Reflection for the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

is-god-listening

The challenge.
The reaction.

So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place. People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them. When He disembarked and saw the vast crowd, His heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things.

The Apostles had gone out as directed by Jesus. In faithfulness to Him they preached the gospel and healed the sick. They had returned to Jesus to report all that they had done. They filled Jesus in. Certainly they were both excited and exhausted. As a good spiritual leader would do to this very day, Jesus invites them to come away to a quiet place where they can pray and rest. Here’s where Jesus experiences the full brunt of His humanity. He could not get away. People kept coming in need of His teaching and healing. They were hungry for God’s word, something the leaders of the day could not provide. Jesus and His Apostles were so engaged that they couldn’t even eat.

Finally, there was opportunity – they could get to their boat and could head off to a quiet, deserted, peaceful place. Those moments of prayer and rest were at hand. The best laid plans… they arrive and waiting for them is an even larger throng of people.

We know Jesus’ reaction: His heart was moved with pity for them… and He began to teach them many things. We might wonder if the Apostles reacted in the same way? We know what it is like; can place ourselves in the situation. They were expecting alone time with Jesus – rest and prayer. We can easily understand their frustration, they might even have been angry.

Jesus’ actions are our first challenge. How do we react when confronted by the unexpected, when our personal wants, desires, and expectations are frustrated, when God’s way counters against what we want? Do we follow Him?

This is a very pertinent question in today’s world. We are called to act as Jesus would act. His actions and words, God’s way of life naturally fits with proper human desires. Seeing a mass of people in need we naturally want to help – at least deep inside. Yet selfishness gets in the way. Our battle is to overcome personal selfishness, having things our way, and in the process conforming ourselves to His way.

It comes down to how we react to challenge. Our Facebook friends tell us – this is the way the world should be. Our colleagues at work say – don’t bother. Politicians demonize anyone who disagrees. Our gut check is Jesus’ way as given us by Scripture, Church teaching, and Tradition. Acting in accord with Him we meet the challenge.

Bible Study for the 15th Week in Ordinary Time 2015

Boy Reading the holy bible

Week’s memory verse: “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions.” — Joel 2:28

Pray the week: Holy Spirit, grant me the confidence and strength to be Your messenger each and every day.

Reflection for the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2015

proclaim_screen_16x9

You have reached me.
Leave a message.

Amos answered Amaziah, “I was no prophet, nor have I belonged to a company of prophets; I was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores. The LORD took me from following the flock, and said to me, Go, prophesy to my people Israel.”

Are we answering machines or messengers as Christians?

As loyal followers of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we start our week off the right way. We spend time in church to give God the praise and worship He desires and so deserves from us. We hear the word proclaimed and preached. We receive the Lord’s forgiveness through His Church, our community. We are fed, nourished with the Bread of Life and drink from the Cup of Salvation.

If we are answering machines we take in all that is given. We can even repeat much of it back, if someone pushes the play button. We do the same thing over and over and loyally sit through and retain these messages.

Messengers are different. They deliver. They not only deliver, but also are personally changed by the process. Think of a messenger or courier.

  • The delivering of the message places demands on them. There is urgency to their work. The message cannot wait, cannot be late. The message must be securely delivered – true to its source.
  • The messenger’s task is physical. They have to get where they are going. They are strengthened by the process.
  • Messengers may be specialists in delivering certain types of content.
  • The messenger’s delivery of the message is distinctive. The messenger’s experience of the message adds to the delivery, in certain ways becomes part of the message.

Social corruption and the oppression of the poor and helpless and worship of pagan deities were prevalent in Israel and Amos was called to be a messenger. The head priest Amaziah, who should have been the messenger became less than even an answering machine.

Our task is to determine whether we will act mechanically as God’s answering machines – faithful of course – or whether we will be His messengers.

As Jesus sent His apostles, so He sends us. He sends us with power and authority. Let us take up the urgency of the mission and deliver Jesus’ message – in opposition to the changing wants and desires of the world. Let us grow in strength by the delivery of His message. As we are given gifts, let us use our specialized talents to deliver His message. Let us convey God’s message witnessing to the joy, hope, and comfort it has given us.

Job Postings for the Week of July 6, 2015

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Albany Public Library – Technology Support Specialist

Full-time annual salary of $46,934 plus generous benefit package.

Duties Include: Install, maintain, troubleshoot library computer and A/V equipment at all locations; Software and hardware support for staff; Train staff and public on use of library technology; Assist with network support; Maintain network hardware and software documentation.

Required Skills Include: Ability to operate computer work stations/servers/mobile devices/peripheral equipment; Knowledge of network administration and support; Ability to support and maintain A/V equipment; Ability to instruct others in use of computers, software, and hardware; Work independently and as part of a team; Work effectively in fast-paced environment; Previous full-time experience in computer, server/network operations, software
appiications, or peripherals; Bachelor’s degree and combination of training and experience in computer science related field.

For more information about the technoiogy support specialist position qualifications and application process visit the Albany Public Library website or call the Library Human Resources Director at 518-427-4336.

Duanesburg Area Community Center – After School Program Director

Minimum Experience Required: 1 year

Job Description: Under the general direction and supervision of the Childcare Director and in conjunction with the DACC mission statement, purpose and established policies of the DACC, the After School Site Supervisor is responsible for developing and maintaining the operation, services and programs of the After School Program.

Job Requirements (Include education, experience and specific competencies) -The ability to work with all staff and volunteers of the DACC in identifying and developing programs and services to meet the goals and objectives of the DACC. -AAS in Child Development, Elementary Ed, Physical Ed, Recreation or related field and two years direct experience with children under age 13, including one year in a supervisory capacity OR -School Age Child Care Credential and two years direct experience with children under age 13, including at least one year in a supervisory capacity OR -Two years of College with 18 credits in child development, elementary education, physical education, recreation or related field and two years direct experience with children under age 13, including at least one year in a supervisory capacity. -BA/BS preferred. -Submission of NYS Medical Statement of Childcare Staff Form documenting physician clearance to work in a childcare setting as well as TB Test which meets Health and Social Service requirement. -Clearance by a Criminal Background check. -Maintain 30 hours of childcare related training every two years. -Excellent human relation, good organizational and communication skills.

Principal Responsibilities: -Plan, implement and supervise a developmentally and academically appropriate curriculum for the assigned site that meet the needs of the community, the school district, and adhere to OCFS regulations. -Maintain positive working relationship with school personnel in coordination of the building site and related issues. -Develop and maintain weekly and monthly calendar of activities for display to parents. -Maintain daily schedules of activities, etc. -Maintain an organized, clean and safe learning and recreational environment in all program areas. -Develop and consistently maintain appropriate and professional communication with parents. -Hire; train; supervise and ensure excellent performance of all site staff. -Supervise all site staff and provide input and written evaluations as requested. -Establish and train staff, children and parents on emergency procedures in compliance with OCFS regulations. -Manage and control inventory of equipment and supplies, in accordance with the budget. -Ensure all applicable OCFS regulations are followed. -Maintain all required records and logs. -Maintain cleanliness of facility as a member of Clean Team. -All other duties, as requested.

Interested applicants send their resumes to Jenna Graber via E-mail.

Job Location: 221 Victoria Drive, Delanson, New York
Pay: $12.00 Hourly
Work Days: Monday thru Friday

College of Saint Rose – Current Openings

Descriptions for the following job opportunities may be found at the College Website.

Administrative & Staff

  • Assistant Director of the Career Center*
  • Academic Counselor
  • Director of First Year Experience
  • Coordinator of International Recruitment and Admissions
  • Enrollment Management Analyst
  • Manager of Online Recruitment and Web Communication
  • Assistant Vice President of Graduate Recruitment and Enrollment
  • Area Coordinator, Residence Life
  • Assistant Director of Residence Life

Faculty

  • Assistant/Associate Prof-Communication Sciences & Disorders
  • Assistant Professor of Accounting

*New position posted this week.

Union College – Financial Systems Analyst

REQ. # 7208
Full Time – Benefit Eligible
Grade E3, Salary Commensurate With Experience
Department: Finance

Summary/Qualifications: The Financiai Systems Analyst will provide analysis, support. and project management for the financial enterprige and related computer systems for the Administration and Finance division. Reporting to the Director of Financial Reporting and Analysis, this position will act as a liaison with ITS, end users, software vendors and the campus community, assist with system testing (in both test and production environments), implementation, training and documentation, analyze and assess information needs and determine how best to use the financial enterprise system to meet those needs, prioritize related projects, create project plans and establish project teams, develop and maintain business process workflows, create new or modify existing reports, log and track support issues and system problems, work with the internal lTS team and vendor to resolve issues, assist in the redesign of financial and administrative processes to achieve efficiencies, assist in the rollout of financial and administrative application systems to all campus departments, assist in the front-line support of financial software and interfaces with internal and external systems, provide high quality technical support service, and maintain web sites for the Administration and Finance division.

Qualifications: Candidates must have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, finance, or related field, at least 5 years of related work experience, previous successful experience in the development and implementation of financial and administrative systems, experience or knowledge in financial and administrative operations and how they relate to supporting technology, excellent interpersonal, writing, and oral communication skills, be flexible and enthusiastic, be detailed oriented and be able to work independently with little direction, be both proficient and have experience in Windows desktop environment as well as MS Office and Adobe productivity suites, and be safety conscious and able to work with a diverse group of individuals. Candidates should also have proven experience with establishing, project plans, timelines, responsibility assignment and status tracking, knowledge and experience in r relational database systems (particularly SQL Server) and workflows including experience in data design and report creation, programming languages including SQL, Visual Basic, XML, HTML and Java, and experience with SunGard Public Sector products (Le. IFAS/OneSolution), Cognos reporting tools or other Financial and HR Systems.

For more information regarding this position visit the College website. Please submit all electronic application materials as a single pdf or doc file.

Union College – Executive Assistant To The President

REQ. # 7201
Full Time: – Benefit Eligible
Grade E2, Salary Commensurate With Experience
Department: President’s Office

Summary/Qualifications: Union College is seeking an experienced individual to provide high level administrative and operational support to the President’s Office and President’s Residence. Duties include coordinating speaking and travel arrangements with complex itineraries, overseeing of the President’s Office and the President’s Residence event calendar, scheduling events and activities on and off campus: processing expenses, and coordinating/assisting with special events and projects. This position reports to the President and may also take work direction from the Chiefof Staff. The Executive Assistant assists in coordinating all events originating out ofthe President’s Office, assists the President by providing administrative support, exercises tact and discretion, manages the efforts of the office of the President’s team in terms of correspondence, invitations, speeches and responses, and supports the Director of Special Institutional Relations on various projects and events as requested. Important elements ofthe position include: analysis, judgment, planning and organizing, sensitivity, stress tolerance, impact. teamwork, attention to detail, work standards, initiative, informal, formal and written communications, dependability and commitment to Union College.

Qualifications: The desired candidate will have excellent interpersonal skills, strong organizational abilities, a pleasant demeanor, a professional approach to dealing with various constituents, be team oriented, be experienced in supporting multiple people in an executive office, have basic familiarity with social media applications, and possesses the ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with a wide variety of people with diverse backgrounds. Bachelor’s degree and minimum of 5 years executive/administrative support experience, or combination of education and experience commensurate with the requirements ofthis position, and advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite applications is required. Candidates must be able to work a flexible schedule including some evening and weekend events and be able to relate well and professionally with the varied and diverse visitors, guests. students, staff, officials, and other clientele ofthe president’s office and the board of trustees.

For more information regarding this position visit the College website. Please submit all electronic application materials as a single pdf or doc file.

Mental Health Empowerment Project, Inc. (MHEP) – Statewide Trainers and Coordinators

Full Time, Exempt Position
3 Positions based in Albany & 1 position based in NYC

The Mental Health Empowerment Project, Inc. (MHEP) is a not-for-profit agency organized in 1988 to develop and strengthen self help and mutual support activities throughout The United States. MHEP is generally focused on organizing people to create desired change in their own lives and in their communities and creating and delivering workshops and skill building seminars that help individuals find and connect with their personal power and the power of self help. At this time, MHEP has a job openings for Statewide Trainers and Regional Coordinators. Statewide Trainers will be stationed in Albany NY. Regional Coordinators will be stationed in NYC and Albany. The duties for these positions include:

  • Engaging in community organizing efforts that will cultivate and support meaningful and substantial forms of personal growth and community connectedness;
  • Cultivating, supporting and role modeling meaningful and substantial forms of systems advocacy;
  • Facilitating skill building activities around the state that assist people to find and connect with their personal power and the power of self-help.

Qualifications: The ideal candidate for this position will have demonstrated experience as a seasoned trainer, public speaker and curriculum developer. This individual will also have knowledge related to the general principles of community organizing, Intentional Peer Support and Trauma Informed Practices. Additional requirements of this position include computer literacy, excellent written and oral communication skills, experience coordinating multiple projects simultaneously and organizing workload to manage multiple deadlines. A clean, valid NYS drivers’ license, and a personal vehicle are also required. Since MHEP highly values the benefits of peer support and self help, our ideal candidate will be a person who has been given a psychiatric diagnosis and has first-hand, personal experience with the mental health system.

To Apply: To express interest in this position, please email, fax or send resume, cover letter and salary requirements to: Pam Maxim, Administrative Director, MHEP, 3 Atrium Drive, Suite 205, Albany NY 12205 Fax #: 518/434-3823, or E-mail. Resumes received without cover letters will not be reviewed. Resumes must be received by fax, E-mail or mail by August 7, 2015.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute – Administrative Coordinator

Location: Troy, NY Campus
Search Number: S15-00032
Full Time/Part Time: Full Time
Portfolio: Division of Institute Advancement
Business Unit: Development Office

Job Summary: The Administrative Coordinator provides administrative support to Advancement and Senior Advancement Officers. The incumbent performs a variety of advanced secretarial and administrative duties, including assisting with scheduling, correspondence, travel and events planning, file and database maintenance. The incumbent acts as a liaison for Corporate and Foundation Relation Office with external and internal constituencies, including alumni, academic leadership, faculty and students. In addition, the position provides quality assurance to the stewardship process and to the proposal preparation process.

Minimum Qualifications: Associates Degree or 2 additional years directly related work experience. 3 or more years of directly related experience is required.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience providing administrative support in a higher education or development office environment is preferred.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Ability to work independently and as part of a team; Ability to work with minimum supervision; Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills; Ability to compose routine correspondence and reports; Requires good problem solving skills involving multiple variables in standard situations; Must possess the skills necessary to deliver exemplary customer service; Demonstrated proficiency in MS Office (word, excel, access, Outlook); Requires ability to prioritize work; Ability to perform basic financial functions; Ability to handle several tasks simultaneously; Ability to work in fast paced environment; Strong attention to detail

Additional Information: The Administrative Coordinator provides administrative support to Advancement and Senior Advancement Officers in the Development Office in the Division of Institute Advancement. To learn more about this opportunity visit the RPI Employment website.:

Required Documents: Resume/C.V. and Cover Letter.

Trailways – Interstate Commercial Bus Drivers and Bus Mechanics

We are accepting applications for review on an ongoing basis for Interstate Commercial Bus Drivers in New York State in the Albany, Buffalo, Kingston, New York City, Syracuse and Rochester, New York areas; and Bus Mechanics in New York State in the Albany and Kingston areas.

For more information visit the Trailways website. Qualified candidates may send their resumes to Anne Nauta, Trailways, 499 Hurley Avenue, Hurley, NY 12443 or via E-mail for driver jobs OR Tom Sebald, Adirondack Trailways Garage, 20 Lower Broadway, Albany, NY 12202 or via E-mail for Bus Mechanic jobs.

Reflection for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2015

walking-the-walk

And You are
Who?

When the Sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him? What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.

Do we mimic Jesus’ encounter with the people from His native region by failing to recollect His reality and how very important and essential He is to us?

Of course, very few people would say they hate Jesus. Where they fail is in seeing the reality of Jesus. Like the people of His native village, the world wants Jesus to be who they want Him to be. They neither expect nor want God to walk among them, to enter into their lives, or to challenge them to go His way.

The gospel shows us that the people of Jesus’ native place expected a carpenter. They pigeonholed Jesus. When He upset their apple cart and challenged them to see differently, they were offended rather than changed.

What do we expect to find when we meet Jesus? Was He only a man, a philosopher who said nice and helpful things that we can choose to accept or ignore? Is He the god of our own making who exists merely to confirm and accept whatever we wish confirmed and accepted? Is He the god of magic blessings and cures? Is He a ‘plumber,’ on call in case of emergency? Do we keep Him safely on a refrigerator magnet, the bookshelf, or the Rolodex just in case? Is He the god of unchallenging love?

Jesus upset the expectations of those in His native place and He should upset our expectations.

The most challenging aspect of being a Christian is whether we will pigeonhole Jesus or if we will accept Him in the fullness of His godhead. If He is a mere shadow of what He truly is then He is not God. He had worked as a carpenter – and that is all His community members saw – that one side. As a result of their expectations they took offense and limited Him.

Jesus proclaimed marvelous words and a life affirming philosophy – but He is not just a philosopher. He healed and is there in a pinch, but He is more than an on-call fixer. He is never a god of our making. His message of love and way of love is always a challenge. It is a challenge to complacency and to our expectations.

Will we limit Him in our lives? Will we fail to recognize Him and how important He is? Will He be more important than anything to us? Will he offend us or will we be set free by His reality? Accepting Him and taking up His challenges sets us free. It makes us amazing in Jesus’ eyes.

Reflection for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2015

Just before deadline - time, stress, rush, faith.

I hope You’re running
on time.

While he was still speaking, people from the synagogue official’s house arrived and said, “Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?” Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid; just have faith.”

There’ a little poem that goes:

God has perfect timing;
Never early, never late.
It takes a little
Patience and faith,
But it’s worth the wait.

Our readings and gospel point to God’s perfect timing. In our Epistle from Second Corinthians, Paul appeals for charity toward the Church in Jerusalem.

The Christians at Jerusalem referred to themselves as “the poor.” They were completely dependent on God’s provision. Several factors may account for their poverty: After conversion to Christianity they would have been ostracized socially and economically; Persistent food shortages in Palestine culminated in the famine of A.D. 46; As the mother-church of Christendom, the Jerusalem church was obliged to support a large number of teachers and provided hospitality for Christian visitors; and Christians in Palestine were subject to a crippling Jewish and Roman taxation.

Yet, in the midst of all these factors, the Church faithful in Jerusalem acted in complete faith. They sold everything they had and gave to each other. They trusted in God’s timing, God’s provision. Their patience and faith were rewarded because Paul was out there raising funds. The Churches of Macedonia, Galatia, Asia, and Achaia contributed and sent delegations to bring their offerings.

The first woman we meet in the Gospel was afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years and suffered greatly at the hands of many doctors. Talk about patience. Yet despite all those trials and all that time, she approached Jesus with simple faith and was healed. Indeed, Jesus confirms: “Daughter, your faith has saved you.”

The great culmination of this teaching on patience and trust comes when a father, Jairus, is presented with news that his daughter had died. He could have broken down, given up immediately – ‘Thanks Jesus, but You were too late.’ Rather, he listened to Jesus: “Do not be afraid; just have faith.”

Jesus’ timing is perfect. We know the rest, He arrives at the home and raises Jairus’ daughter.

Remember that Jarius was ‘running late.’ His daughter was at the point-of-death. We must remember this when we’ve almost missed our proverbial flight/train/boat. Is it too late? Has God abandoned me and let all trouble fall upon me? No, He is faithful and always on-time.

July/August 2015 Newsletter – God’s not On-Call

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We are building a record of on-time newsletters. This one is four days early. Well, technically it is both 4 days and 45 days early because is covers both July and August.

July and August and summer is here. We look at God’s word through the prophet Isaiah – Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be Discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. God is ever present. He’s not just an on-call handyman, but ever present with you, strengthening and caring for those who place their trust and faith in Him. As we take time to vacation, it is good to take a moment and refresh ourselves by recollecting the great gift of abundant care that God offers us.

Also in our newsletter – We wish all a safe summer and extend congratulations to our young people who are moving onto the next stage of their school careers. Our Healing Holy Masses and Anointing for Healing continue on July 13th and August 10th at 6:15pm. Read the story of an individual faced with a major life change and how our parish responds to all those who face these difficulties. Ever meet a convert and say Oh No!?! See what you and they can do for each other and together. Get updates on Church-wide events for this year of regeneration and much more.

And one more important event – our Parish and Community Picnic on August 16th. Put it on your calendar and please join us at church as we enjoy a great Sunday afternoon.

You may view and download a copy of our July/August 2015 Newsletter right here.