Synod Mission and Ministries Commission September Meeting Highlights

The Commission approved the following meeting dates for 2023:

Commission will meet January 27-28, April 28-29, and September 15-16.  Come-to-the-Table is scheduled for October 20-21.

The Commission approved the following Emerging Gospel Communities grants:

1.   Connect.Faith -- Hudson River Presbytery                                               $10,000

2.  Cross Street Community – New York City Presbytery                               $10,500

3.  For People – New York City                                                                         $15,000

4.  Freedom Church of the Poor – New York City                                              $10,000

5.  Hope Church of New York – New York City                                               $15,000

6.  Sudanese Presbyterian Fellowship – Northern New England                   $7,500

9.  Cross River Ministry -- Eastern Korean American Presbytery                   $12,000

The Commission also approved the following:

New York State Council of Churches                                                             $5,000

New Jersey Coalition of Religious Leaders                                                     $3,500

Hispanic Latina NYC                                                                                        $3,500

In preparation for Synod Assembly, the Commission will recommend the 2023-2024 budget and will for the first time present a Narrative Budget that tells the story of the synod’s work in mission form.  A per capita increase was approved from $4.10 to $4.25. This is the first increase in six years.  In addition, the Commission approved a 5% cost of living increase for synod staff.  The Commission voted to recommend Elder Lisa Baker to stand for Moderator-Elect and Rev. Nancy Talbot to be re-elected as Synod Stated Clerk.

To help with the increased work of the synod, the Commission agreed to a new staffing structure which includes a part-time Communications Specialist, a part-time Grants Coordinator, and a part-time administrative person.  The first two positions are contracts. The administrative position is a staff position.

Two needs-based presbytery support grants were approved: the Presbytery of Northern New England will receive $20,000 and the Presbytery of Northern New York will receive $40,000.  Two other presbyteries that applied were asked for additional information before a determination can be made.

After two years as New York City’s Commission Representative and six years as a Synod Officer, this was Elder Jacinth Hanson’s last meeting.  She was gratefully thanked for her years of service and praised for the gifts and talents she brought to the work of the synod.  As a small token of our appreciation, Elder Hanson received a dancing flame oil lamp and a fond farewell.