August 2009 Church Publishing Resource Center Subscription Now Available Sharon Ely Pearson, Christian Formation Specialist with Church Publishing and Morehouse Resources (Episcopalian) is offering PARC members the opportunity to participate in Church Publishing's Resource Center Subscription Plan. The semi-annual plan gives a resource center a copy of all curriculum, Living the Good News (RCL version), All Things New, Godly Play Vol. 1 and an opportunity to receive a copy of every book published by Church Publishing as it becomes available. Follow the link for details and to sign-up.  RC Subscription Plan August 09 [49.46 KB]   June 2009 Message from Michael Purintun I cannot tell you how very moved I have been by the expression of support from PARC.   On what had been a very difficult time, these cards and letters reminded me of the accomplishments that matter…touching people’s lives. To put it in scriptural terms, love.   I was surprised and touched by the monetary gift. I have placed it in a special savings, and will let you know how I use it: to record a CD, to purchase something for my future career, or even to take classes to make myself even more attractive to employers. Whatever it is, I will let you know.   I am using the cards and letters in my prayer time, and will be holding the writers up to God in prayer, giving thanks to God, and asking God’s blessings on all of you.   The extravagant love shown by this gift reminds me that ministry is not dependent on a job, but on people. I know the ministry of resource centers continues to be a challenging one, but I truly believe that God has a plan for us, and that this time will enrich our future.   I wish all the best to you, the board and the membership. I am grateful to you all for your support and love.   Sincerely, Michael Purintun Editor, Educator, Singer     April 2009 Michael Purintun gift As most of you are aware, one of the staff positions recently eliminated by the General Assembly Council was that of our friend and colleague Michael Purintun. For more than 20 years, Michael has been our advocate and friend. We will miss him and wish him well in whatever endeavor is next.   To show our appreciation for Michael?s ministry with us, the board is planning a gift, including a gift certificate for dinner/entertainment, cash and an original word image created by Mary Mohlke. We are also collecting cards and notes with expressions of appreciation and good wishes. Members and friends who wish to contribute to the gift may send donations, cards or notes to: Presbyterian Association of Resource Centers c/o Sandy Pinaire, Treasurer 10500 Stonewall Blvd. Corpus Christi, TX 78410 Please make checks payable to Presbyterian Association of Resource Centers and mark them Michael Purintun gift. ALL CONTRIBUTIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY April 24, 2009. We will keep you updated on the new relationship that is evolving with Congregational Ministries Publishing. In the meantime, please feel free to use the PARC Facebook page  for discussion and resourcing questions.   February 5, 2009 Susan Orr Receives Alliance Certification Susan Orr, Coordinator for Educational Resources for the Presbytery of Genesee Valley, Rochester, NY has been awarded certification from the Ecumenical Resource Ministry Alliance. Her certification was announced at the annual Presbyterian Association of Resource Centers (PARC) business meeting and lunch in San Antonio, TX. Susan is the fifth resource center director to be certified and the first from the northeast region. For her certification project, Susan designed and set up a music library for the presbytery resource center. Use this link to take a tour http://www.pbygenval.org/gallery/music-lib Susan is an active member of PARC and has served on the board as vice-president.

January 28, 2009 PARC names Mary Lou McMillin Honorary Life Member At a special business meeting held in conjunction with the Association of Presbyterian Church Educators Conference in San Antonio , TX , outgoing president Mae Weed announced that the Presbyterian Association of Resource Centers (PARC) Board had named Mary Lou McMillin an Honorary Life Member. Mary Lou’s vision for a national association for presbyterian resource centers was instrumental in creating PARC, she served on the planning committee and was the first president. Until her retirement in 2006, Mary Lou was the resources coordinator for Shenandoah Presbytery and a certified Christian Educator in Harrisonburg , VA.  She has the distinction of being the first person to receive Resource Center Certification from the former National Training Center , now called the Ecumenical Resource Ministry Alliance. PARC is grateful for her leadership and ministry and is pleased to name her an Honorary Life Member.

November 27, 2008 Annual Meeting of Parc Membership to be Held at APCE 2009 At our meeting last spring, the PARC Board discussed possibilities for meeting times for the PARC membership. Our by-laws call for a biennial meeting at the Ecumenical Resource Center Gathering. Since that is no longer possible, we feel the best alternative is an annual meeting in conjunction with the Association of Presbyterian Church Educators annual conference. We are inviting you to a special lunch meeting prior to this year’s APCE Conference on Wednesday, January 28, 2009 in San Antonio , TX at 12:30 p.m. Besides business and lunch, we hope to provide an opportunity for you to hear from publishers and denominational representatives. We will be voting on by-law changes and electing and installing officers.     bios of board nominees  [40 KB]   revised by-laws    [23KB]      November 15, 2007 Newest NOOMA is PARC's Christmas Gift to Resource Centers Name, the newest in the DVD series NOOMA , is this year's Christmas gift from PARC. NOOMA is a new format for Christian perspectives. They are short stories with deep spiritual content presented as simple modern parables. They may be used in many different contexts such as worship, devotions, small groups, and topical studies and are suitable for high school age and older. Here's the description from their website www.nooma.com / / /    We all compare ourselves to others. Some of us even wish we were someone else. We question why we are the way we are and not the way we wish we could be. Some of us have let the expectations of others dictate who we've become. We act a certain way to be accepted but know that we're being untrue. What does it say about us if we are unable to accept who we are? Maybe if we really knew our true selves, we wouldn't give so much attention to other peoples' lives and live more in tune with the life God wants for us. Look for your DVD in the December resource center mailing if you are a subscriber. If you are not a subscriber, expect it by mail in mid December. September 3, 2007 Mardee Rightmyer Named NTC Interim Director Press Release from The National Training Center The Board of the National Training Center for Resource Center Directors is very pleased to announce that Mardee Rightmyer, resource center director of the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta, has agreed to serve as the Interim Director for the NTC. Mardee's wealth of experience and depth of commitment to resource center ministry will be a great asset as we plan for the future. The NTC board is working to continue offering first-rate opportunities for continuing education and support for those engaged in resource center ministry.  One of our priorities is to provide continuity for those pursuing certification.  We are exploring institutional partnerships and working on strengthening ecumenical ties.  We're also collaborating with such broad-based educational events as those offered by Christian educator associations and denominational associations of resource center directors. We are confident that you will continue to find high quality continuing education and networking opportunities to strengthen your resource center ministry through a relationship with the National Training Center. For more information watch this website http:// www.resourcecenters.org or write to  director@resourcecenters.org     The NTC Board has joined with the Steering Committee of the Ecumenical Resource Center Gathering to form a new board with representatives of five denominations: ECUSA, ELCA, PCUSA, UCC and UMC. A listing of current board members is available here http://www.resourcecenters.org/board.htm   We welcome your response to this announcement, and encourage you to continue to discuss issues that you feel are important as we look to the immediate needs of training and support for Resource Center directors as well as the paths for the future. December 1, 2006 PARC Honors Jo Bales Gallagher At its recent biennial business meeting, held in conjunction with the Ecumenical Resource Center Gathering in Dallas, Texas , outgoing president, Mary Lou McMillin announced that the Presbyterian Association of Resource Centers (PARC) Board had named Jo Bales Gallagher an Honorary Life Member of the association and had established the Jo Bales Gallagher Scholarship Fund.   Jo Gallagher was instrumental in establishing the network of Presbyterian Resource Centers across the denomination beginning in the early 1970’s.   She worked as a member of the PCUS and later PC (USA) staff until her retirement in 1990.   Jo was a ‘driving force’ in the establishment of the Ecumenical Resource Center Gathering and later founded the National Training Center for Resource Center Directors.   Having served as the NTC director since its inception, Jo recently announced that she would ‘step down’ in 2007. We are grateful for her work and ministry among us.   Contributions may be made to the Scholarship Fund to honor Jo or to honor others who are working faithfully in Resource Center ministry.   Checks should be made payable to The Presbyterian Association of Resource Centers, c/o Madelyn Mitchell, Mission Presbytery, 100 E. 27th St., Austin, Texas 78705 Other business included the election and installation of new officers and Board members.   Mae Weed, Pittsburgh, PA was elected President; Susan Orr of Rochester, NY accepted the position of Vice President; Roxanne Lawrence of Milwaukee, WI will continue as Secretary and Madelyn Mitchell of Austin, TX will continue in the position of Treasurer.   New members-at-large include Kristie Matheson of Norfolk , VA and Joan Erikson of Wichita , KS .   Mary Lou McMillin, Harrisonburg, VA assumes the role of past president and Michael Purintun, Louisville , KY continues as an ex-officio member. Participants in the Presbyterian Denominational meeting were treated to an outstanding presentation by Teresa Blythe, author of 50 Ways to Pray….   Within the context of the theme, Christ and Culture, Ms Blythe led the Presbyterians in a series of meditative exercises combining contemporary movie clips with the opportunity to reflect and pray.