May 20, 2021

Dear Members, Friends and Neighbors:

The Session would like you to assist Calvary by participating in a Church Assessment Tool (CAT) that will gather information about our congregation, our sense of community, collaboration and mission priorities for our near future– and maybe beyond. 

While we have existed since the beginnings of the American Revolution in the Hudson River Valley our demographics and sense of purpose have changed in parallel with the shifting makeup of Newburgh and Calvary Presbyterian Church.  The shift in the peoples, their economic status and class has been consistent in the urbanization and decline of the industrial base of this area. There was even a flight from this community of Presbyterian Churches avoiding the ongoing and increasing ethnic and cultural diversity and an increase of black and brown populations led church members to be wary of the mandate of Jesus– “Go into all nations preaching the gospel…”

The Calvary Session is engaging in this CAT (assessment tool)  to measure the mind, heart, soul and personality of this church in this unique public square of the City of Newburgh. While we are not fans of surveys, we believe that you can help us understand what Calvary has meant to you, has impacted you and your family and envision Calvary  collaborating with community organizations. Your responses will help us define a fresh vision for this church here now and in the future. 

PLANNING OUR FUTURE TOGETHER!

We are inviting you to complete the Church Assessment Tool (CAT), an on-line instrument that will help leaders gauge the strength, vitality, and trends in our church.  The information gained from this assessment will be valuable in helping the elected combined leadership, the session, trustees and moderator as they make decisions about the future of Calvary Presbyterian Church. 

 Please take a few moments to go online by clicking here for the survey and tell us about your experiences with and priorities for our church. Each member of a household is welcome to complete the survey.  This link will be open until June, 20, 2021. Please do not discuss the survey or your answers with others as this may influence their answers.

If you need a paper copy, please call the office (845-562-8730) or Reverend Lewis,  (845-401-7403), and we will provide one for you along with a self-addressed stamped return envelope. 

All answers are strictly anonymous.  We have no way of matching any assessment to a particular person, so please feel free to candidly share your perceptions, opinions and experiences.  Our future together is dependent on your participation and honest answers.

If you have questions, please contact Session Member Kate Weissmann (845-629-0509)

Many thanks,

The Session of Calvary Presbyterian Church

Damian DePauw
Diane McCoy-Wills
Leroy Fields, Jr.
Noa Simons
John Clarke
 Roy Ploss
Kate Weissman

J EDWARD LEWIS Sr
Pastor and Teaching Elder