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475 Riverside Drive Suite 1600, New York, NY 10115
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Happenings In & Around the Presbytery of NYC
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T
his newsletter is ordinary 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. 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.
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From the Executive Presbyter
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I
M/MIGRATION
If you have migrated to America or have persons who migrated to America and are concerned about your or their immigration status, I want to encourage you to meet our PCUSA national immigration attorney,
Teresa Waggener, May 31
st or June 1
st. She is coming to New York City Presbytery at our invitation to meet with persons and their pastors concerned about their status Friday May 31
st from 2:00-5:00 PM at The Interchurch Center; and Saturday June 1
st from 9:00-11:00 AM at the Rutgers Presbyterian Church. Please reach to those who may want to speak with her. The process of migrating and staying in this country has become fraught with difficulties.
When my ancestor Andrew Caldwell migrated to America in the mid-1700’s from Scotland, his “immigration papers” included nothing more than a baptismal certificate from his Presbyterian Church. Perhaps it also reflected his belief that “in God alone” could he place his trust. He also sought out a Presbyterian congregation once here.
Within our congregations are persons like my ancestor Andrew who find their church or fellowship to be a safe and supportive place where hope in God is renewed each week. The remainder of the week may not go so well. There are fears of getting deported if all papers are not wherever ICE or USCIS or DHS want them to be. One of our members is facing that now; and pastors too. One church has seen a drop with immigrant members wanting to walk to the church for a Bible study. I want you to be aware of the fears that persons in our congregation carry related to the lack of a clear national immigration policy and the practices of ICE – Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Funding immigration attorneys can be costly and do not always produce paid-for results. Many of us who are citizens can remain oblivious to the plight of our own Presbyterians.
On May 31
st, I encourage you to view “Genesis of Exodus” at the Broadway Presbyterian Church Friday, May 31
st at 7:00 PM. It is a documentary made by the Presbyterian Church, interviewing migrants at our Southern border and those who work with them. While different people will hold different views about those migrate to America,
our Biblical grounding requires us to study what God asks of us in our treatment of the sojourners and foreigners in our congregations in our country. One big assistance is simply to befriend and accompany persons in your congregation as they live and walk an uncertain path whether they and their family may be separated tomorrow or allowed to remain in America and in your congregation. You can help fulfill something Jesus left for us to do.
“I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me… Truly I say to you, as you did it to me of the least of these, you did it me.” Matthew 25
Robert Foltz-Morrison
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We continue to hold in prayer
Elder Warren McNeill, New York City Presbytery's Stated Clerk. Warren continues with his cardiac rehabilitation and is progressing well.
All stated clerk related matters should be emailed to
the stated clerk's office at
SC@presbynyc.org
.
You can also email
Yzette Swavy-Lipton
in the Presbytery office, who will direct your calls, concerns and queries accordingly.
Cards may be sent to my home at:
103 General Hancock Blvd
North Wales PA 19454
He thanks you all for your continued support and prayers.
Elder Warren C. McNeill
Stated Clerk
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From the Justice Ministry Committee
(formally known as the Committee on Witness to Society and the World (CWSW)
)
and the Advocate for Justice Ministries
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T
he Justice Ministry Committee (formally known as the Committee on Witness to Society and the World (CWSW)), calls your attention to several upcoming events and activities.
- #CLOSErikers Bronx Community Forum, May 13 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Bronxworks Betances Community Center
- Bronx Community Board 1 Public Hearing on borough-based jail plan, Thursday May 23 from 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Lincoln Hospital
- Celebrate the Rev. Henry Highland Garnet’s Vision of Justice, Heritage Sunday - May 19
- Self-Development of People Workshop, Wednesday, May 22 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Lafayette Ave. Presbyterian Church
- Dinner with National Self-Development of People Committee, Friday, May 24 at 6:30 PM First Presbyterian Church, Newark, 820 Broad Street. Newark, NJ 07102
- Genesis of Exodus, May 31, 2019 at 7:00 PM, Broadway Presbyterian Church
- Mental Health Weekend of Faith, May 16 - 19
- State of the Homeless 2019 - the Coalition for the Homeless released its State of the Homeless 2019 report
- Biased: Uncovering the Hidden Prejudice That Shapes What We See, Think, and Do, Thursday, May 16 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, 233 Broadway, 12th Floor
- Exodus: Building a Movement to end Mass Incarceration and Mass Detention, September 6 and 7, 2019
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From the Presbytery Office - Shorley Fleming
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Greetings from the office of Shirley Fleming,
As some of you may be aware I will be having knee replacement surgery on Thursday, May 30, 2019. My surgery will take place at NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital. I will be out of the office for approximately 2 months.
Your prayers for a successful and speedy recovery will be appreciated. I will not be receiving visitors at the hospital or at my home. If you would like to send a card please send it to:
Ms. Shirley Fleming
123 West 104th Street, Apt. 7E
New York, NY 10025
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Self-Development of People Workshop on Available Grants
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When
Wednesday, May 22 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Where
Lafayette Ave. Presbyterian Church
85 South Oxford St.
Brooklyn NY 11217 St.,
Broad guidelines
Project members must initiative, directly benefit from and control the project.
The project must address community issues or improve the lives of group members.
The majority of the group members must be categorized as low income/under served.
To register
For more information
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Good Works Committee Invites Congregations to Submit Grant Requests
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T
he Good Works Committee is charged with distributing funds for projects that support new or existing church development, new or existing mission projects, new or existing young adult initiatives, and that supplement staff to assist with such projects within the Presbytery.
The committee invites congregations and fellowships to submit proposals for possible funding of new or on-going missional efforts through the Good Works Fund.
Guidelines
and an
application
are available on the
General Resources
page on the Presbytery's website.
Recently approved projects include a four-church collaborative jazz and justice project in Brooklyn and support for the Vital Congregations Initiative that is engaging more than 25 congregations within the Presbytery. Contact
goodworks
@presbynyc.org
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Volunteering to Help LGBTQ Youth - Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church Steps Up - How About you?
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What did they put in the kits? Some things you would expect: new socks, energy bars, hygiene items... but there are two that I are THE most important. Every kit has a blank journal and sharpies. Every youth kept a journal with poems, drawings, letters about their life and their faith in the God who is "what they have left." On the one hand - heartbreaking - and on the other - wow. To have faith like that!
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Nominations Committee is Looking for a Few Good Women and Men
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The Committee on Nominations has begun its work, seeking Ruling Elders, Lay Leaders and Ministers of Word and Sacrament to serve on Presbytery Commissions and Committees for the class of 2022*.
Serving on a commission or a committee is an opportunity to learn more about our denominations governance. To learn more contact Jim Nedelka at
JimNedelka@gmail.com
*There are still a few vacancies in the classes of 2020 & 2021
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T
he
Pentecost Offering
is one of four Special Offerings taken every year in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Now is the time for you/your congregation to give to this Pentecost Special Offering, where you can directly support... NEW YORK CITY PRESBYTERY's YOUTH!
Your giving to the
Pentecost Offering
directly affects NYC Presbytery ministries with youth, including the
2019 Youth Triennium
(July 16-20) and the ongoing Young Adult Volunteers (YAV's), as well as national missions with children and youth.
Here’s how it works.
25%
goes to support the national Young Adult Volunteer program, four of whom come to NYC Presbytery.
25%
assists congregations and the denomination with funding that supports ministries with youth.
10%
supports a PCUSA national initiative “Educate a Child,” to educate 1 million children by 2020.
Be generous to this younger generation that, with us, are Christ’s ambassadors in the church and world. Take up the offering on or before Pentecost Sunday June 9
th
.
Robert Foltz-Morrison
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Calling All NYC Presbytery Youth! We're off to Purdue University
in West Lafayette, Indiana for PC(USA)'s 2019 Triennium
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Friends,
The Committee on Congregational Ministry and Nurture (CM&N) reminds you that Triennium 2019 is quickly approaching
PLEASE SIGN UP IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ATTENDING!
Excitement is building as we get ready for the 'Here's My Heart' Youth Triennium 2019. If you have a youth in high school consider sending that/those future church leader(s) to Youth Triennium 2019.
The deadlines are quickly approaching for grants, application and registration. We ask that you
complete the medical forms
Please also call and or email us so that we can confirm the submitted information. You can reach our Registrar Maria Medina at
mcmedina@uvm.edu
.
You can reach Rhonda Sanchez at
rhondasanchez@live.com
or 347-498-6260.
CM&N reminds you if you have any questions, please email Maria Medina, who is working with CM&N
or call the presbytery office and we will direct you accordingly.
Thank you,
The Presbytery's Committee on Congregational Ministry and Nurture
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Seeking Housing Need for Retired Minister
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A
minister had to vacate his free housing on April 22. He can afford to pay $1200/month rent. If you can help him or refer him to someone who can assist him with housing, please email
henryfury39@gmail.com
or call him at 917-650-0175.
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Visit their
website
for registration information and full details for all coursed and events.
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News from the Board of Pensions
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- New Programs to Support Faith Leaders
- Serving Those in Need Through the Assistance Program
- Board University 2019 Webinar Schedule
- Board of Pensions Teams Up with Seminary to Offer African American CREDO
- National Women's Health Week - Make Well Being a Priority
- Organizing Pastors and Evangelists Benefit Grant Applications Available
- Four Reasons to Take the Call to Health Well-Being Assessment
- and more
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Presbyterian Foundation Accepting Applications for Church Financial Leadership Grants
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A
pplications are now being accepted for the Presbyterian Foundation’s Church Financial Leadership Grant program.
Applicants must be a pastor, commissioned ruling elder or leader of a 1001 New Worshiping Community within the
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
.
The grants will help pastoral leaders institute best practices for church financial leadership, introduce them to new models of giving and stewardship, and offer new ways to talk about money and form generous disciples within their church.
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Celebrate Heritage Sunday on May 19
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S
oon after Congress passed the 13th Amendment in 1865, officially ending slavery in the United States, the Chaplain of Congress asked Reverend Henry Highland Garnet to
preach in the House of Representatives
on Capitol Hill. Download our 2019 bulletin insert
here
.
Every year, Presbyterians celebrate Heritage Sunday, a day to reflect upon and learn more about the long and rich history of the Presbyterian church in America.
Heritage Sunday always falls on the Sunday closest to May 21, the opening date of the first General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America in 1789. Plan a
celebration for your congregation
, download free bulletin inserts, and learn more about Presbyterian history.
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Coming Soon to Holmes Presbyterian Camp & Retreat Center
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Upcoming Events
- Summer Camp Open House: May 19
- Friends Day: July 27 (please note this date was printed incorrectly in our summer camp brochure, we apologize for any inconvenience!)
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Before Big Tent There Will be the Convocation for Communities of Color
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A
s we grapple with the emerging church of the 21st century, it is imperative that we come together to listen, learn and envision the future. God, through Jesus Christ, is providing us an opportunity at Big Tent to go deep in our theology and faith while renewing our spirits. – The Rev. J. Herbert Nelson, II; Stated Clerk of the General Assembly.
What is Big Tent?
Since its inception in 2009, Big Tent has been a “Big Presbyterian family reunion.” It is the assembly between General Assemblies that brings us together to celebrate our church as the Body of Christ and engage in deeper conversations about how we can be the community we are called to be in this age; to live out the Gospel of Jesus Christ as children of God whoever we are, wherever we are.
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2019 Presbytery Meeting Dates and Material Deadlines
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Stated Meeting
Tuesday, June 4, 2019
Saturday, September 28, 2019
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
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Location
INVITATION NEEDED
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Material Due
(by 5:00 PM)
Friday, May 17, 2019
Friday, September 13, 2019
Friday, November 15, 2019
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2019 Commission on Ministry Dates and Material Deadlines
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All material for COM's consideration must be emailed to the commission at
com@presbynyc.org
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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
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Employment Opportunities Within and Around the Presbytery of NYC
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Congregational Searches
The following congregations in our presbytery are currently engaged in active searches:
- 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
.
Temporary Congregational Searches
- First Presbyterian Church of Forest Hills - Interim Pastor, Full Time. Learn more
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Stay Connected to the Presbytery of NYC
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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
.
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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.
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475 Riverside Drive Suite 1600
New York, NY 10115
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