Voices of the Valley

Voices of the Valley Season 2, Episode 4--Mike Davis

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.

Voices of the Valley Season 2, Episode 3--Rev. Sara Hayden

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

Voices of the Valley Season 2, Episode 2.5 Lisa Longo with Extended Commentary by Rev. Brian Shivers

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

Voices of the Valley Season 2, Episode 2 Lisa Longo

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

Voices of the Valley Season 2, Episode 1--Dr. Webb Parker

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).

Voices of the Valley Season 1, Episode 6--Rev. Carol McDonald

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.LinksCovenant Network website - https://covnetpres.orgCamp Pyoca kin·dom camp Details and Registration - https://pyoca.org/summer_camp/kindomcamp.php

Voices of the Valley Season 1, Episode 5--Jenni Heimach

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

Voices of the Valley, Season 1, Episode4--Rev. Jim and Debby Riley

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 .

Voices of the Valley, Season 1, Episode 3--Rev. Elizabeth Kaznak-Hall

The Rev. Liz Kaznak-Hall is a Presbyterian Minister currently serving in a private foundation and supporting the welcoming and care of refugee families with a group of like-hearted volunteers. In this episode of Voices of the Valley, Liz shares her vocational journey, theological/relational insight, and practical suggestions in the area of refugee ministry. We also welcome as our guest host the Rev. Bob Heimach, as Bob reflects with Liz on their shared friendship and ministry.
You can learn more about local efforts in welcoming and caring for refugees at www.exodusrefugee.org.

Voices of the Valley, Season 1, Episode 2--Pastors Martin and Sandy Garcia

In this episode of Voices of the Valley, we are honored to have Pastors Martin and Sandy Garcia of Amistad Church in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, share their incredible journey of faith, love, and community building.Discover the unique approach of Amistad Church, where inclusivity, diversity, and a strong sense of community are at the forefront. Martin and Sandy share stories of resilience, hope, and the role faith plays in navigating life's complexities.Stay connected with Amistad Church by visiting their website at https://www.amistadfw.com.