03.22.24

Presbytery Office will be Closed on Good Friday

Please note; In observance of Good Friday the InterChurch Center building and the Presbytery office will be closed on Friday, March 29^th.

As we approach Holy Week may it be a time for reflection and renewal in your faith. Wishing you all a blessed Holy Week. Be reminded that God's love and grace is with you always.

A Message from New York City Presbytery's Transitional Leader

Rev. Dr. Mary Newbern-Williams

Transitional Presbyter

Housekeeping Information for Congregations

We are still collecting data from the Minister's Salary Equity Form

Ministers' Salary Equity Form

As leaders of congregations, your input is crucial in assuring and providing fairness for pastors' salaries. The attached survey seeks information for the RGJ07 Task Force's work, as approved and sanctioned at the March 2023 Presbytery Gathering. Moderators or Clerks of Sessions are asked to complete the survey as soon as possible. The RGJ07 Task Force will compile, tally, and report the survey results, in preparation for the March 2024 Presbytery Meeting.

CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE SURVEY

2024 Per Capita for New York City Presbytery

Dear Pastor, Clerk of Session and Treasurer:

At its December 2023 meeting, the Presbytery approved the 2024 Per Capita rate to fund the administrative cost of the Presbytery’s ecclesiastical operations. The 2024 Presbytery Per Capita rate is $32.35 per member, the 2024 General Assembly Per Capita rate is $9.80 per member and the 2024 Synod Per Capita rate is $4.10 per member, for a 2024 total Per Capita rate of $46.25 per member.

Also at its December 2023 meeting, the Presbytery approved a 2024 Basic Mission Support allocation based on membership at the rate of $11.60 per member. This funding mechanism sets the minimum level of mission support expected from your congregation. We hope and pray that your church will be led to exceed this minimal level of support for the Presbytery’s mission projects.

Payments can be made on the Presbytery’s website at www.nycpresbytery.org. Click on “Make your Per Capita Payments” at the top of the page. Please let me know if you have any questions. I may be reached at 212 870-2221 ext. 3

Grace and Peace,

James N. Tse

Financial Controller

2023 SYNOD of the Northeast Annual Report

Dear Synod Community,

Our mission to cultivate unencumbered spaces for the Holy Spirit to move among us, revitalizing and empowering us to advance the kingdom of God, hinges significantly on your steadfast commitment within your ministries. The enclosed report stands as a testament to our joint endeavors in 2023. We extend our deepest gratitude for your generous financial contributions and the invaluable investment of your time and talents in the Synod. As you peruse through the report, may you find inspiration in our collective journey towards fulfilling our mission.

The Synod Staff

View the Report

News from the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68)

The Rev. Dr. Mary Newbern-Williams of the Presbytery of New York City spoke to the 68th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women last week, emphasizing the power of love and how it can be transformative and move people to action. Click here to read more about her sermon. #PCUSA #CSW68

News from the COVID-19 Team - Keep Yourself and Others Safe

COVID-19 remains with us as do RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), influenza, and other communicable diseases. 

Measures to consider for your health and the health of others are:

• Obtain vaccinations for COVID-19, RSV, and the flu if you are eligible.
• Get free at home COVID 19 tests. 
• Stay at home and test if you experience COVID-19 symptoms.
• If you experience symptoms or test positive, contact a healthcare provider to learn about COVID-19 Treatments and Medications. Don’t delay! Treatment must be started 5–7 days after you first develop symptoms.
• The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health) reminds us that Masks are still effective tools to reduce the risk of spreading or being exposed to COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses. Masks protect you and others by reducing the amount of droplets that enter the air when someone coughs, sneezes, talks, sings or breathes. NYC Health suggests:
• Consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor public settings, such as on public transit, at large events, and when shopping in crowded stores.
• Consider wearing a mask if you are at high risk for severe COVID-19 or are around others who are.
• Always wear a mask if you're sick and unable to separate from others, and for 10 days after you have COVID-19.
• Always wear a mask for 10 days after being exposed to someone who has COVID-19.
• Wear a high-quality mask, such as a KN95, KF94 or N95, for the best protection from COVID-19.
• Click here for a summary of Centers for Disease Control guidelines for isolation if you have COVID-19.

Find more information about COVID-19 and what to do from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Centers for Disease Control.



Lastly, we want to lift up the importance of testing before and after attending family gatherings and or large events, consider masking at large gatherings, and consider staying at home when feeling ill.

The COVID-19 Team

Brenda Berkman (RE)

Mark Koenig (TE)

Samson Tso (TE)

Regarding Ruling Elders - "Responding to God's Activity in the World Through Service to Others

". . . it is crucial to pay attention to God's activity in the world when serving others. What God does, we are called to do. Therefore, it is vital for ruling elders and the churches they lead to comprehend God's character and activity and then discern God's will for the world."

The eighth in the set of articles that focuses on ruling elders as "they are chosen by the congregation to discern and measure its fidelity to the Word of God, and to strengthen and nurture its faith and life" (Book of Order G-2.0301) has been posted for your reading and use. 

Throughout 2024, monthly articles will alternate between a deep dive into the the ways ruling elders discern and measure the life of a congregation through the ministry of members and real life glimpses into the varied ways that ruling elders are serving within congregations and ministries throughout the country. Previous articles in this series can be found in the article archives (see below). 

Read "Responding to God’s Activity in the World through Service to Others" in English, Español, and 한국어. 

Pastors in Mission Presbytery Share Candidly in a Webinar on Isolation and Loneliness

Three pastors serving churches in Mission Presbytery featured in this Presbyterians Today story took to the airwaves Thursday for an honest and illuminating conversation about clergy loneliness and isolation. Watch the 48-minute conversation that pastors Monica Thompson Smith, Jasiel Hernandez Garcia and Maria Vargas-Torres have with the author of the piece, Fred Tangeman of the communications staff in the Office of the General Assembly, and the managing editor of Presbyterians Today, the Rev. Layton Williams Berkes, who hosted the event, by going here or here.

One Great Hour of Sharing

February 14 - March 31

For over 70 years, One Great Hour of Sharing has provided Presbyterians a way to share God’s love with our neighbors in need around the world.

The three programs supported by One Great Hour of Sharing - Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Presbyterian Hunger Program, and Self-Development of People - all work in different ways to serve individuals and communities in need. From initial disaster response to ongoing community development, their work fits together to provide people with safety, sustenance, and hope.

Click here for more information.

Spreading the Vision of Matthew 25 Across the Church

The PC(USA) believes that we are called to serve Jesus by contributing to the well-being of the most vulnerable in all societies – rural and urban, small and large, young and not-so-young. From affordable housing to community gardens to equitable educational and employment opportunities to healing from addiction and mental illness to enacting policy change – there is not just one way to be a part of the Matthew 25 movement. Learn more

The Board of Pensions Clergy Wellness Support Program

Last summer, the Board of Pensions of the PC (USA) began the Clergy Wellness Support Program. This initiative provides ministers with grants up to $5,000 to foster renewal and wholeness. The grants can be taken every six years.

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) ministers need the opportunity to step away from the demands of ministry and practice self-care so that they might experience the flourishing of life. That’s why the Board of Pensions provides programs that cultivate wholeness and nurture ministries, like Clergy Wellness Support.

Grants are available to ministers in partnership with programs that address vocational, spiritual, mental, and physical wellness. Learn more

Upcoming Events at Union

Should My Church Revamp Its Facebook Page?

Join Presbyterian Outlook Editor/Publisher Teri McDowell Ott in a conversation with skilled, experienced digital communicators: PC(USA) “TikTok Pastor” Bethany Peerbolte, Washington National Cathedral’s inaugural Pastor for Digital Ministry Jo Nygard Owens, Outlook Social Media Producer Jesy Littlejohn, and Outlook managing editor Dartinia Hull.

Topics covered will include:

• Is TikTok worth the time and investment?
• Should my church revamp our Facebook page?
• How do I grow my nonprofit’s followers on Instagram?
• Should the goal of online ministry be in-person gathering?
• If I want my church to attract more young people, do we need to be on social media?

Together, the group will share their personal approach to social media as a tool for connectional ministry. Then, there will be a time of Q&A where audience members can ask practical and theoretical questions.

Register

The webinar is on April 4, 2024, at 7 p.m. EST. All who register will be emailed a link of the recorded webinar afterwards.

Reflective Leadership Grant at Duke

The Reflective Leadership Grant of up to $15,000 supports an opportunity for structured reflection for lay or clergy leaders of Christian organizations that are advancing their mission following the multiple pandemics — COVID-19, racial inequity, economic disruption and mental distress — that emerged and/or intensified throughout the past few years. Learn more

4 Ways to Boost Easter Attendance!

• Encourage every member to invite someone to Easter, give every member a blank invitation to invite someone to Easter Service and have them RSVP
• Also collect member guests' contact info, so the church could send them a formal reminder the week of the Easter service
• For those who can't think of someone to invite, ask them to help promote Easter service and church Touchpoint activities (see examples below)
• Have a small gift ready for RSVP guests and highlight members who are inviting guests to thank them

Below are 4 Touchpoint activities. The idea here is to have something of interest for every Easter guest/visitor to sign up for, to get their contact info, start a relationship and keep them coming back. You do not have to run all these Touchpoint activities, you only implement the ones people sign up for so you don't overwhelm your church resources. Email for more Touchpoints and to customize this process. Questions/thoughts?

1. Open the church to evening 10000 walker/stepper meetups
2. Pet collection for local animal shelter/Pet pantry
3. Reuse & Recycle Exchange Hybrid Market
4. Gratitude Journaling Circle

Resources from NYC Accelerator's Presentation on Local Law 97

Below you will find links to resources regarding Local Law 97 as well as contact information for the presenters at the Called Presbytery meeting.

For more information about the NYC Accelerator Program, visit NYC Accelerator | NYC Accelerator You will find the Building Energy Snapshot, Information about Accelerator's services, and their Service Provider network database. 

Detailed information on Local Law 97: Local Law 97 | NYC Accelerator

If you would like to meet with an Account Manager, you can contact us or visit our website Contact Us | NYC Accelerator; you can also email us at info@accelerator.nyc or call us at (212) 656-9202.

NYC Department of Buildings Local Law 97 and Article 321 Covered Buildings Lists: 

Sustainability - Buildings (nyc.gov)

Estimated Local Law 97 fines, if applicable, are based on benchmarking data. Contact the NYC Sustainability Help Center for information, assistance, and answers to your questions about the benchmarking process Help@NYCsustainability.org, or call (212) 566-5584.

If you are subject to Local Law 97 and selecting the Article 321 Prescriptive Compliance Pathway, here is the link to the filing guide: Article 321 Filing Guide (nyc.gov)

You can contact our presenters, Laura (LauraP@accelerator.nyc) or Ayeesha (ayeesha@accelerator.nyc) directly for further clarification about any of the questions that you may have about Local Law 97.

Power Point Presentation

The Good Works Committee invites congregations and fellowships to submit proposals for possible funding of new or on-going missional efforts through the Good Works Fund. Links to the Good Works guidelines and an application are available on the General Resources page on the Presbytery's website. Contact goodworks@presbynyc.org.

Holmes Camp Confirmation Retreat - April 26^th - 27^th

Explore faith and fellowship with youth from across NYC, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley. This program is designed to serve youth confirmation classes and their adult leaders, and includes meals, lodging, and programming for youth and adults.

Click here for more information. Or Call 845.878.6383 ext. 1

Dates: April 26-27

Leader: Rev. Casey Carbone

Theme: Discovering Our Story - There’s nothing like a good story or listening to a good storyteller. But what about our story? And what about the story only you can tell? During this confirmation retreat, we will examine the power of the narratives we tell about ourselves, our communities, and God. Finally, we will see how you can tell your story to educate, advocate, and witness.

Sacred Sites Open House May 18th and 19th, 2024

We hope your congregation will join the Landmarks Conservancy’s 14th Annual Sacred Sites Open House celebrating New York’s diverse historic houses of worship. This year’s theme is “Welcoming our Neighbors”, and participating congregations will showcase their buildings and histories through guided tours, lectures, and musical performances. The event is also an opportunity to highlight the cultural and social service programs your sites offer.

We encourage you to partner with a nearby house of worship of another faith tradition and coordinate opening hours to welcome visitors to both locations.

Check back often as we post more information about site registrations, featured events, special tours, and our popular Sacred Sites Open House Photo Contest. We'll also be sending weekly tips on hosting a successful event.

The Sacred Sites Open House has attracted thousands of visitors over the last decade, all eager to learn about the art, architecture, history, and programming at New York’s diverse houses of worship.

Register Here

To be included in the Open House Weekend Guide, (an online searchable database) you must complete your registration by May 1st, 2024.  

Late registrations will be accepted, but we cannot guarantee that your site will be listed in our Guide, maps, or included in press releases.

To register your site, click here.  

Need help planning your Open House? We have created a "How To" guide for congregations that contains sample flyers and press releases as well as tips for making your Open House a success. Click here to download the guide.

For more information contact Tara Ritz or Ann Friedman at sacredsites@nylandmarks.org or call 212.995.5260.

NYDIS Disaster Chaplain Certification & Religious Literacy Training

ALL REGISTRANTS MUST COMPLETE THIS FORM & TRAINING PREREQUISITES

This three-day training prepares faith leaders or institutional chaplains to volunteer as disaster chaplains in mass-care settings or to serve as disaster chaplains within their house of worship, religious community or professional institution. The modules demonstrate how diverse religious and cultural practice increases partner capabilities and builds whole community resilience. The course offers tools (tip sheets & a field guide set) and foundational skills to competently engage religious leaders and congregations in the field. Each registrant must be endorsed for this training and/or currently serve as a professional chaplain and/or credentialed religious leader.

Date and time

April 2 · 9am - April 4 · 5pm EDT

Location

New York Disaster Interfaith Services

4 West 43rd Street Room 415 New York, NY 10036

Click here for more information and to register

Employment Opportunities Within and Around the Presbytery of NYC

Congregational Searches on PC(USA)'s NEW CLC System

The following congregations in our presbytery are currently engaged in active searches. These Ministry Discernment Profiles (MDP) are posted to CLC's new site:

• First Presbyterian Church, Far Rockaway, Solo Pastor, Part-time (3/4 time)
• St. Albans Presbyterian Church, Solo Pastor, Full-time
• First Presbyterian Church of Springfield Gardens, Solo Pastor, Part-time
• Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church, Solo Pastor, Full-time, click here for additional details

Congregations within our presbytery are currently seeking to fill these positions:

• Mt. Morris-Ascension Presbyterian Church, Secretary/Administrative Assistant, Part-time, click here for details
• Presbyterian Church of St. Albans, Senior Pastor, Full-time, click here for details

PC(USA) National Office

• The Presbyterian Church (USA) national office in Louisville, KY, is currently hiring. click here for a list of current openings. To access all Presbyterian Church (USA) national office job opportunities and online applications, please visit PC(USA)'s website for a full listing of openings. Referrals are welcome!

Prayers of Joys and Concern

Prayers of concern, and care are extended to;

• Elder Dorette Winslow (Laconia Presbyterian Church)
• Rev. Alice Hermanus-Rampengan (Indonesian Presbyterian Church)
• New York City Presbytery Board of Trustees
• Pastors serving our congregations
• Pastors in new ministries and churches in pastoral searches
• Practicing Matthew 25 in our churches and communities
• Congregations engaged in special projects
• New York City Presbytery's Young Adult Volunteers (YAV's)

2024 Minister's Minimum Compensation

Below you will find a link (to the presbytery approved ) Minister's Minimum Compensation for the 2024 calendar year.

We hope this is helpful!

New Church Leadership Connection

The Office of the General Assembly has launched the new Church Leadership Connection (CLC), the internet-based matching and referral system of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Call seeking individuals and call providers can now access the new system at clc.pcusa.org.

The Church Leadership Connection (CLC) staff is here to serve you. If you need any assistance or have questions about the new system, contact them by phone at 888-728-7228, ext. 8550, or by email at clcstaff@pcusa.org.

Stay Connected to the Presbytery of NYC