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You are invited to a discussion about

Exploring Worship with All Our Senses

The 2024-2025 Poppen-Young Lecture in Reformed Worship

Thursday, February 27, 2025, from 12:00 noon to 1:30 pm Eastern Time on Zoom

In the twenty-first century, most of us easily recognize that there multiple ways of experiencing and understanding the world, using all of our senses, multiple ways of understanding and encountering the presence of God. Yet for most Protestant Christians on most Sunday mornings, worship is primarily an intellectual exercise.

Linda Van Soest Tintle, a former special education teacher and teacher of teachers, has been exploring the use of multiple senses in spirituality for several years. In her work as the 2024-2025 Poppen-Young Fellow in Reformed Worship, she is seeking to encourage the use of more engaging ways of connecting with God. She is developing techniques that can be implemented in large group worship settings, in small group study/prayer sessions, or in individual devotional times. She will share her experience and ideas in her presentation 

“Engaging Methods for Enhancing & Enriching Spiritual Growth”

In her online program, she will ask “Can we bring our spiritual learning and worship practices into the twenty-first century, revitalizing spiritual practices with effective evidence-based methods that are currently used in the academic setting?” She will also share the results of workshops she has done in local congregations utilizing what she has been learning. 

Suzanne Duschene, Assistant Professor of Worship and Preaching and Director of the Chapel at NBTS, will respond to the presentation and prime the pump with questions before we open up the conversation to all participants.

As with all Reformed Church Center programs, the Poppen-Young lecture is free and open to everyone, but all participants must register by clicking here.

James Hart Brumm, DMin

Assistant Professor of Reformed Church Studies

Director, The Reformed Church Center and The Theological Writing Center;

General Editor of the Beardslee Press

jbrumm@nbts.edu | 848.237.1760                              

Creation Justice Ministries. 2025 Annual Resource: Power of God is Here!

We invite you to download and share this resource as you prepare for worship, study, and action—not just for a single Sunday, but as part of a sustained commitment to justice and care for creation.

KEYPORT PASTOR SEARCH

The Community Church of Keyport (CCK), dually affiliated with the Reformed Church in America and The United Church of Christ, is a welcoming and affirming congregation that walks with Jesus in an enduring focus on feeding ministries, social outreach, Christian Education, and Sunday worship service. CCK's stated mission is simple yet powerful; to feed people body and soul. This mission is demonstrated beyond the church walls through our food and social justice ministries. 

The Community Church of Keyport is in Keyport, New Jersey, a small borough located in Monmouth County. The town is known for its strong sense of community and rich history. It is situated along the Raritan Bay and offers residents a blend of small-town charm and modern amenities. The community in Keyport is tight-knit and welcoming, with many local events and activities that bring residents together. From community festivals to farmer's markets, there are plenty of opportunities for residents to connect and engage with one another. 

We seek a pastor who is energetic with the passion and grace that align with CCK’s aspirations, who, through the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, will patiently work with our diverse congregation to help them live out God’s command to do justice, share love and show mercy. 



To view the job description and church profile form go to: https://www.rca.org/jobs/community-church-of-keyport-keyport-nj-96-minister-of-word-and-sacrament/

Our next Dismantling Racism Prayer Gathering will be Tuesday, March 11th at 1:30 pm ET. Our guest will be Deacon JJ TenClay, Missionary and Refugee Ministries Coordinator, RCA Global Mission. She will provide insights and updates to stir our prayer time. You may register for this here, feel free to share with your networks.  

We are grateful to be on this journey together to dismantle racism and pray against oppression in all its forms.

On behalf of the team,

Rev. Nancy Boote and Dr. Micheal Edwards, co-chairs

Rev. Liz Testa, staff liaison

Dismantling Racism prayer planning team 

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1: 2-4

PONDS REFORMED CHURCH SUPPORTING RCA WORK IN LEBANON

You may have read the emails from the RCA inviting people to support the work in Lebanon by Rev. Linda Macktaby. Ponds Reformed Church has been in a relationship with her for almost 3 years. The Mission Commission of the classis of PV is working on building a partnership with her and the National Evangelical Church of Beirut. To help her address the needs for trauma therapy, food for displaced persons and two personalized needs concerning a 2 month old abandoned baby and a family whose father was tortured in Syria’s prison, a video has been created.

Please pray with us and stay informed.

City Church of Long Beach is looking for a part time Community Life Pastor (to help with small groups and occasional preaching, etc.). Find out more at this job description.

First Presbyterian Church of Hector New York

Job Opening: Pastor Install- Full time/Part time

About Us:.We are a small community church nestled in the heart of the Finger Lakes Region of Upstate New York. We are surrounded by natural beauty including Seneca Lake and the Finger Lakes National Forest. We are also a tourist attraction for local wineries and breweries, The Watkins Glen International Racetrack, and much more.

Key Responsibilities:

● Lead weekly worship services, including sacraments and special services

● Provide pastoral care, offering comfort, guidance, and prayer to individuals and families.

● Foster community outreach and mission initiatives.

● We desire a pastor who will place a strong emphasis on growing our children and youth

ministries, fostering the next generation of disciples.

FOLLOW THIS LINK FOR THE FULL DESCRIPTION

2025 She is Called Sabbath Rest Retreat

Registration is now open!

March 28, 2025 – March 30, 2025

Grove Hall Retreat Center

15 Pilgrim Pathway

Ocean Grove, NJ 07756

The retreat begins at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 28, and ends on Sunday, March 30, 2025 at noon. Check-in begins at 4:00 pm on Friday and room check-out will be at 10:00 am Sunday, March 30. The retreat concludes at 12:00 pm following worship.

Retreat only: $50/pp (includes breakfast and materials)

Lodging: ($160 for double occupancy w/shared bath- single rooms and private baths sold out) Saturday and Sunday lodging is included. The majority of the rooms are double occupancy. You are encouraged to coordinate your roommate, if possible. If not, our team will assign one for you. 

**Most rooms are reachable by a flight of stairs. The few ground floor rooms are reserved for those who cannot climb a flight of stairs, thank you for leaving those who have most need. Please note your accessibility needs in detail in registration. 

Meals: Sat/Sun breakfast, dinner on Saturday and snacks are included. Dinner on Friday and lunch on Saturday will be on your own. A day retreat option is available for Saturday, which includes breakfast and dinner, lunch is on your own. Please note your dietary restrictions in detail during registration. 

Please note that this is a historic building. Most of the bedrooms are on the second and third floors and climbing stairs will be required to reach them.

Each person should register for *only one* of the 2 registration levels below.

Level 1 covers two nights lodging, Sat/Sun breakfast, Sat dinner during the retreat.

Levels 5 - Day Plan-Saturday Only includes breakfast and dinner.

The Reformed Church Center Seeks New Explorers for 2025-2026

Fellowships in RCA History, RCA Women’s Studies, or Reformed Worship

Do you have a subject or question that you want to want to learn and share more about? Do you have a creative idea that you want to explore a bit further? If you’re a worship person or an artist, is there something you would like to create to help people worship? Would you like to spend two weeks in study and sharing, and have somebody pay you (a little) instead of you paying them? Do you have something to say about being Reformed in the Twenty-first Century?

Then you should consider sending in a brief proposal for one of three fellowships at New Brunswick Theological Seminary during the 2025-2026 academic year! The Reformed Church Center is looking for those proposals, to be submitted by April 15, 2025.

You can write a proposal for . . .

The Albert A. Smith Fellowship

An opportunity for research in Reformed Church History

The Smith Fellowship provides a stipend of $500.00 and the possibility of a two-week residency at New Brunswick Theological Seminary 

to support research into the history of the Reformed tradition, particularly as it pertains to the Reformed Church in America (RCA). Get more information and download an application here.

The Alvin J. Poppen And John R. Young Fellowship

An opportunity for research and/or presentation in Reformed Worship and Liturgy

The Alvin J. Poppen and John R. Young Fellowship provides a $500.00 stipend, travel expenses, and the possibility of a two-week residency at New Brunswick Theological Seminary  to support research in Reformed Worship, particularly as it pertains to the RCA. Get more information and download an application here.

The Hazel B. Gnade Fellowship

An opportunity for research in RCA Women’s Studies.

The Hazel B. Gnade Fellowship provides a $500.00 stipend and the possibility of a two-week residency at New Brunswick Theological Seminary 

to support research in the history of women’s involvement in the RCA. Get more information and download an application here.

What do you need to get a fellowship? You need some practice doing scholarly research, whether that’s by reading old manuscripts or books or conducting oral interviews, etc., or maybe you need a gift for writing prayers or songs or telling stories. You also need to demonstrate that you have done some work and can define a project within your question or idea that you can significantly complete within a couple of weeks of intense work.

What DON’T you need to get one of these fellowships? You don’t need to be a pastor or a professor. You don’t need specialized theological training . . . just some familiarity with your subject matter.

If you’ve read this far, what are you WAITING for?



Applications and proposals for all three fellowships are due by April 15, 2025. Contact James Hart Brumm, Director of the Reformed Church Center, at jbrumm@nbts.edu, if you would like to discuss your idea or get suggestions for your proposal.

VISIT THE NBTS EVENTS PAGE TO SEE MANY CURRENT EVENTS BOTH ONLINE AND IN PERSON THAT ARE AVAILABLE

CHURCH PROFILE: SEEKING A PASTOR

The Community Reformed Church of Colonie (CRCC), located in New York's Capital Region, is excited to call our next Pastor as we discern a future of possibility as disciples of Christ together. Here is the church profile and further information.

Stanton Reformed Church, nestled in the rural community of Stanton, NJ, is seeking a pastor to lead our congregation in spiritual growth as we move forward to a new chapter of our 175+ years of serving the Lord. The Stanton Reformed Church sees God’s light in every person.  Through faith, worship, fellowship, and hospitality, Christ calls us to affirm, accept, and embrace all who enter our doors. We are looking for a Pastor who will help us live out that mission statement. We are looking for a Pastor who will lead and teach prayerfully and compassionately.  We seek a Pastor who is rooted in the written Word of God and will focus on meeting our congregation's and community's spiritual needs. We are looking for a Pastor like us, who loves the Lord and can lead us in worship and in service. 

Candidates should have a college degree, Master of Divinity degree from an accredited seminary and ordination in the Reformed Church in America or other denomination that partners with the RCA. We will also consider candidates who are close to graduation as we are able to provide a mentor. If you feel called to further explore the opportunity to serve as our Pastor and meet the qualifications, we look forward to hearing from you.  Please email the church and request a profile and job description, visit our website, check out our worship services and our face book page.  But most importantly, pray first, for we are in search of a Pastor who listens and is led by the Spirit of God. Be blessed and know that we have been in prayer for you.

With Blessings,

Stanton Reformed Church Search Committee

Learn more about SRC at https://www.stantonrc.org/

[city-classis] Pastor for Community Life Search

Dear friends and colleagues,

We have opened up a search at the congregation which I serve, City Church San Francisco, for the role of Associate Pastor for Community Life. I would be grateful if you could share the position description throughout your networks. 

Primary areas of responsibility include:

• Designing and leading a Deacon Board

• Building networks for hospitality and community building within a congregational context

• Strengthening connections and relationships with service and justice partners in SF

• Shepherding our LGBTQIA ministries

Beyond the position responsibilities, I am looking for someone who... 

1) Is a natural connector of people.

2) Has a deep love for ministry in an urban context and enthusiasm for building networks for shared power and change for the common good.

3) Has a passion for, and experience in, creating community and opportunities for people to serve.

4) Has a passion for, and experience with, providing pastoral care, shepherding, and guidance for LGBTQIA-identified persons as they reconcile faith with identity.

5) Can offer a Jesus-centered articulation of their sense of vocational call and commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusion, anti-racist practices, and social justice

If you have any questions at all, of course, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Gratefully,

Emily

--

Rev. Emily McGinley

She/Her/Hers (what’s this?)

Senior Pastor | City Church San Francisco

www.citychurchsf.org

Robin Suydam, a member of the Regional Synod, is a board member at Creation Justice Ministries as a representative of the RCA. There are many resources available on their website.

Dear NJIC3/CIC family and friends,

I'm happy to share the news that we'll soon be launching a new virtual book club!

You're invited to join us as we read and discuss Maggie Bruehl's book, "Suspended: Living With Dying," a memoir of her cancer journey. The insights, reflections, and stories shared will resonate with you regardless of whether you've personally experienced a cancer diagnosis or you've supported a loved one as they navigated a cancer journey.

If you're interested in the group, please visit https://rebrand.ly/NJIC3-LWD-book-club for more information, to vote on a meeting day and time, and to complete the sign-up form. Email me at austin.njic3@improvingnj.org with questions that aren't answered on the sign-up form.

Feel free to share this email with any friends and family who might be interested in joining the group. (And remember, since it's a virtual book club, it's accessible to your friends and family no matter where they live. (Delivery of books will be arranged for out-of-state participants.))

Have a good evening,

Austin

JOB POSTINGS

SLACKWOOD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SEEKS A CHRISTIAN EDUCATION ASSISTANT, PART TIME