New Initiatives
September 2009
Invest Yourself…is produced by the Executive Presbyter’s Team for each meeting of the Presbytery of the Palisades in order to note new initiatives for congregations, pastors, and elders. You are encouraged to review these opportunities for service and mission and consider whether investing yourself in them would provide an opportunity for growth and witness to you and your congregation.
Fellowship of The Carpenter- Have you ever worked on a Habitat for Humanity Project? Traveled to work on rebuilding the Gulf coast after Katrina? Have you ever wanted to be a part of these projects but couldn’t take the time? A new initiative in the Presbytery will allow those who wish to help some of our smaller churches make improvements to their church buildings and manses. The Fellowship of the Carpenter will gather those with interests and skills or even those unskilled workers with a willing heart to help our brothers and sisters in need. If you are interested or want to refer someone who might help contact Eileen Lindner at ewlrev@aol.com or 201-417-1969.
Opportunity for Interfaith Dialogue - This year, the Interfaith Relations Office of the Presbyterian Church (USA), is bringing a special Christian – Muslim Team from Lebanon for visits in the U.S.A. Dr. Mary Mikhail is President, Near East School of Theology (NEST), Beirut and a graduate of Colombia University and Union Theological Seminary, New York. Dr. Muhammad Sammak is Counselor to the Mufti of Lebanon and of Saad Hariri and the late Rafic Hariri (Prime Minister of Lebanon until his assassination). We are cooperating with The Presbytery of Newton in hosting this Interfaith Team from Lebanon. The Newton Presbytery Peacemaking Committee and their interfaith peacemaking group, the Multi-faith Peace and Justice Alliance, have established friendships and a good working relationship with the Islamic Center of Morris County (ICMC) and the Islamic Center in Boonton (ICB). The dates proposed for gatherings are:
• Thursday October 29th (dinner with the Team, a total of 15 -20 interested people from the 6 groups)
• Friday October 30th. Different functions ending in the First Presbyterian Church in Rockaway for dinner and Forum 7:00 to 9:00 or 9:30 pm
If you are interested contact Joseph Faragalla at jifaragalla@yahoo.com.
Clergy Study Leave Workshop- At the mini-retreat held for clergy in June it was agreed that we would take the time to share with each other places, persons, conferences and resources we have found helpful for study leave. We will gather at 3:00 pm November 17, at United Presbyterian in Paterson as a pre-Presbytery gathering. Plan now to attend and bring information about your study leave resources and learn of how others have been renewed and challenged in study leave.
Mission Co-Workers in the Philippines- This winter and spring two Presbyterian mission co-workers who have been teaching in the seminary in Manila and pastoring churches will be in our region. If there is sufficient interest we will seek to organize a visit to our Presbytery. Such a meeting would allow us an opportunity to learn more about PCUSA world mission and to learn of the life of the church in that setting of political and interfaith unrest. What we learn might also help us in developing a more effective outreach to the increasing number of Filipinos living and working within the bounds of our Presbytery. If you are interested contact Eileen Lindner at ewlrev@aol.com.
