The latest issue of God’s Field is now available online. This edition features Lenten reflections, updates on our Year of Regeneration, and details on getting a subscription to God’s Field. Information on other upcoming programs including Lenten Retreats is also included.

Articles for the March issue are being accepted now through March 1, 2015. You may E-mail items and photos or send them to:

God’s Field
Polish National Catholic Church
1006 Pittston Avenue
Scranton, PA 18505

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The time is
here and now.

After John had been arrested, Jesus went into Galilee. There he proclaimed the Good News from God. ‘The time has come’ he said ‘and the kingdom of God is close at hand. Repent, and believe the Good News.’

Mark’s rendition of Jesus’ time in the desert is very short. It also focuses us on one of Mark’s key themes; Jesus’ ministry is confrontational. Think of the very real confrontations with sin, temptation, and wild beasts that Jesus engaged in in the desert. Mark shows Jesus as the One who had come to combat and defeat the forces determined to counteract God’s will for our lives and our well-being.

Mark does not portray Jesus as sent to fight human ignorance, religious or political authority. He wasn’t that kind of revolutionary. Of course those things existed, but they were only the symbols and tools of what Jesus was really confronting. Jesus came to confront the evil, the negative spiritual force that oppresses human bodies and minds and defy human attempts to subdue them.

Jesus’ experience in the wild and untamed wilderness symbolizes the difference between God’s way of life and the wilderness of life without God. The desert shows us how Jesus confronted and defeated the powers of chaos and destruction. He walked out of the desert as a victor and the bringer of God’s kingdom. He began to proclaim the kingdom to all who would hear Him.

Jesus proclamation of the in-breaking of God’s kingdom announces the arrival of God’s future for humanity. This will be a new era and a new state of affairs, one in which God rules and we no longer have to use merely human efforts to defeat evil. With the expression kingdom of God Jesus does not speak of taking people away to a new place in a far-off land. He tells those who will listen that they have the power to build the kingdom if they work in and with Him. He invites us into the kingdom’s awakening and gives us the means (by grace) to make it real and complete. The old ways and the old rules no longer have power. Evil, sin, negative spiritual forces hold no sway over us because Jesus is victorious. He has won the confrontation.

As we will see through Lent, and in particular on Good Friday, Jesus’ revolution is dangerous. As members of His kingdom and its operatives we are working to destroy the last vestiges of sin, evil, the negative spiritual force. We are the forces of the kingdom. Those tied to worldly ways and mores will resist and hate us. They are the forces of the untamed wilderness. They fight against transforming the world. The time is here and now. We must be confident kingdom builders, assured of our victory in Jesus and ready to transform all we encounter.

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Northeast Urogynecology – Receptionist

Job Title: Receptionist
Company Name: Northeast Urogynecology
Location: Albany
Hourly Rate – Per diem: $13.75
Work Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 pm (Monday, Thursday, and Friday)
Brief description of position: Answer Phones, Greet & Check in patients, Make appointments, Word-processing and/or keyboarding skills.

High School or Graduate Equivalent Diploma required.

Please send resume to: Tammy Duncan, Practice Manager, Northeast Urogynecology, 5 Palisades Drive Suite 220, Albany, NY 12205.

Literacy New York Greater Capital Region – Temporary Part-Time ESL Instructor

Description of Position: Literacy New York Greater Capital Region is in need of an ESL teacher for Tuesdays/Thursdays 10 a.m. – 12noon. This is a part-time/temporary 1099 form contracted position (2-4hrs per week, from January to June 2015; $13 hour; temporary grant-funded position (extension of position depended upon funding availability). Reports to Program Manager/Coordinators and Accountable to Executive Director. ESL Instructor will work with Program Manager/Coordinators and other program staff to develop and maintain consistency and quality of program delivery.

Specific Duties: Work with LNYGCR staff and volunteers to coordinate ESL services. Able to substitute teach at other locations as needed and provide instruction at area locations for ONA ESL classes (mileage reimbursement .575). Provide content-based English language instruction at beginning and/or intermediate levels. Develop and implement engaging curriculum/lesson plans that assist students in meeting their goals and offer a variety of instructional methods adapted to diverse learning styles. Incorporate job readiness and technology into ESL classroom instruction. Design and administer student assessment tools that gauge student learning and monitor achievement of performance outcomes. Create a welcoming environment that fosters community and learning among program participants. Prepare weekly lesson plans and/or bi-weekly unit plans that address material to be covered in class. Assist with registration, intake and pre- and post-testing as needed. Monitor and track student participation in program. Assist with reporting requirements. Assist staff with planning and strategizing multiple ESL classes throughout the Albany area.

Other Duties: Assist in organizing telephone interviews for both ESOL students. Explain ESL program to prospective tutors and volunteers. Interview and assess ESL students. Refer to other adult education programs as appropriate. Maintain records for attendance for each class. Maintain contact with tutor trainers as appropriate. Attend trainings and workshops as appropriate. Assist with Recognition Night. Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Manager/Coordinator or Executive Director.

Requirements: University degree (B.A.) preferred, plus at least 1 year of teaching experience. Proven ability to build community within classroom and cultivate student commitment to English language learning. Some experience integrating technology into ESOL instruction and computer skills. Thorough, detailed knowledge and understanding of English grammar with the ability to clearly explain all verbs, tenses and parts of speech. Ability to interact with diverse populations and empathize with people unfamiliar with local culture. Demonstrated ability to work independently in a multi-cultural environment. Ethical and professional conduct that facilitates the building of a respectful, trusting and collaborative relationship with program staff and students. This is an excellent opportunity to gain instructional experience and working with volunteers actively enrolled in an ESL programming at LNYGCR.

If interested, please call 518-631-2928.

Acacia Network – License Practical Nurse

Acacia Network is a progressive community based development organization located in the Bronx, offering Substance Abuse Rehabilitation, Residential Inpatient and Outpatient Methadone Maintenance, Chemical Dependency, and Primary Care Clinics, seeks a bilingual LPN for our Albany location.

Skills: The LPN will be responsible for the following: Conduct triage of incoming clients. Conduct preliminary nursing assessments. Administer medication as directed. Implement designed care plans as directed. Provide assistance to providers and other medical staff as requested. Complete medical records in accordance to organizational policy. Dispensing of methadone as required. Timely documentation of all case activities in accordance with OASAS regulations. Current NYS License Practical Nurse license required (LPN).

Bilingual English / Spanish desired. The incumbent must have at least a High School Diploma or GED Candidate must have 3 yrs experience in an OASAS treatment program with the ability to dispense medication.

The incumbent should be culturally aware and sensitive to the needs of the Latino population, possesses computer skills, experience working in an addiction setting, ability to function as part of an inter disciplinary team.

As one of the paramount not for profit organization in the country, we offer the chosen candidate, a multitude of benefits, including comprehensive full health care package, disability, life insurance, coupled with a generous vacation and pension plan and flexible schedules.

For immediate consideration, please E-mail resumes here and here or fax to (347) 649-3078.

Acacia Network – CASAC

Acacia Network is a progressive community based development organization located in the Bronx, offering Substance Abuse Rehabilitation, Residential Inpatient and Outpatient Methadone Maintenance, Chemical Dependency, and Primary Care Clinics, seeks a bilingual CASAC for our Albany location.

Skills: The CASAC will be responsible for the following: Develops and conducts group individual and family counseling on a scheduled basis to caseload clients/residents. Obtain weekly random urine samples according to established protocol. Orients clients/residents about program goals, objectives, rules and regulations, client’s. obligations, client’s rights and program operations. Implement designed care plans as directed. Provide assistance to providers and other medical staff as requested. Demonstrates knowledge of group work management techniques and uses those techniques appropriately. Demonstrates appropriate treatment planning and clinical intervention. Demonstrates knowledge of appropriate documentation. Provides education and information to the client about alcohol and drug abuse. Timely documentation of all case activities in accordance with OASAS regulations.

Bilingual English / Spanish desired. The incumbent must have at least a High School Diploma or GED Candidate must have 3 yrs experience in an OASAS treatment program.

The incumbent should be culturally aware and sensitive to the needs of the Latino population, possesses computer skills, experience working in an addiction setting, ability to function as part of an inter disciplinary team.

As one of the paramount not for profit organization in the country, we offer the chosen candidate, a multitude of benefits, including comprehensive full health care package, disability, life insurance, coupled with a generous vacation and pension plan and flexible schedules.

For immediate consideration, please E-mail resumes here and here or fax to (347) 649-3078.

Camino Nuevo (New Path) has open positions

If you have a passion to work with persons with the challenges of addiction, Camino Nuevo an affiliate of the Capital District Latinos may be the place for you!

  • Medical Physician or nurse Practitioner who has worked in the field of addiction – Bi-lingual Spanish/English a plus!
  • Bilingual CASAC Counselor (Spanish/English)
  • Bilingual Licensed Social worker (Spanish/English)

Please forward your CV or resume to Micky Jimenez, Regional Director by E-mail.

Camino Nuevo (New Path) – Administrative Assistant

Open position, Part-time – 22.5 hours to increase to Full-time.

Camino Nuevo (New Path) is looking for an Administrative Assistant to assist with a variety of administrative responsibilities. This person needs to be able to handle busy, high traffic and provide top-notch customer service to our clients. This person must be eager, friendly and a self-starter. The ideal candidate will have a proactive and positive personality working with persons with a history of addiction, homelessness or social service background.

This role will be responsible for greeting and assisting clients through the Methadone daily process. Duties will include, directing clients to swipe, their ID cards, check their status on the computer, direct to counselors, provide urine containers for drug screens, In addition to receptionist responsibilities, the AA will assist and provide support to the other full–time AA and assist the intake coordinator with the intake process.

Must be punctual, able to multitask, a self-starter able to work independently and proactively manage projects and handle confidential materials. Must have good typing skills, and be detail oriented with a focus on accuracy and quality. Excellent communication in both English and Spanish

Education requirements: – Must have at least a 2 yr college associate degree.

Send resume to Micky Jimenez, Regional Director by E-mail.

The College of Saint Rose – Assistant Director of Residence Life

Job Description: The Assistant Director of Residence Life works to foster a college residential environment that complements the academic mission of the College. Reporting to the Director of Residence Life, this position is responsible for the day to day operation of the Residence Halls, College-owned apartments and for on-going, large scale projects administered through the Office of Residence Life.

Responsibilities: Facilitate all aspects of housing assignments for both new and returning students, utilizing the Adirondack Housing Software. This includes coordinating the room reservation process, incoming student assignments, early return/late stay and vacation housing, special housing accommodations, room changes, meal plan changes, and mailbox assignments. Oversee all residence hall openings and closings, including room checks. Work with ITS to ensure proper maintenance and timely updates to the Adirondack Housing Software. Coordinate and monitor withdrawal process, occupancy reports, and available room vacancies. Serve as a liaison to Facilities, Students, Parents and Staff in addressing issues related to residence halls and apartment housing. Collaborate with Fire Safety Specialist regarding residence hall and apartment Fire Safety Checks. Serve as a liaison to the Bursar’s Office, Campus Dining, Safety and Security and other College departments. Serve as a Student Conduct Hearing and Appeals Officer in the College Student Conduct System. Participate in an on-call rotation with the Director. Perform regularly scheduled walk-throughs of Residence Halls and College-Owned Apartments. Serve on campus-wide committees. Supervise Graduate Assistant who will assist with student room changes

Requirements: Master’s Degree in Student Personnel, Counseling or a related field. At least 2 years experience as a full time residence life staff member. Demonstrated interest in working with students and staff of diverse backgrounds. Background in crisis intervention and student development. Evidence of strong management and teambuilding skills. Experience supervising work of others is preferred. Demonstrated organizational and administrative skills. Excellent interpersonal skills, including verbal and written communication skills. Intermediate level computer skills using a windows based operating system, specifically MS Word, Excel, Outlook and Internet. Experience using a housing assignment system such as Adirondack Housing Software, strongly preferred. Experience using a student information database such as Banner is preferred. Demonstrated ability to develop collaborative relationships and partnerships within the campus community. Ability to respond to crisis situations on an on-call basis.

Additional Information: Full year, Full time, Monday – Friday work schedule; occasional nights and weekends.

Salary range for this position will begin in the high $30Ks, depending upon experience. In addition to salary, we offer superior health and dental benefits, generous time off, a tuition remission plan to further enhance your knowledge and skills, and wellness programs including the use of the our extensive fitness center.

To be considered for this position you must submit your credentials online. Create a College of Saint Rose Employment Account by clicking on the “APPLY NOW” tab. Upload the following documents, which are required for consideration:

  • Resume
  • Cover letter including salary requirements
  • Contact information for 3 references

See the FAQ for using our online system. Please contact us if you need assistance applying through this website.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Albany County – SNAP-Ed Social Media Educator

Classification Title: Association Community Educator

CCE of Albany County is seeking a full time (40 hours/week), experienced educator. The SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education) Social Media Educator works with the SNAP-Ed Project Manager and the SNAP-Ed nutrition team, in the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of strategic and innovative social media and marketing efforts to deliver adult and youth nutrition education messaging, to improve healthy food and lifestyle choices among the target audiences of low-income families and individuals encompassing all age groups throughout the eleven county greater capital region.

For more details and to apply on-line visit the CCE Careers Website.

Questions regarding this position can be directed to Jim McNaughton, Human Resources Lead, by E-mail or phone 518-765-3503. Applications must be submitted electronically to be considered. You will receive an e-mail confirmation when your application is submitted. Please look for this to ensure you have been successful in applying. All applications must be received on-line by February 27, 2015.

Job-CCE-Program
City-Voorheesville
Organization-Albany County Cooperative Extension
Schedule-Full-time
Job Type-Standard
Overtime Status-Exempt

Community Loan Fund – Lending Officer

The Community Loan Fund is seeking an exceptionally organized individual who possesses a passionate commitment to our mission, is very detail oriented, and who has excellent analytical, financial and administrative skills. Primarily, the Lending Officer will solicit, accept, underwrite, close and manage loans to locally-based businesses and organizations.

If you are interested in applying, please E-mail your letter of interest and resume to Search, or send to: Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region, 255 Orange Street, Albany NY 12210.

Primary Responsibilities include: Identify and cultivate community development lending opportunities. Originate, underwrite & close commercial loans to small businesses and nonprofit groups. Service loans, monitor, manage and continually assess loan portfolio. Produce and analyze reports for internal and external uses. Provide high quality technical assistance to community development efforts.

Qualifications and Abilities – successful applicant shall have: At least 5 years of work experience in lending, finance, small business and/or nonprofit management. A college degree in a relevant field, with graduate degree preferred. Strong working knowledge of nonprofit sector, with Capital Region knowledge preferred. Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects & meet deadlines. Excellent analytical skills; demonstrated attentiveness to detail. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Excellent computer skills, with demonstrated ability to utilize spreadsheet, word-processing & database management programs. Demonstrated ability to perform efficiently & effectively in small office environment. Ability to work with diverse populations.

Full-time position;
Occasional evening and weekend meetings
Salary range: $45,000 – $50,000, commensurate with experience
Paid vacations and other paid days off
Retirement contributions and other benefits

Applications will be accepted immediately & accepted until position is filled, most likely before or during March 2015. The Community Loan Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Yes, it is only February, but we are planning for our next Holiday and Seasonal Craft Fair to be held on Saturday, October 3rd, 2015 from 10 AM-5 PM at the Rotterdam Senior Citizens Club, 2639 Hamburg St, Rotterdam NY 12303.

We welcome all crafters — Woodworkers; Jewelry, Glass or Metal Artists; Painters; Photographers; Sewers; Beaders; Quilters; Knitters and Crocheters; Needlepointers; Candle and scent decor; Floral Designers; Ceramics; Sign makers; Holiday decorations; Soap Makers; etc. — to add us to their Fall 2014 schedule and to reserve spaces early.

Spaces and services are available as follows:

  • 8×6 or 8×8 Space: $30.00
  • 8’ Table (Additional $5.00)
  • Limited Electricity: (Additional $10)

Availability of spaces is first come/first serve. You may download a copy of our crafters registration form, complete it, and mail it in with payment or use our on-line registration form to reserve your space.

LentColor

Lent began with Ash Wednesday, February 18th. Holy Mass with the blessing and distribution of ashes took place at 7pm on the 18th. We invite you to join with us in fellowship and worship throughout Lent in Schenectady as we have the opportunity to not only look back, but look forward. We will explore these important questions throughout Lent: Am I living the way I should really live? and How can I come to new life? This Lent Christ calls us to discover a new motive for living. To answer those questions.

We are called to live as people challenged to be changed. We have the opportunity this Lent to change through faith in Jesus. The answer to: Am I living the way I should really live? is living as:

  • changed to no longer live for myself.
  • changed to no longer see with worldly eyes.
  • changed because I am reconciled and forgiven.
  • changed because I can truly see and recognize what God is doing in my life.
  • changed and empowered to take action and bring the challenge to be changed to others.

As we not only look back but truly focus forward let us allow our Lenten practices to come to grips with God’s challenge to be changed:

  • In small ways by fasting and abstinence on Wednesdays and Fridays during Lent as we abstain from meats on those days as an act of sacrifice. By charity through our directed giving program that provides gifts of food helping those in our local community. By prayer at Stations of the Cross prayed every Friday in Lent at 7pm. By worship at Holy Mass every Sunday at 9:30am or 11:30am.
  • In seeing that sin and the world hold no more power over us because we have God’s grace.
  • In big ways by changing the direction of our lives and coming to understand what life is really all about. It is life fully lived in Jesus’ Good News. Repented, believing, having faith in Jesus and through living the way I really must live. Coming to new life.

wineskin

Time to get a new
shirt.

And Jesus said to them, “No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; if he does, the patch tears away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear is made. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; if he does, the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost, and so are the skins; but new wine is for fresh skins.”

At the marriage in Cana the old wine ran out. The old wine was made with human effort, over a period of many years – but it could not meet the need – it ran out. This is a parable of life under the old way of doing things. The old wine runs out; no longer satisfies or is sufficient. The Lord has come to give us new wine, new life. He stands ready to fill us with His new wine.

Jesus came bringing a very powerful message. He promised us spiritual gifts that go beyond everyday life experience. He offers us freedom from sin and a law that drew heavy penalties for sin – chiefly the penalty of death. Instead He tells us that He has paid the price once and for all. He promises us immortality, a future life liberated from death, sickness, disease, poverty, and isolation. He lets us know that no matter, there is a future for each of us. He gave more than a bunch of promises; instead He made co-heirs and true children of God, His brothers and sisters. We have power that goes beyond this world. This is His new wine.

This powerful message does not work on those beholden to the old ways. In fact it causes them to burst in anger and retribution (old wineskins). Old wineskins are hard and unyielding.

We must be those new wineskins, ready to receive the Lord’s new wine. We must be people of His new way.

In the same way, Jesus draws the parallel to patching a garment. You cannot sew unshrunken cloth to a torn old garment; it will only make the tear worse. Jesus wants to clothe us with an entirely new garment of salvation, our baptismal robes. People beholden to old ways don’t want to change their old shrunken and torn ways for new ones. We, on the other hand, have to be ready to receive Jesus’ new ways – His garment.

As we come to the close of our Pre-Lenten season we have to ask ourselves whether we are ready to enter into the Great Lent ahead. It is not just being ready to give up chocolate, or meat, or acting angry toward a rude driver, but ready to be new wineskins – flexible and open to receiving Jesus’ new wine – His message. Will we allow ourselves to be filled, changed, and molded by Him? Are we ready to put on new clothes? With commitment to following Jesus and living His way we will hold Him and wear Him into life everlasting.