Presbytery of Western New York
 

The thousands of unaccompanied Central American minors making their way into the United States this summer have drawn more attention to the U.S./Mexico border and sparked political controversy.

 

But for those who live in that context daily - including Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) mission co-worker Mark Adams - the border can be a place of reconciliation, not division.

 

Adams is U.S. coordinator of the binational ministry Frontera de Cristo, based in Douglas, Arizona, and Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico. Part of the umbrella organization Presbyterian Border Region Outreach, Frontera de Cristo works in six areas of ministry: church development, healthy ministry, family ministry, a community center, mission education and a just trade center.

 

"The border has given me eyes to be able to see that one of the scriptures Jesus has called us to is crossing borders," said Adams, who has worked with Presbyterian border ministries for 16 years. "People of the border have taught me that God can and does work in surprising places."

 

Click here to read more of Mark's story, from the Presbyterian News Service.
"Forum on Iraq" at North Presbyterian Church
August 14 - 6 PM 

"Of Enemies, Neighbors, and the Glory of the Nations" was the title of the dialogue sermon offered by Rev. Dr. Gary Percesepe and Rev. Rami Al Maqdasi at North Presbyterian Church Williamsville on July 27, 2014. Gary is a United Church of Christ pastor serving North as summer supply while Bill Hennessy is on sabbatical, and Rami is a Presbyterian pastor, ordained in Damascus, Syria, who immigrated to Buffalo with his wife and daughter in March from their native Iraq. Using scripture from Matthew, Luke and Revelation, they discussed how Jesus instructed us to love those with whom we disagree, even in war-torn nations and among widely separated peoples. If you or your church would like to engage Rami in a similar dialogue, please contact the Presbytery office or North Williamsville.

 

Rev. Al Maqdasi will share more about his refugee experience at a special "Forum on Iraq" to be held at North Church Williamsville on August 14. The church will host a dinner at 6:00 p.m. followed by a presentation at 7:00. The "Forum on Iraq" will feature Alex Ebsary, a member of North currently working in Washington, D.C. as staff assistant to the Kurdish Regional Government Representation to the U.S., Rev. Maqdasi, and Dr. Percesepe, who will moderate the event. Those in attendance will gain a better understanding of the conflict in Iraq and Syria, a greater empathy for those in our world who are refugees, a sense of how we can support the Al Maqdasi family, and a keener appreciation for how to "live missionally."  

 

To make a reservation for this event, which is open to the public, contact North Church at 716-632-1330.

 

Rev. Rami al Maqdasi and family 
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The Farmer's Gift  

 

From the Presbyterian Foundation's July Stewardship Ministry newsletter 

 

Several years ago I received a phone call from man with a rough speaking voice. He wanted to meet with me to discuss a gift.  We agreed on a time and place and I drove to the appointed meeting.  I got there a few minutes early and decided to order coffee.  The farmer came in and immediately said that he didn't drink coffee. He was raised as a Mormon and married a Presbyterian. He told me that he fought in World War II and after the war he was given $10,000. He had put the money in the bank and wanted to make a gift to his church to provide scholarships; he didn't have the opportunity to attend college.  Our meeting ended.

 

Over the next several months I called this farmer and his wife would answer the phone. Each time she would say "he doesn't want to speak to you now," and hung up.  I was convinced that I had made a critical error by offering him coffee.

 

A year went by and I decided that this gift would not be moving into fruition and removed his name from my call back list. Several more months went by and one day out of the blue I received a phone call from his wife. She said "he's ready to meet with you now." "Put him on the phone," I asked trying to strike while the iron was hot. We made the appointment to meet.

 

We met at a little restaurant on the outside skirts of town. I didn't order coffee this time. Once the farmer arrived he said there will be someone else joining us for lunch.  To my surprise his attorney arrived and he was a young urban looking fellow. As introductions followed it was revealed that his attorney had just returned from a three year journey of sailing around the world with his wife and two small children. Amazing.

 

The farmer began to tell his story and revealing the plans to move his gift forward.  He was delaying my calls not because of the coffee incident but rather he wanted the bond to be worth $150,000 before he made the gift and also waiting for the safe return of his attorney.  He and his wife developed an endowment fund that would provide scholarships for the children of the church first, then any child in the community that need funds for a college education.  Over the years that farmer and his wife had added more capital to this fund which educates the children of his community.

 

I share this story with you as an example of a good steward and a generous soul. 

 

Peace,

Eric Chavis
Ministry Relations Officer - Northwest Region
More on Stewardship

From the Presbyterian Foundation

Do we need a stewardship program or a generosity emphasis?

  

When we think about these two concepts, what comes to mind?  Stewardship is a word used primarily in a church environment, yet it applies to our entire life.  It recognizes that everything we have is God's and we are simply managing those resources while here on earth - our wealth, possessions and physical bodies.  Often stewardship is associated with the giving of time, talent and resources.  A lot of attention is usually focused on the tithe or pledge and stewardship becomes associated with supporting the church financially.

 

Now consider generosity - it's a much fresher sounding word, less "legal" and it is associated with giving freely to others.  We hear people referred to as a generous soul or generous in sharing their talent with others.  Generosity is giving something away freely and without obligation - the spirit moves a generous giver. Robert Schnase, author of Extravagant Generosity, The Heart of Giving, says "Generosity focuses on the spiritual qualities of the giver, derived from the generosity of God, rather than on the church's need for money."

 

So between the two, one feels more like an obligation and the other is a choice. Yet, both stewardship and generosity involve giving. Am I more willing to give because I want to help someone or do I feel obligated to give because it's part of the stewardship of my resources?  Or can it be both?

 

When you make a donation to your church is it stewardship? When you make a donation to another ministry or charity, is it stewardship or generosity? How do you think members will react to a program that encourages generosity versus stewardship?

 

Let's have this conversation...join us in the Pastor's forum to discuss.

Ministry Toolbox
Don't forget that resources to help with your stewardship program are available in the located at www.PresbyterianFoundation.org. From favorite stewardship quotes to planned giving ideas to examples of a narrative budget, check out the Ministry Toolbox  to see what's new.

Personal Help for your Ministry
A Presbyterian Foundation Ministry Relations Officer can assist you in discovering new ways to increase funding for your ministry. This service is part of our ministry and no charge to you. Find the Ministry Relations Officer serving your area here.
Teaching in the Church
Christian Education Course 

Teaching in the Church is a  20 hour class which will examine questions "What is Christian education? and Why is our concept of Christian education such a basic building block for faith?" Study will include the various ways and methods to teach in the church. Effective Christian education has the potential to deepen faith, commitment and loyalty. Everything we do and say in the church is education for infants to seniors. The text needed is Basics of Christian Education by Karen B. Tye, Chalice Press. Leading the class is Debbie Katz, who has a MA in Christian Education from Union Presbyterian Seminary. She is Director of Christian Education at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Buffalo, NY.

 

Class will meet Tuesdays.  September 23, 30, October 7, 14, 21, 28, 2014 from 6:30-9:30 PM at North Presbyterian Church, 300 N. Forest Rd., Williamsville, NY 14221.

 

Registration Fee is $85. To register, send name, address, phone number and church name to Mary Mohlke, Resource Center, 300 North Forest Road, Williamsville, NY 14221. Phone 631-0979, [email protected]. Make check of $85 payable to: Center for Christian Growth. Please register by Friday, September 19.

Please send your newsletter submissions to [email protected] in PDF or Microsoft Word format by Thursday to ensure inclusion in the following Tuesday's newsletter.
- Brad Hahn, Presbytery Webmaster & Newsletter Editor 
August 5, 2014
Clergy Celebrations

Happy Birthday!
John Woodring - 8/11

Happy Anniversary!
Justin & Leia Marple - 8/10/2002
Richard & Colleen Young - 8/11/1990
Today in the Mission Yearbook:

Around the Presbytery:
Submit your church events to be listed at [email protected]

Young Adult Group at North Presbyterian Williamsville

 

For the month of August, the college-age through thirties group or "Young Adults" will be meeting Monday nights alternating between Peter Martin's home in Eggertsville and North Church.  We'll be doing a four week series on Paul's short letter to Philemon.  Anyone interested in more details please contact Peter Martin by email   or 632-1330.

Job Opportunities: 

 

Christian Education Director

 

First Presbyterian Church (FPC) of Springville has an immediate opening for a director of Christian Education to plan and implement education programs and activities for children, youth, families, and adults.  The position is part-time, 15 hours weekly, with flexible scheduling.  Applicants may mail or email resumes, including references, to First Presbyterian Church at 38 N. Buffalo St., Springville, NY 14141 or [email protected].  Applications will be accepted until August 15, 2014.

 

Administrative Assistant

Maryvale Drive Presbyterian seeks an 8 hour a week Administrative Assistant.  The hours are preferably 4 hours Tuesday and 4 hours Thursday but can be negotiated to fit an applicant's current schedule.  Preparation of weekly bulletin, monthly newsletter and various office duties.  Must be proficient in Word and Publisher.  Please send your resume to 425 Maryvale Drive, Cheektowaga, NY  14225 to the attention of Rev. Dorothy Pearman or contact for more information at 892-4426 or 913-1147.   

 

Music Director 

Part-time Music Director for Presbyterian Church, willing to work in collaboration with the Pastor, Organist, and Choir to continue a strong tradition of musical excellence, utilizing a variety of musical traditions.  

 

Submit resume to:  

Personnel Ministry Team

First Presbyterian Church

9 Paine Street   

East Aurora, NY 14052

Quick Links: 

Presbytery of
Western New York

2060 Union Road
West Seneca, NY 14224

(716) 668-1995