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Dear Friends,
April's mercurial weather startles us with its extreme contrasts. In her perceptive poem "
This, Here
," poet Kush Thompson explores the abrupt and surprising boundaries between neighborhoods and how they interpret who we are, writing,
This, we tiptoe.
This, we flower in euphemism.
The street has swallowed itself into border. Into railroad track.
This, where the bus line ends.
This, where little boys bike across curfew and into eulogy.
This, where board-slapped windows domino into mansions...
This, deliberate. This, abrupt.
This, sloppy stitching.
In this Easter season, the risen Christ invites us to
rechart the terrain of this world, inviting us to meet him in Galilee -- in that occupied, poor, rural hinterland. What have we seen as we've journeyed from Jerusalem back to Galilee? What does one have to say to the other?
The next HH will be published on Thursday, May 7. Please send your submission along to [email protected] by Tuesday, May 5.
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| News from the Presbytery |
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Special Called Presbytery Meeting on April 26,
Celebrating the Ministr
y of Susan Andrews
Join us at Holmes Camp from 3:00-5:00pm this Sunday for a memorable and heartfelt celebration of the ministry of Susan Andrews, our General Presbyter, who is retiring after nine years with HRP and a distinguished history of service to the church. RSVP now.
Nine Rockland County Congregations Celebrate
On Sunday, April 19, nine Presbyterian congregations from across Rockland County gathered for shared worship and a mission fair. Watch the video. The worship featured a combined choir with Susan Andrews preaching. The offering yielded $1700 which will be split among organizations that were present at the mission fair including Rockland Immigration Coalition, SoupAngel, and Hudson River Presbytery's Cross-Cultural Network and Food Justice Network. Going forward, at least seven of the congregations will be collaborating on three community gardens! The congregations will continue to meet regularly to brainstorm next steps in their collaborative and celebratory ministry together.
HRP Honored as a Pillar of the Church 
At Ecumenical Advocacy Days in Washington DC last week, Hudson River Presbytery was named a Pillar of the Church for its support of Compassion, Peace and Justice Ministries. Germonds Church was also celebrated as a pillar. Individuals, congregations and presbyteries can become pillars by putting a line in their budget to fund the ministries of CPJ, which includes the Presbyterian Ministry at the UN and the Office of Public Witness on Capitol Hill. Read more.
Twelve from HRP at Ecumenical Advocacy Days 
Twelve members of Hudson River Presbytery traveled to Washington this past weekend to join over one thousand people at Ecumenical Advocacy Days. EADs had a special focus on ending mass incarceration and HRP's Prisoner Partnership was lifted up as an innovative and fruitful model for ministry and advocacy. On Monday, leaders went to Capitol Hill to advocate for prison reform as well as to stop passage of the TransPacific Partnership trade agreement for which Congress had just granted the President fast-track authority last Friday. In the photo above, Rev. Pam Lupfer of HRP and Ruth Farrell, Coordinator of the Presbyterian Hunger Program at a rally outside the Capitol. The Peru Partnership of HRP complemented this national engagement with a local demonstration and press conference opposing the TPP in White Plains with Congresswoman Nita Lowey and Congressman Eliot Engel last Saturday.
Coaching Scholarships
The Synod of the Northeast's Coaching Network is excited to be offering five coaching scholarships for ministry leaders. Learn more. First priority will be given to applications received by April 30, 2015.
Face to Face Opportunities, June and July 2015
The Church Leadership Connection (CLC) a ministry of the Office of the General Assembly will host two Face to Face Events in 2015. Montreat NC: June 25-26 & 29-30; Charlotte, NC: July 9-11. Registration is now open for the Montreat dates.
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.
Don't Miss the Board of Pensions April Newsletter
Chock full of important information on your benefits and how they are administered, don't miss the BOP newsletter.
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| Share Hudson Happenings |
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| Share Hudson Happenings and  Sign-up for other E-Updates!
Now you can invite people to subscribe to
Hudson Happenings and other HRP E-Updates, like that of the new Presbytery Prisoner Partnership or the Cross-Cultural Network.
Click or share http://tinyurl.com/m2l9kpj
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 Living Our Values |
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Honesty: In the Workplace, In our Communities
Ever wonder how your One Great Hour of Sharing Offering makes a difference? Cathy Surgenor shares this encouraging report on how a grant from Self Development of People is helping low wage workers address wage theft in Port Chester.
The Don Bosco Workers of Port Chester, New York repeatedly faced wage theft by some of their employers. These low-wage workers who are often hired on a daily or weekly basis, find that at the end of the day (or week) that the employer walks away without paying them. Some restaurants steal workers tips. Other employers refuse to pay overtime, insist on "of the clock" work, or refuse to pay minimum wage. Read the whole story.
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| Trainings, Retreats and Internships |
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 Come to the Waters,
May 5-7
Presbyterian Women will host Judy Record Fletcher, author of the 2015-2016 Horizons Bible Study, for a retreat at Stony Point, May 5-7. Learn more and register.
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.
Stony Point Young Adult Summer Institute 
The Stony Point Summer Institute is seeking Jewish, Christian and Muslim young adults, ages 19-29, who are grounded in their religious tradition, serious about spirituality and the state of the planet, and excited by social activism in a multireligious context. The Institute takes place June 1 - July 23, 2015. Learn more and share with young adults you know!
Certificate for Spiritual Direction Offered at Columbia Theological Seminary
Applications for the first cohort of the Certificate in Spiritual Direction will be accepted through May 30, 2015. The first residential session will begin in the fall of 2015. More information and the application can be accessed here. This program of study is designed for individuals who discern a call to the practice of Spiritual Direction. Grounded in the tradition of Christian Spirituality, the curriculum includes four one week-long residencies on the Columbia Theological Seminary campus, individual reading and reflection, and supervised practice in the art of spiritual direction. Organized on the cohort model, the certificate is intended to be completed in two and a half years.
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.
Scholarships Available for Big Tent! 
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.
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| Take Action |
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PresbyBuild: 10th Annual Talent Show, May 9
The 10th Annual PresbyBuild Talent Showcase in support of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh will be held on Saturday evening, May 9 at Cornwall Presbyterian Church in Cornwall-On-Hudson. The event starts with and hour of sweet treats from 6-7pm, and then the Talent Show at 7pm. Tickets are $15.00. All proceeds go to PresbyBuild in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Newburgh. Advance tickets and information: Patricia Parker at 845-534-7643, or the CPC Office @ 845-534-2903.
Urge President Obama to Prefer Federal Contractors who Pay a Living Wage
The Office of Public Witness encourages you to send a letter to President Obama, urging him to sign a Model Employer Executive Order that would give preference to federal contractors who pay at least $15 an hour. L
earn more and take action.
Be a HeforShe on #OrangeDay, Saturday, April 25 
Saturday, April 25 is an Orange Day to work and witness against violence against women and girls worldwide. This Friday, the UNITE Campaign calls all men and boys to wear orange to show your support for efforts to end violence against women and girls, and join the global movement for gender equality. On Friday, we can all wear orange - take a photo - tweet the photo - post the photo on Instagram and Facebook. Use the hashtag #OrangeDay. Men and boys we encourage you to become a "HeforShe" by participating and hey, tag that tweet #hudrivpres as well!
Let us Break Cake Together! 
Would your congregation be interested in helping ensure graduation cakes for graduates of the New York Theological Seminary's Masters program at Sing Sing Correctional Facility? Read Barbara Devir's article on this ministry and learn how to get involved.
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| Resources for Education, Liturgy, Justice and more! |
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Real-Life Noah's Arks Won't Save Us  HRP's own Ben Perry just published a must-read article on climate change solutions (real and chimeras) in Bustle, the online journal. This chastening read encourages us toward changing our own practices to ensure the well-being of everyone rather than trying to engineer solutions that enable current unsustainable ways of life and fail to protect poor nations. Read the full article. Congratulations, Ben!
Useful Books for Clergy and Congregations
As she retires, Susan Andrews wishes to give away books from her library. You are invited to stop by the HRP Office conference room and peruse the many books on theology, biblical and preaching resources, leadership development, organizational development and more. You are welcome to take those which interest you.
NASA's Eyes on the Earth for Children
NASA, yes the space program, doesn't just care about outer space, it cares about our earth's well-being. NASA has developed a series of games for children that explore important themes related to earth care. This "Eyes on the Earth" site asks fun questions like "which pole is colder?" and where children can learn what satellites teach us about birds and climate change. The site is a great way to build momentum following Earth Day, for a greener and cleaner world.
All Things New Zealand Prayerbook!
So we've all loved the New Zealand Prayerbook for years, but did you know the Anglican Church has set up a liturgical site to augment the Prayerbook? Here you can get alternative Eucharistic prayers and ideas for services. And another boon: links to wonderful online lectionary resources! All pastors and worship planners, enjoy!
Re-examining our Nation's Responses to Drugs 
Don't miss the current issue of Unbound, the PC(USA)'s online justice journal, which features a close examination of drug policy in the US. It discusses the new taskforce set up by the General Assembly to re-examine this policy at a local, state and national level, and key information about the relationship between the prison industry and drug policies.
The Drug Policy Reform Taskforce has established and is continuing to add to an extensive bibliography of resources on this topic. You are invited to explore, share and also suggest publications as the church engages this critical issue.
ACSWP Releases Critical Report on Tax Justice
On April 14th, the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy released a critical report calling for tax reform to ensure the common good in a time of increased concentration of wealth and income in our nation. "Tax Justice: A Christian Response to a New Gilded Age," uses the five lens established by the General Assembly to analyze our current tax system: progressively, transparency, social solidarity, sustainability, and adequacy.
Light a Candle 
This surprisingly inviting and moving website permits you to mindfully light a candle that will burn for 48 hours. You can establish groups with which to unite your lit candle or just "place" your candle generally in the midst of others. It is beautiful to see your lit candle and intercession flickering amid the intercessions of thousands of others from around the world. A lovely individual meditative practice or something that you can do as a group.
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| Events in the Life of the Presbytery |
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Concert to Benefit Holmes Camp, May 16 
The First Presbyterian Church of Mahopac presents an evening of classical music on Saturday, May 16th, featuring cellist Peter Seidenberg and pianist Hui-Mei Lin. All proceeds from the free will offering will go to support Holmes Camp and Conference Center. Download and share the flyer.
Chocolate 5K Run for Mission
Bethlehem Presbyterian has put a sweet twist on their 5K fundraiser for mission...chocolate! Young and old are invited to put on their running/walking shoes and join in the fun on Sunday, April 26th. Learn more!
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| Seeking and Finding |
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Communionware Available
As nooks and crannies at Irvington Presbyterian Church were being cleaned out, members have found some communionware (tin, they think) that came from the former Hope Presbyterian Church in Tarrytown. There are five plates with high sides; three insets to hold communion cups; two flat covers and two raised covers with cross handles. If anyone can use them, they would be happy to pass them on. Please contact Lisa Niven at [email protected] or 914 591-8124. |
| Employment Opportunities and Connections |
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Holmes Camp is Hiring Counselors, Lifeguards... 
Do you know any young (or young at heart) adults looking for a rewarding summer job? Someone who is dedicated to their faith, and interested in sharing that with children and youth? Someone who loves spending the summer outside, surrounded by God's creation? Holmes Presbyterian Camp and Conference Center is looking for them!
We are hiring quality Christian staff who are interested in serving children and youth as counselors, lifeguards, challenge course facilitators, assistant program directors, chaplain or environmental educator. Those interested should be at least 18, and available from mid-June through mid-August. If you know someone (maybe even yourself!) who might be interested, they can apply directly from our website: www.holmescamp.org! Or they can contact Natasha Taylor, Summer Camp and Youth Programs Director
Elizabeth Presbytery Seeks a Stated Clerk
As Elizabeth Presbytery moves from 'regulatory' to 'relational,' they're looking for a Stated Clerk who will bring creativity and flexibility to the implementation of our polity. As they re-purpose the presbytery to strengthen congregational mission, they want governance that's life-giving. Learn more about this 30 hour a week position.
Volunteer Treasurer Sought by White Plains Presbyterian
The White Plains Presbyterian Church is seeking a part-time volunteer church treasurer to oversee the stewardship of the congregation's finances, prepare reports to share with the church council, and complete all tax forms. The treasurer will work with the business manager and financial secretary. Please contact Jeff Geary, [email protected] if you may be able to help or know someone who can.
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