NYAPC Weekly and Care and Prayer List

Weekly News & Updates - July 8, 2022

Dear Friends,

We continue this Sunday with surprising stories from the book of Acts. This week, we will spend time with a vision of Peter's and the council's response. The story of the early church is ultimately one of commitment and strength and courage as they continued in ministry and sharing the way of Jesus despite persecution and opposition. May we be upheld by their example and witness as we also continue in ministry and walk through our own challenging time.

I encourage you to explore the announcements below. There are multiple opportunities this summer for fellowship, learning, and service. This is all part of our communal life together, and all are part of being church. These opportunities are ways that we show that God's love is alive and at work, despite the violence and conflict that often surrounds us.

And if you are on vacation, know that rest is also a way that we stand against cultural pressures and narratives that try to tell us that our worth is tied to our productivity. Sabbath is an important and radical way that we proclaim that our worth rests solely in our identity as God's beloved creations.

After worship on Sunday, I will be going to Montreat's Youth Conference for the week and then I will be on vacation, returning Monday, August 1. Sarah returns from vacation this week, but she will be working on worship planning for the coming year, so she will not be available like she usually is until Sunday July 17.

May this blessing strengthen and comfort you this week.

Go forth into the world in peace.

Be of good courage.

Hold fast that which is good.

Render to no one evil for evil.

Strengthen the fainthearted.

Support the weak.

Help the afflicted.

Honor all persons.

Love and serve the Lord,

rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.

And may the blessing of almighty God,

be among you and remain with you always.

Peace,

Rachel

Join us in worship at 10am!

Onsite: 1313 New York Avenue NW, Washington DC 20005

(Free parking is available at the garage next to the church)

Online: Click here or go to Zoom

(you can also dial 1-929-436-2866 with meeting ID 150 620 342)

July 10 Worship Service Bulletin

Featured Announcements

Masking this Sunday: Optional

Last week, we announced in a special email a shift in our masking policy. DC Health is now reporting that the Covid Community Level is low. Therefore, masking will be optional on Sunday. In the future, if the Covid level rises to medium or high, masking will again be required. As a community of kindness, we will respect one another's masking decisions.

Forward In Faith, Together In Mission Update

As we hit the halfway point of the year we continue to make progress toward turning pledges into gifts. Through mid-June, we have received $348,812 in Stewardship gifts and $722,253 in Capital Campaign gifts.

The Forward In Faith, Together In Mission leadership team thanks the congregation for its ongoing generosity, and asks everyone to review their pledges and please consider making a gift between now and the end of the year (or make a pledge!). Your gifts sustain our worship and mission activities, and we want to remind everyone that as soon as we receive the first $1 million in Capital Campaign gifts we will begin the work of updating the bathrooms on the first and fifth floors. Please contact Laura Brouse-Long or David Gillies with questions about the Forward In Faith, Together In Mission campaign, or your pledges. Thanks again for your support of NYAPC!

AveNews Deadline - Sunday, July 10

AveNews is NYAPC'S quarterly newsletter. If you are thinking about writing an article, please let either Fritz or Ruth know at vonfleck@starpower.net

Join the Trip to Cuba!

All are welcome to join NYAPC’s next visit with our partner church, First Presbyterian-Reformed Church of Havana, March 6-13, 2023! Our last visit was February 2020, right before the Covid shutdowns, so this will be a special trip! Deadline for signup is November 30, 2022. (Three months for Cuban visas are required.) We will stay in private apartments three blocks from First Havana, and will have meals in First Havana’s dining room. Past total cost has been about $1,500 that includes the Cuban visa, housing, meals, transportation in Cuba, translator cost, and airfare. With skyrocketing costs in Cuba due to the Cuban Government’s new single-currency policy, that price may increase. More information on cost will follow. Your passport must not expire before 6 months after March 13, 2023 Renew your passport now if needed!

If you would like more information please contact Marilyn Seiber or the church office at adminofice@nyapc.org

Upcoming Events

Family Playground Meetup

Tomorrow! Saturday, July 9, 1:30pm

All families are welcome to gather at Guy Mason Playground in DC at 1:30pm tomorrow. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate this time so that we can spend some time together.

Heeding God’s Call

Monthly Witness to End Gun Violence

Thursday, July 14, 10 am

All are welcome to join in person the monthly gathering in Fairfax, VA at 10 a.m. at 11250 Waples Mill Road near Exit 57A of I-66. Please come and show your support for our constitutional right to live in domestic tranquility without the threat of gun violence. For a ride, please contact Anne Laroche.

Abraham and the Multiverse - Webinar with Dr. Judy Fentress-Williams

Thursday, July 14, 7 pm

Register now for this webinar with our summer scholar in residence, Dr. Judy Fentress-Williams, will examine the story of Abraham and look at what lessons can be learned in light of his multiple roles in the story and then through the lens of internal family systems theory.

What might the many dimensions of this character help us learn about the call of God? As part of her time with us, she will also offer a lecture (in-person and online) on the morning of Saturday, Aug. 13, and will preach again on August 21. If you missed her June 19 sermon, you can see it on Youtube.

Guest preacher: Rev. Dr. Roy Howard

Sunday, July 17, 10 am

The Reverend Dr. Roy Howard is an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coaching Federation, a certified facilitator with Healthy Congregations, adjunct faculty member and Dean of the Academy of Artful Leadership (AAL.) He is currently coaching pastors and teaching a course in pastoral leadership with the AAL.

Prior to his current coaching and consultant practice, Roy served for 33 years as a pastor with congregations in Kentucky, Virginia and most recently, Saint Mark Presbyterian Church in N. Bethesda Maryland. He remains active in National Capital Presbytery, he is also serving on the ministerial relations ministry team. He is the author of two books “Beyond Fairness: the Stories of Jesus” and “Walking in Love: My Journey Along the Camino de Santiago.” He is married to Claudia and they have two adult daughters, Rachel (Jorge) and Rebecca (Aiden).

Midsummer Picnic

Sunday, July 24, 3:30 pm

Rock Creek Picnic Area #13

These have been such fun! This is a “bring your own picnic” event. Nurture/Learning Committee will supply charcoal for the grill, cold water, and desserts. We’ll gather at Rock Creek Picnic Area #13, located along Glover Road NW near Military Road NW. Please note that restrooms are not available at this site (they are a drive away). Questions? Email meghouse8@gmail.com or karenodunlap@gmail.com.

EVENT CANCELED: ALLY Training 2022 - Dismantling Racism Team of NCP led by Service Never Sleeps

July 26-27

Hospitality for Migrants

Saturday, July 30, August 6, 20, and 27

Governor Abbott of Texas has been sending busloads of migrants to DC as a part of his “Operation Lone Star” program. Migrants have been arriving on Saturdays with a variety of needs. They are asylum seekers who have been processed by ICE and have appointments in the northeast region. This has created a chaotic situation and the Congregation Action Network (CAN) has organized to respond. Local churches are being asked to provide space so that migrants can sit down, have water, access bathrooms, and meet with people from CAN about their needs and next steps. Childcare so that parents have a break is also a need. We would like to provide this hospitality in July and August! Volunteer shifts will be 7-10am, 10am-1pm, and 1-4pm. If you are interested in volunteering sign up here. Please email Courtney Spearman with questions.

Weekly Groups

Sunday Morning Prayer, 9:15 am

Go to Zoom or dial 646 558 8656 with meeting ID 226 396 834

Tuesday Morning Prayer, 8:00 am

Go to Zoom or dial 301-715-8592 with meeting ID 229 424 538

Thursday Morning Prayer, 8:00 am

Go to Zoom or dial 301-715-8592 with meeting ID 553 049 565

Thursday Community Book Group, 10:00 am

(first and third Thursday of each month)

Go to Zoom or dial 301-715-8592 with meeting ID 134 791 118

email Tom Dunlap for information

Care and Prayer List

New Prayer Requests

Prayers for the family of 15-year-old Blu Bryant, who was shot and killed recently. Blu had been a student in Community Club for several years. Prayers also for Community Club class leaders Stephanie Price and Susie Campbell and all Community Club students and tutors.

Continued Prayer Requests

We pray for those who are in Kenya with the NYAPC mission team, that they may have a time of meaningful ministry.

We continue to pray for Ukraine and all those suffering during these difficult times. In the spirit of loving our enemies, we pray for Vladimir Putin. We pray for the Russian people, especially those who are courageously speaking out against injustice and brutality. We pray for the leaders of all nations, that peace may prevail.

Adding Prayers to the List

If you have a prayer request or would like to update your request, please email prayers@nyapc.org, which is monitored by Carrie Reasonover and the Diaconal Ministers. In addition, requests may be sent to Pastor Rachel Pacheco. Requests submitted by noon on Wednesdays will be included in Friday’s Weekly email.