Safe and fun summer ministry for children and families

By Becky D’Angelo-Veitch | Presbyterians Today

In the midst of canceled events, ranging from graduations and weddings to the 2020 Summer Olympics, and even the PC(USA)’s 224th General Assembly — which opted for an abbreviated virtual assembly in June — local church programs like Vacation Bible School are perhaps “small potatoes.” However, as congregations have long moved on from “How are we going to celebrate Easter?” to the ever-burning question, “What is the new normal?” one thing is apparent: How congregations approach summer ministry might provide answers for the wider life of the church, as lessons learned by doing things differently in July and August may provide the groundwork for post-pandemic ministries — especially ministries to children.

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“Words are inadequate.  Actions, while crucial, are not easy to initiate.  Even so, go back to the Scripture from Mark 12.  Love of neighbor compels response.  The vast majority of the 121 congregations in the Lake Erie and Beaver-Butler Presbyteries are of European American descent.  And there may be a temptation to ignore the racial tensions that are exploding across the country.  I would urge you to engage the conversation.  Regardless of church size, might it be possible for you to…

+ engage in Biblical discussions about race (there are great resources and great people out there to facilitate these discussions); 

+ pray for those who are different than ourselves (different in race, economics, etc.);

“I am most eager to see how God will lead the church into new ventures and new opportunities. 

The sovereign God of all eternity is at work in all times and all places. 

For that I am most thankful to God.”  Rev. Dr. David Oyler

In 2003, the world was a different place. That was the year Rev. Dr. David Oyler became General Presbyter for the Presbytery of Lake Erie. After 17 years in this leadership role, Dr. Oyler is stepping back, yet looking forward, as he officially retires this July.

As we approach the halfway point of 2020, we are living in unprecedented times and facing unique challenges on several fronts including the Coronavirus pandemic. Our world is quite different today than even four months ago.

The following is an interview with Dr. Oyler in Q & A format, so you can see the questions and answers about his 40 plus years in ministry. He offers his reflections. He shares his insights on ministry during challenging times, the challenges he has faced, and his hopes for the future.

Written by Marsha MacKinnon

Describe your background and when you heard God’s call to ministry.

“The call to ministry comes in so many different forms.  It involves – as best we can – a close listening to the Holy Spirit.  I was wonderfully blessed to grow up in a family that loved God.  In fact, both my father and grandfather had served as Presbyterian pastors, though there was no pressure from my family to pursue pastoral training.  Rather, my sense of call came from a growing awareness of the power of Christ to transform lives.  Such transformation was evident in the congregation that nurtured me, but also in the interaction with other Christians in high school and college and in the world around us.  While there were a couple of pivotal events where I sensed God being powerfully at work, there were many moments of growing awareness that all was not right with the world and that there is a better way.  For me, increasingly, that ‘better way’ was acknowledging the profound ability for God to transform lives by being God-centered rather than self-focused.”

Describe your experiences from your seminary days until you were selected to be General Presbyter for the Presbytery of Lake Erie. What have you enjoyed most about being a minister of The Word of God?

 “Prior to my calling as General Presbyter, I was privileged to serve for 24 years as a pastor.  For six years I served the Hartstown and North Shenango Churches in Crawford County.  For 18 years I served as pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of North East in Erie County.  Those were treasured years where I valued the longer term relationships that were formed, the forming of weekly sermons, leading Bible studies and regular visitation with the people who participated in those congregations.  Presbyterian author Eugene Peterson speaks of ‘having a long obedience in the same direction.’  I valued that long obedience in the daily patterns established in those faith communities – worship and fellowship, education and service, mission trips and discovering what God is up to next all around us.  Pastoral ministry in a congregation is a kaleidoscope of ever changing dialogue, of problem solving even as some routines need to be nurtured.  And other routines need to be re-examined and renewed, guided by the Holy Spirit.  God is always weaving a tapestry, even where we cannot see the beauty of it.”

As General Presbyter explain what challenges you faced, the priorities you had to make, and how those challenges changed over your 17 years with the Presbytery of Lake Erie?

“The last 17 years have been filled with dramatic change within the Christian church in North America.  Many have come to recognize afresh that the church is a dynamic organization.  The practices and patterns of Christendom are being re-examined, re-formed and re-shaped.  One foundational assumption of the Presbyterian Church (USA), which appears early in the Book of Order, is that ‘The church reformed, always to be reformed according to the Word of God in the power of the Spirit.’  That has certainly been true in these 17 years.  The Christian Church, including the Presbyterian Church (USA), has addressed an understanding of human sexuality.  That discussion has led to significant theological divides.  Many churches in Lake Erie Presbytery have also found it necessary to acknowledge the decline in member participation which has impacted their mission and ministry.  Most recently, in the midst of COVID-19, congregations have found themselves determining the best ways to be the church when scattered in our homes.  In it all, I have seen several consistent priorities:

1. 1. 1. 1. Encouraging churches to think missionally.  What is God up to next in our faith communities.  Standing on the rich traditions of the church, God is continually re-shaping and forming the church into an outward focused group of believers.
         2. Encouraging churches to think creatively.  If the faith community changes then it may well involve creativity to adapt the Gospel message to our changed circumstances.
         3. Encouraging churches to think structurally.  Good administration makes for a more effective witness in the community.  The gift of administration may not seem to be very exciting, yet it is crucial.  I have sought to model that at the presbytery level for the 58 congregations that compose Lake Erie Presbytery.
         4. Encouraging churches to think connectionally.  That is evident in the faithful connection of many churches in missional thought, Unglued Church conversations, participation in regional training events, partnering with others on mission trips, and in accessing grants and scholarships the Presbytery of Lake Erie offers, and in a host of other ways.”

The Coronavirus pandemic has brought forth unprecedented changes overnight and unexpected challenges. What are your insights on mission and ministry during these challenging times? 

“It has been a privilege for 17 years to worship with different congregations each Sunday morning.  In a time of unprecedented change, it has been a unique opportunity to be at home but participate in 4 or 5 services each Sunday morning.  And in participating in worship I have seen wonderful resilience and outward focus.  The prayers offered often speak of those who are the ‘least, lost and loneliest’.  And there is a consistent theme of being attuned to the leading of the Holy Spirit.  Some ministries are limited in these days, but I am also observing increased passion and compassion.  The church of Jesus Christ moves forward!  Mission and ministry are happening!  People are being fed!  Phone calls and cards are being sent!  The church prevails!”

What do you see as being your greatest joy throughout all the changes and challenges that you have faced over the years?

“I am thankful to God to serve in the church of Jesus Christ.  My grandfather was ordained as a Presbyterian minister in 1909.  For the next 19 years he served as Presbyterian missionary in The Sudan, just a few miles from the Nile River.  And my father was then also ordained as a Presbyterian minister in 1938.  I was ordained in 1979.  Across three generations, across more than a century, my family has been privileged to serve in this grand movement called the Christian Church. The church is different than it was in 1909, yet the message is remarkably the same and remarkably relevant.  Across the grand sweep of history, I observe that the church is able to embrace adaptive change.  It is difficult work.  Some institutions flex and change.  Some disappear.  And new ones appear.  As I retire after 41 years of ministry within the bounds of Lake Erie Presbytery, I am most eager to see how God will lead the church into new ventures and new opportunities.  The sovereign God of all eternity is at work in all times and all places.  For that I am most thankful to God.” 

What are your future plans?

“My plans in retirement are ‘to take a deep breath and see what God is up to next.’  I can imagine new opportunities in this journey called ‘life.’  In recent years – and particularly in recent months – my work with the church has become all consuming.  The shelves of my study are lined with books that I am eager to open and read, though there has not been enough time to do that recently.  And, of course, my wife and I hope to spend more time in travel as well as with grandchildren.  The travel may be deferred for a while but will happen, by the grace of God, eventually.  And I am most eager to observe, from a distance, how God is at work in the churches of the Presbytery of Lake Erie.”

 What is your favorite scripture passage and why?  

“There are so many passages that enrich my life and form my faith.  One that is so very familiar, yet still so faith formative ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.’ – John 3:16.  And the call to be engaged in the world is so profoundly woven into the words of Micah 6:8 ‘What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.’  Those verses – along with so many others – summarize the call of a personal faith commitment in Christ and call to be disciples in the world around us.”

Thank you Dr. Oyler for your years of service and ministry

to the people of the Presbytery of Lake Erie.

Enjoy & God Bless!

Lake Erie Presbytery is now accepting applications (PIFs) for the General Presbyter position. Information about the position can be found here on the Church Leadership Connection. To learn more about the region click on Links to Websites of Interest. Any questions can be directed to Emily Zeig Lindsey, GPNC Chair at [email protected].

We are all in this for the long haul. How good are you at social distancing? Most of us are finding all kinds of ways to settle into working at home, only going out for essential groceries, prescriptions and gas. Now how do we cope with all of this?

Below is an excerpt from an article by Lisa Fritscher title “Cabin Fever Symptoms and Coping Skills”

An opinion article posted in The Presbyterian Outlook is worth a look.

The author is C. Christopher Smith of the Region News Service. He takes a closer look at how the Covid-19 pandemic has already changed how we ‘do church.” Below is an excerpt followed by a link to the complete article.

(RNS) — The coronavirus pandemic has quickly swept the globe, throwing just about every human institution into chaos. Faith communities are no exception.

With gatherings restricted in size or prohibited altogether, many houses of worship are fighting to stay connected, rapidly weighing technological options to keep as many people as possible engaged.

This involves a a good deal of trial and error. Congregational leaders find themselves relying on multiple digital tools — some of which they have never used before — to connect themselves to their members and to keep their members caring for each other.

As stressful as these times are, they have provided an extraordinary opportunity in my Christian community to reflect on our identity and mission as the church, and to imagine ways of being more connected than ever with our fellow church members.

In normal times, most churches plow forward without much reflection on identity and mission.

Now they have the chance to do something new, and I challenge churches to take a wee bit of time to reflect together on questions like these:

What is the church? A building? A particular gathering? A community?

What is worship? What really matters in a worship service? And given the limits forced on us by the pandemic, which technological tools can best help us embody our identity and mission?

Covid-19 could end church as we know it. And I feel fine.

To  all member churches of the Presbytery of Lake Erie

Are you live streaming or making worship available on Facebook during this coronavirus pandemic? If so, would you be willing to make that information available so other churches who may not have Sunday worship could access your site?  Please provide the contact information, the link needed to access the live stream, and the time the live stream will begin. Melinda in the Presbytery office is compiling a list and we will make that list available to all right here. Please email Melinda in the PLE office at [email protected]

Online Services Here

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” 

—Strength to Love, 1963 by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Written by Marsha MacKinnon, Webmaster for the Presbytery of Lake Erie

Every January the Martin Luther King Center in Erie, PA recognizes an individual or organization that personifies the challenge Dr. King issued to all of us.  He once said ‘Life’s most persistent and urgent question is ‘what are you doing for others?’ and this is the basis of what led the King Holiday Committee to select the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant for the prestigious “Dr. King Award.”

2020 Dr. King Award presented to the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant for “their passion for the under represented and the compassion for fair and equitable treatment for all.”

Erie’s MLK Center celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the King Holiday Awards with a dinner on January 11, 2020 at the Erie Bayfront Convention Center. “The Dr. King Award is presented to an individual or organization that personifies the concept of that quote by Dr. King and is committed to making the community a better place by the contribution of time, actions, talents and dedication. It is the living, breathing mission of the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant that made the decision to present the 2020 Dr. King Award to First Covenant an easy one,” says James Sherrod, executive director of the MLK Center.

First Covenant Pastor Chris Weichman, Seph Kumer – Director of Community Engagement, Monty Service – Coordinator of Missional Music and several church elders and members attended the awards dinner. The keynote speaker for the evening was Dr. King’s son, Martin Luther King the III. Sherrod presented the award to the First Covenant. The inscription on the award reads “Presented by The Dr. Martin Luther King Holiday Committee to the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant for their passion for the under represented and the compassion for fair and equitable treatment for all.”

Five years ago First Covenant conducted a mission study in preparation for the calling of a new pastor. This extensive study asked members of the congregation and staff about the church’s activities, ministries and the community. The results provided a new vision for First Covenant that became known as ‘Our Future Direction.’ The summary includes the ‘Four Pillars of First Covenant.’ They are: neighborhood relevance; better use of our building; a renewed focus on children, youth and families; and a focus on hospitality. By embracing these ‘Four Pillars,’ First Covenant has fundamentally changed how it does ‘church.’

James Sherrod (center) of the MLK Center of Erie presents the representatives of First Covenant the 2020 Dr. King Award.

“God has called us through some interesting and challenging years over the past decade. But when we paused and asked God to show us His desires for us as a church, and then we really, truly put effort into listening, God took us in some uncharted, unfamiliar, uncomfortable, risky direction. Let’s keep asking God for that guidance and let’s keep listening and risking. For I am sure God has more uncharted, unfamiliar, uncomfortable, risky things in store for us!  Aren’t you excited for that?!” says Kumer.

When asked about the significance of First Covenant receiving the Dr. King Award, Kumer believes it is really not a recognition of US so much as a recognition that God is doing something IN US and THROUGH US that others have noticed. “The recognition is really all about God’s work, showing us how to build bridges and partnerships.  It shows that listening and taking risks and being about the long, slow business of building relationships is worthy of our time and resources.  It’s not so much that we have accomplished something as it is that God is inviting us to look around and see where God is already at work, and to join in,” says Kumer.

Since the mission study in 2015, First Covenant has been transformed by this new focus on community engagement, outreach and neighborhood relevance in Erie’s west bayfront neighborhood. What has evolved includes partnering with the Martin Luther King Center for annual Thanksgiving dinners, and developing other partnerships that include Gannon University, Erie City Mission, Strong Vincent Middle School and the City of Erie. “I believe this honor is the result of humbly listen to and learning from our neighbors.  Over the past five years we have been willing to take risks and step out of our comfort zone.    Our hope for the future is to continually learn from our neighbors and partner with other organizations to more fully live out MLK’s dream for Erie,” says Service.

“I hope it is humbling us.  I hope it is helping us realize our community has much to offer.  Much we can learn from.  If we want to.  If we listen.  If we are willing to engage outside of the box.  If we are willing to ask God what our blinders might be. What we are missing when we think we are so gifted and wise and talented that we miss the gifts and wisdom and talents of those around us.  I think there are things God wants to teach our congregation that we can only learn from a posture of humility, of eagerness to learn, of willingness to “walk with” instead of ‘need to lead.’ Truly it is God’s amazing work,”says Kumer.

Dr. David Oyler is the General Presbyter for the Presbytery of Lake Erie. Oyler,  believes in a post-Christendom culture the church is re-learning that the building of trust in Christ as Lord occurs one relationship at a time. “The honoring of First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant with the MLK Award indicates something quite profound about what it means to be ‘church.’  Church, of course, involves worship, music and education.  At the same time it involves mission – and sometimes that mission is right outside our front door. That involves understanding that tradition is still powerful (and important) while at the same time initiating new connections in new ways.  Sometimes we barely know where to begin.  First Covenant has had the courage to take risks and look toward nontraditional ministries,” says Oyler.

The ‘Four Pillars’ of First Covenant, including neighborhood relevance, is serving as a pathway to the future, a future that looks considerably different from the past.“At one time – not all that long ago –  mission was seen as ‘out there’; often across salt water.  Early in the 21^st century there is a new appreciation for mission as being nearby.  This is particularly true as we observe the neighborhoods changing around us.  When a church becomes increasingly disconnected from a neighborhood it creates complications for effective ministry and worship.  Attention to the culture and traditions of our neighborhood is vital for future effectiveness,” says Oyler.

Several years ago Seph Kumer gathered some folks, including neighbors of First Covenant, and invited them to join him at Perry Square in downtown Erie for the start of Erie’s annual MLK Day walk. In 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed into law legislation honoring Dr. King and making the third Monday of January a federal holiday.  The Nobel Prize winning, civil rights leader was born January 15, 1929. This year Kumer gathered folks again for the annual walk, which is held on MLK Day. The walkers travel along West 6th Street, passing right in front of the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant and then walk on to the MLK Center.

“We walk in solidarity with our Erie neighbors to remind ourselves of the values and dreams Dr. King challenged us to live out. Dreams for a united community where ALL know they are valued, NONE are left behind, and injustices are dismantled. A vision Dr. King took right from the Bible. So, YAY for ALL of US. But even more importantly, thank you GOD,” says Kumer.