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
March 29, 2018
Dear Friends,

In "L.A. PrayerFrancisco X. Alarcón reflects on the LA riots in 1992 after police beat and tasered Rodney King while arresting him.  The fulcrum of the poem is built from these two stanzas,  

the more
we run
the more
we burn
 
o god
show us
the way
lead us

As we gather to remember and hear Scripture's testimony of Jesus' final days -- the meal, the betrayal, the trial, the crucifixion, and the empty tomb -- we have the opportunity to contemplate our own choices -- how we "are" in the world; from what do we hide?  for what do we stand up?  and how can our lives contribute to the new life God intends for all?  This poem is a song of anxiety and hope in the vocative mood.  A lower-case god pointing to a path forward that must be discerned and tried.  o god show us the way.

The next issue of Hudson Happenings will be published on Thursday, April 19. Please email your submissions to noelle@hudrivpres.org by Tuesday, April 17.  

Peace,
Noelle
From Your Interim General Presbyter
Dear Friends,
 
HRU (Hudson River University) was a huge success as judged by the numbers and evaluations! Over 150 individuals - members, deacons, ruling elders and pastors from nearly all of our 79 congregations - gathered at Stony Point on March 17 to learn, grow and connect. We gathered a faculty of 18 from around the presbytery and beyond, sharing their knowledge and experience with others. There was a great deal of energy and excitement when we started the day off with prayer, gathered together for lunch and throughout the five classes offered each session.
 
I want to thank all those who came and especially the faculty for your preparation and teaching and your willingness to share your skills and abilities, your knowledge and experience!  [Read more]
Presbytery News & Events
Installation for the Rev. Abbie Huff, April 14

You are cordially invited to the Service of Installation for 

The Reverend Abbie Huff  
                as the new pastor of 
Germonds Presbyterian Church
          Saturday, April 14th 
      10:30 a.m. 
Germonds Presbyterian Church
39 Germonds Road, New City, NY 10956
 
Light fare will follow in Jensen Hall.   We hope you can make it.  
Come celebrate with us! No RSVP necessary.

Your Help Needed!
Spread the word! More Light Presbyterians and Covenant Network are trying to identify the pool of people who were legally married or in legally recognized civil unions (any legally recognized relationship conveying inheritance benefits) and in which the partner who was a member of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s pension plan died prior to 2013 (the year the plan began offering eligibility for same-sex spouses/partners to enroll in the plan). The plan is to work with the Board of Pensions and other agencies to identify adequate funding to pay the equivalent of survivor benefits to those who, under today's rules, would have been eligible. Please read and share.
Walkers from FPC Washingtonville
Habitat Walk for Housing, April 22
Presbybuild invites you to the Walk for Housing on Sunday, April 22.  Registration is at 12:30PM and the Walk begins at 1:30PM from  Washington's Headquarters, 84 Liberty St, Newburgh, NY. 
The attached forms for Teams and Walkers provide information about forming Walker Teams and fundraising as we, a Resurrection People, put God's love into action by building houses, community, hope. . . and joy.  Questions?  Contact Deke Spierling dspierling@hvc.rr.com.  General information about the walk may be found here.
You've Got Talent! Shine for A Good Cause, May 19
The 12th Annual PresbyBuild Talent Show in support of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh will be held on Saturday afternoon, May 19th at First Presbyterian Church of Montgomery in Montgomery, NY. The show will run approximately from 3-4:30pm. Refreshments will be at 2pm.
 
We are seeking young and old, new and past performers. Many members of your congregation have donated their talents to this fundraising cause in the past and we would like to invite you and your congregation back so we will once again showcase a great afternoon of talent.
 
We ask that our PresbyBuild churches and friends submit the name of an act, which will represent their church or themselves. Please send the information by April 1st. Learn more!
Solarize Our Congregation is a new program that covers eight counties including Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, Columbia, Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster. This is a result of forward thinking efforts by the HRP Green Partnership to make a difference.  It's a new twist on the Solarize model. With this program, the Solarize opportunity is open not just to 79 churches of the Hudson River Presbytery but to all their members and friends as well--homeowners and commercial property owners.

HRP Green is working with two solar providers, NYS Solar Farm for Columbia, Orange, Ulster, Putnam, Dutchess and Sullivan counties and Sunrise Solar Solutions for Westchester and Rockland to answer your questions and provide solar installations. If you are interested in learning if your church, residence or business would be a good candidate for solar you can schedule your own personal solar feasibility assessment at a church information session (see below). Light snacks will be provided. 

I f you'd like more information on solarizing your congregation but can't attend an in-person session you can sign up at   http://www.solarizewestchester.com/solarize-our-congregation/  or contact   kathydean64@gmail.com .

In addition, the Solar Installers will make a $240 donation to a church for each residential or commercial installation by a member/friend/contact of the church. The dona tions will be processed at the end of the campaign.

Important Deadlines:  
Residential customer contracts must be signed by June 4, 2018
Churches and commercial customer contracts must be signed by October 4, 2018

Information Sessions for Westchester and Rockland Counties -- all with Sunrise Solar
April 22 at 11:15am at Bedford Presbyterian Church
April 30 at 7:30pm at New Hempstead Presbyterian Church 

Information Sessions for Columbia, Orange, Ulster, Putnam, Dutchess and Sullivan counties - all with New York State Solar Farm
March 18 at 11:30am at First Presbyterian Church of Beacon                       
April 9 at 7pm at First Presbyterian Church of Chester        
April 15 at 11:30am at First Presbyterian Church of Port Jervis        
April 23 at 7pm at First Presbyterian Church of Marlboro   
April 29 at 11:45am at Calvary Presbyterian Church of Newburgh     


Are You Going to General Assembly?
If you are planning to attend the 223 General Assembly of the PC(USA) which is meeting in St. Louis from June 16 - June 23, 2018, please let Stated Clerk Susan DeGeorge know by emailing her at susandegeorge@hudrivpres.org.  
Summer Camp at Holmes!
Holmes has wonderful camping opportunities for elementary, junior high and senior high youth.  Day and sleep away options and diverse programming make it a favorite for families.  Learn more about summer camp offerings at Holmes, our PC(USA) camp that has shaped Christian faith for more than 70 years.
Attention Undergraduate Students and Seminarians!
Wurffel-Sills Scholarship and Interest-Free Loan, Deadline April 1
Learn more about the 2018-2019 Wurffel-Sills Scholarship and Interest-Free Loan Program Application. The application is open to  all members of any Presbyterian Church within the Synod of the Northeast who will be attending school beginning in the Fall of 2018 for either  undergraduate or seminary studies only.
 
The deadline to apply is April 1, 2018. New applicant's form.  Students who are reapplying please use this form.  The forms contain additional information on the scholarship and loan.
 
Please share this information with all of your churches, members, and anyone you know of who could use a little financial assistance with their higher educational goals.  If you have questions, please contact Stacey Galloway  at the synod office 315-446-5990 or email at Stacy.Galloway@synodne.org.
Congregational News and Events
Twice-Blessed Thrift Shop Ribbon Cutting, April 7
The First Presbyterian Church of Wappingers Falls will celebrate the Grand Re-opening of the Twice Blessed Thrift Shop on Saturday, April 7, 2018 from 9:00AM - 1:00PM. Come for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 9 AM, then stay to shop the store's inventory of clothing for the whole family, housewares and jewelry - for bargain prices! Light refreshments will be served. All are welcome! The Thrift Shop will be open thereafter 9 AM - 1 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. The Thrift Shop is located at FPC Wappingers Falls on 2568 South Ave, Wappingers Falls.

Learn more about the beautiful story of the thrift shop and how the church and community volunteers helped the store transition to emergency housing and then re-open in the church.  It's a great example of community-based mission in action!
Talent Show to Benefit Youth Economic Group of RMM, April 7
Hortonville Presbyterian Church will host their 32nd annual Talent Show on Saturday, April 7 at 7:00pm  at the church on CR 131 in Hortonville.  Donations of $5 benefits the YEG (Youth Economic Group) of RMM. 

For more information including signing up to perform, call Jane Orcutt at 845-887-4346.  Download the flyer and share widely!
Roscoe Rummage Sale, April 18-21
2018 Roscoe Presbyterian Church is holding its  Semi-Annual Rummage Sale April 18 to April 21, 2018 at the church, located on Old Route 17 at the intersection of County Road 179 and Stewart Ave. in Roscoe.  The sale will be open

Wed. April 18: 9:30AM - 6:30PM
Thurs/Friday April 19/20: 9:30AM-5:00PM
Saturday April 21: 9:30AM - 1:00PM 

For information or questions contact.  April McArthur - (845)292-4974 or  Nancy Nissen - (607) 498-5144.
Five Wishes 
Living Will Workshop 
& Community Meal, April 21
Do you want your dying to be consistent with your living, a reflection of who you are? Having a living will is one way to help make it so. Please join us at Pleasant Plains Presbyterian Church on Saturday, April 21, 2018, from 10:00am-2:00 pm for a workshop on the Five Wishes living will document. Five Wishes is unique among living wills, in that it speaks to the whole person, their emotional, spiritual and personal needs, as well as medical and legal issues. The workshop will guide participants through completion of the Five Wishes document, and offer advice about how to have those often difficult conversations with families and physicians. The event will finish with a community meal to celebrate everyone's accomplishment.
 
Thanks to a grant from the HRP Challenge to Change Fund, the event is free; space is limited, however, so registration is required. Please contact Church Coordinator Alayne at 845-889-4019 or pleasantpchurch@optimum.net to sign up. Pleasant Plains Presbyterian is located at the corner of Hollow and Fiddlers Bridge Roads in Staatsburg.
 
What better way to "live resurrection" than to pull life-giving and life-affirming moments out of our final days? We hope to see you there.

Coffee House to Support RMM, April 21
Annual Coffee House in support of Rural & Migrant Ministry is to take place at Hitchcock Presbyterian Church on Saturday, April 21 from 7:00-9:00PM.  Also supported by the Church of St. James the Less (Episcopal) in Scarsdale.  Come for a fun evening  to hear talented musicians and some surprises.  All proceeds will go to RMM to support programs for  the young people in the Youth Arts Group (YAG) and the Youth Economic Group (YEG). Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for seniors and students.  For more info contact Rene Thiel at 914-548-2163
Regional and National News
Presbyterians Join Hundreds of Thousands in the March for Our Lives
Across the country and the world Saturday, hundreds of thousands of people took part in rallies and demonstrations against gun violence. The March for Our Lives was organized by students in various communities.   And Hudson River Presbytery members were among them!  Check out this PNS story that features HRP's participation and an interview with Rob Trawick.
Stated Clerk Files Amicus Brief Supporting DACA
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assembly Stated Clerk J. Herbert Nelson, II has signed an amicus curiae brief in a suit filed in the Northern District of  California to enjoin the federal government from ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.  Read the PNS story.
Comments Sought on Proposed Rules of Discipline
The task force working on the first revision to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s Rules of Discipline has completed its first draft and is seeking comments on it from throughout the church. The six-person group will receive feedback until September 15, 2018, when it will go to work on a second draft.  Read the full PNS Story.
Chantal Atnip taps Ken Hockenberry as GA Vice Moderator running mate 
Chantal Atnip, a ruling elder from the Presbytery of Carlisle, who announced last fall she is standing for Moderator of the 223rd General Assembly (2018), has named the Reverend Ken Hockenberry, a pastor in the Presbytery of Chicago to be her Vice Moderator running mate.  Read the full PNS Story.

Hudson Valley Presbyterian Churches Get Big Break to Go Solar
HRPGreen's Solarize Our Congregation program made headline news in LoHud.com with interviews with Kathy Dean, Jeff Geary and a great photo of Ben Larson-Wolbrink.  This great article illustrated the church at work together with its neighbors, caring for creation and its future. Read the full story.

Regional and National Events
Black Women's March, April 7
Black Women's March: Continuing the Legacy of Harriet Tubman!  We March Out of Love, Care and Concern for Our People!!!  April 7th, 2018: CVS parking lot, corner of Broadway and Route 119, Tarrytown, New York.  All are welcome.  March is 3.1 miles across the Mario Cuomo/TappenZee Bridge.  More details on the march and schedule of events.   BlackLine is a 24-hour hotline geared towards the Black, Black LGBTQI, Brown, Native and Muslim community providing counseling and assistance in situations of police or vigilante violence. Thank you to Carla Lesh of FPC Highland for bringing the march to our attention.
A World Uprooted, Ecumenical Advocacy Days, April 20-23
Register now for Ecumenical Advocacy Days which brings together members of the PC(USA) and other Christian denominations for shared learning and joint advocacy in Washington, DC.  This year's focus is "A World Uprooted".  As the U.S. government continues to debate the future of migrants, refugees and displaced people living in this country, this event will address the issue head-on.   Ecumenical Advocacy Training Weekend April 20-23 in Washington, DC.  Register here.
  
The PC(USA) kicks off EADs on Friday, April 20 with a special Compassion, Peace and Justice training day for Presbyterians at NY Avenue Presbyterian Church.  This Presbyterian-specific opportunity will give you the chance to network with others in congregations and denominational staff while learning more about how the PC(USA) is engaged in justice work.   Learn more.
New Online Degree and Courses from Dubuque Seminary
UDTS has introduced a new   online   degree, Master of Arts in Christian Leadership, that strengthens students' knowledge of Christian scriptures and the church's theological tradition, and equip women and men for missional service and leadership in their chosen vocations. A B.A. degree in any field is the pre-requisite. For more information, please contact Kimberly Burnett-Hackbarth, Direction of Admissions 563.589.3405 /   khackbarth@dbq.edu . Click here to learn more  

And don't miss Dubuque Seminary's online courses in Christian leadership that start June 4 and run for 12 weeks.  They're a great form of education that will equip and empower church leaders.
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.
Princeton Youth Ministry Forum, April 24-27
The Forum gathers Christian leaders who are passionate about young people and the church. Youth ministers, Christian educators, pastors, ministry innovators, and emerging scholars from the USA and beyond gather annually for this 4-day event on the campus of Princeton Theological Seminary. This year, our theme is IMAGE. We will explore what it means to practice youth ministry in a visual age. 

Hear from speakers like Matthew Milliner, Brian Bantum, and Katie Douglass. Renew your energy for ministry as you create vocational friendships, stretch your imagination, and give Sabbath to your soul.
Attention Christian Educators!
Northeast Regional Association of Presbyterian Church Educators (NEACE) Annual Meeting will be May 1 - May 3 at Linwood Retreat Center in Rhinebeck, NY.  It will focus on partnering with immigrant youth in social transformation and feature the Rev. Richard C. Witt Rural and Migrant Ministry's Executive Director and Andres Chammorro of RMM's Youth Empowerment Program.  Download the flyer with registration info and spread the word!
Mediation Skills Training, May 7-11
The Lombard Mennonite Peace Center is sponsoring a Mediation Skills Training.  Our HRP Mediation team highly recommends this educational event.  The  Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders (MSTI)  will be held  Monday through Friday, May 7-11, 2018 at  Christ Church Cathedral, 45 Church Street, Hartford, CT.  Clergy and all persons in positions of church leadership who are interested in learning skills that will equip them to deal effectively with interpersonal, congregational, and other forms of church conflict 
 
Please note that the deadline to register with a  $200 tuition discount  is April 6, 2018.  Space is limited, so we encourage you to register early.  For more information, visit  www.LMPeaceCenter.org .
Save the Date for Stewardship Kaleidoscope, Sept. 24-26!
Meet us in St. Louis for Stewardship Kaleidoscope 2018 September 24-26, 2018! With keynotes by Diana Butler Bass and Chick Lane and worship led by Larissa Kwong Abazia, you'll be inspired and equipped for effective and joyful stewardship.  

For Scholarship Information and/or to request a Scholarship for the Conference, please contact Charles Barton at crb42mdiv1@comcast.net.

More information can be found at  www.stewardshipkaleidoscope.org.  Download the flyer to share with your congregation.
Take Action
Support the Cake Ministry at Sing Sing Correctional Facility
Each year member churches in our presbytery provide cakes to help celebrate the graduations at Sing Sing Correctional Facility.  There are three of them: a high school graduation, a college graduation and a graduate degree graduation.  What makes them really special is that many of those receiving diplomas entered prison without even a high school diploma.  

Would your church consider making a donation of $100 to fund this ministry? Checks may be made out to Hudson River Presbytery and earmarked "Cake Ministry." If 10 churches choose to participate, the celebration can continue.  More importantly, people from your church are invited to come and share the celebration, to break cake together with the graduates and their families.  The graduations take place in the spring, but if your congregation is interested, reach out now with your interest or any questions to Barbara Devir, barbdevir@gmail.com.  Download Barbara's full invitation to this ministry and share it with your congregation.
Resources for Education, Liturgy & More!
Brand New PC(USA) Confirmation 
The brand-new confirmation curriculum for the  PC(USA) is Big God Big Questions: Confirmation for a Growing Faith . Based on the findings of the Confirmation Project, it is focused on preparing youth to authentically answer the traditional membership questions.  Learn more and download a sample!
New Older Adult Ministry Planning Guide
The Presbyterian Older Adult Ministries Network has just published a new guide to Older Adult Ministries.  This comprehensive and caring resource discusses topics like "becoming a dementia-friendly" congregation.  You will definitely want to take a look at this FREE resource.
Is Your Church Taking the OGHS Offering this Easter?
A gift to One Great Hour of Sharing enables the church to share God's love with our neighbors-in-need around the world by providing relief to those affected by natural disasters, provide food to the hungry, and helping to empower the poor and oppressed.  See the interactive world map with One Great Hour of Sharing recipients .  Most churches receive OGHS on Easter, some on Palm/Passion Sunday, and still others during the season of Lent.  More information and interpretive materials.

Pentecost Offering Webinar, April 12
The Pentecost Offering celebrates and advocates for youth, young adults, and children atrisk. Learn more about this offering, its themes and resources, and ways to encourage your church to participate: Webinar hosted by Special Offerings on Thu. Apr. 12 at Noon (EDT). Register here:  http://bit.ly/PC18webinar

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.
Seeking and Finding
Do you have Older Hymnals to Share?
A PC(USA) congregation in Rincon Puerto Rico which is part of 1001 new worshipping communities, is trying to begin an English language worship.  The church would be so happy to have about 25 hymnals in good condition -- could be the old blue hymnal or the New Glory to God.  Does your congregation have some to donate?  Contact Barbara Devir at  Barbdevir@gmail.com .
Communion Sets for Donation
Beacon Presbyterian Church has two, silver communion sets that are in excellent condition for donation to a congregation who many need them.  Read more about each set and the pieces it contains.  Interested?  Contact Beacon Presbyterian Church at  (845) 831-5322 or office@beaconpresbychurch.org.

FPC Wappingers Falls Seeks Help with PowerChurch Plus
FPC Wappingers Falls recently purchase new software, PowerChurch Plus, to streamline the financial and administrative management of the church.  We currently use it for recording weekly contributions, income, etc., but, now, we need help setting it up for treasurer input/financial statements.

Does anyone out there use PowerChurch Plus?  If so, we'd really like to talk to you!  Please contact our church administrator, June Goldman, at the church office, 845-297-2800 or by email at  fpcwf2800@gmail.com ; or Clerk of Session, Lucille Holohan by email at   littlelulu914@optonline.net.
Employment Opportunities
Presby Church of Mt. Kisco Seeks Sunday School Coordinator
Sunday School Coordinator needed to help nurture the faith of the children of the Presbyterian Church of Mount Kisco. The position is approx. 10 hours per week with competitive salary. Experience in Christian Education in a Reformed church setting desirable. For more information, contact pastor@pcmk.org or call 914.666.7001.

RMM Seeks Regional Coordinator, Youth Economic Education Coordinator and Graphic Designer
Rural and Migrant Ministry, an HRP partnership and longstanding mission partner, is searching for a Hudson River/Catskills Regional Coordinator and also for a Youth Economic Education Coordinator.  Read more about both of these exciting opportunities.  RMM is also seeking a Graphic Designer.  Learn more here.
Germonds Church Seeks PT Music Director
Germonds Presbyterian Church seeks a part-time (10-13 hrs/wk) Director to lead our church music program and adult choir. Degree in Music Education, with experience conducting and developing choral and instrumental ensembles required. Candidate should be proficient in teaching and leading adults in church music.   Salary commensurate with education and experience; 4 weeks paid time off. Professional development funds available. Read the full position description.
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
I don't know about you, but next to surfing, nothing gets my mojo goin' more than Hudson Happenings!

HH is filled 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). So why not share it with your friends?!  And with the link below, your friends can also subscribe to other e-updates from the Presbytery! Again, just invite them to go to http://tinyurl.com/m2l9kpj or this lovely Hang Ten pic of me. (the link is embedded).