Events

The Synod is pleased to invite you to an exploratory conversation about a new Synod-wide Commissioned Pastor (CRE) Training Program designed to cultivate strong, accessible, and unified preparation for commissioned pastoral leaders across our region. This initiative seeks to develop a cohesive Synod-wide model that: Expands equity and access to theological and pastoral education Strengthens leadership pipelines for small, rural, immigrant, and under-resourced congregations Supports ruling elders discerning a call to commissioned pastoral service Provides mid councils with consistent, high-quality preparation for CREs and the congregations they serve Accessible & Flexible Learning The program will incorporate hybrid instruction, including: In-person intensives Online learning modules Peer learning cohorts Affordability and accessibility are central priorities, especially for smaller and under-resourced presbyteries. Seminary Partnership & Certification The Synod is partnering with Dubuque Theological Seminary as the academic institution for this program. Students who successfully complete all program and certification requirements will receive a Certificate in Christian Leadership from the seminary. Scholarships & Ongoing Formation Ruling elders enrolled in the program are eligible for scholarships through the Wurffel-Sills Endowment. The annual Commissioned Pastors’ Retreat will be funded in part through the Mid Council Support budget, strengthening ongoing connection and formation. Who Should Attend This Exploratory Conversation? Ruling elders discerning a call to commissioned pastoral service Presbytery leaders and Committee on Preparation for Ministry representatives Commission on Ministry members Mid council leaders seeking consistent CRE training pathways Join us as we shape a unified, accessible, and faithful model of preparation for those called to serve in this moment. Register Today https://579zjvcbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001FHXEbbl15rEM8Bo6C3UNjTgqJXN6bb4azN43uTav3e1mLDZgIc8GlbmL_NMTACkrVOYs_2nlm9K-xGzLuTS5rxX7xq2AUEl1gV1cMDZ8CEp0cYAIZaAMkFCLSaeFgQbRwhKRG3dGootcf7a2KsGZwHXk_X2VMgbPxl5lCyzNLHB3jH5SCmNetpe4kthJTuy4pJKEEa3G82bBGf6f-ZSdIg==&c=j7zZ4gREBVvXV8mu9imMFDyFrBXpXVdafVoI_vzJsljG7t1DgqQQ8Q==&ch=dfwZ82lxvw7YYg6JDIFLESwRDNMSTQz8DHn80HW4n16_Vg66dfYrtg==

Commission Meeting April 2026

You Are Invited  To Join the Synod Mission and Ministries Commission For a Special Training Event April 24 from 1:30 – 5:00 p.m. First Presbyterian Church 150 East Palisade Avenue Englewood, NJ 07631   Formed for This Moment: Public Witness in a Season of Social Unrest Registration Required ABOUT THE PRESENTER Curtiss Paul DeYoung Rev. Dr. Curtiss Paul DeYoung is an author, activist, and academic. He is retired as the Co-CEO of the Minnesota Council of Churches, whose focus during his tenure was racial justice, ecumenical and interfaith relations, and refugee resettlement. DeYoung previously served as the Executive Director of the historic racial justice organization Community Renewal Society in Chicago, with its signature programs in church-based community organizing, policy advocacy, and investigative journalism. Dr. DeYoung was the inaugural Professor of Reconciliation Studies at Bethel University in St. Paul, MN. He currently is an adjunct theology professor—teaching doctoral students at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities and GenZ undergraduate students at University of St Thomas (MN). He is an alumnus of Howard University School of Divinity. Rev. DeYoung served on staff at congregations in Minneapolis, New York City, and Washington, DC. He is ordained in the Church of God (Anderson). Presently, he is a member of Park Avenue United Methodist Church in Minneapolis. He is an author and editor of thirteen books on racial justice, reconciliation, faith-based social justice activism, and cultural competency. With South African anti-apartheid theologian Allan Boesak, he co-authored Radical Reconciliation: Beyond Political Pietism and Christian Quietism. He served as a co-editor of The Peoples’ Bible. His most recent book is The Risk of Being Woke: Sermonic Reflections for Activists. He is currently editing a book on Howard Thurman. He has been married to Karen since 1984 and has three adult children living in New York City, Seattle, and Washington, DC.

Why Steadfast? With fears, threats, and chaos on the rise, youth ministries can be safe harbors that cultivate rest, play, curiosity, and joy. How do youth workers nurture the kinds of communities that are rooted in love, generous in mercy, and responsible with faithfulness? Join the Institute for Youth Ministry at the 2026 Princeton Forum on Youth Ministry, as we invite learning and reflection on the capacity to stand steadfast, come what may.

As we prepare for the upcoming General Assembly, the Synod will offer a Zoom gathering designed to complement the required online General Assembly training, which all commissioners and advisory delegates must complete in advance. This gathering will have two primary components: General Assembly preparation: General Assembly Meeting Services staff will lead a practice session focused on the tools, processes, and rhythms commissioners will use during General Assembly. Connection and reflection: Synod commissioners will engage in time for relationship-building, shared reflection, and strengthening connections across the Synod. The training will be held on May 7, from 7:00–8:30 p.m. (ET). Commissioners, alternates, and presbyters are warmly invited to attend. REGISTRATION Please register in advance using the link below: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/yNWb0xaZRRKSntROVzzCsA After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information on how to join the meeting.

Get ready—EMI 2026 is shaping up to be extraordinary! The Synod of the Northeast is thrilled to announce that planning for the Early Ministry Institute (EMI) 2026 is now underway—and the anticipation is already rising! Mark your calendars for May 18–22, 2026, when emerging pastors from across the region will gather once again at the serene and inspiring Silver Bay YMCA Retreat and Conference Center on Lake George. This year’s theme, “Church Growth and Worship,” promises a transformative week of learning, connection, and renewal. Participants can look forward to an engaging lineup of topics designed to strengthen leadership, deepen faith, and spark innovation in ministry. Sessions will include: Community Organization How to Run a Session (Elders & Governance Essentials) Creative Worship AI for Pastors Best Practices for Building Use …and so much more! EMI is a dynamic three-year program created specifically to nurture, equip, and empower emerging pastors as they navigate the early years of ministry. We joyfully invite all who have been certified and/or ordained within the last five years to join us for this powerful experience of learning, fellowship, and spiritual growth. For more information or to express interest, please contact the Synod’s Administrative Coordinator, Dr. Nichol Burris, at nichol.burris@synodne.org.

Join worshipers of all ages – musicians, leaders, and learners – for the largest annual gathering of Presbyterians welcoming participants of all denominations. ​Together, we will create music, learn, and worship. Your participation is an investment in the dynamic growth of the Church as we explore the promising future together. ​

Please mark your calendars for the 2027 Budget Planning Meeting.  It will be July 27-29, 2026.  We are working on the place right now and will let you know soon where we will be meeting.

Synod Staff/Leadership Retreat