SYNOD ASSEMBLY 2024
Theme: “Embracing Change with Courage:
While Listening For the Voice of God Together”
“Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged.
God, your God, is with you every step you take.”
~ Joshua 1:9 - The Message
Video From 2022 Synod Assembly
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024
- SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2024
OVERVIEW
The Synod Assembly is our biennial Synod-wide fellowship gathering for celebration, business, and visioning.
What is the Synod Assembly?
The Synod Assembly is the full governing body of the Synod, comprising representatives from each presbytery (2 ruling elders, 2 teaching elders/ministers, and 1 YAAD), corresponding members, and observers. The Assembly convenes every two years to worship, meet, and conduct the business of the Synod.
In addition to the Assembly itself, the Synod hosts a Pre-Assembly event. This gathering allows for further fellowship among the Synod community and an opportunity to delve into a subject more deeply together.
All documents for Synod Assembly are placed in One Hub and are open to anyone who is interested in reviewing them. In order to access the files, you do not need an invitation or a special code. We will begin to provide documents in August and early September. All documents are due in One Hub by September 25th.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF SYNOD ASSEMBLY COMMISSIONERS AND YAADs
Attached is a link to the document which describes the roles and responsibilities of Synod Assembly Commissioners and YAADs
LOCATION
Hilton Albany | 40 Lodge Street | Albany, NY 12207
SYNOD ASSEMBLY 2024 SCHEDULE
At This Assembly We Will Engage in Worshipful Work
Assembly Theme – Embracing Change with Courage
While Listening for the Voice of God Together
The Scripture for this Assembly: “Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid;
don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take.”
Joshua 1:9 - The Message
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25
10:30 a.m. Arrival, Registration and Check in Begins
12:00p.m. Synod Assembly Opens with Lunch
1:00 p.m. Welcome and Announcements
Welcome Commissioners, Young Adult Advisory Delegates (YAADs), Corresponding Members, Observers and Guests
Reminder of How Synod Assembly Works and Health Reminders
Approval of Draft Docket and Consent Agenda
1:15 p.m. Gathering Around the Word
Worship Service includes Communion
Installation of Elder Lisa Baker as Synod Moderator
2:15 p.m. Discerning the Word
Discernment Team’s Phase II Report
2:45 p.m. Response to the Word
Neighbors Turn to Neighbors to Discuss Future of the Synod
Notetakers will Share Nuggets with the Body
4:15 p.m. Fellowship Break
4:30 p.m. Offering
Transitional Synod Leader Report
Stated Clerk Report
Mission Working Group Reflection
Connectional Ministries Working Group Reflection
Administrative Working Group Reflection
5:15 p.m. Song Break
5:30 p.m. Treasurer’s Report – 2023-2024 Narrative Budget and Budget
6:30 p.m. Fellowship Around the Table
Synod Assembly Dinner
8:00 p.m. Synod Assembly Evening Entertainment
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
6:30 – 8:00 a.m. Breakfast and Room Check Out
8:30 a.m. Offering (continued)
Opening Prayer
Pre-Assembly Event Reflection
Rev. Dr. Kathryn Threadgill – Columbia Theological Seminary Partnership
Dr. John Wilkinson, Director Ministry Engagement and Support PCUSA
Early Ministry Institute (EMI) Moment of Celebration
Presbyterian Women
Hispanic Caucus
Black Caucus
9:15 a.m. Prayers of the People
Move into the Committee of the Whole
Election of Synod Moderator Elect and Treasurer
Vote on Recommendations from Stated Clerk Report (PJC members, possibly personnel and/or COR members, presbytery minutes)
Vote on 2025 Budget
Commissioner Resolutions or Other New Business
Move out of the Committee of the Whole and ratify votes taken
11:00 a.m. Song Break
11:10 a.m. Prayers of the People Continued
YAADs’ Reflection
11:15 a.m. Affirmation of Faith
Closing Worship Service
Charge and Benediction
12:00 p.m. Synod Assembly Concludes with Lunch
REGISTRATION
if you have any questions about registration, please contact Nichol Burris, Synod Administrative Coordinator at nichol.burris@synodne.org or call her at 315-460-5282
HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS
FAQs
WILL THE SYNOD ASSEMBLY BE IN PERSON OR ONLINE?
The Synod Assembly will take place in person only in Albany, New York. The Synod will pay for elected Commissioners and YAADs to attend. Corresponding Members (Mid Council Leaders) are asked to attend, and Observers are welcome to attend both at their own expense.
HOW MANY COMMISSIONERS CAN EACH PRESBYTERY ELECT?
Each presbytery can elect two (2) ruling elders, two (2) teaching elders, and one (1) young adult advisory delegate (YAAD) between the ages of 17 and 23. It would also be wise to elect one or two alternates in case someone cannot attend at the last minute.
WHO SHOULD BE ELECTED?
Diversity - Presbyteries are encouraged to elect people who represent age, gender, racial/ethnic, and other diversities within your bounds. According to the Synod’s standing rules, presbyteries are encouraged to elect at least one commissioner who will be age thirty-five or younger on the date the Synod Assembly convenes.
HOW LONG IS A COMMISSIONER'S TERM?
A commissioner will serve from the opening of the 2024 Synod Assembly (October 25, 2024) until the opening of the next assembly in October 2026. Normally, this means that commissioners will only attend the stated assembly meeting in 2024. However, there will be a special called assembly meeting in October 2025, the commissioners elected for 2024 will serve at that 2025 special called meeting.
CAN 2024 SYNOD ASSEMBLY COMMISSIONERS BE RE-ELECTED?
Yes. Commissioners are allowed to serve a total of six (6) consecutive years or three two-year terms.
(Please check back in the future for more information and updates)