Midweek Musings Newsletter

May 1, 2008

 

NCP Office Summer Hours:  Please be advised that effective May 23 - August 29 the Presbytery office will be closed on Fridays.  Messages and emails sent on Friday will be returned by Noon on the next business day.  Normal hours of operation will resume on September 5th.

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 796th Stated Meeting of Presbytery

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Buckingham Presbyterian Church

Berlin, MD  21811

Council Meeting - 9:00 am

Presbytery Meeting - 10:00 am

 

Documents have been added to the Docket page.  Please click here for more information:  http://ncpresby.pbwiki.com/Docket-Packet

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Midweek Musings by Kathi Busch, Moderator

 

When I was elected Vice-Moderator last year, I began to think about the role of the presbytery in a way I never had before.  I mean, I know what the Book of Order says, but I began to think more deeply about our purpose.  What is the purpose of a presbytery in relation to the local church?  If our role is to be supportive of the local church, we need to ask ourselves, do we do that?  How do we do that?

 

The pastor of one of the mega churches has said, “The local church is the hope of the world.”  And I agree with him.  If this is so, it speaks volumes about the purpose of a presbytery.  In His wisdom, God has ordained the local church to be the steward of the gospel – the good news of God’s love and justice and grace. (Yes, I know I’m preaching to the choir…I get that a lot…)  So that means that we, New Castle Presbytery, have been entrusted with nothing less than helping local communities of faith be the Body of Christ.  The physical presence of Jesus in the state of Delaware and the eastern shore of Maryland.  It goes way beyond handing out grants for mission and supporting redevelopment of congregations that are shrinking and helping congregations call new pastors.

 

That’s all good stuff, necessary stuff, but it’s more than that.  Nobody else does what we do.  No other organization is called to do what we do.  There is no Plan B.  The Church is it.  We are the hope of the world.  If that thought doesn’t drive you to your knees, I don’t know what will!

 

I love our connectional system.  Together, we are the Body of Christ.  We are.  I’ve seen it.  I’ve experienced it.  Let us never forget what we are about, friends.  I look forward to sharing this year with you and continuing to ask the hard questions.  Are we helpful to the churches God has given into our care, or are we just another drain on their resources of time and energy and money?  Are we providing resources to help the churches of New Castle Presbytery to be disciple-making churches and to be the Body each is called to be in its particular context with its particular mix of gifts, graces, and callings?  And if not, how can we do better?  Even if we are, how can we do better?

 

I’m excited about continuing the conversation along the journey with you!

 

With joy,

 

Kathi

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Peace Prayers

 

In response to the violence that plagues our city, and the violence that happens so often – and so recently – in the neighborhood around us, West Presbyterian Church invites the community to pray with us for peace.  Please join us for a Service of Prayer, Music and Scripture – called PeacePrayers – in which we pray for peace in our neighborhood and peace in our city.  PeacePrayers will be Sunday, May 4, 2008 at 5:00 PM at West Presbyterian Church.  The church is located at 500 West 8^th Street, on the corner of 8^th and Washington Streets in Wilmington.  Parking is available behind the church building. 

 

Attached is a flyer that you may feel free to duplicate and distribute.  Download flyer here:  Peace Prayer Flyer.pdf

 

Randall T. Clayton, LCSW, D.Min.

Pastor, West Presbyterian Church

500 West 8th Street

Wilmington, DE 19801

302-656-8326

rclayton@westpc.org

web site: www.westpc.org

blog: www.westpcblog.org

sermon podcast:  www.westpod.org

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Mission Teams Still Needed Along the Gulf Coast

 

Katrina Recovery Update… from the Presbytery of South Louisiana

 

It is a long, slow road to recovery, but the Presbytery of South Louisiana and the PCUSA can be proud of their work along the gulf coast. While there is a lot of ‘drop off’ from the general non-profit sector, Presbyterians are plowing ahead.

 

Prior to April 2007, the Presbytery of South Louisiana through their Project Homecoming, concentrated on gutting and preparing homes for rebuilding.  They “mucked out” over 900 houses in the New Orleans area!  Since then they have been totally committed to re-building houses and community, and just completed their 64^th home.

 

To do this they are staffed with 4 construction supervisors and 4 long term volunteers from AmeriCorps to work with the flow of volunteers.  Project Homecoming averages between 24 and 80 volunteers a week and have a backlog of over 20 home projects in various stages of completion.  Over 31,000 Presbyterians have volunteered along the gulf coast in the last two and a half years.   And, YES, volunteers are still needed!   It isn’t too late to plan a Gulf Coast Mission trip for fall, or even for summer.  Funds are available to assist groups with expenses if needed.  (Contact Bob Schminkey for more information.)

 

Case managers decide which homes Project Homecoming will rebuild next.  They choose from underinsured homes of homeowners who fall within the 80% or less of HUD income guidelines, are aged, or handicapped.  The focus is really on helping those who need it the most.

 

For more information, contact either:

 

Susan Wade

South Louisiana Presbytery Project Homecoming

(877) 942 0444

http://www.projecthomecoming.net 

 

Bob Schminkey

Presbytery Resource Person for Disaster Recover

(410) 708-6463 PCUSA – Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA)

http://www.pcusa.org/pda/teams/sites.htm

 

Each of these contacts can help you organize a gulf coast mission trip and make reservations for housing along the gulf coast.

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Bible Study Resources

 

• "A Heart Like His"  led by Beth Moore

• "Jesus the One and Only"  led by Beth Moore

• "A Woman's Heart, God's Dwelling Place" led by Beth Moore

• "Breaking Free, Making Liberty in Christ a Reality in Life" by Beth Moore

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News from the Board of Pensions

 

Re-Launch of Pensions.org Includes New BenefitsConnect Tool

 

The Board of Pensions recently launched a new version of its Web site, Pensions.org, featuring increased functionality, expanded information, and intuitive navigation.

 

A highlight of the new site is BenefitsConnect, an online tool that provides active Plan members secure access to their personal benefits information. Not only can members submit changes to their contact information and dependent status, but they can use online calculators to estimate their pension and death benefits.

 

The new site also features an abundance of new information and resources, making it the "go to" source for details on the plans, programs, and services the Board offers. Feedback is welcomed by emailing Communications@pensions.org or calling 800-773-7752 (800-PRESPLAN).

 

New Member Advocate Position Created

 

The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) recognizes that navigating the complexities of third-party providers, especially those for healthcare, can be a daunting experience for Plan members. In response, the Board has created a new member advocate position, effective April 1, 2008, that will help Plan members through difficult situations arising out of administration of the Medical Plan.

 

We are pleased to announce that Annette Donald, who has many years of service with the Board of Pensions and is knowledgeable about the Benefits Plan and its relevant administrative processes, has been appointed to this newly created position. In her new role, Ms. Donald will help members understand the process for obtaining needed care, assist in communicating with third-party providers (e.g., Highmark, Express Scripts, and CareAllies) and other Board staff, and help to resolve any bureaucratic issues that might arise. For more information, look under News, Events and Announcements on the homepage of the new Pensions.org.

 

Introducing Stewardship of Self

 

The Board of Pensions is proud to introduce Stewardship of Self, a comprehensive effort to help Benefits Plan members understand and use Board plans and programs to improve self care. Stewardship of Self is based on the premise that both the Board and its Plan members share the responsibility to enrich all aspects of one's life: spiritual, vocational, health, and financial.

 

Through the benefits, programs, and services provided by the Board, and the commitment by members to use these effectively, Stewardship of Self will provide much-needed outreach for the Benefits Plan and Assistance Program. The effort will thoroughly integrate the Board's communications over the coming year, enabling members to more easily take advantage of Board offerings and fulfill their responsibility for self care that benefits the entire Presbyterian community.

 

Disability Benefits Transition to Liberty Mutual

 

As of April 1, 2008, Liberty Mutual has taken over all disability medical claims management for Benefits Plan members previously handled by Aetna.

 

The Board of Pensions firmly believes that as a result of this transition and our partnership with Liberty Mutual, Plan members will experience superior quality service and appreciate the efficient and professional manner in which their disability claims are managed. If you have questions about the transition or Liberty Mutual, please contact the Disability team at 800-773-7752 (800-PRESPLAN).

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Lower Brandywine 20/20 Vision Series:

 

What Are You Thinking?

The Growing Child Series with Yvonne Nass

 

Tuesday, May 13, at 7:30PM - The Growing Child - Part 1: Understanding the Adolescent

On Tuesday, May 13, at 7:30PM, Certified Parent Educator Yvonne Nass will present a program for parents at Lower Brandywine Presbyterian Church. Her presentation will outline year-by-year growth expectations for our teens. Adolescence is an on-going process from puberty to adulthood. During that time, teens recycle earlier stages of development, resolve developmental tasks, and prepare to separate. Join other parents in understanding how to support your teen as s/he bridges one of the most stressful time periods for parent and child.

 

Tuesday, May 20, at 7:30PM - The Growing Child - Part 2: Effective Communication with 5-12 Year Olds 

In the second presentation in this three-part series at Lower Brandywine Presbyterian Church, Certified Parent Educator Yvonne Nass will build a picture of the kind of communication that works effectively for 5-12 year olds. It all starts with an understanding of who owns the problem. She'll also provide strategies for how and when to listen, invite cooperation and resolve conflict. Whether you're a parent or grandparent, you're sure to find this presentation, scheduled for Tuesday, May 20, at 7:30PM, informative and actionable.

 

Tuesday, May 27, at 7:30PM - The Growing Child - Part 3: Building Self-Esteem in Children Under 5 

On Tuesday, May 27, at 7:30PM, Certified Parent Educator Yvonne Nass will conclude her three-part Growing Child Series with insight into our very youngest children, those under five years old. She’ll provide an overview of the three stages of self-esteem development: I need help; I can help myself; I can help others. She’ll also examine the use of encouragement vs. praise to build self-confidence. Expand your understanding of the earliest stages in your child’s development, with real life examples and strategies you can take home with you.

 

A Parent Education Instructor since 1979, Yvonne Nass instructs parents in the skills of uniting the family. Her practice is based upon communicating and disciplining with respect. She has taught parent-training classes and specialized courses for parents of teens, stepparents, teenage parents, foster parents, parents of “special needs” children, adult children of alcoholics, divorced and separated parents, and working parents. She has also developed workshops and training courses for teachers, nurses, speech and hearing specialists, nutritionists, day-care providers, grandparents, and volunteers.

 

Nass received her certification as an Adlerian Family Counselor in 1970. She continued her education at the University of Vermont, VT, Bowie State College, MD, Neumann College, PA and the University of Delaware, DE. In 1988 she earned certification as a Delaware Level II Parent Educator. Her 60-second parenting tips can be heard daily on a local radio station. Nass is a parent, stepparent, grandparent and great-grandparent. 

 

For more information about Yvonne Nass, please visit her web site at: http://www.yvonnenass.com/.

 

Lower Brandywine Presbyterian Church is located on Route 52 at 101 Old Kennett Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807, across from Winterthur, within easy driving distance of northern Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania. There is plenty of free parking. The building is accessible to the handicapped. RSVPs are appreciated (for capacity planning) but not necessary. Call the Church Office: 302-658-2326

 

Lower Brandywine Presbyterian Church                           Press Contact:

Across from Winterthur                                                         Michael Wright 

101 Old Kennett Rd., Wilmington, DE 19807                          741 Unionville Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348

www.lowerbrandywine.org                                                     610.202.8892 Cell Phone 

(Directions can be found on the web site above)                      mwright7@comcast.net 

 

Please call Michael Wright’s cell phone if you need additional information.

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Don’t miss growing in faith by

Leaps and Bounds

We still have room for YOU

June 24-27 &

July 15-18

Weeks 1 and 3 are closed

Call or email if you have any questions- we are here to help!

We LOVE middlers and want yours to be a part of this year’s

moving story of faith and power!

 

With Joy,

Laura

 

Laura Holbrook

Director of Conference Ministries

Massanetta Springs Camp and Conference Center

712 Massanetta Springs Road / Harrisonburg, VA  22801 / 888-627-7774

www.massanettasprings.org

 

We could learn a lot from crayons... Some are sharp,some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names, and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.

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Presbyterian Men

 

Presbyterian Men now have a home on the NCP website: http://ncpresby.pbwiki.com/Presbyterian+Men!  Please go to this page on a regular basis for news and information on Presbyterian Men.  You can also access this page from the side bar.

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Dedicatory Organ Recital

 

New Castle Presbyterian Church, 25 East Second Street in New Castle, DE, invites you to the official dedication of our new Meeting House organ on Sunday, May 18 at 7:00 p.m.  The Custom Allen electronic organ features two manuals and 33 stops, and provides a rich sound to lead us in prayer and congregational song many years into the future.

 

Our recitalist will be William F. Clisham, who for 43 years has served churches in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and New Jersey, directing and administering  programs of multiple choirs and handbell ensembles and playing the organ for worship services.   He earned his degrees, Bachelor of Music and Master of Music in Church Music, from Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey.  He has most recently served as music director/organist at Westfield Presbyterian Church in New Jersey.  

 

Mr. Clisham will perform selections by Buxtehude, Bach, Boyce, Purcell, Handel, Pachelbel, and 20^th century composers Langlais, Locklair, Baker, and Hailstork. The concert will include several congregational hymns related to the organ pieces and will culminate with a formal dedication of the organ to the glory of God.  We are so grateful for the generous gifts of so many contributors to this instrument of God’s praise!  The evening will be concluded with a reception in the fellowship hall.  Please join us in giving thanks to God!

 

Basic Health Ministry and Parish Nursing Program - June 2008

 

Please download the attached brochure for more information on a parish nursing course being offered in June by Christiana Care and Neumann College.  Download brochure here: Parish Nursing Brochure.pdf

 

Visiting Nurse Association Caregiver Education Series in New Castle, Kent and Sussex Counties: Helping you better manage the role of caregiver.  Please download flyer here:  Caregiver Series Flyer.pdf 

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Free Training for Pastors and Caregivers:  Workshops by Alzheimer’s Association

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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