Glacier Presbytery, Montana, Presbyterian Church (USA)

Glacier Presbytery resources and news -

God's ministry unfolding through

18 Presbyterian (PCUSA) congregations

and 2 new worshiping communities

in North-West-Central Montana

Bringing Together

Congregations, Sessions, Pastors and Leaders
to Model Christ

Fall Presbytery

Gathering News

Thanks to Wayne Wardwell for photos

Retreat Leader

Floyd Thompkins

Center For Innovation

In Ministry

San Francisco

Theological Seminary

Rev.Thompkins met with pastors on Saturday morning followed by a workshop for the presbytery. His workshop was based upon the Kaiser research in which he has been engaged. He took note of needs particular to Montana such high risk for depression and suicide, and included practical tips about implementing and enhancing mental health ministry in congregations. Resources were provided from which the presbytery can continue to draw. It was important equipping for congregations as we seek to minister holistically in our communities, and in partnership with mental health services. Click here for mental health resources from the PCUSA mental health ministry site.

Presbytery Business Meeting

Reports were shared of the ministries by and throughout Glacier Presbytery. The presbytery received Rev. Greg Smith as a temporary member as he serves as interim pastor in Conrad. Presbyterian Women described their restructuring in six key areas in order to serve well the women, church, and world of today. A draft of an open letter was shared with the presbytery and signatures were invited; the letter speaks against malicious speech and for just, respectful language that honors the image of God in all. News of the summer season and future offerings at Glacier Camp were celebrated. Click here for the latest news from the camp.

Peggie Oury served as substitute Moderator for the meeting, and concluded her service as Moderator of cabinet. Rose Leavitt was elected Presbytery Moderator for the coming year. She is pictured with the moderator's stole, which was sewn and embroidered by former Moderator Lona Albright. Lona joined the communion of saints in God's eternal loving presence June 26, 2019.

Saturday Evening Worship

Rev. Miriam Mauritzen, newly installed organizing pastor of the Serious JuJu new worshiping community in Kalispell, preached Saturday evening. The heart of the message called God's peope to hope in the midst of pain: "Suffering is only worth the pain if life is on the other side. May God fit us with strength and resolve as we labor to bring life and joy to our communities."

Sunday Reflection and Worship

On Sunday morning leaders of five special ministries in Glacier shared about the missions unfolding within Glacier's mission: the new worshiping communities of Basin (Rev. Ok-Kee Kim) and Serious JuJu, Glacier Camp, the two Young Adult Volunteers Emily Osborn and Sophie Schreiber in Chinook, and Rev. Courtney Arntzen. Courtney described her new call from God to serve as a chaplain among the community members of non-profits in Missoula. Presbytery Leader Beth McCaw facilitated reflection on the "modeling" represented in Glacier's mission statement. Facets of "model" can include being a small representation of Christ and God's kingdom; being "clothed" in the love of Christ as we walk through the world; and being malleable in God's hands to be shaped for ministry in God's beloved world. On Sunday morning Beth preached on the Lord of the Banquet from Luke 14, in which God's urgent mission to gather in all people was lifted up. Click here for a conversational version of the sermon.

The congregation of First Presbyterian Church Hamilton along with Rev. Patty Stone and Commissioned Ruling Elder Peggie Oury hosted and led vibrant worship. Handbell and vocal choirs offered joyous music, and the congregation shared warm fellowship and generous hospitality throughout the weekend, including a Saturday evening feast.

Looking Ahead

Presbytery Staff

contact Information

Rev. Beth McCaw

Presbytery Leader (EP)

Glacier Presbytery, PC(USA)

P.O. Box 4005

Missoula, Montana 59806-4005

406-871-2135

Rev. Courtney Arntzen

Stated Clerk

Glacier Presbytery, PC(USA)

P.O. Box 4005

Missoula, Montana 59806-4005

406-544-2937

Dick Siderius, Treasurer

Glacier Presbytery, PC(USA)

P.O. Box 1562

Kalispell, Montana 59903-1562

406-871-3263

Rev. Timothy Lanham

Glacier Presbyterian Center

406-844-2114
406-844-0551 (Fax)

P.O. Box 384, Lakeside, MT 59922
17482 O'Neil Rd, Lakeside, MT 59922

Click Here for Camp News

An Abundance of Grace

Glacier Camp Celebration

November 17

Join us for a Thanksgiving Celebration featuring...
Supporter Appreciation Dinner and

Scholarship Auction and Fundraiser

Sunday, November 17 -- 5.00 pm
Glacier Camp and Conference Center, complimentary accommodations available @ Spruce Lodge

Click here for poster invitation to share

RSVP: 406-844-2114,

Auction donations accepted, contact

406-844-2114

Mail: PO BOX 384 LAKESIDE MT 59922

Join us at 17482 O'Neil Lane, Lakeside, MT

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back." (Luke 6:38)

Prayer and Nurture

Please pray for those congregations in transition and those about to enter transition: Great Falls First - welcoming a new pastor in December; Great Falls Sunrise, Dayton/Polson and Conrad.

Today in the Presbyterian Church (USA)

Mission Yearbook

Scripture Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

Current Issue of Presbyterian Women's Horizons