Upcoming Events

Synod Staff/Leadership Retreat January 20-22, 2026 Trinity Retreat & Conference Center 79 Lower River Rd West Cornwall, CT 06796 Meeting to begin 2pm, 1/20

Church Treasurer Training Webinar The Synod of the Northeast will offer a Church Treasurer Training webinar on January 27 at 6:45 p.m., led by Diane Case and Edd Brenden. This Zoom-based training is designed for church treasurers and financial leaders seeking practical guidance, clarity, and confidence in managing congregational finances. The session will provide hands-on instruction and dedicated time for questions and discussion. Participants will explore ten core topics essential to effective and faithful financial stewardship in the local church: Basic Best Practices Handling Inflows Handling Outflows Keeping Good Records Supplying Accurate Reports Donor Statements Avoiding Fraud Financial Reviews Exemptions Security Issues Edd Brenden has been an ordained pastor for more than 50 years, serving five congregations and the Presbytery of San Jose (California) as Treasurer for over 20 years. A graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary, Edd has served churches in Minnesota and California, worked with Merrill Lynch, and owned his own tax preparation firm. He is the author of several books available on Amazon, including The Church Treasurer’s Manual, The Handbook for Church Treasurers, The Volunteer’s Audit Guide, and his autobiography, The Drunken Preacher.   Diane Case holds a business degree with a concentration in nonprofit organizations from Fresno State University (California). She has served as the full-charge accountant for the Presbytery of San Jose for 32 years, bringing deep expertise in church and nonprofit financial management. Together, Edd and Diane have led church treasurer trainings for more than 20 years, equipping congregational leaders with practical tools to reduce anxiety, increase accuracy, and strengthen financial stewardship.

Commission Meeting 2026

Commission Meeting April 2026

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.