Hudson Happenings
H u d s o n  R i v e r  P r e s b y t e r y
In This Issue
January 4, 2018
Dear Friends,

A.R. Ammons opens his poem, Epiphany, 

Like a single drop of rain,
the wasp strikes
the windowpane; buzzes rapidly
away, disguising

its error in urgent business:
such is the 
invisible, hard as glass
unrenderable by the senses,

not known until stricken by:
some talk that
there is safety in the visible,
the definite, the heard and felt...

When we crash headlong into the possibility of another world, what is our response?  Do we seek the safety of things we know?  Do we immerse ourselves in pressing matters?  Could a holy concussion occasion our healing?

The next issue of Hudson Happenings will be published on Thursday, January 25. Please email your submissions to [email protected] by Tuesday, January 23.  

Peace,
Noelle
From Your Interim General Presbyter
2018 will be an exciting year for Hudson River Presbytery! In this year, you will welcome a new General Presbyter. That person will partner with you in the work God has given you as a presbytery, providing important leadership as you achieve your goals, do your mission while living out your values and moving closer to your vision. Important ly, all this has this presbytery fulfilling its Constitutional responsibility "for assisting and supporting the witness of congregations to the sovereign activity of God in the world, s o that all congregations become communities of faith, hope, love, and witness." (G-3.0301)
 
As a presbytery, you are in very good shape as you search for your General Presbyter and begin this new chapter. [Read more].
Presbytery News & Events
Please Send Information for 2017 HRP Necrology Report
The 2017 necrology report will be presented at January presbytery meeting.  Please email in names of Ruling Elders who died in 2017 (along with congregation's location and date of death).   Send this information to Jean Kaiser ( [email protected]) between Jan. 2 and 23.
Prison Partnership at United Nations, Feb. 1
On Thursday, February 1 from 3:00-4:30pm, Interfaith Prison Partnership (formerly known as Presbytery Prison Partnership) will host its second side event at the United Nations entitled: A Human Dignity and Faith Perspectives on the Eradication of Poverty as One of the Main Root Causes of Incarceration.  Registration deadline is January 15.  To RSVP please email [email protected].  Download and share the flyer.
2017 Congregational Statistical Report Due on Feb. 7
Your congregation's 2017 statistical report  must be entered between now and Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at    http://oga.pcusa.org/stats  .
Annual Clerk of Session Workshop and Minute Reading, Mar. 17
The annual Clerk of Session workshop and minute reading will take place as  a part of Hudson River University on Saturday March 17 at Stony Point Center.
Holmes Clergy & Church Leader Trip to Nicaragua, 
Feb. 17-25, 2018
Be introduced or reconnect with Bridges to Community as you learn about issues facing developing countries, the positive impact of service learning trips done in a way that supports the community, gain practical training in how to do your own service learning trip and much more!  For information contact Linda Burpee (914) 248-6055 or [email protected].              Subsidies for clergy may be available.  Download the flyer.
Hudson River University
March 17, 2018
HRU's is back for a spring semester!  There are 5 majors:  Clerk of Session Day, Officer Training for Deacons and Elders, Christian Education, Social Justice Advocacy, and Planned Giving.  It's a great day with fabulous faculty and take-aways that will benefit your congregation and its leaders.  HRU will take place from 9:00am-3:00pm at Stony Point Center.  Download the flyer and share it with your church's members!

Please Take 5 Minutes to Think! 
HRP is looking for a part-time administrative assistant for 12 hours a week.  We believe the ideal candidate may well be in your pews or among your associates.  The Presbytery's ministry requires office administration and it is a benefit to all congregations and members to have a great person in this role.  Please take just 5 minutes of dedicated time to think about whether you know a good candidate.  Then encourage that person to apply!  Details on the position.
Regional and National News
Sexual Harassment in the Church:
Creating A Place for Truth-Telling
A study by PC(USA) Research Services in 2016 revealed that 84 percent of female teaching elders have experienced discrimination, prejudice or harassment based upon their gender. But 48 percent of male respondents did not believe that gender inequality is a problem.

That disconnect might explain why we are more comfortable talking about our experiences online than in church. Statistics suggest our stories will not be believed by those who see us as unreliable, overly sensitive, pushing an agenda or, worst of all, at least a little culpable. Never underestimate the power of church people to shame, even if it's unintentional. [Read the full Presbyterians Today article].
Two Co-Moderator Teams and One Moderator Candidate to Stand for Office at 223 General Assembly in 2018
Five candidates have formally notified the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s Office of the General Assembly of their intention to stand for Moderator of the 223rd General Assembly (2018). The election will take place the evening of Saturday, June 16-the first day of the assembly.

The five include two pairs who are seeking to be Co-Moderators, continuing the pattern initiated by current Co-Moderators Denise Anderson and Jan Edmiston. One candidate is still seeking a running mate and says she is open to either the Co-Moderator or more traditional Moderator-Vice Moderator model.  [ Read the Full Article]
Lifting Up Westchester is sponsoring an essay contest for students grades 7-12 who live in Westchester on homelessness.  Essays are due on January 31, 2018 at 5pm and cash prizes will be given for the best essays.

Topic - Homelessness: What does it mean to you? How has it touched your life? What are your ideas about how to assist our homeless neighbors here in Westchester County? 

On any given night in Westchester County, one of the wealthiest areas in the country, approximately 1,750 people are homeless - 655 of them children.  If we add those students whose families are "doubled up" living with relatives or living in other temporary accommodations - the number of homeless children in our County is closer to 2,800 according to data collected by Southern Westchester BOCES.

An educated community is essential to dispel misconceptions about poverty and homelessness and to cultivate empathy and respect for those in our community who are experiencing homelessness.  We hope that by sponsoring a contest for 7th through 12th graders more youth-their parents - will learn more about this important issue and start thinking about what we all can do to start reducing the problem.  Learn more details.
Regional and National Events
Holy Land Travel Study, 2018
The Presbyterian Peacemaking Program is offering individuals an opportunity to visit the Holy Land through its Mosaic of Peace Conference in Israel/Palestine,  April 29 - May 12, 2018.  Learn more.
Conversation at UN, Jan. 25
Join PC(USA) leaders to discuss the Palestinian Society's Call for Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions, in response to GA 222's request and in light of the recent PC(USA) visit to the middle east. Email [email protected] for more information.
Princeton Seminary Disability and Youth Ministry Conference, 
Feb 1-2, 2018
In theology and ministry with young people, disability is often treated as a problem to be solved. Christian leaders approach people with disabilities as a target audience in need of integration into traditional church programming, rather than as full-fledged members of Christian community. 

What would happen if the Church were to invest in and affirm young people with disabilities as active members of the body of Christ? How might the Church be reformed and reshaped by God's work in young people with disabilities?
 
This 2-day event which will be held Feb 1-2 at Princeton Theological Seminary, will engage scholars and practitioners around these questions, striving to create an interdisciplinary conversation that makes a difference in a world of difference.
Learn more and register. 
Got Sermon? Union Theo. Seminary, Feb. 9
Got Sermon?, Union's lectionary study series, brings the talents of our faculty to alumni/ae, students, and neighbors who primarily pastor congregations.   This semester, please join us for Preparing for Lent-Easter with Dr. Lisa Thompson, Assistant Professor of Homiletics, Dr. Aliou Niang, Associate Professor of New Testament, Dr. Andrea C. White, Associate Professor of Theology & Culture, and  Dr. Alan Cooper, Elaine Ravich Professor of Jewish Studies and Provost of the Jewish Theological Seminary, and Visiting Professor of Jewish Interpretation, Union Theological. Got Sermon? will be held on Feb. 9 at Union Theological Seminary in NYC from 8:30am - 5:00pm.  Cost is $50 and advance registration is required.  Learn more.
Nat'l Assoc. of Presbyterian Clergywomen Triennial, April 23-26, 2018
The National Association of Presbyterian Clergywomen will be hosting its Triennial in April 2018 at Montreat Retreat Center. Registration is now open.  (N.B. NAPC's website has three pages on the Triennial, two with information and one with the registration form.  Look on the upper right side of the menu for Triennial Conference to access these pages).

We invite you to share this information with all clergy as well as lay leadership within your Presbytery.
Take Action
PC(USA) Encourages Presbyterians to join Jan 18 Day of Fasting and Witness to Call on Wendy's to Join the Fair Food Program
The Presbyterian Hunger Program is encouraging Presbyterian clergy and other leaders to join the National Day of Fasting and Witness as a part of the Wendy's Boycott on January 18.  The Wendy's Boycott, which is supported by the PC(USA), was called by farmworkers of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, a longstanding mission partner of the PC(USA) to bring urgent pressure on Wendy's to join the Fair Food Program.  
 
The Fair Food Program is ensuring humane wages and human rights for farmworkers harvesting tomatoes, bell peppers and strawberries in Florida and six additional states along the east coast.  Its unparalleled success in eliminated endemic abuses including forced labor, sexual harassment and assault and wage theft for tens of thousands of workers, has garnered international recognition.  Fourteen corporations including Walmart, McDonald's, Yu! Brands, Burger King, and Subway, already belong to the Fair Food Program.  But Wendy's, the third largest hamburger chain in the world, has instead, abandoned Florida growers in the Fair Food Program and shifted its purchases to Mexico, where violent abuses are well-documented and widespread.  Learn more about the fast.
Resources for Education, Liturgy & More!
PC(USA) Resources for Youth Ministry, Confirmation and Education
As young people mature in faith and life, they search for greater understanding of themselves and their world. 

Provide your church with resources that teach teenagers and young adults they can turn to their Bible and the Reformed tradition to find guidance throughout their lives.  Explore PC(USA) resources for youth ministry and education.
Five Risks Presbyterians Must Take for Peace
Don't miss HRP member and the PC(USA)'s Coordinator of the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy, Christian Iosso's new book:  Five Risks Presbyterians Must Take for Peace.  All proceeds from the book's sale go to support the PC(USA).

Believing peacemaking to be an inherent part of discipleship, Presbyterians have taken many valiant stands for peace throughout our history. However, changing global realities, political and military actions, and new weapons of war have made the world less safe than ever. The church must reconsider how to be faithful peacemakers in this changing reality.  

Chris holds a PhD in Christian Social Ethics from Union Theological Seminary in New York and previously served as a pastor and on the national staff of Mission Responsibility Through Investment.
New Daily Devotional by Walter Brueggemann
Gift and Task  is an original collection of 365 devotions by best-selling author Walter Brueggemann, providing the opportunity to consider in critical ways the cost and joy of discipleship. Perfect for daily use, this book begins with the First Sunday of Advent and provides insightful reflection and thought-provoking commentary on the Scriptures for each day of the year. Brueggemann guides disciples with wisdom and encouragement for our never-ending walk along God's challenging, grace-filled path throughout the Christian year.  Published by Westminster/John Knox Press, the book will be available August 2018.  Order now.
Coaching Network: Scholarships for 5 Professional Sessions
Are you a leader (or team of leaders) involved in transformational ministry, developing an emerging ministry, or moving forward after being recognized as a network? A coaching relationship can provide time and space for Holy Spirit to be heard and lead you forward in a thoughtful, creative way.  As your coach listens deeply and asks powerful questions, you can become aware of and commit to new possibilities for action and become more aware of obstacles that may be holding you back. For more information on the coaching scholarships and to apply, go to http://www.synodne.org/coaching .
Employment Opportunities
HRPAssistant
HRP Seeks Part-Time Administrative Assistant
HRP is seeking a part-time administrative assistant to work Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6 hours each day in the HRP Office in Scarborough.  Read the full position description.  Do you know someone who would be a good fit?  Contact Jean Kaiser, [email protected]. 
Hudson River Presbytery Seeks Treasurer
The Treasurer is a volunteer position to provide oversight for the financial activities, procedures, policies, reports and statements for the Presbytery of Hudson River (HRP) and its corporation in consultation with the Budget Finance and Property Committee/Trustees (BFP) and the Council. The position requires knowledge of General accounting procedures; QuickBooks and computer skills; follow through; and confidentiality.   Read the full position description .
The Larchmont Ave. Church seeks Dir. of Christian Education
The Larchmont Avenue Church (a Presbyterian congregation), located in Southern Westchester County (NY), is seeking a Director of Christian Education. This position entails direction of our Sunday School (110 youth, preschool through 8 th  grade); assistance with associate pastor with middle school ministry, and development of education ministries with pastors and members. LAC is a vibrant congregation of 700 members - wide-ranging in all groups, younger-older, with an energetic pastoral and musical program staff.  The LAC DCE position is 20 hours per week, competitive salary.  To apply, please send cover letter and resume to Rev. Elizabeth Smith-Bartlett  at  [email protected] .
Reformed Church of Bronxville Seeks 
Senior Minister / Head of Staff
The congregation welcomes resumes/PIFs from any pastor within the 5 denominations in the Formula of Agreement: RCA, PC-USA, UCC, DoC, and ELCA, and has a long history of hiring Presbyterian pastors.  Read the summary job description and link to the full position posted on the RCA employment site.  
Share Hudson Happenings
It's true: I'm cute.  But I'm also a straight talker.  And I've plodded through this snow and struck my most earnest pose to remind you that it's easy to invite your friends to subscribe to Hudson Happenings. With links to local, regional and national news as well as information on fabulous educational and advocacy events, it's your "one stop" for the latest and greatest news and events in Hudson River Presbytery, Synod of the NE and PC(USA). And with this link, your friends can also subscribe to other e-updates from the Presbytery Prison Partnership, the Food Justice Network and more! Again, just invite them to go to http://tinyurl.com/m2l9kpj or send along this darling shot of me. (the link is embedded).