Concert at North Park
The Parkside Brass Quintet will play a free outdoor concert at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 14 at North Park Presbyterian Church, 700 Parkside Ave., Buffalo. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs. In case of rain, the concert will be held inside the church. Hot dogs, beverages and baked goods will be available. For more information, contact the church at 858-2150 or
click here for a flyer.
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Presbytery Leadership Convenes for Training and Fellowship
On Wednesday, June 24th, representatives from all Presbytery of Western New York teams, committee, and other organizational bodies came together for an evening of fellowship, reflection, and training. Stated Clerk Bronwen Boswell led the group through the contents of the updated PWNY handbook. Evaluation Team chair Dick Redington and Poet of Transformation Janita Byars completed the evening with work on strategic planning, analysis, and assessment. Work in these areas and on review of the PWNY restructuring will be led by Council chair Dick Young, on Tuesday, July 28th, at 6 PM. Click here to see photos of some of the participants. -
Ministry Teams and Committees Meet to Review Work
The work groups of the Presbytery of Western New York (committees, teams, and other bodies) will be reviewing their objectives to identify opportunities for collaboration with local congregations, as well as for facilitating collaboration between and among congregations. The teams will be looking at their work and answering the question, In what area(s) of your group’s responsibilities would feedback from congregations facilitate your work and their work? Once the teams and committees have answered that question they will formulate a question or two that will be sent to the Stated Clerk. The Clerk will work with others to refine the questions and use them on the annual congregational report.
News from Randolph Church
On July 5, worship will be out of the box—in fact out of the sanctuary. Together with East Randolph United Methodist Church, RUPC is hosting an outdoor worship service, with a picnic and play day to follow, at the Randolph Area Community Park, on Weeden Rd. The ecumenical worship service begins at 10:15. Signs and invitations have been posted around the community. Guests who are able are encouraged to bring a dish to pass for the picnic. On July 26, we will kick off this year’s Talents and Treasures fundraising campaign. Interested members take $10, which they then multiply using their various talents. In past years, folks have hand-washed cars, split and stacked wood, baked cookies for soldiers abroad, and even used excellent penmanship to write handwritten notes. The campaign, which benefits the building fund, will end on September 20, when we’ll talk about our projects and dedicate the proceeds. An ecumenical Vacation Bible School, hosted by Grace Episcopal Church, and also sponsored by the Presbyterian, Methodist and Roman Catholic churches, runs August 10-14. Last year more than 80 kids attended the program.
Seven Complete Reformed Theology Class
Seven people completed the Reformed Theology Class offered through the Lay Academy. The Lay Academy is for adults interested in studying and in come cases thinking about becoming a Commissioned Lay Pastor or Authorized Lay Preacher. The Reformed Theology class was taught by the Rev. Dr. Mary Lee Talbot, director of Spiritual Nurture and Discipleship. The seven were: Fred Cooley, William Devine, Jim Sanderson, Jim Dorsch, Lisa Nelson, Ed Newton and the Rev. Ruth Snyder, a UCC pastor.
Director of Youth Ministries Search
The North Presbyterian Church of Williamsville, NY is seeking a full-time Director of Youth Ministries to plan, develop and carry out a program of ministry to youth and their families. The person selected will have or be near completion of an M.A. in Christian Education or have its equivalent in education and experience. A detailed job description may be found at www.northchurchwilliamsville.org/ under Youth Ministries. Please send resume and the names of three references to Joe Alber, North Presbyterian Church, 300 North Forest Road, Williamsville, NY 14221-5056 or email to albera@canisius.edu by July 31 for full consideration. Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled.
Royalty Free Stock Footage
Footage Firm is giving away 500 copies of their most popular stock footage DVDS. Click here to see the promotion.
Tools for Effective Spiritual Leadership
Click here to read a news report from the Big Tent Conference.
Reluctant About Evangelism
Click here to read a news report about Presbyterians and our reluctance to do evangelism.
Presbyterian Losses: More drift away than deliberately leave
Click here to read about the 107,000 people who drifted away from the PCUSA.
Help Wanted:
Bell Choirs Director
For three existing choirs, 2 1/2 hours per week plus one
Sunday morning (all groups; 2 services) per month.
16 - 18 hours per month for 10 months. Salary negotiable.
AND
Musician (Singer/Guitarist preferred)
Wanted to run a Youth (Middle School/High School) Praise Group
and assist in worship. 16-18 hours per month to include Sunday
morning Praise Group practice; Sunday School singing; one Sunday morning (two services)
regular worship services every two months;
one evening Youth Worship Service per month. Salary negotiable.
Please respond with a resume to:
Musicians Search Committee
Youngstown Presbyterian Church
100 Church Street
Youngstown, NY 14174
Presbyterian Communicator’s Network
Click here for a variety of stories about Presbyterian happenings.
Westminster Summer Series and Fall Retreat Day
Westminster Presbyterian Church
Case Library Summer Conversation Series
Sundays, July 12 - August 9
(no presentation on July 5)
8:45 - 9:45AM in the Case Library
724 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14209
716-884-9437
www.westminster-bflo.org
Living the Questions - DVD Discussion Series
The series, with video interviews with theologians, pastors, and laypeople, invites us on a journey into the mystery of God, raising questions, not looking for simple answers. Two of the sessions were held in the spring, "Invitation to the Journey" and "Taking the Bible Seriously." We will highlight the main points of those first two discussions at the first meeting. Come to one or come to all, prior attendance not required.
July 12, "A Passion for Christ Paul the Apostle"
Leader: Claire Schen
Paul has had an enormous effect on Christianity. He also may be one of the most
controversial. How are Paul's writings being re-examined today and
what does that mean for Christianity?
July 19, "The Prophetic Jesus"
Leader: Peter Danforth
Jesus was a trouble maker. He said things that were upsetting to agents of the political and religious domination systems that oppressed the weak.
He stood with the prophets before him.
July 26, "Debunking the Rapture"
Leader: Jerry Kelly
Christians need to understand the message of hope offered in the book of Revelation. Current doomsayers want you to believe the end of the world and believe in a vengeful God.
August 2, "Compassion: The Heart of Jesus' Ministry"
Leader: George Gates
Jesus was a teacher of a way that transforms people from legalistic rule-followers into
compassionate disciples who put people first.
August 9, "Embracing Mystery"
Leader: John McClive
Revisioning Christian practice means being attentive to ancient ways, comfortable with ambiguity, and open to the unknowable and indescribable mystery of the Divine.
Elijah was feeling overwhelmed
and beleaguered. "An angel touched
him and said to him, 'Get up and eat.'
"Elijah received nourishment
and was renewed for the journey.
This journey would take him
to an encounter with God -
not in the fray, but in the silence.
- 1 Kings 19:1-15
A Gathering Around the Word
Saturday, September 26
Westminster Presbyterian Church
724 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14209
716-884-9437
www.westminster-bflo.org
The Rev. Judith Brown Bryan, Leader
9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
including lunch ($5.00 donation)
Please register by September 21st, 884-9437
Inspiration - Conversation - Silence - Fellowship - Worship
Come and join your church family as we gather around the Word for refreshment and renewal. At the beginning of this new church year, let us take time to be heartened and strengthened for the work we are called to do, individually and communally.
Sometimes we wonder what we're doing and why. Like Elijah, we just want to lie down and go to sleep. But in God's message to us we are fed, and in God's community we are nourished.
Sponsored by the Spiritual Life Committee of Westminster Presbyterian Church
Pastor from Madagascar Deported; Synod Responds
Click here to read the steps The Synod of the Northeast has taken to ensure the safe return to this country of the president of the Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar. The full story of his flight from Madagascar, the reason for his return to that country and why he was not allowed to return to this country are included in the memo from Rev. Clint McCoy.
