Boston Presbytery Newsletter for October 21

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A New Chapter
Upcoming Live Concert in Our Oasis Music Series on 10/29/2022

To change is difficult. Change can evoke questions about uncertainty: “Is change necessary?” “How effective is the change?” “What will the future be like with this change?” However, change can also bring about a more informed understanding of necessity, a development of creative and novel methods to solve issues effectively, and, above all, hope for many who yearn for a better future.

Through the unpredictable nature of the pandemic, many who have belief in the potential embodied by change have pioneered diverse and original ways to change or alter various aspects of their lives in order to envision a new, better chapter of their lives. This is from which Music for a New Chapter draws its inspiration. The concert envisions a musical representation of this new chapter of life by presenting pieces, new and old, in a unique setting. World premieres of music written specifically for this concert by Joogwang Lim and Yoon Chung will be coupled with pieces spanning multiple eras—written by Bach, Beethoven, and Faure—pieces that highlight the composers’ footsteps in the search of a new chapter in their lives.

Please join us on October 29th (Sat.) at 7:00 PM for the live concert, Music for a New Chapter. Click here to RSVP.

*We encourage every guest to wear a mask to protect yourself and those around you. Masks will be available if you forgot to bring one. Thank you for your consideration.

Update! Joint Confirmation Class

We are excited to start our confirmation class next week but before we begin we need a little more help. Each youth in the class needs a mentor. We need a few more volunteers to mentor youth during their confirmation journey. Mentors can be adults or youth.

Joint confirmation class will begin with 4 weekly one hour zoom sessions followed by an in person half day retreat in November. Then we will spend 5-6 months completing a Faith in Action program with mentors. During this time we will complete 8 mentor/large group sessions and monthly whole group zoom check ins. We will be using the "Commissioned to Change the World: Confirmation for the Matthew 25 Congregation" curriculum.

The confirmand and the mentor covenant to walk together for six months after the confirmation retreat, sharing the experiences of reaching out, knowing and serving the disenfranchised and engaging in reflective conversation. Post confirmation meetings will focus on: building character borne of wisdom, time-honored virtues and values, such as compassion, hospitality and unity in diversity, and the interrelatedness of all persons created in God's image. Mentors should; love God and Christ's church; have a commitment to the Matthew 25 initiative; have a desire to serve the youth for their sake, not for self-serving reasons; have a discerning spirit; be compassionate; be approachable and available, with an ability to listen; and be able to foster trust and discernment. If this sounds like you please fill out this form. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to reach out to Jen at newengladglow.rym@gmail.com!

Update! Leader's Virtual Coffee and Conversation

Join NE Glow for our first Virtual Leaders' Coffee and Conversation on Thursday, October 27 at noon. We will be discussing Ideas for Advent so please bring your resources and ideas to share, if you don't have any then please bring yourself (and a cozy drink)!

Topic: Virtual Leaders' Coffee and Conversation: Advent Edition
Time: Oct 27, 2022 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82678499040?pwd=TDlrZzNmWmVXOXdzY3VQd0o4OHpUZz09
Meeting ID: 826 7849 9040
Passcode: 617534

Nominating Committee Promotional Video

The promotional video that the Nominating Committee shared during our September 29 meeting is now available online. View it on our website here. Share the link to the YouTube video with your churches!

The Nominating Committee seeks thoughtful nominations of ruling elders, lay leaders, and teaching elders to serve on various committees of our Presbytery. You can suggest a nomination by filling out this google form, or emailing Rev. Katie Cole (kmhcole@gmail.com).

Presbyterian Promise Scholarship

An $80,000 scholarship over 4 years for all students who are Presbyterian

The Presbyterian Promise Scholarship is a commitment by Presbyterian College (PC) to recognize students for their merit and affiliation with the Presbyterian Church. PC seeks to develop students academically and spiritually in this signature scholarship. Students who are of members of Presbyterian churches will receive a scholarship for a minimum of $20,000 per year for up to four years—that’s an $80,000 commitment to you. For more information and to apply visit our website: www.presby.edu/presbyterian-promise

Ordination Anniversaries in October:
John Buchanan 10/31/56
Christiane Dutton 10/26/86
Allen Fairfax 10/24/04
Stan Johnson 10/5/86
Martha Spear 10/11/87
Aida Spencer 10/14/73
Bill Spencer 10/14/73
Kyung Moon Yoon 10/21/07

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

Book of Order Amendments Booklet: The Presbytery of Boston will vote on the Amendments to the Book of Order at its December Stated Meeting on December 8. 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.

The booklet is now available in English; Spanish and Korean translations are in process.

Presbytery stated clerks will use the Portal to report their results. Please submit your reports on each proposed amendment as soon as your presbytery takes action; it will assist those who will work to prepare the new edition of the Book of Order. Because the Book of Order as amended will go into effect on the same day as the final reporting deadline (see G-6.04), suspense isn’t helpful when it comes to publishing the 2023–2025 edition.

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

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

Job Openings: Church of the Covenant in Boston is seeking a part-time Child Care Worker for Sunday mornings. More information, including a job description with instructions on applying, can be found here.

Interim (Transitional) Pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Barre, Vermont. 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 as soon as May 1, 2022. 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. Job description: FPC Barre Interim Job Description.docx Interested parties should contact Jim Nichols-Fleming (jnicholsfleming@gmail.com), Personnel Committee, FPC Barre.

The Presbyterian Church of Topsham Vermont is seeking a Pastor. More details and full MIF can be found here. The 200-year-old continuously running, historically restored church is seeking a ¼ time pastor. Contact: Tom Otterman. Phone: 802-439-6252 Email: Ottermansurvey@gmail.com

Old South Presbyterian Church in Newburyport is a vibrant, community-based Presbyterian Church in search of a Full-time teaching elder. The full MIF is located here. Old South is 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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