Upcoming New Beginnings Leadership Gatherings

For pastors and lay leaders of New Beginnings Churches:

• Pastors' Gathering - Thursday, Oct. 4, 12 noon - 2 p.m. at the Presbytery office. Bring a brown bag lunch.  
• Combined Pastors and Lay Leaders Gathering - Saturday, Oct. 13, 10 a.m. - noon at Hamburg Presbyterian Church, Hamburg.

Questions - contact Lynette Sparks at lynette.k.sparks@gmail.com or 716-480-0055. 

Volunteers needed for the 501(c)(3)  board for the Center for Christian Growth of WNY (formerly the Education Committee of WNY).  The Board consists of clergy and lay members from the Presbyterian Church of WNY, the United Church of Christ in WNY, and the Disciples of Christ Church.  Mary Mohlke, the head of the Center for Christian Growth (formerly the Resource Center) also serves on the Board.   Your commitment would be for three years and includes monthly meetings, the planning of educational events and courses of interest to help people grow in their faith.  If you are interested in this ecumenical opportunity or would like additional information, please contact Mary Mohlke at 631-0979 or at mmohlke@gmail.com.

Director of Christian Education Sought

Williamsville United Methodist Church is seeking a Director of Christian Education (DCE). The position is slightly more than half-time and is available for a successful candidate to begin as soon as possible. The DCE will be responsible for administering, overseeing, and supporting all ministries related to Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, youth ministry, and the church library, as well as being involved in some judicatory and community ministries. A complete job description can be obtained by contacting Pastor Rich Neal at 716-984-3541 or richneal@together.net.

Flu Shots Available

Would your Church like to set up a Flu Shot Clinic for this fall?  Rite Aid Pharmacy will once again be offering to come to your Church when convenient for you and adminster flu shots to eligible patients. Flu shots will be available in late August and are covered by most insurance companies. Now is a great time to set up a clinic for your Church or organization. If you are interested please contact Jim Gaiser at 716-743-8037 or jgaiser@riteaid.com or Peter Somerville at 716-694-2001 or petesomer@verizon.net to make arrangements. 

Alexander and Galpin Scholarship Application is now available

The application is now available for the Alexander and Galpin Scholarship, given to University at Buffalo students. Click here for more information and the application.  The scholarship application is due October 31, 2012. 

Introduction to the New Testament

October 9 - December 11, Tuesday evenings, 7-9 p.m.

This New Testament course will be a survey of the development of the Christian Scriptures with emphasis on how the fledgling followers of Jesus emerged from a struggling Jewish sect to become a major world religion.

Transitions will be examined:  from a basically non-literate tradition to the printed word; from the world of the Hebrew Scriptures to the emerging Christian canon; from being a small sect of Jewish Christians to becoming a major world religion.  A survey of the content and the message of this "New" Testament will be included. The class will include lectures, PowerPoint presentations, lively class discussion, and student presentations. This course should be accessible both to those who are new to Bible study and challenging to those who have read it all their lives.  We will use a variety of sources and teaching methods.  A specific text is not required

The leader will be Rev. Kenneth W. Neal, who received his Master of Divinity degree from Yale Divinity School and his Doctor of Minister from Drew Seminary.   During his more than 50 years in ministry he has served as a rural pastor, a denominational executive, and for 31 years as pastor of Cleveland Heights Christian Church in Cheektowaga.  After retirement, he taught for five years as an adjunct professor in the Department of Religious Studies at Niagara University.  He is currently on the faculty of the New York School of Ministry, a lay ministry program of the New York Conference of the United Church of Christ.   

This course will be beneficial to people who want a deeper understanding of the New Testament, who enjoy the conversations of dedicated colleagues in ministry, interested in becoming Commissioned Lay Pastors

The course fee is $85. Register by Wednesday, October 3   Send name, address, phone number, email and church name plus check of $85 payable to: Education Committee of WNY to Mary Mohlke, Resource Center, 300 North Forest Road, Williamsville, NY 14221    Phone 631-0979 mornings, Mon-Fri., mmohlke@gmail.com. Scholarships are available from Presbytery of WNY, Discipleship, and Nurture Team. Find the Continuing Education Grant Request Form by clicking here.