October is PCUSA
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
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According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, on average, 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States. That’s more than 12 million women and men over the course of a year. Nearly 1 in 4 (24.3%) women and 1 in 7 (13.8%) men aged 18 or older in the United States have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime
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 Dear Friends,
The overhead pictures from Florida are beyond comprehension. Indeed, as the PDA offers below, God's people are called on to stand in the "GAP"---Give. Act. Pray. And here is a hymn/prayer that was shared in the Presbyterian Outlook:
O God of All Creation
AURELIA 7.6.7.6 D (“The Church’s One Foundation”)
O God of all creation, as ocean waters warm,
we grieve the devastation that comes with violent storms.
We pray for people struggling — who need your help and grace
on every flooded island and in each flooded place.
We pray for all your children, so dearly loved by you,
who know such great destruction as winds and rains crash through.
We pray for all those hurting, who grieve for what is gone—
for neighbors, friends and siblings who struggle to go on.
We pray, O Lord, for churches that help to build anew.
We pray for rescue workers and all the good they do.
We pray for those with vision who serve as they restore —
who make homes more efficient and stronger than before.
O Christ who calmed the waters and stilled the stormy seas,
You teach us: “Love your neighbors!” and “Humbly care for these!”
Now lead us by your Spirit to gladly lend a hand —
on every struggling island and in each hurting land.
Tune: Samuel Sebastian Wesley, 1864 (MIDI)
Text: Copyright © 2022 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved.
Email: carolynshymns@gmail.com New Hymns: www.carolynshymns.com/
Joy and Peace,
Scott
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Gospel reading for Friday, October 7: Luke 8:1-15
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1Soon afterwards he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, 2as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3and Joanna, the wife of Herod's steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources.
4When a great crowd gathered and people from town after town came to him, he said in a parable: 5"A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell on the path and was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. 6Some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered for lack of moisture. 7Some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew with it and choked it. 8Some fell into good soil, and when it grew, it produced a hundredfold." As he said this, he called out, "Let anyone with ears to hear listen!"
9Then his disciples asked him what this parable meant. 10He said, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but to others I speak in parables, so that 'looking they may not perceive, and listening they may not understand.'
11"Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12The ones on the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. 13The ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe only for a while and in a time of testing fall away. 14As for what fell among the thorns, these are the ones who hear; but as they go on their way, they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. 15But as for that in the good soil, these are the ones who, when they hear the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patient endurance.
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JESUS DOES NOT sound like Saint Paul or Thomas Aquinas or John Calvin when we hear him teaching in the Gospels. "Once upon a time" is what he says. Once upon a time somebody went out to plant some seeds. Once upon a time someb  ody stubbed a toe on a great treasure. Once upon a time somebody lost a precious coin. The Gospels are full of the stories Jesus tells, stories that are alive in somewhat the way the truth is alive, the way he himself is alive when Pilate asks him about truth, and his silence is a way of saying "Look at my aliveness if you want to know! Listen to my life!" Matthew goes so far as to tell us that "he said nothing to them without a parable," that is to say without a story, and then quotes the words, "I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter what has been hidden since the foundation of the world." In stories the hiddenness and the utterance are both present, and that is another reason why they are a good way of talking about God's truth which is part hidden and part uttered too.
-- Frederick Buechner |
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COMMON PRAYER FOR SUNDAY OCT 9
MINISTRY: First Presbyterian Church of Haverhill, MA
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The First Presbyterian Church of Haverhill is an intimate spiritual fellowship which warmly welcomes all in committed service to the Lord, the community, and each other. We provide a safe and healing place to love and worship God so that members can receive spiritual nourishment. Our mission is to demonstrate God’s love through service, support and commitment to those within and outside of our walls.
346 Broadway, Haverhill MA 01832, (978) 374-8029
email us at: firstpres_hav@verizon.net
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Presbyterian Publishing Corporation publishes resources that advance religious scholarship, stimulate conversation about moral values, and inspire faithful living.
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Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) urges your support this hurricane season. In the wake of catastrophic impacts from Hurricane Ian, recovery is ongoing in places hit by Hurricane Fiona, including Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Cuba. Storms are becoming more frequent and more severe, and this early in the hurricane season we must prepare for these broad and anticipated catastrophes that have not yet formed. Give today to enable our response, from emergency needs through the long-term recovery phase.
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The needs for the response will be great.
God’s people are called on to stand in the "GAP" — Give. Act. Pray.
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"...hope is a discipline. It is something we have to practice." - Mariame Kaba
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Thinking about planning a youth event? Maybe a holiday party or a winter break retreat? There are "When Did We See You?" event support grants that can help! Using the theme of “When Did We See You?” is a grant requirement and preference will be given to applicants who will use the new Presbyterian Youth Triennium (PYT) Connect resources as part of their event programming. The full grant guidelines document, including the link to apply, can be downloaded from PCUSA HERE.
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Follow Me: Biblical Practices for Faithful Living has a new unit for Advent, along with other great four-session units that you can use any time in your congregation. Available from the PC(USA) Store, buy the packages if you have different age groups you are working with or stick with a single Leader’s Guide for the age group you need or the Congregational Guide if you are using it just for worship and fellowship.
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CHANGES IN THE BOOK OF ORDER
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 The Presbytery of Northern New England (PNNE) will vote on the amendments to the constitution at the PNNE stated meeting on January 12, 2023. We are giving advance notice because it is a lot of reading. If you have questions as you review them, you can contact the Stated Clerk, T. J. DeMarco at sc@pnne.org. The 225th General Assembly (2022) approved 33 proposed amendments to the Book of Order—including a replacement for the entire D-section—to be considered and voted on by the 166 presbyteries prior to July 9, 2023. For an amendment to be adopted, 84 presbyteries must vote to approve it. |
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Connecting: For All Ministers
We have two weekly opportunities for ministers to connect for support and encouragement. Click here to join the Zoom meeting at the days and times, below.
- Mondays at 10:00 am
- Tuesdays at 3:00 pm
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If you're interested in serving on a PNNE Committee, contact the Nominating Committee Chair. All Committees (except the PJC) will need to fill the Class of 2025 position(s). These are current vacancies on PNNE Committees:
- Nominating Committee
- Class of 2023 (2)
- Class of 2024 (2)
- Synod Commissioners (Oct 21-22, 2022, in-person Albany)
- Ruling Elder (RE)
- Young Adult Advisory Delegate (YAAD)
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Position Openings
First Presbyterian Church of Barre, Vermont — Interim Pastor
Our congregation is seeking to hire a pastor to serve in an interim position (up to full time) for the next 1-2 years to begin immediately. The main focus of this position is to successfully guide the church, following a long period with a beloved former pastor, through a process of reflection and recalibration to be ready to welcome and be led by a new installed pastor. Learn more and read the full job description. Interested parties should contact Jim Nichols-Fleming, Personnel Committee, FPC Barre.
First Presbyterian Church of Haverhill, MA — Stated Supply Pastor
The purpose of this position is to provide pastoral services as Stated Supply to the First Presbyterian Church of Haverhill. Annual Salary/Housing Allowance commensurate with experience; medical, paid vacation, travel expenses, continuing education reimbursement are negotiable. Please send all inquiries to firstpres_hav@verizon.net or call 978-374-8029.
Topsham, Vermont, Presbyterian Church — Part-time Pastor
A 200-year-old continuously running, historically restored church is seeking a ¼ time pastor. More details and full MIF can be found here. Located in a scenic Vermont village, our congregation of 40-50 people actively work and worship together like a big family. Music is important to our worship and lead by a professionally trained music director. We provide many community outreach programs, including Sunday School, and mission projects in India and Africa that foster our global perspective. Although ideally located in a rural setting, we have a plethora of cultural activities and medical care nearby. Contact: Tom Otterman. Phone: 802-439-6252
Newburyport, MA - Old South Presbyterian Church – Full Time Pastor
Old South Presbyterian Church in Newburyport is a vibrant, community-based Presbyterian Church in search of a Full-time Teaching Elder. More info on the position and our church can be found HERE, and our full MIF is located here. We are a biblically grounded church seeking to be true to our rich historical heritage by providing a community of worship for all who wish to embrace a faith-centered life in the Christian tradition. Our mission statement: Transform lives by knowing Christ; Train intentional disciples; and Testify to God's love by serving the people of Newburyport and beyond. Contact: Tim Kniker timkniker@gmail.com
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Nashua, NH - Nashua PC - Full Time Pastor
The Nashua Presbyterian church seeks a full time pastor who is ordained in the PC(USA). The pastor is responsible for providing leadership in the worship life of the 60 member congregation. Our congregation actively worships, works and plays together as a family. Nashua is located in southern NH, approximately 50 miles northwest of Boston, with the seacoast and the White Mountains within an easy ride. See our website at www.nashuapresbyterian.org or our Facebook page. Please send PIF with cover letter to David Millner, Chairman Search Committee, at djmillner@aol.com
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Wales Presbyterian Church, Wales, ME-Stated Supply Pastor
Stated Supply Pastor 15 hours weekly
We are seeking Pastoral Leadership for our rural Church in Maine. Responsibilities include worship planning, leadership and preaching for regular Sunday Worship as well as Special Holiday services; officiates at occasional baptism, wedding, or funeral; moderates Monthly Session and Annual Congregational meetings; provides pastoral support to those experiencing health or personal crisis; and working with Deacons to provide Community outreach and visitation as needed.
Please direct all inquiries to: Linda Siderio, Clerk of Session at lindasuesid@aol.com, by calling 207 375-4304 (Linda), or by contacting Cathy Roy, Elder, at catladyme@aol.com
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Fall Faith
Today we combed the flower beds for Spring,
A father and two scavenging little girls,
Feeling among the fertile deaths of Fall
For next year's garden. Labeling our crop
Of gleanings into Fiona's extra
Birth Announcement envelopes.
P for Petunia, N for Nasturtium,
I - Impatiens, S - Snapdragon.
"See, this one has an ant in its mouth."
Small harvest heaps we built
Pods, motes, and corms, and curls,
Time capsules, May through August gaiety,
Granaried against another, unseen sun,
Thus faith, we pass it on from day to day.
Not listing, systematic presentation,
No catechismic, roting recitation
Of the "I believes".
A cellar work bench piled
With Fiona's extra Birth Announcement envelopes,
P for Petunia, I - Impatiens,
S - Snapdragon...
Tokens, earnests, pledges sealed,
Outward and visible signs
of inward and spiritual hope,
Of warmth, of growth, of gaiety,
And of glory.
J. Barrie Shepherd
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SYNOD OF NORTHEAST TO OFFER COACH TRAINING
3-day training (15 hours) on Nov. 14-16, 2022
Twelve 2-hour coaching classes (held every 2-3 weeks) of training and coaching
A second 3-day training (15 hours) in June 2023
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