presbiterio de Chicago58%. La previa división recomendada de 36/11/53 fue fijadaen 1990. Esta acción es consistente con las acciones de losotros presbiterios en el Sínodo. Se anticipa que, incluso coneste cambio, el Presbiterio de Chicago permaneceráprobablemente en los diez presbiterios de mayor apoyonacional a la Misión Compartida y Dirigida.

• La asamblea no aprobó un cambio propuesto para 2009solamente que habría permitido el retiro de dos tercios delas ganancias netas de la venta de la Casa Agape fueran alpresupuesto de funcionamiento del presbiterio en vez deministerio colegial. La asamblea, sin embargo, permitió unsolo desembolso del principal de la Casa Agape para corregiracciones financieras tomadas erróneamente paradesembolsar fondos del 2008 en 2007. La asamblea tambiénautorizó el desembolso de fondos a para levantar fondos alministerio colegial, incluso cuando ese levantamiento defondos no es parte de un esfuerzo conjunto.

• Finalmente, el presbiterio aprobó una revisión de lasfunciones para el Director de Asuntos de Negocio, ytambién recomendó que un regalo de $10,000 recibido delSínodo de Lincoln Trails sea agregado a los fondos inicialespara el Grupo de Trabajo de la Reforma del Presbiterio.

¡¡¡El Presbiterio de Chicago tiene un nuevo portal en laInternet!!! Los/as comisionados/as fueron presentados conuna demostración sobre los puntos culminantes del nuevoportal. Uno de éstos es que los papeles de llamada delpresbiterio estarán disponibles ahora para transferenciadirecta. (Comuníquese con la Secretaria Permanente para lacontraseña.) El nuevo formato del calendario permite queuno consiga todos los detalles pertinentes sobreacontecimientos futuros simplemente rodando su ratónsobre el listado. Sigue habiendo la dirección:www.chicagopresbytery.org.

Las acciones del Comité de Ministerio y del Comité dePreparación al Ministerio se pueden encontrar enTransiciones en la página 12.

La asamblea recibió informes del Rdo. Diego Higuita-Arrango sobre la misión de la Iglesia Presbiteriana deColombia, y del equipo de misión de Ghana, cuyos miembrosrecientemente viajaron a Ghana.

Comisionados/as recibieron un panfleto especial del Grupode Trabajo de Comunicación. El panfleto contiene todos laslíneas de la celebración de junio del 2008 celebrando 175años de Presbiterianos en Chicago. Las iglesias recibirán unacopia en el correo. Para más información, o recibir copiasadicionales, comuníquese con la oficina del presbiterio.

La asamblea autorizó al moderador a designar doscomisiones administrativas: una a trabajar con la IglesiaOresbiteriana en Glenview para apoyar al consistoriomientras la congregación busca a un pastor/a, y uno paraejecutar una fusión entre Chicago Norwood Park y ChicagoSaint Andrew. La asamblea también autorizó a NorwoodPark y Saint Andrew a comenzar el proceso de vender susedificios, pues las dos congregaciones buscarán la nuevadirección en una nueva localización.

Bolígrafo del Presbítero

Esperanzas y Sueños de Adviento“Jehová dará también el bien y nuestra tierra dará su fruto.

—Salmo 85:12

Los cristianos en todo el mundo comienzan la temporada deAdviento este año haciendole frente a épocas turbulentas.Una crisis económica global ha traído pérdidas deabundancia a los “ricos” y de dificultades magnificadas a los“pobres.” Mientras la dirección nacional de los E.U.transiciona, su impacto en nuestra paz y prosperidad futurasno puede ser medido. Estamosexperimentando incertidumbreinfrecuente. ¿Qué pues, debe sernuestra esperanza y sueño de adviento?

La gente de la fe puede hacerle frente alas épocas inciertas, confiando en elreal carácter de constante amor yfidelidad de Dios, en vez de laparalización del miedo y la ansiedad.Ése es el mensaje del Salmo 85. Elcarácter de Dios no es el restaurar lasfortunas del rico a expensas de pobrezacontinua entre los pobres. Somoscomparativamente ricos. Nuestraesperanza y sueño de Adviento debe por lo tanto ser para losvecinos cerca y lejos quienes son pobres, tienen hambre, yestán desnudos y para quienes las dificultades aumentan. Lagracia salvadora de Cristo está para toda la gente.

Eugene Peterson escribió, “El uno mismo es solamente símismo, sano y entero, cuando está en relaciones, y esarelación es siempre dual, con Dios y con otros sereshumanos. Relación implica la reciprocidad, concesiónmutua, escuchando y respondiendo” (De Earth and Altar porEugene H. Peterson, traducción libre). Buscando estascalidades en nuestro relación–con Dios, con otros, y con latierra–invitamos la participación de Dios en nuestraimaginación de Adviento. Es allí donde, “El señor dará cuáles bueno, y nuestra tierra rendirá su aumento.”

Jesús trajo esperanza y alegría a las relaciones fieles de Maríay José y a las relaciones dentro de la iglesia temprana. Sucontexto era también incierto. Semejantemente, en nuestrotiempo, recordar el nacimiento de Cristo trae a la mente lafidelidad continua de Dios, entrando a la experienciahumana prometiendo restauración.

Durante Adviento esperamos, recordando los regalos de Diosde paz al fiel y de integridad al temeroso. En nuestrasoraciones de Adviento durante épocas inciertas agotadoras,ruegue que Dios entre en todas nuestras relaciones, conCristo y nuestras comunidades de la iglesia, con la gentepobre y próspera, los amigos y la familia, los extranjeros y losenemigos, vecinos locales y globales, la tierra y toda lacreación. Ruegue con el salmista, recordando la impacienciade Dios para estar entre nosotros, restaurando nuestras vidasy relaciones con lo que es bueno–paz y prosperidad paratodos.

December 2008

Robert C. Reynolds

Presbytery of Chicago 100 South Morgan Street Chicago, IL 60607

Members of Knox Naperville P.C. work the cider press atPresbyterian Camps

Vision Statement“Chicago Presbytery – A Beacon of Hope, guiding

Leaders, Congregations and Communities.”

Chicago Presbytery staff members carve pumpkins nearthe Outdoor Chapel area of Presbyterian Camps

Fall foliage and the dark blue of Lake Michigan makePresbyterian Camps even more colorful this Fall. The ciderpress has seen plenty of action and there have been plenty ofpumpkins to carve. At the Chicago Presbytery staff outing,Office Manager, Earnestine Norwood and Matt Hacker,Moderator of Network Empowerment Work Group borrowedthe Camp Director’s splitting mall and took a few swings.

Current projections for 2008’s record setting year are 2068youth and 2396 adults will visit the camp this year. Of the 88total retreats and programs, 51 will be Presbytery of Chicagochurches and 16 will be Presbytery of Chicago sponsoredevents. The camp will also have hosted 3 weddings and 4

clergy retreats.

Enjoying Saugatuck