Boston Presbytery Newsletter

The Pandemic Church:
Power, Impact, and Simply Being the Body of Christ

Without denying the impact of the pandemic, we will look at ways to be church without being defined by it. Bruce Reyes-Chow will share best practices and invite conversations about the challenge of pastoral leadership, opportunities for strengthening congregational life, and practical ways to create worship space for in person and online participation.

When: Wednesday, October 14
Time: 1-3 pm, Eastern time
How: Zoom
Click here to register and receive the Zoom link

Digital Choir Tutorial

On Thursday, October 29 at 7 pm Jennifer Bastien, Music Director at the Clinton Presbyterian Church (MA), will offer a tutorial on the digital choir program Soundtrap via Zoom. Jennifer is also going to take the lead on producing a regional mass choir performance of "Joy to the World!" for any congregation to use during the Christmas season.

Online Giving

Online giving is now available on our website. You can still donate to the worship offering from our recent Stated Meeting that took place via Zoom through the link below.

https://www.presbyteryofboston.org/Contact-Us/Donate

New! Systemic Poverty in Cameroon & Peru: This article illustrates the complex barriers poor people of color face by exploring the devastating effects of systemic poverty in Cameroon and Peru, two examples of countries still struggling due to the long history of colonialism and the continuing impact of globalization.

Youth Substance Misuse Prevention: Part A – Community Engagement and Capacity Building is a funding opportunity from the MA Department of Public Health Bureau of Substance Addiction Services intended for communities with limited or no existing capacity and infrastructure to implement a systematic public health planning process and implement a comprehensive set of evidence-based prevention programs, policies, and practices. Ideal applicants are those that have not historically benefitted from dedicated resources or funding directed at youth substance misuse prevention. Read the full funding announcement here.

Position Opening: Church of the Covenant is looking to hire a Coordinator for Children & Youth Christian Education. Newton Presbyterian Church is also looking for a part-time Supply Pastor. These and other positions can be found on our website.

Connect Throughout the Week: We have two opportunities during the week to connect for support and encouragement. Tuesdays resumed this week in a new time slot. The login information can be found in the Presbytery calendar on the website.

Mondays at 10:00 am
Tuesdays: 3:00 pm

COVID-19 Resources: There is now a page on our website dedicated to COVID-19 resources. You will also find a list of what our congregations are doing as alternatives to Sunday services and other gatherings at their churches. As you finalize plans for live-streaming services and other activities, please email office@presbyteryofboston.org so we can list what your church is doing on the website.

Mission at the Eastward Update: Our Presbytery has supported MATE through the years. They just released their September update which you can read here. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, they achieved a lot this Summer. Among the highlights are the fact that they repaired over twenty homes, built six ramps and four decks, had twenty-five kids serve through the MATE Youth Connection, and had thirty-two volunteers share their time and gifts with the program.

Book Drive: First Presbyterian Church in Quincy, MA is collecting books for their sister organization, the Josophat Mwale Theological Institute in Malawi. Books appropriate to theological instruction and preparation for ministry may be dropped off at the church at 270 Franklin St, Quincy, Monday through Thursday from 11 am to 3 pm, or mailed directly to the church.

If you have any questions, contact Chimwemwe Clarke, who is organizing the book drive, at chimwemwe@msn.com.

Online Workshop:
The New Testament & Current Social Concerns
Led by: Dr. John Carroll
Professor of New Testament
Union Presbyterian Seminary
October 20 and October 27
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm EST

Click here to learn more.