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Dear Friends,
In his poem, A Draft of Shadows, Nobel Laureate Octavio Paz writes,
My memory: a puddle
A muddy mirror: where was I?
My eyes, without anger or pity,
look me in the eye
from the troubled waters
of the puddle my words evoke.
I don't see with my eyes: words
are my eyes.
In his exploration of how poetry conveys meaning Paz writes this provocative phrase: I don't see with my eyes: words are my eyes. How do the words you read, the words you hear, form your eyes? What world are you seeing? What words might you need to encounter to see differently? How do the words you choose give eyes to others, enabling them to see the world anew? What changes for you when you think about seeing through words?
The next issue of Hudson Happenings will be published on Thursday, September 26. Please email your submissions to
[email protected]
by Tuesday, September 24.
Peace,
Noelle |
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Celebration for Peter Surgenor
Saturday, September 16
While the RSVP deadline was Sept. 8, if you realize you're able to come, Holmes wants you to come! If at all possible, please drop an email to: [email protected]. Any notice will be helpful in their planning.
If you would like to contribute to a gift for Peter, you can mail checks made payable to "Hudson River Presbytery", labelled with "Peter's Retirement" to: Hudson River Presbytery, 655 Scarborough Rd., Scarborough, NY 10510.
During Peter's 17 years at Holmes, he has worked tirelessly to improve the program and facilities of Holmes, creating relationships with numerous ministry partners, and serving the Presbyterian Church (USA) through our Presbyteries and Synod, as well as the Presbyterian Church Camp and Conference Association and the American Camp Association.
Lunch will be served at 11:30, and will be followed by a program of recognition.
Stay for an afternoon of fun at Holmes! We're planning to go boating, hiking, test our archery skills, play games, and create some art!
Lunch tickets will be $10, $8 for children 5-12 years old.
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Herman Kumara in HRP in Oct!
The acclaimed human rights leader of the National Fisher People's Movement of Sri Lanka, Herman Kumara, will be in HRP as part of PC(USA)'s International Peacemakers visits. Have him interpret the Peace and Global Witness Offering, preach, or speak to youth and adults about the courageous, groundbreaking work for land and water rights! Contact Rev. Jeff Geary to have him come to your congregation October 9-15 and then 18-20. Read the PNS story about Herman and NAFSO's work as a PC(USA) mission partner.
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Honorably Retired Member Luncheon, Oct. 26
Honorably Retired members of HRP and their spouses are invited to a luncheon in their honor on Thursday, October 26th beginning at 10:00 AM and concluding before 2:00 PM. It will take place at our Presbyterian Camp and Conference Center at Holmes.
This luncheon provides a wonderful opportunity to
reconnect with and enjoying the company of former colleagues and friends,
make new friends,
connect with our Interim General Presbyter, get an update on our transition process, and
enjoy the awesome beauty of Holmes during the fall.
In addition to that, Allison Seed, our Board of Pensions rep will be present sharing updates and news about the program and benefits of the BOP as well as answering questions.
To make reservations, please call Jean Kaiser at the Presbytery office - 914.941.2100, or e-mail her at:
[email protected]
. The deadline for reservations is Monday, October 23. There will be no cost for this event.
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Season of Peace Has Begun
This four-week online pilgrimage is designed to deepen the pursuit of peace for congregations, small groups, families, and individuals. Through daily "Path of Peace" reflections, "Peace Cards" for children and families, Bible and book studies for adults, children's curriculum, an intergenerational peace fair, and other downloadable resources, Presbyterians are invited to define and deepen their calling as a peacemaker. This season is a time of encouragement, challenge, inspiration, and education. Visit Seasons of Peace.
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Emerging Leaders Gathering
Save the Date: Nov. 9-11
At Silver Bay YWCA Camp & Conference
Center, Silver Bay, NY. Emerging Leaders are people between 25-40 who, with the Synod's help, have begun gathering annually as a synod-wide group for community and connection. These gatherings have been critical in helping our emerging leaders connect with one another and begin establishing ways to collaborate with and support one another. Learn more about the network and save the date for the Nov. 9-11 Gathering!
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Seeking Nominees for Young Adult Advisory Delegates and  Alternate Commissioners for General Assembly
The Committee on Representation and Nominations (CORN) is looking nominees for Young Adult Advisory Delegate and alternate commissioners to go to the 223rd General Assembly (GA) meeting in St. Louis, June 16-23, 2018.
Young Adult Advisory Delegates shall be an active member of the PCUSA and between the ages of seventeen and twenty-three years old on the date the GA convenes.
CORN is also looking for a female Ruling Elder and a male Minister of Word and Sacrament to be nominated as Alternate Commissioners. For a position description, please click here.
If you are interested or know of someone who would be good and appropriate for any of these positions, please contact me, Heather Benedict, at
[email protected]
or 845-361-1002.
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Christian Caregiver Circle 
The next Caregiver Circle meets Monday September 19 in Ossining. Come for support and prayer. Email Rev. Rose Chan for details.
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Workshop for Leaders and Pastors Considering Going from
Full-time to Part-time, Nov. 17-18
The Transitional Ministry Education Consortium (TMEC) of the PCUSA is providing a brand new education/training event and it is being supported by the HRP's Committee on Ministry (COM). It is for congregational and pastoral leaders in congregations who have recently had to go, or may soon need to go, from full-time to part-time pastoral leadership. This workshop will provide some training to help with that transition, to help accentuate the positives and possibilities while addressing the fears a
nd challenges.
The event will run from Friday, Nov. 17 at noon - Saturday, Nov. 18 at noon and held at Holmes Camp and Conference Center.
It is expected that this offering will be helpful for those making this transition and hoped that it will be utilized as we believe there is a great need for this type of event. Since this is the first time this is being offered in the PCUSA, TMEC is covering half the costs while our COM is covering the other half.
Be sure to share this information with your church's session/council and pastoral leader!
If your session/council is interested or they have questions, please contact ASAP our Interim General Presbyter, Gavin Meek:
[email protected].
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HRP Churches Commission Young Adult Volunteers for Service
Hudson River Presbytery's congregations welcomed PC(USA) Young Adult Volunteers who will be serving in mission across the nation and around the world on September 27th. The "YAVs" had been meeting at Stony Point Center for training and leadership development. HRP's own Stated Clerk Susan DeGeorge was among the trainers.
FPC Beacon, FPC Rye (YAVs Hannah, Mary, and Maura pictured right), FPC Yorktown, Pleasantville Presbyterian and White Plains Presbyterian were among congregations that welcomed YAVs in worship and commissioned them for service.
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My So-Called Biblical Life, September 23
As an introduction to Dr. Julie Faith Parker's newest book, My So-Called Biblical Life,
Larchmont Avenue Church is delighted to invite you to a reception/introduction with the author. Please join us at LAC on Saturday September 23 from 5 to 7 PM for a personal introduction to the book, as well as an opportunity to have your copy signed by Dr. Parker. Copies will be available or
Click Here to purchase it on-line . Proceeds to benefit the Exodus Project (ministry with ex-offenders). We hope you can join us!
Rev. Dr. Parker is professor of Old Testament at Trinity Lutheran Seminary In Columbus, OH. She is ordained in the United Methodist Church and holds a PhD In Old Testament/ Hebrew Scripture form Yale University. Her most recent book, Valuable and Vulnerable (Brown University, 2013), analyzes texts and traditions related to children in the Hebrew Bible.
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Gymnafa Ganu, Sept. 30
What??? In Wales, in small Christian chapels, folks gather to sing, sitting not by families, but by section: soprano, alto, tenor, bass. The conductor faces the gathering. Singing is a major part of Welsh spirituality. Perfect voices are NOT necessary. Please come! On this occasion of music and joy, we will sing familiar hymns and songs. On Saturday, September 30 from 2:00-4:30pm at Nauraushaun Presbyterian Church, 51 Sickletown Rd., Pearl River, NY. Afterwards, a Te Bach ("tiny tea") of tea and scones. Guest Choral Conductor, Sue Nelson; Organist, Tom Wainwright; Pianist, Carol Dornbush.
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Woman 2 Woman Prison Visitation Training, Oct. 1
Woman 2 Woman, Bedford Presbyterian Church's visiting program at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, started more than 4 years ago with one visitor. Since then, more than eighty women have been visiting inmates at Bedford Hills, thirteen of whom have been released.
We are holding our next training session on Sunday, October 1st from 2-4 at Bedford Presbyterian Church. Please note that in order to become a Woman 2 Woman visitor, you must attend a training session.
Learn more
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Regional and National News
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PC(USA) Members at Risk of Deportation
President Trump's executive order on interior enforcement
issued on January 27th of this year, placed many in our community at imminent risk of deportation. All 11 million undocumented people in the U.S. were made immigration enforcement priorities by that order. Many others living in the U.S. under forms of prosecutorial discretion were made vulnerable as well. Many members of Mauritania Presbyterian Church in Manchester, NH who are Indonesian immigrants, are at risk of deportation. The Office of Public Witness urges calls on their behalf. Presbyterian News Service published this article on the witness outside ICE headquarters in Manchester and of their situation.
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PC(USA) Stated Clerk Condemns President's Decision to End DACA
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assembly Stated Clerk J. Herbert Nelson, II, today condemned the Trump administration's decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. DACA has provided protection for some 800,000 individuals who were brought to the United States by their parents without proper immigration papers.
"The program offered empowerment to those made vulnerable by a failure in our laws," Nelson told the president. "[This action] is an attempt to return them to vulnerability."
Read the full letter to President Trump.
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Regional and National Events
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Come to the Table, Sept. 22-23
Synod of the NE invites you to "Come to the Table," a gathering to share passions for ministry, nurture innovation, and strengthen communities to live into the Gospel. We will worship, exchange ideas, dream into the future, and break bread together. Hudson River Presbytery will pay for half of your registration! Learn more and register.
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Blessing the Waters of Life, Earth Care Conference,
Sept. 26-29
The national biennial conference of Presbyterians for Earth Care will focus on water issues at the nexus of faith, climate change and indigenous people. Caring for and celebrating the "waters of life" has always been central to Indigenous people of the world much as water rituals and images in scripture are central in the Christian tradition. Our keynote speaker is the Rev. Dr. Barbara Rossing, an ordained Lutheran minister, and seminary professor, who is active in public theology in both the scholarly academy and the church, working on climate justice and the Bible. The worship leader is the Rev. Dr. Paul Galbreath, a professor of theology at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Charlotte.
A special feature of this year's conference will be an environmental justice immersion, "Spirit of the Salmon: Water, Culture, and Justice in the Columbia Watershed" on September 25 and 26th which includes trips to tribal fishing platforms and Celilo Village in the Columbia River Watershed. Learn more and register.
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Holy Land Travel Study, 2018
The Presbyterian Peacemaking Program is offering individuals an opportunity to visit the Holy Land through its Mosaic of Peace Conference in Israel/Palestine,
April 29 - May 12, 2018. Learn more.
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Fall ConEd at Union Richmond
Check out Union Seminary, Richmond VA's offerings for this fall which include strategic church mission planning, Christian Education certification, and Interim Ministry training! Upcoming courses
listed here.
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Worship Workshop, Sept. 30 
The Long Island Presbytery cordially invites members of Hudson River Presbytery to join them on Sept. 30 at Bethany Presbyterian Church in Huntington Station, NY for "Presbytery Day" which will feature Dr. Marcia McFee, professor, worship designer, author, preacher and ritual artist.
Learn more and register!
The cost is $20 if you pre-register or $25 at the door.
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Music that Makes Community, Oct. 8-11 
Join this second gathering of musicians, clergy and lay leaders at the Barbara C. Harris Camp and Conference Center in Greenfield, NH, from October 8 to 11 to recharge and renew your congregational song leading skills. A team of MMC's master teachers will lead worship, workshops, and conversation to help you add the valuable tool of paperless song leading to your community's singing practice.
Learn more.
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Forum on Assisting GLBTQ Refugees,
Oct. 20-21
Registration is now open for "Love Welcome: A Faith-Based Forum on Supporting LGBTQ Refugees" a c
onference on the specific challenges facing LGBTQ refugees and asylum seekers and the variety of ways in which congregations can provide support. It will be held at First Presbyterian Church, October 20-21 in NYC. Register here. Scholarships for travel to the conference are available.
The event will feature speakers from the United Nations, the Organization for Refuge, Asylum, & Migration, Familia, the Brooklyn Community Pride Center, and the PC(USA). This is a national PC(USA) conference - open to anyone interested in attending - co-sponsored by the PC(USA) Office of Public Witness, Office of Immigration Issues, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations, and More Light Presbyterians.
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Synod of the NE Creation Care Events,
Oct. 20-21
Join Synod of the Northeast's Creation Care network for a two-day planning meeting to claim our moral voices to combat climate change and help the synod be a leader in caring for God's creation! This two-day event will provide opportunities to share what presbyteries are already doing and brainstorm ways to raise awareness and engagement on Climate Change issues.
Download the flyer with information and registration link.
And plan to attend the special Fri. evening event on Oct. 20 with the Rev. Fletcher Harper, Executive Director of GreenFaith on Friday night for Transformation for the Long Haul - Building Local Religious-Environmental Leadership. Q&A to follow.
Download and share the flyer with more information.
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Breathing Space, the Art of Balance and Bounce, Nov. 3-5
Save the date for this year's American Association of Pastoral Counselor
Eastern
-Northeast
Regions Annual Conference. Friday-Sunday, Nov. 3-5 at Wisdom House, Litchfield, CT.
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Presbyterian Disaster Relief and Irma
Hurricane Irma, a record-setting storm, is now dissipating, but the devastation is just starting to be known. For background on Presbyterian Disaster Relief's efforts, bulletin inserts, information on emergency supply kits and volunteer opportunities as well as liturgical resources for prayer click here.
Members of PDA's National Response Team will arrive in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina this week to provide aid, assess damage, and offer spiritual and emotional care for those impacted by the winds and flooding. While PDA has already been in contact with presbyteries throughout Florida and Puerto Rico, the Church remains mindful of the areas where contact has, so far, been difficult to make. Once the information arrives from the Florida Keys as well as the Caribbean islands nearly wiped from the map, the destruction of this storm will begin to be fully known. Give now.
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Hudson River Presbytery offers Challenge to Change grants that have been inspiring and resourcing congregations to innovate. Check out how Peekskill Presbyterian Church's Youth Development met up with God's Disciples! Learn more about this grant and how it can help your congregation take new and exciting steps into God's future! Thank you to Janis Upeslacis for writing up this inspiring story.
God's Disciples (GDX) and Peekskill Presbyterian
The Peekskill Presbyterian Church (PPC) has a long history of community engagement and outreach ministry. So when a group of children and young adults who use dance and music as a mechanism to pray and serve Jesus found themselves without a place to practice during the 2015 school year, PPC opened their doors to them. Read the full story.
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Resources for Education, Liturgy & More!
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Theological Education Sunday, Sept. 17
Theological Education Sunday is set for September 17, 2017. However, you can celebrate theological education any time that is appropriate for you and your congregation.
On this page
, you will find links to bulletin inserts, a sample liturgy and other tools that help tell the story of how theological education enriches the ministry of pastors and the lives of congregations.
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Coaching Network: Scholarships for 5 Professional Sessions
Are you a leader (or team of leaders) involved in transformational ministry, developing an emerging ministry, or moving forward after being recognized as a network? A coaching relationship can provide time and space for Holy Spirit to be heard and lead you forward in a thoughtful, creative way. As your coach listens deeply and asks powerful questions, you can become aware of and commit to new possibilities for action and become more aware of obstacles that may be holding you back. For more information on the coaching scholarships and to apply, go to
http://www.synodne.org/coaching .
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Got Sermon? Get ready for Advent/Christmas on Oct. 27
In order to best meet the continuing education needs and busy schedules of those serving-and regularly preaching in-congregational settings, the Alumni/ae Relations Office of Union Theological Seminary will be reintroducing and sponsoring the popular Got Sermon? lectionary study series as a twice yearly, day-long conference corresponding to the liturgical seasons of Advent and Lent.
The lead instructor for the October 27 Advent/Christmas Got Sermon? program will be the Rev. Dr. Lisa Thompson, Assistant Professor of Homiletics, with the Rev. Dr. Cláudio Carvalhaes '07, Associate Professor of Worship, preaching and leading opening worship.
The cost of the day-long conference is $50, which includes lunch. Pre-registration is required. Visit the website for complete information and registration instructions.
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Un estudio, Dos Iglesias
El próximo estudio en la serie de
Estudios bÃiblicos reformados
estará estudiando las cartas que Pablo escribe a las iglesias en Corinto y Galacia. Éstas son cartas llenas de pasión por el evangelio y preocupación porque el mismo sea expuesto de una manera que de honor a la gracia que Dios ha concebido a la humanidad. Pablo escribe sobre la verdadera libertad en Cristo, sobre la justificación a través de la fe, sobre los entendimientos de la resurrección y sobre el amor como base central para la vida cristiana. Estará disponible a finales de agosto en www.pcusastore.com.
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Hudson River Presbytery Seeks Treasurer
The Treasurer is a volunteer position to provide oversight for the financial activities, procedures, policies, reports and statements for the Presbytery of Hudson River (HRP) and its corporation in consultation with the Budget Finance and Property Committee/Trustees (BFP) and the Council. The position requires knowledge of General accounting procedures; QuickBooks and computer skills; follow through; and confidentiality.
Read the full position description
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FPC Philipstown seeks Part-time Interim Pastor
The church is seeking a part-time interim pastor for 30 hours a week with a one year renewable contract to begin immediately. Read the full
position description and the
church profile. Send your resume or PIF to
Clerk of Session Lynn Brown, of the Interim Search Committee, whom you may email at
[email protected]
or phone at (845)-809-5200.
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South Presbyterian Dobbs Ferry Seeks Music Director
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NYC Presbytery Seeks Half-time Advocate for Justice Ministries
NYC Presbytery seeks a half-time Advocate for Justice Ministries to work on two General Assembly priorities:
Freedom Rising and Dismantling Racism in Church and Society. The commitment is for two years and pay is $50,000. Read the full position description which includes information on how to apply.
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First Presbyterian, Mahopac Seeks Organist
We need someone to coordinate and plan the whole music program of the congregation, to be proficient at playing a piano and pipe organ music appropriate to each service of worship and special services, and to coordinate and direct the adult, youth and bell choirs. Yes, it is a paid position, accountable to the pastor. Yes, there are other requirements and we would love to discuss them with you.
If you or someone you know is interested, please call our church office at 845-628-2365 or email
[email protected]
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Executive Director Search for Holmes Camp
With Peter Surgenor's retirement, Holmes is looking for a new Executive Director. Ideal candidates should be innovative, open, collaborative, excited to plan and implement programs that continue to nurture current constituencies, reach new constituencies and markets for faith formation, and able to share the depth of their own Christian faith; however, candidates need not necessarily be either ordained clergy or Presbyterian.
Read the full description which includes a link for submitting applications.
The search committee will continue receiving applications until the position is filled.
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Rural and Migrant Ministry Seeks Development Coordinator
Working with a determined Development team that includes: the Executive Director, Managing Director, Board members, other staff members and volunteers, the Development Coordinator will be responsible for the coordination and enhancement of donor development within the organization, and will coordinate the development and implementation of the yearly Strategic Plan. Learn more.
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Reformed Church of Bronxville Seeks
Senior Minister / Head of Staff
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| Oh yeah, I've got the skinny on what's goin' down in Hudson River. And because of Hudson Happenings, you do too! Why not invite friends to subscribe?! With links to local, regional and national news as well as information on fabulous educational and advocacy events, it's your "one stop" for the latest and greatest of what's goin' down in the PC(USA). And with this link, your friends can also subscribe to other e-updates from the Presbytery Prison Partnership, the Food Justice Network and more! Again, just invite them to go to http://tinyurl.com/m2l9kpj or send along this fly pic of me. (the link is embedded). |
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