Ubunye Partnership Task Force Announces a Trip to South Africa
From Task Force Co-Chairs Barbara Holland Cooper and Beverly J. Hoover:
Our sister in Christ, Vi Jekwa, Chair of Administrative and Ecumenical Division, Amathole Presbytery, South Africa, has extended an invitation to the Presbytery of Northern New England to attend the 20th Anniversary of the formation of the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (merging the Reformed Presbyterian Church in South Africa and the Presbyterian Church of South Africa). The celebration will be held in Port Elizabeth, SA, September 26 – September 30, 2019. This is a long-standing relationship, as clergy and laity from the Ubunye Partnership Task Force traveled to South Africa and participated in the 1999 unification ceremony.
The exact travel dates are somewhat in flux because we are waiting further information from our Amathole hosts. Our travel will include time to gain insights into the lives of our Amathole partners, develop new friendships, strengthen current partnerships, as well as celebrate in rejoicing their 20th Anniversary.
All those with an interest in participating in the trip are urged to immediately contact Paul Brown (pandebrown@comcast.net or 207-725-7855) to obtain additional details. Only a limited number of invitations are being extended to the PNNE and to the Presbytery of Boston.
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New! Ordination Anniversaries in May:
Drew Hanson 5/20/18 - 1 year!
Richard Lovelace 5/1/66 - 53 years!
Cathy MacDonald 5/22/77 - 42 years!
Alvaro Peña 5/25/79 - 40 years!
Congratulations and thank you! If your ordination anniversary is not listed when it should be, or is listed incorrectly, please send your information to: office@presbyteryofboston.org
New! Grants Available to Attend Stewardship Conferences: The Presbyterian Foundation is offering grants to pastors, commissioned ruling elders and leaders of New Worshiping Communities to attend Stewardship Kaleidoscope and other similar financial leadership conferences. The grants pay half of the cost of attendance. Learn more about the grants here. Apply for a grant here. More information about the Stewardship event can be found on the "Other Gatherings" page of our website.
Mission at the Eastward: The work of MATE was a focus of our March 25 Presbytery Meeting, with the worship offering supporting their work. They have gone through some changes and challenges, including the loss of leadership and financial support. They are in the process of revitalizing as well as expanding the areas they serve, looking for innovative ways to help with homelessness, transportation needs, and food insecurity.
Click here to apply to help with housing repairs this summer. Financial donations can be made to Mission at the Eastward, and mailed to: P.O. Box 228, Leeds, ME 04263
Prayer Concerns: Please keep Jo-an Bott and Elise Kreiger in your prayers. Elise is Jo-an's life partner. She 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. Jo-an has requested prayer, both for Elise and for her as she attends to Elise and takes care of the necessary paperwork and such matters. 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
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Big Tent: This event is held in off years of the General Assembly. The theme for this year is “Called to a Movement Beyond Institution,” which is also the theme for the 224th General Assembly (2020), also being held in Baltimore. The planning team has secured two lead hotels: Lord Baltimore and Radisson. Registration costs have been reduced to accommodate attendees and encourage families to come. Click here to register.
Wurffel-Sills Scholarship & Interest-Free Student Loan Program: Applications are being accepted now for the for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year. The application is open to any member of any church within the Synod of the Northeast, for undergraduate and seminary studies leading to an MDIV or MRE. Part-time studies and non-credit courses are not eligible to apply. Applications can be found on the synod website.
PCUSA's Sixth Big Tent: August 1 - 3 in downtown Baltimore, MD.
Pastor's Canadian Canoe Trip: September 22-30 - a trip about less yet hoping to provide you with more; More God, more peace, and more inspiration.
New! 20th Anniversary of the formation of the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa: September 26 – September 30, 2019 in Port Elizabeth, SA.
New! 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).
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