rsmat
Quick Notes Update for March 13, 2020
Be sure to like our facebook page for more updates!

DID YOUR CONGREGATION DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT OR INNOVATIVE THIS WEEK IN RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS?

LET US KNOW IN THIS GOOGLE FORM, AND WE WILL SHARE WITH THE REGIONAL SYNOD TO INSPIRE AND ENCOURAGE CREATIVE RESPONSES....

SOME CHURCHES STARTED LIVESTREAMING OR ZOOMING, OTHERS TURNED DINNERS INTO TAKE OUTS, OTHERS POSTED CREATIVE MATERIALS ON SOCIAL MEDIA...LET'S SHARE WITH EACH OTHER!


Have you checked the synod calendar to see what's happening? For more information on the events below, click on the calendar link.  Don't see your church's event listed - be sure to include the synod on your email and mailing lists by sending information to rsmat@rca.org.

All feedback welcome as we develop this new version more fully

See the developing archive of our past emails in the side bar of the news page!

Help us invite others to receive our email, 
copy and send them this link

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.
emotional
SAVE THE DATES!

laydinner
2020 Lay Recognition Dinner
 POSTPONED

The Imperia * 1714 Easton Avenue * Somerset, NJ 08873
Together We Are the Body of Christ

laydate

Click here for the full flyer and registration information

********************************************

crossroads
CROSSROADS WOMEN'S 35TH CONFERENCE
Save the Date: April 17-18 2020



GET READY FOR CROSSROADS XXXV
Date: April 17 - 18, 2020
Venue: Harvey Cedars Bible Conference Center, Long Beach Island, NJ

Dear CROSSROADS Family: Grace, mercy and peace!
It's almost time for CROSSROADS XXXV!

The women from the Regional Synod of the Mid-Atlantics have hosted this 1 ½-day retreat which offers fellowship, uplifting worship, stirring music, inspirational keynote speakers, workshops and prayer, all focused on a theme. Over the years, we have been blessed by the presence and participation of women from all 8 Regional Synods, as well as from other denominations and religious organizations. Most of you reading this email have been a part of this beautiful journey and we have been blessed together!

This year will be our 35th gathering, and with Jeremiah 29:4-14 as the foundation, we will be celebrating our position as beloved daughters of God, even as we grapple with the challenges of an uncertain future. We are in the process of finalizing speakers and workshop events, and hope to send Registration Packets by the week of February 16. In the meantime, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us at (973) 844-0906 or via email at:
Sisters, if you have never attended before, please join us. And if you have, please come back (and bring another sister if you can) to continue sharing the blessings of a Crossroads Retreat.

Brothers in Christ: Thanks in advance for spreading the word to women in your network.

Yours in Christ,

CROSSROADS COMMITTEE:
EJ, Marie, Ruth, Tricia & Claudette

read an update letter from Claudette here




SPECIAL UPDATES

THE LAY RECOGNITION DINNER IS BEING POSTPONED TO A LATER DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED

Out of concern for the most vulnerable in our fellowships and out of an abundance of caution given the continued spread of COVID-19 in our area, we will be postponing the Regional Synod Lay Recognition Dinner originally scheduled for March 27th.

The planning committee is working with the venue to reschedule the event and will communicate that information when we have it.

If you have any questions, please contact our office. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Blessings,
Deb

Deborah Petersen
Executive Assistant
Synod of the Mid-Atlantics, RCA
112 1st Street
Clifton NJ 07011
862.247.8444

ZOOM TRAINING FOR VIDEO CONFERENCING

I will be offering a series of video calls for anyone in our churches who wants to learn more about how to use zoom video conferencing for sharing worship services, consistory meetings, committee meetings, prayer meetings and a variety of other opportunities in this restricted gathering time we are living through.

Respond to this email if you would like to be included in trainings this coming week.
onlinelearning
FREE Online Learning Opportunities
Mediated Organizations: 
Technology for your church ministry

We are setting up online seminars for the Fall season. Please let us know which topics are of interest to you. Seminars are usually held online using Zoom or GoToMeeting on Thursday evenings. Other times are available on request.
Consider having a custom training for your own church team or board! On-sites are possible with enough notice.

Let us know what you are interested in or if you have questions!

  1. Using Facebook 
  2. Using Twitter 
  3. Using free and low cost websites
  4. Using higher end paid websites
  5. Using podcasts
  6. Using mind mapping for planning and meetings
  7. Using visual thinking for planning and meetings
  8. Using online collaborative platforms for teams and organizations: basecamp, slack and more
  9. Using projection in your church ministry
  10. Using email newsletters: constant contact and mailchimp
Courses are taught by The Rev. Dr. Philip Bakelaar, , rsmat communications coordinator, pastor at Ocean Community Church in Manahawkin and adjunct professor in the School of Communication and Media at Montclair State University. 

remember to check our 

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and

calendar  

calendar 

for more current events!