January 2022

Newsletter

"With an urgency born of this hope, the church applies itself to present tasks and strives for a better world."

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

In and Out Of Muck!

According to Church tradition, there are three causes of evil: the world, the flesh, and the devil. Some years ago, I preached a sermon about the maxim “Three Monkeys.” The figures originate from the Toshogu Shrine in Nikko, Japan. However, as with many maxims, others date the teaching as far back as the 8th century.

Synod Special Commission Meeting Actions

The Synod Mission and Ministries Commission held a special called meeting on December 17, 2021, to close out business for the year. The following actions were taken. Read more here...

Attention Churches in New York State

A New York state law was enacted on November 8, 2021, that affects how congregations and presbyteries hold meetings. This prohibits the use of hybrid meetings by congregations, presbyteries and the synod which is incorporated in New York State. We are sharing information that the synod attorney, Ellen O’Connell, provided to us.

Read Info..

Just In Case You Missed It

Unmasking the Post Covid Church: Part II

Grants and Scholarship

Triennium 2022

As we have in years past, the Synod will provide scholarships to all participants and chaperones attending Triennium this year. The initial scholarship is $100. However, because Triennium will be significantly more expensive this year, the synod is committed to spending down this budget line item. This means that if presbyteries submit less names than the budget line item can support, we will go back and equally share whatever is left over in the line item. The deadline for presbyteries to submit their lists of participants and chaperones to the synod is March 1st.

Wurffel-Sills Scholarship and Interest-Free Student Loan Update

The online application for the 2022-2023 Wurffel-Sills Scholarship and Interest-Free Student Loan Program will go live on February 1st! This application is open to all members of any church within the Synod of the Northeast. We will be accepting applications for the following students:

§ Full-Time Undergraduate Students

§ Full-Time and Part-Time (At least half-time) Seminary Students (MDiv & MRE Studies)

§ CRE Certification Studies

Early Ministry Institute 2022, May 23- 26, 2022

Early Ministry Institute is a three year program of the Synod of the Northeast. Each year there is a week-long residency at Stony Point Center. The participants meet all together in plenary, in workshops, and in year-cohort groups which are “advised” by experienced clergy and ruling elders. The goal of EMI is to meet the more practical needs of people in their first calls.

Linked here please find an attached outline of the week, as well as, the attached video featuring the Reverend Michelle Sumption , an EMI graduate and Design Team member who shares her experience and tells you more about EMI.

We are planning a return to in person an in person gathering in 2022, at the Honors Haven Retreat and Conference Center in Ellenville, NY. The participant fee of $375 includes all meals and accommodations in single rooms. Financial Assistance is available for all those that might need it. We hope you will consider making the three-year commitment to attend the Early Ministry Institute to support your own self-care and ministry. For more information visit the Synod website.

This year EMI will be held and the Honors Haven Retreat and Conference Center in Ellenville, NY from May 23-26, 2022.

Read Info...

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Per Capita

The 2022 Synod per capita billing for the presbyteries was sent out this past October. The Synod of the Northeast offers a discount if you pay the bill in full by January 31 giving your presbytery the opportunity to benefit from a 2.5% savings. Please contact the Synod office if your presbytery needs a copy of the billing. Read More...

https://oga.pcusa.org/section/ecclesial-and-ecumenical-ministries/per-capita/per-capita-sunday/

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315-446-5990 * [email protected] * www.synodne.org