The September 2016 Synod Mission and Ministries Commission was full of our regular work as well as approving items to pass onto the Synod Assembly for consideration and approval. The full Commission serves as the Synod Board of Trustees. In this capacity they voted to: have funds from the Wurffel-Sills Fund support the Robert L. Washington Scholars and Fellows Program; have the unused balance of the Black Theology and Leadership Institute Fund of $1,390 be transferred to the Robert L. Washington Program; approve the funding of $36,000 for the CrossRoads Racial Awareness program for 2017 from the Walker Fund; and authorize the Treasurer to take appropriate steps to receive distribution from the Eichelberger Trust, of which the Synod is a named beneficiary, with an expected payout of $125,000.
Read More“Sankofa" is a word meaning ‘looking backward to move forward’ in the Twi language of Ghana. The Sankofa Journey seeks to assist disciples of Christ on their move toward a righteous response to the social ills related to racism. This interactive experience explores historic sites of importance in the Civil Rights movement, places of oppression and inequality for people of color, while seeking to move participants toward healing the wounds and racial divide caused by hundreds of years of racial injustice in the United States of America.
Read MoreAbout a year ago, and with the help of an Innovation Grant from the Synod of the Northeast, First Presbyterian Church of Ogdensburg, New York converted a room in its building into a versatile movie theater, as part of an ongoing effort to better serve its community and reach new people.
Read MoreThat day started a shift in me. All relationships are a challenge, but when you meld together two cultures the way we have in our home it is both an indescribable joy and challenge. I am on a constant learning curve and my daughter is always steps ahead of me. That day, and the confession I share with you of my behaviors, also started me on a journey in my ministry and in my life of asking the deeper questions about hospitality and welcome. How do we welcome? What is real hospitality? How do we set the table? How can we allow the in-breaking of the Holy Spirit--which is what happened to me through my daughter on that day--to allow the opportunity for rebirth and renewal?
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