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Dear Friends,
In "My Dungeon Shook: Letter to My Nephew on the One Hundredth Anniversary of the Emancipation," James Baldwin wrote
"And this is the crime of which I accuse my country and my countrymen, and for which neither I nor time nor history will ever forgive them, that they have destroyed and are destroying hundreds of thousands of lives and do not know it and do not want to know it...But it is not permissible that the authors of devastation should also be innocent. It is the innocence which constitutes the crime."
This letter, published as part of "The Fire Next Time," was a clarion call to our nation and to white Americans in particular to refuse the myth of innocence which allows injustice and racism to flourish in the very sinews of our society. We stand today 53 years after he penned those words, still struggling with their mantle and mourning the devastation of our inaction or failed efforts. Baldwin ends the letter urging his nephew to love his "countrymen" writing, "that we with love, shall force our brothers to see themselves as they are, to cease fleeing from reality and begin to change it."
Many things have indeed changed since Baldwin's jeremiad was published. With farther yet to go on this urgent journey, Baldwin invites us to explore what does it means to love? What does it means to receive love? What does love show us about ourselves? And how does love free us for new life?
The next HH will be published on Thursday, July 16. Please send your submission along to
[email protected]
by Tuesday, July 14.
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 News from the Presbytery |
Affirming Racial Equality and Dignity: Interfaith Gathering, June 28
On Sunday, June 28 from 4:00-7:00pm, faith communities from across Westchester County will join together in an interfaith service, song and supper. Coming just a week after the horrifying shooting at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, this is an opportunity to grieve, to connect, and to commit together. This is the third in a series of prayer services as an interfaith response to recent events. Prior events have been held during the Gaza Conflict and following the terrorist attacks in Paris this past winter.
This very special community-wide event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is requested.
More info and registration
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Statements by the PC(USA) and Hymn Remembering the 9 Slain in Charleston
Statements by the PC(USA) and Synod of the NE on Charleston
Immediately following the shooting in Charleston PC(USA) leadership released this statements of solidarity and prayer. PC(USA) statement. Synod of the NE statement. The Rev. Carolyn Winfrey Gillette has composed a new hymn to mark this event and commemorate the lives of the nine African Americans who were slain at Mother Emanuel AME Church.
Linda Valentine resigns post as Executive Director of PMA  Linda Valentine, executive director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency at the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A), resigned her position in a June 16, 2015 announcement to staff, expressing her gratitude for serving the church. Linda will be departing on July 10th. Read her statement in full.
PC(USA) Planning Calendars Available! Are you still squishing next year's appointments into the little calendar in the back of last year's calendar? Or maybe some of your new leaders haven't seen this fabulous PC(USA) planning resource! Order your 2015-2016 calendars today.
Young Adult Volunteer Mission Placements Still Open
The YAV program is a one year service opportunity for young adults ages 19-30. YAVs live in intentional Christian community, deepening and developing their faith while serving in alongside local mission leaders. There are placements in the US and around the world. Learn more!
Face to Face Opportunities, June and July 2015
The Church Leadership Connection (CLC) a ministry of the Office of the General Assembly will host a Face to Face Event in Charlotte, NC, July 9-11. Each event will include call seeker's training, networking opportunities, interviews with search committees, vocational coaching, one-on-one PIF views, and other educational opportunities for call seeker's and calling organizations. All call seekers (teaching elders, candidates, ruling elders, and other church professionals) may participate. Search committees for all position types (i.e. installed and temporary pastors and program staff positions) are encouraged to attend. Learn more.
Scholarships for Big Tent, July 30-Aug. 1 
The Advocacy, Education and Networks Team of HRP is making $250 scholarships available for people interested in attending Big Tent, the national Presbyterian Gathering focused on living missionally. Just complete this application. Programs for children through older adult are featured. View all scheduled events, including pre-conference activities. Learn more.
1001 Worshipping Communities Grants
The 1001 Worshipping Communities program of the PC(USA) is now offering three different grants to better enable new initiatives to foster and grow. Learn more about these "seed," "investment," and "growth" grants.
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| Link Hearts! |
| Share Hudson Happenings and  Sign-up for other E-Updates!
Let's link our hearts! Share news from your church with HRP, [email protected] and share Hudson Happenings with others.
Now you can invite people to subscribe to Hudson Happenings and other HRP E-Updates, like that of the new Presbytery Prison Partnership or the Cross-Cultural Network. Click or share
http://tinyurl.com/m2l9kpj
In the picture with two dozen tangled hearts, there are exactly four pairs of interlinked hearts. Can you find these pairs? If you forward the puzzle - the link to HH is embedded within it! So you're sharing the LINK. Get it? Heee, heee.
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Justice
In light of the shooting of nine black church leaders at Mother Emmanuel AME Church last Wednesday by Dylann Roof, a young white man who espoused white supremacy, we have been brutally confronted, yet again, with our nation's terrible wound of racism. Below are two reflections on this tragic massacre that invite the church to delve deeper.
Cross-Cultural Catalyst, the Rev. Sarah Henkel reflects, "Congregations can be places of healing, communities that lead culture shifts toward justice in the cities and towns where we worship. Congregations can also be places where the racism in society is compounded and affirmed through silence, unchecked white privilege, and unexamined power dynamics." Read Sarah's full reflection and connect to numerous resources for worship and discussion addressing systemic racism.
The Rev. Jeff Farley, Pastor of Otisville-Mt. Hope Presbyterian Church wrote this week on HRP's blog A Curious Faith, "No one could possibly have listened to the news about Charleston, South Carolina and not be heartbroken. Standing among the pews of a church in the midst of a bible study where he had been welcomed with hospitality so strong it almost swayed his murderous intent, a young white man, in cold blood destroyed forever nine precious lives, and all who knew them and loved them!
The horror is unspeakable. The racism and hatred is unfathomable. The callousness is beyond imagination. The terror something out of a nasty brutish movie or TV show, or a world far away from our well ordered and comfortable lives. And into this nightmare comes the questions: "Who are you?" Nobody much. "What breaks your heart?" This? If so, what will you do?" Read Jeff's full reflection.
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| Trainings, Retreats and Internships |
Join Presbyterians at Wild Goose, July 9-12
Presbyterians will join hundreds of Wild Goose Festival goers in Hot Springs, NC again this year on July 9-12. Wild Goose is a community gathered at the intersection of spirituality, justice, music and the arts. The Presbyterian Hunger Program has arranged a discount for Presbyterians and there are options for camping together. Learn more.
Prof. Ofelia Ortega from Cuba to speak at Women Ministers' Assembly, July 20 
Renown theologian and church leader from the Presbyterian-Reformed Church in Cuba, the Rev. Dr. Ofelia Ortega, will open the International Association of Women Ministers' Assembly with the message, "Rediscovering the Liberating Message of the Biblical Texts," on Monday July 20 at 7:00pm. A professor who has taught at the seminary in Matanzas, Cuba and at the Ecumenical in Bossey, she was the first Presbyterian women to be ordained in Cuba and has served the World Council of Churches President from the Caribbean/Latin America. Everyone is welcome to this open event with this pioneering and inspiring leader! Please RSVP to Stony Point by Friday, July 17 (845-786-5674). Learn more.
The International Association of Women Ministers for ordained, licensed, certified rostered and all professional women in ministry and students, is holding its annual assembly at Stony Point in July. The Rev. Margaret Aymer, Ph.D, Associate Professor of New Testament at Austin Theological Seminary will be a featured speaker and the Rev. Sarah Henkel is helping to plan worship. If you're a woman in ministry and haven't already registered for the full annual assembly, don't wait another minute! This is going to be a powerhouse event. Learn more and register now.
Summer Camp at Holmes 
Day camps, elementary camps, junior and junior high camps, senior high camps, grandparents camp, Holmes has it all. Check out the wonderful opportunities for a memorable summer experience that will build young people's esteem, deepen their spirituality and be just a whole lot of fun! Learn more.
Youth Food Justice Corp to Launch 
Food Justice Corps is a 10 month internship program sponsored by the Stony Point Center and the Food Justice Network, for youth ages 14 to 21 who want to learn more about developing a sustainable food systems. Join us twice a month in the summer and once per month, during the school year for hands-on farming and educational experiences that look at the environment, fair labor practices, advocacy, hunger and more.
Modest stipends may be available for all member (Funding Pending.) For more information see our flyer and application or contact Lori Hylton, [email protected] or 347-276-2606.
Certification Course for Church Business Administration, July 2015
The Leadership Institute at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond VA is again offering the core courses necessary for certification as a Church Business Administrator through The Church Network (NACBA). Learn more.
New Worshipping Communities Conference, August 10-13
"Pursued by Grace" is the first National 1001 New Worshiping Communities Conference. It will be held August 10 -13 at the Tradewinds Island Grand in St. Pete Beach Florida. It's a time for reflection, relationship-building and rest. Learn more.
Presbyterian Older Adult Ministries Conference
October 13-16 the POAMN will meet in Albuquerque to explore how "The Spirit Sustains: Purpose, Call Ministry and Mission." Download the brochure. Details and registration are online.
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| Take Action |
Educate a Child, Transform the World 
Learn more about the PC(USA)'s national initiative on education, Educate a Child, Transform the World. Efforts are afoot nationally and internationally. Resources, leadership development and opportunities to financially support this initiative.
Get started in your congregation!
Advocate for the Farm Worker Fair Labor Practices Act
On May 19th social justice interns with the Pleasantville Presbyterian Church travelled with their pastors and Lori Hylton, HRP's Hunger Action Enabler, to advocate in Albany for the Farm Worker Fair Labor Practices Act. Learn more about this bill that HRP has been supporting with our partner Rural and Migrant Ministry. Take by sending postcards in support of the bill to elected officials. To order postcards for your congregation, contact Brian O'Shaughnessy of Rural and Migrant Ministry at [email protected].
Help PDA Respond Following Earthquake in Nepal
The death toll from the massive earthquake in Nepal continues to rise. Nearly 4,000 are known dead and more than 6,000 were injured when the 7.8 quake struck just west of the capital of Kathmandu on April 25. The quake, the worst in more than 80 years, along with many serious aftershocks has also caused damage in parts of India and Bangladesh. Help PDA work with partners on the ground to bring needed food, water, supplies and medicine. Make an online donation.
Will You Hold a Courageous Conversation about Domestic Violence?
Are you a clergyperson who would be willing to preach, teach, or have a service of healing this October (Domestic Violence awareness month)? Gradye Parsons, Stated Clerk, and Shannon Beck, Mission Catalyst for Reconciliation, hope to have at 100 churches on the roster-and at least one in every state. If so, please send the following information to Shannon Beck at [email protected]: Pastor name and title, Physical address, Church and presbytery, Email.
TakingITGlobal 
TakingITGlobal is one of the world's leading networks of young people learning about, engaging with, and working towards tackling global challenges.Working With over 500,000 members in 143 countries, resourced by 25,000 educators, this global community provides resources, connections and action opportunities to youth world wide. Check it out!
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| Resources for Education, Liturgy, Justice and more! |
Permission Granted: Take the Bible into Your Own Hands 
Looking for a great way to stimulate thoughtful interaction between members of your congregation and the biblical text? Is your church looking for pathways forward through shocking and difficult stories? Check out "Permission Granted," by biblical scholar Jennifer Bird.
Permission Granted takes a look at 12 general topics in the bible and leads adult readers through an engagement with them. Dr. Jennifer Grace Bird is a scholar who writes for the wider public. A frequent contributor to national religious discourse in the media she is a regular blogger for The Huffington Post. Don't miss this book!
Presbyterians Today Resource Guide for Ministry 
Now Available! The Resource Guide covers dozens of subjects, including disaster response, fundraising and stewardship, the ins and outs of building a website and using social media, children's/youth/ collegiate/young adult ministry, church planting, grant and scholarship sources, evangelism, worship... and much more. Check it out.
New UKirk Liturgy and Lectionary Resources
Written by chaplains and designed to follow the academic year, these online resource might be just the inspiration you're looking for in your local church or campus ministry. Seriously, there are weeks of excellent liturgical resources that are a boon to worship planners. Check out the free online version.
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| Events in the Life of the Presbytery |
Calvary Health Fair, July 11
On Saturday, July 11, from 11:00-4:00, stop by the Calvary Presbyterian Church 120 South St and Grand in Newburgh to learn more about creating your own healthy and affordable choices when it comes to food, health, and life balance. Download the Flyer
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| Employment Opportunities and Connections |
First Pres Ossining Seeks Administrative Coordinator
First Presbyterian Church of Ossining is looking for a new staff member to replace outgoing seminarian and HRP Inquirer Brian McIntyre. Primary responsibilities include secretarial support for the pastor, Session, sexton, and church tenants, as well as preparations for worship services. The position will be permanent and part-time at 15 hours/week, and to begin duties no later than August 18, 2015. Resumes can be sent to: [email protected] or mailed to 34 S. Highland Avenue, Ossining, NY, Attn: Personnel Committee
Hitchcock Presbyterian Seeks Pastor/Head of Staff and Director of Christian Education and Youth
Hitchcock is a warm and welcoming, diverse, multigenerational faith community of 450 members. The congregation is seeking to fill two positions, Pastor and Director of Christian Education and Youth.
Pastor/Head of Staff: We are seeking a visionary leader who will support and nurture our long tradition of serving God through worship and music, fellowship, pastoral care, youth and adult education, and community outreach. Will you partner with us in deepening our faith and expanding our ministries? We welcome all who are inspired by our MIF #06077 to visit our website, http://hitchcockpresby.org and apply for the position. Please send your r?sum? to our Hitchcock PNC, 6 Greenacres Avenue, Scarsdale NY 10583, Attn: Pastor Nominating Committee
Director of CE and Youth: The DCE-YM will take primary responsibility for our Christian formation and nurture programs, collaborating with the Nurture and Fellowship Committee and the Pastor. We seek a person from the Protestant Reformed tradition with a Masters degree from seminary or in education (or equivalent experience), plus fieldwork or substantial experience in a church. The DCE-YM will "Be the face" of HPC's ministry with children/youth and families, in church and community. This is a full-time non-ordained position paying Presbytery minimum, plus participation in the Pension and Benefits Plan. Read full position description. View the Ministry Information Form. R?sum?s may be sent to [email protected] or Hitchcock DCEYM, 6 Greenacres Avenue, Scarsdale NY 10583.
Manager of Administration Sought for PC(USA)
Office of the General Assembly
The Office of the General Assembly seeks a Manager of Administration for the Office of the General Assembly to provide administrative leadership within the Office of the General Assembly in the areas of human resources, financial management and policy. The successful candidate will have significant administrative leadership experience in office operations, budget development, and personnel administration. Skills in problem solving, team building and interpersonal relations are beneficial. This position is full-time. This job reports to the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly and pays a salary of $53,000.00 - $68,000.00 per year, plus benefits. Relocation is provided and travel is required occasionally. The application deadline is July 1, 2015. Contact Bobbie Montgomery, [email protected] , Office of the General Assembly, 100 Witherspoon St., Louisville, KY 40202.
Bedford Presbyterian Seeks Staff Person
Bedford Presbyterian Churchis looking for a staff person to resource their Board of Deacons, provide staff support for our Bedford Connections program and to assist the pastor in ongoing pastoral care in the congregation. Expected hours are 10/12 week and it is a contract staff position. Resumes can be sent to: Bedford Presbyterian Church, PO Box 280, Bedford, NY 10506, Attn: Paul Alcorn.
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