Synod Mission and Ministries Commission Summary and Actions

Synod Mission and Ministries Commission Summary and Actions

The Commission met via Zoom January 26-27. Information shared includes the following. 

  • The Small Church Residency Program applications for congregations, pastors, and candidates ready to receive a call will be posted on the Synod’s website February 1st.

  • Stacy Galloway who has served as the Finance Clerk for the Synod for the last ten years will begin a new position as Administrative Office Clerk on February 1st.

  • Deborah Graham who comes to us from a temp agency will work with the synod 15 hours a week as the Finance Clerk.

  • The synod is still searching for a treasurer.  A stipend will be offered.

  • Synod Assembly meets this year October 25-26 with a pre-assembly event on the 24th at the Albany Hilton in downtown Albany.  Presbyteries will receive information within two weeks.

  • The Synod PJC (SPJC) held a disciplinary appeal hearing concerning The Presbytery of the Highlands of New Jersey v. Rev. Scott Foster.  The SPJC upheld the decisions of the Presbytery PJC on the four specifications of error.  No further appeal was made.

  • The Connectional Ministries Working Group reminded the Commission that there will be a Synod wide Indigenous Offering Day, on February 18th as we move towards the Synod wide Indigenous Mission Day in late September (date TBD).  Advertisements for the Indigenous Offering Day will be broadly distributed and is available as a bulletin insert.  The focus for Synod wide Indigenous Mission Day will be building projects.

  • The Connectional Ministries Working Group announced that the Emergency Immigration Grant application in now online.  You can check out this link to learn about the purpose of the Emergency Immigration Grant Application and how to apply.

 

Synod Commission Actions:

Administrative Working Group Actions.  The Synod Mission and Ministries Commission:

  • Voted to receive Treasurer's Report.

  • Affirmed the membership of the Audit Committee: Rob Heinz, Mission Working Group; Chris Foster, Connectional Ministries Working Group; Lisa Gray, Administrative Working Group; Fran Klaiber, Manager of Finance; Nancy Tindall, Gap Treasurer; and SanDawna Gaulman Ashley, Transitional Synod Leader.

  • Affirmed the continuing membership of the Wurfell-Sills Scholarships and Loans Committee: Tanya Adams, Administrative Working Group; Mary Riley, Mission Working Group; and Approved Chris Foster, Connectional Ministries Working Group.

  • Voted to continue the synod health policy for the 2024 Synod Assembly meeting of providing single rooms and requiring advance testing.

  • Agreed to switch the September 2025 Commission meeting to a Zoom meeting and the 2025 Special Assembly meeting to in person meeting.  The Special Assembly meeting will be for the purpose of receiving the final report of the Discernment Team and voting on its recommendations as well as approving the one-year budget for 2026.

  • Approved the overture to General Assembly to create a permanent Mid Council Commission, appropriately amending the Standing Rules of the General Assembly.  Once submitted, you will find it in PC-Biz.

 

Mark Bennett