Quick Notes Update for March 18, 2021
The Synod of the Mid-Atlantics is currently seeking a layperson to serve on the RCA Commission on Judicial Business. As per the BCO, "legal training and experience shall be required of lay members". Those interested should contact Rev. Stephen Eckert, Stated Clerk of RSMAt, at rsmatclerk@gmail.com.
CAMP WARWICK NOW HIRING
Post the flyer on the left at your church or include in your emailings. The image below contains an online form to apply.
SYNOD FOUNDATION SUPPORTS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN NEW JERSEY FOR DECADES

The Synod Foundation has supported The NJ Community Loan Fund for years. Now known as New Jersey Community Capital, the project states their mission this way:

Through integrative models of investment and financing, we expand opportunities and promote economic growth to strengthen neighborhoods, improve individual and community health and well-being, and ensure that underserved communities thrive.
Located at the intersection of community development and finance, we see firsthand the importance of a comprehensive and holistic approach to neighborhood revitalization to help foster more equitable and inclusive communities.

The Synod Foundation continues to grant a low interest loan. In this way we take a share in advancing justice and equity in our region.

Remember that we are here for smaller amount, quick response to loan needs for our churches.
JOIN US IN A REGIONAL SYNOD LEARNING GROUP

We're putting together a group of up to 10 church leaders to participate in this together. It will be meeting on four Tuesdays from 4-5pm over six weeks.

(For Barna CoLab Leading Hybrid Church, the live gatherings will be hosted on April 13, 27 and May 4 and 18 at 1P ET for 60 minutes. If you are unable to attend the live gathering, your team can still watch the recordings on demand in your online learning platform at a time that is convenient for you).

By attending (virtually) together we can form a learning cohort and support each other and the Regional Synod in the transition out of covid.

We have reserved the spots for team of 10.
Cost will be paid to the Regional Synod
($0-$50, your choice)
(from their website)
Beginning April 12th, 2021
A Six Week Program to Help You Prepare Your Church for the Future

Right now, many leaders are asking, what does the future of church look like? Do we continue to practice digital discipleship and evangelism, or should we prepare for a return to in-person ministry?  
According to Barna data, the answer is both:
  • 81% of churched adults say in-person worship is very important to them.
  • And 63% believe churches should continue to leverage digital resources for discipleship.
This hybrid form of ministry is uncharted territory for most leaders, and that’s why we’ve created Barna CoLab | Leading Hybrid Church, sponsored by Generis and Aspen Group. It’s an interactive learning experience where we’ll help you design a forward-thinking ministry that meets the needs of your people.  
Over the course of 6 weeks, we will:
  • Walk you through the latest data on what’s working and what’s not in hybrid ministry
  • Uncover your unique opportunities and challenges through custom assessments 
  • Connect you with other leaders so you can learn and grow together
  • Help you create a plan for ministry that leverages the opportunities created by both digital and in-person practices. 
We’ve designed this program with one goal: To help you reach and disciple people as effectively as possible. 
We’ll provide the data, the community, the assessments and the framework. You’ll bring your experience, perspective and passion for ministry. 
Together, we’ll create a plan that will prime your church for an impactful future. 
PETER WATTS APPOINTED AS NEW COORDINATOR FOR THE RCA'S AFRICAN AMERICAN BLACK COUNCIL

The council info is found here:
Peter’s intro letter is here:


The council encourages participation from RCA churches in a national, ecumenical event on Thursday, March 25, called “Beyond Words,” to develop partnerships between white and black churches. 
Faithwalking is helping bring deep change to church members and pastors all around our region! Here are two short videos from Andy Kadzban, a pastor from Wyckoff, NJ, explaining Faithwalking https://vimeo.com/468346384 and talking about his Faithwalking experience https://vimeo.com/468346452
 
Registration is now open for four different Faithwalking Foundations options beginning in April. Each module is 10 weeks of weekly online video conference calls for 75 – 90 minutes. Foundations is a new format of engaging Faithwalking process and is encouraged for everyone, including those with previous experience with Faithwalking. If this is your first Faithwalking experience, module 1 is recommended. 
 
Module 1: Self Awareness will meet Sunday afternoons beginning at 4 p.m., starting Sunday, April 11
 
Module 2: Authenticity & Shame will meet Thursdays beginning at 10 a.m., starting Thursday, April 15
 
Module 3: Anxiety will meet Wednesdays beginning at 4:30 p.m., starting Wednesday, April 7
 
Module 5: Alignment & Integrity will meet Tuesdays beginning at 2:30 p.m., starting Tuesday, April 13
 
Register by March 23 (M 3) or 30 (all others), space permitting, for these great opportunities. 
More information and registration at nyfaithwalking.com under engage and foundations. 
 
If you have further questions please contact:
Rev. Sherri Meyer-Veen, D.Min.
Faithwalking & Churches Learning Change Coordinator, Regional Synod of Albany
518-231-2151 (text or voice)
ONE OF OUR MINISTERS IN CITY CLASSIS WAS JUST WRITTEN UP IN A NEWSPAPER ARTICLE ABOUT HIS JOURNEY FROM HEROIN ADDICTION TO MERCY MINISTRY.

CLICK ON THIS LINK OR THE IMAGE BELOW TO READ THE NEWS ARTICLE

CLICK ON THIS LINK TO SEE HIS HOMEPAGE ON THE LIBERTI SITE
GETTING INNOVATION RIGHT:
As we have all scrambled to make sense of our new context, this is a good time to make sure we have all our ducks in a row for our new innovative ways of doing church. Provided below are a series of examples and thoughts about our online and hybrid life.

One important matter is getting your licenses straight. Many of our churches are using CCLI. You can read about them in the first box below.
There are also video shorts (purchased) you can use and for which you can get a (free) web license
Which allows for video like this to be shown as part of a Sunday service and included in the posted recordings.
Are you using a VR headset and exploring how virtual reality might be used in ministry? Let's have a conversation!
MURAL and other online whiteboards provide a way to add more interaction to zoom meetings. Let me know if you want to explore this further.
GATHER TOWN is a fun way to add some social involvment to your online options.
DO YOU HAVE AN EXAMPLE OF ADAPTING AND INNOVATING TO SHARE FOR INSPIRATION AND ENCOURAGEMENT? SEND IT TO US!
NJ CONGREGATIONAL CENTER FOR CANCER CARE
We have created an online gathering of all of the newsletters of the program. Find help for those facing cancer.
CHURCH BASED MENTAL HEALTH NEWSLETTERS ARCHIVE
We've created an online gathering of all of the newsletters the program has sent out during COVID. Very helpful insights to pass along to your congregations!
The information and materials that appear in the email newsletter, facebook page or on the Website of the Regional Synod of the Mid-Atlantics of the Reformed Church in America ARE NOT NECESSARILY THE OPINION OF THE REGIONAL SYNOD OF THE MID-ATLANTICS OF THE REFORMED CHURCH IN AMERICA, NOR ARE SUCH NECESSARILY ENDORSED BY THE REGIONAL SYNOD. THE ACCURACY AND VALIDITY OF THE INFORMATION IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PROVIDER OR AUTHOR.