To the Synod of the Northeast Community,
The work of the Synod Mission and Ministries Commission continues with our in-person meeting on April 24th and 25th. The Mission, Connectional, and Administrative Working Groups will meet and make recommendations to the commission. There will be opportunities to participate in mission projects, and we’ll have a special training. This is an exciting year to be involved in the Synod.
Meanwhile, we are working on the implementing the Vision Report approved by our Synod Assembly entitled, “Reimagining the Church in the World.” This new vision will begin with an orientation of commissioners in October and the first Synod Assembly Meeting in January 2027. Part of my role is to work with a team to write new by-laws and standing rules which will provide structure for this new vision. The work is well underway, and the Standing Rules will be presented to the Mission and Ministry Commission at its April meeting. In these documents, we have tried to meet the requirements that must be in all governing documents, but we are also trying to capture the spirit of the Vision Report within our governing documents. After reading through the report, I recognized that much prayer and discernment went into the report and I wanted to memorialize the spirit of the discernment team’s work in our governing documents.
For me, here are some highlights for what is to come:
- Synod Assembly will meet three times per year.
- Six Missional Pillar groups will make recommendations to the Assemblies.
- The Mission and Ministry Commission will be phased out.
- We will continue with our vision for Spirit filled meetings and prayerful deliberations.
- You will notice a renewed emphasis on nurturing our spiritual lives and providing meaningful worship at Synod gatherings.
- Our major theological commitments justice, equity, and beloved community remain the same.
- I believe the new vision will help us to feel more connected through regional gatherings and other initiatives.
If you are a Presbytery leader, please remember to nominate and elect commissioners and advisory delegates from your Presbytery. Your Presbytery is asked to elect one Teaching Elder Commissioner and one Ruling Elder Commissioner. Also, elect one Teaching Elder Commissioner Alternate and one Ruling Elder Commissioner Alternate. Finally, elect a Young Adult Advisory Delegate. This is someone between the ages of 18 and 23. Please pay attention to finding diverse representation.
Commissioners are asked to attend two in-person meetings per year and one virtual meeting. The fall and spring meetings will be in-person, normally in October and April. The January meeting will be virtual. Commissioners are also asked to participate in a Missional Pillar Group. These will meet during the Synod Assembly times and occasionally between meetings depending on the work. This is a re-start of class years. If your current commissioner wishes to serve and you would like to elect them, their class year clock will start over.
We sent out a memo to Presbytery leaders with staggered class years for commissioners and advisory delegates. If you do not have it, please reach out to me and I’ll be happy to provide you with that document. If you have any other questions, please feel free to reach out. I prefer to be contacted by email at statedclerk@synodne.org. I respond to emails daily unless travelling.
Peace,
Rev. T. J. DeMarco, Temporary Stated Clerk
Synod of the Northeast
