Glacier Presbytery, Montana, Presbyterian Church (USA)

Bringing Together

Congregations, Sessions, Pastors and Leaders
to Model Christ

Glacier Presbytery resources and news -

God's ministry unfolding through

18 Presbyterian (PCUSA) congregations

and 2 new worshiping communities

in North-West-Central Montana

A Fresh Take

on Gathering Presbytery

As we continue to protect vulnerable members during this pandemic time, a uniquely accessible Presbytery gathering is planned. The focus of this gathering will be worship led by leaders from various congregations, shared images and stories of God's activity through our congregations, and reports of how the carrying out of our call moves forward in these days of need. Brief times of small group encouragement will also be possible through Zoom. This is a good time for those who have never participated in presbytery to join with sisters and brothers, but registration is required - please see above.

Many Tongues, One Spirit

In this season following Pentecost, Christ's Church around the world celebrates that Jesus did not leave us orphaned, but rather has poured out his Spirit that we would become one out of diverse nations, tongues, cultures. We are empowered to minister the gospel, and to become a sign of hope and reconciliation to God's beloved world.

To celebrate this gift, leaders in the Montana Association of Christians knit together a common liturgy, found here. “Many tongues” – or different voices - are reflected, prayers shared with Methodists, Disciples of Christ, Lutherans, and the United Church of Christ. May God be glorified by our diverse gifts - shared for the common good of the church; may God be glorified by our unity - as we are sent the part of the world which we share.

In recent days, all have been bearing witness to the heartache of a world torn by racism, violence, despair, injustice and grief. Some presbytery leaders from across the country (pictured above), shared in a common litany of lament and faith, which can be viewed here. As Christ's witnesses, we share an urgent mission in a hurting world right now. May each of our members and all of our congregations find ways to demonstrate the justice and love of God in these days of need.

Helena in Stitches Quilt Mission Project

The winning ticket for the First Presbyterian Church “Helena in Stitches” quilt raffle was drawn on Sunday, April 19th . The lucky winner was Toni Larson of Great Falls. A small group of people gathered for the drawing, including First Presbyterian Church Pastor Scott Wipperman, quilt designer and crafter Sally Klein, and project chairman Karen Witte. See the PW page for more details and the mission projects supported through the proceeds!

Glacier Meetings (via Zoom)

Tues. June 9 PW Presbytery Planning 9:00 a.m.
Tues. June 9 Camp Board 1:00 p.m.
Fri. June 12 Pastors' Retreat, 1:00-3:00
Sat. June 13 Presbytery Session I, 9:00 a.m. - noon
Sun. June 14 Presbytery II: Worship, Whitefish 10 am
Thurs. June 18 Cabinet 10:00 a.m.
Fri., June 19 General Assembly
Fri., June 26 General Assembly
Sat., June 27 General Assembly

2020 Presbytery Dates:
June 13-14 (via Zoom, worship hosted by Whitefish)
October 10-11 (Seeley Lake)

Presbyterian Foundation Survey

The Presbyterian Foundation is anticipating future stewardship needs and needs your help.

Below is a link to a survey which we offer for you to take. All other information will be confidential. The scope of the survey right now are folks who attended the webinar “Generosity in Uncertain Times” but we may widen it other churches in the Northwest. Thanks so much for your consideration and attention.

The Presbyterian Foundation is here to assist and help churches according to your need.

Presbyterian Foundation Survey Here

Glacier Newsletters

Find detailed updates about happenings in Glacier Presbytery, click to view:

May 20: Matthew 25; Camp Blessings

May 10: GA Commissioners; Safe Music

April 26: Pastoral Care; Re-gathering Steps

April 18: Stewardship recording; Easter signs

To subscribe directly, contact Beth.glacierpresbytery@gmail.com.

Prayer and Nurture

Please pray for justice and peace for our nation in crisis; God's blessing and keeping for all affected by the COVID-19 crisis: Those with fragile health; the sick; families separated from loved ones; those who are homeless or unemployed. Pray guidance and unity for leaders in governments, churches, agencies serving God's beloved world. Pray for those congregations in transition and those about to enter transition: Conrad, having welcomed Interim Pastor Andrew Smothers, Great Falls Sunrise, and Dayton/Polson.

Today in the Presbyterian Church (USA)

Mission Yearbook

Scripture Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

Current Issue of Presbyterian Women's Horizons

2020 Glacier Camp

Prepares for Summer Season

Director Rev. Timothy Lanham and the staff are busy planning for a refreshing and safe camping season. Here are some high points as they make preparations:

"Camp is needed this year now more than ever! After many weeks of social isolation, the unique opportunities provided by Summer camp are needed more than ever. The chance to be outdoors, to disconnect from technology, and to enjoy Christian fellowship in small groups provides a balance to the trauma of isolation as well as the occasion to strengthen young people’s physical, mental, and spiritual health. Camp has always been important. For this Summer, it is more important than ever."

The Glacier Camp Board approved plans for a Summer 2020 camp schedule. These plans include important changes to what had been previously scheduled. See a full copy of a letter describing the plans here. A quick look at those changes:

1. We will start Camp on July 5 rather than June 22.
2. The number of campers per week will be reduced, in order to conform with directives from the civil authorities and CDC protocols on the size of groups.
3. We will conform to the American Camping Association’s guidelines for Summer Camp operation including health screening, monitoring, food service, cleaning/disinfecting, and facility management. A nurse will be on staff all Summer, providing oversight of our health compliance protocols.
4. Campers who decide to take this year off will be provided with “Camp In A Box” that will include craft materials, tee shirts, and home activities.

Much of this preparation has been made possible through a generous outpouring of help during the spring of cancelled events. Please see a letter of thanks here. Donations are still needed as a reduced schedule is in place, thank you for your gifts and prayers.

Glacier Camp and Conference Center
PO Box 384, Lakeside MT 59922

Glacier Congregations Plan

and Take Steps Toward Gatherings

Some Glacier congregations have begun small gatherings as Montana reached Phase Two of Reopening the Big Sky Phased Approach on June 1. All congregations are urged to have read through the Glacier COVID-10 Team's recommendations and have a plan in place before that first gathering: Taking Care II. This is how we care for those at risk during this pandemic.

Examples of practices recommended:

Disinfect touch surfaces before and after worship
Remove commonly touched items from pews (note pads, Bibles, hymn books)
Mark off seating so that households are distanced at least 6 feet
Have masks available for those without
Make sanitizer, soap, tissues, wastebaskets liberally and visibly available
Ushers should be prepared to guide people through new practices, and ask those who appear ill to not enter but contact their healthcare provider
Open windows and prop doors open; even better - meet outside
Find means for music that do not require all singing out (solos; duets; instrumental; clapping; percussion instruments)
Put offering plates or baskets in a common location with a sign
Avoid refreshments for now
Those over 60, with underlying health conditions, or simply concerned should continue to worship from home with virtual and/or print resources from the church.

Resources During the Pandemic

Glacier Presbytery's Response Team is Leader Beth McCaw, Stated Clerk Courtney Arntzen, Moderator Rose Leavitt, Conrad Interim Pastor Andrew Smothers, and Marsha Anson. Each church will be contacted weekly for updates and support. Resources for health, worship, care and outreach, and discussion boards, are in the presbytery online office glacieroffice.crhosts.com. Contact Beth or Courtney for login information. These are among many additional resources (click to view):

Congregations are encouraged to subscribe to free conference calling or videoconferencing services as one means for groups to communicate and meet during this time.