Sept. 23 Stated Meeting Packet
The Meeting Packet for our upcoming meeting on Sept. 23 has been posted online. In case you have not been checking, you can find it here.
Important BFJYAV Program Update
1. We are delighted to share the news that with your outpouring of generosity in the final days of the Trustees' match challenge, we have not only met but exceeded the match, reaching $16,200 in pledges and donations combined. Thank you for sustaining us into a new year of Spirit-led, justice-seeking mission and ministry!
2. By now you should be aware that the new BFJYAVs enjoyed their commissioning at their home churches in the Presbytery of Boston:
- Sierra Mink at Eliot Presbyterian Church in Lowell;
- Rebekah Woodburn at Hartford Street Presbyterian Church in Natick;
- Mara Chamlee at Church of the Covenant in Boston, where Rev. Rob Mark led a fantastic Food Waste Weekend service.
We are sad to announce that the fourth (former) BFJYAV, Cecilia Roseo, was not commissioned at her intended home church of Fourth Presbyterian Church in South Boston because she elected to depart from the YAV Program on Monday, September 2. National and local orientations made it clear to her that she was not prepared to engage with the depth of commitment required for Intentional Christian Community and other facets of the program. We were saddened by her decision and ask your prayers for her and for our partners impacted by her decision - Fourth Presbyterian Church and CREW (Communities Responding to Extreme Weather). At the same time, we are surprised and gladdened by opportunities in the wake of her departure.
While Sierra remains at Eliot and Living Waters Center of Hope in Lowell and Rebekah remains at Hartford Street and A Place to Turn in Natick, Mara has shifted her placement at CREW to serve at Camp Wilmot, where we have discovered that her skills, experience, and joy seem to have prepared her in advance for this good work. Please join us in thanking God for God's care and providence and for these amazing young women who are deeply dedicated to their intentional Christian community, food justice, simple living, and cross cultural mission here in the Presbytery of Boston.
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Pre-Presbytery Budget Conversation, Sept. 23 at 6:30 PM
The Budget Task Force, appointed by council, has been meeting over the summer in hopes of discerning a sustainable financial future for the Presbytery of Boston. The Presbytery has run a deficit budget for many years and in 2020 we anticipate a $77,000 deficit. The challenge that we all face as a Presbytery is to balance the budget in a way that will allow us to continue our mission of supporting clergy and congregations and our community. We hope that you will join us for a pre-presbytery meeting at 6:30 pm at the Presbyterian Church in Burlington to hear the challenges and offer your suggestions.
Sincerely,
The Budget Task Force
Ivy Jones Turner (chair), Mark Wells, Thatcher Freeborn, David Leigon, Moonsu Han, and Andy Parmelee
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Jericho Walk every third Tuesday
at Burlington, MA ICE Administration Offices
For over a year, on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 1:00 pm, the Burlington Area Clergy for Justice (BAC4J) has been sponsoring a Jericho Walk around the ICE Administration Office in Burlington, MA. To the refugees and asylum seekers at the ICE office, a Jericho Walk is a public show of support, a sign that they are not forgotten. To the workers in the ICE Administration Office, it is a reminder that their actions are being watched to see if people are being treated with respect and humanity.
Regardless of the weather, anywhere from 40-100 clergy and individuals from all faith traditions participate in the Walk. Click the image above to watch a video from the most recent Walk on August 20, and consider attending the next Walk with members from your congregation.
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Camp Wilmot Fall 5k: Join in the fun of Camp Wilmot’s Second Annual Fall 5K at 11:00 am on September 21! There will be lunch after the race, then you’ll have the chance to enjoy some of Camp Wilmot’s best resources, including the waterfront, ropes course, and archery range. Proceeds support “Campership” funds, which helps kids afford a week at camp, and their Young Adult Volunteer. Register and/or donate here - register by Sept. 1 for a free tshirt!
Direct any questions to campwilmotdirector@gmail.com
“May We Forever Stand” 2019 marks 400 years since the first enslaved Africans set foot in Jamestown, Virginia. On September 20, 2019, the Massachusetts Council of Churches will convene a day of learning and a night of worship to honor ancestors, commemorate 400 years of resiliency, and pray for an end to systemic and racial injustice.
Sept. 20, 12:00pm at People's Baptist Church, Boston, MA: Preaching Black Resiliency: A Master Class with Rev. Dr. Leslie Callahan. Space is limited. Click here to purchase tickets.
Sept. 20, 7:30pm at Greater Framingham Community Church: Worship Led by Rev. Dr. Cheryl Gilkes with Bishop Claude Alexander preaching.
White Privilege Symposium:
This event featuring speakers and workshops will take place at Lesley University on October 4 and 5. The keynote speakers are:
Darnisa Amante, Ed.L.D., Adjunct Lecturer at Harvard University Graduate School of Education
Robin DiAngelo, Affiliate Associate Professor, University of Washington and New York Times Bestselling author of White Fragility
Yusef Salaam, Motivational Speaker, member of the wrongly convicted and exonerated Central Park 5
Learn more and register here.
Position Openings: Hyde Park Presbyterian Church is looking for a Youth Choir Director. College Hill Presbyterian Church in Easton, PA is also looking for a new Pastor/Head of Staff. You can read the descriptions for both and learn how to apply on our website here. At that link you will also find other employment opportunities within the Presbytery of Boston and beyond.
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Prayer Concerns: Please keep Jo-an Bott and Elise Kreiger in your prayers. Elise is Jo-an's life partner and had a mini-stroke in December from which she is still recovering. She has also been diagnosed with uterine cancer and recently received a pacemaker. Cards can be sent to: Elise Krieger 73 Briarwood Circle, Worcester, MA 01606
Please continue to pray for Jennifer Wegter-McNelly and her family. You may send cards to: 1904 Providence Ave., Niskayuna, NY 12309
Upcoming 2019 Events - Save the Date
More details about events can be found on our website here.
Boston Food Justice Young Adult Volunteers Open House: September 15, 2019 from 2- 4 pm at First United Presbyterian Church in Cambridge.
New! Camp Wilmot Fall 5k: September 21 at 11:00 am
New! Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Boston: September 23, 2019 at 7:00 PM at the Presbyterian Church in Burlington, 335 Cambridge St. Burlington, MA 01803
20th Anniversary of the formation of the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa: September 26 – September 30, 2019 in Port Elizabeth, SA.
Stewardship Kaleidoscope: September 30 - October 2, 2019 in San Diego, CA. Registration will open in April.
Presbyterian Women Synod of The Northeast Fall Gathering: October 18 - 19 at Stony Point Conference Center (NY).
Cindy's Travel as Co-Moderator
Sept 21-24: Redstone and Washington Presbyteries (PA)
Sept 25-Oct 15: International trip - South Africa; vacation in Jordan; Mission Co-Worker gathering in Greece
Oct 17-21: Mid Council Leaders Gathering, Baltimore
Oct 25-27: Presbytery of Northern Waters (MN)
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