24 February 2007
Manhattan, New York
31 May 2013
Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations
Daddy Don’t Go is a documentary that chronicles the lives of 4 young men in NYC who are trying to be good dads against the odds. You can help make this documentary happen through Kickstarter.
Here’s the scoop on the film:
Daddy Don’t Go is a feature length documentary that captures a year in the lives of four young men in New York City as they struggle against poverty to reach their full potential as fathers. The film poses urgent questions that expand the ongoing national dialogue concerning fatherhood. Can a man be a good dad in spite of not being a great provider? How does being a father shift a man’s identity? In true vérité style, Daddy Don’t Go will capture the crucial, intimate father-child relationship over time and without censorship. Alex, Nelson, Omar and Roy shatter the deadbeat dad stereotype, redefining what it means to be a good father for all men.
You can help make this documentary happen through Kickstarter.
Here’s the trailer:
You can help make this documentary happen through Kickstarter.
Here’s my connection to the project:
My friend Andrew Osborne is a co-director. Andrew and I met some ten years ago at a Presbyterian Peacemaking Program conference. Andrew worked the tech for the conference. I provided much of the content that he projected. Truth be told, our relationship got off to a rocky start. I asked for presentations that stretched the capacity of our equipment. When things did not go easily, I stormed off. Upon my return, I discovered that Andrew had patiently and carefully worked through things and a beautiful friendship began. We have nurtured the friendship since. We worked a couple more Peacemaking Conferences together and we made a video for the Peacemaking Program’s twenty-fifth anniversary. Over the past couple years, Andrew has helped with several video or photographic projects for the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations. He has done so professionally and well. I believe in Andrew and his work. I am proud to support Daddy Don’t Go.
You too can help make this documentary happen through Kickstarter.
See you along the Trail.
Filed under Friends, Movie, Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations
On October 24, 1945 the Charter of the United Nations entered into force. The UN was born.
October 24, United Nations Day, marks its birth.
As the United Nations celebrates, I give thanks.
The United Nations is not perfect.
What institution, what person is?
But the United Nations makes a difference in the lives of people around the world.
Happy Birthday, UN! May you have many more. May you grow ever better.
See you along the Trail.
Concerned about the crisis in Syria? Want to learn more? Want to respond?
In a series of video clips, Dr. Mary Mikhael of the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon helps provide insight and understanding of the situation in Syria.
There are several ways to help the people of Syria. Here are some responses through the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Additional resources from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) related to Syria are also available.
Since the outbreak of armed conflict in Syria, Dr. Mary Mikhael has been interpreting the consequences of this tragedy for the Syrian and Lebanese people, particularly the Christian communities, on behalf of the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon. From 1994 to 2011, Dr. Mikhael was president of the Near East School of Theology (NEST), Beirut, Lebanon, the first woman seminary president in the Middle East. She served on the NEST faculty from 1984 until her retirement. She received her Masters degree from the Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, Virginia, and her EdD from Columbia University and Union Theological Seminary. A Presbyterian born in Syria to Greek Orthodox parents, Dr. Mikhael is active in ecumenical and interfaith initiatives. She is a noted authority on the church in the Middle East and the role of women in the church.
On September 10, 2013 the Office of Public Witness arranged a day of visits for Dr. Mikhael on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. On September 12 and 13, 2013 the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations arranged visits for her in the UN community. Public events for Dr. Mikhael to speak to Presbyterians were held in both Washington and New York.
The videos are excerpts from a conversation Mary and I had at the office of the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations on September 11, 2013 with David Barnhart (who took the photo of the interview) and Scott Lansing doing the video work.
Share the links widely.
See you along the Trail.
At times, we participate in profound moments unaware. Only in retrospect do we realize the significance of what we are a part.
Other times, we know – at least partly. We may not know all the details and nuances, but we recognize that matters of deep import surround us and we play our tiny part.
This past week, I had the privilege to accompany Dr. Mary Mikhael as she made an amazing witness for peace and justice in Syria. Mary is from the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon. Until 2011, she served as the president of the Near East School of Theology in Beirut. After her retirement,the church has named her their interpreter and communicator in this time of tragedy and crisis for the people of Syria.
In that role, she traveled to the United States for the month of September. She spent last week in New York where I had the privilege to accompany her as she told the story of her church and her people, as she witnessed to her faith, as she advocated for peace and justice.
Mary went to Washington, DC on Tuesday. The Presbyterian Office of Public Witness arranged for her to speak at their Second Tuesday Briefing and to meet with aides of five elected officials and a State Department official.
Wednesday saw her in New York with the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations. We did extensive video work with my friend and colleague David Barnhart and my new friend Scott Lansing. The video links will be shared when they are posted. That afternoon, Mary spoke to a public event attended by church members, UN agency staff members, and representatives of nongovernmental organizations.
On Thursday, Mary met with staff members of two Permanent Missions to the UN – missions that sit on the Security Council. She also met with representatives of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Syrian Crisis Core Group made up of UN agencies working in Syria.
As we rode uptown toward the place where Mary was staying, her relief was obvious. She had witnessed well and she was tired.
Then the phone of my colleague Ryan Smith buzzed. An offer arrived for Mary to meet with a representative of the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict on Friday.
“Would you do one more meeting?” Ryan asked.
No hesitation. Mary replied, “How can I say no?”
Ryan and I looked at each other. “You can say no because you are tired and this is one extra meeting and you had other plans.”
“How can I say no?” Mary repeated.
We conceded. “You can’t.”
“But can it be early in the day?” Mary asked.
Ryan confirmed the meeting and on Friday morning, it took place.
Mary and I then went uptown and for a moment said farewell. We will meet again, I am sure.
I give thanks for the time we shared.
And I gave thanks for Dr. Mary Mikhael.
And I gave thanks for her witness, her courage, her grace, and her faith as she told stories of horror and proclaimed hope.
And I give thanks for the small role I played in these profound moments.
See you along the Trail.
On Wednesday, 21 August, Rachel Lee and Esther Lee visited the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations – where I work. We took a tour of the UN and had great conversations.
I had never met Rachel and Esther before Wednesday, but I am friends with their aunt – the Rev. Dr. Hyunju Bae – and their uncle – the Rev. Dr. JC Lee.
Hyunju and JC arranged my trip to the Republic of Korea.
In May, JC brought a Doctor of Ministry class to New York and we had a great visit.
Wednesday brought another blessed day and another blessed visit.
And now I am friends with more members of this special family!
I look forward to see who I meet next.
See you along the Trail.
My friend Laura Mariko Cheifetz has recently written twice about communities of accountability. As she notes:
I could operate all by myself as an individual, but that would be a lie. I am who I am because of the communities that form(ed) me and support(ed) me.
Laura notes that in some instances, she reports to communities of accountability. In other cases, while that word might be too strong, she still exist in, and nurtures, relationship with that community.
After reflecting on some of the communities to which she is accountable, Laura poses the question:
What are your communities of accountability? Your church? Your neighborhood? How do you stay accountable to them?
I would name a number of such communities in my life. The list that follows is not necessarily in order of importance. It is the communities in the order that they occur to me – bearing in mind that I am on a new allergy medication at the moment. I am accountable to:
How do I stay accountable? In different ways with different groups at different times. Sometimes accountability comes in filling in forms and making reports. Sometimes accountability comes through being together and engaging in conversation. Sometimes accountability comes from recalling lessons taught and values shared. Sometimes accountability comes in remembering – allowing people’s faces and voices to fill my mind when we are far apart.
Two areas for further work come to me as I reflect on communities of accountability:
I have much to ponder. And I am grateful to Laura for opening this area of thought for me.
But before I close, I want to give a shout-out to a community of accountability that means a great deal to me at the moment. About two months ago, I decided to make another effort at self-care. I have made some remarkable progress although a long, long, long way remains to go. The effort combines exercise (walking at the moment) and reducing calories. I regularly bore Facebook with the information about my exercise for each day. That simple act somehow helps hold me accountable. Friends comment from time to time – different friends each time. Their feedback matters; but it is the posting that makes the difference.
I have also created a community of accountability – pulling together a number of friends and family who have expressed concern for my health – and who have voiced support for my efforts. This group receives weekly and monthly updates on my progress in terms of eating and exercise and weight loss and blood sugar control.
Some individuals have asked to be part of the group. Others I have drafted. I blind copy the group with the emails so they do not necessarily know who else is a member.
Each report receives a few responses – no one responds all the time – everyone responds once in a while. I deeply appreciate the responses. But even more deeply, I appreciate that the group members are willing to receive my updates.
To the members of this accountability group – to my family and friends – I say thank you. With your support, I have made a great start. The journey continues.
See you along the Trail.
For 27 years, Bob Smylie represented the United Presbyterian Church U.S.A. and its successor the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in the United Nations community. He served in several places in our structure; he held a variety of titles.
When the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) moved to Louisville in 1987, Bob remained behind to create the Presbyterian United Nations Office. Bob served Christ, served the church, served the people with profound intelligence, creative imagination, steadfast love, and deep integrity.
I met Bob in 1990 at a Presbyterian Peacemaking Conference in 1990. We worked on several projects through the years. He was an incredible resource and a great colleague.
I joined the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program staff in 2002. My first meeting with the staff was Bob’s last meeting. We talked now and then over the years.
Then, in 2010, I answered a call to serve as the director of the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations. The name has changed. The mission has adapted to a new time. But we stand in the tradition started by Bob.
Last fall, the Presbyterian Mission Agency Board honored Bob by naming him the Director Emeritus of the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations. A truly fitting honor.
Last night (June 18), I had the privilege of speaking for the Presbyterian Mission Agency Board as the Presbytery of the Palisades recognized the action designating Bob as Director Emeritus.
The opportunity to thank Bob and to acknowledge my debt to him was a true blessing. It is a unique moment when we can to express our gratitude to those who have gone before and paved the way for our work, our ministry.
Thank you Bob.
And Jennifer, Joel, Jessica, and all who have served the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in the UN community before me. Thank you Ryan and Ricky who serve with me now. Thank you Sara and Toni and Gary and all who have worked to keep the ministry vibrant and alive. Thank you all who have made financial gifts to support the ministry. Thank you Matt and Linda and Roger and the leaders and members of the Presbyterian Mission Agency Board who voted to name Bob as Director Emeritus. Thank you Marianne and Greg and Dave and Bruce and the members of the Presbytery of the Palisades who arranged for the presbytery’s act of recognition.
See you along the Trail.
A wonderful, joy-filled afternoon!
The Presbytery of New York City commissioned Peng Leong for ministry at First Chinese Presbyterian Church in New York. Peng will work with children. Her ministry will focus on growing both the Mandarin and Cantonese Sunday School classes. Peng will also work with recreation and tutoring programs for you. And she will assist in the outreach program to the Chinatown community.
The requirements to become a Commissioned Ruling Elder include serving in a ministerial placement. Peng chose to serve with the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations. We had a blessed year together.
Peng completed all the requirements in decency and orderliness. In May, the presbytery voted to commission her. And today, in an act involving Peng, First Chinese Presbyterian Church, and the Presbytery of New York City, the commissioning took place.
Adolfo Griffith and Sera Chung sang. Anne Conroy and Joseph Collazo provided the charges. Dr. David Ofori moderated. Nathan Lim, Betty Jones, James Tse, and Polly Lewis helped lead the service. Ryan Smith and Ricky Velez-Negron from our office attended along with many of Peng’s family members and members of the congregation and presbytery. It was a great day!
Me? Peng honored me with an invitation to preach.
Thanks to Ryan for the photo.
See you along the Trail.
Filed under Friends, New York, Photo, Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations
Along the Graybeard Trail 