Save the date!
Future Presbytery Meetings.
May 22, 2024, 6:00 to 8:00 PM
Trinity Presbyterian Church,
830 Military Rd, Zanesville, OH 43701 September 21, 2024, 10:00 AM to NoonMilton Presbyterian Church
250 North St, Rittman, OH 44270 December 11, 2024, 6:00 to 8:00 PMChrist Presbyterian Church,
530 Tuscarawas St W, Canton, OH 44702
Stated Presbytery Meeting
May 22, 2024
6:00 – 8:00 PM 6:00 PM WorshipCultivating the Gift of Preaching
Matt Aragon-Bruce (Lake Michigan Presbytery) begins as the Director of the Cultivating the Gift of Preaching Initiative on January 8, 2024. In this position, he will guide the implementation of the $1.25 million grant that we received from the Lilly Endowment’s Compelling Preaching grant program. A systematic theologian by training, Matt has taught at several colleges and seminaries and is the theologian-in-residence at First Presbyterian Church of Grand Haven (MI).
Born and raised in Northern MN, Matt has spent the last decade teaching theology, ethics, and church history. He presently serves as Theologian-in-Residence at First Presbyterian Church Grand Haven (Grand Haven, MI) and as a frequent Adjunct Professor for Western Theological Seminary, Calvin University’s Prison Initiative, and the Hope Western Prison Education Program. Matt earned a MDiv and a PhD (in the history of doctrine) from Princeton Theological Seminary, and an MTh from the University of Edinburgh. He is a candidate for ordination in the Presbytery of Lake Michigan. Matt is married to the Rev. Kristine Aragon Bruce, who serves as the Associate pastor at First Pres. Grand Haven. Matt and Kristine have two children, Phoebe (12) and Jenson (10). In his free time, Matt enjoys wandering in the outdoors with his family, cooking, and gardening.Add to our Mission:)
Muskingum Valley Presbytery is committed to strengthening our churches, and fulfilling the Great Ends of the Church. We are also passionate about becoming a leading voice in our modern reformation. Help keep us going through your personal gifts.
Give to MVP!Meeting Docket
May 22, 2024, 6:00 to 8:00 PM
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you may need to clear your cookies to get the most recent updates.Worship
With Matt Aragon Bruce
Worship Slides (PDF, PowerPoint, Keynote)Opening
Li Dong, Moderator
Call to Order, Declaration of Quorum, Approval of the Docket
Moving the Church Forward
Matthew J. Skolnik, GP
- Reflections on the Board of Pension changes
- Theology of Call
- Conversations Across the Synod
Reports to & Actions of the Assembly
Stated Clerk
- [Motion] to approve minutes from February, 2024.
- [Motion] to approve the Request from Massillon Central PC.
- [Motion] to approve the MVP Bylaws Amendment which more clearly defines boundaries with neighboring presbyteries. This is the second presentation. Work has been done with neighboring presbyteries and the Office of General Assembly.
- [Motion] to approve Elder’s to administer The Lord’s Supper at their local congregation. See the Clerk’s full report for names and notes.
- [Motion] to approve CRE Bonnie Donnelly to extend her commission to serve as a chaplain in the southern portion of MVP.
- [Motion] for Rev. Mark Unrue to retire as of December 31, 2024 and to dissolve his pastoral relationship with Uhrichsville PC as of July 1, 2024. Mark will be serving in a transitional role at Coshocton PC starting in the fall–Terms of Call to be approved soon.
- Clerk’s Full Report
- Terms of Call Updates
- MVP Administrative Commission with Reedurban PC are in the process of completing their final report.
Information from the Committee on Ministry
Commission on Preparation for Ministry Notes
- Elder Enhancement workshops began in February 2024. All elders in the presbytery are welcome to attend any or all of the workshops. Participation in these workshops can be applied toward the CRE program in the future.
Administration
- Financial Report
- 2024 to 2025 Budget
- [Motion] to approve the GP’s Terms of Call.
Synod
Presented by Matt Aragon-Bruce. Matt is the first ever Director of the Cultivating the Gift of Preaching Initiative at the Synod.
Synod Report