First Presbyterian Church of Carroll hosted a retirement celebration for their pastor, the Rev. Ricarda (Rikki) Sorensen on Sunday, March 12. Rev. Ian McMullen was on hand to present the presbytery’s retirement gift. Pastor Rikki’s last Sunday in the pulpit will be Easter Sunday, April 9. After her retirement, Rikki and her husband Peter plan to move to Texas to be closer to their family.

Commissioned Ruling Elders (CRE) in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) are invited to participate in one of three cohorts whose goals are collegial support, sharing new ideas, and learning best practices for ministry. The cohorts are designed to test the church’s need for such support and to strengthen the design of future cohorts.

These inaugural cohorts will meet for six months in 2022 with the aim of providing data that will inform the future of the PSCE-sponsored CRE project. Groups will consist of up to eight participants and a facilitator. The cohorts will meet for two hours once each month on Zoom. Participants will receive a stipend of $300 for the six months.

Each participant must have a current commission in effect. Topics for engagement by participants will include spiritual disciplines and practices, seasonal needs in the church’s program year (i.e., Advent, church school, session meetings, educational opportunities), and the sharing of the needs and concerns of each participant. Preparation for meetings may include short reading assignments.

This program is sponsored by Union Presbyterian Seminary’s P.S.C.E. program (Presbyterians Supporting Christian Education), which provides support for those in ministry in the denomination. A set of cohorts is currently under way for Christian Educators. This new initiative expands the meaning of Christian Education to include the broader work of the church.

Applications will be received beginning March 1 and deadline for applications is April 22. The cohorts will run from May – November 2022. For further information, contact Mariyln Johns.

Ankeny Presbyterian Church, a 185-member congregation of the PC(USA), is seeking a full-time Director of Outreach and Discipleship (including Christian Education).  This person will guide us in reaching new people and developing innovative discipleship strategies.  Ankeny is one of the fastest growing cities in the Midwest and offers plentiful opportunities for ministry.  APC is located in a stable neighborhood with an excellent facility, strong financial resources, and committed leadership with a vision for sharing God’s love in our neighborhood and beyond. The starting salary is between $36,000 and $40,000, commensurate with experience.  We offer paid vacation, medical expense assistance, flexible hours, and multiple paid holidays.  We are open to negotiation. If you are interested, please contact Pastor Eric Pasanchin.  To learn more about the church, visit www.ankenypcusa.org.