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Dear Friends,
"Dawn comes later and later now," writes poet Ted Kooser in A Letter in October. In the poem he describes how he would wake and trace the gentle light as it made its way down the hill toward the pond. But now winter is coming. He continues,
...I woke,
and at the waiting window found
the curtains open to my open face;
beyond me, darkness. And I,
who only wished to keep looking out,
must now keep looking in.
How willing are we to turn from looking out to looking in? What prompts us?
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, November 11. The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, November 13. Please send your submissions along to [email protected].
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From the Presbytery Office
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Unpacking Ferguson, with Margaret Aymer,
Oct. 24th
On Friday Oct. 24 from 7:00-9:00pm, the Synod of the
Northeast's Public Policy Advocacy Network invites you to join the Rev. Dr. Margaret Aymer at Stony Point Center for a program called "Unpacking Furgeson: Racism, Police Violence, Civic representation, poverty, pipeline to prison and privilege." Read more.
Farm to Table Gala to Benefit Stony Point,
Oct. 26th
The Stony Point Center is moving food justice forward
with its beautiful, thriving farm - and they want
you to taste the fruits!
Join them for their first ever Farm-to-Table Gala - a fundraiser to support the mission and vision of Stony Point Center. The evening will include a meet-and-greet "campus fair" with with tours of the farm, music and prizes, followed by a home-cooked meal made with food picked straight from the farm. Learn more and buy tickets.
Faithful Servant Award Reception Honoring Chris Shelton, Nov. 12
Former HRP Congregational Connections Presbyter, Chri Shelton will be honored by Presbyterian Welcome on Nov. 12th at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York City. Learn more and buy tickets. Learn more and buy tickets.
Resources from the "Just Eating Conference"
 On October 18th, HRP's Food Justice Network hosted a day long conference on food justice called " Just Eating: Food Justice and Our Community." Explore the presentations and resources here. For more information on the Food Justice Network and its upcoming programs email [email protected]
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
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.
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| 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.
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Living Our Values | |
Justice: What We Say Matters
After ads for political candidates stoked fear through anti-immigrant photos and sound-bytes, on October 16, Ezeqiel Herrera, Daniel Yang and Jeff Geary were part of a press conference calling on all political parties and candidates to reject anti-immigrant messaging and images in political ads and to pledge to not use them again. The pastors stood with Betsy Palmieri, Executive Director of the Hudson Valley Community Coalition and a member at Bedford Presbyterian Church. Read Betsy's speech in full. "As a Presbyterian Pastor working and ministering to an overwhelmingly immigrant community in the Southwest of the City of Yonkers, I can attest to the hard work ethic, love of family and great contributions of our immigrant brothers and sisters. They are our neighbors, small business owners, farmers, caretakers, and much more" said Pastor Ezequiel Herrera, Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church. "They are those who contribute enormously to our society not only as labor force, but also culturally. We pride ourselves on being a Judeo-Christian nation, one that does not oppress the foreigner, but welcomes him/her. Let's reject a political climate that attempts to denigrate and disparage honest and hard-working people for the sake of political gains." Read the full press release.
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Trainings and Retreats | |
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 [email protected].
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.
Interfaith Doctor of Ministry Program
Open House, Nov. 10
Hebrew Union College cordially invites you to join them for an open-house where you'll have the opportunity to sit in on classes and study with their faculty. 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!
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Take Action | |
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.
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.
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
[email protected]
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.
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| For Youth and Children | |
Just Eating Middle School Curriculum 
Just Eating? Practicing Our Faith at the Table helps young people better understand the relationship between our faith and our food. The curriculum includes fun activities, Bible stories and illustrations in story, song and screen that will challenge teenagers to think about food and our faith in new ways. Just Eating? is also available as a curriculum for adults and high school groups.
HRP Food Justice Advocate, Lori Hylton has a limited supply of this curriculum for congregations and youth groups. For more info email her at [email protected]
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.
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].
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| Resources for Education, Liturgy, Justice and more! | |
New Thoughtful Christian Study on Domestic Violence, Football: The Real American Idol
Rob Trawick, HRP moderator and Associate Professor of Religious Studies at St. Thomas Aquinas College, is the author of a
new adult study on domestic violence that is now available from The Thoughtful Christian. In this study Christians will take a look at some of the ethical issues facing the National Football League (NFL). They will also discuss what these ethical issues might say about American culture and its values. Discussion questions are provided.
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| 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.
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 [email protected].
Project Greenway at Scarborough Presbyterian, Nov. 9
Join Scarborough Presbyterian for it's Annual Re-Fashion Show, Project Greenway! A fashion show with a purpose, Project Greenway invites budding designers of all ages to create unique pieces for the contest. Starting with something old, used, rummaged, or retired, contestants re-fashion, recycle, and re-style their finds into something new! The runway show begins at 4pm and will be followed by a wine and hors d' oeuvres reception. For tickets and more info click here.
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| Employment Opportunities and Connections |
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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].
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