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

“Displaced people are not a burden, they are a blessing.”

These words are uttered frequently and passionately by JJ TenClay, who serves as the Refugee Ministries Coordinator for RCA Global Mission. As the Refugee Ministries Coordinator, JJ comes alongside congregations, organizations, and communities as they seek to respond to the multifaceted crisis of forced migration. Over 71 million people are forcibly displaced worldwide, and that number will continue to grow, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These individuals and families face complex trauma and are seeking welcome and a place to resettle

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 --