Synod Assembly 2022

Every year, the Synod of the Northeast has worked with our Presbyteries to find new and innovative ways to “provide unencumbered spaces for the Holy Spirit to move among us, breathing new life into us and strengthening us to work for the realm and reign of God.” This is reflected not only in our budget with how we utilize the funds given to us but in the business meetings we hold. The most recent example of this was during our 2022 Pre-Assembly and Synod Assembly event that was held from October 20-22, 2022, at the Desmond Hotel, Albany.

This assembly was filled with praise, worship, difficult discussions, progressive workshops, and effective business meetings. It started with our Pre-Assembly Event that focused on Matthew 25. The Pre-Assembly opened with a timely and important message by Rev. Dr. David Anderson Hooker, Founder and Principal Narrator for CounterStories Consulting, LLC. Dr. Hooker’s message forced many attending to look at the stories and narratives that we were taught in our communities and even in the bible, and view them from other angles. He also posed the question would we Christians rather work with a shared narrative for the future, or with multiple narratives of a shared future?

After the keynote speaker, the Pre- Assembly had three sessions focusing on Building Congregational Vitality, Dismantling Structural Racism, and Eradicating Systemic Poverty presented by the following dynamic presenters: Christopher DeLisle, Sharon Cowen, Rev. Rich Hong, Karen S. Brown, Denyse Leslie, Ruling Elder Rick Ufford-Chase, Rev. Ashley DeTar Birt, Rev. Aaron Neff, Ruling Elder Hezekiah Simmons, Rev. Hollie Haile Thompson, Ruling Elder Edgar Hayes, and Rev. Sarah Henkel. All attendees were excited about the many topics being covered through the interactive workshops.

 On Friday the official Synod Assembly began with a spirited praise and worship service, a sermon provided by Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis, the Installation of Rev. Stephen Park Choi as the Synod Moderator, and Communion.  The order of the day continued with presentations about the future of the Synod presented by the Transitional Synod Leader, Rev. Dr. SanDawna Gaulman Ashley. Beginning in 2023 an evaluation of the current vision will begin as outlined in the work of the new Discernment Team Report. The Stated Clerk, Rev. Nancy Talbot provided reports on major actions since the last meeting and pending actions for the assembly. Reflections on the Pre-Assembly focused on the participant’s takeaways. The three working group conveners Elder Lisa Baker, Elder Luci Duckson Bramble, and Elder Cindy Burger gave an overview of their ministry areas. 

 The Narrative Budget was presented for a second reading. This year the Synod budgeting process included three webinars for a first read of the budget for commissioners. The new budgeting process also expanded the participation of staff and working group representatives to discern together the stewardship needs of the Synod. Rev. Dr. Ashley described the new stewardship process as “one major shift in the culture of the Synod.” The Synod’s Narrative Budget is available for sharing and can be downloaded from the Synod’s website.

Friday night ended with a Talent Show where numerous Synod members showcased their talent in song, poetry, and dance.

On Saturday, the last day of the Assembly, Commissioners voted on numerous items such as the re-election of the Stated Clerk, changes to the Standing Rules, the election of Elder Lisa Baker as the moderator elect, the 2023/2024 Budget,  the New Discernment Team, and Per Capita. The proposed 15 cents Per Capita increase motion did not pass although the vote was close. The Synod’s Per Capita rate will remain the same as it has been since 2017 at $4.10. The Leadership Team will continue discussions about funding new mission initiatives.  The budget primarily provides for five new initiatives: The Small Church Residency Pilot Program, Presbytery Support Grants, Matthew 25 Learning Events, the Synod Visioning Process, and a new Grants Management Software.

This was the first in-person gathering since the pandemic began. The meeting was a spiritual gathering of faithful disciples. By all accounts, the assembly set the stage for the coming years and the Synod’s next steps in discerning a new vision. The Synod of the Northeast will always make sure that the values of mission and governance are balanced as it faithfully yields to Christ’s leading.