December 2021 Newsletter

"For Unto Us A Child

Is Born, Unto Us A Son Is Given --Isaiah 9:6

Here are the latest opportunities to strengthen
your faith and connect with the community.

Greetings In The Name Of Christ Emmanuel!

I pray that you and your families are well. Even as I write this message, I acknowledge that we are still waiting for the answered prayers that soon we will move beyond the Coronavirus, political divides, natural disasters, and the many questions about the future Church. The Advent and Christmas season is a mix of celebrations and lament. Let us continue to pray and support those who struggle at this time of the year. .

Christmastide Worship Available for Download

This Christmastide, the Synod is providing a Special Sunday After-Christmas Worship Service. The December 26 service will include choirs and musicians from across the Synod and a special message from our Transitional Synod Leader.

More Info...

SYNOD OFFICE WILL CLOSE FOR THE HOLIDAYS

The Synod office will close the weeks of December 20^th and 27^th. The Staff is taking their vacation time to be with family and loved ones. If you are in immediate need of assistance, you can reach Rev. Dr. SanDawna Ashley or Rev. Nancy Talbot through December 22^nd and Fran Klaiber on December 31^st. Otherwise, we will take a much-needed rest. To reach a staff person simply call the office and select the corresponding name to leave a message. The office will reopen for regular business on January 3rd.

We want to take this opportunity to wish you all a Blessed continuing Advent and a Merry Christmas. We all have been through a difficult year with many stresses in our work and in our lives. We hope that you will have time with your families and loved ones during this season of watching, waiting, and hope.

SanDawna Ashley, Nancy Talbot, Lori Hylton, Fran Klaiber, and Stacy Galloway

2022 Synod Holiday Calendar

Grants and Scholarship

Upcoming Deadlines

for Synod Grant Applications

Applications for the Synod's Campus Ministry Grants and the Youth Leadership Development Grants are due January 10th, 2022. Both grants focus on nurturing and uplifting the leadership of younger generations within and beyond the church. Synod Commissioners will look forward to reviewing applications to these funds at the January 28- 29, 2022 Mission and Ministries Commission Meeting. Questions regarding the on-line application process can be directed to Sarah Henkel, Grants Coordinator for the Synod, at [email protected]

Wurffel-Sills Scholarship and Interest-Free Student Loan Update

The Wurffel-Sills Scholarship & Interest-Free Student Loan Program will begin accepting applications for the 2022-2023 school year in mid-January 2022. All full-time undergraduate students and full-time or part-time (at least half-time) seminary students (MDiv and MRE) who are members of a church within the Synod of the Northeast are eligible to apply. In addition to these, we will also begin to accept applications for those enrolled in coursework to obtain their CRE. The deadline to apply is April 1, 2022 for funding to begin in the Fall of 2022.

COACHING TRAINING

a coaching training for antiracist leaders

An intensive coaching skills course for Church leaders integrating antiracist practices, heightened identity awareness, and change theory. The training will be co-led by Coach Approach Skills Training (CAST), Crossroads Antiracism Training, and NEXT Church. Topics will include: power analysis, continuum/change theory, racial identity development, approaches to coaching, group and team coaching, and moving individuals/teams toward change and transformation. The training results in 60 hours required for credentialing through the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Overall, the training will be 75+ total hours of learning, including work outside of group sessions, resulting in a combined CAST and NEXT Church certificate.