As a child of the south, I grew up spoon fed the myths of the Confederacy and southern heritage. In sixth grade I won third place in a statewide oratorical contest with a talk about Robert E. Lee. I heard stories of my great great grandfather who was a surgeon for the Arkansas forces fighting the Yankee invaders, of doors with musket balls still embedded and walls with cannon balls still lodged in … [Read more...]
Mid Council Relations by Rev. Timothy B. Cargal, OGA
August 18, 2017 by
The following Mid Council bi-weekly newsletter can be online. Click here for the original message. In a broken and fearful world the Spirit gives us courage … to unmask idolatries in Church and culture, to hear the voices of peoples long silenced, and to work with others for justice, freedom, and peace.” (“A Brief Statement of Faith,” 11.65-71) The recent events in Charlottesville and the … [Read more...]
Men’s Trip to the Mam Presbytery, Guatemala – Nov 2017 by Tim Coombs
August 9, 2017 by
Once again, mission co-worker Brian Thompson-Royer in Guatemala has requested assistance from men in Albany Presbytery. The men of the Mam Presbytery seek support and guidance as they implement the teachings of the curriculum “Men in the Mirror.” “Men in the Mirror” teaches about a more egalitarian approach to relationships than the ethic of machismo that has dominated Latin American culture. … [Read more...]
We Welcome Rev. Lynn Horan Back to Albany Presbytery
August 4, 2017 by
We are delighted to welcome Rev. Lynn Horan as an interim pastor serving the St. Peter's Presbyterian Church in Spencertown starting August 1st. We wanted to take a moment to connect and learn a little more about her. Before we get started, can you tell us a little bit about where you grew up, any siblings, your family, etc? I was born and raised in Guilderland and attended Guilderland High … [Read more...]
Seeking Curriculum Materials for Liberia by Victor Doe, Mayfield Summer Intern
August 4, 2017 by
My name is Victor Doe, an ordained minister of the gospel and a student at Princeton Theological Seminary, NJ. I am from Liberia, a third world country in West Africa. According to world statistics, Liberia is rated the fourth poorest country in the world. However, it’s by the special grace of God that got me in one of the prestigious school in the world. I have always dreamt of being a … [Read more...]
Staffing Process Advisory Team July 21 Meeting Update by Ted Wright
July 26, 2017 by
What follows is the second in a series of updates. This Advisory Team gathered for the first time on June 30 – see our former blog post – and then for a second time for five hours on July 21. Joining that second meeting was a newcomer, Samantha Brewer, a young adult from the Hoosick Falls church. Staffing Process Advisory Team assignment, as delegated by presbytery’s Coordinating Committee: “To … [Read more...]
Presbyterian Women: Synod of the Northeast Triennial Gathering by Charlotte Hasselbarth
July 24, 2017 by
From Fri, Aug. 18 – Sat., Aug. 19, the Presbyterian Women in the Synod of the Northeast Triennial Gathering will be at The Desmond Hotel and Conference Center in Colonie. The theme is "Houehold of Faith" based on the scripture: "...you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household..." ~Ephesians, chapter 2:17-21 Who is the … [Read more...]
Albany Presbytery Staffing Process Advisory Team
July 6, 2017 by
Discerning the most appropriate staffing pattern to support this Presbytery’s mission has proven difficult. Several recent Presbytery meetings demonstrated failure to reach consensus. (Learn more on the Transitional Planning page of our website.) We need -- and in God’s time we can afford -- to consider our process, not just the outcome. Can we improve our collective conversation about God’s … [Read more...]
Mandatory New York’s Paid Family Leave: Effective Jan 1, 2018
June 28, 2017 by
Paid Family Leave (PFL) will begin on January 1, 2018 This Insurance policy will be a rider/addition to your Disability Insurance. This Mandatory Employer Insurance Policy is set-up to be FULLY FUNDED BY EMPLOYEES. NYS has determined that starting JULY 1, 2017 deductions will be or can be taken from employees as a payroll deduction. If EMPLOYER DOES NOT WANT employees to contribute to … [Read more...]
Farewell from Rev. Jim Reisner
June 27, 2017 by
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...]
