Networks
Presbytery of the Miami Valley Networks
It takes only two to form a network.
One component of the design for Presbytery of the Miami Valley is the emergence of networks as the missional arms and legs of the presbytery.
So what are networks, and how do these operate?
Presbytery networks are groups of people sharing a common purpose, interest, mission, or passion.
Two or more individuals from two or more congregations can become a network.
There are two types of Networks: informal and formal networks.
Informal networks are not new to the Presbytery of the Miami Valley. For decades groups of pastors, elders, and/or Christian Educators have met for study, prayer, fellowship, or to work on some venture together.
Informal networks, such as these, will continue under their own leadership, and may or may not be sanctioned by presbytery.
Formal networks are those officially sanctioned by Presbytery through the Networks Support and Grants Committee.
Why would an informal network wish to become a formal one?
A number of reasons are possible. A group may desire one or more of the following:
- to receive explicit/implicit endorsement of the presbytery
- to gain access to presbytery channels of communication
- to offer services [training, workshops, retreats, etc.] to our presbytery
- to receive funding from the presbytery for its work.
How do networks differ from committees?
Networks are formed based upon the passions of those participating in them and in concert with the presbytery’s goals for ministry and mission.
Networks are not filled by nominees from presbytery, but voluntarily by persons presenting themselves to serve.
Networks are not required to maintain any particular size or composition.
Networks are not staffed by presbytery personnel and are free to emerge when a need is identified or disperse when the work is complete.
Networks help us to empower emerging ministries, allow us to become a more passion-driven, presbyter-led presbytery, and provide us with new opportunities to serve Christ together.
Designating Formal Networks
Networks are vocational associations or groups of individuals, gathered by a sense of passion, call, and giftedness for a particular ministry. It is not unusual for the members or staff of two or more congregations to develop informal networks.
Although many such relationships already exist among congregations, now the Presbytery is designating Networks in order to support them and provide them with Presbytery resources.
Designated Networks offer the Presbytery an opportunity to focus on ministry and mission instead of structure.
Even if you are the only member of your church interested in the work of a Network, you can pursue your calling with others in the Presbytery.
Networks Designated by Presbytery of the Miami Valley
Campus Ministry Provides effective campus ministry at public institutions of higher education— Central State University, Miami University, and Sinclair Community College.
Contact: Kima Cunningham (Interfaith Campus Minstry Central State University) (email)
Contact: Marc Van Bulck (Oxford Presbyterian Campus Minstry) (email)
Contact: Larry Lindstrom (Sinclair Multifaith Campus Ministry) (email)
Colombian Partnership Maintains and expands relationships established in the more than 20 year-old partnership with Presbiterio de la Costa Norte de Colombia.
Contact: Jennifer Vicarel (email)
Covenant Gathering A group of people across the Synod who plan, publicize and conduct the annual leadership event that used to be named “Synod School.”
Contact:
Educators Support Nurtures and educates those working in educational ministry in local churches.
Contact: Kylie Hettinger (email)
Contact: Cindy Wakeland (email)
Equipping for Ministry Provides classes and workshops for adults, a Learning Resource Center with a catalog of resources that are available for loan, a purchasing group for educational materials, and consultations with a Certified Christian Educator about Reformed Resources and Curriculum.”
Contact: Jacqueline Nowak (email)
Contact: Gay Amos (email)
Sweet and Peaceful Dreams “Sweet Dreams” uses grant money and monetary donations to purchase and distribute bedding materials for individuals in need.
Contact: Robin Dewine (email)
Presbyterian Youth Connection (PYC) Brings youth together for common worship, reflection, recreation, and support. Helps youth experience and learn spiritual values and the everyday practice of faith.
Contact: Lisa Kaufer (email)
Crafting for a Cause This group meets weekly at Central Presbyterian Church, Dayton, to fellowship together while using their skills and talents to make a variety of crafts that minister to needy people and institutions. The witness shown through their works supports their faith and outreach service in the name of Jesus Christ.
Contact: Ellen Donisi (email)
Contact: Pat Loffer (email)
Third Thirty The aim of “The Third Thirty” network is to educate, inspire, and prepare us all for the inevitable challenges as we get older and specifically approach or surpass.
Contact: Janet Miller (email)
Women’s Sabbath Retreat Provides women in and around Presbytery of the Miami Valley with an annual two-day retreat, focusing on building Sabbath community through worship and music, small group sharing, individual and small group activities, including reflective and play times. Clergy and lay, leaders and seekers, young women and old, are encouraged to attend, connect, and find rest.
Contact: Rachel Kelley (email)
Contact: Cindy Wakeland (email)
Refugee Network Provides education about immigration, immigrants, undocumented people, and refugees and the issues impacting them today within the boundaries of the Presbytery of the Miami Valley. Seeks to form partnerships with organizations already active in this area so the work of the network builds upon, rather than replicates, what is already being offered.
Contact: Shelly Davies (email)