In this episode of Voices of the Valley, hosts Beau Brown and Jenni Heimach sit down with Dr. Corey Schlosser-Hall, Deputy Executive for Vision & Innovation at the Interim Unified Agency of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Formerly known as the Presbyterian Mission Agency, this newly unified agency represents a significant shift in how the PC(USA) supports mission and ministry across the denomination.

Dr. Schlosser-Hall shares his unique perspective on navigating the complexities of unifying two agencies into one while maintaining focus on fostering innovation and supporting mid-councils and congregations. He reflects on his journey from mid-council leadership to a national role and offers practical insights for churches of all sizes striving to reimagine their ministries.

The conversation dives deep into:

The unification process of the PC(USA)’s Office of the General Assembly and Presbyterian Mission Agency.

The role of innovation in revitalizing congregations and presbyteries.

Inspiring stories of small churches transforming their ministries to serve their communities in new ways.

Practical tools and resources, like the Good Futures Accelerator from Rooted Good, for congregations exploring social enterprise and facility use.

Dr. Schlosser-Hall also introduces the concept of “innovation loops,” encouraging leaders to embrace the intersections between their congregations and broader communities to discern how the Holy Spirit is at work.

Key Quotes:

 “Every entity has its own life cycle, but there’s always an innovation loop wanting to happen. The Holy Spirit often surprises us in these moments.”

 “What brings me hope is seeing congregations look at their current circumstances and ask, ‘God, what do you want to do with us now?’ and then step boldly into new possibilities.”

Takeaways for Listeners:

Practical strategies for balancing the stewardship of existing ministries with nurturing emerging opportunities.

A vision for collaboration between small churches, mid-councils, and the broader PC(USA).

Encouragement to shift focus from attracting members to blessing communities.

Resources Mentioned:

Rooted Good: Tools and guidance for congregations exploring social enterprise. -- rootedgood.org

Good Futures Accelerator: A step-by-step program for creating community-impact projects that align with mission and sustainability. -- rootedgood.org/good-futures

PC(USA) 1001 New Worshiping Communities Initiative: Stories and insights into innovative new ministries across the denomination. newchurchnewway.org

This episode of the Voices of the Valley podcast explores youth outreach in Whitewater Valley Presbytery. Dr. Kristin Lehr, Youth Outreach Director at Orchard Park Presbyterian Church, discusses the value of listening to young people and making them feel heard. She highlights how the Presbytery's Youth Leadership Team hopes to connect youth from different churches through events like Montreat and Triennium, building community and belonging. The conversation also addresses the challenges of youth ministry today, including the impact of social media and the need for spiritual practices. Lehr emphasizes creating safe spaces for young people to connect, ask questions, and grow in their faith, while also stressing the importance of intergenerational relationships within the church.

Ted Talk link: https://www.ted.com/talks/jonathan_haidt_ted_talks_daily_book_club_the_anxious_generation?subtitle=en

Orchard Park Presbyterian Church: https://orchardpark.org/ 

In this inspiring episode of Voices of the Valley, hosts Jenni Heimach and Beau Brown sit down with Mike Davis, the Executive Director of Pyoca Camp & Retreat Center. Mike shares insights into Pyoca’s journey from being a joint ministry of the Whitewater Valley and Ohio Valley presbyteries to becoming an independent 501(c)(3) organization. Discover how Pyoca’s mission has evolved, its current initiatives to empower youth, and its vision for cultivating a stronger sense of community through outdoor ministry.

Mike discusses the importance of camp experiences in shaping young lives, fostering personal growth, and providing a space for spiritual exploration. He also gives an inside look at the various retreats and programs Pyoca offers for people of all ages, encouraging listeners to engage in these transformative experiences.

Join us as we explore how Pyoca is creating lasting impacts within the community and how you can get involved or plan your next retreat at this beautiful, welcoming camp nestled in the heart of Indiana.

Learn more about Pyoca:

Visit their website at pyoca.org to find out how you can support their work, register for programs, or plan a retreat at Pyoca Camp & Retreat Center.

Website Links

Mission etc: https://pyoca.org/about/allarewelcome.php

Summer Camp FAQ: https://pyoca.org/summer_camp/campfaq.php 

Support: https://pyoca.org/support/

Mike's Charge:

Charge and Blessing – Voices of the Valley

As we continue to innovate and create spaces for transformation, I charge you to lean into creativity, not as a pursuit of novelty, but as an act of faith. Trust that in each new idea, there is a spark of God’s vision for a more inclusive, loving world. As leaders in our communities, may we seek ways to welcome all, nurture growth, and build spaces where everyone can explore and rest in the grace of God.

And now may the God of creation, who made all things new, inspire you with fresh vision and purpose. May you be a source of light and hope to those you serve, and may you find strength and peace in the ever-evolving journey of ministry. Go in peace, knowing that God’s love and guidance are with you always. Amen.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Rev. Sara Hayden, the Associate for Apprenticeships and Residencies at 1001 New Worshiping Communities. In this episode, we dive into the heart of a transformative movement that is revitalizing faith and fostering innovation within churches and presbyteries. Rev. Hayden shares her passion for empowering leaders who are dedicated to creating vibrant new worshiping communities that reflect the diverse tapestry of our society. 

1001 NWC Website: https://www.newchurchnewway.org/

New Way Podcast: https://www.newchurchnewway.org/podcast

Lisa Longo is a nonprofit leader with over three decades of successful experience in association management and consulting.  Lisa specializes in fundraising, executive leadership, and telling your story. In addition to professional experience, Lisa has served in many capacities as a lay leader at Northminster Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis, including the last 12 years as one of the Worship Arts team leaders.  Lisa knows the value of visual art to the worship experience and is a regular participant in the art workshops at the Worship and Music Conference sponsored by PAM at Montreat.  Lisa is not a trained artist but believes there is creative talent in us all. One way that Lisa connects to and expresses her faith is through creating worship art and she wants to encourage that creativity in others.

Links:

Northminster P.C., Indianapolis

Presbyterian Association of Musicians

Montreat

Artwork by Lisa and the Northminster Worship Arts Team

Lisa Longo is a nonprofit leader with over three decades of successful experience in association management and consulting.  Lisa specializes in fundraising, executive leadership, and telling your story. In addition to professional experience, Lisa has served in many capacities as a lay leader at Northminster Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis, including the last 12 years as one of the Worship Arts team leaders.  Lisa knows the value of visual art to the worship experience and is a regular participant in the art workshops at the Worship and Music Conference sponsored by PAM at Montreat.  Lisa is not a trained artist but believes there is creative talent in us all. One way that Lisa connects to and expresses her faith is through creating worship art and she wants to encourage that creativity in others.

Links:

Northminster P.C., Indianapolis

Presbyterian Association of Musicians

Montreat

Artwork by Lisa and the Northminster Worship Arts Team

Today we have a very enthusiastic guest, Dr. Webb Parker. Webb holds a BM in church music, an MA in music education, and a PhD in music education and choral conducting. Webb spent most of his career as an academic musician serving universities in Oregon, Mississippi, Maine, and Indiana. He also taught public school in Alabama. With over twenty years of church music leadership experience, Dr. Parker is the Director of Music at Irvington Presbyterian Church (www.irvpresby.org). He currently serves as the Senior Director of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships with Arts for Learning Indiana (artsforlearningindiana.org). He joins us to talk about his work as the founding Executive and Artistic Director of Irvington Arts Collective (www.irvarts.org).

The Rev. Carol McDonald is one of the guiding lights of the Presbyterian Church (USA). A graduate of Yale Divinity School, she has served as a pastor, a mid-council executive, a camp and conference center director, and so much more. She currently serves as Parish Associate at Northminster Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis. Carol joins us to tell the story of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians, an organization advocating for the full equity of LGBTQIA+ people in church and society.

Jenni Heimach is an ordained Ruling Elder who has dedicated her life to serving others. Throughout her career as a public school teacher and in her various church leadership roles, she has been a champion for peace and justice. On this episode of Voices of the Valley, Beau talks with Jenni about her life-changing experience with the Presbyterian Coffee Project, a program designed to support the empowerment of farmers throughout the world. Check out the links below for more information.

https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/compassion-peace-justice/hunger/enough/presbyterian-coffee-project/

https://shop.equalexchange.coop/pages/about-us

Our guests for Episode 4 are Dr. Jim and Debby Riley. Jim is a retired Associate Pastor of Second Presbyterian Church and formerly the Community Spiritual Director of the Indianapolis Great Banquet, and Debby is a retired Indianapolis Public Schools teacher. Together, they lead Circle City Dinner Church, a movement of the Holy Spirit for planting a new worshiping community on the Near Eastside of Indianapolis. It is a part of the initiative of the Presbyterian Church (USA) to develop innovative ways of birthing new communities that are more effective in reaching out and making disciples in a changing, more diverse culture. It has the hope of calling together a racially and culturally diverse people to form a worshiping community that can positively impact the Near Eastside.

Find out more at circlecitydinnerchurch.org .