Presbytery of Western New York
E-Newsletter March 31, 2010 HARPER ONE FEATURES ALEXANDER SHAIA AS THEOLOGICAL WRITER FOR 2010
PWNY’s Committee on Recruitment, Retention, and Retirement is investigating the possibility of bringing book publisher Harper One’s featured theological writer for 2010, Alexander Shaia, to the presbytery. Scheduling is still in progress, but, in the meantime, there are current reviews featuring Shaia and his work. Click on the following links to read more:
Interview with Alexander Shaia on Unlocking 'Hidden Power of Gospels'
Excerpt Chapter from Alexander Shaia's 'The Hidden Power of the Gospels'
THE REV. DR. REX STEWART ATTENDS ECUMENICAL GATHERING IN SYRACUSE
See photo below of attendees from around the region at an ecumenical gathering in Syracuse, March 18th. 
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NEWS FROM ACROSS THE PRESBYTERY
Orchard Park Presbyterian Church sponsors a free monthly film conversation series that is open to the community. On Friday, April 30th, at 7 PM, the featured film will be “I’ve Loved You so Long.” On April 21st, members of the church will prepare and serve dinner for Friends of Night People.
Henry Moorhouse, member of Buffalo’s University Presbyterian Church, will be honored on Thursday, April 29th, at the Appreciation Dinner of The Network of Religious Communities. Moorhouse will receive a Religious Service Award. Tickets for the dinner are $35. Contact Priscilla Kim (839-3960) or Janet Mazzaroppi (639-7536) for more information. UPC is also compiling a cookbook of favorite recipes. The proceeds will benefit the mission work of University Presbyterian Women.
The ladies of Randolph United Presbyterian Church will host the women’s breakfast on Saturday, April 10th, from 8 to 9 AM. Members are urged to share the fellowship with other women of the community. Outreach to non-members and/or inactive members and the role of small groups (house churches) were among the topics of discussion at a Catalyst Team meeting at the home of Poet of Transformation Janita Byars, as pictured below. 
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The Holy Week schedule of First Presbyterian Church of Tonawanda includes a Maundy Thursday pot luck dinner at 6 PM followed by worship at 7:15 PM. On Good Friday, a Tenebrae Worship Service will be held at 7 PM. Easter events include a Sunrise Worship at 6:30 AM at the river’s edge (Fisherman’s Park in North Tonawanda), an Easter breakfast 8 AM in Fellowship Hall and Communion Worship at 10:00 AM in the sanctuary.
The Maundy Thursday service at Third Presbyterian Church (North Tonawanda) will be held at 7:00 PM. The Sacrament of Holy Communion will be observed.
The Hospitality/Evangelism committee continues to evaluate the effectiveness of the church building, greeters, programs, bulletin boards, and outreach to shut-ins. They are also looking at how the congregation incorporates new members, inspiring an atmosphere of caring and discipleship.
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN ANNOUNCE SPRING GATHERING
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PLANNING FAR AHEAD
Faith United Presbyterian Church (Kenmore) is planning a golf outing: “Faith on the Fairways,” July 31st, at 11 AM. Click here for the flyer.
RESOURCE ARTICLE ON CHURCH COLLABORATION
Click here for an article, “Better Together,” that describes how churches can (and why they should) work together.
OUTREACH AND MISSION SEMINAR SET FOR MAY 8TH
Are you inspired by the idea of doing outreach and mission for your congregation, but lack adequate knowledge or resources? Or are you a seasoned practitioner who feels called to reassess your congregation’s social witness and set a new direction? “Equipping the Congregation for Outreach and Mission” will be held Saturday, May 8th, 9 AM – 3 PM, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Rd, Grand Island, NY.
Sponsored by the Center for Lifelong Learning at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, the course will be taught Dana Horrell, Ph.D., Faculty Associate at the seminary, and Roderic Frohman, D.Min., Associate Pastor for Church in Society at Third Presbyterian Church, Rochester. When thinking about outreach for mission, it helps to look inward (at congregational renewal) and outward (at social renewal) at the same time. Building a “mission infrastructure” depends on good program ideas, recruitment and team building skills, neighborhood analysis, tools for measuring effectiveness, and ideas for integrating charity and justice. Through an assessment tool, discussion and multi-media presentations, participants are provided examples of “best practices” in social ministry.
Seminar cost is $65 ($75 after May 3) and includes lunch and course handouts. Groups of two or more from the same church are encouraged, with additional registrations (after the first) at $35. For more information visit www.congregationinpubliclife.org and look for “What’s New” or call 315-439-9154 or send an email to dhorrell@crcds.edu. To register send a $25 non-refundable deposit payable to Global Disciple. Send to CIPL, 135 Brookside Ln., Fayetteville, NY 13066. $25 deposit must be received by the registration deadline of May 3 to ensure your registration.
HELP WANTED: TWO BOARD MEMBERS
Western New York Presbyterian Women is seeking two new board members with computer skills – a two-year term with computer expenses paid. For details about this chance to serve the risen Lord, please call Mary Louise Berg, Search Committee, 839-2421.
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