December 14, 2023 TM

THURSDAY MAILING

December 14, 2023

In this edition . . . .

December Birthday Greetings Pastoral Concerns/Announcements Video Message John Molina-Moore, General Presbyter From the Desk of David Baer, Stated Clerk Tara Spuhler McCabe, Dir. Of Congregational Dev. & Mission Concerts from Kirkwood Presents The Commonwealth Brass Quintet December 16 – Kirkwood Presbyterian Church Home for the Holidays Concert December 23 –Fifteenth Street Presbyterian Church CONVOCATION 2024 with Rev. Dr. Mark Labberton Reformed Institute of Metropolitan Washington January 27 - National Presbyterian Church Dismantling Racism Training led by Service Never Sleeps February 6 & 7 – Zoom SAVE THE DATE: NCP’s Annual Continuing Ed and Gathering Retreat “Leading with Imagination: Flexing your Ordination Vows March 11-13, 2024 – Cambridge, Maryland 2023 Daily Advent Devotional Presbyterians for Earth Care Ukrainian Families Need a Sponsor The Pliscko Family The Pashchuk Family

December Birthday Greetings

Paul Anderson, HR

Ruth Everhart, HR

Christ McAuliffe

Laura Batten-Carbaugh

Henry Ferry, HR

Joyce Mercer

Glen Benson

Larry Goleman

Judith Michaels, HR

Chuck Booker

Mark Greiner

Bryan Mickle, HR

Adam Bowling

Chauncey Handy

Todd Sutton

Beth Braxton, HR

Richard Hansen

George Taylor

Ann Davie, HR

Ed Harding

Casey Thompson

David Douthett

Curtis Kearns, HR

Beth Williams

David Ensign

Michael Koppel

From the staff of National Capital Presbytery david, dina, heather, john, lajuan, tara and tempest

Pastoral Concerns: With grief and love we are sad to share the death of The Rev. Dr. Gay Byron. She returned to our God on December 6th. Our prayers are with her sons, Lloyd and P.J. We surround the Howard Divinity School community, dear friends and family with comfort and care during this very sudden and difficult time.

Gay served as pastor, Northminster Presbyterian Church (2019-2022) and in multiple ways for congregations around NCP in leadership transitions, as a preacher, moderator, and teacher. She is deeply respected by so many from her ministry. The Rev. Bernice Parker-Jones has shared, “While we grieve, we do not grieve like those who have no hope. We wanted a different kind of miracle, yet we can rejoice in the God of our hope and for the blessing of having known Gay”. Gay is a beam of light that our Presbytery will continue to learn much from in her ministry and teachings. The service for Dr. Byron will be live streamed, December 14, at 11 am. Use this link to join.

Announcements: The offices of National Capital Presbytery will be closed December 22 – January 2.

We are always mindful of the effect operating budget spending has on per capita. Each year, we utilize the Office Fund to subsidize per capita. Many people think the office fund just covers rent for National Capital Presbytery offices; however, it is used to pay for a variety of expenses related to our operating expenses. Without that fund, per capita rates would significantly higher.

Last year, facing a large per capita increase for 2023, we elected to stretch the money in the Office Fund a bit further. When COM released their COLA recommendation of, we encouraged churches to be creative. For National Capital Presbytery, that creativity took the form of giving staff a 3% COLA (instead of the recommended 6%) and closing the NCP offices for 2 weeks during the year, allowing staff to have that time as paid leave. The first week took place and in July and the second week is occurs the week between Christmas and New Year’s.

National Capital Presbytery

and Vienna Presbyterian Church, Vienna, Va, invite you to the installation service of Rev. Connie Jordan-Haas on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at 3:00 p.m., at Vienna Presbyterian Church.

Livestream link: https://livestream.com/accounts/10280716/events/3471138 Confirmation Retreat February 23-25 https://www.camphanover.org/confirmation-retreat/ Bring your confirmation class to Camp Hanover for a time of fellowship, fun, and faith at our Confirmation Retreat. Retreat leader Pastor Adam Bowling will guide participants in exploring the theme Imagine, based on Romans 12:9-21, during this exciting event.

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all…

- Titus 2:11

Dear Friends, This is my first Christmas in a new home, and in a new ministry serving alongside all of you. As we come to the close of this calendar year, I give thanks for the welcome and encouragement you’ve given me. More than this, I give thanks for the opportunity to witness the good God is working among us in National Capital Presbytery—the recognition of Emmanuel Indonesian Presbyterian Church as a PCUSA congregation, commissioning ruling elders to pastoral service, celebrating ministry together in the presbytery-wide installation service, our gatherings for learning and fellowship, and so much more.

God is the source of all good gifts, and at Christmas we celebrate God’s greatest gift in the birth of Jesus Christ into a poor family, making do with whatever shelter they could find. God’s gift to you this Christmas, and always, is God’s own self, wrapped in flesh, resting in that manger in Bethlehem so many years ago. Whatever burdens may weigh on you, know that God’s grace has appeared in this little baby. Whatever path you may be on, know that this child came to invite you to follow him to rich, abundant life. And whatever you hope or fear for your future, know that the birth of this child is the start of something so much more wonderful than human imagination can dare to dream.

May your Christmas be filled with blessings. May you know the presence and nearness of God in Christ. And may the new year see God’s grace shining brightly over us all.

Tidings of Comfort and Joy, Rev. David Baer, Stated Clerk

Gree�ngs People, As I look in the recent past of 2023 for Unified Mission, I recognize what is to come!

-Global Mission Network hos�ng the President, Dr. Ivan Rusyn from Ukraine Evangelical Theological Seminary (UETS) in Kyiv, for a partnership building brunch at the home of Rev. Beth and Bob Braxton. From this one moment, a depth of connec�ons was made in understanding shared ministry needs of chaplaincy and connec�ng to individual congrega�ons with shared interests. Global Mission Network now has a new shared rela�onship with the Ukraine Evangelical Theological Seminary! What is to come: Direct conversa�ons across theological trainings on trauma and chaplaincy. How can we be partners in this? This par�cular area of educa�on has been absent un�l now for the students at UETS. -Change Management with Dialogue for Peaceful Change started out with just two prac�oners back in March 2022. Now, within Na�onal Capital Presbytery there are 20 leaders in our Presbytery who are part of a Community of Prac�ce along with others in Presbytery of Bal�more and New Castle Presbytery. We meet once a month for an hour and share case studies while prac�cing our skills! What is to come: Another six from Na�onal Capital Pres, along with leaders from Bal�more and New Castle, that will total 21 will dive into training January 29-February 2, 2024. AND, we will have two Accredited Trainers now in the area so that we can provide more flexible training sessions with hopefully shorter sessions. AND we will be sharing a prac�ce in engaging with property conversa�ons through a module on change management from this training. We con�nue to hear from colleagues who are sensing they lead today with less anxiety and even with energy!

-National Capital Presbytery and Black Presbyterians United began another shared year of collabora�ve Confirma�on. This group of seven different churches in our Presbytery meet once a month in person to go through the Big God Big Ques�ons curriculum. Building community among smaller youth group sizes throughout our Presbytery is a privilege to share. What is to come: Well of course some new members in our churches and congrega�ons. Also, a chance to atend the Confirma�on Retreat at Massaneta Springs Camp and Conference Center in February. And the renewed or newly formed NCP Youth Connec�on Team!

-Congregational Vitality con�nues to be a fluid conversa�on as we u�lize our tools of CAT and MissionInsite. From the coaching through the volunteer leaders on our commitees and NCP staff, we are building congrega�onal confidence. What is to come: Adap�ve prac�ces of pastoral transi�ons, missional engagements that have deeper impact with surrounding communi�es, and dreams can turn into visions for sanctuaries and buildings.

These are the s�ll and small steps that are the kingdom builders of our Presbytery. From a shared meal amid war overseas in the Ukraine. Accep�ng a simple invita�on in a response to exhaus�on over conflict management with Bal�more Presbytery. Being honest and asking about needs in youth ministry for our congrega�ons. Responding to growing need in adap�ve leadership with each and everyone of our congrega�ons. These small moments build us all up into 2024. Look what is to come with you!!!!

Peace and Courage, Rev. Tara Spuhler McCabe

CONCERTS FROM KIRKWOOD PRESENTS

THE COMMONWEALTH BRASS QUINTET Chuck Seipp (Trumpet), Gil Hoffer (Trumpet), Rick Lee (French Horn), Greg Hammond, (Trombone), and Jon Voth (Tuba) performing a program of Christmas music

DECEMBER

16

3 PM

KIRKWOOD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH @REALLYGREATSITE 8336 CARRLEIGH PARKWAY SPRINGFIELD, VA 22152 WWW.KIRKWOODPRES.COM

FREE ADMISSION, DONATIONS APPRECIATED

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CONVOCATION 2024

January 27, 2024 8:30-11:30 am with

Rev. Dr. Mark Labberton Hosted at: Na�onal Presbyterian Church 4101 Nebraska Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016

You are invited to the 2024 Convocation with Mark Labberton, Professor of Preaching Emeritus and former President of Fuller Theological Seminary. The topic will be:

“The Character of God, The Mission of God, and The Work of the People of God”: Linking Worship, Justice and Mission Mark Labberton is the Clifford L. Penner Presidential Chair Emeritus and Professor Emeritus of Preaching at Fuller Seminary. He is ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA), served three decades in pastoral ministry. He has a strong history in missions, as he co-founded the Christian International Scholarship (now ScholarLeaders International). He also serves on the board of International Justice Mission and is Senior Fellow of The Trinity Forum.

TO RSVP FOR THIS REFORMED INSTITUTE EVENT: (CLICK ON LINK BELOW or HIGHLIGHT AND RIGHT-CLICK TO ‘OPEN HYPERLINK’)

htps://reformedins�tute.org/event/2024-convoca�on-with-dr-mark-labberton/

THE DISMANTLING RACISM TEAM OF NCP INVITE YOU TO

ALLY TRAIN INC 2024

.... NITY RECONC LIATIO"I JUSTICE

Dismantling Racism

TRAINING OPPORTUNITY (Training consists of TWO sessions.

Your registration confirms you will attend both)

Tuesday, Feb. 6 & Wednesday, Feb. 7 (5:30 pm to 9:00 pm) via Zoom Open to CLERGY and members of NCP congregations, communities and friends

Register HERE

Ukrainian Family Needs a Sponsor to Apply for Two-year US Refugee Visa – An Opportunity for Hands-On Ministry This Ukrainian family needs a US sponsor to be able to receive temporary refugee status and work in the United States under the United for Ukraine program (UforU). If you’re a US citizen and consider helping a hard-working couple from Ukraine, please consider this request.

Pliscko Family Mykola and Olena Pliscko and three children are from the Odesa region, which was massively bombed for the past 5 months.

The Plisckos are active members of a local Baptist church in Odesa.

Wherever they can find sponsorship and legally come to the US, they would go to Philadelphia/East Greenville, PA area where their best friends live and work (that family also came to the US with the UforU program over a year ago).

The Ukrainian family in the Philadelphia area would help the Plisckos find work and housing, and there is a Ukrainian church in the area as well.

The Plisckos have basic English abilities. Mykola is a professional construction contractor, and Olena is a music teacher.

Mykola has a driver’s license and could start making money with Uber or take construction jobs. They also have savings to purchase a car in the US. The couple is very committed to their country, but recent circumstances have forced them to seek safety abroad. The family is ready to cover their flight tickets costs. Also, Mykola can legally leave Ukraine.

The expectation from potential sponsors would be to file a I-134a form on USCIS website and if possible, to provide accommodation, and occasional help with food and transportation for the first 2-2 1/2 months while the family gets all the paperwork to be temporary residents: work permits, social security numbers, health insurance, and US driver’s licenses.

The community in East Greenville will be able to help with the transition tasks. In terms of housing, some sponsors have been willing to host a family in their own home for these few months while they help the sponsored family finding place to rent. Other sponsors have assisted from the beginning to help the family rent an apartment, so there are alternative ways to address the housing need.

To rent a place, a sponsor may be asked to co-sign the lease, as landlords often require income and credit history statements. Sometimes although one sponsor completes the UforU form and is designated the official sponsor, friends or fellow church members will gather as a team to help a refugee family. Normally the UforU program tries to help with interpreters, but this ability to help varies with the region of the country where the sponsor lives. The friends of the Plisckos in East Greenville indicate there are numerous people in the local Ukrainian community who can help with interpreting and help the potential sponsor with completing the I-134a form.

NOTE: Supporters in the US have offered to contribute to the transition expense the family will incur and to organize and administer a site such as “GoFundMe.” The supporters will assist the sponsor with completing the I-134a form and navigating through the process. They will also determine with the potential sponsor the degree of assistance needed for the family. The main requirement for the family to qualify for the two-year temporary refugee status and benefits is to find a US sponsor.

United for Ukraine The United for Ukraine program, announced by President Biden for Ukrainians over a year ago, and implemented

by US Department of Homeland Security provides a pathway for displaced Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members who are outside the United States to come to the United States and stay temporarily for up to two years. This program quickly grants Ukrainians a legal status, work permits, health insurance, and some benefits like food stamps. The process is straightforward, there are about 13 pages in the application, but the application only takes …. The turnaround time for the application review is not long. The potential sponsor must qualify, then the family receives visas and permission to travel to the US within a period of time after approval. The official website of the program is: https://www.dhs.gov/ukraine .

To volunteer as a sponsor for a family or ask questions, please contact Nadiia Khomaziuk from the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council at ‘nkhomaziuk@usubc.org’.

Ukrainian Family Needs a Sponsor to Apply for Two-year US Refugee Visa – An Opportunity for Hands-On Ministry This Ukrainian family needs a US sponsor to be able to receive temporary refugee status and work in the United States under the United for Ukraine program (UforU). If you’re a US citizen and are willing to consider helping a hard-working couple from Ukraine escape from war, please consider this request.

Pashchuk Family Serhiy and Anna (“Ania”) Pashchuk with two daughters, who usually reside in Kyiv, are staying with parents in nearby Zdolbuniv (Western part of Ukraine which is safer than Kyiv). The parents commute to Kyiv to work or work remotely when possible.

In spring, Ania Pashchuk was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had a successful surgery and recently received a very optimistic postsurgery test results and prognosis that allowed her to return to work part time. Her diagnosis played a key role in the family’s decision to consider applying for UforU on account of the good health insurance the program provides. She also wants to let their kids have normal school experience, without spending time in the bomb shelters or learning remotely as was the case for most of last winter.

The Pashchuks attend an Orthodox church in their hometown. Should they find a sponsor in the Washington, DC area, the family has close friends who would be willing to assist with paperwork and other logistics if needed.

The Pashchuks have intermediate English abilities. They have visited US several years ago as tourists.

Serhiy is an entrepreneur, he has experience in retail, works with Amazon, has a driver’s license and could start making money with Uber or take construction jobs. Ania works in online marketing.

The couple is very committed to their country, but recent circumstances have forced them to seek safety abroad. The family is ready to cover their flight tickets costs. Serhiy can legally leave Ukraine.

The expectation from potential sponsors would be to file a I-134a form on USCIS website and if possible, to provide accommodation, and occasional help with food and transportation for the first 2-2 1/2 months while the family gets all the paperwork to be temporary residents: work permits, social security numbers, health insurance, and US driver’s licenses.

In terms of housing, some sponsors have been willing to host a family in their own home for these few months while they help the sponsored family finding place to rent. Other sponsors have assisted from the beginning to help the family rent an apartment, so there are alternative ways to address the housing need.

To rent a place, a sponsor may be asked to co-sign the lease, as landlords often require income and credit history statements. Sometimes although one sponsor completes the UforU I-134a form and is designated the

official sponsor, friends or fellow church members will gather as a team to help a refugee family with other needs.

NOTE: Supporters in the US have offered to contribute to the transition expense the family will incur and to organize and administer a site such as “GoFundMe.” The supporters will assist the sponsor with completing the I-134a form and navigating through the process. They will also determine with the potential sponsor the degree of assistance needed for the family. The main requirement for the family to qualify for the two-year temporary refugee status and benefits is to find a US sponsor.

United for Ukraine The United for Ukraine program, announced by President Biden for Ukrainians over a year ago, and implemented

by US Department of Homeland Security provides a pathway for displaced Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members who are outside the United States to come to the United States and stay temporarily for up to two years. This program quickly grants Ukrainians a legal status, work permits, health insurance, and some benefits like food stamps. The process is straightforward, there are about 13 pages in the application, but the application only takes …., and a volunteer has offered to help with the application. The turnaround time for the application review is not long. The potential sponsor must qualify, then the family receives visas and permission to travel to the US within a period of time after approval. The official website of the program is: https://www.dhs.gov/ukraine .

To volunteer as a sponsor for a family or ask questions, please contact Nadiia Khomaziuk from the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council at ‘nkhomaziuk@usubc.org’.