Summary and Actions of the September 2024 Synod Mission and Ministries Commission

The September Synod Mission and Ministries Commission met via Zoom on September 13th and 14th. The meeting began with thanking and commending those ending their terms on the Synod Mission and Ministry Commission at the end of this year after six years – Elder Cindy Burger, Susquehanna Valley; Elder Luci Duckson-Bramble, Long Island; and Elder Dr. Marvela Hermanus, New York City.  Also ending terms are Elder Nancy Tindall, Coastlands, having served as Gap Treasurer for two and a half years and Rev. Leslie Latham, Western New York, having served for six years as Synod Moderator-Elect, Synod Moderator and Synod Commission Moderator and two years previously as the Synod Commission member from Western New York. These two will end their terms when Synod Assembly votes on the new Treasurer and Moderator-Elect. The Commission also welcomed Elder Gayle Griffin, Northeast New Jersey, who is the new Black Caucus Representative. 

 The Synod Discernment Team continues its work and will present its Phase II Report at Synod Assembly.  Sustainability and impact are key questions.  Where is there new growth?  The synod is blessed with resources, but we may need to change the way we steward them. 

 The overture from this synod on a permanent GA Commission on Mid Councils was approved by the General Assembly.  This gives presbyteries and synods a pathway to get General Assembly approval of presbytery mergers, realignments etc., when the work is complete rather than having to wait until the next General Assembly.  The synod's 2023 Minutes were approved by the General Assembly with no exceptions. 

The Synod wide Mission Day focused on our Indigenous congregations will take place on September 28th at the Brook and Shinnecock churches.  Both have great histories and cultures which will be explored.  The Native churches in Western New York Presbytery will have a similar mission day in 2025.  Early Ministries Institute had 10 new pastors participating last year, with 10-12 more possible for the next couple of years.  Transformative Conflict is the theme. 

 Actions taken at the September Mission and Ministries Commission meeting:

  • Approved an Ecumenical Grant request from the New Jersey Coalition of Religious Leaders in the amount of $3,500.

  • Approved the following Emerging Gospel Communities Grants for a total of $60,000:

    • La Iglesia del Pueblo                                                  New York City   $20,000

    • Transformations                                                          Hudson River    $20,000

    • Pray and Play                                                                Genesee Valley $20,000

  • As the Board of Trustees discussed and approved the following:

    • to receive the Treasurer's Report.

    • to receive the 2023 audit.

    • to hire Lumsden & McCormick for another 3-year term as our auditors

    • Authorized the Treasurer to use money in the Operating Fund to open a New Covenant Trust Company money market fund with a starting balance not to exceed $100K, the purpose of which is cash management.  Money in this account will be deposited or withdrawn in consultation with the Treasurer, the Financial Manager, and the Synod Leader, and reported to the Commission’s Administrative Working Group at its next meeting. 

  • Upon moving back into the Synod Commission approved a 4% cost of living salary increase for the synod staff for 2025.

  • Approved an increase of 3% on the amount that the staff members pay toward Board of Pensions fees for dependent medical coverage for 2025.

  • Turning to Synod Assembly the Commission voted on the following items:

    • Recommended that the Synod Assembly approve the proposed Synod Budget for 2025.  This is a one-year budget due to the Discernment Team work. They will present their final report and recommendations at a Special Called Synod Assembly in 2025.  The budget presented in 2025 will align with their final report and recommendations.

    • Recommended to Synod Assembly the election of Rev. Gregory Simpson to a four-year term as the Synod Treasurer. 

    • Recommended to Synod Assembly the election of Rev. Sue Smith as the next Moderator-elect.

    • Approved the celebration of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper during Synod Assembly.

    • Agreed to split the money from the offering at Synod Assembly worship between the Native American Initiative and the Synod's Immigration Emergency Relief Fund.

    • Changed the date of the Special Called Synod Assembly Meeting in 2025 to November 15. 

Mark Bennett