Presbytery Digest

May 21, 2013

First Presbyterian Church, Fredonia, NY

Attendance: Teaching Elders - 24; Ruling Elders - 26; Council Members - 3; Christian Educators; Guests - 9.

Highlights of the Meeting:

• Worship with installation of Moderator Teaching Elder Cynthia Wickwire Lundquist
• Thanks to the outgoing Moderator Ruling Elder Bill Springer
• Necrology Report presented by Moderator Ruling Elder Bill Springer
• First Reading of Proposed changes to the Election of GA Commissioners
• Report on the South African Partnership: three youth are coming for the Presbytery Youth Triennium

Presbytery voted on the Following:

• Teaching Elder Rev. Cynthia Wickwire Lindquist was elected Moderator. 
• Ruling Elder Mary Beth Karr was elected Moderator-Elect.
• Consent Agenda approved.
• New Translation of the Heidelberg Catechism was approved.
• The Nominating Committee's slate was approved.
• Aaron Neff (Springville) became an Inquirer

Next Presbytery Meeting is on September 24, 2013

First Presbyterian Church, Springville, NY

Interfaith Conference: Reconciling Human Suffering & Existence of God

The Buffalo Chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community will hold its nineteenth interfaith conference on Sunday June 9th, 2013 between 2:00 - 5:00 pm at the Millennium Hotel, 2040 Walden Avenue, Cheektowaga, NY 14225, across from the Walden Galleria Mall.

The topic of discussion: Reconciling Human Suffering and Existence of God

Invited speakers representing Hinduism, Judaism, Humanism, Christianity and Islam will present their views about a topic that raises some strong sentimental questions about God and His governance, nature & even His very existence. If there is a God who is merciful & loving, how come His creations suffer (or He 'lets' them suffer) from natural & man-made calamities? Why does God let evil-minded people carry out their evil missions that cause innocent people to suffer? Does human suffering mean that God does not care about His creation? Does human suffering mean that God does not exist? These and similar questions are found in the minds of many.

The speakers are as follows:

1. Dr. Dilip Sinha, Hindu Cultural Society, Representing Hinduism 

2. Rabbi Joshua Strosberg, Congregation Ohr Tzion, Representing Judaism

3. Professor Brahm Segal, Academic Physician, Representing Humanism 

4. Ms. Eileen Warner, St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, Representing Christianity 

5. Imam Naseem Mahdi, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Representing Islam

Each speaker will speak for 15 minutes. The speeches will be followed by a question & answer session and a break at the end where refreshments will be served.

You are cordially invited to attend the session & feel free to pass the invitation to anyone who may be interested.

Admission is free and open to all.

Please RSVP by Friday June 7th, 2013 via email at buffalo@ahmadiyya.us or by phone at 716-371-9872.

Job Opening:
Church Administrative Assistant

Clarence Presbyterian Church is seeking a part-time (30hrs) Administrative Assistant (20k) to support the staff and programs of the  congregation.  The applicant must be current and proficient with word processing, and data base programs.  Send your resume and references to Clarence Presbyterian Church  9675 Main St. Clarence, NY 14031 or email to search@clarencepresby.org.

MPAC-WNY Banquet & Early Bird Ticket Information 

Dear Community Member:

Salams, Greetings:

The 9th Annual Banquet of the Muslim Public Affairs Council of WNY (MPAC-WNY) is almost here! The Annual Banquet is the premier meeting ground of our WNY Family. In a short period of time, we have been able to establish a dynamic organization that is constantly working for the improvement of the community we live in. The banquet has undoubtedly become the premier annual Muslim event of WNY.

Take advantage of Early Bird Registration.

Date: Saturday, June 8, 2013

Time: Reception: 6:00 PM; Dinner 7:00 PM

Place: Adams Mark Hotel, 120 Church Street, Buffalo, NY 14202

Tickets: $70/Person or $700/Table of 10. After May 24th : $80 /Person or $800/Table of 10

For Business or Corporate Information/Personal Announcements:
Full page Ad in program copy: $600   &   Half page Ad in program copy:  $400

The highlight of this year's banquet will be our keynote speaker, Dr. Azizah al-Hibri, Esq. a world renowned Muslim Scholar. Professor al-Hibri, a Fulbright Scholar, has written and lectured extensively on issues of human rights, Islam and democracy and rights of women in Islam. Among several other impressive achievements, Dr. al-Hibri was appointed to the US Commission on International Religious Freedom in 2011 by President Barack Obama.

It is a rare opportunity to hear such an instrumental voice of change! Join us for an exciting evening of friendship and excellent food. And, of course, the annual community service award to be awarded at the evening.

Buy tickets now online at www.mpac-wny.org or through our chapter office or contacts listed below and hurry! 

 

Campership Scholarships

It is that time of year again and the PWNY has limited funds through the Discipleship and Nurture Ministry Team for scholarships for PWNY church children attending Christian based summer camps.  You will find the application and instructions on the website www.pbywny.org under the "Committees and Teams" then "Discipleship and Nurture Ministry Team" then "Camperships".  

Follow the instructions including a copy of your application for the camp, the cost of the camp and PLEASE fill in the amount of funds requested.  The DNMT will meet the evening of June 5 so please have your applications in as soon as possible.  We will not issue scholarships for camps which have already taken place.  Applications must be in and approved BEFORE the camp starts. You may fax them to 668-5336 or mail them to the presbytery at the addresses below.  We look forward to being able to assist children in experiencing the joys and enrichment of a Christian camping experience.

Presbytery Mission Grant
Applications for 2013

The Outreach Ministry Team is working to redefine the grant application process and will have a new application available through the Presbytery's website by July 1.  The application deadline is September 1, 2013 and all applications must be filed online.  Awards will be announced at the November Presbytery meeting.

Job Opening: Christian Educator

Ebenezer United Church of Christ is seeking a Christian Educator.  The position involves coordinating efforts of volunteers to help children and adults explore their faith and put it into practice.  We are looking for a person who feels called to serve and has talents to share.  The Christian Educator will maintain office hours, maintain records, manage the Sunday School Program, and help a team of volunteers with special projects and programs throughout the year. Ebenezer is a vibrant congregation with a younger population that loves mission projects and wants to explore who they are in faith.   

Please call Rev. Ralph Anderson or Rev. Gary Gossel for more information [(716)674-4566] and/or email a resumé to CEC@eucc.org. 

Job Opening: Part-time Pastor

Wrights Corners Presbyterian Church in  Lockport is looking for a part time Pastor.  More details can be found by clicking here for the job description, or by contacting Lynette Soulvie, Clerk of Session.  She can be contacted by email: wcpc6515@verizon.net or phone 716-751-9383.

Fredonia Presbyterian Church

Sunday mornings only

Contact 679-1501