Messenger May 2012

lpuckett — Mon, 07 May 2012 17:16:56 +0000

Messenger Newsletter April 2012

admin — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 16:25:35 +0000

All of us in one way or another have been affected by cancer. I cannot begin to count the number of hospital visits and home visits I have made over the 24 years of ministry because of it. And I want to do something as a church to reduce those pastoral visits, and work toward the day when those visits are eliminated, and I can just visit my congregants to talk about life.

Job Posting: Assistant Pastor for Youth Discipleship and Small Groups

admin — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 19:00:46 +0000

Niskayuna Reformed Church, a congregation of the Schenectady Classis, Albany Synod, in the Capital Region of upstate New York, is advertising a one-year pastoral residency position.

The Town of Niskayuna is a suburban community in Schenectady County, New York with a population of approximately 25,000. It is located in the southeast part of the county, north and east of the city of Schenectady, and is the easternmost town in the county. The congregation at Niskayuna Reformed is mixed ages, and activities include various choirs, bible study group, community services, and fund raising events, among others. The campus is spacious and inviting, and the fellowship hall offers a well-stocked kitchen and provides large group dining accommodations.

The position was created to offer a seminary graduate the opportunity to apply their gifts for ministry in a congregational setting.

Principle responsibilities include developing and directing the youth program, leading and developing discipleship offerings for all ages. Along with the pastor, Rev. Dr. Scott DeBlock, the candidate will develop and coordinate small group ministries, and work with the consistory to implement its rolling five year Vision for Ministry and Mission.

This is a one-year, full-time contract position with potential for permanent placement as the Assistant Pastor. This opportunity is based upon effectiveness in meeting position requirements through a one-year probationary period with quarterly reviews by the pastor.

Remuneration includes a base salary (determined by consistory) plus housing allowance. Also included: payment of seminary-provided health insurance student fee.

Position Overview

A one year pastoral residency position to develop and coordinate discipleship and small-group opportunities and youth programs

Principle Responsibilities

General

Develop and direct a program of care and enrichment for youth working with them and the necessary adult support team of leaders
Lead and develop discipleship offerings for all ages throughout the year
Along with the senior pastor, develop and coordinate small group ministries
Assist senior pastor in regular responsibilities of a Minister of the Word and Sacrament, including worship and pastoral care (This includes preaching once monthly and/or when senior pastor is away)
Work with consistory to implement its five year Vision for Ministry and Mission

Youth

With youth group leaders, plan and implement regular activities for the “Service, Worship and Action Team” (SWAT) youth grades 6-8 and 9-12
Work with other area youth leaders in joint activities
Encourage church participation at Camp Fowler
Plan and direct mission trips for youth and adults

Discipleship

Oversee and coordinate activities of grade Nursery-Grade 12 Sunday School Students including Summer Sunday School
Work with the Discipleship Team in the areas of curriculum, materials and supplies, and budget creation
Assist Discipleship Team in recruiting and training teachers and child care providers
Coordinate worship services for Children’s Day, Christmas Eve Family Service and Easter Sunday Service
Work with senior pastor in coordinating and implementing adult discipleship opportunities

Small Groups

Work with senior pastor and Congregational Care Team in developing and coordinating a new Small-Group Ministry where each member and friend of the congregation is engaged in a small group activity
Recruit and train small-group leaders

Required Time Commitment

Full-time Contract position
Potential for development into a permanent Assistant Pastor contract position based on effectiveness in meeting position responsibilities and ongoing spiritual and material commitment of consistory and the congregation

Working Requirements / Conditions / Restrictions

Must be pursuing ordination as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in good standing with his or her RCA classis or denominational judicatory
Must participate in the coaching process, pastor network, or affinity group

Compensation Structure

Compensation to include base salary, housing allowance, and coverage of student health insurance fee

Church and Staff Relationships

Works under the direction of the consistory and the senior pastor
Ex-officio member and attendee of consistory and all church teams
Subject to bi-annual review by personnel team and consistory

Guiding Documentation

This position is subject to all policies and guidelines in the Niskayuna Reformed Church Employee Handbook.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

The approximate start date is May, 2012.

Please submit a letter of interest, resume, and Minister Profile Form immediately to:

Joe Lindsay
8 Riviera Dr.
Latham, NY 12110

Phone: 518-522-7715
Email: jlindsa1@nycap.rr.com
(Email inquiries are preferred)

39th Annual Antiques Show

admin — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 03:38:34 +0000

Mark your calendars for the 39th Annual Antiques Show:

January 20 and 21, 2012

2011 Annual Events

admin — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 21:40:03 +0000

The following are some of the big church events happening in 2011:

January ~ Antique Show
April ~ Brooks BBQ- TBA
April 29-May 1 ~ Women’s Retreat
May14 ~ Rummage Sale
June 22 ~ Strawberry Festival
September ~ Brooks BBQ TBA
October 1 ~ Annual Flea Market

Vision Team Report

admin — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 21:36:37 +0000

The Vision Team Report outlines a five year vision for mission and ministry for Niskayuna Reformed Church. All facets of church life were explored, from worship to service to community life. The Vision Team made its report to the Consistory for approval, and is presenting that report to the congregation for affirmation.

View the Vision Team Report

New Web Site

admin — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 20:36:29 +0000

Welcome to the newly redesigned Niskayuna Reformed Church web site. Here are some of the enhancements we made to the site:

Improved navigation and content organization, making it easier to find what you’re looking for
Ability to adjust font size
New back-end system allowing for future site enhancements