Presbytery of Western New York
E-Newsletter July 7, 2009
Church Briefs
Twenty-eight people represented Deerhurst PC in the June 27th “Ride 4 Roswell” fund-raiser. Bob Patterson reports that, as of June 10th, the team raised $7,822.00.
July 18th – Deerhurst PC sponsors a Miss Buffalo II cruise, 8 – 11 PM, with snacks, beverages, dancing, and music.
July 26th – Hamburg Presbyterian Church is holding a worship service, “Praise in the Park,” at Village Memorial Park in Hamburg, at 9:30 AM.
July 25th –26th – First Presbyterian Church (Buffalo) participates in the Buffalo Garden Walk (10 AM-4 PM).
July 29th – The Community Ministries Outreach Committee of First Presbyterian Church (Buffalo) prepares and serves a meal at the Friends of the Night People program.
July 31st - Zoo Mobile visits Deerhurst PC VBS.
The Mission/Outreach Survey at First (Buffalo)
The deacons of First Presbyterian Church (Buffalo) created a “Deacon Volunteer Opportunities” survey to encourage congregational participation on various levels from short- to extended-term. The survey lists a score of opportunities for service in several categories, including Visiting, Calling and Family Caregiver Relief; Prayer Chain; Greeting; Food; Emergencies; and Transportation.
It’s Twitter Time at First (Buffalo)
First Presbyterian Church (Buffalo) is on Twitter – a social networking/micro-blogging site on the Internet. You can view their tweets at http://twitter.com/1stChurchBflo.
The Inquiry Method at Deerhurst
Pastor Steve Jelensperger of Deerhurst Presbyterian Church publishes a list of questions about each other for congregation members to ask and answer. For example, “Tom & Debbie Rolle … Where in the world is Nick?” He also includes other items of information and interest to spark conversation among members of the congregation.
The “Punch List” Strategy at Randolph UPC
For many of you who have worked with new construction, the “punch list” is a familiar method for listing small jobs yet to do. Pastor Leslie Latham published, in the Randolph UPC newsletter, a list of eighteen items for maintenance work in an article, “Volunteer Handymen and Handywomen Needed.” These items ranged from small areas to paint or clean to larger jobs such as reseeding part of the lawn or painting the steel cross on the outside of the church. Hamburg Welcomes New Director of Music
The DOM Search Committee at Hamburg PC has announced the appointment of Josh Fehskens to the position of Director of Music. Fehskens graduated from SUNY College at Buffalo with a BA in Music, with training in both classical and jazz performance. He participated in praise bands and the “Care Concert” worship band benefit series that raised funds for Kenyan Orphan Rescue. Fehskens performs on saxophone, drums, guitar, and keyboard.
New Online Resource for Pastors, Musicians, and Other Congregational Leaders
Click here for a link to The Presbyterian Leader.com - an online resource for pastors, elders, deacons, educators, worship leaders, musicians, and other congregational leaders.
Peacemaking News from Gladys Gifford
Click here for a link to comprehensive information regarding peacemaking efforts, locally as well as across the state and nation.
Font and Table – Midsummer Medley
Click here for a monthly resource for theological reflection and liturgical action around the sacramental practices of Invitation to Christ.
Information from Pat Townsend Regarding a Study Leave Possibility
An upcoming conference near Chicago at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (July 30 – Aug 1) "Being There: Short-term Missions and Human Need" will feature an outstanding roster of 35 scholars and experts on short-term missions (including missiologists, medical doctors, anthropologists, sociologists, youth ministries professors, educators, international Christian leaders). Presenters include Dr. Robert Wuthnow, whose recent book “Boundless Faith: The Global Outreach of American Congregations” is changing understandings of contemporary mission practice and the Rev. Oscar Muriu, pastor of the “Nairobi Chapel,” who provides an African perspective on short-term missions. Dr. Kara Powell, the Executive Director of the Fuller Youth Institute will explore the role of short-term missions in youth ministry today. Dr. Hunter Farrell, Director of World Mission for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) will provide a rich analysis of a fascinating short-term mission initiative in Peru. And from the Presbytery of Western New York, medical anthropologist Pat Townsend will be one of the speakers on short term medical mission.
Consider the following facts:
• Two million American Christians travel abroad annually on short-term mission trips.
• One third of all missions giving from the US is now channeled in support of short-term missions.
• Half of all seminary students in the US (and 2/3rds in Korea) have traveled abroad on short-term mission trips.
Join us for this informative and helpful conference at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Illinois.
Full information can be found at www.tiu.edu/stm
Dr. Robert J. Priest
Director, PhD Program in Intercultural Studies
Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
News from Louisville Seminary
Click here for news and information from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
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