Presbytery Day - May 17, 2008

Presbytery Day-May 17, 2008 A big THANK YOU to all who prayed, planned, participated, prepared, contributed, attended and most importantly hosted this great event!

It was a huge success, only because of each and every one of you!

The “Ikabana” adorning the Chapel (coordinated by Sophie Stone) was a feast for the eyes and the interactive displays by the Presbyterian Women and the Mission Communication Unit of the Presbytery were very interesting and educational. The plenary session led by Dr. David Bowie was quite stimulating. The workshops were well attended, very helpful and informative, the food was delectable, the fellowship was warm, and the worship was extraordinary. All in all the day was like a foretaste of heaven!

The turn out was much more than what was expected. The first two Churches to pre-register their groups were the Presbyterian Church of Teaneck and Wallington Presbyterian Church; the largest participating two groups were from West New York, Iglesia Metodista and Paterson Iglesia Hispana; the most organized with best decorated food presentation were the group of the Korean Churches, who worked together (New Garden, True Light, and Oasis). Few Churches had important events either the morning or in the late afternoon of the same day, they still came and participated and they were a great blessing. Few other Churches could not be present because of prior commitments and they were greatly missed.

The following groups provided a generous lunch array of delicious diversity:
Spanish from the Spanish congregations in West New York and Paterson
Korean from the aforementioned group of Korean Churches
Middle Eastern from Jersey City Mid East Evangelical Church
Armenian from West-Side Ridgewood
Chinese from Paramus Trinity
Columbian from Jersey City Nueva Esperanza
Jamaican from Paterson United
Salads from Ramsey First
Pizzas from Franklin Lakes
Diverse centre pieces were artistically arranged by Lucy Janjingjian

Workshops Leaders gave morning and afternoon sessions. There were eight workshops led by The Revs Gregory Keosaian, Gustavo Vasquez, Charles Ryu, Reginaldo Braga, Kent Smith, Lilia Ramirez, Bruce Tischler and Elders Julia Thorne and Dorothy Vanderwerf.

The worship service was conducted in several languages. The Bible passage from 1 Cor.12 was read in English, Spanish, Chinese and Arabic. Singing groups sang in Arabic and Spanish, and the most exquisite music came from a Chinese duet on the saw and the piano.
Three short and powerful meditations, from 1 Cor.12, were given by The Revs John Kim, Lilia Ramirez and Wanda Lundy. The Revs Martha Grace, David Thornton and David Peng also participated in the worship service as well as Elder Guillermo Lopez.

That day was truly an expression of the different giftings represented in the Presbytery of the Palisades. Gifts of teaching, encouragement, organization, music, singing, diverse art expressions, and the list go on.

The outlines of the workshops and the mediations will be available soon for everyone to enjoy.

Again a special THANK YOU to the host Church, The Rev. Beverly Dempsey, and all the volunteers from West-Side Ridgewood. Special APPRECIATION to the Rev. Gloria Tate and the members of the Planning Committee, who worked hard for more than a year to prepare such an event.

May the Lord refresh us, anoint us and lead us on.