Hello Friends, The Mission Yearbook features Newark Presbytery's ministry today. I have recieved many emails and calls of encouraging affirmations from colleagues, pastors, and elders from across the Presbyterian Church today giving thanks to God for Newark Presbytery. I am delighted to be a part of the energy evidenced by your spiritual gifts and the presence of God's Spirit as we take the Good News outside to our communities and world. Others notice this energy, too. Our mission matters and I thank you for the important part you play in embracing the opportunities ahead. Below I have copied the text from the Mission Yearbook. I know you will celebrate our common ministry and God's work in our midst. Pass it on.
Sincerely,
Kevin

Dr. Kevin Yoho
General Presbyter

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The Presbytery of Newark

New Jersey

The Presbytery of Newark is growing the church deep and wide in its life and witness, according to Robert N. Burkins, who says, "God is transforming the church, offering us an opportunity to participate in those places where God is at work.'' God sent our congregations to not just make a difference in the world, but to make the world different.

Korean United and the women's fellowship of the Bloomfield Church on the Green packaged hygiene kits for Haiti's recent victims. "It was as if they couldn't wait,'' said Dr. Kevin Yoho, general presbyter. "We wrapped up an energizing presbytery meeting celebrated the formation of a new ministry center and a new congregation, and two dozen people hurried off as servants of all nations to put hope in action.''

We are "reclaiming our relevance and finding new and creative ways to minister to this present age,'' said Rev. Burkins. Growing in discipleship stretches elders to be more effective leaders. "Without reliable data we are subject to tyranny and guesses about ministry,'' Dr. Yoho observed in launching an effort to help every session access resources.

The Mission Council hopes to increase the presbytery's missional intelligence by collecting individual and group stories and a presbytery-wide, Web-based survey. What is learned will be shared with presbyteries participating in similar Listening Projects funded by the synod's New Jersey Presbytery Partnership Group.

The Presbytery's 39 multicultural and multiethnic congregations along with its 7,275 members are delivering the good news to the 800,000 residents living within its 150-square-mile bounds.

Let us join in prayer for:

Presbytery Staff
The Rev. Dr. Kevin Yoho, general presbyter
Elder Warren McNeill, stated clerk
Nailesh Bhavsar, accountant
Deirdre Malloy, office manager

PC(USA) Agencies' Staff
Sherri Pettway, GAMC
Mary Elizabeth Pfeil, BOP
Prayer

Dear God, thank you for loving the world and sending your church to grow in service, discipleship, and effectiveness. We are grateful for examples of those who are listening to your Spirit's voice. Guide and surprise all those involved in innovative ministry. In the blessed name of Jesus. Amen.

Daily Lectionary

Morning Psalms 97; 147:12-20
First Reading 1 Kings 18:1-19
Second Reading Philippians 2:12-30
Gospel Matthew 2:13-23
Evening Psalms 16; 62