|
|
Dear Friends,
It is the season of Thanksgiving, and a time where we can begin some reflection on all that we have experienced throughout the year. Peace be will all of you during this season.
Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing.
In everything give thanks,
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you
-1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
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, December 4th. The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, Tuesday, December 2nd, send your submissions along to [email protected].
|
|
From the Presbytery Office
| |
Beyond Ferguson: Creating Space for Hard Conversations About Racism, Power and Privilege in Our Churches
Thursday, November 20
7-9pm at White Plains Presbyterian Church
Please join us for a conversation about the crisis in Ferguson, MO and the national debate about racism following the killing of Michael Brown. The evening will be modeled on a presentation by Rev. Dr. Margaret Aymer during the recent annual meeting of the Synod of the Northeast. Churches can and should lead the way in these challenging reflections. This evening will provide a template for similar conversations that could happen in your own congregation.
Please consider using this half page bulletin insert to get the word out in your congregation about this event.
 Spiritual But Not Religious
"Choosing your own beliefs is like a beautiful bouquet. Looks nice, but not helpful when life is tough."
Lillian Daniel, author of When Spiritual But Religious is Not Enough: Seeing God in Surprising Places, Even the Church!* is coming to Hudson River Presbytery, and the Imagining Team invites you to join her! She will be bringing her humorous and provocative insights to two events:
A Discussion on Engaging the Spiritual but Not Religious from Our Strengths*
Monday, Dec 8 at 7pm
First Presbyterian Church of Yorktown
2880 Crompond Rd., Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
A Plenary Presentation/Conversation and an Inspirational Advent Sermon
Tuesday, Dec 9 at 10am
Hudson River Presbytery Meeting
The Presbyterian Church of Mt. Kisco
605 Millwood Rd, Mount Kisco, NY 10549
*If you are planning on attending this event, you are strongly encouraged to read her book so that you can be prepared for an in-depth conversation.
The Board Bulletin
The newest edition of Board Connections, the Board of Pensions newsletter, is now available. Board Connections highlights news, important updates, and information and replaces many of the emails you previously received from the Board.
 | | Faith Guides, Faith Gives |
Apply for Presbyterian Delegation to UN Commission on the Status of Women
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 inquired about "the masks we wear" and wondered, at the invitation of the book of Esther, if perhaps this was the moment for which we were created? When you visit, be sure to click the share button to invite others to journey with us.
|
| 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 [email protected] 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, [email protected] or fax, 914-941-2263.
|
| Living Our Values | |
Weeks of Action to Stop Fast Track
Nov. 8-21, 2014
At HRP's Presbytery meeting, the Presbytery unanimously approved a resolution to officially oppose the Trans Pacific Partnership Free Trade Agreement(TPP), the massive global trade agreement currently under negotiation between the United States and eleven other countries. The resolution represents over four years of work on issues of fair trade, extractive industries and environmental justice by the Peru Partnership of HRP .
Now the Peru Partnership is asking for your continued support in derailing the latest push for "Fast Track" legislation which would rush the TPP Trade Agreement through Congress circumventing the normal review, debate and amendment procedures for any bill. Check out this resource "Ten Reasons Why the Church is Working for Trade Reform"
Take Action Now - Contact Your Member of Congress
- Write a letter to the editor calling on Congress to oppose Fast Track for the TPP
If you have questions please email Pam Lupfer at [email protected] or call 310-755-8909.
|
| Trainings and Retreats | |
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 Action | |
Letter from Sara Lisherness, Director of Compassion, Peace, & Justice for PCUSA
October 2014
Greetings from the Middle East 
As you read this, I have just returned from a three-week visit to the Middle East, led by our newly elected moderator, Heath Rada. Our travels took us to Lebanon and Iraq where we saw firsthand, the fear and anxiety that people across the region are facing as ISIS continues its reign of terror in Syria, Iraq and other neighboring countries. Christians, Ysedis, moderate Muslims and other minority groups are being targeted. Young men are recruited by force to join ISIS while women and young girls are being rounded up, raped and sold into servitude.
We heard stories from Christian refugees who told us they were given three choices: convert to Islam, leave their homes or die. Many were given less than an hour to leave with nothing more than the clothes on their backs. As one Christian leader said to us, "How could I deny Jesus? I had to leave or face death." Click here to continue reading.
A Christmas Coat Story
As some of you may or may not know, I volunteer at the Patterson Community Church, Blue Door Thrift Store. Our mission is to provide VERY low cost clothing and housewares to people in our local community (and sometimes not so local).
We have some regulars shoppers that walk to our store and look forward to the opportunity to provide good quality low cost clothing for their families.
One little boy who always has a smile on his face came over to me last week and asked me a question. He said, "My mother wants to know when you are getting the Christmas coats in" I said, "I'm not sure what you mean by a Christmas coat." He said, "Coats that keep you warm."
Although we get a lot of donations throughout the year we haven't had donations of winter coats, hats, gloves and boots.
If any of you have winter coats for infants and children of all ages and/or adult coats that you would like to donate or if you would like to donate a couple of dollars so that I can buy some coats to give to our thrift store patrons just let me know. I can pick them up if you're not to far away or you can mail the coats to the church at Patterson Community Church PO Box 298 Patterson, NY 12563. You reach me me via phone at 845-661-6240 or email Kathy Frost at [email protected]
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 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!
Donate Calendars for Prisoners
A few years back, Theo Harris visited many of our congregations. He told a story about the time he spent in prison. Although he seldom received any letters, he always attended mail call. There was always the chance that this day would be different, the chance that this day could be the one when there was something for him. I would name his motivation "HOPE."
Not all of us visit people in prison. Some of us may sign Christmas cards in church each year, cards which will be sent off to people who are incarcerated, whose names we will not remember, but whose lives we will touch. When we reach out to those in prison, we offer hope, and we visit Christ in prison.
A very easy way to participate in prison ministry is to donate a calendar. Many of us receive calendars in the mail each year. Why not take the ones you don't need and give them to someone in prison. Last year, churches in our Presbytery collected more than 300 calendars and gave them to the men who reside at Sing Sing Correctional Facility. These calendars were distributed through the chaplain's office. Last year we collected 300 calendars. But there are about 1700 men at Sing Sing, which means we could use a lot more calendars.
When someone receives a calendar and hangs it on a cell wall, there is a reminder each and every day, for an entire year, that someone in the community thought of him. Won't you reach out? Won't you share? Can your church collect calendars and donate them to Sing Sing (or any other prison)? The Presbytery's PrisonER Partnership will be collecting calendars from now through December. If you have some to contribute, they can be dropped off at Scarborough Church or the Presbytery office any time. If you need help to get them there, let me know and I will come and get them from you. Please help. It's really easy. And hope is the most wonderful gift you can give. For more information contact Barbara Devir - [email protected]
New OPW Resource on the PC(USA) boycott of goods from produced in the illegal Israeli Settlements
In 2012, the 200th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) voted by an overwhelming majority to boycott all goods produced in the illegal Israeli settlements. The PC (U.S.A.) Office of Public Witness has produced a resource providing background on the General Assembly's decision and information on how to get involved. Download the resource
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.
|
| For Youth and Children | |
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 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
[email protected]
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.
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 [email protected].
|
| Resources for Education, Liturgy, Justice and more! | |
Farmworker Stories: An Oral History of the Farmworkers of New York
In the summer of 2014, two of Rural & Migrant Ministry's college interns traveled from Long Island to the Finger Lakes to collect stories from a diversity of farmworkers in New York State. The short films will be shown as a webseries on the RMM blog, Witness, starting on October 24th.
Rural & Migrant Ministry has over a thirty year history of nurturing leadership in rural New York State through programs of youth empowerment, education, and accompaniment of workers. We hope that this film can be used as a tool to amplify the voices of farmworkers, who often go unheard.
|
| Events 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.
Film Screenings & Discussions
Sunday, November 16
Harvest Empire
How might Rockland Churches become better neighbors with our Spanish-speaking brothers and sisters?
 Nauraushaun Presbyterian Church and the United Church of Spring Valley invite you to a viewing and discussion, led by Ron Figueroa, co-chair of the Rockland Immigration Coalition and coordinator of the county's Office for Community Resources .5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Nauraushaun Church
51 Sickletown Rd., Pearl River
Monday, November 17
American Meat
Huguenot Presbyterian Church is screening the film American Meat, a solutions-oriented documentary chronicling the current state of the U.S. meat industry. Director Graham Merriwether will host a Q&A immediately following the film.
Saturday, November 22
Food Chains
Quad Cinemas, 13th Street ,NYC at 7:00 pm
Food Chains reveals the human cost in our food supply and the  complicity of large buyers of produce like fast food and supermarkets. Fast food is big, but supermarkets are bigger - earning $4 trillion globally. They have tremendous power over the agricultural system.
The narrative of the film focuses on an intrepid and highly lauded group of tomato pickers from Southern Florida - the Coalition of Immokalee Workers or CIW - who are revolutionizing farm labor. Their story is one of hope and promise for the triumph of morality over corporate greed - to ensure a dignified life for farm workers and a more humane, transparent food chain.
Join a group of your fellow Presbyterians as we head into NYC for a screening and discussion of the film with the Filmmakers. Tickets will be $8 each if we can pull together a group of 20 ppl. Email [email protected] or call 347-276-2606 for more information.
Music to Table, Friday, November 21st
 Join Palisades Presbyterian Church for the first concert in its Music to Table Concert Series featuring Jim Kima
Seniors $20
Students/Kids $10
|
| 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, [email protected].
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: [email protected].
|
|
|
