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Happenings In & Around the Presbytery of NYC
07.13.18
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 three issues of the newsletter will be published on July 27th, August 10th and 24th. 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
M ore notes from the 223rd General Assembly in St. Louis
Teaching Elder Jack Lohr prepared the following summations of General Assembly actions that speak to congregations which I hope our sessions will read and share with our congregations and fellowships.
G.A. Preacher Don Meeks shared with Assembly commissioners, delegates, and observers the following five guidelines he follows as a covenant he uses in pursuing unity in times of disagreement:

My Covenant for Pursuing Unity in Times of Disagreement

In light of John 17.20-23,
I will pray for and live towards unity with other Christians.

In light of Matthew 7.3-5,
I will acknowledge my own prejudices, excesses and failings before I attempt to criticize or correct other Christians.

In light of Romans 12.10 and 18,
I will trust the intentions of those with whom I disagree are honorable, and speak the best of what I see in their efforts to serve Jesus Christ.

In light of Proverbs 18.13 and James 1.19,
I will seek to listen with understanding before speaking my own concerns.

In light of I Peter 3.15,
I will contend for my convictions with gentleness and respect out of reverence of Jesus Christ.

Many of these complement our Presbyterian “Foundations” in the Book of Order (pp. 1-15) and previous publications as “Seeking to be Faithful Together: Guidelines for Presbyterians During Times of Disagreement” and “Standards of Ethical Conduct”.

May the same Spirit in Jesus Christ continue to bless and guide your life with Christ and with that body of Christians known as the Church.

Robert Foltz-Morrison
Highlights of Actions of the 223rd General Assembly in 1,500 Words or Less
C hurch Leadership: In one of closest elections in years, Ruling Elder Vilmarie Cintrón-Olivieri (Presbytery of Tropical Florida) and the Reverend Cindy Kohlmann (Presbyteries of Boston and Northern New England) were elected Co-Moderators of the 223rd General Assembly (2018) on Saturday evening, June 16. On a fourth ballot vote of 266-253, they prevailed over another Co-Moderator team—the Reverend Eliana Maxim (Presbytery of Seattle) and the Reverend Bertram Johnson (Presbytery of New York City). A Moderator/Vice-Moderator pair—Ruling Elder Chantal D. Atnip (Presbytery of Carlisle), and the Reverend Ken Hockenberry (Presbytery of Chicago)—trailed.

In other actions involving Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) leadership, the assembly:
  • Confirmed the election of the Reverend Diane Moffett as president and executive director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency.
  • Confirmed the reelection of the Reverend Tom Taylor as president of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Foundation.
  • Confirmed the election of Alton B. Pollard III as president of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
Other matters taken up included:
  • Fossil Fuel Divestment
  • Israel-Palestine/Middle East
  • Per Capita
  • The Way Forward
  • Racism/Poverty/Violence
  • Immigration
  • Gun Violence
  • Paid Family Leave
  • Congregational Leadership
From the Office of the Stated Clerk
Minister ID Cards
Minister ID cards will be available at the July 28th meeting of the presbytery. After that time you must come to the presbytery office to pick up your ID card. ID cards will not be mailed out to minister members.
From the Committee on Witness to Society and the World and the Advocate for Justice Ministries
If you have questions about any of the activities, events or the work of Committee on Witness to Society and the World (CWSW) you can reach out to Mark Koenig.
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.
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance on the Ground in Puerto Rico
PDA Update on Puerto Rico
P resbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is the disaster relief ministry of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) that focuses on walking with survivors and their communities through the process of long-term rebuilding and recovery. When most disaster relief agencies leave a community after 6 months or a year, PDA commits to work alongside survivors 3 to 5 years as they rebuild their communities and reclaim their lives.
How to Thrive as a Type-B Pastor
G od knows exactly what kind of pastor your church needs. God called you, not someone else, to be the under shepherd at that church. 
As a single pastor in a small church, there are always lots of things to accomplish: packets for kids camp, outreach planning, Sunday School material to order, and more. All of these things have to be done. As a type-b pastor how do you get all of these things done?
Three Ways Churches Think They Are Known In Their Communities
Thom S. Rainer writes:
Usually when I ask a question on social media, I expect a decent number of responses. Church leaders and members are typically gracious to me and share their opinions readily.

But when I asked a question about the reputation of their churches in the community, I was inundated with responses. Many wanted to share the good and the bad. Perhaps the most intriguing facet of the study was the three distinct groups in which the responses fell.

The question was simple: “What is your church known for in its community?” Learn more.

Handling Heated Conversations
Bob D’Ambrosio writes:
Have you been at any hot church meetings lately? And I’m not talking about the HVAC system. Ministry teams can generate conflict that’s often hard to defuse. Wouldn’t it be great if we could cool things off before they get out of hand?

Be proactive instead of reactive. It’s easier to prevent a fire than to put one out! Coach your team on these tips to pre-empt future heated discussions. Many ministry teams have a covenant that outlines specific behaviors, expectations, and rules of order. If you don’t have a covenant, now may be a good time to develop one. Read the full article.
A Conference for Ministers, Musicians, and Laypeople
W orship Matters: Word, Sacrament & Song”
Sunday July 22, 2018 - Tuesday July 24, 2018
Princeton Theological Seminary

The Association for Reformed & Liturgical Worship (AR&LW), a voluntary association of congregations and individuals, covenants with God’s help, to cultivate, practice, and promote worship that offers a foretaste of the fullness of God’s Reign. This worship is Trinitarian, ecumenical, incarnational and sacramental; it is both universal and local and sends the church to live its liturgy, bringing God’s justice and grace to all of God’s creation. Learn more.
Applications Being Accepted for Church Financial Leadership Grants
A pplications are now being accepted for the Presbyterian Foundation’s Church Financial Leadership Grant program . Applicants must be a pastor, commissioned ruling elder, (CRE), or leader of a 1001 New Worshiping Community within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The grants will enable pastoral leaders to 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.
Free Mental Health First Aid Training for Faith Community Leaders
NYDIS and The Salvation Army Greater New York Division offer free one-day Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training certification for clergy, staff & volunteers from congregations & faith-based organizations - all training materials and breakfast are included. Participants may bring a brown bag lunch or eat out nearby during lunch hour. 

This training is being offered in partnership with Emblem Health and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene , Together, we support NYC First Lady Chirlane McCray's #ThriveNYC's goal - to train 250,000 New Yorkers in Mental Health First Aid. Training dates are:

WED. AUG 8th at 8:30 AM
WED. SEP 12th at 8:30 AM
WED. OCT 3rd  at 8:30 AM

Mental Health First Aid is a groundbreaking public education program which introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems, builds an understanding of their impact, and overviews common treatments. Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour course, which uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis; select interventions and provide initial help; and connect persons to professional, peer, social, and self-help care. The program also teaches about the risk factors and warning signs of specific illnesses like anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and addictions.
Holmes Presbyterian Camp and Conference Center
Summer Camp at Holmes
Since 1946, children and youth have been exploring their faith and living in community at Holmes Presbyterian Camp and Conference Cente r . In fact, many of our staff ( summer and year-round!) have grown up at Holmes! Together, we strive to provide all who come to Holmes a place where they feel welcomed, loved, and comfortable to both play and learn – to appreciate each other, to recognize and follow God, and to tackle new challenges.

At Holmes, we focus on building a community . Campers and counselors join together to create family groups, with two counselors and about 10-14 coed campers. This small group model allows campers to form meaningful friendships and counselors to get to know their campers better. Learn more!
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
‌
PCUSA's newsletter is now available. Articles from this week's edition include:

  • Office of Public Witness joins march to keep families together
  • Presbyterian Disaster Assistance calls on volunteers to help in disaster recovery
  • WCC climate change meeting explores ‘just transitions’, plans for COP 24
  • Educating the hearing-impaired
  • Presbyterian Disaster Assistance calls on volunteers to help in disaster recovery

Retreat for Young Ministry Leaders in the Synod of the NE
WHERE
87 Silver Bay Road
Silver Bay, NY 12874
WHE N
November 8-10, 2018
Thurs. dinner - Sat. lunch


 
Registration for the 2018 Young Ministry Leaders Gathering is now open!

The Young Ministry Leaders Initiative (previously Emerging Leaders Initiative) of the Synod of the Northeast is an endeavor to create space and community for younger Presbyterian leaders in our region. The gathering is for people in their 20s & 30s serving in an ongoing leadership capacity (paid or volunteer) to a ministry setting in our region and connected to the PC(USA).

We welcome pastors, ruling elders, deacons, children’s ministry directors, youth ministry directors, Christian education directors, music leaders, camp & conference staff, faith-based or faith-related non-profit staff, PC(USA) agency or mid-council leadership, church planters, those who serve in traditional and non-traditional ministry settings, and more!
Presbyterian Women's Churchwide Gathering
Presbyterian Women’s next Churchwide Gathering will be held August 2–5, 2018 in Louisville, Kentucky! Won’t you join them?

Everything PCUSA's Presbyterian Women do as an organization and as a community is guided by their PW Purpose, and that includes ministry, resources and relationships.

Forgiven and freed by God in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves

  • to nurture our faith through prayer and Bible study,
  • to support the mission of the church worldwide,
  • to work for justice and peace, and
  • to build an inclusive, caring community of women that strengthens the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and witnesses to the promise of God’s kingdom.
Presbytery Meeting Dates and Material Deadlines
Stated Meeting
Sat., Jul. 28,2018
Sat., Sept. 29, 2018
Tues., Nov. 27,2018
Location
Invitation Needed
Invitation Needed
Material Due (by 5:00 PM)
Fri., Jul. 13, 2018
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 .
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).