For weeks, the first Synod Regional Connection gatherings were notes on paper, emails, lists and phone calls! There were registrations to process, meeting sites to secure, lunches to order and driving routes to be determined. Were we ready? Time would tell.
On April 21st, we were off and running, traveling from Allentown, PA, to Madisonburg, PA, to Slippery Rock, PA, to Morgantown, WV. Synod staff, Moderator Johnnie Monroe and a number of other conversation leaders gave time and energy in each region so that we could gather commissioners along with presbytery leaders for partnership and networking. Together we spent time in worship and moved into targeted conversations around Financial Practices, Ministry with Young and New Pastors, and the consideration of a possible process for (supporting) congregations who desire to become newly engaged in faith and community. Over 100 people participated in the conversations.
Wordle created from one-word answers given at regional meetings describing “What does ‘Being More Together’ mean to you?”
Below are links to documents that spawned from the regional meetings. Click on the underlined titles to access the document.
The first three links include summaries of the conversations followed by complete notes. They are:
- Resourcing and Equipping our Congregations in Meeting Financial Challenges – A Workshop for Presbytery Leadership
- Connecting and Resourcing Young Pastors/New Pastors
- Turning the Church Around: One Congregation at a Time
- Communication Strategies
A 13-page document was distributed at the regional meetings to help answer the question “What does the Synod do?” It is available for download in PowerPoint by clicking here.
What’s next? The goal of these Regional Gatherings is that they lead us to new ministry in partnership with one another, sharing resources for the benefit of all.
Lunch at First Presbyterian Church of Allentown
Opening remarks at Krislund Camp and Conference Center
Singing at Crestfield Camp and Conference Center
Selecting a picture that represents ‘Being More Together’ at First Presbyterian Church of Morgantown