MNY District Family,

Greetings in the grace and peace of Jesus the Christ!

Throughout the last month one theme has bubbled to the surface consistently: clergy health and well-being. Like other helping professions, burnout, compassion fatigue, and other negative outcomes are elevated within the clergy population. This becomes even more pronounced among clergy working additional jobs beyond serving as local pastors. It is important to provide resources to help nurture them toward health.

While pastors need to take responsibility for their own well-being, church boards and leaders can influence and support necessary steps and decisions for health. In fact, our denomination recommends our clergy take vacation and plan (with their church boards) periodic sabbaticals.

The district recommends the following vacation allotment:

* Years of Service is the cumulative total of pastoral service; not only at a pastor’s current assignment.

The 2023 General Assembly approved the following sabbatical recommendation:

139.10. In order to encourage a healthy pastoral ministry and strong spiritual life of the pastor, the church board, in consultation with the district superintendent, should provide a sabbatical leave for the pastor during each fifth consecutive year of service in one congregation of the Church of the Nazarene. The timing and duration of the sabbatical shall be determined in consultation with the pastor, church board and district superintendent. The suggested timing is a minimum of four weeks. It is strongly urged that the pastor’s salary continue in full and the church board provide for pulpit supply during the sabbatical period. This topic is to be addressed by the district superintendent as part of the church/pastoral relationship review process that would come after year two and again in year six, once the viability of continuing the relationship has been established. Materials shall be developed and distributed by the Global Education and Clergy Development office to guide local congregations in establishing and implementing a sabbatical leave policy and procedure. At the church board’s discretion, such a program may also be implemented for a member of the pastoral staff.

Also, as a district we encourage churches to provide access to clergy benefits through Aflac, Compass and NBUSA (Nazarene Benefits). Information about each can be found using the following links:

• www.nbusa.org
• www.compassinitiative.org
• www.aflac.com (The district has an Aflac Benefit Consultant. Please contact the district staff for a referral.)

Should you want or need me to speak with your church board or leadership team about these recommendations, please contact me.

God’s peace to you,

Pastor Jeff

Lay Ministry Training Course

The Metro New York District is excited to introduce a new course in Lay Ministry Training. Classes will begin October 5th in both English and Spanish at The Bridge Church in Malverne, NY.

If you would like to find out more information, please join Pastor Christine on Zoom, Wednesday, August 14th https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8260812852

Join men from across the Metro NY District for an awesome time with God and with each other. Whether you're seeking spiritual growth, meaningful connections, or just a weekend to unwind, this retreat offers something for everyone. Don't miss this unique opportunity to refresh your spirit and create lasting memories. Activities will include hiking, fishing, campfires, worship, and inspiring group discussions. Register today at the link below and take the first step towards an unforgettable experience!

Beulah Church of the Nazarene Celebrates 100th Anniversary!

This year, we commemorate 100 years of God’s faithfulness to us at Beulah Church of the Nazarene. This occasion calls for a special celebration! We have three events scheduled for October 11th – 13th and will most appreciate your participation:

           100^th Anniversary Gala                                October 11, 2024 @ 7 pm

           A Walk Down Memory Lane                       October 12, 2024 @ 4 pm

           Grand Service Celebration                        October 13, 2024 @ 10am

All are welcome to join us as we celebrate this momentous occasion. The celebration will include lots of special memories and photos, special music, an inspiring message, and a great opportunity to catch up with our extended church family. We hope to welcome many of our friends who have attended Beulah Church over the years. If you know someone you think would like to attend, please invite them.

The 100^th Anniversary Gala is a ticketed event costing $150.00 per person. Please use the following link to purchase your tickets: 

https://brushfire.com/beulahnazarene/100thanniversarygala/577370

For further information on any of the above events, feel free to contact us: beulahnaz1250@gmail.com or call the church office (718)-756-2310.

• A celebration of life for Rev. Vicki Webb will take place on Thursday, August 1st; all are invited. Viewing: 9A-11A, Watson Funeral Home, 26 Gifford Ave, Jersey City; Funeral: 11:30A-1:30P, Jersey City COTN, 2163 John F. Kennedy Blvd, Jersey City. Please keep her daughter, Raini, extended family and friends, as well as the Jersey City congregation in your prayers as they grieve this incredible loss.

• Please pray for Blessed Hope's Pastor Alan and wife, Elizabeth. Pastor Alan is in the hospital battling a severe illness. As of yesterday, hospice care has begun. Updates will be forthcoming via Facebook and email as they are provided.