Hudson Happenings
H u d s o n  R i v e r  P r e s b y t e r y
In This Issue
March 28, 2020
Presbytery News & Events



Dear Friends,

The Grace and Peace of Jesus Christ be with you.

These have been changing times; change that has come swiftly and without precedent in our lifetimes.  We may feel isolated and alone; or perhaps we have had just about enough family time for now.  Likely we must learn bold new ways to minister without being able to be face-to-face with our friends, neighbors and members.  At the same time, some are experiencing the awe-inspiring presence of God in videos, ZOOM gatherings and good old fashioned phone calls.  Friends - God is with us.  I know that you've experienced the love and wonder of God - how has God surprised you these past few weeks?

Our HRP office is closed and staff are working remotely.  Stony Point Center and Holmes Presbyterian Camp and Conference center are also closed.

Presbytery Council, committees and teams have moved to zoom calls and some events have been postponed.  Visit the HRP Calendar at http://hudrivpres.org to learn more.

The presbytery meeting scheduled for April 18 at Rye will not be an in-person gathering.  However it is not cancelled. Overtures destined to the General Assembly are part of the core business of our April meeting.  We are awaiting word from the General Assembly on how it will be proceeding as currently registration for the GA remains on pause. We'll update you as we learn more.

We also bid farewell to the Rev. Noelle Damico who, after 6 years on the HRP staff, is departing as our Director of Communications on March 31 to assume the position of Social Justice Director at The Workers Circle in New York City beginning April 1.  See her message below.  Beginning April 1st, communications questions and news for Hudson Happenings may be directed to Jean Kaiser, jean@hudrivpres.org.  I've known Noelle far longer than I've been with Hudson River Presbytery, and I am grateful to have worked with her for a bit.  Noelle brings a worldview that embodies the Living Christ and now she has been called into work that will expand her ability to serve to make our world a more just place.  We will miss her, and we will watch from afar as she continues to give voice to the voiceless.  Please send her your virtual gratitude ( noelle@hudrivpres.org) and hugs!

Meanwhile congregations are innovating to enable us to be socially and spiritually connected while being physically distant.  And the presbytery is committed to helping the church be the church in these challenging times.

We are working to support each other in so many ways.  Our community is strong, our connection is strong, and our faith in God and each other will see us through.

Peace and continued blessings,
 
Deborah Milcarek, General Presbyter
Coronavirus Resources for HRP Congregations
 
HRP has established a Coronavirus Resource page that is being updated regularly throughout the week with important resources for church life.

Resources include:

- links to pertinent NYS laws related to shelter-in-place and paid leave

- info on HRP's new online consultant to help you with virtual church

-denominational materials and grant opportunities

You can easily access those resources by going to http://hudrivpres.org and clicking on  Coronavirus resources image on the highlight bar at the far left (as well as via the resources page and disaster preparedness page).
 
PDA Pandemic Short-term Emergency Grants
PDA has allocated funds from critical reserves for the COVID-19 response . Due to the global and denomination wide impact of the pandemic, funds will be limited and prioritized
according to urgency of need.  Presbyteries are eligible to apply for up to $7,500 from PDA on behalf of their congregations and partners. Does your congregation have a need or project?  Download the application.   Applications are be due to HRP no later than midnight on April 1, 2020. Questions? Email christine@hudrivpres.org.
Important Survey for All Clerks of Session
Please take a moment to complete this survey from Stated Clerk, Susan DeGeorge, on whether your congregation's minutes are available electronically.  This information is critical for us to fulfill our governance obligations to one another and we greatly appreciate your help.
A Farewell Note from Noelle
As you may have read in Deb's opening reflection, I'll be departing as HRP Communications Director on March 31st in order to become the Social Justice Director at The Workers Circle.  Established by Eastern European Jews who came to NY and worked in the textile industry, over the last 120 years, they've drawn on Jewish culture to advance rights for workers and immigrants in particular. They are also allies of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, with whom I've worked for almost 20 years. I will continue to  teach organizing and social change as well as political advocacy to graduate students at NYU Wagner,  And I certainly look forward to the ways my path will continue to cross with that of HRP.  If you want to reach out after March 31st, feel free to drop me a line at
revdamico@gmail.com.

At this time, when so much in our world and in our communities has been thrown question by the terrible Covid-19 pandemic, I want you to know you're in good hands.  Jean Kaiser will be coordinating materials for Hudson Happenings so send them along to jean@hudrivpres.org.  And you can reach out to Christine Lazarus with any questions and she'll be sure to get you your answer.  It has been my privilege to work with the incredibly dedicated, intelligent and creative women who staff the presbytery.  I have valued the chance to get to know so many of you over the last 6+ years and see the way you bring love to life in the church's ministry. And it has been a joy to explore who we are together, where God is leading, and to have some fun, too, at presbytery! 

Speaking of which, the Presbytery Playlist will continue!  We have a cadre of playlist enthusiasts so look for a note soon on how to contribute your favorite songs for the next presbytery.  A big shout out to Luanne Pannarotti who, as editor of HRP's blog, A Curious Faith, will make sure it continues without missing a beat. I encourage you to take a moment and read the latest post on Curious Faith, A Voice on the Bare Heights, by Leslie Mott where she explores what it means to be present by phone to one another in this time.  Yes, Leslie, you remind us, technology is an aid but it is not the answer.  The challenge is whether we will scale the heights and depths of our human experience together.

In the coming days with the Covid-19 crisis, more will be required of us -- more empathy, more grief, more resources, more courage.  On Facebook, the Rev. Jeffrey Geary, pastor at White Plains Presbyterian, challenged us writing, "Our responsibility right now is NOT to reproduce through technology the church/culture that we were, OR to reassure one another with a sense of zoom-inspired normality, but to be PRESENT to, and SPEND OURSELVES on behalf of, each and every life that is subject to crucifixion by our cruel and evil social system that is sacrificing the most vulnerable and "expendable" among us."  I believe we can be that kind of church -- the church that cuts through the rhetoric to the real, just like Jesus did.  Know that whether near or far, I will be holding you in my heart and pulling in the same direction.  Love,  Noelle
Undergrad and Seminary Scholarship,
Deadline EXTENDED to June 1
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, applications will be accepted for the Wurffel-Sills Scholarship and Interest-Free Student Loan Program until June 1, 2020.
 
Members of any church within the Synod of the Northeast, who are pursuing full-time undergraduate or seminary studies leading to a Masters of Divinity (MDiv) or Masters of Religious Education (MRE) are welcome to apply.  Part-time studies, non-credit or certificate courses are not eligible to apply. Learn more at https://www.synodne.org/wurffel-sills  
Katie Cannon Scholarship for Leadership Development,  
Deadline June 1 
 Applications are now being accepted for the Katie Cannon Scholarship, sponsored by the Women's Ministry Fund.

The scholarship supports Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) clergywomen and college women of color as well as other women of color with opportunities for leadership and spiritual development, helping women to develop leadership gifts and to be equipped for even greater service in the PC(USA).  Apply now! 

The scholarship, named in honor of the late Rev. Dr. Katie Geneva Cannon, a pioneer and legend in the PC(USA), awards up to $1,500 to qualifying women for expenses for a leadership development event in the United States. 
A reflection from Barbara Devir, Commissioned Lay Pastor
One of the last things Barbara Devir (second from right, above) did before her unexpected death earlier this month, was to send a report for this issue of Hudson Happenings about her trip to Puerto Rico with Presbyterian Disaster Association. Barbara's passion to see the church on the front lines of where people were struggling, often in isolation, to reach out and offer love and community was one of her gifts.  Take a moment and read her report.  Give thanks for her life, and imagine, what is God calling you to do in this moment to connect across the divides, to remember what makes us human, and to give yourselves fully in love? Read Barbara's full reflection.
Remembering The Rev. Richard Avery
The Rev. Richard Avery, half of the Avery and Marsh songwriting duo along with his longtime collaborator Don Marsh, died March 15 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He was 85.
Marsh, a longtime church musician and arts director, died on April 10, 2010.

For more than four decades, Avery was pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Port Jervis, New York, about 80 miles northwest of Manhattan. Marsh served the same church. Together they composed more than 150 published hymns, carols and anthems.

David Burpee, who sits on HRP's Council and is a member of Bedford Presbyterian offered this beautiful reflection on Rev. Avery's ministry and impact on his life.  Read the full PNS story.
Healthy and Vital Congregations
Fire at Calvary Presbyterian Church.  No one hurt. 
Donate to help with repairs.

On March 5th, Calvary Church caught fire and much of its fellowship hall and first floor were seriously damaged.

Calvary has set up a webpage where you can read regular updates on progress and donate to the church's repair.

Please keep our brothers and sisters at Calvary Presbyterian in your prayers and support them as you are able.
Call to Prayer for Health Care Workers and Others
The Rev. Angela Maddalone, Director of Chaplaincy at Northern Westchester Hospital urges HRP congregations to pray for hospital staff (not only nurses and doctors but the folks who cook, clean, etc).   
 
Perhaps you will be moved to form prayer circles but however you and your congregation respond, please remember in prayer

Hospitals
Police and Firefighters
Grocery workers
All those not able to self isolate at home or work
Those hurting because they are out of work.

Union Presbyterian, Newburgh: Thanking health workers
Pastor Sandra Larsen and Union Church invite your congregation to consider showing their appreciation to healthcare workers at this difficult time through social media.  Here's what they did: 

To all departments--especially ICU and ER" Add graphics (e.g., hospital mask with hearts and Lone ranger clip art)

Sample:  Thank you to St. Luke's Hospital Staff:
You're better than Batman, Zorro and the Lone Ranger 
'cuz YOUR heroism is REAL
.
 
-from Union Church and the whole community
Woman 2 Woman Interim Email Exchange with Women at Bedford Hills and Taconic Prisons

An invitation from Nancy Gernert, Co-Founder of Woman 2 Woman, to women in Hudson River Presbytery

I'm writing now because we know that the women incarcerated at Bedford Hills and Taconic are feeling more isolated than ever because of social distancing and the suspension of visiting due to COVID-19. They are understandably scared and lonely and feel completely disconnected from the outside world.

In the absence of face-to-face visits, Woman 2 Woman encourages you to sign up as an email pal for a woman incarcerated in one of Bedford's two prisons. You will be assigned one woman with whom to email -- to ask her how she's doing, to share information, to simply chat, and to let her know that she's not alone. Please understand that we don't expect you to start in-person visits with her once the crisis is over. This is a stop-gap measure to ensure that these women feel some support from the outside during these uncertain times.

We will be holding a Zoom video conference meeting on Tuesday, March 31st at 7:00 p.m. to go over information such as how to set up a JPay account (the email service provider), security issues, and how to establish boundaries. You can then decide whether you'd like to participate. And please feel free to share this email with female friends and family who might be interested. They do not need to live in the area. 

If you'd like to join the meeting, please let me know by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 30th. I will then send you a link with the meeting ID.  Email  nancygernert@gmail.com.
Soap Drive
The Town of Bedford Prison Relations Advisory Committee is running a soap drive for the women at Taconic and Bedford Hills to give them an alternative to lye-based state-issued soap that makes their hands red, dry and raw. It's not as good as a visit but will remind the women that they are in our thoughts!  I hope you'll participate.  We've got a goal of 2,000 bars!

The soaps must be wrapped and be alcohol free.  Apparently, there are some color restrictions and so white soap is best.  No receipts are necessary.  Also, the soaps should be sealed. (Dove is a safe choice.)

Contact Carol Parker to coordinate pickup or drop off to her home  carol.lilypond@gmail.com. If you have any ideas about other congregations or organizations that might be willing to donate, please contact them or let Carol know and she'll reach out.
Monroe Presbyterians Participate in Missions on the Road!
Duncan and Betsy Nichol were part of a 10 person, short-term mission trip to Guatemala sponsored by the Christ United Methodist Church of Chincoteague, VA where they worship when not at First Presbyterian Church in Monroe.  
 
They worked at the Casa Aleluya Children's Home of over 300 kids, ages 0-18,  near Guatemala City, Guatemala. At the Home they spent time with the kids and did manual labor. They also participated in two outreach missions to build 9 stoves, deliver 11 water filters, 10-12 bags of food and give clothes to children. They also did some sight-seeing in the cities of Panajachel and Antigua, where they also saw a volcano puffing. The mission was held January 27-February 5.
 
Duncan is a retired pastor and member of Hudson River Presbytery and a Certified Christian Educator. Betsy is a ruling elder of the Monroe church and a retired elementary school teacher of the Middletown Schools.

Keeping their mission-hat on, Duncan and Betsy also invite members from our churches to participate in "Servants' Camp," June 22-27 in the White Mountains of Rumney, NH, if Covid-19 concerns have abated. This is an intergenerational work camp experience to fully restore a 500 acre Christian camp. The event is interdenominational.  If that sounds interesting to you, give Duncan a call at 402-870-1609.
Partnerships
Walk for Housing - CANCELLED
 
The Habitat Walk for Housing on April 26, 2020 has been cancelled.
 
A three mile walk through the Habitat neighborhoods of Newburgh. Your group walkers raise funds by finding sponsorships. More details will follow after the coronavirus pandemic is past.
Fossil Fuels and the PC(USA)
A Discussion of Options Before the General Assembly 2020 - ON HOLD

Please reserve the time of 7:00-9:00pm on April 30th

HRPGreen has postponed the physical gathering on April 30th, but stay tuned as the discussion may go online.

At General Assembly this year, commissioners will consider overtures and recommendations around selective or total divestment from fossil fuels and other environmental justice issues. At past General Assemblies, this issue has been divisive with little time for questions or discussion. Our intention is to allow brief presentations, then discussion (but not debate) with a lot of time for questions from those attending. GA Commissioners and all others who are interested are welcome. Admission is free.

Thursday, April 30, from 7:00-9:00pm, hear from a panel of national and local leaders from PCUSA's Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy, Fossil Free PC(USA), and Mission Responsibility Through Investment. And join in the discussion.  Download the flyer with additional details.   RSVP to hrpgreen40@gmail.com.
Consider a Special Gift to RMM during the Covid-19 Crisis  
Rural & Migrant Ministry is responding to the workers and their families.  Donate today. Here's what your support will enable:
  •  Strengthening the ability of the Rapid Response Network in the Finger Lakes to get food and resources to families,
  •  Finding resources for the families in the Hudson River, Catskill and Long Island regions, including funds, computers and supplies.
  •  Creating regular phone Chat groups for workers across the State to stay  connected and get information they need.
  •  Creating a Spanish & French language Facebook group for the workers, providing a platform for them to ask questions and get necessary information.
  •  Continuing to advocate in Albany as the Farm Bureau attempts to introduce changes to the Farmworker Law passed last Spring
  •  Creating guides in Spanish.
  •  Meeting virtually with our women's groups and our youth groups on a regular basis.
  •  Meeting with the leaders of the Center on Long Island to develop trainings and curriculum for the emerging Rural Academy of the People.
  •  Exploring with allies how we can continue to offer virtual ESL classes.
  •  Developing advocacy plans to protect the workers and their families during this virus crisis.
Regional and National Events
General Assembly Considers Options for 224th GA
Following an executive session this week, COGA released a statement saying, "The Committee on the Office of the General Assembly is meeting weekly and watching closely as information unfolds about COVID-19. The health and well-being of all involved in the 224th General Assembly (2020) is of the utmost importance. We are taking this time to evaluate all the options for GA and will share a decision with you no later than April 17. One of the options is a fully virtual GA, with training provided for participants in advance." Read more about the deliberations.
Ecumenical Advocacy Days, Cancelled
Although we won't be able to gather April 24-27, 2020, as we had planned, EAD is currently looking at ways to carry on this important work.
Ecumenical Advocacy Days is an annual gathering of Christian advocates and activists. We worship, delve deeply into the pressing issues of the day, and lift our voices by speaking truth to power on Capitol Hill.

The 2020 theme is ""Imagine! God's Earth and People Restored." At this crucial time in history, we will lift up the global crisis of environmental injustice, with special attention to the intersection of climate change and economic injustice.  Stay tuned to https://advocacydays.org.

Resources for Education, Liturgy & More!
Turn Your Annual Campaign into a Disciple-Making Strategy
from Charles Barton and the HRP Stewardship Team
 
"Giving at a certain level is emphasized because the church needs to have a certain amount to function. Depending upon whether the donors are happy and excited about the future of ministry in that particular local church will greatly influence whether or not the entire budget is pledged for the coming year. Seldom is this approach to your annual campaign very effective. Yet, it is precisely the approach that is repeated again and again and again..."  Read more.
Lenten Devotional from Presbyterians for Earth Care
Presbyterians for Earth Care offer this every Sunday in Lent devotional, " God Provides Enough for All."

The first week features a reflection by the Rev. Jeffrey Geary.  Each week gives preachers great material and all Presbyterians a way to mindfully imagine "enough" during Lent.
Seeking and Finding
Free Piano and/or Organ for Interested Congregation
A member of Pine Bush Presbyterian Church has a Story & Clark piano and a Wurlitzer Omni 1000 organ he would like to donate to any church who may need one. If your congregation is interested, could you please contact Pine Bush's Pastor, Russ Duncan, at pastorrsd@outlook.com or call 845-703-0723.
Hymnals to Give Away!
South Presbyterian Church in Dobbs Ferry has 100+ copies of The Presbyterian Hymnal, 1990 edition with a blue cover, to give away. Most copies are in excellent condition. If you are interested, please contact Anne Day at anne@anneday.org.  
Employment Opportunities
Hitchcock Presbyterian Seeks Interim, Paid, PT Youth Leader
Hitchcock Presbyterian Church in Scarsdale, NY is seeking a youth leader for 10 hours a week who will work under the supervision of the Pastor. Interested people should send their resumes to revpetejones@gmail.comLearn more.
Share Hudson Happenings
In this moment physical distance, it's more important than ever to stay connected.  Share Hudson Happenings with your friends and colleagues as a way to put your metaphorical finger on the virtual pulse (yeeesh) of the presbytery.  We're informed, just a little bit silly, and justice oriented.  We're Hudson River Presbytery and this is our newsletter.  let your friends know about it!  This playful, informative, splashy communique helps your friends and congregants plug in to events, connect within and beyond your congregation, and discover useful and inspiring resources for life together!  You can send the link below to sign up.

Filled with info on 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! Invite them to go to http://tinyurl.com/m2l9kpj or share this photo of me and my friends observing the bear-requirement of social distancing!  (the link is embedded)!