Dear Friends,
I want to take a moment to remember our friend and colleague Mary Mohlke who died Sunday morning from complications due to cancer. Mary was a certified Christian Educator of the PCUSA, the Christian Educator at North, Williamsville for many years, the 2003 Association of Presbyterian Christian Educators (APCE) Educator of the year, the Western New York Resource Center Director and the creative heart and soul of this presbytery for many years. We have marveled at her banners, paintings, cards of inspiration and challenges for us to use our own creativity! The word I keep hearing from far and wide is that Mary was a mentor to many, an encourager of Spiritual gifts and a friend. There is so much more to share about Mary - for we all have “Mary stories”. I hope that you will share those stories as a way to honor her life and in remembrance. We do not have any details about a service just yet. We will let you know just as soon as we do. Please keep her family and the North Church family in your prayers .
Condolences may be sent to her husband, Byron Mohlke at:
26 Old Spring Lane
Williamsville NY 14221
“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, says the Spirit. They will rest from their labors, and their deeds follow them.” Rev.14:13
Bronwen
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Alexander and Galpin Grant Application
For SUNY at Buffalo (UB) students only
Scholarship Information:
- Only full-time students at the University of Buffalo are eligible to apply.
- First preference is given to undergraduate students. Second preference is given to graduate students.
- Scholarships are generally in the $500-$1500 range. The committee reserves the right to adjust the amount based on how much money is available each year.
- Students must reapply annually and are not guaranteed an award simply because they received one in the past. The maximum number of years a student may receive a scholarship is four.
- First preference is given to students who are members of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Second preference is given to students who are members of the United Methodist Church, the American Baptist Church, the United Church of Christ/Disciples of Christ or Episcopal churches. Third preference is given to all other denominations. Fourth preference is given to students with no religious affiliation.
- Applicants do not need to be permanent residents of Western New York.
- If you have any questions, you may e-mail Mary-Diana Pouli at mnmski@roadrunner.com
- Applications must be received by October 31, 2015.
The Alexander and Galpin grants are administered by Campus Church ConneXion (the mainline Protestant ministry at UB) on behalf of the Presbytery of Western New York. For more info on C/CC, visit us on Facebook or contact Rev. Stuart Buisch at sbuisch2@buffalo.edu
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Presbyterian Disaster Assistance responds to Southeast coastal flooding
On either side of the river is the tree of life . . . and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. (Rev. 22:2)
The Southeast coast is experiencing severe and unprecedented flooding. At its height, more than 400 roads, 150 bridges and two major interstates (I-20 and I-95) were closed, isolating the communities that were most in need of comfort and assistance. South Carolina has borne the brunt of the devastation, enduring what has been described as a 1,000-year flood, and for some, more is still to come.
While South Carolina is the area most recently experiencing severe flooding, other parts of the country, including Texas, are still struggling to recover from massive floods that impacted multiple counties and left numerous Presbyterian churches damaged. As the rains finally subside in South Carolina and essential aid begins to arrive, we pray for a community of healing and hope for all those in the midst of this adversity.
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is walking alongside impacted mid councils to bring God’s hope and healing to all affected by flooding. Gifts from One Great Hour of Sharing are helping Presbyterian congregations as they reach out to their affected communities to provide emergency provisions like water, food and other supplies to neighbors in need. Members of the PDA National Response Team have been helping with assessments, connecting with long-term recovery groups and serving as a present witness of the larger church during this difficult time.
You can join in the response and encourage those in need by standing in the “GAP”—Give. Act. Pray.
Give
Financial support for relief efforts can be designated to DR000191 to help address the needs of those impacted by the flooding. Gifts can be made online, by phone at 800-872-3283 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. (EST), or by check; mail to:
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
P.O. Box 643700
Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700
Act
- Learn how your congregation can help families who have lost everything in the devastation. Stay informed and like us on Facebook, download resources and share updates with your congregation.
Make Gift of the Heart kits.
Pray
Pray for families impacted by flooding through loss of property and livelihood; for first responders and all others who put themselves in harm’s way to care for those impacted; that communities will work together and build stronger relationships and connections; for God’s sustaining grace through it all.
For more information, visit www.presbyterianmission.org/pda.
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Union Presbyterian Seminary 2016 Congregational Leadership Awards
Is your congregation or a congregation in your presbytery doing innovative ministry?
Union Presbyterian Seminary offers eight Congregational Leadership Awards annually. Since 1991, 117 churches in 29 states have received these awards. Each of the eight awards carries a $1,000 prize to support the congregation in its ministry. For more information and to apply for one of the 2016 Union Presbyterian Seminary Congregational Leadership Awards, you may download the brochure and application by clicking here or request an application by sending an e-mail to April Swofford at aswofford@upsem.edu or calling 1-800-229-2990, ext 231. The application and instructions are only available electronically. The deadline for the 2016 awards is FEBRUARY 15, 2016.
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Fall Junior/Senior High Youth Retreat Update
October 23-24-25 is the upcoming Fall Jr./Sr. High Youth Retreat, being held at Duffield Camp and Retreat Center in Delevan NY. Space is limited to the first 115 paid reservations- $80 per participant. Registration opening soon.
PLEASE DON'T WAIT for the last "I want to go" before you send in your registration form. As of today, we are at about 47, and 1 cabin has been completely claimed by a Church Group.
It would be much better(and sooooo much easier on us)if you'd get your registration in sooner, rather than later. You can always add/subtract 1 or 2 as your late comers make their decisions- deposits will be applied to the total amount you owe.
Presbytery's Discipleship and Nurture Ministry Team is meeting on Oct 14, and has a request for funds for this Retreat. While we have no idea on the amount (if any) that we may receive, any amount will be shared among those who attend.
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