The Synod of the Northeast launched its Innovation Laboratory series on September 15 with the Rev. Dr. Eustacia Moffett Marshall, founding pastor of New River Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. Dr. Marshall invited participants to consider how congregations can find new ways to share the gospel faithfully in changing communities.
New River’s story gave that question a living example. Three historic congregations came together to form one new church, carrying forward their shared commitment to service. As Dr. Marshall put it, “history can fuel our future.”
She encouraged churches to recognize the gifts already in their hands: people, relationships, skills, buildings and faithful histories. Innovation can begin by putting those gifts to work in new ways, even when resources feel limited.
For New River, listening to neighbors helped turn possibility into action. Its ministry now includes a community development organization, affordable housing for older adults, an emergency food pantry and a free medical clinic offered with a partner. Dr. Marshall emphasized that this work grew through relationships with the surrounding community.
The webinar also made room for honest questions: Whose voices have not yet been invited into our conversations? What could we try if we began with what we have? Experimenting takes courage and a willingness to learn when something does not go as planned.
Dr. Marshall offered a simple reason to take that step: “God is at work beyond our walls.” Watch the first Innovation Laboratory webinar and consider where your congregation might listen, learn and join in. To watch the first webinar go to https://synodne.org/webinars-2/
Our second webinar in this series will take place on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, featuring the Rev. Dr. Debra J. K. Bronkema, Director of New Worshiping Initiatives for Hudson River Presbytery, and the Rev. Karen Hernández-Granzen, Pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Trenton, New Jersey, and Board President of the Trenton Microloan Collaborative.
In this panel discussion, “Innovation in Action: Stories from the Field,” these Synod grantees will share how their innovative ministries began, the challenges they encountered and overcame, the lessons they learned, and the unexpected joys they discovered along the way. Join us to hear inspiring, real-world stories and explore what faithful innovation might make possible in your own ministry.
If you joined us for the first webinar, you’re all set for the rest of the series. New participants are welcome! Sign up here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/vrmVeOIUS3SPMtZw9n3CLA#/registration
This webinar seriesIt is offered at no cost, thanks to per capita giving.