Hudson Happenings
H u d s o n  R i v e r  P r e s b y t e r y
In This Issue
From the Presbytery Office
Share Hudson Happenings
Living Our Values
Trainings and Retreats
Take Action
For Youth and Children
Resources for Education, Liturgy, Justice and more!
Events in the Life of the Presbytery
Seeking and Finding
Employment Opportunities and Connections
Quick Links
  
  Apply for UN Commission on Status and Role of Women
 
 Love is also something you do
 
Free Polity Training 
 

"The Good Lie,"
Movie + Discussion

 
10.02.14
Dear Friends,

Pablo Neruda, opens "One Hundred Love Sonnets: XVII," with the lines

I don't love you as if you were a rose of salt, topaz,   
or arrow of carnations that propagate fire:   
I love you as one loves certain obscure things,   
secretly, between the shadow and the soul.

While St. Augustine famously wondered, "What do I love when I love my God?" Neruda wonders, "How do I love?"  He invites us to discover the Other, as something mysterious and elusive. How do we love one another and God "between the shadow and the soul?"

Some email services have been truncated Hudson Happenings, requiring users to click a "show more" button way at the bottom to reveal the whole issue.  So check to make sure you're receiving all of Hudson Happenings!  You can also always read the latest issue on http://hudrivpres.org .

The next HH will be published on Thursday, October 23. The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, October 21. Please send your submissions along to noelle@hudrivpres.org
 
From the Presbytery Office
Food Justice Conference, Oct. 18
Register now for Just Eating:  Food Justice and Our Communities, Sat. Oct. 18.  This local, sustainable food conference, sponsored by Hudson River Presbytery, is a great chance to network with organizations, government and congregations committed to food justice and to learn about CSAs, organizing, and community gardens and food policy. Keynote by the Coalition of Immokalee Workers.  And don't miss the screening of "A Place at the Table" on Oct. 17 at White Plains Presbyterian Church.


Peace and Global Witness Offering, Oct. 5
The Season of Peace culminates with World Communion Sunday this weekend.  Are you taking the Peace and Global Witness Offering?  While donations may be made at any time, most churches take this Sunday as an opportunity to lift up the church's peacemaking ministry.  Learn more.


UNWomen
Get the "Do Justice 2" Playlist
On Tuesday, September 23, the Hudson River Presbytery met at Holmes Camp.  Our theme was "do justice" from Micah 6:8 and members contributed to creating a spotify playlist that includes Bruce Springsteen, Spearhead, Pink, Dave Matthews, Ziggy Marley, Sam Cooke and more!  Download the playlist.  Our December presbytery gathering will focus on "hesed" (loving-kindness, loyalty, mercy).  Send your favorite popular songs along that engage this theme to Noelle Damico, noelle@hudrivpres.org and she'll incorporate them.


Resources from "Changing the Conversation"
September 27-28, HRP hosted a weekend of theology, advocacy and worship called "Changing the Conversation: Claiming Our Voice."  Explore all the videos, presentations and the "Going Deeper" curriculum here.  And donations can still be made to support the Presbyterian Ministry at the UN and the Office of Public Witness and are most welcome.


Apply for Presbyterian Delegation to UN Commission on the Status of Women
In March 2015, Presbyterians will join our Ecumenical Women partners to advocate for justice for women at the 59th Session of the United Nations Comission on the Status of Women.  Apply to be part of the Presbyterian delegation.

The Commission will meet at the UN headquarters in New York City and will review progress made in the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, twenty years after its adoption at the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995. Apply now!

 

 

Share the latest posts on "A Curious Faith!"

"A Curious Faith,"  is the new HRP blog where each Monday you'll find a provocative, inspiring reflection on faith lived live here in Hudson Valley.  

 

Recent posts have asked "what if we imagined hope as an anchor (rather than something with feathers)?" and "How does order promote ardor and creativity?"  When you visit, be sure to click the share button to invite others to journey with us.

 


Stony Point Center is Well-Positioned for Self-Sustainability
The Presbyterian News Service reports that despite chronic financial struggles, Stony Point Center and Ghost Ranch; the two national conference centers of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) are well-positioned to grow into self-sustainability, the Presbyterian Mission Agency Board's (PMAB) Finance Committee was told on Sept. 17.  Read more.


Read the Latest News from the Pension Boards
The newest edition of Board Connections, the Board of Pensions newsletter, is now available. Board Connections highlights recent Board news, important updates, and information and replaces many of the emails you previously received from the Board. Read the Oct. newsletter.


Your Love Story...in Presbyterians Today!
The January/February 2015 issue of Presbyterians Today is all about love, and we'd like to share your personal love story. There are, of course, many kinds of love: God's love for us, romantic love, friendship, family, compassion, forgiveness, and more. And all of these are fair game. How did you learn that God loves you? How did you fall in love with your partner? Do you have a funny love story? How have you experienced love in the church? Responses should be no more than 350 words and include a high-res photo. Please email everything to editor@pcusa.org by October 6, 2014.

 

The Confirmation Project

The Confirmation Project seeks to learn the extent to which confirmation and equivalent practices (CEP) in five Protestant denominations in the United States are effective for strengthening discipleship in youth. 

 

Churches in the PC(USA) will receive an e-mail link to our confirmation survey on October 1, 2014. By taking the time to fill out the survey, you can help us better understand the depth, breadth, and effectiveness of confirmation and equivalent practices in the PC(USA). We look forward to learning from you and your ministry!  To learn more, visit our website at www.theconfirmationproject.com.

Share Hudson Happenings

Invite others to Subscribe to Hudson Happenings!

Help your congregation's members stay abreast of the latest news and opportunities by subscribing to Hudson Happenings. A blurb with a link you can circulate electronically is below.

 

Are you in the loop?

Stay abreast of Presbyterian events, resources, grants, and opportunities.  Subscribe to Hudson Happenings, the bi-weekly online newsletter of the Hudson River Presbytery.    Subscribe by emailing noelle@hudrivpres.org or by clicking thislink http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?llr=jupymrgab&p=oi&m=1106537889417&sit=xehoquegb

 

For a hardcopy HH sign-up sheet that you can use, click here. If you do sign-up people by paper, please be sure to return them promptly to Noelle Damico, noelle@hudrivpres.org or fax, 914-941-2263.


HereticsLoveDoLiving Our Values
Partnership - Love is also something you do
The Rev. David Kingsley explores how love is lived out concretely through partnership in New Orleans.

In 2010, the First Presbyterian Church of Goshen first went to New Orleans to do what we could to continue the clean-up from Katrina. 

In June of this year we were headed back down with the same goal in mind. What would we find? Read on...
 

 

Passion: How does singing open us up?

The Rev. Chip Andrus explores how sacred music expresses the unity and diversity of the church.

 

We have had an exciting year at South Salem Presbyterian Church and across our denomination, especially now that our new hymnal is available.  

 

SSPC was one of the first churches to order and begin using the new hymnal.  The new hymnal has expanded not only our musical canon but also has helped us become more aware of the diversity in the church: both theologically and culturally.  You might ask, "How can a hymnal do that?"  Read on...

PAYLATrainings and Retreats

The Art of Transitional and Interim Ministry, Oct. 13-17

The Art of Transitional and Interim Ministry seeks to be a space for learning, encouragement and learning for pastoral leaders engaged, or discerning a vocation, with congregations in transition and interim periods.  During this one week session at Princeton Theological Seminary you can explore either a basic skills or an advanced track.  This program will equip and inspire pastoral leaders interested or already engaged in such ministry.  Learn more.


Just Eating Food Justice Conference, Oct. 18

Food choices matter. They matter to the workers in the field, to the sustainability of our environment, and to the health of our communities. Join Hudson River Presbytery at Holmes Presbyterian Camp and Conference Center for a full day of workshops aimed at making connections between food, faith and the environment. The workshops will build knowledge, explore best practices, and leave you with concrete strategies for engaging in community building ministries that address issues of hunger, equity, and the environment.  Learn more and register.


The conference cost is $20 and includes breakfast and lunch. Keynote address from the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW). CIW is a worker-based human rights organization and a partner of the PC(USA) that is internationally recognized for its achievements in the fields of corporate social responsibility, community organizing, and sustainable food. For more information please email Lori Hylton, lori@hudrivpres.org or 

http://www.foodjusticenetwork.com.

 

Polity 

Free Polity Training and Review, 

10/25 & 11/22

HRP's own Harriet Sandmeier will be leading a free polity training and review in two sessions.  Perfect for ruling elders, new clerks of session and other key leaders.  

 

Session 1:  Saturday, October 25, 2014, 12:30 - 3:30 PM, First Presbyterian Church, Yorktown.  

Session 2:  Saturday, November 22, 2014, 12:30 - 3:30 PM

First Presbyterian Church, Yorktown

 

To register, contact Harriet at hsandmeier@aol.com or 845-534-2358 no later than October 21, 2014.

 

 

HRP PW Retreat, Oct. 31- Nov. 2

Presbyterian Women's fall retreat will be lead by the Rev. Margery Rossi and be held at Holmes Camp, Oct. 31- Nov. 2. 

 

There is also a "day option" to attend for only Saturday, November 1.  Contact Judith Wason for more details and to register at jwason@optonline.net

 

 

Tending Moral Injury, Oct. 29

Tending Moral Injury in Returning Veterans: A Pastoral Imperative, a one-day workshop (Oct. 29, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) will engage teams of lay leaders and clergy from area faith communities in strategic thinking and strategic planning around our relationship with war, military service and the veteran community.  Cost: $100, which includes breakfast and lunch.  Learn more and register.

 


Finishing with Vitality, Nov. 5-7
Princeton Theological Seminary invites you to attend Finishing with Vitality: Achieving a Healthy Ending. This multi-day seminar focuses on the healthy transition of a pastor and his/her congregation once that pastor has decided to retire. The speaker, David Rich, is himself a retired PC(USA) minister with over 35 years of experience leading workshops, seminars, and retreats. The cost of the program is $145 and includes program and most meals. Onsite lodging is available at PTS's Erdman Conference center. Learn more.


Neurophysiology of Spiritual Experience, Pastoral Care Seminar, Nov. 17

 NewYork-Presbyterian/Lawrence Hospital and the Counseling Center of Bronxville invite you to join them for their 9th annual pastoral care seminar, November 17 from 12 noon - 2:00pm at the Bronxville Reformed Church.  The event is free and includes a light lunch.  The guest presenter, Dr. Hasan Asif MD, Psychiatrist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Lawrence Hospital, has been exploring the brain and spirituality for a number of years.  Learn more and register.

 

 

Sea Kayaking in the Bahamas: An Eco-Travel Seminar

The Center for Lifelong Learning at Columbia Theological Seminary announces a unique experiential learning opportunity combining primitive island camping, kayaking on open water, the study of environmental ethics, and time for spiritual renewal.

 

Sea Kayaking in the Bahamas will take place December 30, 2014 - January 6, 2015. Trip leaders are Mark Douglas, professor of Christian Ethics at the seminary, and Steve Harrington, senior pastor at Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church, Sunnyvale, CA. They share a keen interest in environmental issues and appreciation for the power of the wilderness to transform life and renew the spirit. Douglas has spent his lifetime engaged in outdoor activities, and Harrington has been leading adventure trips for more than 31 years in a variety of settings.  For a complete description of the travel seminar, including registration information, please read the event brochure here.  Registration must be completed and deposit received by October 30.

 

 

Save the Date for Presbyterian Women's 

Churchwide Gathering

The next Presbyterian Women's Churchwide Gathering, "One Body, One Spirit," will be held in Minneapolis, MN June 18-21.  Learn more!

Take ActionIraq

Support peace and reconciliation in Israel-Palestine

Gaza is facing an urgent humanitarian crisis. Over half a million people have been forced to leave their homes and many more are left injured, terrified and in desperate need of help. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is asking for donations so that they can provide emergency assistance through ACT Alliance to those who need it most. Give online or through your congregation, designating gifts to DR000081-Middle East-GAZA.  Learn more.
 Orange

 

Orange Your Neighborhood, Nov. 25- Dec. 10

From 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10 December, Human Rights Day, the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign is a time to galvanize action to end violence against women and girls around the world.  This year, the United Nations Secretary-General's Campaign UNiTE to End Violence against Women invites you to "Orange YOUR Neighbourhood." 


 

Take the UNiTE campaign to local streets, shops and businesses, and organize "Orange Events" in your own neighbourhoods between 25 November and 10 December 2014.  Orange your trees, your church buildings and more!

 

FurnishRMM 

Help Furnish the RMM Youth Economic Group Office

Thanks to the wonderful efforts from a number of congregations and volunteers, the renovation of the new home for the Youth Economic Group (in the parsonage of the Liberty United Methodist Church) is coming along.  It is so beautiful!!!   Now we are ready to furnish it.  This is where RMM can use your help.  RMM is asking congregations to "adopt" a room.  Learn more. RMM/YEG hopes to have the office complete by October.


 

Habitat's Celebration Choir, Interfaith Event

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh will be holding an Interfaith Celebration on Sunday, October 5, at 3 p.m.  This annual event, on the eve of the UN's World Habitat Day, will take place in the Founders Chapel (located in Guzman Hall) on the campus of Mount St. Mary College. Contact Deke Spierling for more information at dspierling@hvc.rr.com

 

 

Continue to Respond with Compassion to Unaccompanied Children from Central America

Here are some suggested resources from Sarah Henkel, HRP's Cross-Cultural Catalyst:  minute for mission and call to action that you can adapt for use in your congregation.  This minute for mission includes an opportunity to donate to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.  The  Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s Office of Immigration provides many helpful resources for education and worship focused on immigration.  These resources help to build an informed, biblical foundation for responding to the unaccompanied children seeking safety at the border. 
Hamada

 

The Hamada Project

Through The Hamada Project, individuals, families and churches can send soccer balls and letters of hope to children in these refugee camps.  This is not just a toy; it is a concrete way for children to grow developmentally and is a first step to other educational offerings.  The letters messages of "you are not alone, keep the hope" allow children to know they are not forgotten and that their well-being matters to people here in the US.  Soccer balls and letters can be dropped off at Stony Point Center.  Read The Hamada Project brochure.  

 

This project was developed by Fouad Abdulameer, a participant in Stony Point Center's Young Adult Summer Institute at the Community of Living Traditions.  Fouad is available to speak to congregations, PW groups, youth groups and church councils.  He may be reached at 774-823-4583 or

f.abdulameer@gmail.com


 

Reflection/Action Trips with Presbyterian Hunger Program

Join the Presbyterian Hunger Program for one of their experiential trips which analyze the root causes of hunger and poverty while calling participants to engage in solidarity actions with our local and global partners. The deadlines for applications for upcoming trips to are quickly approaching. Don't miss out!  Learn more.

 

WhatKidsCanDoFor Youth and Children
Curriculum on UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child turns 21 this year. 

Through this curriculum, you can acquaint children on their own rights and efforts to protect them. Learn more.


Send Soccer Balls and Notes to Refugee Children
Read about The Hamada Initiative to send soccer balls and notes of encouragement to children in refugee camps on the Iraq and Syrian borders.  This is a great opportunity to have a youth-directed mission effort in your congregations.  
 
 Room4mission
Have you Made Room?
Hitchcock Presbyterian in Scarsdale and Huguenot Presbyterian in Pelham welcome youth from smaller churches to join them on upcoming mission trips. 
If you've got interested youth, contact Elizabeth Smith-Bartlett (esmith-bartlett@hitchcockpresby.org) or Jacob Bolton (jbolton@huguenotchurch.org) to learn more.  

How about your church?  Does your church's mission trip have room for youth from the presbytery who would like to be in mission with you? If your congregation is ready to "make room for mission," send the information to noelle@hudrivpres.org.
Resources for Education, Liturgy, Justice and more!

A Conversation with Wendell Berry

In HRP we seek to "practice resurrection" a phrase American writer and activist Wendell Berry uses in his famed poem "Manifesto: the Mad Farmer's Liberation Front.  JusticeUnbound.org has published an interview of Wendell Berry by Eric Mount, a member of the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy.  Find out why Berry eschews the title "environmentalist," what he reduces "think global, act local" to, and more!


 GoodLie

The Good Lie, Movie and Hosting World Mission Discussion, Beginning Oct. 3

The movie, "The Good Lie," which opens in theaters October 3rd, focuses on the "Lost Boys," who were orphaned by the brutal civil war in Sudan, beginning in 1983. Fifteen years later, a humanitarian effort would bring 3600 lost boys, as well as girls, to America.  The movie opens in most theaters nationwide on October 3rd. For movie resources, click on: thegoodlieresources.com.  If you decide to host a discussion group to talk about the movie, World Mission will supply mission co-workers, who have lived in Sudan, to speak to your audience. This is an opportunity for your congregation to learn more about the South Sudan Education & Peacemaking Project. With its partners, Presbyterian World Mission has committed to providing quality education for children in South Sudan that instills Christian values, respect for women, loving our neighbor despite ethnic differences, and service to others. The goal is to help the country gain its educational footing while helping to foster a sustainable culture of peace. If you are interested in supporting this project, Download the PDF and Donate to E052172-1. For more information about the movie, please contact Kathy Melvin in World Mission, (502) 569-5415 or email her at Kathy.Melvin@pcusa.org.


 

The Thoughtful Christian: 

Growing Income Inequality in the US
Rob Trawick, HRP moderator and Associate Professor of Religious Studies at St. Thomas Aquinas College, is the author of a new adult study on income inequality that is now available from The Thoughtful Christian.  In this study participants will learn some facts about income inequality and consider what they can do about it. The study includes a Participant's Handout and Leader's Guide.  Download it today!


New Officer Training Resources for Ruling Elders

Ruling elders workbooks from the series are now available from the Being Reformed: Faith Seeking Understanding series are now available from Congregational Ministries Publishing of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).  HRP's own Susan Andrews is a contributor to these important volumes that assist ruling elders in their discernment, election and exercise of their office, explore what it means to be a "transformational leader," and provide a foundational understanding of the Reformed faith.  Order your copies today!


 

Men in the Mirror      

Violence against women and children is often framed as a woman's issue. We know, however, that it is a human issue for men and women to work together to eradicate. Presbyterian men have a particular role in this movement. Learn more about a new curriculum designed for men's study by the Rev. Kevin Fredrick, Moderator of Presbyterians against Domestic Violence Network.  

 

 

Earth Care Resources for All Ages

Don't miss these resources for children, youth and adults from the PC(USA)'s Environmental Ministries. They're a great way to prepare for the People's Climate March on Sept. 21st!  

 

 

Belhar Confession Study Resource

The 221st General Assembly voted to send the Belhar Confession to the presbyteries to vote on whether it will be included in the Book of Confessions   The Belhar Confession emerged from South Africa as a witness of Christian faith against the sins of racism. Penned in 1982, the confession has been adopted by many denominations, including the Reformed Church in America.  

 

A new Study Guide, written by Cynthia Holder Rich, explores what it means to be a confessional church and to meet and confess our faith in the face of racism in its various forms with Being Reformed:  The Confession of BelharThis introductory six-session study focuses on the major themes of unity, reconciliation, and justice in the context of the Church's Trinitarian belief.  Order it now!

 

 

Resources for A Season of Peace

Sign up to receive daily devotionals the Path of Peace and take the Peace and Global Witness Offering from now through through World Communion Sunday, October 5th, to support the peacemaking ministries of the PC(USA). 

HRGoodNewsEvents in the Life of the Presbytery
Share HRP's Upcoming Events w Your Church

Download the pdf of HRP's Fall Upcoming Events for an overview of the exciting opportunities coming this fall.  It's a great resource for your congregation to learn more about the life and witness of the presbytery.


 

Flight of the Ibis, Oct. 26

Mark your calendars for "Flight of the Ibis, Muslims, Jews and Christians in 10th Century Cordoba, the Golden Age of the Jews" a staged reading with dance and music with interfaith discussion following, will be performed Sunday, October 26, at 2:30 at Pepsico Theater, SUNY Purchase Performing Arts Center.  Learn more about this thought-provoking play about fear and inclusion and reserve tickets.



Church Decline and Resurrection, Nov. 2

Join members of HRP for an afternoon with Gail Irwin exploring why many local congregations are struggling and looking at options for becoming more vital.   The Rev. L. Gail Irwin has served congregations in the United Church of Christ and Presbyterian Church (USA) for 26 years.  Her passion is helping to foster healthy transitions in churches facing significant cultural and institutional change.  The event will be held on Nov. 2 from 2-5pm at Cornwall-on-Hudson Presbyterian Church.  Share the flyer.  RSVP to jean@hudrivpres.org


 

Free MFA Events on Prison Justice this Fall
The Masters of Fine Arts program at Manhattanville College is proud to host a series of extraordinary events this fall.  Upcoming events include a discussion with Democracy Now host Amy Goodman, and a prison writing symposium with Joy James & Randall Horton. All events take place in Manhattanville College's historic Reid Castle and are free & open to the public.  And screening of Rehabilitation Through the Arts's production of "Amazing Grace" has just been added, featuring a conversation with Hans Hallundbaek, HRP's coordinator of the Presbytery Prisoner Partnership.  Read more and spread the word.
Seeking and Finding
Do you have a washer, dryer or microwave?
Pam Lupfur recently moved to a new home and is looking to purchase a washer, dryer and microwave.  Might you have one? If so, contact Pam at 310-755-8909 or loopslair@aol.com.


Free Organ
For some time, First Presbyterian Church, Florida, NY (Orange County) has been storing the organ which was once in the former Amity church.  Florida now wants to renovate the "back" building in which it is stored and turn it into a food pantry.  The organ is available for free to any church or individual.  All of the pieces are present but it will require some work as it is reassembled.  The Florida church recommends using Elsener Organ from Long Island City as a highly qualified restorer. Contact FPC at (845) 651-4117.

Employment Opportunities and Connections

Coordinator for Congregational Life

The Larchmont Avenue Church (LAC) is seeking a Part-Time Coordinator for Congregational Life (CCL). LAC is a vibrant, multi-generational Presbyterian congregation of 700 members located in southern Westchester County, NY.  The CCL will work directly with the church's two pastors and members in programs and activities welcoming newcomers; engaging members in congregational life via developing group ministries; and emerging efforts with the congregation's connection and communication via social media. 

Interpersonal abilities, creativity, organizational skills, and a degree of tech knowledge are required. The position is an initiative of LAC's Centennial Project, as a three-year project; beyond that, assessment will be made as to further staffing. The CCL is a 20 hour per week, part-time position; salary at $30K per year.  Contact: Rev. Dr. Bill Crawford, 914-834-1800 x 308, bcrawford@lacny.org. 

 

 

Assistant to Pastor Seeking 20 or so Hours a Week

Brian McIntyre, the assistant to Dan Fullerton at FPC Ossining, is hoping you can help identify employment opportunities within the Presbytery, or for the Presbytery, or with affiliated churches and organizations that might be suitable for him.  He has limited hours but is looking to expand his experience working within the wider church.  Have an idea?  Contact Brian directly:    bmcint011@gmail.com.

 

Peace,
Noelle

The Rev. Noelle Damico
Director of Communications
Hudson River Presbytery
noelle@hudrivpres.org
http://hudrivpres.org
914-941-2100