Presbytery of Western New York
E-Newsletter

January 19, 2010

NEWS REGARDING DISASTER ASSISTANCE FOR HAITI FROM PC(USA)

The following is from the PC(USA) website.  Please check the website for periodic updates.
We pray for Haiti
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As the eyes of the world turn to Haiti, let us join our hearts in prayer:
God of compassion, please watch over the people of Haiti, and weave out of these terrible happenings wonders of goodness and grace.  Surround those who have been affected by tragedy with a sense of your present love, and hold them in faith.  Though they are lost in grief, may they find you and be comforted.  Guide us as a church to find ways of providing assistance that heal wounds and provide hope.  Help us to remember that when one of your children suffers we all suffer; through Jesus Christ who was dead, but lives and rules this world with you. Amen.  (Adapted from Book of Common Worship)
—Bruce Reyes-Chow, Gradye Parsons and Linda Valentine

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is responding to this earthquake through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and its partners.  Presbyterian World Mission is gathering information on the safety and status of our mission personnel and ecumenical partners in the area.  For updates on the earthquake and the church’s response, please visit PDA. Initial reports indicate a large number of casualties and widespread damage especially in the capital city of Port-au-Prince.

You, too, can be part of God’s answer to prayer for those affected by this disaster. Information on the situation and prayers and worship resources are available through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.  Funds from One Great Hour of Sharing are already helping with the initial response.  You can give to the ongoing relief through PDA account number DR000064.  Gifts can also be made by phone at (800) 872-3283, weekdays between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. (EST); and checks can be mailed to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, P.O. Box 643700, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700.

KENMORE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH “ON WHEELS”

Pictured below are Richard (Dick) Macakanja and Marie Hewett.  They are standing beside a car with a removable door magnet, identifying those who are driving in mission and performing service through Kenmore Presbyterian Church.  These magnets are currently available at low cost and provide a highly-visible message regarding the congregation’s work in the community.  Contact Janita Byars at janitab@pbywny.org for additional information.

LENTEN DEVOTION GUIDE AND BIBLIOGRAPHY OF LENTEN RESOURCES BY MARY MOHLKE

A Lenten devotion by Mary Mohlke can be found in the Creative Communications catalogue.  It is a family Lenten Table Devotion guide, called “Signs and Symbols,” and appears on p. 6 (Code AC-B) of the catalogue.  The ad says, “Let this colorful table decoration be a Lenten focus for your table throughout the forty days of Lent.”  Since Sundays are "little Easters," each Sunday devotion features an Easter symbol - a candle, an egg, a crown, a lily, a pomegranate, an iris and a butterfly.  Lenten activities for the weekdays follow.  In addition, Mary created a bibliography (click here) of Lenten resources you can find at the Resource Center. 

A PURPOSE FOR YOUR UNUSED GREETING CARDS – BRING TO PRESBYTERY MEETING ON JANUARY 30TH

A member, Sue Clark, of Third Presbyterian Church of Tonawanda is serving in Iraq.  She has put out a call for unused greeting cards.  “Troy’s Place,” a respite location sponsored by the H6 Chapel, provides cards for troops to send to their family and friends.   A box will be stationed near the registration table at the Presbytery meeting, January 30th, at North Presbyterian Church, Williamsville.  Please bring cards to donate.

ERRATA

RE:  Quality Healthcare in a Religious Diverse World Conference

The Niagara University phone number for registration should be 716-286-8181.

NEW MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS FROM NETWORK OF BIBLICAL STORYTELLERS

Click here for information about benefits for new members of Network of Biblical Storytellers.

DUFFIELD SURVEY

Please take just a few moments to click on the link below and complete the survey.  All questions (save one) are multiple choice - it will take no more than five short minutes of your time!  Duffield administrators are seeking to improve and focus on some of the ways in which they go about the ministry and mission of Duffield.  Your input is greatly appreciated.  Thank you!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DSZV8ML

REGISTRATION INFORMATION FOR THE 2010 WORLD MISSION INITIATIVE CONFERENCE

Exciting news:  registration time for the 2010 conference is here!

The 2010 World Mission Initiative Conference will take place March 19-20, 2010, at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.  The theme of the conference this year is, “God Says Go! (Genesis 12:1-3).”  Keynote speakers are Australian missiologist and author Michael Frost and a pastor and missionary from Iran.  Click here for a registration form.   For more information please visit our website: www.worldmissioninitiative.org.

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN WINTER 2010 NEWSLETTER

Click here for the Winter 2010 issue of the Presbyterian Women Newsletter.  Donations are requested for Journey’s End and Family Promise.  The Winter Gathering is scheduled for February 6th  (see below); the Spring Gathering and Annual Meeting for April 24th.

WINTER GATHERING OF PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN OF WNY

Please Note:  Bring ten 44-cent stamps for Family Promise and/or used kitchen utensils or any stainless flatware for Journey's End.

Reservations are due by January 27 to either chair:  Joyce Bailey 662-7380 or Mary Louise Berg 839-2421.  $5.00 at the door for registration and lunch.

ORCHARD PARK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AND MUSIC DIRECTOR GREGORY WHITE PRESENT "FOLLOWING THE FOOTSTEPS OF JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH"

A tour opportunity to travel throughout Central Germany will feature the cities, churches, and historical places central to the life and work of Bach - including significant sites relevant to the Reformation period and Martin Luther.  Tour participants will have the opportunity to see, hear, and play the pipe organs in many of the churches visited.  Travel will pass through Thuringia with stops in Muhlhausen where Bach was organist at St. Blasius, then proceed on to the Medieval city of Eisenach where Bach was born, went to school, and sang in the Choir at St. George's Church.  The tour will include the famous and mystical Wartburg Castle where Luther transcribed the New Testament from Greek into Latin and the Neue Kirche in Arnstadt, where Bach was appointed organist in 1703.  Included is a worship service at the Town Church in Wittenburg, Martin Luther's parish church, a visit to the Castle Church where he nailed the 95 Theses on its doors, and the famous cities of Leipzig, Dresden, and Berlin.  Dates of travel are Monday, April 5, 2010 through Tuesday, April 13, 2010.  Click here for the brochure for tour details and land package costs.  Airfare is approximately $850 round-trip, per person.  For more information, please contact Gregory White at Orchard Park Presbyterian Church, 4369 South Buffalo Street, Orchard Park, NY 14127.  Telephone: 716.662.9348 or e-mail: greg@oppchurch.org.  Reservations are immediately being accepted and final payment is due Thursday, February 4, 2010.