REGIONAL SYNOD OF
SECOND WEDNESDAY NEWS
March 2008
A Monthly Publication of the Regional Synod to help keep all members of our churches informed about the work of their Synod. Please download and share this information.
REGIONAL SYNOD WEBSITE IS UP and RUNNING…The address is www.nysynod.org. It contains the
latest news and events, columns, prayer chapel, picture gallery, media player, and even your local classis pages.
You may also find pictures of your pastors and friends on the site. Check it out!!!
I am Second
Vice-President Toni Macon and Minister of Word and Sacrament of the Wallkill
Reformed Church in
Since 2008 was declared the Year of Listening, the Officers and the Executive Committee have been listening! On Tuesday, March 11th, we took the State of the Classes reported by the Stated Clerks and Presidents and the needs lifted up at the previous meeting and put them into some workable categories such as:
1. Needs and Programs, 2. Health Issues of Churches and Classes, 3. Theological Reflection and
Discernment and 4. Interesting Ideas.
For example, under Needs and Programs the topic of alternative
formulas to use for figuring assessments was raised. Several Classes are working on or have
another formula that they use to divide among the churches the cost that is
assessed to the Classes. Under Theological
Reflection and Discernment came the idea of re-instituting what the Church
means as “success” and not being told by others what it means. You can learn more
about the discussions from you Stated Clerk but also at the Annual Meeting.
The Regional Synod of New York,
which is all of us, is a place of strength and wisdom within our
Denomination. We have much to share with
one another and much to learn along side each other as well. Truly a year of listening and discerning how
we, together, go forward to proclaim the gospel is an exciting experience! My hope is that we will be hope for one
another, our communities and the world!
See you at the
Regional Synod of
Annual Meeting
Friday, May 9th
– Saturday, May 10th at The
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Toni
Macon
RSNY 2nd Vice-President
IT’S NOT TOO LATE!!! TO MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS TO JOIN
US at the…
Honoring and Giving Thanks for Significant Contributions by
Lay People Across our Synod
Sheraton
Crossroads,
The Guest Speaker will be Rev. Dr. Louis Lotz, Pastoral
Leader of Central Reformed Church,
Honorees must be sent to the Synod Office by Wednesday, March 26th; reservations for dinner will be taken until April 1st and must be paid for by Friday, April 11th. NO reservations will be taken at the door.
PLANNED GIVING SEMINAR: Saturday, April 19th,
9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Bronxville Reformed Church
Over the next 25 years, the greatest transfer of wealth in human history will pass from one generation to the next. There has never been a more important time for your church to benefit from the exchange…
Rev. Norman Tellier will lead the seminar teaching the many ways that members of all our churches can give substantially to support the church, including wills, property transfer, charitable remainder trusts. He will give participants step by step information about how to educate their own church members about these options.
To register call Jane Kuntz at the RSNY Office, 914-332-1311 or e-mail: rsynod@aol.com. The cost is $15.00 if registered by 4/11/08; $25.00 after April 25th. Everyone pays at the door.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES…Two major volunteer projects coming in MAY…
Monday
through Saturday, May 5-10 and 12-17, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., many volunteers
are needed to shingle the roof of the fellowship hall of the Cuddybackville
Reformed Church, Classis of Orange. Tuesday,
May 20 thru Saturday, May 24 and Monday, May 26 thru Saturday, May 31, 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., volunteers are needed to assist the Emmanuel
Presbyterian Church in the
Please contact Paul Nulton, RSNY Volunteer Coordinator, at The Warwick Center, 845-598-1407 (cell) or 845-986-2052 (office) or e-mail: pnulton@warwickconferencecenter.org.
HEALING THE SCARS OF WAR…a one day conference will be held at SUNY New Paltz on Friday, April 11th. This event will strengthen pastoral skills in an area just now being given serious study. Research suggests that most soldiers returning to civilian life will experience brief periods of difficulty. For more information, visit www.newpaltz.edu/idmh.
GROWING DISCIPLES in a POST-MODERN WORLD…April 29 –
May 1, 2008 at
The Northeast Association of Church Educators extends an invitation to all Christian Educators to share a time of learning with Joelle Davis-Moriarty, Executive Presbyter, Presbytery of Geneva PCUSA. This will be an opportunity to step back and take a hard look at the radical changes in a societal ecosystem that no longer supports Christianity, let alone the “traditional” Sunday School model of faith formation, as it did in 1960…Join us as we reflect, discern and dream what models and practices might need to be offered for transformational leadership development in 2020! Cost for two nights lodging, 6 meals and program: $230 – APCE Members; $250 – non-members; $90 plus meals – commuters.
For more information, contact Jane Konitz, 845-297-5864 or e-mail: c.konitz@verizon.net