What is the congregation’s or organization’s vision for ministry? Additionally describe how this vision is lived out.
Spencer Memorial Presbyterian Church, Lemmon and First Presbyterian Church, Bison, are active churches fulfilling many ministries with a desire to accomplish exciting things. God has blessed these churches with dedicated congregational members who have a variety of God given talents. Our churches offer Bible studies; have active PW groups who serve weddings and funerals and continue their own group Bible studies; congregational members elect Deacons who minister to the congregation and have a card ministry; have volunteer youth leaders for youth groups; have full time organists as well as members sharing their own musical talents. We both are blessed with beautiful, handicapped accessible, mortgage free facilities where anyone who enters is welcomed with open arms. Our roots run deep in our communities as both churches are over 110 years old! We offer a prayer chain via phone, which sends out prayer requests, news announcements and other important information to all congregational members. We are involved in several community efforts as active participants and in the giving of monetary gifts as well as hosting lakeside church services; and offering interdenominational vacation Bible schools.
|
How do you feel called to reach out to address the emerging needs of your community or constituency?
Our churches strive to reach outside their walls and connect with those in need. Both churches have a Facebook page to keep people informed. Non-members feel welcome when they are able to celebrate life events such as baptisms, weddings or funerals. Both churches offer special music when needed for such events as Easter, Christmas, weddings or funerals and Bison participates in a 5th Sunday Hymn Sing in their area and both churches have an organist. Bison and Lemmon have stepped into the world of technology by setting up TV screens to display pictures and words for the worship services and have communication capabilities via Zoom. Both open their churches for any community needs beyond their congregations; both are Mission giving churches, in which money is sent to Africa to help build water wells and buy animals for sustenance. Both churches have very dedicated Sessions to lead members spiritually. Our church will support our Pastor in every way possible to the best of our abilities.
|
How will this position help you to reach your vision and mission goals?
Spencer Memorial Presbyterian and First Presbyterian members have long sought to let the Bible guide their vision for what God is calling them to do/to be. They now seek a pastor who is inspired spiritually and engaged Biblically to share their enthusiasm for that ever renewing effort and to empower and equip them, with God's help. We are open to new ideas and a fresh approach.
|
Provide a description of the characteristics needed by the person who is open to being called to this congregation and or organization.
"We are not looking for someone who wants to work 60 hours a week but someone who wants to let the light of God's love shine through them in all parts of their life. We want to care for and support a pastor who is interested in knowing us." We pray that he or she has a deep understanding of their relationship with the Living God, and can project this love of God through their sermons and teachings. Active listening, reaching out and hearing all voices and opinions regardless of age or gender is important. The youth are a vital part of any church, so we would want someone who is comfortable relating to the youth and would be a role model for them.
We also hope to have someone who is comfortable with calling on the elderly and shut-ins, visiting nursing homes and those who are hospitalized. Our hope is to find someone who will become a vibrant member of the community and with that, be alert for opportunities for church growth.
|
What specific tasks, assignments, and program areas will this person have responsibility?
Our pastor would lead weekly worship at both congregations, as well as special services throughout the year; would moderate both sessions; would be a teacher, a mentor, and a respected member of our communities; would make visits to the hospitalized and the elderly or shut-ins and equip others to do so as well. In a small town the pastor needs to wear many hats, but there is a willing membership to help them and the new pastor must be able to have the ability to guide members to take on some of those tasks, as well as watch for maintenance needs at both churches. The pastor will need to moderate session meetings, be a counselor when needed and teach confirmation classes. Both churches have a secretary who is able to do such things as prepare bulletins and newsletters and take care of any communication needs.
|
Optional Links
LEMMON:
As of 2021, Lemmon’s population was 1,123. Lemmon is an agricultural community serving both ranches and farms. We have very friendly people who care for each other. The community has a Food Pantry managed by a former pastor and staffed by volunteers. CAVA (Communities Against Violence and Abuse) has a shelter and crisis phone line based in Lemmon, Three Rivers Counseling, The LIVE Center, Inc. based in Lemmon serves developmentally disabled clients from a large area. We are privileged to have several of these individuals attend worship at Spencer Memorial on a regular basis. There is a newly remodeled medical clinic under the direction of West River Health Services of Hettinger, ND. It is fully staffed by very capable and well-trained doctors and nurses affiliated with WRHCS. The hospital and emergency room are located in Hettinger, just 25 miles west of Lemmon. Lemmon also has a well-trained volunteer ambulance crew, and two fully equipped ambulances. Five Counties Nursing home provides excellent elder care for a broad area. There is also a Senior Citizens Center located in a beautiful, totally handicapped accessible building. They serve Senior Meals both on and off-site. They host, Bingo, cards, games and many other community activities. A citywide bus service is available through Prairie Hills Public Transit and is handicapped accessible. It also provides out of town service for medical appointments and shopping. Lemmon also has a new school building for grades 6-12th grade and a modern K-5 facility. There is also a Head Start program in Lemmon as well as a Christian preschool. We have a local, weekly newspaper, “The Dakota Herald” and KBJM, a locally owned AM/FM radio station. There are many job opportunities in the Lemmon area. We have a highspeed internet which allows for telecommuting. Lemmon is not without opportunities for Leisure activities and recreation. It boasts the “World’s Largest Petrified Wood Park” two museums, and an art gallery. Shadehill Recreation area just 13 miles south of Lemmon is one of the premier State Parks in South Dakota for boating fishing and camping. There are also abundant hunting opportunities in the area. There is also a movie theater and a bowling alley in town.
Please keep in mind the closest McDonald’s or Wal Mart is 100 miles away from Lemmon
Other things Lemmon has to offer:
Following is a list of Facebook pages to check out for Lemmon:
- Lemmon South Dakota Regional History (This is a very interesting page about the history of Lemmon and surrounding area, lots of pictures).
- Lemmon Public Library
- Lemmon High School
- Kokomo Inn Art Gallery
- John Lopez (Sculpture Artist)
- 5 Café’s throughout the city
- The Grand River Museum
- Dakota Herald
- Shadehill Recreation Area, State Park, Shadehill, SD
- Summerville Store & Cafe
- Hugh Glass Rendezvous
- Thunderhawk Wide Open (Bicycle races challenge)
- Coal Springs Threshing Bee
- Lemmon Boss Cowman and Celebration
- Lemmon IGA (Grocery Store) and Deli
- West River Health Services (or go to: www.wrhs.com)
- Dacotah Bank
- Dakota Plains Federal Credit Union
- Bank of the West Lemmon
- Palace Theatre
- Check out lemmonsd.com for more information
-
BISON
As of 2021, Bison's population was 304 very caring, friendly people, serving a rural area of farming and ranching, and is located 45 miles SW of Lemmon on Highway 20. Bison was founded in 1907, and just like Lemmon, has a rich history. There is a museum/public library, Earl's Bison Museum/Bison Public Library. The museum is a taxidermy one with animals from around the world, and now also incorporates artifacts from Bison and the surrounding area; the library is also inside the museum and is staffed by a very knowledgeable librarian. Bison has a medical clinic facility, under the direction of Horizon Health Care system, and is staffed by a full time PA and nurses; and an ambulance crew of wonderful volunteers and two fully equipped ambulances. Bison has a new K-12 school as well as a Head Start Program. There is a food pantry, open once a month, run by volunteers. There is a senior citizen's center where meals are served, and also meals are delivered to those who need. Bison is the Perkins County seat and their courthouse is fully staffed in all offices. Dacotah Bank and the Dakota Plains Federal Credit Union are in Bison for banking needs; several beauticians; places to eat; and lots of other amenities.
Following is a list of interesting places in Bison (Note: a * denotes a Facebook page:)
- Bison's Happenings
- Bison Courier (Weekly Bison Paper)
- Bison, SD Commercial Club
- Bison Public Library
- Bison Athletic Booster Club
- Earl's Bison Museum
- Anna Carr Soddy
- Horizon Health Care (also: www.horizonhealthcare.org)
- TNT Steaks & Burgers
- K Bar T
- Perkins County Sheriff's Office
- Perkins County Fair and Rodeo
- Grand Electric Cooperative
- WRCTC
- Please visit bisonsouthdakota.com for more information
- Gala Days Celebration
|