Albany Synod Executive Committee seeks to provide a safe place and arena for:

• Worshiping with friends and colleagues, sharing joys and sorrows and building and strengthening relationships across classis boundaries 
• Sharing information about the work already done by the 2020 Vision Taskforce [get a complete update HERE]
• Developing plans for handling discussion around proposed changes to the BCO and responding to 2020 Taskforce and General Synod recommendations
• Learning about emotional maturity, identifying our guiding principles, and considering how they are lived out within our various classes
• Communicating to the 2020 Vision Taskforce about our synod's understanding of our current reality and God's emerging future for our churches, classes and denomination

Albany Synod Executive Committee is extending this invitation to folks serving in a variety of capacities, and are willing to pay expenses and registration for all those they desire to attend, including all members of classis executive committees, leadership of Albany Synod, delegates to 2019 and 2020 General Synod, and others.

However, all are welcome to attend; the registration fee for any persons attending simply because they are interested in the material is $125. This includes meals and overnight lodging (double occupancy).  

January 10 at 5pm to January 11 at 4pm, 2020

Travelodge by Wyndham, Little Falls NY

Deadline for Summit registration is Dec. 6, 2019

Questions? Reach out to 

Paige Convis, Albany Synod President, paigeconvis@gmail.com

Abby Norton-Levering, Albany Synod Ministries Coordinator, nortonlevering@gmail.com

Bob Hoffman, Albany Synod Administrator, hoffmanclerk@aol.com

Approaching the Bible as a profound literary work allows the sort of disciplined observation and probing discussion that leads to deeper understanding of the Word of God for our lives. The course will explore the types of literature, authorship and theological themes found in the Old Testament. It will also seek to understand Yahweh's relationship with Israel as a continuing Divine activity in history.

January 13 through March 2, 2020
7 PM to 10 PM

This 8-week distance learning video conferencing course is a required course for those pursuing Preaching Elder and Commissioned Pastor commissions. However, it is open to ALL who are interested in learning about the Old Testament.

The Rev. Dr. Johan Bosman was born in South Africa. He has 

studied at the Rand Afrikaans University in Johannesburg and the University of Pretoria. He furthered his studies at the Ludwig Maximilian Universitaet in Munich, Germany where he received his doctorate. Dr. Bosman also completed his MBA at the University of South Africa. Currently he serves as Adjunct Staff at Siena College.

He currently is pastor at Christ Community Reformed Church in Clifton Park, NY. From 1999-2004, he served as Associate Minister at First Reformed Church in Schenectady.

Dr. Bosman has completed more than 15 marathons on three

continents and 12 IronMan Triathlons including the World Championships in Hawaii. 

Registration and $300 payment are due by December 31, 2019.

Faithwalking 101

Once again there is the opportunity to attend a transformational retreat of Faithwalking 101. Whether this would be your first time attending a Faithwalking event or whether you take this opportunity to have a refreshing experience, this is for you! 

Join us at Camp Fowler January 26-28. 

You can find out all the information at the registration link HERE.

Beginning and Beyond 2020

Attendance at Beginning and Beyond is expected for all pastors in the first three years of a new call within the bounds of Albany Synod. These annual retreats are excellent opportunities for continuing education and fellowship. Please plan on joining us in the cozy Chi Rho Lodge at Camp Fowler January 28 & 29.

Registration is Open!

Pastors+Families Retreat

February 18-20, 2020

at Camp Fowler

Come for a weekend away of fellowship and refreshment with other families who live into the calling of ministry. All clergy spouses, twofers, PKs, and those who love them are invited. 

Register Now

Regional Synod of Albany Year-End Contributions

The RSA will be closing the books on 2019 contributions on January 15.

Questions? Reach out to Bob Hoffman

Creation Care Event

Albany Synod in partnership with Camp Fowler will be offering another program in eco-theology and how we are called to care for all of God's creation. Details are coming soon, so save the date of February 10!

Churches Learning Change

NOW is the time to consider gathering a team and joining the next round of Churches Learning Change, which will begin in Fall of 2020.  Teams may be from one congregation, or multiple congregations working together in a similar location.  Teams may be from any denomination, not only RCA.  

Interested? Questions?  

Contact Sherri Meyer-Veen, CLC Coordinator RSA at  PastorSherriMV@gmail.com  

The World is No Longer as We Know It

This is a powerful resource that can help lead you into serious conversation about our call to earth care. 

The World is No Longer as We Know It

Rev. Abby Norton-Levering says, "Camp Fowler is a little camp with a big footprint. Not a carbon footprint--a footprint of creativity and sustainability and love and kindness. I'm honored to support their work of teaching people of all ages to love God, and mend and preserve God's creation. Thanks Connor Brady for creating this beautiful video that raises the alarm on climate change, encourages us to take action, and invites us into the community of Fowler where we can work together. Hopelessness often feels overwhelming these days; working on this project helped me find a bit of hope."