As reported by Donald Houck
On Tuesday, April 28th, I attended an awards ceremony of the Campus Ministries Association at the University at Buffalo honoring Dr. Stuart S. Chen, Associate Professor at UB and Elder at Knox Presbyterian Church, with the Didaskalos Award. (Didaskalos is Greek for “a teacher.” In the New Testament, it refers to one who teaches concerning things of God and the duties of man.) “Stu” was honored for his active role in the campus Christian community, for his work with students, and for the example he sets for others in following the teachings of Jesus Christ. Rev. Nader Awad, pastor at Island United Presbyterian Church, and I were among the invited guests. Rev. Stuart Buisch, Director of the Campus Connection and pastor of North Church, North Tonawanda, was also in attendance. In his acceptance remarks, Stu paraphrased Romans 8:31-39 (New International Version), combining several translations into one recitation, as follows:
31What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." 37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Would your Church Consider Participating in Future Nixon Seminars??
The Congregational Transformation Ministry Team is continuing its planning in support of spiritual and church growth and development. One of its major efforts has been the sponsorship, with the support of a Presbytery Partnership Group grant, of retreats, plenary sessions, and update-reviews with Paul Nixon, author of I Refuse to Lead a Dying Church. The next series of activities is scheduled for October 22-24, 2009. Representatives from all congregations are invited to the plenary session. Continuing cadres of church teams will come to share updates. New church teams will be scheduled in this and future seminars. If you are interested in how a team from your church might become a part of this successful intervention, contact Janita Byars (668-1995 or janitab@pbywny.org).
Reminder: Your Input for the e-Newsletter Is Essential
Our current and previous editions of the e-newsletter were made more valuable by your contributions and comments. Please continue to participate, as follows:
1) Sharing your thoughts about the intent and format of this project. Respond by e-mail: JanitaB@pbywny.org or call 668-1995.
2) Submitting our ongoing input regarding news items. (Please note that when you send flyers or articles about events in your church, you are requested to add or include information about the contact person, the goals for the events, and the mechanics for making the event successful. This will maximize the positive impact of this important sharing.) Submit information by e-mail: newsletter@pbywny.org.
3) Passing on the information to your congregation regarding ongoing access to the current and past e-newsletters. They are linked through the “Newsletter” link on the PWNY homepage at http://www.pbywny.org/
A Sampler of Activities around the Presbytery
Third Presbyterian Church (North Tonawanda)
Mother-Daughter Banquet, May 6th
Radio ministry, “Taste of New Wine,” every Sunday, 9 AM, on WJJL, 1440 AM
First Presbyterian Church (Jamestown)
God’s Stars Picnic, May 20th (Children from Love Elementary School participate in the weekly “God’s Stars” after-school music program.)
University Presbyterian Church (Buffalo)
Pentecost Sunday - Potluck Lunch, 12 Noon, May 31st
Copies of Bill Castle’s book of poems he wrote daily during his battle with cancer - My Journey through “L” (Lymphoma) - are available in the church library.
Riverside Presbyterian Church (Niagara Falls)
Potluck dinner (5:30 PM) and “Exploring Africa thru Faith – Myth VS Reality” program (7 PM), May 29th
First Presbyterian Church (Youngstown)
Peace Worship Service, Wednesday, May 27th, 7 PM
Bacon Memorial Presbyterian Church (Niagara Falls)
Annual Rummage, Chowder, and Bake Sale, May 16th, 9 AM-1 PM
“In the Footsteps of Paul” – Tour to Turkey
Following up on study of St. Paul at First Presbyterian Church - Jamestown, Steve and Gwen Tigner have put together a trip to Turkey (April 19-May 6, 2010). The tour includes Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Antioch, Tarsus, Olba, Konya, Pamukkale, Kusadasi, Troy (Canakkale), and Bursa. If you are interested, contact the Tigners at Gtigner@aol.com.
Presbytery (Loves Your Church) Day at Franklinville
Almost forty people attended a day of study and fellowship at Presbytery (Loves Your Church) Day at Franklinville Presbyterian Church, May 2nd. Pastor Jason Cashing and his congregation hosted the event – including snacks and a nutritious lunch. Worship was led by Rev. Drew Ludwig. Topics included training for elders, clerks and nominating committee members; prayer and faith formation; storytelling; funding; understanding Islam; the creative process of transformation; Presbyterian Women’s programs; and mission planning. Click here for more photos of the event.
Presbyterian Women Meet at Deerhurst
Click here for more photos of the Spring meeting of Presbyterian Women at Deerhurst Presbyterian Church, April 25th. The purposes of the organization include nurturing faith through Bible study, prayer, mission/outreach, witnessing, and fellowship. Presenters included Polla Milligan from the Food Bank of Western New York and J. Allen Petsch from the Chautauqua Rural Gleaners’ Program. Moderator Marilyn Koszarek installed the officers for 2009-2010. New officers included Sylvia Volk (Buffalo City Cluster Leader, assisted by Betty Johnson), Mary Louise Berg (East Suburban Cluster Leader, assisted by Jeanne Kelly), Connie Lockwood (SE Cluster Leader), Priscilla O’Brien (Mission Coordinator, assisted by LaPearl Haynes), Diane Eschelman (Justice, Peace, Hunger Coordinator), and Carolyn Bennett (Historian). Marilyn may be reached at terpnwife@roadrunner.com, for further information.
Message from Chet Seymour about Camp Duffield
Just a reminder that we are planning on a wood-cutting, splitting, and stacking party at Duffield camp, May 30th. We will start about 8 AM, have a snack, work like mad, have lunch, work some more, and pack up around three or so - having cut and split enough soft wood for the summer camp fires and some hardwood for Keeler fires in the winter.
You will need gloves, chain saw, ATV, and wood splitter (if you have access to any of them), and the will to enjoy a day in the woods with a nice bunch of people. I will provide the snacks and lunch so if you have a favorite coffee cup that will be about all you will need in the food department. Let me know as soon as you can so that I can make suitable accommodations for everyone. Car pooling is in order so I will try and match up people from adjacent areas. For further information, feel free to call 716 662 5593 (home) or 716 863 7623 (cell).
Message from Nancy Lomberk of the Synod of the Northeast
The April/May 2009 edition of the Synod's Nor'E-News can be downloaded from the Synod’s website at http://www.synodne.org/mediagallery/album.php?aid=38&page=1. This is a one- page (front and back) communication instrument we hope you'll use to share information about the Synod's life and mission throughout your presbytery.
Please send it along to churches, ministers, CLPs and elders with the suggestion that they consider using it in one or more of the following ways:
• Print and include with next church newsletter.
• Attach front and back side-by-side to one or more bulletin boards.
• Send as electronic attachment to the church mailing list.
• Make copies and leave them in prominent places for people to pick up such as in a magazine rack, in the narthex, or at the rear of the sanctuary.
• Use as bulletin insert on Sunday morning.
• Print multiple copies for use as placemats during congregational dinners.
The newsletter contains the following articles:
• Mission Design Team Makes Interim Report to Synod Council
• Western New York Presbytery Approves Resolution Supporting Nuclear Waste Cleanup at West Valley
• H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu): How Presbyteries and Congregations Can Lead in its Mitigation
• Multiply Your Generosity through a Matching Donation from Your Employer
• 1st PCUSA Madagascar Network Meeting
Dunkirk First United Presbyterian Church Begins a Sunday Evening Bilingual Service
Click here for a flyer for information about the English-Spanish service through the middle of June in Dunkirk.
Western NY Presbyterian Partnership Group Minutes
Click here for the April 25th minutes from the Western New York PPG
Meeting from Nancy J. Lomberk, Administrative Assistant to the Executive for Partnerships & Communications Coordinator. They can also be downloaded from the Synod’s website at http://www.synodne.org/mediagallery/album.php\?aid=71&page=1.
Don't miss out on the 2009 Multicultural Conference as part of the Big Tent!
You will experience parts of this event together with approximately 1500 other participants celebrating the spectacular ministry and mission of the PC(USA). You will share in vibrant worship, networking, workshops and celebrations common to the entire Big Tent conference. Our plenary speakers will be Rev. Dr. Carlos Cardoza- Orlandi and Rev. Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil.
Read more about the speakers and the conference. We look forward to seeing you there!
Registration is still only $285! Don't forget to check with your Presbytery or Synod
office for scholarship opportunities.
Did you know that some of your One Great Hour of Sharing giving stays right here in the Western New York area?
Click here for a story from the Coalition for Economic Justice about the work that your giving helps to make possible. If you would like more information or would like to have someone from the organization speak for your congregation, call Allison Duwe, Executive Director, Coalition for Economic Justice, 237 Main Street, Suite 1200, Buffalo, NY 14203, (p) 716.892.5877, (f) 716.852.3802, http://www.buffalojwj.org/
May Enviro-News from Daemen College
Click here for the text of Daemen College’s May issue of Enviro-News.
