This week, the Synod’s Discernment Team met in Silver Bay, New York. The team began drafting its preliminary report for the upcoming Called Assembly Meeting on December 9, 2023, from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. The report will summarize the evaluation process thus far and data collected through two surveys and listening sessions. The following listening sessions...

 The Good Storyteller   Jesus was said to be the best storyteller ever walking the earth. When He told parables, the crowds listened intently, captivated by his ability to use common everyday events to connect with those eager to hear His words.    Jesus created the space for teachable moments. He had a technique of presenting...

While living in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, each year, we waited in anticipation for the end of the summer festival Kipona. The annual event marked the long dog days of summer would be replaced with the cool days of fall and the ensuing winter snow. Like clockwork, the air felt as if someone had turned a dowel. The...

Attention all Presbytery PJC members, Mid Council Leaders, members of COM as well as anyone else who believe you can benefit from attending a training on the new Book of Order Church Discipline (the old Rules of Discipline section):  You are welcome to attend either one of the three in-person trainings or the virtual training the...

The synod will hold its September 15-16 commission meeting at Honors Haven Retreat and Conference, 1195 Arrowhead Rd, Ellenville, NY 12428.  As agreed by the Commission earlier this year, we will retreat as a commission beginning at noon on September 14th and continuing until lunch on the 15th.  If you have not registered yet, please do...

A new hymn written by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette when she was serving as the August 12-19, 2023 chaplain in the Presbyterian House at Chautauqua Institution.   This hymn is based on the Old Testament reading for the Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year A, August 27, 2023.      There Came a Time in Egypt AURELIA 7.6.7.6...

Registration is now open for Come to the Table scheduled for October 20 – October 22. We will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Friday with dinner and end at 12 noon on Sunday with worship. Please note that each person is required to register individually. If you wish to share a room with someone, you should include that person’s...

Workshop Title: Unveiling Faith| Young Voices on Service and Scripture Description: Engage with passionate young adults hailing from Scotland, Texas, and North Carolina who are serving as Young Adult Volunteers (YAVs) in NYC. Participate in a dialogue where they elaborate on their roles and their commitment to community, equity and justice within the YAV program. Delve...

PANEL WORKSHOP : “Contextual Conversation Around Matthew 25: Reflections and Wrestling with Ministry to the Least of These from Three Pastors” Description: Pastors, Emily Brewer, Jeniffer Rodriguez, and Dakota Whitaker lead a conversation around what the Matthew 25 initiative looks like in their own ministry contexts. They will discuss opportunities, challenges, and roadblocks that come with...