Summary and Actions of the 2024 Synod Assembly

The regular biennial meeting of the Assembly of the Synod of the Northeast, Presbyterian Church (USA), took place in Albany, NY on October 25th and 26th.  125 synod commissioners, mid council leaders, observers, Synod Assembly planning team members, musicians and staff gathered for a jammed packed 25 hours of worshipful work, lively music, fellowship, and an evening of karaoke.

 After the business of gathering, Rev. Adriene Thorne, Senior Pastor of Riverside Church and member of the Presbytery of New York City preached a powerful sermon.  Elder Lisa Baker was installed as the Synod Moderator for the next two years, and the two officiated Communion. Many of the assembly presenters engaged in story telling about the work of the Synod or their work within the Synod related to mission.

The Discernment Team presented their Phase II report which focused on Synod grants provided to churches and presbyteries as well as recommendations for four new initiatives: (1) shared learning and mutual support, including Regional Learning Tables;  (2) Mission Innovation Summits for grant recipients, requiring attendance to gain skills and knowledge and mutual support; (3) Equipping Ruling Elders Cohort Group, for worship leadership roles; and  (4) Community Organizing Cohort Group, training resources and support. The Assembly gathered around their tables to discuss questions related to the Discernment Team’s work.  Notes were taken and will be shared with the team as another source of gathering information. 

Actions Taken by the Assembly

  • Elected Rev. Sue Smith as Synod Moderator-Elect

  • Elected Rev. Gregory Simpson as Synod Treasurer for a four-year term

  • Elected Rev. Kundan Nasir, Presbytery for Southern New Jersey, Elder Linda Schober, Presbytery of the Highlands of New Jersey, and Elder Zayn Silva, Presbytery of the New York City to the 2030 class of the Synod Permanent Judicial Commission

  • Approved the proposed per capita rate of $4.25 for 2025.

  • Approved the 2025 proposed budget

  • Approved a Commissioner Resolution asking the Synod to commit, support, and work together in Christian partnership with the Hispanic Caucus of the Synod of the Northeast, to fulfill and accomplish what the General Assembly resolution asked from mid-councils.

  • Agreed to submit a letter to the Office of General Assembly and/or its succeeding organization to make sure that they translate the materials of the Special Committee that is writing a new confession for inclusion in the Book of Confessions into Spanish and Korean.  

In reviewing a post-assembly survey, the consensus was that people left feeling uplifted having a much better understanding of the mission of the Synod, feeling positive about the direction the Synod is headed and having enjoyed the fellowship.  There is a special called Synod Assembly on November 15, 2025, to receive and approve the final recommendations of the Discernment Team

Mark Bennett