Workshops, Panels, and Plenaries
Friday, Oct. 22nd
Conscience Point Documentary Q & A
Exploring the roots of American inequity, greed, and pollution, CONSCIENCE POINT contrasts the values of those for whom beautiful places are a commodity - who regard land as raw material to be developed for profit and pleasure - and those locals for whom land means community, belonging, heritage and home. CONSCIENCE POINT metaphorically and thematically goes beyond the Hamptons to tell a story of fighting the elite 1% at a time when so many across America are also struggling to remain in gentrifying parts of cities under development for luxury homes and lifestyles.
Long-time Shinnecock activist Becky Hill-Genia, the film's heroine, cut her activist teeth during the American Indian Movement. Becky's story brings to light evidence of a great imbalance of power in the Hamptons that consistently points to land-use decisions favoring the wealthiest residents in the Hamptons, often at the expense of the environment and desecrating ancient burial sites. Her struggle reveals a community under immense stress.
Watch the film here From October 15th thru October 22nd, use the code CONSP31 to access the film. Then join us for a conversation with filmmaker Treva Wurmfeld and Shinnecock Activist Becky Hill-Genia and Tela Troge.
Panelists: Treva Wurmfeld, Director Conscience Point
Rebecca Genia, Shinnecock Activist
Tela Troge, Attorney, and Activist Shinnecock Nation
Nuevas Fronteras: Lessons from the Pandemic
In this session, the Rev. Dr. Victor Aloyo, Jr., will share information regarding the resilient efforts of a multilingual community of faith that faithfully sought to be committed to an expanding vision of service in uncertain times.
Nuevas Fronteras: Lecciones de la Pandemia
En esta sesión, el Rev.Dr. Victor Aloyo, Jr., compartirá información sobre los esfuerzos resilientes de una comunidad de fe multilingüe que buscó fielmente comprometerse con una visión en expansión de servicio en situaciones inciertas.
New Program for Teens and Young Adults at Johnsonburg Camp and Retreat Center
How did Johnsonburg adapt to the landscape of the pandemic with programs for youth and young adults? Join Elise Bates Russell, executive director, as she shares the who, what, how and most importantly the why of the Gap Year program and new Social Justice Cohort happening at Johnsonburg Camp and Retreat Center over the past year! It will be both informative and interactive – come listen to the excitement of today’s church that is happening in the beautiful, sacred 300 acres in northwest New Jersey.
Workshop Leader: Eld. Elise Bates Russell, Executive Director Johnsonburg Camp, and Retreat Center
River of Resilience and Be Like Water : Antiracism and Hybrid Ministry
The past two years have ripped off the band-aid to reveal the trauma of racism in our country and in our churches. For many in African-American and Asian-American communities living with racism is an everyday occurrence. Join Rev. Erin Hayes-Cook and John Fong to learn more about how they are working to develop spiritual resilience, advocacy, and awareness in the Synod of the Northeast. We will share more about the effects of racial trauma, and the amazing discoveries while continuing to develop River of Resilience and Be Like Water. Come hear how to be creative in connecting communities in this new hybrid ministry world.
Saturday, Oct. 23rd
Embracing Yes/And: Improv Techniques for improved communication
Understanding the fundamentals of improvisation can help improve communication. The foundation of improv is the concept of YES, AND, which encourages the collaborative design thinking processes that lead to innovation. So often, in our churches, sessions, and daily life we hear conversations that include YES, BUT, or simply NO, which blocks the best of ideas from ever fully developing. Improvisation requires participants to think on their feet, be in the moment, and use enhanced active listening skills, all of which play a role in our success in the work we do on a daily basis. In this workshop, participants will gain an understanding of how to fully embrace YES/AND and other core principles from improv for increased collaboration and trust.
"A History of Colonialism: the Doctrine of Discovery and its Impacts on Native Peoples".
In 2016, the 222nd General Assembly condemned “The Doctrine of Discovery,” which allowed colonial powers to claim lands belonging to its inhabitants during the Age of Discovery. But what does that mean? How many of us know or understand what the Doctrine of Discovery is, or how it has impacted the lives of indigenous people. Join us for a panel discussion where we will learn more about the Doctrine and how it has impacted Native people here in the Synod of the Northeast, and start a dialogue for moving forward together.
Moderator: Rev. Carmen Rosario, New York City Presbytery
Panelists: Rev. Holly Haile Thompson, Long Island Presbytery, Shinnecock Nation
Eld. Pat Patricia Osterhoudt, Hudson River Presbytery, Ramapough-Lenape Nation
Eld. Carla Alexander, Hudson River Presbytery, Ramapough-Lunaape Nation
Rev. Marvin Abrams, Jimmersontown Presbyterian Church, Seneca Nation
Eld. Susan Blacksnake, Jimmersontown Presbyterian Church, Seneca Nation
Anthony Trujillo, New York City Presbytery, Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo
Tela L. Troge, Attorney, and Activist Shinnecock Nation
“They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:8, NIV
“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”
Habakkuk 3: 17-18 NIV
“That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.”
Psalms 1:3 NIV