"Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."
~Proverbs 31:9
Proposed Asylum Ban
Last week, the Biden administration issued a proposed administrative rule that will effectively bar most of the migrants who arrive at the U.S.-Mexico border from asylum. Under the rule, a migrant who crossed the U.S.-Mexico border without authorization and who did not seek asylum in a third country that they traveled through on the way to the U.S. will be presumed ineligible for asylum. The new rule violates Biden’s campaign promiseof a just asylum system. It will make accessing asylum virtually impossible for non-Mexican migrants who arrive at the southwest border. With asylum rules stacked against them, migrants will be sent back to countries where their lives will be in danger.
As we wrote on our blog post about the new rule, it is currently in a 30-day public comment period that ends on March 27. Since this rule is an administrative change made by a federal agency, not a law passed by Congress, it must go through a comment period. Public comments are statements for the official record about a proposed rule. Agency officials are required to read all the public comments and publicly respond to all of them. At this stage, public comment is the best way to advocate against the asylum ban: decisionmakers will read the comments.
This is a chance for you to advise the administration to cancel the rule. Last summer, the General Assembly declared that the Presbyterian Church (USA) is a sanctuary and accompaniment church committed to walking with and supporting immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers. Submitting a public comment in defense of the right to seek asylum is one way of living out this call.
2023 Bay Retreat Survey ... Your Input is Valuable!
Whether you attended the retreat or were unable to do so this year, the resounding sound of chuckles continues to reverberate from the memories of our retreat. Below are two links. One is to the survey to collect feedback about this retreat, which will help us craft another fantastic gathering next year. It should take less than 10 minutes to fill our the survey; many thanks in advance!
The second link is to a folder of resources from our leaders. You’ll find Dr. Flo’s sermonettes for the 7 Joyful Marks as well as her sermons from Friday and Saturday. Marthame put together a listing of many of the improv games we played with instructions and some ideas of when and how to use them. Finally, Warren provided the lyrics, lead sheet, and a few recordings of our theme song. We have permission to use the song in our congregations and Presbytery for a year, so enjoy!
2023 Pastors Retreat
WHO IS INVITED?
Minister Members Serving Ministries within
New Castle Presbytery
WHEN?
Sunday, October 22 to Tuesday, October 22, 2023
WHERE?
DoubleTree by Hilton, Ocean City, MD
More details coming soon!
NCP Training Anti-Racism Compliance Training 2023
NCP minister members, CREs and members of the Commission on Ministers & Congregations (COMC) and Commission on Preparation for Missional Ministry (CPMM) are mandated to complete Anti-Racism Training every three years. The requirement is identified within the Dismantling Racism Policy of the NCP Manual.
An upcoming education series sponsored by New Castle Presbytery, YWCA, Racial Justice & Reconciliation Commission in the Episcopal Church of Delaware and the Peace & Justice Work Group of Westminster-Wilmington titled "Racism in America - The History We Didn't Learn in School" will provide training for NCP compliance. The six-week training commences Tuesday, April 18 at 7:00 p.m. and continues each Tuesday through May 23 via Zoom. (View program details on the images below.)
In order to participate in this training for NCP compliance:
Email the Presbytery office with your confirmation of registration
Participate in at least three of the six weeks
After participation, training compliance will be confirmed and training records will be updated. Any questions, email the Presbytery office.
Other Things in this newsletter you don't want to miss!
Installation Service - Register to Attend
Princeton Forum on Youth Ministry - May 2-4, 2023
New Worshipping Community - Riverfront Ministries Kitchen Collective
Our Staff "On the Road" - Save the date May 16th 10am -2pm at De.Co Wilmington
NAMI Delaware - You're invited Thursday April 20th
One Great Hour of Sharing - Sunday March 26th
Earth Care Congregations - Westminster-Wilmington, Trinity and Hanover Presbyterian Churches were certified as Earth Care Congregations!!!
NCP Connectional Presbyter/Stated Clerk March Training Information
Next Presbytery Assembly is Saturday, May 20, 2023, 10am at Chestertown Presbyterian Church
What's Cooking in Guatemala Partnership
An Invitation to addressing racism through Criminal (In)justice Reform
Health Ministry - learn more about colorectal cancer prevention
Employment Opportunities
...And MORE