Matthew 25 In Action: “We Will Keep

Showing Up”

Coastlands Presbytery Stands with Families at Delaney Hall

When Delaney Hall in Newark, NJ re-opened to house people detained by ICE, the sidewalks outside filled with parents, partners, and children—often waiting hours to see a loved one. Members of Coastlands Presbytery, along with community groups, immigrant rights advocates, and other faith partners, answered a simple, gospel-shaped question: How do we love our neighbors here and now?

Origins: Love Made Practical

From the very first days, volunteers recognized the immediate needs—shade, seats, water, snacks, children’s activities, and a prayerful presence. Four times a week, teams arrive with pop-up tents, folding chairs, umbrellas, cases of water, fruit, crackers, protein bars, and art supplies for signs. Another urgent gap soon emerged: the strict visitation dress code (no ripped jeans, no logo tees, no open-toed shoes) was turning families away at the gate. In response, the Presbytery added clean, code-compliant clothing for adults and children—and shoes in all sizes—so that no one would miss a visit due to a lack of attire.

Scope & Impact

On any given day, 50 to 200 people may line up at Delaney Hall. Volunteers focus on tangible care—food, rest, child-friendly spaces—alongside emotional and spiritual support for those navigating fear, uncertainty, and long waits.

Faith in Action (Matthew 25)

This ministry is an expression of Jesus’ words in Matthew 25 and 1 John 3:17–18: love not in word or speech, but in truth and action. Volunteers understand this work not as a political statement but as Christian witness—serving Christ in the vulnerable, honoring dignity, and meeting real needs with compassion.

Partnership Ecosystem

This effort is sustained by many hands—congregations across Coastlands Presbytery, local nonprofits, immigrant-support coalitions, and neighbors who donate supplies, funds, and time. Collaboration has been essential to respond quickly and respectfully as needs shift.

A Holy Shoe Story

On a recent Saturday, a young woman—shaken and in tears—was denied entry because her clogs did not meet the footwear rule. A volunteer brought her beneath a tent lined with donated shoes. She found size 10 sneakers, perfect fit, and soon disappeared past the gate to see her loved one. An hour later she returned, tried to pay, and was gently told: “No charge.” She left with gratitude—and the shoes returned to the rack for the next neighbor in need. There have been dozens of such moments: small mercies, sacred encounters.

Challenges & What’s Next

As detentions and deportations fracture households, economic vulnerability grows. Families increasingly need gas and grocery cards, as well as rent assistance—support that partner organizations help coordinate. However, demand outpaces donations. Volunteers have learned how far human kindness can go; they have also seen that long-term hope requires just policies and welcome for our immigrant neighbors.

Vision: We will keep showing up. Coastlands Presbytery will continue bringing shade, snacks, shoes, prayer, and presence—even as we advocate for the dignity and rights of those made in God’s image.

How Congregations Can Help

• Collect: new/like-new closed-toe shoes (all sizes), plain shirts/pants (no rips/logos).
• Supply: cases of water, healthy snacks, children’s toys/activities, pop-up tents, folding chairs, umbrellas.
• Support: designated gifts for gas/grocery cards and emergency rental assistance via partner orgs.
• Show Up: send small teams to serve on-site; offer prayer and pastoral presence.

This is the church putting Matthew 25 into motion—one cup of cold water, one pair of shoes, one family at a time.

Synod Mission and Ministries September Commission Meeting Summary

The Synod Mission and Ministries Commission met September 18-20 at the United Church of Fayetteville in Fayetteville, New York. During the first twenty-four hours, members took part in a spiritual retreat which included an afternoon session led by Rev. Suzanne Haley who focused on how we reach out in good faith beyond those who think as we do and how we talk to one another across theological differences. Friday morning, we convened at Green Lakes State Park for Tai Chi followed by using prayer meditations as we walked various trails near the lake.                       

After lunch we began the commission meeting with a general discussion of the concepts included by the Discernment Team in the new vision for the Synod. The final report will be available to Synod Assembly Commissioners and Presbytery Leaders on October 15th. According to the Standing Rules all documents for the Special Meeting must be available 30 days before the meeting scheduled for November 15th.  

The following actions were taken at the Commission meeting: 

The Commission VOTED to approve the distributed Docket for this meeting.

Before breaking out into working groups, The Rev. Aaron Frank(Mission Working Group Convener) presented a motion: that the Commission approve using the remaining 2025 funds from Youth/Young Adult Leadership Development and Campus Ministry totaling $52,500 in addition to the $50,000 available from Emerging Gospel Communities to provide a total of $102,500 for Emerging Gospel Community grant applications. The Commission VOTED to approve the motion.

Meeting Dates:

2026 Commission Meetings

January 30-31 (Zoom)

April 24-25 (in person)

September 18-19 (Zoom) or September 11-12 (Zoom)

1st Synod Assembly

under the new vision –

October 23-24 or October 16-17

(in person)

2027 Synod Assembly Meetings

January 29-30 (Zoom)

May 13-15 (in person with retreat)

October 22-23 (in person)

A possible change is listed above. If we cannot secure suitable accommodations for October 23-24, 2026, we may need to reschedule the Synod Assembly for October 16-17. This change would require us to move the September 18-19 meeting to September 11-12. The Commission VOTED to accept the proposed meeting dates and to allow the Synod to finalize the September/October 2026 dates based upon the availability of sleeping accommodations near by.

Mission Working Group:

The Synod received 15 applications that totaled $284,825 in requests for the 2025 Emerging Gospel Community Grant. The group recommended awards of $102,500 to 8 applicants as shown:

EGC-25-09-01

Parent Oasis: Faith & Family Table (Year 1)

First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica (New York City)

Recommended: $12,500

EGC-25-09-03

The Steeple School (Year 1)               

The Steeple School at Setauket Presbyterian Church (Long Island)

Recommended: $7,500

EGC-25-09-05                                      

Transformations (Year 2)                    

Connect Faith, Inc. (Hudson River)                                             

Recommended: $15,000

EGC-25-09-06                                       

La Iglesia del Pueblo (Year 2)

(New York City)

Recommended: $20,000

EGC-25-09-08

Aboga por Su Causa

(Advocate for Their Cause) (Year 1)     (Coastlands)                                                                              Recommend: $5,000

EGC-25-09-10                                       

Finding Our Way Home (Year 1)

(Hudson River)

Recommended: $12,500

EGC-25-09-13                                               

Bridges of Belonging (Year 1)

Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville (Coastlands)

 Recommended: $15,000

EGC-25-09-14                 

Madres con Esperanza (Mothers with Hope) (Year 1)

Fort George Presbyterian Church (New York City)

Recommended: $15,000

The Commission VOTED to accept the recommendations of the Mission Working Group to fund the above-listed applicants for the 2025 Emerging Gospel Community Grants at the recommended amounts.

Connectional Ministries Working Group Report

The commission held an Indigenous Mission Day in June. Although it was planned to include two Presbyterian Churches in the Seneca Nation: Wright Memorial Church in Irving, NY and Jimersontown Presbyterian Church in Salamanca, NY, unfortunately, a gas leak prevented Jimersontown Presbyterian Church from participating. They are in the process of setting a new date. Tasks accomplished were cleaning the sanctuary and kitchen, organizing a storage closet, repairing the handicap ramp, and landscaping the front of the church. In addition, it was gratifying to see relationships being created. Conversations

cr between church members and volunteers included storytelling, sharing experiences and laughter.

The Commission VOTED to approve the Ecumenical Grant application by the New York State Council of Churches in the amount of $5,000.

Administrative Working Group Report:

Treasurer’s Report: The Commission VOTED to:

• Receive and accept the Treasurer’s Report as of July 31, 2025.
• Recommend to the Synod Assembly approval of the proposed 2026 budget.
• Receive the 2024 Audit prepared by Lumsden McCormick
• In accordance with the Synod’s Standing Rules, the Investment Review Committee requested that the Synod Leadership Team approve the recommendations of the committee on conclusion of its interviews with potential Investment Managers and when all discussions with references are completed. The Commission VOTED to approve this motion.

Personnel Report: The Commission VOTED to:

• Recommend the proposed staffing structure to Synod Assembly.
• Recommend approval of job descriptions for the new positions of Mid Council Resident and Fund Development Intern.
• Recommend to the Synod Assembly that the following recommendation from the Personnel Team be approved: change Rev. Dr. SanDawna Gaulman Ashley’s role from Transitional Synod Leader to Synod Leader effective January 1, 2026, for a five-year term. This vote was unanimous.
• Recommend that the Synod Assembly approve the new Synod Leader Position Description.
• Updates were made to the Personnel Policy. Work will continue on the Personnel Policy with a final complete document to be approved at the January 2026 Commission meeting.

Announcements:

Elder Lisa Baker announced that Martin Luther King Jr. Community Presbyterian Church in Springfield, MA will hold a grand reopening at 4 p.m. on November 16, 2025. A fire set by an arsonist destroyed the entire church at Christmas five years ago. The FBI and Attorney General believe this to be a hate crime. The case is still pending. This reopening will be a wonderful celebration.   

Worship:

Worship was led by Rev. Brandi Wooten. The Commission VOTED to adjourn after worship.

NY State Advocacy Day

Friday, October 24, 2025

1:00 PM  4:00 PM

First Presbyterian Church

315 North Cayuga Street

Ithaca, NY, 14850

Connection to Transformation

Building a Partnership Culture in Faith Communities Conference

A Collaborative Conference with the New York State Council of Churches

The Synod of the Northeast, in collaboration with the New York State 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.