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Challenge to Change 2019 Grants Announced!
Hudson River Presbytery is delighted to announce that over $35,000 in grants have been awarded to HRP congregations and ministries branching out in new directions within the church and wider communities!
Read about the exciting projects and remember, your congregation could apply next year for a Challenge to Change grant!
Learn more about HRP grants!
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Clerk of Session Day, April 28 
The 2019 Clerk of Session Day will be on Sunday April 28th beginning 2 pm. We'll meet at the Stony Point Center (17 Circketown Road, Stony Point, NY).
We will 1) cover some important information on social media usage in congregations; 2) read each other's 2018 minutes; and 3) check to make sure that each congregation's by-laws have been updated in ways that the "new" form of government passed in 2011 requires. By-laws as well as 2018 minutes should be brought to the meeting along with a completed minutes check list.
Please note: Attendance is mandatory for all Clerks of Session (or a designated representative from the Session, if the Clerk is unable to attend.
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Leslie's Sermon from Presbytery!
At the March 26th Presbytery Meeting, the Rev. Leslie Mott preached during worship. Here's her sermon,"Wilderness."
Wilderness calls everything into question, and it is a place every single one of us will go, in one way or another.
So. Here we are, in this season of Lent, in this season of the wilderness. We can hear about wilderness, we can read about the wilderness, we can even worship around wilderness, but being in the wilderness? That's another story. And I am totally with the Israelites when they begin to say, "If only . . . ." How many times have we said that?
If only we had checked the tires. If only we had not taken the "short cut," or tried that new dish, or taken that last drink . . . or said those words. If only we had not gotten out of bed or left the house at all, which is where we find the Israelites. Read the full sermon.
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Presbyterian Youth Triennium: Latest Update
Registration is now open for Presbyterian Youth Triennium, the once - every three-year gathering of Presbyterian youth from all across the US! Who can sign up? Current 8th graders through 12th graders and adult leaders. Triennium is July 16-20, 2019 at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN. The Hudson River Presbytery Delegation will be departing in the evening on Monday, July 15 to travel by bus to the Purdue campus and we will return very early in the morning on Sunday, July 21 (Pick up and drop off spots TBD). Read on to learn what Youth Triennium is all about!
Read on for Steph Hare's Youth Triennium April Update with the latest news and information
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HRP's Stated Clerk + NE Synod on Divestment from Fossil Fuels
From Susan DeGeorge:
The last two Synod of the Northeast assemblies have passed and then affirmed policies around climate change and divesting from fossil fuels. Their Stated Clerk, Nancy Talbot, has now written to presbytery leaders asking that we inform all congregations of this action and calling on each congregation in the synod to do the work of discerning their own calls to divestment. The presbytery has to report back on what has been done within 12 months.
As you do this work, would you please share the process you've used and the decisions you've made with me so that I can include it in that report? The
synod letter can be found at this link. It contains some starting resources for congregations as they focus on this issue.
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Vegetarian Cooking Classes at FPC Chester
First Presbyterian Church of Chester in association with HRP Green will be hosting vegetarian cooking classes! This is to both better care for our bodies as well as creation around us (caring what God has provided for us). Each class will teach how to make one main dish, one side dish/snack, and one dessert. The dates/times are as follows:
April 23rd 5pm
May 5th 5pm
June 1st 3pm
We are limited to about 10-15 people per class. The class costs $20 to cover expenses of food and instructor (local farm/chef). RSVP to
[email protected] or 845-469-4877
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5K Chocolate Run/Walk, April 28
The 5th Annual Chocolate 5K Run and 5K Walk is a unique race that combines the love of 2 American Favorites --- Running and Chocolate! $25 to enter. (Prices increase after April 15). All proceeds benefit Bethlehem Presbyterian Church Community Mission and Outreach Programs! Learn more! Races start at 9am.
Our scenic course takes you through the picturesque roads of New Windsor and Cornwall, NY with the addition of a small cross country trail segment (Very Unique for a 5K Race!). There will also be a free children's race. We have appropriately called It "The Cocoa Challenge". This 1/4 mile run is open to all children 10 and under with candy bars and finisher ribbons awaiting all children that cross the finish line. Learn more and register now!
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PresbyBuild Annual Walk for Housing, April 28
Get your sneaks on! Habitat Newburgh's 20th Annual Walk for Housing will take place Sunday afternoon, April 28th. If you haven't already done so, it's time to form your Walker Team, or support someone else who has a team that supports PRESBYBUILD.
To form your team, go to
www.habitatnewburgh.org and scroll down to Save the Date. Then click on 20th Anniversary Walk for Housing and follow the prompts to set up a team.
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Farmworker Bill Hearing, May 2
Rural and Migrant Ministry is happy to announce that the Farmworker Fair Labor Practices Act
Senate Bill 2837/Assembly Bill 2750 has reached a milestone,
with
3
2 co-sponsors in the State Senate, and 42 in the State Assembly.
The New York State Senate Labor and Agriculture Committees are hosting a
Senate Hearing in Sullivan County in order to discuss the Farmworker Fair Labor Practices Act
S2837/A2750.
This is an incredible opportunity to
join in and
learn more about this vital piece of legislation! Come out to support and listen in on the discussion!
Sullivan County, May 2
1:00-5:00pm at
SUNY Sullivan
112 College Road
Loch Sheldrake, NY
Call (845) 344-3311 to register.
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HRPGreen Presents: UPCycle!
Learn how to recycle "Junk" into something with new purpose! Classes held at First Presbyterian Church of Wappinger's Falls, the last Saturday of the month, beginning April 27 from 1-3pm. A donation of $5 per class is requested to offset supplies to make at least 1 project per class.
Class Schedule
April 27: Think Outside the Planter Box
Recycle objects to use as planters inside and out
May 25: Refashion Your Wardrobe for Summer
Recycle clothing for a new look; make accessories
June - December to include: "Upcycled Furniture," "From Plastic Waste to Useful Space," "Upcycled Children's Toys," and more!
Download the flyer to share with your church!
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Regional and National Events
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Online and Onsite Courses at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond
Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond has several online courses coming up in the Pathways to Learning and Leadership program including one on the
Gospel of Mark with the Rev. Dr. Brian Blount, President of Union Theological Seminary in Richmond,
March 26 - April 30.
Learn more.
Union also has a respected Church Business and Administration course July 23 - August 1. Eight core curriculum seminars are offered over two weeks at our Richmond campus. These seminars fulfill requirements for those pursuing Certification as a Church Administrator through The Church Network (TCN). However, you do not have to be seeking certification to participate. Learn more.
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Pastoral Sabbath at Stony Point, April 24-25
Led by Rev. Leslie Mott, the
Pastoral Sabbath Retreat is a time for clergy "to come away by yourselves and rest for a while," so that we may return renewed to those we serve.
Those attending receive materials for reflection and study and have the opportunity to engage in gentle yoga class, guided meditation, group and individual spiritual direction, and prayer.
In this second year of the two year Synod Innovation grant, in order to extend the grant funding as long as possible, it is necessary to introduce tiered pricing for the Pastoral Sabbath. The cost for a participant is approximately $150.00 for accommodations and four meals. A partial scholarship of $75.00 would be offered to those whose finances would otherwise preclude them from this opportunity, and a limited number of full scholarships will be available through the Fall. Please indicate on your
registration if you are in need of scholarship funds. If you have any questions, please contact Rev. Leslie Mott:
[email protected].
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Princeton Forum on Youth Ministry,
April 23-26
Join other youth leaders, directors, and pastors April 23-26
on the campus of Princeton Theological Seminary for a 4-
day youth ministry conference.
We believe that lives and
communities will be transformed when theological
reflection meets practical application.
Learn more!
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PC(USA) Peacemaking Seminar Trips to Central America and Philippines/Hong Kong in 2020 
Central American Migrant Trails, Feb. 17-28, 2020
aims to help concerned Presbyterians better understand the immigration context we are facing in the US with our Central American brothers and sisters and why they take the risk of embarking on this dangerous journey north with children in tow. Learn more.
Root Causes and Current Challenges of Forced Migration and Labor Trafficking, May 4-15, 2020
Since 1974, the Philippine government systematized its labor export program, in response to increasing unemployment and underemployment and social unrest...
Almost 7000 workers per day, leave the Philippines to work in land-based and sea-based jobs. The labor force of Hong Kong domestic workers consists mostly of Indonesian and Filipina women. Learn more.
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Save the Date! Board of Pensions Program for Churches, May 16
The Board of Pensions hosts annual Benefits Connections at locations across the nation to engage Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) churches in important benefits conversations and to help them be the best employers they can be. Save the date for the next Benefits Connections East Coast gathering, May 16 in New York City!
Get more information.
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Resources for Education, Liturgy & More!
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Resources for One Great Hour of Sharing Offering
 Get your
PC(USA) resources -- bulletin inserts, children's messages, powerpoint slides, videos and other interpretation materials!
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 Webinar Series: End of Year Giving, May 8
The Presbyterian Foundation will offer its final webinar in its 2019 series on engaging church givers in stewardship and money-related conversations. The webinar "End of Year Giving" is suitable for pastors, business administrators, stewardship chairs, treasurers, session clerks, and others involved in the financial life of the church. And it's FREE! You
Learn more.
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Stony Point Center Welcomes New Artist-in-Residence! 
Stony Point Center is pleased to welcome its newest Artist-in-Residence, Adjani Okpu-Egbe, on April 12. Adjani is a distinctive voice among a new generation of African artists. Born in the English-speaking region of Cameroon, sometimes called Ambazonia, Adjani has lived and worked for most of his adult life in London. His art communicates everyday stories combined with messages emanating from movements for justice. He sometimes incorporates personal symbols and characters reflecting traditions and oral history passed down through his African lineage. Often painting onto found materials such as reclaimed furniture, textiles, bubble wrap and old doors, Adjani's imagination and experimental curiosity allow him to take salvaged materials to heart and use them as convincing metaphors.
Adjani will be available to do workshops with guest groups, and his work will be on display on campus and regionally during his 3-month stay.
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Custom-made Stoles, by the Rev. Gretchen Larson Wolbrink
Looking for a little piece of joy in your ministry?
I'd love to make a stole that delights you and reminds you of what grounds you in your ministry. I work with both new and reclaimed fabrics -old tablecloths, blankets, sheets, clothes-turning something old and cast aside into something new and beautiful.
Contact me if you are interested or for more pictures. Rev. Gretchen Larson-Wolbrink
[email protected].
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What Presbyterians Believe on Nature and Creation
Don't miss this great article in Presbyterians Today,
What Presbyterians Believe on Nature and Creation by HRP's own Stated Clerk, Susan DeGeorge!
C
ount the stars. Open your eyes and see the well of water. Take a stone and use it as a pillow.
During my first year as a new pastor, I decided I would write a curriculum for our children that would focus on common outdoor experiences that they and the main characters in the book of Genesis had. The first lesson focused on God's covenant with Abraham in which he was told to look at the sky and count the stars to get an idea of the number of his descendants.
Read the full article.
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Hi friends. I'm Marlene Wood, a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Montgomery. My mom was an organist and teacher for many years and she recently passed away. We are trying to find a home for a Lowrey organ that is probably 20 years old. It is a model Coronation with a Magic Genie (built in synthesizer) and a walnut bench. It's quite fancy with many settings. If you're interested, please give me a call at
845-494-2753.
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Free Choir Robes!
FRE
E
choir robes in nice condition.
Quantity: Blue 20, Red 13, Gray 15, Off White 15. Each comes in varying sizes.
Contact
Sandra Larson, Interim Pastor, Union Presbyterian Church
[email protected] (NOTE "l' as in Larson)
Mobile: 503-302-1040.
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Hymnals, Bibles, and an upright piano available
The Grahams Presbyterian Church in Pine Bush has the following items available for the asking. 53 blue, 1990 Presbyterian Hymnals, 78 red 1946 hymnals The Hymnbook, 15 Bibles, and an upright piano. If interested, contact Bruce Baker at
[email protected].
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Handbells for Sale!
Schulmerich Handbells for Sale (used; need refurbishment)
5 Octaves (C3 - C8); purchased between 1963 and 1977
Cases included
Six clear plexiglass music stands included
Handbell music included
$10,000 (brand-new 5-octave set would cost approx. $24,000)! Buyer to pick up or to pay for shipping. Photos available upon request.
Contact: Jason Charneski, Director of Music and Organist, Rye Presbyterian Church, 882 Boston Post Rd., Rye, NY 10580 Phone: 914-967-0842, ext. 16; email:
[email protected].
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Free Junior Choir Robes!
Do you have a Junior Choir aching to make their debut on Easter Sunday in resplendent verdancy? Or a middle school class needing costumes for a Wicked visit to the Emerald City? Gilead has you covered--or will.
Gilead Presbyterian in Carmel has 16 Junior Choir robes for boys or girls, sizes ranging from smallest (fitting up to 3'8"height) to largest (up to 5'5"height). Free! Just like Grace and Will! Contact Martin at
[email protected] or 845-216-8129.
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FPC of Forest Hills Seeks Full-Time Interim Pastor
The First Presbyterian Church of Forest Hills is seeking a full-time interim pastor to exercise pastoral, administrative, and representational leadership, and to serve the needs of the church as identified in the
job description, which may be redefined as needed. Full info at:
https://www.presbyfh.org/interim-pastor-search .
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Bryn Mawr Church Seeks Pianist for July
Bryn Mawr Park Church in Yonkers, NY is looking for a pianist for the month of July 2019.
Our service is at 10:00 am in our air-conditioned sanctuary. The dates are July 7,14, 21 and 28. Please contact Nancy Hansen at 914-963-0400 or
[email protected].
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Nauraushaun Church Seeks Part-Time Organist/Pianist
Nauraushaun Church in Pearl River loves its music ministry and is seeking a part-time organist/pianist. Requirements include experience planning and playing for worship services, sacred music repertoire, professional contacts and creative ideas about liturgical music; support for the choir and collaboration with the choir director; planning special music with guests, instrumental or vocal, for Christmas, Easter and other holy days in the church year; overseeing care of the instruments. Back-to-back choir rehearsal and worship service on Sunday mornings. Eleven-rank Wicks pipe organ. Four weeks' vacation and competitive salary. Send cover letter and resume to Carol Dornbush in care of the church, [email protected] or 51 Sickletown Road, Pearl River NY 10965.
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Presbyterian Peace Fellowship Seeks PT Comms. Manager
The Communications Manager will compellingly represent PPF's values and priorities through written and visual communications; develop and carry out a communications strategy and plan through social media, the website, and written materials; maintain the website; and manage the internal communications of PPF.
Learn more about this 10 hour a week position.
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All Souls Port Chester Seeks PT Christian Educator
All Souls Parish/The Presbyterian Church of Port Chester, NY is looking for a part-time Christian Educator to facilitate our Sunday Morning children's program. The position is four hours a week with 2.5 of those hours being on Sunday morning from 9 -11:30 am. The salary will be $18-$20 per hour commensurate with experience. Please send a cover letter and resume to
[email protected].
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Yorktown Presbyterian Church Seeks Music Director
Yorktown's next Director of Music Ministry will provide collaborative leadership in the music and worship life of our church.While we believe we are looking for the traditional skilled organist, keyboardist, and choral director combo working between 30 - 40 hours weekly, we are open to discussing other models with you. Our Director of Music Ministry will bring a passion to music in the service of worship, and will be an approachable, flexible, and creative member of our worship design team.
Read the full job description.
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FPC Yorktown Seeks PT Adult Childcare Provider
Child Care Help Needed-The First Presbyterian Church of Yorktown is seeking an adult childcare provider for 2-3 Sundays/month and for "special services as needed". Must be 18 or older. The position reports to the FPCY Childcare Coordinator, and works alongside co-caregivers, from 8:15am-noon. Pay is $15/hour. Contact Michele Mosca 914-227-7237 or [email protected].
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 This is what it feels like when you discover that Hudson Happenings with a one stop place to plug in to events, connect within and beyond your congregation, and discover useful and inspiring resources for life together...Hudson Happenings!
Filled with links to local, regional and national news as well as information on fabulous educational and advocacy events, it's your place for interesting news and events in Hudson River Presbytery, Synod of the NE and PC(USA). So why not share it with your friends?! And with the link below, your friends can also subscribe to other e-updates from the Presbytery! Again, just invite them to go to http://tinyurl.com/m2l9kpj or share the joy with this photo of me.
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