Midweek Musings Newsletter
June 4, 2009
Father's Day is Sunday, June 21
REVISED - ATTENTION NCP: Please be advised that the Presbytery office will close at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, June 10, and all day Thursday, June 11 so that the NCP staff can attend the Big Tent conference in Atlanta, GA. The office is also closed on Friday, June 12 as our summer hours are now in effect. Messages left on the answering machine after 3:00 pm next Thursday will be returned on Monday, June 15. Thank you.
NOTE
Below is the Mission Development Unit (MDU) 2010 grant application:
You can also access the form on the Brochures, Forms and Other Downloads page: http://ncpresby.pbworks.com/Brochures,+Forms,+Other+Downloads
The Moderator’s Talk
The Presbytery office has available for loan to congregations audio CDs of the recent presentation made by our Moderator, Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow, at our most recent Presbytery meeting held at the Wicomico church in Salisbury, MD.
These CDs include the extended question and answer session which highlights many of the pressing issues of our denomination as seen through the eyes of a younger, multi-ethnic, west coast pastor.
Midweek Musings by Reid Beveridge, Stated Clerk
Leader: “It’s not about you.”
Response: “It’s not about you, either.”
This is the new “salutation” we stated clerks learned at the recent meeting of the Association of Stated Clerks. This is not, of course, exactly a new idea for most presbytery stated clerks. We know it’s not about us. As the meeting unfolded, we had some interesting insights about why that is so (see more below).
One of the more interesting events was the presentations the first evening by two former moderators of General Assembly: the Rev. Dr. Susan Andrews (215th, [2003-4]) and Elder Rick Ufford-Chase (216th, 2004-6). Susan is the presbytery executive in Hudson River Presbytery where Stony Point Center, the site of our meeting was held. Rick is Stony Point co-director. Their theme was “Life after Moderator.”
The general issue is the phenomenon that GA moderators rarely return to the place from which they elected. Bruce Reyes-Chow as much as said this while he was visiting us last month. Without plowing through the details, suffice it to say that both Susan and Rick found themselves in a very different world when they concluded their moderatorship. Neither has the same job nor lives in the same place.
***
We also heard from a couple folk who work at the Presbyterian Center in Louisville about another round of painful staff cuts and layoffs. I’d guess some of them feel the same way our Presbyterian employees at New Castle County General Motors and Chrysler plants did when they learned their jobs no longer existed.
On the other hand, the clerks also discussed the general situation in which the PCUSA finds itself and the fact that synods and presbyteries have downsized and changed the focus of what we do. But we don’t perceive that the GA-level staff has done that much. Indeed, the General Assembly Mission Council, recently renamed, has not face the fact that many, many local churches are “designating” their mission dollars, leaving the PCUSA program activity, as contrasted with the office of General Assembly and the GA stated clerk, with rapidly shrinking finances.
In other words, this is not about per capita, which remains relatively healthy. It’s about the diminishing undesignated mission dollars. In the olden days, church sessions simply sent their mission money in to the national headquarters, confident it would be well-spent. No more.
***
We also talked a bit about leadership. Stated-clerk arrangements vary dramatically across the denomination depending on the size of the presbytery and its culture. For example, in the old South, the stated clerk job often is combined with that of the presbytery executive. In the old UPCUSA, it rarely if ever was. In some presbyteries, the clerk’s position is exceedingly part-time, even more part-time than here in New Castle. In others, it is very full-time. Leadership status and opportunity vary accordingly.
***
So.
It’s not about you. And it’s not about me, either. Obviously, it’s about the lordship of our Lord Jesus Christ, the head of the church (in any and all cases).
- Reid
CLP CliP
Today I would like to introduce Felipe Garcia-Carrión.
Felipe was born in Manhattan (Harlem), New York, one of seven children, to Puerto Rican parents, and attended New York City public schools from kindergarten through my Bachelor's degree at The City College of New York. He received a Master's in Public Administration from the School of Public Affairs of The American University, and completed most of the course work for a Ph.D. in Education specializing in International
Education, and Counseling, at The Graduate School of Education, The American University. He is also a Certified Training Manager, having completed all the necessary requirements of the Langeving Learning Services of Ontario, Canada.
His wife of 40 years passed away in 2005, and he has a son from his first marriage who is married and living in Pennsylvania.
Felipe’s secular work started in education and included teaching adults in New York City and Assistant Dean and Director of Academic Services at Livingston College of Rutgers University. He co-founded the Puerto Rican Congress of New Jersey and founded P.R.O.C.E.E.D. (Puerto Rican Organization for community Education and Economic Development) in Elizabeth NJ. Felipe headed a training program for people over 65 in housing management on the island of Puerto Rico. During 25 years in Washington DC he served in several government departments and national organizations. Most recently he was Director of the Delaware Learning Center, the only Spanish language GED program in the State of Delaware.
In his own words, Felipe says: I was born and raised a Roman Catholic until one day in adolescence I felt moved to leave the RC church. I was attracted to the Pentecostals and later participated in the Charismatic movement. Because of my first wife and my son, I was also accepted into Orthodox Judaism. The point is that most of my life I have been searching.
A few years ago I attended a Speer Grant Proposal-writing training session and met Jim Moseley. We spent most of the day in conversation regarding my life, my call, my ministry in the Hispanic community, my dreams for that community, and how I might accomplish some of this.
I had already met Mike Williams of the Georgetown Church and subsequently met his spouse, Linda Williams, the Commissioned Lay Pastor of Coolspring Presbyterian -- which I like to refer to as the tiny church with a huge heart -- and started attending worship. I was eventually led by the Spirit to ask for admission to the church. Our “tiny church has put up a new building called the Cool spring Community Fellowship Hall. Plans for this building include Spanish classes, English as a Second Language and, hopefully, other community group meetings (A.A., scouts, etc.)
Most of my spiritual growth besides my exposure to several religions/denominations is that I have been actively practicing the spiritual principles and practices of Alcoholics Anonymous for 27 years. I am currently working on plans for an all day A.A. retreat that will hopefully be held in our new Community Fellowship Hall.
I traveled to Guatemala with the Presbytery group in 2008 and assisted in interpreting and writing of the International Partnership with the Mam Presbytery. I serve on the International Partnering Committee and hope to serve the large Hispanic population in Sussex County.
With all these hopes and dreams for the future of my community and the promise I see for that future in collaboration with the Presbyterian denomination, the next logical step for me was requesting admission to the CLP program.
I think you’ll agree that we are very fortunate to have Felipe in the CLP Program and serving his church and New Castle Presbytery.
Until next week, God bless!
- Carole Miles
REMINDER
Attention Pastors: Please be advised that all 2008 MedWrap claims must be submitted before June 30, 2009. Thank you!
Death Penalty in Delaware
The Delaware General Assembly is considering House Bill #171; this bill establishes a moratorium on state executions pending completion of the Cornell Law School Death Penalty Project’s study of the death penalty in Delaware and an opportunity for the Governor and the General Assembly to act upon its findings. The preliminary findings from the Cornell review show that Delaware has one of the highest death sentencing rates in the country (twice the national average). In analyzing the outcomes of the cases in which the defendant was sentenced to death on appeal, they found an overall error rate of 44%. Racism is also a concern: while most murder victims in Delaware are black, in 70% of the cases in which the death penalty was imposed in Delaware, the victim was white. See online “The Death Penalty in Delaware: An Empirical Study.” The Presbyterian Church (USA) has opposed the death penalty since 1959 (GA statements are online). Please contact your legislator to encourage their support of House Bill #171. Consider sharing the attached “Death Penalty Quiz” with your church members, family and friends. PCUSA is an affiliate member of the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty that has an excellent web site for additional information. Contact Bruce Gillette if you would like further information on efforts to abolish the death penalty in Delaware.
Ordination Services
The Presbytery of New Castle
and
Westminster Presbyterian Church
cordially invite you to celebrate the
service of worship and ordination of
Kimberly Brinckmeyer LeVert
to the
Ministry of Word and Sacrament
Saturday, June 6, 2009
3:00 p.m.
Westminster Presbyterian Church
301 King Charles Avenue
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware 19971
Reception to follow in Fellowship Hall
Work day at the Campus Ministry House
Attention Churches
Please use this notice in your bulletins and other notices
in your church if you are able.
*/Campus Ministry House ~ End of year clean-up/* –
You’re invited to join the crew Saturday, June 6th, beginning at 9:30 a.m. to help clean the campus ministry house, located at 157 West Main Street, in preparation for new students arriving this summer. We need volunteers for cleaning the floors, kitchen and three bathrooms as well as some light yard work. Our two current residents are leaving and we will have six ELI students for the summer. This Fall we have contracts for six students to reside there. This workday will also provide an opportunity for workers to meet the new Campus Ministry Pastor Nona Holy. For questions or to confirm your participation please contact Jim Neal at (302) 731-4267 or e-mail him at neal@del.net <mailto:neal@del.net>. Thank you.
CAMPUS MINISTRY - YOURS FOR THE TAKING!
The NCP office has purged its office furniture inventory and has several items available which are being offered free to anyone wishing to pick them up at the Campus Ministry house on Saturday morning, June 6th, beginning at 9:00 a.m. These items include:
· 3'W X 5'L green metal desk
· 3'W X 5'L wooden desktop (no files attached)
· 4-drawer metal file cabinet
· Meridian metal storage tower (@4'W X 5'H), containing 4 compartments; 1 to hang coats, 1 with 2 shelves and 2 file drawers
· Two Fabric wall partitions (@ 4'W X 6'H)
Also, the Campus Ministry will have many books available which are also free of charge. The Campus Ministry house is located at:
157 W. Main Street, Newark, DE 19711 (just over the railroad tracks at the end of Main Street in Newark). Help us "clean house"!
Be Up To Date With Pencader PC
Church Garage Sale - This Saturday, June 6th - 8:00 am-12:00 noon
Sunday, June 7 - 9:30 AM Early birds join with Bob in the Annex
11:00 AM Worship with Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
The Session Meets Thursday, June 11 at 7:15 pm
Download flyer here for more detailed information: Be Up-to-Date with Pencader.6.3.09.pdf
Green Hill Church Turns 160!
Green Hill Church turns 160 in June, and on June 7 during the 10:30 AM worship service we will celebrate the milestone with some special activities, followed by a reception. The program will include some special music and a presentation by a speaker from Hagley Museum concerning the church's evolution from the Manufacturer's Sunday School.
All members of New Castle Presbytery are cordially invited to attend the occasion.
Thank you and we look forward to seeing you there.
Cordially,
Chick Reed, Worship Committee Chairman
Worship & Brunch on Sunday, June 14th
On June 14th, Umaru Sule will be speaking during the 10:00 worship service at Head of Christiana Presbyterian Church. Mr. Sule emigrated from the Cameroon and is currently the Regional Coordinator of Heifer Project International. (www.heifer.org)
We will be having a brunch in his honor immediately following worship.
Hanover PC's Vacation Bible School & Youth Community Builders Program
Come join us for:
Vacation Church School - June 15 - June 19 - Fun for all ages preschool through adult.
Youth Community Builders!! aka YCB Camp - July 6 - August 14 - Monday-Friday - Youth ages 10-14
Download flyer here for more detailed information: Summer Youth CardALT.pdf
The Russians are Coming!? June 17th at Limestone Presbyterian Church
You and your congregation are invited to Limestone Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, June 17th, at 7:00 p.m. to hear a report from recent travels (May-June) in Russia. Donald Marsden is an ordained minister of the PCUSA and an associate director of Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship. Several congregations in New Castle Presbytery sponsor his work. From 1997-2008 he and his wife Laurie served as mission co-workers with the Presbyterian Church (USA) in Russia. Donald and Laurie are good friends of Bruce and Carolyn Gillette (they were in each other's wedding parties). As an associate director of PFF Donald continues to be involved in efforts for the evangelization of the unreached people groups of northwestern Siberia. He is the founder of Narnia Educational Center in Moscow, Russia, an interdenominational non-profit organization dedicated to producing Russian language literature for Christian Education and for training Christian leaders and teachers. Before serving in Russia, Donald served from 1979-1981 as a youth worker in West Berlin, Germany, from 1984-1989 as pastor of Logan’s Ferry Presbyterian Church in New Kensington, PA and from 1989-1997 as associate pastor for Christian Education at Third Presbyterian Church in Richmond, VA. The Marsdens have three children. Hannah, age 23, is a graduate of Asbury College. Christiana, age 21, is a junior at Gordon College, now studying in Beijing. Jeremiah, 17, is a junior in high school at Freeman High School in Richmond, VA. If you would like to read more about Donald's work in Russia, please see http://www.pcusa.org/missionconnections/profiles/marsdend.htm
Celebrate the Contirbutions of Men
All men of the church are called by God to share their time, talents, spirit and energies in fulfilling their call to serve as disciples of Jesus Christ. On June 21, congregations are invited to celebrate Men of the Church Sunday and give thanks for the witness that men make in the home, the workplace, community and church.
Learn more here: http://www.pcusa.org/men/mensunday.htm
St. Andrew’s Coffee House
Free Christian Contemporary Concert
Mended Vessels
Saturday June 27th from 7 pm to 10 pm
Join us for an evening of Christian Music, Fellowship,
And of course a good cup of Java
Other refreshments will be available for purchase.
Please visit Mended Vessels at http://www.mendedvessels.net/
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
200 Marrows Road / Newark, DE 19713
"Where do you want to go in life?"
- try Hanover Presbyterian Church's Youth Community Builders
Starting on July 6th youth will be gathering and having a great summer camp experience. Youth Community Builders are developing a passport this summer. "Where do you want to go in life"? is the theme. Exploring 1. Health and Nutrition, 2. Athletics and exercise, 3. Travel and vacations, 4. Vocations and money ( or other resources) 5. Life service and avocations, and 6. Esthetic areas of music, drama and art - the areas of our life that we want to think about and lay some planning into place. So be ready for enthusiasm, creativity, and lots of exploring of life values. Come and join us if you are a youth from 10 to 14 years of age.
Camp runs Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM until 5:00PM July 6th through August 14th. Call Pat Undercuffler 302-654-4040 for more information.
Featured Resource from the IRC
The news is good! Mainline churches are being rediscovered by young adults; if not overwhelmingly, then certainly significantly. Last week, we recommended Tribal Church by Carol Howard Merritt, a Presbyterian pastor. In it she frequently refers to the work of Diana Butler Bass, who has earned much respect for her research on the faith patterns of successful congregation. A People's History of Christianity: The Other Side of the Story by Diana Butler Bass is a unique look at the history of Christianity, highlighting key aspects of how the Holy Spirit has moved through history, touching people's hearts, sometimes against great odds. But this no dry recounting of history, but rather serves to demonstrate that the same elements that brought revelation to people throughout history still stir the soul today. Witnessing and community, compassion and tradition, sacred silence and welcoming love... all these gifts can be nurtured and revitalized in all our churches. So don't pack your bags for vacation without one of these uplifting books. These and many more are available at the Interfaith Resource Center at 800.336.6152 or 302.477.0910 or resource.ctr1@gmail.com.
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