The Pastoral Care Office at Ellis Hospital is seeking a volunteer to assist with administrative duties: answer phones, notify pastors a parishioner is in the hospital, greet visitors to the office, deliver religious materials to the chapel and other areas of the hospital, and help keep the office clean and organized. To inquire please contact the Rev. Tony Green by E-mail or telephone at 518-243-4064.
News and Opportunities from the New York State Alliance for Arts Education
Public Review of the Draft High School Core Arts Standards
Please join the public review of drafts of the High School national core arts standards for Dance, Media Arts, Music, Theatre and Visual Arts beginning September 30 and ending October 21, 2013. Draft high school music standards for secondary ensembles will be included in the September 30th release; standards for additional music course sequences (guitar/keyboard and composition/theory) will be released later. Watch for details and information on their wikispace or Facebook page.
October 1 Deadline: Art Education Grants
The National Art Education Foundation (NAEF) annually invites applications for the Ruth Halvorsen Professional Development Grants, Mary McMullan Grants, NAEF Research Grants, SHIP Grants, and Teacher Incentive Grants. Grants range from $500 to $10,000 depending on the grant category. The Foundation was established as an independent, sister organization to the National Art Education Association (NAEA) to provide support for a variety of art education programs. Foundation grants are made only to NAEA members, including student and retired members, state/province associations, and recognized affiliates. Full info can be found here.
October 11 Deadline: NYSCA’s Musical Instrument Revolving Loan Fund
The loan program is competitive and allows access to eligible non-profit symphonies, ensembles and music organizations to apply for a low interest loan to support the purchase of musical instruments and certain equipment related to presentation and teaching of music. The purpose of the funds is “to stimulate the professional growth of musicians and symphony orchestras which provide a vital educational and cultural service to the citizens of the state. To review the MIRLF guidelines and application visit the dedicated web page.
November 1 Deadline: Award to School Board Providing “Outstanding Support”
Online nominations are now being accepted for the Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education Network and National School Boards Association Award (KCAAEN and NSBA Award). This award recognizes a local school board for outstanding support of the arts in education. The winning board receives a plaque presented at the NSBA Annual Conference, along with a cash award of $10,000 to use for their arts education programs. Full details and nomination materials can be found online.
November 14 Deadline: Grants for Dutchess, Orange & Ulster Counties
Projects can be in any artistic discipline and may include (but are not limited to) workshops, exhibitions/studio tours, performances, community music festivals, multi-discipline collaborations and public programming whose central focus is the arts. The maximum funding request for an organization is $5,000. Arts Education Grants support residencies by artists and/or cultural organizations in a public school, and focus on sequential, skill-based knowledge. These awards are administered by the Dutchess County Arts Council. Please see their website for the complete 2014 application, guidelines and list of informational seminars.
December 15 Deadline: Inspirational Teacher Award Nominations
The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is seeking nominations for the 2014 Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Awards, a series of annual grants that recognize inspiring teachers in the United States.The awards were created in honor of American composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim, who frequently attributes his success to the teachers in his life. The awards are presented each year on Sondheim’s birthday, March 22, to a handful of teachers, kindergarten through college, who are nominated via the Kennedy Center Web site.
Opportunities for Professionals
CRAVE Creators Conclave & Festival weekend, September 20-21, 2013, Syracuse, NY
Join artists in all disciplines, arts administrators, educators and students, presenters, curators, economic development stakeholders and the public for this statewide gathering. CRAVE is a unique creative gathering to inspire, explore and reward new ideas for audience engagement and empowerment. Sample Syracuse’s Connective Corridor cultural district, learn from national leaders, share best practices from your community, and see global artists like DJ Spooky. For more info and to register, please click here.
NYSTEA Educators Conference, October 4-6, 2013, Queens, NY
Register here for the annual NYSTEA Educators Conference “Making Connections: From School to School.” Enjoy 5 different workshops, welcome reception at the Roundabout Theatre Company with guest speaker writer/composter Joe DiPietro, awards luncheon, vendors and networking with like-minded professionals from across the state.
Municipal Art Society 2013 Summit, October 17-18, 2013, New York, NY
Taking Place at Jazz at Lincoln Center, the fourth annual MAS Summit for New York City will explore the themes of Innovation and Leadership. Participants will discuss the challenges that face New York, and topics will explore new and innovative ways to continue the city’s role as a global urban leader, while also covering issues of resilience and the city’s livability. Please see their website for more information.
National Guild’s annual Conference for Community Arts Education, October 30 – November 2, 2013, Chicago, IL
This gathering will bring together more than 500 arts education leaders from 350+ organizations nationwide. Join this dynamic learning community of staff, faculty, trustees, and teaching artists to forge the future of arts education in America. The conference will feature nationally renowned speakers and dozens of professional development and networking opportunities designed to help you increase participation and impact, raise more money, sustain and grow key programs, and advocate for equitable access to arts education. Register online.
National Artist Teacher Fellowship Program
The Center for Arts in Education invites arts teachers from public arts high schools to apply for funding for artistic development through its National Artist Teacher Fellowship Program (NATF). The NATF program provides grants of $5,500 to enable selected arts teachers from all disciplines to rejuvenate their own art-making. A complementary grant of $1,500 is awarded to each Fellow’s school to support post-fellowship activities in the classroom. Applications will be available online by September 27.
Opportunities for Students
October 2 Deadline: Student Entries for Rochester Student Showcase
The Arts & Cultural Council for Greater Rochester announces the Student Showcase 2013 call for entries, an opportunity for its student members to submit their original work to a juried exhibition at The Gallery at the Arts & Cultural Council. Students from all visual art disciplines are encouraged to submit their work for consideration. Exhibition dates will be November 1–26. Use this on-line entry form.
October 18 Deadline: Young Arts Award
YoungArts provides emerging artists (ages 15-18 or grades 10-12) with life-changing experiences with renowned mentors, access to significant scholarships, national recognition, and other opportunities throughout their careers to help ensure that the nation’s most outstanding young artists are encouraged to pursue careers in the arts. Support is offered in ten artistic disciplines: cinematic arts, dance, design, jazz, music, photography, theater, visual arts, voice and writing. Students should apply here.
By applying to the YoungArts program, winners are eligible for:
- Up to $10,000 monetary award (total awarded each year is over $500,000)
- Exclusive eligibility for recognition as a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts
- Master classes with world-renowned artists
- Access to scholarships, career opportunities and professional contacts
Job Opportunities
Access the newest and freshest jobs available to professionals seeking employment through NYSAAE’s JOBlink.
Bible Study for Back to Church Week
- 9/15 : 2 Corinthians 3:18 – Take a moment to thank Him for what He has done for you and ask Him to give you grace for that “big area†in which you need transformation. After all, He’s in the transformation business.
- 9/16 – 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 – Dear Jesus, I know that you designed me and love me. Sometimes I care too much about what others think of me. I know that you want to be re- flected in me, and I want to be more like you, too.
- 9/17 – Psalm 25:14 – Dear Lord, thank you for loving me. I want to pursue you with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength. I determine today to give you my time, my talents, and my treasure—my worship. I love you, Jesus.
- 9/18 – Ephesians 1:5 – Ask God to help you forgive those in your family or church who have caused you pain. Determine to do the same for those you might have hurt along the way.
- 9/19 – Matthew 28 – Dear Jesus, I know that I was created on purpose to reflect your heart to my world, and you have placed me where I am for a reason. Show me how I can best accomplish your plan for my life. Guide me today and give me the grace and courage to live your mission.
- 9/20 – Matthew 5 – Thank you, Lord, for your mercy and love that is reflected in Matthew 5. I commit to learning more about how to love people as you did. Show me how I can engage our culture with Jesus-like love.
- 9/21 – Isaiah 44:2 – Lord, I know recognize Your promise and trust in Your help. Lead me each day and help me to discover You more and more in the community of the Church.
Pray the week: Lord Jesus, thank You for drawing me into Your Church. Grant me Your continued grace so I may profess my faith in You.
Reflection for Back to Church Sunday
Welcome to
Church
Indeed, the grace of our Lord has been abundant, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Of these I am the foremost. But for that reason I was mercifully treated, so that in me, as the foremost, Christ Jesus might display all his patience as an example for those who would come to believe in him for everlasting life.
Welcome! We are happy that you joined us on Back to Church Sunday! Whether you attend church on a regular basis or accepted an invitation from a family member or friend today, we hope that you will feel comfortable and enjoy spending this day with us.
Many of us have perceptions about church that make us wonder, “Is this the place for me? Will I fit in? Why does church make a difference? Who is Jesus?†You may want to learn more about who God is and what He has to say about your life. Others of you may have been involved in a church at one time, but for a variety of reasons stopped attending; now you feel it’s time to reconnect with God and others like you. And still others of you may already be involved in church and want to grow deeper in your relationship with God and as part of this community.
Wherever you are in your spiritual journey and whatever your connection to your local church, we would like you to know we care about you and the things that concern you. Our hope is to come alongside you and share what God says in Scripture—most importantly that He loves and cares for you deeply.
St. Paul gives us a telling example of the greatness and generosity of God’s love. Paul was a sinner struggling to do right – as he perceived it. On the road to Damascus he encountered the overwhelming light of Jesus’ love. He was commissioned to do right as God sees right.
In recalling all that, he hopes that we will see how much we are offered. Church helps to bring us into relationship with Jesus. We experience His patience, kindness, and forgiveness. We find God’s way of living life – a life without end. We find community in which we encourage each other and do good for the wider community – not just because, but because we have a hope that goes beyond the here and now. We live a compelling over-arching story. It is God’s story and we fit into it; it supports our lives.
We pray that you will be encouraged after you hear today’s message and walk away inspired to become part of Church, part of an amazing relationship with God, His Son Jesus, and a beautiful community that lives His life.
Evening Prayer on the 12th Anniversary of 9/11
Please join us tomorrow, September 11th at 7:30pm, for evening prayer as we remember together on the 12th Anniversary of the tragedy of 9/11/2001.
Almighty God, by Whom our fathers won their liberties of old; grant that we and all people of this land may be strong to maintain our freedom against the assaults of those who by aggression seek to enslave us to their will. Guide, we beseech Thee, our President and all to whom has been committed the government of this nation, giving them special gifts of wisdom and understanding, that in defense of our liberties they may be instruments of lasting peace for all mankind. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. — A Prayer for the Nation from A Book of Devotions and Prayers According to the Use of the Polish National Catholic Church.
The Polish National Union and Our Church – A Partnership in Service and Love
On the fourth Sunday of September our Church offers prayers for our sister organization, the organized the PNU in 1908 when members of our Church were denied insurance coverage because they were in the PNCC. Over the years the PNU has contributed millions of dollars for our PNCC and her many programs and endeavors. Did you know that our General Synod passed the following resolution: “It shall be the moral obligation of the clergy and the laity of the PNCC to belong to the Polish National Union of America†(PNCC Constitution, page 65)?
Today the PNU needs the support of all PNCC members to continue the excellent fraternal benefits they have been providing for more than a century. For additional information on the life insurance and annuity products offered by the PNU please call them at (800) 724-6352 or visit their website.
Bible Study for the Week of Brotherly Love
- 9/8 – Genesis 14:18 – Lord Jesus, thank You for the gift of our bishops and priests who perform their liturgy; following Your command, bringing me into unity with You in Your body and blood.
- 9/9 – Hebrews 7:15-17 – Lord Jesus, Your are our eternal high priest. Thank You for the Holy Eucharist and the communion I have with You and all my brothers and sisters in faith.
- 9/10 – John 6:35 – Lord Jesus, thank You for the gift of faith. Eliminate all hunger in me. Help me to clearly perceive and live in the fulness of life You provide.
- 9/11 – John 6:51 – Lord, You freely offered Yourself as sacrifice for my salvation. Help me to approach Your altar and receive Your gifts of flesh and blood worthily unto eternal life.
- 9/12 – John 6:53-54 – Lord Jesus, grant that I may be filled with Your life and bring me to Your promised resurrection.
- 9/13 – 1 Corinthians 11:1-2 – Lord, I thank You for Your gift of the Holy Church, the Apostolic faith, and the Traditions handed down to me.
- 9/14 – 1 Corinthians 12:13 – Lord, in Your body and blood I am joined to Your faithful everywhere and throughout all time. Grant that I may join them in praising You eternally.
Pray the week: Lord Jesus, I praise and thank You for the gift of Your body and blood. Grant that I may partake worthily.
Reflection for the Solemnity of Brotherly Love
Where does it all
start?
We love, because he first loved us. If any one says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him, that he who loves God should love his brother also.
Today we celebrate two very wonderful and amazing occasions.
The first is Christina and Nick’s reception of communion. The second is our Church’s Solemnity of Brotherly Love.
These two events could not be more perfectly aligned.
Our love for each other in Jesus’ community – the Holy Church – begins in the perfect unity we find in the Holy Eucharist. Christina and Nick are now part of that communion. Together with us, Christina and Nick are intimately joined with Jesus. We are all made one in His body. Along with us, Christina and Nick will play roles that strengthen the community of faith through mutual love. As St. Peter tells us: As each has received a gift, employ it for one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.
God’s grace is received in a most unique and special way in our communion. His body is more than mere food. In receiving Jesus’ body and blood we are pulled into union with Him at each and every moment of His life. We are there at the last supper, receiving His body and blood. We stand at the foot of His cross. We are at the empty tomb. We see Him ascend into heaven – and we are at His second coming. We have total and complete unity with Jesus AND with each other.
Our roles are not to be thought of as something for our own glorification or advancement, but rather for the glorification and advancement of all the people Jesus has called to be His own.
If we are one in His body and blood, if we share in His grace, if we have Jesus with us, then we must exhibit the fruit of this unity. That fruit is brotherly love.
We cannot participate in communion thinking that it is just Jesus and me. We cannot receive thinking that we are just remembering in the sense of recollection.
When we receive Jesus we must do so with the realization that we our bound to God and each other. We have unity with every Christian who receives Jesus anywhere or at any time. We are not alone. We are not just remembering, but are living in the reality of Christ throughout all of eternity.
God loved us first. Living in union with Him, in communion, means we must love each other. His love is the start and our love for each other is full participation in His life.
First Communion 2013
God bless Christina and Nicholas and congratulations to their families on this blessed occasion. Remember to “do this to be with Me always.”
September 2013 Newsletter
School is starting, were celebrating Brotherly love, inviting all to discover Church on Back to Church Sunday, and contemplating Balaam’s ass in our new newsletter. Check it out, stay informed and see our action packed schedule. You may view and download a copy right here — September 2013 Newsletter.
