January 2023 Synod Mission and Ministries Commission Summary of Actions and Discussions

The Synod Mission and Ministries Commission met January 27th – 28th.   Three new members were welcomed as they begin their first two-year term:  Rev. Chris Foster (Southern New England).  Elder Rob Heinze (Northern New England), and Elder Paulete La Terra (Northeast New Jersey).  We expect that by the April meeting there will be representatives for Albany, Hudson River and Utica.

 Rev. Dr. SanDawna Gaulman Ashley shared that we are beginning a synod-wide evaluation of the current vision, the New Way Forward, which will entail a two-year review process.  We will begin with a year of discernment, guided by Psalm 48:12-14, which talks about a walk around Zion recognizing the presence and blessing of God.  What are our strengths?  What are our connections?  How are we transformative?  The discernment team which was approved at Synod Assembly will have a period of data collection and listening sessions with an initial report back to the Synod Assembly in November 2023 via Zoom.  More listening sessions and discernment will follow.  A draft of a proposed New Vision will be submitted to the Synod Assembly in October 2024. 

 Rev. Talbot shared that after the new Church Discipline section of the Book of Order guiding the processes for remedial and disciplinary complaints is approved, she has invited Elder Flor Vélez-Díaz, Manager Judicial Process and Social Witness, to come to our synod for a week in the fall to offer three in-person training sessions across the synod to the Synod PJC as well as all Presbytery PJCs. 

The Presbytery of Susquehanna Valley called a new Presbyter for Transformation, which is a long-awaited step for them.  He will begin April 1st. The Synod Administrative Commission will walk alongside this person as he comes to know the presbytery. 

Elder Lori Hylton, Administrative Coordinator, reported that the synod is simplifying and focusing its grant process, using Foundant Grant Management Software.  She expects this to be a major improvement as it will be much more user-friendly for applicants as well as the synod.  We expect the applications to be ready for this Wurffel-Sills cycle as well as this spring’s Innovation Grant cycle.

Mission Working Group

Elder Cindy Burger presented the following grants recommended by the Working Group for approval. 

CAMPUS MINISTRY

  • Boston Presbytery | International Students, Inc. | Boston University and UMass of Boston | $2,500

  • Protestant Cooperative Ministry (PCM)  | $2,500

  • LaMP Campus Ministry | New York City Columbia University, John Jay College, Fordham University, and others | $2,500

  • Northern New England Presbytery | United Campus Ministries | Plymouth State University | $2,500

  • Coastlands Presbytery | Princeton Presbyterians of the Westminster Foundation | Princeton University and Princeton Theological Seminary | $2,500

  • New York City Presbytery | PRiSM Student Ministries | New York University/The New School/downtown NYC colleges | $2,500

  • Coastlands Presbytery | Rutgers Protestant Campus Ministries | Rutgers University | $2,500

  • Albany Presbytery | Campus Ministries at Sage | The Sage Colleges | $2,500

  • Long Island Presbytery |  Protestant Campus Ministry | SUNY Stony Brook  | $2,500

  • Susquehanna Valley Presbytery | Delhi Campus Ministry | SUNY Delhi | $2,500

  • Western New York Presbytery | Campus Church ConneXion | University at Buffalo | $2,500

  • Genesee Valley Presbytery | Protestant Chapel Community | University of Rochester | $2,500

  • Albany Presbytery | Campus Protestant Ministry | Union College | $2,500

    YOUTH LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

  • Boston Presbytery | CityReach | Ecclesia Ministries, Inc. - common cathedral | $7,000

  • Genesee Valley and Geneva | Finger Lakes Youth Ministry | Presbytery of Genesee Valley | $5,500

  • New Brunswick Presbytery | Princeton Presbyterians’ Pilgrimage to Taize | Princeton Presbyterians of the Westminster Foundation | $7,500

  • Boston Presbytery | Ransom Youth Group Mentor Program | Korean Church of Boston | $4,000

  • Western New York Presbytery | Red Sweater Youth | First Presbyterian Church of Youngstown | $2,000

  • Northern New Jersey | Safe Space Summer Camp | United Presbyterian Church of Paterson | $7,500

  • Northern New Jersey Presbytery | School to Life Initiative - Summer Employment Program | Good Success Academies, Inc. | $7,000

  • Boston Presbytery | Shelby Dickinson Youth Fellows for Community Outreach |  Clinton Presbyterian Church | $7,000

    EMERGING GOSPEL COMMUNITIES

  • New York City Presbytery | Iglesia del Pueblo | Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis | $15,000

    Connectional Ministries Working Group

     Rev. Brandi Wooten reported on the work they ae doing with First Nations congregations in the Synod.  They will consult with two Seneca congregations in the Western New York presbytery and plan a gathering to bring together the Seneca, Shinnecock, and Ramapo congregations in the Synod, in the Spring or Summer of 2024.  Additionally, they are planning to show the video, "Conscience Point," about the Shinnecock Nation, at the April meeting of the Commission.  There will be a Synod-wide Mission Day will be coming up, also in the Spring or Summer of 2024.

     

    Administrative Working Group

     Elder Luci Duckson-Bramble began with the Treasurer’s Report. We finished the year without using all the designated and strategic reserve we thought we might need.  We used about $806K.  Our expenses were well within budget.  But our legal expenses were very high. The Commission VOTED to receive the distributed Report of the Treasurer. The Commission also VOTED to approve the audit proposal for 2022 and 2023.

     

    Commission Retreat

    We are scheduled to hold a Commission retreat this year.  It will be a time for reflection and engagement around Scripture.  In order to reduce travel and time away the Working Group proposed adding a day ahead of the September Mission and Ministries Commission meeting, on September 14 & 15, with the Commission meeting on September 15 & 16.  The Commission VOTED to approve this recommendation.

     

    Covid Protocols

    All future gatherings of the synod are scheduled to be in-person. To keep everyone as safe as possible, the Working Group recommended that the synod should continue to follow the protocols that are now in place about testing, masking, distancing, handwashing, and signing the pledge originally created for Synod assembly.  There was general consensus concerning this way to proceed.

     

    Acknowledgements

    The Commission celebrated Elder Lori Hylton’s time and service to the synod.  Elder Hylton has accepted a position with the Croatan Institute, in North Carolina.  Rev. Dr. Ashley spoke about her 5 years’ service in various roles, and how well she has done with her many gifts.  Rev. Talbot noted that when Lori came, we were operating under many old systems. She was instrumental in bringing the synod through the necessary upgrades and trainings.  She also oversaw acquiring venues and organizing synod meetings large and small.  Lori has a great ability to find the right resources for the right meetings, greatly enhancing our effectiveness as a synod.   Fran Klaiber recalled the many times Lori saved us from difficulty in the synod.  Her team spirit, her skills at fixing anything, her willingness to take the time to help individuals in the synod with whatever they needed. Rev. Latham noted how Lori made everything look seamless and easy.  Then she offered a prayer over her with the Commission.                                               

Mark Bennett