Matthew 25 In Action: Hope Day Hempstead 2025 – Hospitality That Transforms

On Saturday, June 7, 2025, the parking lot of Christ’s First Presbyterian Church (CFPC) in Hempstead, NY was transformed into a vibrant festival of hope, healing, and hospitality as the congregation hosted its first-ever Hope Day event. Organized in partnership with Hope Day Network, the one-day celebration brought together churches, volunteers, service providers, and neighbors in a powerful display of the love of Christ in action. For their efforts, the Incorporated Village of Hempstead presented CFPC with an official Certificate of Appreciation, honoring their commitment to uplifting the community.

This year’s event welcomed 175 Guests of Honor, all of whom were served by 42 dedicated volunteers from CFPC and a partnering congregation. Attendees received a wide range of services and gifts, including 150 hot lunches, 100 grocery bags from Hope Day and an additional 50 from CFPC, and 50 pairs of new socks. The Connections Team prayed with 60 individuals, and by the end of the day, 22 people made decisions for Christ, with 11 requesting further follow-up and support. In total, nine community service organizations and four health service providers offered on-site assistance ranging from resource referrals to medical screenings.

This event exemplified the Matthew 25 Initiative in three meaningful ways.

First, it built congregational vitality by bringing together two churches for joint worship, planning, and service. The act of uniting congregations around a common mission strengthened their ministries and created new energy for community outreach. The parking lot became sacred space—transformed by shared purpose, joyful worship, and radical hospitality.

Second, Hope Day actively worked to dismantle structural racism by ensuring every participant was treated with dignity and referred to as a “Guest of Honor.” In a community often impacted by racial and economic inequality, this language and posture helped dismantle harmful stereotypes and lifted up the inherent worth of each person. The diversity of the volunteers and organizations present modeled the inclusivity of the Beloved Community.

Third, the event served as a clear act of eradicating systemic poverty. By offering free meals, groceries, essential supplies, prayer, and immediate access to healthcare and community services, CFPC and its partners met both physical and spiritual needs. Importantly, these services were not offered as charity, but as part of a mutual exchange of presence, story, and faith.

One guest shared that being asked their name and story during prayer made them feel seen for the first time in months. “I left with food—but also with hope.” CFPC elder Maria López noted, “Hope Day showed our neighbors that the church is not a building on Front Street; it’s people ready to serve.”

As the Synod of the Northeast continues to live out the Matthew 25 vision, Hope Day stands as a powerful example of what’s possible when churches boldly step into their calling. The event has already sparked interest in planning next year’s Hope Day in Hempstead, with growing support from neighboring congregations.

Moving forward, Christ’s First Presbyterian Church encourages the Synod’s congregations to pray for those who made faith commitments, consider volunteering at a future Hope Day, or even explore hosting one themselves with the support of the Hope Day Network.

Because when a parking lot becomes a place of prayer, justice, and joy—Matthew 25 is truly in action.

To relive the celebration, view the Hope Day Highlight Video below.

PRESBYTERIAN YOUTH TRIENNIUM

In support of Youth Triennium and to help defray the costs, the Synod will provide to each Presbytery $150 per participant, adult chaperone, and any college age student who plans to help behind the scenes. Presbyteries, please submit your list of names to the Synod Stated Clerk - Nancy.Talbot@synodne.org. 

Late registration for the Trieennium ends on July 3^rd.

• Registrations received after 6/13 will incur a late fee of $40 per participant.  

Connection to Transformation

Building a Partnership Culture in Faith Communities Conference

SAVE THE DATE

A Collaborative Conference with the New York Council of Churches

The Synod of the Northeast, in collaboration with the New York Council of Churches, is excited to present:

Connection to Transformation: Building a Partnership Culture in Faith Communities Conference

Saturday, October 25, 2025 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church

315 N. Cayuga Street

Ithaca, New York

This gathering will bring together ecumenical and interfaith pastors, lay leaders, organizers, and community advocates from across the Central and Western New York region to explore how transformational partnerships can emerge when faith communities center connection, collaboration, and mutuality. Through worship, storytelling, interactive workshops, and keynote conversations, participants will reflect on how churches can move beyond transactional relationships toward deeper engagement that reflects the love and justice of Christ in our small towns and rural communities.

Whether you serve in a local congregation, a nonprofit ministry, or an ecumenical initiative, this conference will offer tools and inspiration for building a culture of authentic partnership rooted in shared purpose and faith.

Join us as we listen, learn, and reimagine the future of the Church and the communities we are called to serve. Together, we move from connection to transformation.

Registration will open in July! Stay tuned for registration details and speaker announcements.

Indigenous Mission Day with

Wright Memorial Church

June 14, 2025

The plan for the Indigenous Mission Day in June included both Wright Memorial Presbyterian Church and Jimersontown Presbyterian Church. Unfortunately, due to a major gas leak at Jimersontown on the Wednesday before the event, we had to postpone that location. We were grateful that everyone who registered for the Jimersontown location joined Wright Memorial for their Mission Day instead. Because of this, we had about 20 people participate in Wright Memorial’s Mission Day in addition to the members of the church and their moderator.

The morning began with a presentation by Flip White, member of the Tribal Council. He showed us a few examples of Wampum belts and explained that they are a symbolic representation of treaties, history, and cultural values. He explained that the three things the Seneca use to guide decision making are the people, environment and the future and gave examples from recent experiences of how these principles were lived out.

After the presentation, church members explained what they would like done and we broke up into groups to get started. The tasks we accomplished were cleaning the sanctuary and kitchen, organizing a storage closet, repairing the handicap ramp, and landscaping the front of the church.

Lunch was provided by Beanie who prepared food sourced from local farmers. We had bison burgers in gravy, fried fish, mashed potatoes, green beans and her special recipe for strawberry shortcake. The food was absolutely delicious, and we were all grateful for the love and care she put into preparing the meal.

In addition to the cleaning, landscaping and ramp repair, it was gratifying to see relationships being created. Conversations between church members and volunteers included storytelling, sharing experiences and laughter. At the end of the day, the church members were incredibly pleased and grateful for all that was accomplished. This Mission Day connected the church and the Synod of the Northeast, as well as the Western New York and Genesee Valley Presbyteries. My hope is that this day brought greater understanding and respect for the struggles of the Seneca people and the faithful and resilient witness of the Wright Memorial Church for over 200 years.

Mission Day Joint Worship Service

Jimersontown and Wright Memorial Presbyterian Churches

Location: Wright Memorial Presbyterian Church

The Mission Day Joint Worship Service was a powerful and Spirit-filled gathering that united the congregations of Jimersontown Presbyterian Church and Wright Memorial Presbyterian Church, alongside members of the Western New York Presbyterian community. The service focused on community, reconciliation, and spiritual reflection, highlighting the collaborative work of the Native American Reconciliation Group and honoring the faithful witness of Indigenous and local congregations.

Worship Highlights

• Rev. Abigail Trautmann
• Executive Presbyter and Stated Clerk, Western New York Presbytery
• Preached the meditation titled “Wait! There’s More?!”, based on Mark 10:17-31.
• Reflected on the call to deeper discipleship, justice, and communal responsibility.
• Explored the challenges of following Christ wholeheartedly and the hope that lies in God’s promises.
• Rev. Dr. Mary Lee Talbot
• Moderator, Wright Memorial Church
• Served as Worship Leader and Communion Celebrant.
• Brought warmth and liturgical grounding to the service.
• Rev. Dr. Marvin Abrams
• Worship Leader, Jimersontown Church
• Assisted with Communion and brought a faithful presence of Jimersontown’s leadership.
• Sacrament of Communion:
• Presided over by Rev. Dr. Mary Lee Talbot and Rev. Dr. Marvin Abrams.
• A sacred moment of unity, remembrance, and recommitment.

Special Guests and Attendees

• Stanley Bhasker and Family
• From Brookville Presbyterian Church, Brookville, PA
• Attended with his wife, son, and daughter-in-law, showing ecumenical support.
• Rev. Dr. Cynthia Wickwire-Lundquist
• Member of the Anti-Racism Task Group and Native American Reconciliation Group
• Offered presence and encouragement for continued justice and healing work.
• Suzanne John Blacksnake
• Member of the Native American Reconciliation Group
• Represented Indigenous voices and perspectives in the service.
• Representative for Jimersontown Church

Following the worship service, a Community Potluck Lunch was held in the Fellowship Hall. Attendees shared food, stories, and fellowship, further strengthening the bonds between the two congregations and affirming the spirit of community that undergirds mission and worship.

This Joint Worship Service marked a meaningful step in partnership, healing, and spiritual growth among the congregations of Jimersontown and Wright Memorial and the broader Western New York Presbytery. With strong leadership, engaged participation, and shared commitment to justice and reconciliation, the event reflected the living body of Christ at work in the world.

Submitted by:

Janis Quinn, Elder

Wright Memorial Church

Visioning Update: Building the Future Together

The Synod’s visioning process is progressing steadily and remains on track to deliver an exciting new structure and direction for our shared ministry. Rooted in faithful discernment, this work reflects our collective hope to reimagine the Synod as alive with imagination, shaped by diverse voices, and anchored in Gospel hope.

Our dedicated pillar groups are now entering the final stages of their work, preparing to share key recommendations that will guide the Synod’s future. These groups have carefully shaped foundational frameworks reflecting our core values and aspirations.

In recent weeks, we have presented to several presbyteries, including Highlands, Western New York, and Geneva. We also hosted two Synod-wide Town Hall conversations in May, providing valuable engagement opportunities, reflection, and feedback.

As we look ahead, the next steps will include developing a budget aligned with the proposed structures and identifying further opportunities to present the emerging pillar foundations to presbyteries, congregations, and other ministry partners.

This visioning process is more than a structural shift—it is helping the Synod live into new realities of ministry, justice, and vitality. It is a bold step toward becoming a more faithful, responsive, and connected community.

We are especially encouraged by the overwhelming appreciation for the new Synod logo and theological identity statements. These visual and theological touchpoints help express the heart of who we are becoming together.

Thank you for your continued prayers and partnership as we move forward with hope and faith. Here is our new logo. For more information on the Visioning Process, see

https://www.synodne.org/visioning-process-faqs.

The Synod of the Northeast logo is a visual story of unity, movement, purpose and shared mission. While the curve of the lines reminds us of Creation, the seven ripples represent how our faith radiates beyond our context and the Living Water fills us. The interwoven hands represent the holding presence of our God, embracing all people in a sacred space of transformation and belonging, and symbolizing a commitment to radical inclusion and justice-driven collaboration to embrace and empower all. The dual colored flame illustrates the guidance of the Holy Spirit breathing life into a church that is ever-evolving and responsive to the needs of its people. The eight spheres, representing the eight states of our Synod ground the image forming an institution dedicated to transformation. The cross at the center is not just a symbol of faith—it invites us to decenter ourselves and is a call to action, urging us to embody Christ’s teachings in leadership, advocacy, and love.

Rev. Dr. SanDawna Gaulman Ashley Honored with the Maria Fearing Award

On June 19, at the 48th Biennial Meeting of the National Black Presbyterian Caucus (NBPC), Rev. Dr. SanDawna Gaulman Ashley was presented with the prestigious Maria Fearing Award. This award is bestowed upon women who serve the Church and community with bold vision, unwavering faith, and fearless resolve.

Rev. Dr. Ashley was recognized for her exceptional and groundbreaking leadership within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). In nearly every role she has held, she has been the first African American woman to serve—demonstrating resilience, courage, and a pioneering spirit. Her impact has reached across national structures, mid councils, and classrooms where she has trained and mentored future leaders.

Her former Dean, Rev. Dr. David Wallace, captured the essence of her legacy, stating:

"You have stood where others might retreat, faced towering challenges with grace and grit, and dared to pursue dreams that once seemed unreachable. Your journey is not just inspiring—it is a beacon of hope, lighting the path for others to rise, to strive, and to believe."

Congratulations, Rev. Dr. Ashley, on receiving this well-deserved and distinguished honor!