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The discipleship page is divided into these subtitles: Caring for Creation/Simple Living, Consistories, Preaching Elders, and Social Witness/Justice.
The Regional Synod of Albany is committed to growing and nurturing disciples in Christ. Whether the venue is summer camp at Fowler, a monthly gathering of educators and youth leader, a leadership event on the focus of discipleship or a caring for creation retreat, the goal is to equip and resource individuals and church leaders on ways to explore becoming more Christ-like in all we think, say and do.
Discipleship-Caring For Creation/Simple Living
As disciples in Christ we hear scripture’s mandate to be good stewards and caretakers of God’s good earth. In response to God’s care and love for us, we strive to make this focus a priority in our lives, and to live a lifesyle in keeping with that mandate and call.
A Great Idea-Unclutter, it’s liberating and good for the soul.
Start the year off by getting rid of “stuff” in your home you don’t need or want. Here are a few tips.
1. For each new item received at Christmas, discard a like item you already have or another item you don’t need.
2. When staring to “unclutter” start with one room and ask yourself these questions:
Does this item serve a clear purpose in my life?
Do I have something else that does the same thing?
Have I used it in the last year?
If it’s broken will I really fix it?
Does it make me happy to look at or to use it?
Could someone else use it?
When sorting through clothes, get rid of the item if you say:
“ I would use this if…” or “I use to use this but…..”
Or if you:
Haven’t worn the item in the last 18 months
Have never worn it at all
3. Have two boxes on hand as you unclutter. Mark them, “Throw Out” or “Save “(for a garage sale, to give to Goodwill, Salvation Army or some other charity organization, to sell online or to recycle.
Good luck.
The Reformed Church in America has a great Caring for Creation page has a host of helpful ideas and information. Click here to find out more.
Discipleship-Consistories
Deacons, elders and ministers form the governing body in local RCA congregations. They serve to guide and encourage us to grow and become more Christ like in all we say and do with each other and in the world outside our own walls.
Check out the Consistory Corner under Resources on the RCA website. It’s a great resource for general consistory information and for specifics on the roles of consistory members.
Discipleship-Preaching Elders
A preaching elder is an ordained elder in the Reformed Church in America with skills and gifts for preaching who has been approved and commissioned by the classis to preach in a particular congregation.
There are a number of preaching elders listed on our pulpit supply listing under Resources on our web.
Discipleship-Social Witness/Justice
CHURCH WORLD SERVICE SPRING KIT DRIVE
Want to keep busy this winter? Put your hearts and hands into action and put together Church World Service Kits. Our truck will once again swing down the east coast in May. For more information contact the Upstate NY Regional Office at 315-458-8535 or email amanning@churchworldservice.org . For detailed information about what goes into each Kit and how to pack them go to www.churchworldservice.org/kits .
Please help us run an efficient Kit Drive and follow directions on the website and in our brochure. Please deliver Kits to depots boxed with the type of kit written on the outside. Please prepare Kits as specified. Extra components or materials that don’t meet our specifications will be removed. For example, please include in a Hygiene Kit one toothbrush in its original wrapping.
Please if giving funds to help with shipping pay by check or money order.
Scripture reminds us and tells us in Micah 6:8b:
…and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with our God?
