|
|
Greetings in the grace and peace of Jesus the Christ!
|
Over the last few months, as I have settled into my role, I sensed a need to clarify a few key values to guide how I steward well the responsibilities entrusted to my care. In fact, these values inform how I now spend my time and how I approach my work.
|
These four key values, shaped theologically, are:
|
Presence – The Incarnation is central to our faith. Jesus is Immanuel (God with us). Thus, presence, or being with one another, is central to our faith. Transparency – In Jesus we experience the gift of arms wide open with nothing to hide. While there are important times for confidentiality, our posture holds our arms open. Collaboration – The Spirit of God draws us together in unity. Our commitment to collaboration is a commitment bearing witness to our oneness with God and one another. Communication – The Spirit of God enables us to hear and understand in new ways. With the help of the Spirit, we are enabled to overcome the barriers hindering effective communication across our unique languages and experiences.
|
Obviously, these values emerge from theological reflection on who God is calling me (and us) to be in these days. I am inviting our district staff to adopt these same values too.
|
You may be asking, “So what? What do your values have to do with me or my congregation?” One answer might be found in the launch of our “Pop-Up Office Hours,” our first one was in Denville, NJ last month. We understand many cannot make a trip to the district office, so we are coming to you. In fact, I believe being with you prioritizes how I spend my time.
|
Here are a couple opportunities to “be with one another”, you'll find more info as you scroll through the newsletter:
|
Our next “Pop-Up Office Hours” are November 14 in Stamford, CT. Pastors’ Christmas Gathering on Saturday, December, 7, 2024.
|
Finally, “I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:16-19).
|
Partners in prayer and mission,
|
|
|
|
You’re invited to join NMI Presidents David and Alondra Perez, with special speaker DS Pastor Jeff, to learn more about our district mission initiatives and how your congregation can become involved in future opportunities. We’ll meet at Community Worship Center, 117 Madison St, Brooklyn, NY, Saturday, November 2nd from 9:30A – 1P.
|
|
|
|
We recognize the size of our district often impedes us from regularly gathering together and can make us feel as though we are operating in silos. In an effort to unite us and offer support from our district staff, we are piloting a new initiative that we’d like to invite you into.
|
Once a month, our district staff will establish a pop-up “office”, hosted by a local church, offering the opportunity for pastors to meet with staff and share a meal together. We hope to increase our accessibility for our pastors through these in-person opportunities and ensure that you feel supported and encouraged by our team. We want to provide a space for you to share the concerns and challenges you may have with our staff so that we can work together to find solutions. All of this should help us achieve our vision of seeing the local church flourish!
|
Our office hours will be 10A - 2P, and we will provide lunch at 12P. You are welcome to stop in at any time! This month we will be at Primera Iglesia del Nazareno - 89 Henry St, Stamford, CT - on Thursday, November 14th. If you plan to join us for lunch, please RSVP to [email protected] by November 12th.
|
|
|
Our District Licensed and Ordained Clergy are invited to come together Saturday, December 7, for a Christmas celebration honoring this past year of ministry within the Metro New York District. Lunch will be served and we will spend time together from 11A – 2P at Verdi’s in Whitestone, NY (149-58 Cross Island Pkwy).
|
We know ministry is never done alone; you are encouraged to have your spouse or significant other join you. Due to space constraints, please refrain from bringing children of any age.
|
Registration is required and must be completed by November 18th.
|
We look forward to celebrating this joyful season with one another!
|
|
|
|
The MNYD Compassion, Justice, and Immigration team is excited to announce a new resource for church members or pastors to utilize as they begin or continue their immigration journey. We have partnered with Immigrant Connection, a non-profit that seeks to ensure high-quality, low-cost immigration legal services.
|
If you or a member of your congregation are seeking immigration legal services, follow these steps:
|
Email [email protected] with a short summary of what you need assistance with. A representative from IC-NYC will schedule a FREE introductory conversation with you to determine what further steps need to be taken. If it is determined that further legal assistance is necessary, IC-NYC will schedule an interview between you and the Department of Justice (DOJ) representative for a $65 fee, which includes assistance in completing all necessary forms. The DOJ representative will work directly with you, via Zoom or in person, to complete your immigration legal needs. There may be additional fees to be determined by the DOJ representative.
|
For more information regarding this process, please contact Rev. Teanna Sundberg, who is serving the Metro New York District as a consultant to help create and establish an avenue for people to access legal immigration assistance. Rev. Teanna and her husband, Rev. Jay, are working to establish a missional presence for the Mission New York church and 501(c)3 in Manhattan.
|
|
|
M25 is a USA/Canada Regional quadrennial Nazarene conference focused entirely on evangelism. It will further the Regional Vision, our CoRe Strategy of the Cycle of Resurgence, and in particular our 2025 emphasis of Bringing People to Jesus.
|
The conference, being held in Kansas City, will include plenary speakers, break-out workshops, affinity group meetings and corporate worship times. Pastors, Lay Leaders, and Students will leave this conference encouraged, equipped, empowered and ready to engage in new ways of Bringing People to Jesus.
Metro New York District pastors and leaders are encouraged to attend M25! Early bird pricing is still available, click the link below to find out more information and register soon!
|
|
|
|
Pastors - Our annual reporting season is coming again soon! Now is the time to schedule your church's annual meeting. It should be completed by March 9th in order to submit your reports on time. More information will be communicated soon!
|
|
|
|
|