In the Synod of the Northeast, Come to the Table is a time when we gather every other year, embracing the opportunity to learn, grow, and be inspired by the transformative missional and ministry innovations unfolding across our region. In the year 2023, the theme that guides our hearts and minds is "When Did We See You?: Removing the Blinders." As we gather at this sacred table, we embark on a collective journey to expand our vision, to remove the blinders that hinder us from recognizing the divine presence in one another and the world around us.
In this narrative, we are challenged to transcend our preconceptions and biases, to remove the blinders that limit our understanding and prevent us from truly seeing and acknowledging the inherent worth and dignity of all God's creation. As we shed these blinders, our vision becomes clearer, enabling us to recognize the face of Christ in the faces of those often marginalized and invisible in our society.
Through engaging workshops, enlightening keynote addresses, and interactive sessions, "Come to the Table" invites us to explore the innovative missional and ministry endeavors that are breaking down barriers and fostering inclusion. We learn from each other and hear about the congregations that are daring to challenge the status quo, dismantle systemic injustices, and create transformative spaces where all are invited to partake in God's abundant love.
At the heart of "When Did We See You?: Removing the Blinders" is a recognition that our faith calls us to be courageous, to step out of our comfort zones, and to engage in compassionate action. By removing the blinders that limit our perspective, we open ourselves to the transformative encounters that reveal the divine presence in unexpected places and are empowered to respond with love, justice, and grace.
The Rev. Ruth Santana-Grace
PCUSA Co-Moderator
This year’s Come to the Table will open with dinner followed by worship. We are delighted to announce that The Rev. Ruth Faith Santana-Grace, PCUSA Co-Moderator, will preach and serve Communion. After worship we will engage in a session called “Q&A with the Co-Moderator.”
After serving ten years as Executive Presbyter of San Gabriel Presbytery in California, in 2014 Ruth came to the Philadelphia Presbytery as its Executive Presbyter. Soon after arriving, she launched the Ministry and Leadership Incubator – the umbrella equipping arm of the presbytery focused on strengthening congregational leaders and their ministries. Ruth brings a deep conviction that God is creatively at work in our midst, calling us to reflect the Gospel in ways that bring hope, justice, and mercy into this world. With her leadership the presbytery has leaned into a significant arena: Public Witness and Response Initiative focused on areas such as immigration, gun violence, racism, and natural disasters. This ministry and her experiences bring great depth to her leadership as the PCUSA Co-Moderator along with Co-Moderator Rev. Shavon Starling-Louis.
Keynote Speaker: Rev. Felecia LaBoy
Founder and Lead Coach at The Orchestrated Effect, LLC
Lead Pastor/Life Coach at First United Methodist Church
Confirmed Workshops
Paralyzed by Anxiety - Rev. Dr. Terrlyn Curry Avery
Discerning Welcome: A Reformed Faith Approach to Refugees - Rev. Dr. Ellen Clarke Clemot
Substance Abuse and Narcan Training - Pat Osterhoudt
More to Come…
REGISTRATION IS OPEN
Registration is now open for Come to the Table . 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 name on your registration form and vice versa. Single or double occupancy rooms with a private bath are available on a first come, first served basis. We are delighted to announce that the Synod is providing a subsidized registration fee of $225. This includes each person’s lodging and all meals except for Sunday lunch. If you wish to stay for Sunday lunch, there is an additional $15 fee.
For Ministers of the Word and Sacrament to feel free to attend Come to the Table and remain through Sunday, the Synod will livestream the worship service from Silver Bay on Sunday. This will allow congregations to worship even if their pastor is at Come to the Table. This weekend is always beautiful at Silver Bay with the trees in full fall colors. We hope to see you there.