Highlights from the September Synod Mission & Ministries Commission Gathering
The Synod Mission and Ministries Commission met on September 17-18 via Zoom. Although a hybrid meeting had been planned, the Leadership Team determined that it was not safe to gather with the Delta Variant. We will continue to monitor the situation and determine when we can meet once again in person – certainly a desire of all of us.
Continued New Jersey Transitions -- The commission voted to approve the recommendation of the New Jersey Missional Communities AC to transfer the First Presbyterian Church of Titusville upon its request from the Presbytery of Central New Jersey to the Presbytery of the Highlands of New Jersey. Both presbyteries had previously approved this request.
The commission also voted to approve the AC’s recommendation for the name of the Presbytery of Central New Jersey to become the Presbytery of the Coastlands. The Synod has requested the General Assembly AC on Mid Councils to approve these changes. A meeting is scheduled on October 1st. If the way be clear, these changes will take effect immediately.
Synod Volunteer Position Elections -- The following people were elected to serve on Synod committees.
Early Ministries Institute (EMI) Design Team
Rev. Robin Curras – Presbytery of the Highlands of New Jersey (2024)
Rev. Linda Gaden – Presbytery of Central New Jersey (2024)
Rev. Richard Hong -- Presbytery of Northeast New Jersey (2024)
Elder Adibesi Shofu -- Presbytery of Central New Jersey (2023)
Rev. Caroline Unzaga -- Presbytery of the City of New York (2022)
Elder Cherry Oakley -- Presbytery of Central New Jersey (2022)
Personnel Team-
Rev. Scott DeBlock – Presbytery of Northern New England (2023)
Rev. Maria Crompton – Presbytery of Northeast New Jersey (2023)
You will notice that many people who were nominated or self-nominated are located in the New Jersey area. We still seek 3 people to join the Personnel Team, 1 Presbytery Leader to join the EMI Design Team, 3 people to sit on the Synod Committee on Representation (COR) and a male ruling elder to complete one year of a Synod PJC term. The Nominating Committee wishes to expand the geographic diversity across the synod in filling these positions. If you are interested, please contact Nancy Talbot, Synod Stated Clerk, at 315-480-3553 or nancy.talbot@synodne.org to learn more about the positions and to complete a nomination or self-nomination form.
The Connectional Ministries Working Group of the Commission will undertake a review of the Robert Washington Scholars and Servant Leadership Institute programs. The intent is to understand what has worked well and what needs to be added or improved before offering these programs again.
After the Synod’s trip to the Shinnecock Nation on Long Island, Connectional Ministries plans to focus on engaging with and listening to other First Nations people around the synod. They also plan to examine how we live into our commitment of being a Matthew 25 synod. Look for more information about these initiatives in the future.
The following grants were funded:
Emerging Gospel Communities
The Community Garden - Little Falls Approved $5,000
Utica Presbytery Rev. Tamara Razzano
Our community garden is comprised of a diverse group of people representing a multitude of family structures and socioeconomic levels and is committed to being the embodiment of God’s love in action. Our mission is to grow food for the Little Falls Community Outreach’s Food Backpack Program which serves 76 students. These are families who have been marginalized in our community and whose children do not have food on the weekends or school breaks without the program. In a town that is 98% white, the economically oppressed are those most vulnerable. This requires a commitment to patience, care, and empathic listening for those who have been hurt and/or fear being harmed. Relationships are the foundation of our community and faith, and we are committed to the deep work of listening and engaging.
Mission Emmanuel Approved $7,000
Long Island Presbytery Gustavo Sanchez, CRE
Mission Emmanuel is a Spanish-Language New Church Development, serving Spanish-Speaking residents of the East/Central portion of Long Island. It was begun three years ago and now boasts 35 participants. Recently Mission Emmanuel moved into its own sanctuary after years of nesting with another congregation.
Cross Street Community of NYC Approved $14,200
Presbytery of New York City Elder Dan DeBrucker
Cross Street Community of NYC is a new gospel community serving those who are houseless in New York City. With a focus toward runaway and houseless youth, LGBTQIA+ youth and their allies and those who are survivors of human trafficking. Our vision is to provide God’s love through hospitality, worship, advocacy, and mission by breaking through barriers and breathing new life into ministry.
Shekinah - Abington Approved $7,000
Boston Presbytery Rev. Paolo Lima
Shekinah - Abington is an emerging gospel community connected to several other ‘Shekinah’ worshipping communities in the region. The community is built on Church cells that focus on: communion, building, evangelism, service, and nurture. The whole congregation is supportive and helpful of new immigrants. Every Monday the Pastor sets aside the whole day to help those with questions about immigration, health care, and the legal system. And every House Cell meeting ends with time to discuss issues that folks are facing in the community.
Shekinah - Marlborough Approved $7,000
Boston Presbytery Rev. Paolo Lima
Shekinah - Marlborough is an emerging gospel community connected to several other ‘Shekinah’ worshipping communities in the region. The community is built on Church cells that focus on: communion, building, evangelism, service, and nurture. The whole congregation is supportive and helpful of new immigrants. Every Wednesday the Pastor sets aside the whole day to help those with questions about immigration, health care, and the legal system. And every House Cell meeting ends with time to discuss issues that folks are facing in the community. The Congregation in Marlborough started in September 2018. We are in process to become a Fellowship of the Presbytery of Boston.
Innovation
Godly Play - Woodbury Union Church Approved $2,300
Southern New England Presbytery Rev. T.J. DeMarco
With the first round of grant funds, we implemented the “Godly Play” curriculum for our Sunday School. This is a unique program in our region that serves mainline and progressive families. Godly Play is a story-based Christian Education program with hands-on learning opportunities for every week of the program year. We believe that this is the best way to help children internalize biblical stories and sets a foundation for a lifetime of spiritual growth.
Youth Leadership Development
Presbytery of the Highlands Emerging Leader Internship Approved $7,500
of New Jersey Johnsonburg Camp and Retreat Center
The Emerging Leader Intern will serve in a non-profit ministry that allows hands-on experience in a variety of areas: business, program, hospitality, facilities, and dining services. Now more than ever, it is apparent that there is an urgent need for faith-based experiential options as an addition to traditional classroom instruction for young adults. Gaining life skills, along with faith development and life discernment are the most valuable aspects of this program.
Emerging Leaders Service - Mission Development Expedition Approved $7,500
Presbytery of New York City Covenant Architects Network
The Covenant Architects Network is a progressive ministry believing that God is at work and creating sustainable designs for ministry formation and leadership development with emerging generations. Collaboration, experiential, and cohort models of learning will be the primary pillars of our ministry designs. We believe that God has provided each individual with talents and gifts to explore and refine as we give God glory by serving our neighbors as good stewards of God's grace. This program is scheduled for a trip in November to connect with young adult fellowships from the western coast of Puerto Rico while participating in service-oriented projects at the El Guacio Presbyterian Camp and Conference Center in San Sebastian, Puerto Rico.
CommUNITY Service Approved $7,500
Presbytery of Northeast New Jersey Central Presbyterian Church
CommUNITY Service at Central Church is a program that brings together middle schoolers with high school and adult leaders and local agencies to engage in meaningful service. Through this long-standing service program, we have nurtured generous and effective leaders who are ready to take on leadership in our community. These innovators have extensive resources in the church and community, but they need both mentorship and financial support to bring their passions into the world.