The Regional Synod of New York

The Regional Synod of New York includes classes and congregations that are urban, suburban, and rural; large, medium, and small; black, white, Asian, Hispanic, and multiracial; progressive, moderate, and conservative—as well as those that don’t comfortably wear such labels. United in and through Jesus’s saving love, we rejoice in the diversity of our family of faith and we delight in the inclusive message of the Gospel. We honor Scripture as authoritative and divinely inspired, even as we recognize that we may have differences in faithful interpretation. Recognizing that our love is our response to God’s love and our grace a reflection of God’s grace, we welcome all.

STORY OF THE WEEK

Church Celebrates Easter in Sanctuary After 8 Years of Repairs

Hundreds of people attended Easter service at the Old First Reformed Church on Sunday. It was their first time being back after the sanctuary closed in 2011 for massive repairs. “This morning, we remember the people of Sri Lanka; the worshippers, holiday-goers, people going about their daily lives,” congregant Ann Herpel said at the service, her voice choking. “Heal and sustain those who work for peace. Give our leaders the courage to do what is right. Lead us from fear to

Lenten Message: “Already/Not Yet”

I have been thinking lately about the phrase, “already/not yet.” It’s a phrase I learned my very first week of seminary in my New Testament class. The professor, Dr. Jim Brownson [1], was one of the most influential people on my journey to ordination. He taught our class about the nature of God’s kingdom or reign as already/not yet; it has already come to earth with the person of Jesus Christ and it has not yet come in its fullness --