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 Taking things to heart"It was very important for us to hear from our pastors what breaks their hearts and brings them joy," said Bishop Robert A. Rimbo of last week's Synod Wide Ministerium. "We listened and are taking it all to heart." Eighty of our pastors joined together for worship and conversation. Prior to the event pastors submitted questions and topics that helped to inform the afternoon and were used to craft prayers of the intercession during worship. Bishop Rimbo also preached on the tension between grace and works. View photos from the day here.
 Unmasking Racism
"According to the RAE (Royal Spanish Academy), racism is an ideology or doctrine that often leads to the discrimination or persecution of a group of people, based on their race. Still, these discriminatory actions, categorized as racism within American society, can go far beyond the color of skin but can also be based on culture, language and even spoken accent." Read more from the first post on the newly established blog from the Anti-Racism Task Force. |
Desenmascarando al Racismo
"De acuerdo a la RAE (Real Academia de la Lengua Española), el racismo es una ideología o doctrina que suele motivar la discriminación o la persecución de un grupo, basado en su raza. Sin embargo, las acciones discriminatorias llamadas racismo dentro de la sociedad estadounidense van mucho más allá del color de la piel -trascienden a aspectos de cultura, lengua y hasta acentos." Lea el primer artículo del blog recientemente establecido por parte de nuestro Grupo de Trabajo en Contra del Racismo. |
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 Read how Seafarers International House came together for their annual gala from Marine Link. See how The Healing Center is raising awareness around domestic violence with NY1.
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 Warm welcomes
Bishop Rimbo and the synod staff appreciate the welcome hospitality provided by our local congregations and partner organizations as we visit and help proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ and share the mission of our ministries each week. In the past week, our staff was warmly received by the following communities: Wartburg, Mt. Vernon; St. John's, Mamaroneck; Holy Redeemer, Brooklyn; All Saints/Todos Los Santos, Southwest Queens; Transfiguration, Bronx; Holy Cross, Commack; Epiphany, Bronx; St. Andrew's, Yorktown Heights. Thank you!
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 Alternate voting members
Alternate voting members can be swapped in for a lay voting member at the assembly (provided that they have either not shown or have checked-out). Alternate registrations are free and can be completed here.
 Guests at our assembly Our 2016 Assembly is just a month away and we have an exciting group of speakers, preachers, and guests who will be with us. Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas is the Professor of Religion at Goucher College and an Episcopal priest, serving as the Canon Theologian at the Washington National Cathedral. At our assembly she will guide us through discovering our theological call to racial justice work.  Final assembly deadlines
Late registration for Synod Assembly ends May 1. Register now. All payment is due to the synod office by that date. To pay via credit card on an existing registration, please call 212-665-0732. Anyone who is not paid in full will not receive any voting or participant materials on site. In addition, May 1 is the last date to change your registration or to cancel meal plans. Click here for our full payment and cancelation policy.
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It is not too late to complete your 2015 annual congregational report. Online reports will go directly to the ELCA and hard copies should be sent to the synod office, care of Ardath Heard. Please be sure the totals for #8, active participants for worship, and the total for #34, breakdown of active participants, match. Thank you to all the congregations who have completed their report or are in the process of doing so--we have received 114 so far.
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 Leadership Development Grants deadlineOur Leadership Development grant program offers up to $50,000 a year in grants to individuals and groups of rostered leaders to further their lifelong learning and formation for leadership in mission. The next quarterly application deadline for leadership development grants is April 30. Learn more and download the application here.
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 Treasure in our own backyard
"The Treasure in our own backyard: Appreciating the Essential Contributions of New York City's Religious Schools" is a panel discussion from The Sheen Center on May 4 at 7pm. It will feature leaders of the City's religious education community and how these schools shape the fabric of New York. Nationally-renowned writer and speaker Fr. James Martin, SJ will moderate the event with representatives from the Catholic, Jewish, Muslim and Lutheran school systems, including Jessica Raba, Executive Director of Lutheran Schools Association. RSVP here.
 Climate Change, Race, and Food: Forging a Just Future
Quadrant One and the Hudson Valley Cooperative invite you for an educational event with internationally renowned scholar Dr. Cynthia Moe-Lobeda and local race and food justice organizer Cheryl DeSanctis from Soul Fire Farm, Grafton, NY. The focus will be on what people of faith need to know about environmental injustice and racism in the food system through worship, music, workshop style activities, and presentations. This event is made possible by a Leadership Development Grant. Learn more here.
Responding to Domestic Violence in Our Parishes
Research shows that seven out of ten people seek help with domestic violence issues from their places of worship first. Join the Episcopal Diocese of NY for a one-day workshop for clergy and lay leaders on responding to domestic violence appropriately and effectively. There are two upcoming dates: May 18 and June 15. Registration is free, but required. Learn more here.
Faith Formation Day with John Roberto
Mercer School of Theology is hosting their annual Faith Formation Day that will feature John Roberto. Much has been written about the challenges facing Christianity, but how can we address the big challenges? How can we reimagine education in faith with a vision that honors the past and is open to the future? How can we build a new faith-forming ecosystem that supports faith growth? Join innovative educator John Roberto in finding the answers. Learn more here.
Consecration of Ross Murray
Everyone is invited to the synodical celebration of Holy Communion with the Consecration of Ross Murray and Abigail Ferjak (New Jersey Synod) to the public office of Word and Service. Ross Murray was recently called by the synod council to his position as Director of Programs at GLAAD. The Rev. Barbara Lundblad will preach. All rostered ministers of the synod are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is red. Learn more here.
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Disaster & Public Health Emergency Readiness Assessment
The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's (DOHMH) has contracted New York Disaster Interfaith Services (NYDIS) to assess and help improve the New York City Faith-Based Sector's disaster and public health emergency readiness. You are encouraged to participate by taking this survey before May 6. It will allow a better understanding of the capabilities and needs of NYC Congregations and Houses of Worship throughout the disaster lifecycle.
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Ross Murray, Diaconal Minister, has been called as Director of Programs for GLAAD, effective January 19. His consecration service will be held April 30 at Advent, Manhattan.
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- For comfort for those affected by the earthquakes in Equador and Japan, and strength for those who come to their aid
- For refugees and those who come to their aid
- For our Anti-Racism Task Force, as they plan trainings for leaders
- For our partners in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land as they live amidst the continued Israeli-Palestinian conflict
- For health and healing for Ira Nebrasky, husband of Pastor ElizaBeth Nebrasky, who is undergoing treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma
- For ELCA Young Adult in Global Mission Ryan Berkas, serving in Cambodia
- For ELCA missionary Dr. Derrick Matthews serving in Tanzania
- For Bishop James Arends, the staff and people of the La Crosse Area Synod
- For the care of God's creation
- For the unity of this church and its mission
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