475 Riverside Drive Suite 1600, New York, NY 10115
Happenings In & Around the Presbytery of NYC
08.10.18
Greetings!
T his newsletter is published on the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month. All items for potential inclusion must be submitted via email to newsletter@presbynyc.org by noon on the Wednesday before the newsletter in published. the next issues of the newsletter will be published on August 24th, September 14th & 28th. All items are subject to review and editing. Timely submission does not guarantee inclusion.

Information, articles and links in this newsletter are provided for information only to the congregations and members of the presbytery. Nothing in this message should be construed as the official position of the presbytery unless noted as such.
From the Office of the Executive Presbyter
Vacation  
vacare ‘be unoccupied’
"freedom from obligations, leisure, release" (from some activity or occupation)

Vocation
vocare ‘to call.’
spiritual calling," from Old French vocacion "call, consecration; calling, profession" 
a summons or strong inclination to a particular state or course of action

Since the establishment of Vocational Guidance in 1908 by the engineer Frank Parsons, the use of the term “vocation” has evolved, with emphasis shifting to an individual's development of talents and abilities in the choice and enjoyment of a career. 

Vocare and Vacare
Both words have but a single vowel that distinguishes them in Latin. Vocare is a call, or a calling; a summons or strong inclination to particular occupation or course of action—which you may also hear as “vocation.”  Vacare is to unoccupied, free from obligations from some activity or occupation—which you may also hear as “vacation.” Which is an etymological way of saying I will be taking a vacation from my vocation August 14-28.  

I hope you have places and times when you also feel free from some activity or occupation, whether it is after working and study hours or home chores and errands or childcare responsibilities. Sometimes for myself, obligations may slowly erode space for vacare—freedom from such obligations. For others, there may little means or opportunity to have a vacation; some wait until retirement. Having such space for vacare certainly is built into our biblical heritage: from creation—a day to rest, the fourth of ten commandments to keep the sabbath, and practices of Jesus to get away to a lonely place to pray. To stop work, rest, reconnect with God and others for spiritual nurture and guidance. Would that not make moments of vacare – to be unoccupied, part of vocare—our calling from God?

God be gracious to us in helping us to find both vocare (calling) and vacare (freedom from obligations) in our lives and to similarly help others to have this in their lives. 

Robert Foltz-Morrison
Trip to Ghana for New York City Presbytery
R ev. Dr. Yaw Frimpong-Manso, ex-Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana and Designated Pastor of the Emmanuel Presbyterian Reformed Church in the Bronx, has organized with Rev. Dr. Foltz-Morrison a trip to Ghana October 15-25. We will be leaving from JFK Airport and spending the first few days in Accra, visiting our Reformed family PCG headquarters and the area before heading to Kumasi—the region of the Asante Kingdom and visiting the Manhyia Palace, and worshiping in churches in Kumasi. We then spend a couple days on Cape Coast reflecting on Ghana’s experience of colonialism and slavery, before heading back to Accra and returning to the United States. There is limited space for about 18 persons and a $200 deposit to be paid to the Emmanuel Presbyterian Reformed Church by September 15. We currently have four PNYC congregations led by Ghanaian church leaders and thank Dr. Frimpong-Manso for organizing this trip and furthering our relationship with our sister denomination in Ghana. For more information call Dr. Frimpong-Manso (914-920-8354) or Ishmael Hodanu (347-506-8041).
From the Committee on Witness to Society and the World and the Advocate for Justice Ministries
Upcoming events from the Committee on Witness to Society and the World

Save the Dates!
Watch for Details at the Presbytery of New York City Facebook page and the

August 23  –  Stop Mass Incarceration: Join Us & Have Your Voices Heard ; an interfaith forum held at First Presbyterian Church of Forest Hills (70-35 112th Street, Forest Hills, NY 11375); The Forum will include: a panel of faith leaders discussing the moral imperative of closing Rikers and ending race-based and wealth-based detention; a presentation by a representative of The Independent Commission on New York City Criminal Justice and Incarceration Reform (the Lipmann Commission) about their recommendations to close Rikers, reduce the jail population, and move to borough-based justice centers; and open discussion with time for questions.
Doors open at 6:30 pm; program begins at 7:00 pm. This forum is held in partnership with JustLeadershipUSA. REGISTER NOW .
 
September 28-30  –  Self-Development of People Weekend;  the Rev. Alonzo Johnson and Margaret Mwale of the PC(USA) Self-Development of People ministry will join us to talk about SDOP’s work and how to create an SDOP committee within the Presbytery of New York City; there will be a public workshop on Sunday, September 30.
 
October 7-9  –  International Peacemaker Visit ; the Rev. Alex Awad will visit the presbytery; the Rev. Awad served as Dean of Students and full-time instructor at Bethlehem Bible College in Bethlehem for 24 years; he also served as senior pastor at East Jerusalem Baptist Church. If you would like to have the Rev. Awad speak at your congregation, contact Mark Koenig .
 
November 9-12  –  Advocacy Weekend ; the Rev. Jimmie Hawkins and other staff of the PC(USA) Office of Public Witness will speak about why the church engages in public witness and how we might do so more effectively.
 
If you have questions about any events or the work of the Committee on Witness to Society and the World (CWSW) you can contact  Mark Koenig .
The Rev. Dr. Katie Geneva Cannon Dies
T he Rev. Dr. Katie Geneva Cannon, a pioneer and legend in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), died Wednesday, Aug. 8. She was the Annie Scales Rogers Professor of Christian Social Ethics at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, Virginia, and the first African-American woman ordained as a minister of Word and sacrament in the former United Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). She was also a minister member of the Presbytery of Philadelphia.

Cannon was recently recognized for her outstanding lifetime contributions to and on behalf of the PC(USA) at the 223rd General Assembly (2018) in St. Louis, where she received the Award for Excellence in Theological Education. The award, which is conferred biennially by the Committee on Theological Education and the Theological Education Fund of the Presbyterian Foundation, is the highest honor in the PC(USA) for those who teach, lead and support theological education. Full story

  • Rev. Dr. Katie Cannon's biography from Union Presbyterian Seminary
  • An Interview with Rev. Dr. Katie Cannon at Princeton’s 2017 Women’s Conference
Synod of the Northeast 2018 Synod Assembly - Registerater Now!
WHERE
660 Albany Shaker Road
Albany, NY 12211

WHEN
Pre-Assembly  
Thursday & Friday
September 20-21, 2018
1:00pm - noon

Synod Assembly
Friday & Saturday
September 21-22, 2018
noon - 2:00pm
 
T he Synod of the Northeast is so excited to invite you to the  2018 Synod Assembly  -- their biannual synod-wide fellowship gathering for celebration, business, and visioning!

There are two opportunities for you to gather with the community, both of which will be held at   The Desmond Hotel   in Albany, NY. The first is our Pre-assembly event, followed by the Synod Assembly itself.

Registration  is open now!

Pre-Assembly
On Thursday and Friday, September 20-21 we will once again be hosting  Crossroads Anti-Racism Organizing & Training  to facilitate a seminar on race and dismantling racism.  

This event is open to everyone in the Synod community, regardless of whether you're attending the Assembly itself or not. This seminar will be valuable to both those who have attended Crossroads trainings before and those who have not. This seminar will take prior participants deeper while also introducing newcomers to foundational materials. 

We all come to anti-racism work with different backgrounds and experiences. The Synod invites you to bring those varied perspectives with you, knowing that our shared experience will be richer with your presence.  Click here to register now.

Synod Assembly
The Synod Assembly itself will take place September 21-22, beginning Friday at noon and concluding Saturday at 2:00pm.

The Assembly is an open meeting, and anyone is welcome to attend, though participation varies somewhat depending on your role:
  • Commissioners and Young Adult Advisory Delegates (YAADs) are officially elected by their presbyteries and the Synod will pay for their travel, lodging, and meals.
  • The Synod will also cover expenses for official Synod Mission & Ministries Commission members who were not also elected as Assembly Commissioners by their presbyteries.
  • Presbyteries will bear the cost for their leaders/staff to attend.
  • Observers will pay their own way.
More information about the Assembly schedule and special guests will be coming soon!   Click here to register now.
PC(USA) Store Providing Curriculum Choices for the Entire Year
W ould you like to cross one task off your regular to-do list? Just in time for fall, below are three curriculum options to set up for an entire school year, or longer.

Feasting on the Word , a lectionary-based curriculum for kindergarten through adult, is available in print or downloadable format. Sample sessions, scope and sequence, and more information available here .  



Growing in Grace & Gratitude children’s curriculum is available in print or downloadable format. Sample sessions, scope and sequence, and more information available here .

The Present Word curriculum for adults is available in regular and large print, audio CD, and Braille. Worship leaflets are available as an additional purchase. The fall quarter begins with the book of Genesis


2019 Presbyterian Youth Triennium - July 16-20, 2019
“Here’s my heart” – our young people are saying to us, to the church, to the world! “Here’s my heart!” God says right back to us.

Get READY for the 2019 Presbyterian Youth Triennium – a gathering for high school age youth from the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church (entering 9th grade through graduated 12th grade) that occurs every three years. The 2019 event is July 16-20, 2019 at Purdue University. The theme for the 2019 event is “Here’s My Heart”.!

Find more about registration, event plans and travel information from the various tabs found on this site. All participants must be registered through a local presbytery or church delegation. Learn more.

A classic melody for a new generation’s voice!


Questions? Contact National Registrar MOLLY ATKINSON – molly.atkinson@pcusa.org
Manse Available for Rent
F irst Presbyterian Church of Forest Hills wants to share its manse with a Teaching Elder and family. It’s a beautiful 5-bedroom, 2½ bath home next to the church, just blocks from the E/F/M/R subway, LIRR, and Flushing Meadows Park.. We need $3,000 (firm) per month to cover costs. You pay utilities. Please contact Jack Lohr jacklohr@gmail.com or 201-406-8991. Address: 112-06 70th Rd., Forest Hills, NY 11375 . Available as early as August 1.
Princton Theological Seminary's Office of Continuing Edication
T hrough the Office of Continuing Education, Princeton Theological Seminary offers ministry leaders opportunities for theological formation, spiritual renewal, and leadership development. Pastors, ministry professionals, and volunteers will find a place to network, share ideas, learn and grow in a spiritually rich, Christ-centered environment—both on campus and online. Learning opportunities include on campus events, original educational resources found on The Thread, and online courses of study such as C:TM – The Certificate in Theology and Ministry. Some of the online and on campus learning opportunities include:

  • Wine & the Bible
  • Independent Study for Church Leaders
  • Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising
  • Certificate in Theology & Ministry
  • The Art of Transitional Ministry
PC(USA) Racial Ethnic & Women's Ministries Has a New Name
M inistry name changed through action of General Assembly 223
Racial Ethnic & Women’s Ministries (RE&WM) of the Presbyterian Mission Agency has a new name. The ministry area is now Racial Equity & Women’s Intercultural Ministries (RE&WIM).

The change in language was approved by the 223rd General Assembly (2018) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), which agreed to no longer use the term “racial ethnic people.” Rather, the Assembly adopted the terms “people of color,” “communities of color,” “congregations of color” “leaders of color” as more appropriate.
Key Statistical Insights from Churches in 2018
Listen to a discussion on statistical trends in churches today and what those trends can mean for your church in the future.
Highlights include: 
  • Churches shouldn't settle when it comes to attendance, but try to get members to become more regularly engaged.
  • Building a bigger building might not the best way for your church to reach more people.
  • Churches are starting to engage students as volunteers in ministry and seeing them connect better to the church as a result.
  • When your church starts to track different metrics, it forces discussions on intentionality of service and evangelism.
S tewardship Kaleidoscope is an annual conference offering excellent plenary speakers, informative workshop leaders, provocative worship experiences, and incredible networking opportunities for all who are passionate about stewardship and generosity. Drawing leaders from across the Lutheran Church (ELCA) and the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) and beyond, Stewardship Kaleidoscope is designed to help participants explore stewardship, in its many colorful dimensions! Learn more.
Parish Publishing's 2018 Stewardship Program is Here... Order Now!
A re you looking for a well-written, effective and easy-to-use stewardship program? Parish Publishing's program for 2018 ... Graced by the Fruits of Our Labor is flexible, easy to use, and written to inspire faithful stewardship by our team of professional writers.
Their programs include all the necessary resources to run a successful campaign that focuses on committing time, talent and treasure. Programs culminate on “Commitment Sunday” when people turn in their commitment forms. All core resources are available online at the  Parish Resource Center  and can be downloaded right to your computer for easy customization! Programs are either 100% downloadable, or have coordinated, professionally printed materials available separately.
Embracing Change Workshop - Leading Change in the Church Without Rebellion, Resignations, or Regret!
T hriving churches know that growth requires change. But fear of change often paralyzes leaders from leading the changes needed to move forward. It's keeping the church from fulfilling its potential. This online course will present a proven process for leading organizational change—without rebellion, resignations, or regret. You’ll learn a 6-step process that will help you effectively lead change and create a culture that accepts change. We’ll also help you examine the competencies needed to be an effective change-agent leader.
2018-19 Presbyterian Planing Calendar
Order Your New Planing Calendar Now!
T his 19-month, official PC(USA) calendar (June 2018 – December 2019) is an outstanding and well-loved resource for pastors, church leaders and members interested in the life and mission of the church. It features monthly planning and worship suggestions, lectionary readings, a liturgical color guide, foldout synod, presbytery and world maps, plus directories of PC(USA) staff, offices, synods and presbyteries. The wirebound calendar measures 8½ x 11″ and is punched to fit a standard binder. Order Copies Now!
PCUSA News
‌
Presbytery Meeting Dates and Material Deadlines
Stated Meeting
Sat., Sept. 29, 2018
Tues., Nov. 27,2018
Location
Invitation Needed
Invitation Needed
Material Due (by 5:00 PM)
Fri., Sept. 14, 2018
Fri., Nov. 9, 2018
Committee on Ministry Meeting Dates and Material Deadlines
All material for COM's consideration must be emailed to the committee at com@presbynyc.org
COM Meeting Dates
COM WILL NOT MEET IN AUGUST
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
Tuesday, October 2, 2018
Tuesday, November 6, 2018
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
Tuesday, February 5, 2019
Tuesday, March 5, 2019
COM Material Due Dates
COM WILL NOT MEET IN AUGUST
Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
Tuesday, November 20, 2018
*FRIDAY, December 21, 2018 (early)
Tuesday, January 22, 2019
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
*EARLY DUE TO CHRISTMAS
On Calling a Pastor
On Calling a Pastor , is a resource for pastor nominating committees and mid councils is now available. Each section of the manual builds upon the next to walk users through the call process highlighting the partners in the call process, polity, using the CLC system, and emphasizing the need for spiritual discernment. The resource is in PDF format. It may be read online or downloaded and printed. "On Calling a Pastor" includes videos, links to online resources, case studies, and "teach the teacher" Power Points for those training pastor nominating committees. Download the full handbook or individual chapters. You may also watch supplemental videos. To access the video links from within the PDFs, click on the icons found in the various chapters.

The Church Leadership Connection staff is here to serve you. If you need any assistance or have questions, contact them by phone at 888-728-7228, ext. 8550, or by email at clcstaff@pcusa.org .
Employment Opportunities Within and Around the Presbytery of NYC
Congregational Searches
The following congregations in our presbytery are currently engaged in active searches:

  • Mount Morris Ascension Presbyterian Church - Solo Pastor, Part-time
  • First Presbyterian Church of Flushing - Christian Educator
  • First Presbyterian Church of Flushing - Youth Director
  • Fort Washington Heights Presbyterian Church - Solo Pastor, Part-time 
  • St. Augustine Presbyterian Church - Solo Pastor, Part-time
More information on these positions can be found on the PC (USA)'s Church Leadership Connections (CLC) website.  Click here for CLC's website .
Employment Opportunities
Siloam Presbyterian Church - Assistant Sexton/Facilities Coordinator, Learn more
Stay Connected to the Presbytery of NYC
Help your congregation's members stay connected with the latest news and opportunities in and around the presbytery by subscribing to Happenings In & Around the Presbytery, the Presbytery's electronic newsletter. Keep members updated and apprised of Presbyterian events, resources, grants, and opportunities.  Have members fill out the contact information form so that their email addresses can be added to our subscribers list.  Click here  for the Contact Information Form. Once completed return the form to the presbytery office or email it to Yzette Swavy-Lipton .
Need an address or phone number for a church or a member of the NYC Presbytery? No need to call the office to get that information. You only need to log into the Presbytery ACS Database System and viola, the information is right at your fingertips.

If we have your contact information in our database you only need to create an account within the ACS System. If we do not have your contact information  click here  for the Contact Information Form. Once completed return the form to the presbytery office or email it to Yzette Swavy-Lipton so that you can be added to the database.

The ACS Member login Instructions will walk you through the process of creating an account. Once you have setup an account there is an option to download ACS's Church Life App for your mobile phone (iPhone and Android).