Leaning Into Courage

by Harold Delhagen

Preface:
Two years ago, the Synod of the Northeast partnered with two very different congregations in a project we called “Undoing Racism.” The original partners were the Rendall Memorial Presbyterian Church, an historic a African American congregation in Harlem, New York, and First Presbyterian Church in Morristown, NJ, an historic, majority white congregation. Recently this initiative has included the First Presbyterian Church in Rutherford, NJ as well.

These congregations have made deep and lasting covenants to learn, worship, and fellowship together in order to undo the bonds of racism. It was my privilege to share the Word with these saints last Sunday, June 3rd. Here is the sermon and a few photos of this beautiful event…

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Harold DelhagenFirst Presbyterian Church of RutherfordAnti-Racism, Community, Education, Hospitality, Racial Justice, Sermon
An Open Letter to the Community of the Synod of the Northeast and Those We Serve

by Harold Delhagen

Dear Friends,  

As with many of you, I have become weary and sad at the constant flow of hateful speech and racist rhetoric from our president and his followers. The daily barrage of these words,  and devastating actions that follow them,  leaves me exhausted and wondering how to best use my public voice in ways that don’t simply add to the constant  flood of exchanges around them.  

This morning as I rise from morning prayer  there is a fire in my  bones that I cannot quench. It rises from the deepest part of my spirit and compels me to speak a word that makes it clear that there are regular episodes of our current president’s behavior  that  are undeniably immoral and contrary to the teachings of Jesus.

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Harold DelhagenSynod of the NortheastOpen Letter, Anti-Racism, Hospitality, New Way Forward, Welcome, Community, Racial Justice, #TippingPoint
Actualización de la Ayuda a Puerto Rico

por Leslie Latham
traducción por Crystal García

En los meses después que los vientos ensordecedores dejaron de gritar y las aguas retrocedieron sobre la isla de Puerto Rico, los presbiterianos/as han respondido al llamado de ayuda de los que fueron afectados. Un asombroso cuarenta porciento de los habitantes de la isla todavía carecen de electricidad, acceso a agua limpia y suficiente comida. 

A pesar de los bloqueos burocráticos (y aparente apatía) por parte de nuestra nación, las congregaciones y presbiterios en todo el noreste han puesto su fe en acción.

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Leslie LathamSynod of the NortheastHurricane Recovery, Puerto Rico, Resourcing, Mission & Ministries Commission, Community
Puerto Rico Aid Update

by Leslie Latham

In the months since the winds stopped howling and the waters receded over the island of Puerto Rico, Presbyterians have responded to the plight of those who have been affected, an astonishing 40% of whom still don’t have power, and an appalling number who still lack access to clean water and sufficient food. 

In spite of bureaucratic roadblocks (and seeming apathy) on the part of our nation, congregations and presbyteries throughout the Northeast have put their faith into action.

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Leslie LathamSynod of the NortheastHurricane Recovery, Puerto Rico, Resourcing, Mission & Ministries Commission, Community