475 Riverside Drive Suite 1600, New York, NY 10115
Happenings In & Around the Presbytery of NYC
06.22.18
Greetings!
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 three issues of the newsletter will be published on July 13th, July 27th & August 10th. 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
View from the General Assembly in St. Louis
H aving come to my first General Assembly as a commissioner in 1997 and attended all but one since, we are changed and changing as a church. Some will point to diminished human and financial resources, and that is certainly true. The Way Forward Commission and the 2020 Vision Commission acknowledge that we have to be clear with the membership and resources God has given us how we are going to define our purpose and mission with the issues we face locally and globally in the 21st century. Toward that end we have selected J. Herbert Nelson and Diane Moffett as the General Assembly’s Stated Clerk and Executive Director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency (PMA). Their election signals our future will increasingly include persons of color leading us. And while our commissioner Bertram Johnson and Seattle commissioner Eliana Maxim lost on the fourth ballot by 13 votes to become co-moderators, another of our Synod of the Northeast commissioners, Cindy Kohlmann, and Tropical Florida Presbytery’s commissioner Vilmarie Cintron-Olivieri were elected our General Assembly Co-Moderators. Vilmarie often adds “la lengua del cielo” in her prayers for us. Read more
New York City Pesbytery Members at the 223rd General Assembly
T his past week (June 16–23) Commissioners and Advisory Delegates from all 170 PC(USA) presbyteries, and other delegates and observers from around the world, converged on America’s Convention Center in downtown St. Louis for celebrations, deliberations, and inspirations in support of the denomination’s biennial gathering. The Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy served as host to the 223rd General Assembly (2018) united under the theme “Renewing the Vision: Kindom Building for the 21st Century,” from Matthew 6:25-33. The assembly included rich worship services, the election of Co-Moderators, Ruling Elder Vilmarie Cintrón-Olivieri and the Rev. Cindy Kohlmann, action on a plethora of overtures, and much more. General proceedings and worship during assembly have been live-streamed, and you can visit the 223GA website to get up-to-date information on all things 223GA!

New York City Presbytery was well represented at the Assembly through its commissioners, overture advocates, process observers and committee/assembly resource persons. Take a look at us in action!
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
T he Committee on Witness to Society and the World calls your attention to the following updates, events, activities and resources. For full details on any of these events click the "full details" link below.

  • Hospitality on West 58th Street - On Monday, June 25th The Interfaith Assembly and the Rescue Alliance will hold a community workshop as part of the Hospitality Initiative to welcome the residents soon to move in to the new West 58th Street transitional housing facility.
  • Save the Date - A Forum on Human Migration - Saturday July 7, 2018
  • Family Separation - The Office of Public Witness (OPW) has created an online tool kit to help congregations and individuals work to End Family Separation and Decriminalize Migration. The kit includes material on mobilizing for action, contacting our Federal Representatives, writing an op-ed, worship resources, links to organizations working on issues related to migration, and more.
  • Families Belong Together Rallies - Families Belong Together will hold rallies on June 30th across the country to call our leaders to stop separating families. Check their Web page for events in the bounds of the presbytery.
  • Accompaniment Training - The New Sanctuary Coalition (NSC) accompaniment program recruits and trains volunteers to accompany people facing deportation to their immigration hearings and ICE check-ins. This provides moral support to the person facing deportation and enables volunteers to hold immigration authorities accountable.
  • Bail Reform (with thanks to the Office of Public Witness)


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 Mark Koenig.
Union Seminary Launches its 2018 Vision Cohorth Program
L aunched in 2014, Union Theological Seminary’s VISION program supports and encourages a diverse group of faith leaders at mid-career to think out loud together and explore new directions in ministry.
For the duration of this two-year program, VISION participants partner with respected civic leaders, distinguished Union faculty, and experienced mentors who share a commitment to the goal of creating healthy communities and houses of worship. The deadline for the application is July 1, 2018. Learn more and register!
Stated Clerk Issues Statement on Separated Immigrant Families
P resbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assembly Stated Clerk the Rev. J. Herbert Nelson, II, issued a statement  from the denomination’s 223rd General Assembly condemning the Trump administration’s new policy of separating young children from their parents at the U.S.-Mexico border.

“What has this nation become?” Nelson queried. “How have we wandered so far from Jesus’ kind admonition, “‘Let the little children come to me…’” He also criticized the Justice Department’s stated use of separate detention of parents and their children as a “deterrant” to immigration and accused the administration of selective use of scripture, saying the citing of Romans 13:1 to obey the law (presumably whatever the law says), while ignoring the higher scriptural demand that “love is the fulfilling of the law” (Romans 13:10) is a blatant misuse of the biblical message. Full story
“Prophets over profit” – Fossil Free PCUSA Holds Press Conference
Calling for Divestment
A fter walking over 200 miles from the PC(USA) headquarters in Louisville, walkers and ombudsmen for Fossil Free PCUSA gathered to advocate for the passage of Overture 08-01 on June 16, one day after arriving in St. Louis for the 223rd General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Set before the Environmental Issues committee by The Presbytery of the Hudson River, and with 39 additional presbyteries concurring, the overture calls for a recognition that holding investments in fossil fuel industries makes the PC(USA) “complicit in harming God’s creation and ‘the least of these’ who are disproportionately affected by climate change,” and for the “Board of Pensions and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Foundation to divest from the fossil-fuel industry.”  Full story
Preparing for a Severe Weather Event
W ith the right preventative measures, you can minimize structural damage from nature’s worst weather events while keeping your people safe. 

Church Mutual Insurance, puts the know-how of 120 years’ worth of experience into their Natural Disaster Info Kit . You’ll gain key insight on how to stay safe before, during and after severe weather, allowing you to keep going strong through it all.
Continuing Education | Princeton Theological Seminary
The Gathering - From July 18-20, the Black Theology and Leadership Institute (BTLI) is hosting The Gathering, a short course on Spiritual Gifts (1 Corinthians 12) led by the Rev. Marlon Hall, founder of the Awakenings Movement and an expert on innovation and culture making. The Black Theology and Leadership Institute (BTLI) is a weeklong intensive continuing education event for clergy and laity for training, worship, and fellowship. The institute is designed for clergy and lay leaders who would like to deepen their thinking and preaching by learning from preeminent scholars of theology and religion.
CERTIFICATE IN THEOLOGY & MINISTRY + INSIDE—Prison Ministry Reimagined
Are you looking to learn in a unique face to face setting?  C:TM + INSIDE is the cohort of Princeton Theological Seminary's Certificate in Theology and Ministry that meets inside a New Jersey Correctional Facility. The C:TM + INSIDE cohort consists of incarcerated - "Inside" and community - "Outside" participants who learn with and from one another.
This 14- week program consists of incarcerated and regional community members learning with and from one another.  Learn more
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
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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
Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church
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
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
COM Material Due Dates
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
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).