• IT’S NOW TIME FOR YOUR CONGREGATION TO FILE ITS 2020 STATISTICAL REPORT. A congregation’s 2020 statistical report can be filed in the denominational database beginning this Friday (December 4th 2020). To file a report go to https://oga.pcusa.org/section/churchwide-ministries/stats/statistical-reporting-faq/. Your church’s user name and password (don’t forget the ! in it) are the same as last year.

• At the January 26, 2021 presbytery meeting, we will be remembering Ruling Elders and Ministers who died during 2020. Clerks of Session should send the names of any of your congregation’s Ruling Elders who died in 2020 to Christine Lazarus (christine@hudrivpres.org) by January 15th.  Make sure to include 1) the name and location of your congregation; 2) the Ruling Elder’s name; and 3) the date of death. Please note that all those who died in 2020 and have served on a session at any point during their lives (even if not in your congregation) but were members of your congregation when they died should be included.

• First Presbyterian, Goshen invites you to its 2020 Living Nativity, December 20 and 24, 5:30-7:00 PM. This year’s celebration will feature costumed reenactors, live animals (including a real CAMEL on December 24!), carolers, and narration of the Christmas story. More details here

• Holmes Camp held a virtual gala on December 1, including a tour of the new Agape 2 building. Hear about some exciting developments. Find the link at the Holmes Camp website: HolmesCamp.org. Totally camp, except the smell of the campfire!

• The Presbytery of Susquehanna Valley's Justice in Mission and Ministry (JIMM) team is starting a series of virtual programs on current issues related to justice and peace and invites other presbyteries in NY State. The first program, December 14, will be on poverty and hunger. Attached is a brochure about the event, “Beyond Christmas Charity.”

• Rural and Migrant Ministry; (virtual) Statewide Rural Women's Assembly, December 5, 2020 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM. RWA addresses issues faced by rural, migrant and underserved women. For registration, sponsorship and more information please click here: http://bit.ly/RuralWomensAssembly2020

• Nursery school and child care directors meet on Zoom on Monday, December 14 at 4 pm. If your congregation has a director who would like to be part of this group, please send their contact information to susandegeorge@hudrivpres.org

• Christmas on the Way to a New Year The presbytery will be offering a December 27 worship service so that pastors can take what will be a much-needed day off.  Put it on  your calendar now. It will premiere on the presbytery's Facebook page and Youtube channel at 9 a.m. on the 27th.

• A Zoom on how to do Virtual Congregational Meetings, Ordinations, and Installations will be offered on January 7, 2021 at 10 a.m.

• Save the date now for Elder/Deacon Training. Zoom on February 20, 2021 beginning 10 a.m. Registration will be required. More information coming soon.

• Looking for educational opportunities for your church staff? Wondering about those things they didn’t teach you in Seminary? Church Administrator Certification courses will be helpful in learning about the administrative functioning of the church. Details on courses and registration here.

• Clergy Connection with support for pastors presently serving in pulpits resumes weekly meetings on Wednesdays at 10 AM: Here's your link to the zoom gathering:

• Are you looking for a Christmas pageant that you can do remotely? Check out this pageant written by Gwynne Watkins (Beacon Presbyterian Church) called "The Good News Goes Viral." You can find a sample script and link to purchase this pageant HERE.

• Welcome to the Hudson River Presbytery Course Catalogue! Check out several current offerings from across the presbytery available via Zoom HERE. If you have an opportunity you would like to add, please email Casey (casey@hudrivpres.org). To learn more, check out the full announcement HERE!