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475 Riverside Drive Suite 1270, New York, NY 10115 |
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Happenings In & Around the Presbytery of NYC |
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This newsletter is ordinarily published on the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month. All items for potential inclusion must be submitted via email to newsletter@presbynyc.org by noon on the Wednesday before the newsletter in published. All items are subject to review and editing. Timely submission does not guarantee inclusion.
Information, articles and links in this newsletter are provided for information only to the congregations and members of the presbytery. Nothing in this message should be construed as the official position of the presbytery unless noted as such.
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Contacting our Transitional Leader |
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Looking to meet with or speak to Rev. Mary Newbern-Williams, the Presbytery's Transitional Leader? You can reach her via email can at RevMaryNW@presbynyc.org or by calling the office at 212 870-2212 ext. 1
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News from the Controller - Mail to the Presbytery Office
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It has come to our attention that the Presbytery and several other tenants in our building at 475 Riverside Drive are experiencing issues with returned mail. Thus far some donations have been returned to churches and the envelope stamped by the post office as "No Longer at This address", although the address is correct. We apologize for the confusion. We recommend that you either resend the donations or you may remit payment electronically through the Presbytery’s website: Presbytery of New York City (nycpresbytery.org) Click on “Make Your Per Capita Payments” at the top of the page. You have the option of creating a profile or making a payment as a guest. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our Financial Controller, James Tse at jtse@presbynyc.org.n form
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News From the COVID-19 Team |
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Despite large segments of the US population behaving as if Covid-19 is no longer a risk, 25,000 Americans have died from Covid since the start of 2023.
Our Presbytery Covid group will update information as it becomes available. Please continue to read the information we will send out via the Presbytery newsletter.
Many of you have heard that the federal government is ending its declaration of a national public health emergency on May 11, 2023. States will be given more control over what they decide to cover/not cover, health precautions, health statistics gathering and reporting, etc. Implications of the federal end of the emergency health declaration for you and your communities will most likely include... Learn more
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The COVID-19 Team
Brenda Berkman (RE)
Mark Koenig (TE)
Samson Tso (TE)
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The Committee on Congregational Ministry and Nurture (CM&N) is happy to announce that for the first time in three years, a limited number of grants are being made available from CM&N for those churches planning to hold Vacation Bible Schools this summer. The deadline for submission of applications with required documentation is May 31, 2023.
All applications should be filed via email following completion of the form below. The application should be filled out completely. If there are questions for which you do not have an answer, simply leave it blank. Please return the completed application to the Presbytery Office via email to yswavylipton@presbynyc.org.
An orientation session for all VBS Directors will be held on Monday June 5, 2023 via Zoom. Details including the time and link will be provided via email to the person submitting the application.
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Protecting Church Properites |
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To assist you with protecting the church properties and safeguard against loss you are asked to submit your current certificate of insurance (COI) as soon as possible. Please send a copy to me (via email) Rev. Georgiette Morgan-Thomas at Propertyconsultant@presbynyc.org. You can also email me if you have any questions.
Blessings,
Rev. Morgan-Thomas
Property Consultant
Presbytery of New York City
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News from the Justice Ministries Committee |
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Have you read the Justice Ministries Committee's latest newsletter? Click here for their newsletter and to subscribe.
The PNYC Justice Ministries Committee (JMC) now has a donation button on the Presbytery's website. Click the link below to access it. Thank you.
New York City Presbytery's Justice Ministries Advocate invites all congregations and their members to read their recent newsletter and to get involve.
Their most recent newsletter includes information on:
- Earth Day activities in our congregations and surrounding neighborhoods
- News from the Coalition for the Homeless
- Criminal justice and Bail Reform
- and more...
Contact New York City Presbytery's Advocate, Charmaine Massiah
Email CMassiah@presbynyc.org, call or text her at 347-401-4598. Feel free to send her your upcoming announcements and social justice activities. We will share them in our newsletter and social media platforms.
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PC(USA)'s Stated Clerk, J. Hurbert Nelson Will Step Down |
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J. Herbert Nelson, II announced Tuesday, April 25, 2023, that he will be stepping down from the role of stated clerk of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) effective June 30. This follows his announcement last Thursday that he will not be seeking a third term as the chief ecclesial officer of the PC(USA), which he shared with the Committee on the Office of General Assembly (COGA) at their spring meeting in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 20, 2023.
“I have sought God’s will my entire life, following in the footsteps of my father and grandfather to preach the gospel in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) I believe that God calls us into new seasons in our life of discipleship. Following many conversations with my wife and daughter, I believe I have entered into this new season,” Nelson said in a PC(USA) news release. “This was not an easy decision, but I feel it is the right one to make for my family and the church in this time of change.” Read more
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Rev. Althelia Pond Inducted into the Martin Luther King, Jr. Board of Preschers |
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On Thursday April 13, 2023, the Rev. Althelia H. Pond, pastor of Mt. Morris Ascension Presbyterian church in Harlem, New York, was inducted into the Martin Luther King, Jr. Board of Preachers at Morehouse College in Atlanta Georgia.
This historic moment occurred at the invitation of Dr. Lawrence E. Carter, Sr. Dean of the Morehouse Chapel, to Ambassador Suzan Johnson Cook who is the founder of the R.E.A.L. Black Women In Ministry cohort which is funded by the Lily Endowment’s THRIVE initiative.
This historic event marked the 37th Martin Luther King Jr. College of Ministers and Laity induction. It was the largest class of Black women in ministry inducted into this prestigious board of preachers and laity. Other inductees included The Rev. Dr. Herbert Daughtry, Dr. Emilie Townes, and Rev. Jeri Wright.
Rev. Pond states, “It was a historical moment that I will forever hold in my heart. To God be the glory!"
Rev. Pond, New York City Presbytery Congratulates You!
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Embracing the Valuable Ministry of Ruling Elders |
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by Valerie Izumi
How disheartening to hear a ruling elder say, “I am just a ruling elder.” As leaders we can’t afford, nor can the church, to downplay the importance of our ministry.
Ruling Elder Frances Lin, stated clerk for the Presbytery of San Diego, and I often lament the use of the qualifier “just” in this way. Is it because ruling elders may not feel capable of fulfilling their responsibilities? Are they trying to avoid the perception of privilege? We cannot imagine a scenario where someone would say of a teaching elder, “Oh, they are just a minister of Word and Sacrament.” Read more
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Register Now for the Sacred Sites Open House Asset Roundtable |
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An invitation for a free in-person workshop discussing strategies to navigate shared space and safeguard your organization's property to support and further its mission.
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A FREE Climate Justice Training for New York Faith Communities |
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Friday, June 9, 2023, the Center for Earth Ethics will host a one-day training under the theme, Resilience, and Resolve: A Climate Justice Training for New York Faith Communities at Union Theological Seminary faith leaders engaging with their communities in the context of the climate crisis.
The training will provide opportunities for people to share and learn about plans and resources, build networks of care and support, hone insights, generate ideas, and organize our communities for action.
To date confirmed speakers include climate scientist Dr. Christian Braneon, Nobel Laureate Al Gore, Dayenu’s Rabbi Jennie Rosen, environmental justice advocate Kizzy Guzman-Charles (formerly with WeAct, currently with the Mayor’s office), and Unions’ own Rev. Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas and New York City Presbytery's own, Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis.
Applicants should have a strong connection to a community based in or near New York City that is grounded in a faith, religious, spiritual and/or ethical tradition, and preferably hold a leadership role in their community. Attendance will be limited in order to create an intimate environment that allows for more candid and meaningful discussion. Application deadline is Friday April 28, 2023. Application decisions will be communicated on a rolling basis.
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Synod of the Northeast Coaching Opportunities |
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Hello everyone. I'm writing to share some opportunities for coaching from the Synod Coach Network. We are offering both scholarships and training opportunities and hope you will share them with your presbytery membership.
Coach Training
The Network is partnering with Loaves and Fishes Coach Training to encourage more people to become ICF trained coaches. Members of the Synod of the Northeast will receive a $500 scholarship, and more if there is need.
Training starts October 16-18 and runs for six (6) months.
The first cohort of coaches will finish their training in June and will add to the diversity of coaches available in our synod and for the various ministry settings in your presbyteries.
Coaching Scholarships
Scholarships to work with an ICF trained coach are available to individuals and teams for 7 hours of coaching (1 free hour and 6 paid). Apply for the scholarship at https://forms.gle/1suPLoq2YP6cXivY9.
Click here to email us any questions you may have.
We are grateful to the Synod for the funding to share the gift of coaching for training and ministry support and hope you will share these opportunities with us.
Thanks.
Chip Low
Synod of the Northeast Coaching Network
Leadership Team:
The Rev. Dr. Betsey Crimmins, ACC
The Rev. Laurie J. Ferguson, PhD, PCC
The Rev. Chip Low, PCC, CMC
The Rev. Anne Waasdorp
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Synod of the Northeast Updated Grant Platform |
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The Synod of the Northeast is pleased to announce the rollout of a new and improved grants platform. This new online platform will simplify the process of applying for a grant and make it more accessible for everyone. With our new system, you will be able to begin your work on your application, save it, and return later to continue writing or to add required documents. You can make changes to all parts of your application until you are ready to submit it. With this new system, you can track the progress of your application and receive real-time updates.
Currently, this system is open for Innovation Grants due on April 10th and Wurffel-Sills Scholarships and Loans due on April 30th. We will add grant applications for our other programs throughout the year until everyone is on this system.
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Holmes Camp and Retreat Center's News and Upcoming Programs |
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Holmes has lots of great programs, events and retreat offerings for everyone. Learn about all that Holmes has to offer.
- Looking for something fun to do this summer? Registration is open for Teen Lead - August 6 - 12, 2023
- Classroom skills for Sunday School Teachers - September 1 - 2, 2023
- and more...
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Curriculum Studies for Youth and Adults |
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Being Reformed: Faith Seeking Understanding
This series of biblically based mini-courses provides adults with a foundational understanding of the Reformed faith. Each six-session study, written by well-known and respected scholars, features Scripture, prayer, in-depth commentary, and questions for reflection. Each study topic has a Participant’s Book and a Leader's Guide that offers helpful suggestions and direction for group study.
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Continuing Education at Princeton Theological Seminary |
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News and Upcoming Events at Princeton Theological Seminary
- Princeton Theological Seminary Launches Young Adult Leadership Network
- Faltering Faith in Institutions: A Panel Conversation
- Searching for the Soul of Black Preaching
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Princeton Theological Forum on Youth Ministry |
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This year’s theme is “A Time to Heal: Trauma and Grace in Youth Ministry.” This forum is a unique opportunity for youth ministry leaders who crave a community of peers seeking to be transformed through theological reflection that meets practical application in ministry with young people.
Youth ministers are often the ones called upon in the church to cast a vision for how we can build life together with young people in our congregations and communities. Learn more
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Bricks and Mortals Afforadable Housing 101 Virtual Event |
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Are you interested in learning more about how to develop affordable housing for your community?
Join Bricks and Mortals for their Affordable Housing 101 virtual event on 5/2 at 10am to connect with nonprofits looking to develop affordable housing.
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Ways Lead Pastors Can Serve the Second Chair |
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The second chair position is paradoxical for two reasons. First, a second chair involves the tension of submitting as a subordinate to the first chair while at the same time leading with a high level of influence. Second chairs maintain a dependence on the first chair while at the same time managing the significant amounts of freedom found near the top of the chain of command. Additionally, the second paradox involves being in an ever-changing role that is difficult to define while at the same time trying to add structure to the vision of the first chair. Second chairs often find themselves in the unenviable position of being the Jell-O others are trying to nail to the wall.
Whether it’s a paid or unpaid position, formal or informal, most churches have a strong leader serving under the lead (or sole) pastor. In smaller churches, this person can be a prominent layperson. In larger churches, the position is often an executive pastor. Numerous titles describe this position, including associate and administrator. Other church leadership positions can also be second chairs, such as a worship pastor. In this article, I will refer to the position simply as the second chair. Read more
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Qd365.org: Daily Devotionals |
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Join us every day at d365.org for a short, meaningful devotion! d365.org is a daily devotion site produced by Passport, Inc. and sponsored by three denominational partners: the Congregational Life office of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, the Youth and Young Adult Ministries of the Presbyterian Church (USA), and the Youth Ministries Office of The Episcopal Church. We hope that in the midst of busy days, d365.org will create a quiet space in your life for contemplation and prayer.
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2023 IRS Standard Mileage Rate |
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The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) 2023 standard mileage rate for business travel is now 65.5 cents per mile.
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Congregations Must Now File for an Exemption from Water and Sewer Charges - View the Recent Webinar on the New Filing Process |
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In order for an eligible organization to receive an exemption from water and sewer charges, it must file an application with the NYC DEP Bureau of Customer Services. Having a NYC Not-For-Profit Property Tax Exemption does not automatically qualify the organization for an exemption from water and sewer charges. Download the application.
Click here to view a recording of the water and sewer application process webinar held by the Presbytery's Property Consultant, Rev. Georgiette Morgan-Thomas.
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From the Office of the Property Consultant - 420-a Tax Exemption Revocations |
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Over the course of the past year, the New York City Department of Finance (DOF) has implemented a policy whereby 420-a exemptions for properties used for religious or non-profit purposes will be revoked due to the presence of Class 1 New York City Department of Building’s (DOB) violations at the premises, regardless of the nature of the violations or whether they actually impact the exempted use of the premises. It is our understanding that it is now DOF policy that the tax exemption will not be reinstated, and no appeals will be granted, until after the violation is removed.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many religious and non-profit organizations have been operating remotely and may not have received the notice of revocation from DOF, so we encourage you to review your recent tax bills to confirm if your building has been impacted by this new policy. You can view your tax bills and find other valuable information here.
If you do discover that your exemption has been revoked or would like more information on this new DOF policy, please contact Nathaniel H. Christian III nhc362@gmail.com with the Presbytery’s Board of Trustees.
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News from the Good Works Committee |
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The Good Works Committee invites congregations and fellowships to submit proposals for possible funding of new or on-going missional efforts through the Good Works Fund. Links to the Good Works guidelines and an application are available on the General Resources page on the Presbytery's website. Contact goodworks@presbynyc.org.
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Employment Opportunities Within and Around the Presbytery of NYC |
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Congregational Searches on PC(USA)'s CLC System
The following congregations in our presbytery are currently engaged in active searches:
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The First Presbyterian Church in the City of New York City, Associate Pastor for Social Justice and Mission, Full-time
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French Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Solo Pastor, Part-time
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Forest Hills Presbyterian Church, Designated Pastor, Full-time
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Fort Washington Heights Presbyterian Church, Solo Pastor, Part-time
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St. Augustine Presbyterian Church, Solo Pastor, Part-time
Congregations within our presbytery are currently seeking to fill these positions:
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The First Presbyterian Church in the City of New York City, Associate Pastor for Social Justice and Mission, Full-time, click here for details
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First Presbyterian Church Brooklyn, Interim Pastor, Full-time, click here for details
Presbyterian entities outside the bounds of New York City Presbytery seeking to fill positions:
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First Presbyterian Church of Mount Vernon seeks an Administrative Secretary, Part-time (20 hrs./wk.), click here for details
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John Calvin Presbytery seeks a remote stated clerk, Part-time (9-12 hrs./wk.), click here for details
PC(USA) National Office
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The Presbyterian Church (USA) national office in Louisville, KY, is currently hiring. Click here for a list of current openings. To access all Presbyterian Church (USA) national office job opportunities and online applications, please visit PC(USA)'s website for a full listing of openings. Referrals are welcome!
Other entities seeking to hire
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New York Disaster Interfaith Services (NYDIS), has several hybrid remote positions in their Hurricane Ida Disaster Case Management Program, Full-time, click here for details
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Board of Pensions Benefits Plan |
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Please note The Board of Pensions (BOP) is a benefits program and not just medical insurance or a pension plan. The Assistant Program offers additional benefits listed below in some but not all four benefit plan options. These grants can help supplement salaries and help pastors in emergencies. In 2021, 1,297 grants were distributed through the Assistance Program, totaling $7 million.
Even more individuals qualified for assistance in 2022 than in previous years, as eligibility was expanded to meet the growing diversity of the Church and its membership.
PDA and 1001 New Worshiping Community also have grants for specific purposes that help pastors.
Our Board of Pensions (BOP) Regional Consultant, Rev. Dr. Carrie Mitchell, has provided an outline on the following BOP resources:
- Assistance Program
- Care Navigation
- COVID and Tax Updates
Click here to view the outline. Her contact information is included in the outline should you have any questions about any of the benefits and resources that the Board of Pensions has to offer.
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Prayers of Joy and Concern |
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Prayers of concern, and care are extended to;
- First Presbyterian Church of Jamaica
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Rev. Alice Hermanus-Rampengan (Indonesian Presbyterian Church)
- Pastors in new ministries and churches in pastoral searches
- Practicing Matthew 25 in our churches and communities
- Those with Covid and long-haul Covid
- Addressing continued and senseless gun violence in our nation
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2023 Minister's Minimum Compensation |
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Below you will find a link (to the presbytery approved ) Minister's Minimum Compensation for the 2023 calendar year.
We hope this is helpful!
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2023 Presbytery Meeting Dates |
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All material for Presbytery meetings must be emailed to the Stated Clerk by the due date, no later than 5:00 pm at sc@presbynyc.org
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Presbytery Meeting Dates
Saturday, March 4, 2023
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
Saturday, September 23, 2023
Tuesday, December 5, 2023
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Material Due Dates (no later than 5:00 PM)
Friday, February 17, 2023
Friday, May 19, 2023
Friday, September 8, 2023
Friday, November 17, 2023
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2023 Commission on Ministry Dates and Material Deadlines |
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All material for COM's consideration must be emailed to the commission at com@presbynyc.org
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On Calling a Pastor, is a resource for pastor nominating committees and mid councils is now available. Each section of the manual builds upon the next to walk users through the call process highlighting the partners in the call process, polity, using the CLC system, and emphasizing the need for spiritual discernment. The resource is in PDF format. It may be read online or downloaded and printed. "On Calling a Pastor" includes videos, links to online resources, case studies, and "teach the teacher" Power Points for those training pastor nominating committees. Download the full handbook or individual chapters. You may also watch supplemental videos. To access the video links from within the PDFs, click on the icons found in the various chapters.
The Church Leadership Connection (CLC) staff is here to serve you. If you need any assistance or have questions, contact them by phone at 888-728-7228, ext. 8550, or by email at clcstaff@pcusa.org.
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Stay Connected to the Presbytery of NYC |
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Help your congregation's members stay connected with the latest news and opportunities in and around the presbytery by subscribing to Happenings In & Around the Presbytery, the Presbytery's electronic newsletter. Keep members updated and apprised of Presbyterian events, resources, grants, and opportunities. Have members fill out the contact information form so that their email addresses can be added to our subscribers list. Click here for the Contact Information Form. Once completed return the form to the presbytery office or email it to Yzette Swavy-Lipton.
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Need an address or phone number for a church or a member of the NYC Presbytery? No need to call the office to get that information. You only need to log into the Presbytery ACS Database System and viola, the information is right at your fingertips.
If we have your contact information in our database you only need to create an account within the ACS System. If we do not have your contact information click here for the Contact Information Form. Once completed return the form to the presbytery office or email it to Yzette Swavy-Lipton so that you can be added to the database.
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475 Riverside Drive Suite 1270
New York, NY 10115
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