Synod Announces New Mission Coordinator
We are excited and delighted to welcome the Rev. Margaret Mitsuyasu as the Synod’s new Mission Coordinator.
The Mission Coordinator position was created to address our growing need for dedicated staff support to provide resourcing and relationship to those interested in applying for Innovation and Higher Education Grants, and follow up once applicants have received a grant. The position also includes oversight of the Synod’s communication strategy, as we seek to share and celebrate the stories of our Innovation Grantees, Networks, mission partners, campus ministries, new gospel communities, presbytery support, and many other endeavors with our whole Synod community. We believe Margaret will bring love, enthusiasm, and clarity to this work, helping us to continue embodying the commitments of our Way Forward.
Margaret is no stranger to the Synod. She has been a member of the Emerging Leaders Planning Team since the beginning of that initiative in 2013, and participated in the Early Ministry Institute (EMI) as a part of the 2014-16 cohort. She also served on the Palisades Presbytery Special Administrative Review Committee and has attended many Synod events. In addition to her involvement with the Synod, Margaret has also served in each level of our denomination. On the presbytery level, she is a member of the Elizabeth Presbytery’s Committee on Ministry, and was a member of its Transitional Leader Search Team in 2012-13. She also attended the 219th General Assembly in 2010 as a Theological Student Advisory Delegate. Margaret brings a diversity of Presbyterian experiences with her, which we believe will enable her to help us interpret our work for many different settings.
Margaret comes to us from the Presbyterian Church at Pluckemin in New Jersey, where she served as the Associate Pastor since June 2012. There she worked most closely with ministry teams providing Christian education for all ages and mission, and as a generalist she participated in every aspect of congregational life, from worship leadership and preaching, to pastoral care, fellowship, and administration. During her time there, the congregation experienced significant transition, through which Margaret offered leadership and stability. Part of that transition also included the conclusion of the associate pastor position, and she helped them prepare for that leadership shift and close the position with grace.
A graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary, Margaret earned her Master of Divinity degree in 2011. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics and Theology from Whitworth University.
In her spare time Margaret loves to read, take naps, listen to podcasts, and spend time in the outdoors.
Margaret will begin her work with the Synod on September 1st.
Please join us in welcoming Margaret!