For generations, churches have served as the heart of community life, acting as catalysts for change and beacons of hope. This conference builds on that legacy, offering faith communities the empowering tools to harness their unique strengths and foster transformative partnerships.
Participants will be part of a collaborative effort, exploring strategies for engaging with local organizations, nonprofits, and community leaders to address pressing challenges and create lasting impact. Through dynamic workshops, inspiring speakers, and collaborative sessions, the event will equip church leaders, members, and organizers with actionable tools to strengthen relationships, expand their reach, and cultivate a thriving culture of partnership rooted in shared faith and a commitment to addressing common needs.
Hosting Organizations:
This event is hosted by the Synod of the Northeast in collaboration with Reverend Patrick O’Connor (First Presbyterian Church, Jamaica, New York), the Tree of Life Nonprofit, and other civic and community leaders.
Conference Themes and Goals
Explore the pivotal role of faith in fostering partnerships and driving community transformation, woven throughout plenary presentations, workshops, and panel discussions.
Learn practical strategies for engaging with community organizations and repurposing church spaces, supported by case studies of successful partnerships with nonprofits, health centers, housing initiatives, and educational institutions.
Simplify the process of public grant writing with accessible guidance.
Discover effective ways to engage with local governments, civic organizations, and interfaith partners.
Address challenges and opportunities in mobilizing resources and building sustainable church-community partnerships, with open discussions and shared solutions.
Gain actionable strategies for mobilizing missional direct services and creating meaningful community change.
DRAFT SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2025
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Registration and Networking
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM: Welcome – Rev. Dr. SanDawna Gaulman Ashley
Special Greetings and Opening Prayer - Rev. Mary Newbern Williams NYC Presbytery
ESTABLISHING THE THEOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK FOR PARTNERSHIPS
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Plenary Session I - Public Ministry and the Call of the Church - Rev. Samuel Cruz
11:00 AM – 11:15 AM: Morning Break
11:15 AM – 12:15 AM: Plenary II – The Pastor as Public Theologian - Reverend Patrick O’Connor
12:30 PM – 1:15 PM: Lunch and Table Conversations – Rev. Richard Hong (Blessing of the Meal)
MOVING INTO ACTION
1:15 PM: Peace Prayer and Special Music– TBA
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Plenary III - Interfaith Partnerships as A Pathway to Collective Action - Rev. Dr. Chloe Breyer
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM: Plenary IV – The Queens Power Story
3:30 PM – 3:45 PM Break
Plenary V - Understanding Public Policy – The Rev. Christine Cosby, Office for Public Witness, Presbyterian Church (USA)
WORKSHOP SESSION I
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Mapping Your Mission Field: Identifying Community Needs – Rev. Dr. Rose Niles, Presbyterian Foundation
Housing Justice - Rashida Tyler, The New York Council of Churches
Direct Actions Working With Local Governments - Rev. Jon Brown, Jersey City Together
6:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Special Music
6:30 PM -7:30 PM: Group Dinner
7:30 PM: Adjournment
SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 2025
9:30 AM – 9:45 AM: Morning Prayer - Rev. Monica DaCosta
TRANSLATING INSIGHTS TO ACTION
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Interactive Skill-Building Workshops
Mobilizing for Justice and Equity
Grant Writing for Church and Community Projects
Sustainable Partnerships: Keeping the Momentum Alive - Rev. Dr. Jerry Cannon
11:00 AM - Noon: Closing Plenary
12:00PM – 12:30PM: Closing Remarks - Rev. Dr. SanDawna Gaulman Ashley
Featured Speakers and Presenters
Rev. Dr. Chloe Breyer, Executive Director, The Interfaith Center of New York
Rev. Dr. Samuel Cruz, Associate Professor of Religion & Society, Union Theological Seminary: Public Ministry & the Call of the Church
Rev. Patrick O'Connor, Pastor, First Presbyterian Church Jamaica, NY: Faith as a Catalyst for Connection and Change
Rev. Christine Cosby, Office of Public Witness, PC(USA): Understanding Public Policy
Rev. Dr. Rose Niles, Presbyterian Foundation: Mapping Your Mission Field: Identifying Community Needs
Rashida Tyler, New York Council of Churches: Housing Justice
Rev. Dr. Jerry Cannon, Vice President for Innovation and Partnerships, Board of Pensions, PC(USA): Strategy for Partnerships
Rev. Dr. SanDawna Gaulman Ashley, Synod of the Northeast, Transitional Synod Leader: A Vision for a Partnership Culture
Rob English, Lead Organizer, Queens Power: From Vision to Implementation
Planning Team Members
Rev. Patrick O'Connor, Pastor, First Presbyterian Church Jamaica, NY
Rev. Monica DaCosta, Pastor, Christ's First Presbyterian Church 353 Fulton Avenue Hempstead, NY
Rev. Richard Hong, Pastor, First Presbyterian Church of Englewood, NJ
Rev. Dr. Nichol Burris, Administrator Coordinator Synod of the Northeast
Rev. Dr. SanDawna Gaulman Ashley, Transitional Leader, Synod of the Northeast