These 15 years in Albany Presbytery have been most rewarding for Martha and me. We leave behind many dear friends and colleagues, and many fond memories. We regret we've run out of time, and will not have the chance to say goodbye directly to many of our friends in Albany Presbytery. I greatly appreciated being given the opportunity to preach at the June meeting of presbytery. Martha accepted a … [Read more...]
Bridging the Urban-Rural Divide by Peter Cook, New York State Council of Churches
June 27, 2017 by
It’s a challenge sometimes for a church to do ministry given a complex political landscape that fixates on whether someone lives in a “red” rural or “blue” urban community. How do you offer the Gospel amidst a heated debate about whether your church is too left or too right, too political or not political enough? Brian McLaren in a recent article, in the Christian Century, “How to be a Purple … [Read more...]
Reflections from the June 6th Presbytery Meeting at the Northville United Presbyterian Church
June 20, 2017 by
Please share this information with all those interested in the work and opportunities happening in the Albany Presbytery. You may use the following URL to embed the directly into your communications: https://albanypresbytery.org/reflections-june-6-presbytery-meeting/ The 313th Stated Meeting of the Albany Presbytery was held on June 6, 2017 at the Northville United Presbyterian Church. Below … [Read more...]
2017 Rensselaerville Summer Worship Series
June 20, 2017 by
The Rensselaerville Presbyterian Church announces its schedule of summer services: Every Sunday June 25 through September 3 11:00 a.m. 1454 County Route 351 (Main St), Rensselaerville, NY Everyone is welcome. Each year, guest preachers from different faith traditions are invited to deliver sermons on a common theme. The Summer 2017 theme is: “Finding A Way Forward: Is There A Path To … [Read more...]
Introducing Victor Doe, Student Pastor at Mayfield Presbyterian Church
June 14, 2017 by
We are delighted to welcome Victor Doe as an student pastor in the Albany Presbytery serving at Mayfield Presbyterian Church. We wanted to take a moment to connect and learn a little more about him. Before we get started, can you tell us a little bit about where you grew up, any siblings, your family, etc? I was born unto the union of Mr. and Mrs. Paul W. Doe, in Bong County Central … [Read more...]
Introducing Kukjin An, Inquirer in Albany Presbytery
June 13, 2017 by
We are delighted to welcome Kukjin An as an inquirer in the Albany Presbytery. Kukjin has been doing ministry at the Korean Presbyterian Church in Schenectady and we wanted to take a moment to connect and learn a little more about him. Before we get started, can you tell us a little bit about where you grew up, any siblings, your family, etc? I grew up in South Korea. I had never thought … [Read more...]
Saratoga Springs Church Prepares Sanctuary for Immigrants by Terry Diggory
June 7, 2017 by
Undocumented immigrants facing possible deportation may seek sanctuary in the Presbyterian—New England Congregational Church (PNECC) of Saratoga Springs, according to a policy affirmed by the church Governing Board (Session) on June 5. A special meeting of the congregation had previously approved the policy by unanimous vote (105-0). The action aligns the Saratoga Springs church with a growing … [Read more...]
Reflections of Ecumenical Advocacy Days 2017: “Confronting Chaos, Forging Community” by Kathy Gorman-Coombs
May 31, 2017 by
For years I have contemplated attending the Ecumenical Advocacy Days (EAD) conference in Washington, DC, and this year, I finally made it there. I decided this year was the year to go for a variety of reasons . . . .for one thing, I had a free place to stay (with my son Kyle), which won’t be there next year (he’s moving to Manhattan in August) and for another—I felt strongly that it’s time to … [Read more...]
What’s Next for our Transitional Presbyter
May 17, 2017 by
Dear Members and Friends of Albany Presbytery, As the end of my time with you has been approaching, many of you have asked me what I’m doing next. The call process is long and confidential, but I am finally able to share what is next for me and answer the question so many of you have been so kind and gracious to ask me. After nearly three and a half years my time as the Transitional … [Read more...]
Biblical Storytelling in Haiti by Tim Coombs
May 17, 2017 by
When I am not working for Albany Presbytery or my congregation, I am often involved in the work of the Network of Biblical Storytellers (http://nbsint.org/). Our mission is to “encourage everyone to learn and tell biblical stories” and by that we mean the world over. To that end I’ve been on several mission trips with the Network; to the Gambia, Cameroon, and lately Haiti. Our way into Haiti … [Read more...]
