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The Presbytery of Whitewater Valley
Indiana
 Kelsey Van Wyk (Fairview) and Noah White (First Meridian Heights) use a cement mixer as their youth groups build a home in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. Photo by Rich Van Wyk.
The congregations of the Presbytery of Whitewater Valley take to heart the challenge to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. Since 2006, senior high school youth from Fairview and First Meridian Heights Presbyterian churches in Indianapolis have made summer mission trips to Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. Using the money they’ve raised to purchase materials, they build a home from scratch. Casaspor Cristo (Houses for Christ) coordinates the construction. The youth keep the big picture in mind, pondering such issues of justice as why they have houses and others do not.
At Noblesville Presbyterian, the deacons surround the sick with prayers and a warm blanket. A volunteer embroiders on a blanket a Scripture verse, a blessing, and the name of the person in need. The deacons recruit more than one hundred people to pray for that person. They deliver the blanket as a reminder of the enduring presence of God and of the prayers of the church.
Kathleen and Jim Splitt, co-pastors at First Presbyterian in Greensburg, challenged their community to walk humbly with God. Over two years, each biked nearly 2,000 miles to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity, and they led fifty volunteers to start a Habitat chapter in their rural county. The community built its first Habitat home in 2008.
The Presbytery of Whitewater Valley partners in ministry with its 67 churches and 22,504 members; Pyoca Camp, Conference and Retreat Center; and Westminster Neighborhood Ministries.
Presbytery Staff
Rev. Dr. Felipe N. Martinez, associate executive presbyter
Rev. Dr. Kim Leech, stated clerk
Elder Kristy Quinn, executive administrator and office manager
Craig Shaw, information systems coordinator
Elder Ruth Ann MacPherson, general office assistant and presbytery recording clerk
Elder Eric Herzog, treasurer
Rev. Mike Srbljan, financial manager
CLP Fabio Socarraz, presbytery advocate for Hispanic communities
Elder Richard Swartwood, executive director, Pyoca Camp, Conference and Retreat Center
Elder Steve Crane, director, Westminster Neighborhood Ministries
Elder Barry Sumner, volunteer in mission, Northern Quintana Roo Partnership
Rev. Dr. Frank Bean, volunteer in mission, PERCEPT
Rev. Dr. Ray Marquette, associate executive presbyter emeritus
PC(USA) General Assembly Staff
Stephen Hoehn, GAMC
Rev. Eric Hoey, GAMC
Eternal God, we pray for all your children who suffer because of injustice and who feel emptied by despair or oppression. We pray for all your servants who stretch well beyond their comfort zones or even put themselves in harm’s way to minister gladly among those in need. As we follow in Christ’s footsteps, challenge us to lead lives focused on your justice, nurtured by your love, and sustained by your presence. In Christ’s name. Amen.
Ps. 47, 147:12–20 Ps. 68, 113
Ezek. 1:1–14, 24–28b
Heb. 2:5–18; Matt. 28:16–20
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