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In this together, for good
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We know that you're busy, so we keep our news short and to the point. Follow any links provided to learn more about the stories that interest you.
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Register for Online Boundary Awareness Training
Healthy Boundaries are a gift. They are helpful guidelines that give shape to our relationships. Boundaries create safe spaces and help to build trust over time. Spiritual leadership is replete with boundary challenges. Often the lines between what is appropriate and what is not are unclear. Even as we may have come to some awareness about the basics of healthy boundaries, the issues before us get more
complex everyday. (FaithTrust Institute)
The Regional Synod of Albany is inviting Ministers of Word and Sacrament, Elders, Deacons, Christian Educators and other ministry leaders to a safe space where we can explore where boundaries are beneficial in our ministry together and what the creation of healthy boundaries might look like in our own settings. Led by members of the Regional Synod of Albany BAT (Boundaries Awareness Team) who are certified in Boundaries Awareness Training by the FaithTrust Institute, we will explore some of the boundaries that can prove beneficial in our ministries in areas including: personal space and safety, finances, social media, personal relationships, sexuality and self-care.
This online training opportunity is being provided especially for those ministry leaders who were not able to attend the full day training that may have been provided by their Classis - and for those in Classes which have not yet held a training event. Provided by the Regional Synod of Albany, there will be no extra cost to you or your Classis.
When: Tuesdays, February 25 and March 3, 2020 from 9:30am to 12:00noon
Note: you must attend BOTH classes to complete the training
Where: Online from the comfort of your home or office. Participants will receive a Zoom link for the online classes. No special programs needed for your computer. Just click on the link that will be emailed to you.
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Albany Synod School of Ministry
Old Testament Introduction and 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.
Instructor:
The Rev. Dr. Johan Bosman.
Registration and payment deadline are passed. If you would like to inquire about how to join this class last minute, contact:
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Faithwalking 101
Deadline to sign up is January 10 - Spots almost full!
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.
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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.
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Creation Care Event
Education and Advocacy
February 3, 2020
at First Reformed Church in Scotia
224 N Ballston Ave NY
5:00-8:00pm
A vegan/vegetarian dinner provided
Led by pastors Kent Busman, Daniel Carlson, and John Paarlberg and with special guest Rev. Earl James
and other educators and advocates
Choose from workshops where you will learn how individuals and communities of faith can learn best practices and be inspired in re-committing themselves to creation care and advocating for responsible stewardship of the earth.
Cost is $10 at the door
Checks can be made out to "Regional Synod of Albany"
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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.
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New York State Council of Churches' Ecumenical
Advocacy Day February 12 2020
Join with partners from New York State at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Albany for morning workshops, lunch, and lobbying in front of state officials.
Get all the information and register HERE
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Churches Learning Change - Make 2020 the Year!
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?
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You're Invited to Square Dancing in Schenectady
Wednesdays, January 8 and 22
6:30 - 8:30pm
First Reformed Church in Schenectady, Covenant Hall
8 North Church Street,
Schenectady
If you want to have fun while exercising mind and body, try Square Dancing. Caller Elaine Mikenas will teach you a mixture of simple patterns and moves. By the end of the dance, you will have moved your feet more than a mile, weaving and swinging your way through squares, circles, waves, lines, and diamonds.
Singles and couples are welcomed.
For more information on this event, contact Scott Ebeling
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Grants are Available for You!
Do you have a new ministry that needs a little seed money? Is it focused on discipleship, mission, or revitalization?
Apply for a Synod Ministries Grant for up to $1,000.
The grant for can be found
HERE. Once completed, it will be reviewed by the Synod Ministries Board and you will be notified quickly about your request and if your application was approved. Most projects receive funding within a month of their application.
Questions? Contact Reilly at rsa.comscoordinator@gmail.com
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Regional Synod of Albany
1790 Grand Blvd
Schenectady, NY 12309
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