This blog post is a reprint from the May 10, 2018 E-News. It has been appreciated, so we shared the information again in this post.
Albany Presbytery works to provide resources in many diverse areas. Our staff from Albany Presbytery have highlighted areas that are frequently asked about or may simply be helpful.
Frequently Requested Resources by Jennifer Schoenfisch, Office Administrator
Although I am always more than happy to be available for questions, I recognize that the part-time status of my position (click here for office hours) may leave some people feeling anxious when they can’t find what they are looking for.
Albany Presbytery Directory: Access ACS Online Presbytery Database
Contact information: Available to Ministers, Ruling Elders, Staff, those who serve on presbytery committees.
You may search for anyone who serves in the presbytery and their contact information online. You have your own unique login which is tied to the primary email address that the presbytery office has for you. What this means is that each of us has complete control and responsibility for maintaining our own contact information in this database. If you can’t remember your password, AccessACS allows you to reset it.
A guide to setting up your account is available at this link.If you experience an Error Message please contact the Albany Presbytery Office at: info@albanypresbytery.orgor 518-273-4991.
THIS IS DIFFERENT FROM PASSWORD-PROTECTED DOCUMENTS FOR MEETINGS
In May 2017 the presbytery began to secure sensitive documents. Learn specifics in the article: Keeping Our Information Secure. This is a single password used across all password-protected documents and the password does not change. Click here to learn more.
Frequently Requested Documents
Just a few more frequently requested documents. All these documents can be found using the search tool in the upper right hand section of the site or by following the links below:
Mileage Reimbursement (Multiple Options)
- Resources → Church Treasurers → [YEAR] Terms of Call
- Resources → Clerks of the Session → Terms of Call
- Resources → Churches in Transition → Terms of Call
- Committees & Groups → Committee on Ministers and Congregations → Terms of Call
Approved Preaching List: (Multiple Options)
- Resources → Approved Preaching List
- Resources → Church Treasurers → Approved Preaching List
- Resources → Clerks of the Session → Approved Preaching List
- Resources → Churches in Transition → Approved Preaching List
- Committees & Groups → Committee on Ministers and Congregations → Approved Preaching List
Minimum Honorarium: Details included in the Approved Preaching List
In general, the following pages on our website hold many of the resources people are looking for:
- Resources → Clerks of Session
- Resources → Church Treasurers
- Resources → Churches in Transition
Communications Resources by Kim Deal, Communications Manager
Setting up a communications plan that is designed for your community does not need to be as overwhelming as it may seem. Available on our website is a list of resources, ideas, and suggestions for people looking to set up communications within their church community.
There are also suggestions for:
- Discounted online shopping for nonprofits
- A Newsletter for nonprofits
- Church communications online groups
Online Communications Resources: Resources → Congregational Resources → Scroll halfway down the page to “Communications Resources”
Most Helpful Resources on Our Website by Bill Henderson, Temporary Presbyter
Being new to the position of Temporary Presbyter, there has been a lot to learn not only about the position but also about the presbytery. Here is what I have found most helpful on our website.
Find a Place to Worship
‘Find a Place to Worship’ (right at the very top middle of the Albany Presbytery home webpage). From the listing of churches I can find out where they are located, a bit about each church (at least for those who have website) and the current pastoral leadership of the congregation. It was fun to learn about the many different ministries our churches are involved in. My one piece of advice to our churches – keep your website updated as people do look at it to learn about you.
Worshipping Communities and Fellowships
Not to be overlooked when looking for churches is the listing of NWCs (New Worshipping Communities). You can find them under the ‘Ministries’ heading, and then ‘Worshipping Communities and Fellowships’. There are some exciting new communities of faith that have grown up around our presbytery. Check it out – you will be encouraged.
Site Map
The layout of the presbytery website can appear a bit daunting at first – there is a lot of information packed into it. But one key thing that can help you find what you are looking for is tucked at the bottom of the home page – it is called the Site Map. It is the very bottom blue button. What is great about this is you can see the logic of the website layout, then you can explore what is in each larger topic, and see right away a list of items that have recently been changed (which may be of interest to you). While I love to take short-cuts and go directly to the ‘Search this Website’ box at the very right top of the home page, I can get frustrated because I sort of know what I want, but may not have the right descriptor to find it. So with the Site Map and the search the website box, I can pretty much find all that I need.
