“Jesus Sent Them…Why Are We Here Now?” was a Synod Summer Conference for people who wanted to explore the “compelling good news we are called to share with our neighbors” and to think about the identity of these “neighbors” and to know what it is that God “wants us to do” as we share our faith with these neighbors.
 The Conference was held on the campus of Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania. During the Conference, the Rev. Dr. Patrick Keifert, of the Church Innovations Institute, led interesting discussions about the missional church. The Rev. Dr. Ken Bailey and the Rev. Kang Na led inspiring studies of scripture. The Rev. Dr. Judy Angleberger coordinated meaningful times of worship.
Participants also greatly enjoyed getting together with members of nine churches who have fascinating journeys of transformation. This sharing of these stories was a wonderful way for Presbyterians in our Synod and beyond, to learn about the joys and concerns of trying to serve God in the best possible ways in different church settings. (click to print list)
Offerings were taken during worship for three ministries: New Wilmington Presbyterian Church’s Table Ministry for Victims of Hurricanes will receive $546; the Building Fund for Hot Metal Bridge Fellowship will receive $880; and the Judson McConnell Scholarship Fund at Westminster College will receive $384.
At the Synod business meeting, the Rev. Dr. Bruce Stevens, Synod Executive, and the Rev. Lesley Imler Shoup, Stated Clerk, were re-elected. Dr. Stevens’ new term will conclude on November 30, 2013, and the Rev. Shoup’s new term will conclude on December 31, 2013.
Commissioners elected a Search Team to begin the process of finding a Synod Associate Executive. Search Team members are: the Rev. David Oyler, General Presbyter (Lake Erie); William Netting, Clergy Synod Commissioner (Donegal); Audrey Beckes, Elder Synod Commissioner (Lake Erie); David Gomola, Youth (Shenango); Barbara Adams-Smelter, Elder, Synod Personnel Committee (Philadelphia); Margo Tomlinson, Elder, (Lackawanna); and Gene Gordon, Elder (Northumberland).
The Synod’s Per Capita for 2009 was set at $2.10. Commissioners also agreed to raise the charitable travel compensation from 14 cents to 35 cents per mile.
Conference Co-Chairs, the Rev. David Dawson, General Presbyter (Shenango Presbytery), and Lee Dreyer, Clergy Synod Commissioner (Beaver-Butler) faithfully led a planning team that developed this good conference. Team Members were: 2007 Synod Moderator Gary Lyon (Clergy, Kiskiminetas), 2008 Synod Moderator Mary Speedy (Elder, Carlisle), 2007-2008 Presbytery Moderator Alice Otto (Elder, Shenango), the Rev. Dr. Judy Angleberger (Beaver-Butler), a member of the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches.
The next Synod business meeting will be held October 16-17, 2008, in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania in the Presbytery of Northumberland.
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Submitted Joyfully in the Name of Christ, |
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The Rev. Lesley Imler Shoup |
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Stated Clerk |
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