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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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This 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 two newsletters will be published on May 25th and June 8th. 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
n John’s telling of the crucifixion, when Jesus was lynched on a cross with crowds deriding him and his life almost over, he looked and saw his mother and told his beloved disciple John to look after her. I couldn’t help but remember how many mothers could use a disciple of Jesus to also look after them. We have aging mothers, many grandmothers and great-grandmothers, in our congregations, living alone in apartment buildings or nursing homes. What disciple of Jesus looks after them? We have young mothers, perhaps single mothers, wondering how to cope with children, bills to pay, healthcare concerns, and work and preschool schedules to juggle. I wonder what disciple of Jesus comes alongside them. We have mothers who have been abused. What disciple of Jesus can they trust to help them? We have mothers whose sons and daughters have gone down a path they never wanted and struggle with how they may have failed at parenting. What disciple of Jesus sits with them. And we have mothers who have done tragic and despicable things to their children and are paying the price, even of incarceration. Is there a disciple of Jesus who visits them in prison?
I know many of you are such disciples to all these mothers. Thank you!
It’s Mother’s Day Weekend and that conjures up many and varied memories of our own mothers, some pleasant and some sorrowful. And many mothers themselves feel the same. What mother wants to see what Mary witnessed with Jesus on the cross? Yet beside her was his close friend John to whom he bequeathed a favor and an example. Consider the mothers around you each day and what many mothers have lived through, are living through, or want to live into, and look on them with compassion and empathy. Jesus did. I hope we may also as disciples of Jesus.
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Rev. Dr. Robert Foltz-Morrison
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From the Office of the Stated Clerk
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Presbytery Meeting - Tuesday, May 15, 2018
At 2:00 P.M. there will be a Pre-presbytery Budget and Finance Meeting for committee chairs and vice - chairs. An invitation has been sent separately to committee chairs and vice-chairs.
Pre-registration for the meeting has now closed. You can register that afternoon when you arrive for the meeting.
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Minister ID cards will be available at the May 15th and July 28th meetings of the presbytery. After that time you must come to the presbytery office to pick up your ID card.
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From the Committee on Witness to Society and the World and the Advocate for Justice Ministries
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“I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.”
Matthew 25:35-36
The Poor People’s Campaign:
A National Call for Moral Revival (PPC) is launching a long-term, multi-year campaign to unite the poor and disenfranchised and to challenge the interconnected evils of systemic racism, poverty, the war economy and militarism, and ecological devastation.
A period of 40 days of moral action begins on May 13, 2018.
How can we participate in the 40 Days of Moral Action?
Join the PPC in Albany on Mondays, starting Monday, May 14 for Nonviolent Moral Fusion Direct Actions.
Register for the May 14 action in Albany
. The New York State Steering Committee indicates that if you register, you will receive email about buses from New York City to Albany. There will be options to risk arrest during the action; those interested in risking arrest should participate in a training on Monday mornings. Buses will be scheduled to arrive in time to allow individuals to participate in the training. On the week of May 27, the action day will be Tuesday, May 29. Let
Mark Koenig
know if you will be going to Albany so we have a sense of Presbyterian participation.
Come Together 2018: An Interfaith Conference on Homelessness
Presented by:
The Mayor's NYC Center for Faith & Community Partnerships and the Salvation Army
When:
Wednesday, June 6
th
, 2018, 10 am to 4 pm
Where:
The Centennial Memorial Temple 120 W. 14
th
Street
Why:
To share innovative solutions and best practices to the problems of homelessness
Who:
Led by practitioners from the Rescue Alliance Interfaith Assembly on Homelessness and Housing NYC's Department of Homeless Services Supportive Housing Network of New York and more...
Registration is
FREE.
Contact
Mark Koenig
for registration information.
Registration closes on June 1, 2018
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Presbytery Joys and Concerns
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B
lessings and congratulations are extended to
Rev. Dr. Clive E. Neil
, Senior Pastor at Bedford Central Presbyterian Church as he celebrates his 30th anniversary of ministry. To God be the glory.
Continued prayers for Presbytery Administrative Assistant
Shirley Fleming
who had surgery on her knee May 3rd. Shirley is now at home healing and recovery.
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Holmes Camp and Conference Center's Annual Open House
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Sunday, May 20, 2019
2:00 PM - 5:30 PM
T
here will be camp tours, camp activities, food, and door prizes!
Come prepared to play while learning about camp at Holmes!
While you're enjoying the Open House activities, you'll be able to complete an Open House passport. Once complete, you'll be entered into a drawing for prizes, including Holmes swag and a discounted week of camp!
Food will be on the grill all afternoon.
RSVP's are appreciated to help us plan for the day, but please know you're welcome even if you don't RSVP!
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Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations' Open House
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P
resbyterian Ministries at the United Nations (UN) is inviting all interested Presbyterians who want to learn about the UN and their ministry at the UN. This month, they are focusing on youth programs.
Come learn about the programs for youth at the United Nations. Attendees will learn about empowering youth in achieving Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs). You will also learn how the church is engaging young people today. Youth leaders are encouraged to attend. The Open House will take place on Wednesday, May 23, 2018, from 12:30 - 2:00 PM. Presbyterian Ministry of the United Nations, 777 UN Plaza, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10017.
A light lunch will be provided. RSVP no later than Monday, May 21st to Sue Rheem at
sue.rheem@pcusa.org
or call 212 697-4568.
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Urban Practitioners Cohort at Princeton Theological Seminary
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Take time this summer to explore your creative passion, gather with your vocational friends, and re-connect with your theological heroes. Then put that learning into practice, and love your neighbors.
The first
Urban Practitioners Cohort
has launched! This 8-week pilot program includes in-person classes, spiritual direction, online learning, vocational coaching, and a Sabbath retreat. Part of Princeton Theological Seminary's Urban Ministry Initiatives, this project prepares Christian leaders to sustain effective ministry in an urbanized world.
Learn more.
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FEMA Grants Governor’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance Extension Request and Offers Transportation Back Home to Puerto Rican Survivors
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FEMA announced today that it is granting Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello's request for an unconditional extension of the TSA program until June 30 and will offer transportation back to Puerto Rico for families who remain in the TSA program in the continental U.S. FEMA also announced that this will be the final extension of the program for Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
This announcement is part of the ongoing and unprecedented support for disaster survivors of hurricanes Maria and Irma. Since October, FEMA has provided hotel rooms for more than 7,000 families through the TSA program and is continuing to help those in need find longer-term housing solutions. Approximately 2,300 families remain in TSA-participating hotels in more than 30 states and Puerto Rico.
Learn more.
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Rev. Dr. Diane Moffett Elected President & Executive Director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency
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Following an expansive national search, the Presbyterian Mission Agency Board (PMAB) today elected the Rev. Dr. Diane Moffett president and executive director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency (PMA), one of six agencies of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Moffett will assume leadership on June 11, 2018. Her appointment is subject to confirmation by the 223rd General Assembly, which meets in St. Louis, June 16-23, 2018.
“I am excited about my call to the Mission Agency and am passionate about the church and the Good News that we have for a world that certainly needs it,” said Moffett, following the PMAB vote. “I want to be sure we are doing all that we can to transform those places in our world where there is oppression and poverty.”
Full story.
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Presbyterian Men's Town hall Meetings
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New York City Presbytery's, Presbyterian Men will be holding a series of Town Hall meetings. Come to learn about all of the things Presbyterian Men are doing, come with new ideas, come with a friend or two. All men are encouraged and welcome attend. The gathering's dates and locations are:
(Meeting times for each gathering is 1 PM - 3:00 PM)
Good Shepherd Faith
May 12, 2018
First Presbyterian Church of Flushing
May 26, 2018
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Resources from The Lewis Center for Church Leadership
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The
Lewis Center for Church Leadership
has become a trusted resource for church leadership ideas, research, resources, and training so that congregations and denominations thrive, serve, and grow. The center helps seminary students, clergy, lay leaders, and denominational leaders enhance their leadership effectiveness and help develop leadership in others. Articles of interest covered in this months newsletter include:
- Unsticking a Stuck Institution
- Suggestions for Churches with a Clergywoman
- Leading Ideas Talks Podcast: "Leading a Historic Congregation"
- 5 Ways to Know if Your Church Needs A Strategic Plan
- What Next Faithful Step is God Calling Your Church to Take?
- Pastors Moving to New Churches Need the Right Start
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PCUSA's newsletter is now available. Some articles from this week's edition include:
- Finding a fossil free strategy for church investments
- Savannah church makes connections in Puerto Rico
- Union Presbyterian Seminary announces faculty appointments
- World Council of Churches publishes its Annual Review 2017
- The General Assembly News free home e-delivery!
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A Free Webinar on The Millenial Generation and Today's Church
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Free Webinar, Monday, May 14th at 2:00 PM
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Today many churches have a problem—a big problem. They are not reaching the largest generation in America's history, the Millennials. And the problem is worse than most church leaders realize.
For example:
- Only about one in five Millennials are Christians.
- Only about five in 100 churches have any degree of effectiveness reaching the Millennials.
- Because fewer churches are reaching Millennials, many are headed for steep decline, even death.
Join the conversation about reaching the Millennial generation.
A free webinar on the Millennial Generation will take place on Monday May 14th at 2:00 PM, Eastern. Leaders and members are welcome and are encouraged to be a part of the conversation.
Let's don't deny the problem; but let's do something about it.
Register for this free webinar
here
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Staffing Issues Many Pastors Face
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S
taff issues can derail a church. And when a pastor doesn't know how to lead a staff, it's a disaster waiting to happen. Hear a discussion on six issues pastors often struggle with when they have a staff to lead.
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Show Appreciation to Volunteers
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ll pastors and church staff depend on volunteers to keep the gears of ministry turning. Only a bad leader thinks volunteers are not necessary; a foolish leader treats them that way.
Learn a few simple ways to show appreciation to your ministry volunteers.
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Presbytery Meeting Dates and Material Deadlines
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Stated Meeting
Tues., May 15, 2018
Sat., Jul. 28,2018
Sat., Sept. 29, 2018
Tues., Nov. 27,2018
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Location
Invitation Needed
Invitation Needed
Invitation Needed
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Material Due
(by 5:00 PM)
Fri., Apr. 20, 2018
Fri., Jul. 13, 2018
Fri., Sept. 14, 2018
Fri., Nov. 9, 2018
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Committee on Ministry Meeting Dates and Material Deadlines
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All material for COM's consideration must be emailed to the committee at
com@presbynyc.org
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COM Meeting Dates
Tuesday, June 5, 2018
Tuesday, July 10, 2018
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
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COM Material Due Dates
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
Tuesday, June 26, 2018
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
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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:
- 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
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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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