A Statement on the National Moment from Albany Presbytery
Synod Mission and Ministries September Commission Meeting Summary
The Synod Mission and Ministries Commission met September 18-20 at the United Church of Fayetteville in Fayetteville, New York. During the first twenty-four hours, members took part in a spiritual retreat which included an afternoon session led by Rev. Suzanne Haley who focused on how we reach out in good faith beyond those who think as we do and how we talk to one another across theological differences. Friday morning, we convened at Green Lakes State Park for Tai Chi followed by using prayer meditations as we walked various trails near the lake.
Matthew 25 In Action: “We Will Keep Showing Up” — Coastlands Presbytery Stands with Families at Delaney Hall
When Delaney Hall in Newark, NJ re-opened to house people detained by ICE, the sidewalks outside filled with parents, partners, and children—often waiting hours to see a loved one. Members of Coastlands Presbytery, together with community groups, immigrant-rights advocates, and other faith partners, answered a simple, gospel-shaped question: How do we love our neighbors here and now?
Say Amen Somebody!
The season is changing, and God is still at work. The crisp air of fall carries with it not only the turning of the leaves but the beginning of a new Christian Education year. These moments call us to lift our voices in faith and say “Amen”—an affirmation that, even in uncertain times, God’s promises remain sure. Life may feel unpredictable, but our response is rooted in trust. We do not have to deny our fears or uncertainties; instead, we affirm together that God is present, steady, and calling the church to move forward with courage and hope.
Now Hiring | Finance Clerk
To apply for this position, submit a resume with references to Rev. SanDawna Ashley at sandawna.ashley@synodne.org. This is a part-time (15 hrs. week) position located in East Syracuse, New York. The applicant must live in the Syracuse, NY area. The position continuation is subject to a satisfactory 90-day orientation period and performance reviews. In accordance with New York State Law, this position is an “at will” employment. Position description … Synod Finance Clerk Position Description TITLE: Finance Clerk PURPOSE: To serve as Finance Clerk to the Manager of Finance, manage the payments and repayments of the Wurffel/Sills Scholarship and Interest-Free Student Loan Program, serve as backup Synod Receptionist, and support other staff as directed by the Synod Leader. ACCOUNTABILITY: The Finance Clerk is accountable to the Manager of Finance and the Synod Leader. RESPONSIBILITIES: Serve as a member of the Core Staff Team of the Synod. Work with the Manager of Finance and other projects assigned by the Synod Leader. Supports the Manager of Finance in the administration of the Wurffel/Sills Scholarship and Interest-Free Student Loan Program by making payments and keeping in correspondence with repayments, current and past recipients, keeping records of repayments. Serve as backup receptionist and respond to questions raised by phone and email regarding dates, services, Synod programs, policies and other calendar items. Refer to appropriate staff person or Synod community as needed. Process, letters, memos, and other finance-related documents for the Manager of Finance. Receive, distribute, scan Synod mail for all staff. RELATIONSHIPS: While working primarily on behalf of the Manager of Finance, the Finance Clerk will work in collaboration with other staff to fulfill the needs of the Synod. QUALIFICATIONS: Previous secretarial experience preferred in governing body, social service agencies, including experience in financial procedures and bookkeeping. Skills in verbal and written communication, including Windows-based computer operations, spreadsheets, and working knowledge of office practices and procedures. Initiative, good judgment, and the ability to assume support responsibilities both independent of and in cooperation with all members of the staff. Willingness to obtain a working knowledge of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) but not required to be a member of the denomination. Ability to foster a multi-cultural and multi-racial environment and in working with people in diverse settings (urban, suburban, rural culture). EVALUATION: The Finance Clerk will be evaluated in accordance with the Personnel Policies and Practices of the Synod including probationary, annual, and comprehensive reviews. TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: The Finance Clerk is a part-time (15 hrs. week) non-exempt position and is subject to satisfactory performance reviews. The applicant must live in the Syracuse, NY area. In accordance with New York State Law, this position is an “at will” employment.
New Seasons, New Grant Opportunities
As summer’s golden days give way to autumn’s fresh beginnings, the Synod of the Northeast is wrapping up applications for the 2025 Emerging Gospel Community Grant—and what an inspiring season it has been! This grant cycle marked a bold step forward in accessibility and inclusion. For the first time, the application was available in English, Spanish, and Korean—opening doors for more voices to be heard and more ministries to be empowered. We also hosted three live webinars with real-time translation in each language, allowing participants from across our diverse communities to engage fully in the process. The energy, ideas, and passion we witnessed were truly inspiring. Even as we close this cycle, the work continues. We are already evaluating what we’ve learned and planning even greater outreach for our next grant cycle, which opens in October. Stay tuned through our newsletters and emails for announcements and webinar schedules. Coming This October: Campus Ministry Grant For decades, the Synod of the Northeast has shown a steadfast commitment to supporting campus ministries—because we know the college years can be a pivotal time for faith formation, leadership development, and service. The Campus Ministry Grant supports ministries that: Welcome and celebrate young leaders in the wider faith community. Maintain a strong missional focus, serving both the campus and the broader community. Work toward a more just and generous world, in alignment with the Synod’s mission. Full grant criteria are available on the Synod of the Northeast’s website. Also Launching in October: Youth & Young Adult Leadership Development Grant Our Youth & Young Adult Leadership Development Grant aims to amplify the voices of young leaders inside and outside the church. Funded projects focus on: Cultivating leadership skills. Creating space for youth and young adults to lead in ministry. Strengthening connections between young leaders, their congregations, and their communities. We believe that when young people are encouraged to lead, the church grows in vibrancy, creativity, and hope. Details and criteria can be found on the Synod’s website. The Synod of the Northeast looks forward to this next season with open hearts, eager to see what God will do through these grants—and through the leaders and ministries they will inspire.
PCUSA Growth Network Mini-Conference on Church Growth
The newly formed PCUSA Church Growth Network will be having its first conference on October 7-8, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church of Englewood. The theme of the conference is “Sunday’s Coming: We Prepare So People Can Hear”, focusing on improving the Sunday experience for churchgoers. Workshops on preaching, AV technology (esp. audio), hospitality, and family ministries make the conference valuable for pastors and lay leaders who play a role on Sunday morning. The cost is $49.
Matthew 25 In Action: A 78-Mile Walk for Justice with Rev. Dr. Leah Ntuala
Between June 29 and July 2, 2025, Rev. Dr. Leah Ntuala, pastor of The First Presbyterian Church in Seneca Falls, NY and a member of the Presbytery of Geneva, walked 78 miles from Seneca Falls to the Batavia ICE Detention Center. With no formal training, little preparation, and a heart full of conviction, she stepped into what she called a call “into the wilderness”—a call rooted in faith, grief, protest, and deep holy pondering.
A Youth Perspective from the 2025 Youth Triennium
Hi, my name is Tyler McGrath and I am speaking on behalf of the youth of the Presbytery For Southern New Jersey. It is safe to say that if anyone from our delegation was offered the chance to go on triennium again they would take it in a split second. The trip is nothing like you expect it to be because it only exceeds expectations. As for the travel, while it was a very long time on a bus, that did not stop our group from enjoying every second of it. On our 11 hour bus ride our group got so close playing games, talking about the trip, and looking at the beautiful views that it was almost just as fun as being in Kentucky. Stretching a little bit into the personal lives of the Presbyterian youth community in southern New Jersey, I can confidently say that while the people in the group were somewhat close before the trip it is nothing compared to how close we are now. After going on this trip and experiencing the eye opening worship services and dancing at the silent discos and even the small lesson groups, this group has never felt more like a family. Expanding more on the events that were offered at PYT, it is safe to say that I was shocked with the obvious months of meticulous planning to make sure that every person had a place to go where they could feel welcome. From soccer and silent discos to quiet rooms and D&D campaigns, the thought for every interest should not go unnoticed and for that I want to say a huge thank you to the coordinators of PYT. PYT was such an unreal experience that not only exceeded our expectations but also gave the youth of our delegation a whole new set of friends that could last a lifetime. We forever owe God for the amazing few days that he brought us together as one big church. Amen.
September Commission Meeting and Spiritual Retreat
The Synod Commission will hold a spiritual retreat before the Commission meeting beginning on Thursday, September 18, 2025. After 24 hours of retreating, we will move into our regular Commission meeting. **Please note that this meeting is to be attended by those who have been elected to serve as their presbytery or caucus representative to the Synod. People who were elected as Synod Assembly Commissioners are invited to attend the Special Called meeting on November 15 and will receive a series of notifications prior to that meeting. Synod meetings are open. If you are not elected to the Commission meeting but wish to attend, you may do so. However, you will be asked to pay your own way which includes travel, lodging and meals.