|
|
|
|
Being More Together
Find the latest COVID-19 resources
on the Synod website here.
|
|
|
Synod of the Trinity
Annual gathering offers helpful insight for presbytery COM-CPMs
Originally scheduled to be held in Lewisburg, PA, the Synod of the Trinity’s annual Commission on Ministry/Commission on Preparation for Ministry (COM-CPM) gathering in 2020 was transformed into six workshops held virtually during the same scheduled two days in late April.
The sessions dealt with challenges affecting many presbyteries, from changes in pastoral roles to how seminarians are different today than in years past. Find a complete recap with links to recordings and PowerPoints here.
Donegal
Helping 'Hands:' Ministry in Columbia thriving amid pandemic
Normally, the Hands Across the Street food ministry at Columbia Presbyterian Church distributes 500 meals a week to its community. But during this time of the coronavirus pandemic, that number has increased to 500 per day, five times a week.
For more on this outreach, click here.
Redstone
Ayes with that? At 'drive-in,' virtual gatherings approved
In this time of the coronavirus pandemic, many presbyteries and congregations did not have in place rules allowing for meetings to be held virtually. That was the case in the Presbytery of Redstone where they had to hold a drive-in meeting in order to enact revisions in the presbytery manual permitting greater flexibility regarding meeting conduct and quorums.
For more on this unique gathering, click here.
PCUSA
What to say when people say this is all part of God's plan
What do you say when people say the coronavirus is all a part of God's Plan?
Some people seem to be pretty sure that "everything happens for a reason." But... does it? Like this global pandemic. Is this part of God's plan?
Click here for a seven-minute video created by the Rev. Landon Whitsitt, the executive of the Synod of Mid-America, that helps answer that question.
Presbyterians Today Magazine
Pastoring in viral times
Are we harried or hopeful?
 Many pastors are exhausted and overwhelmed during this time of the coronavirus. But the Rev. Dr. Graham Standish, the executive director of Samaritan Counseling, Guidance, Consulting in Sewickley, PA, has noticed some characteristics of pastors who are handling the situation well.
Find out what they are by reading here.
Coronavirus Resources & Information
The Synod of the Trinity continues to update its resource pages in this time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Links to our information can be found below.
Coronavirus
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ruling elders in a pandemic
Crises are tests of our faith and leadership. In a crisis, people are prone to act out of fear, not faith. Fear breeds anxiety, which acts like a contagion in the Body of Christ.
Many leaders internalize this anxiety and feed the fears of the people. But the best leaders are those who manage their own reactivity, compassionately address fears, and model a confident and hopeful trust in God. Some important reminders for leading in a crisis are available here.
PCUSA Stated Clerk weighs in on virtual Gen. Assembly
For the first time in the history of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the denomination’s General Assembly will be held online only. The assembly will take place over three days: Friday, June 19; and Friday and Saturday, June 26 and 27.
The Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson II, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the PC(USA), says it’s an opportunity to consider a new way of being church in the 21st century.
Fatigued? This might help
Many people are finding this time of the coronavirus pandemic to be stressful. Many are dealing with a type of stress and grief that can be hard to explain, understand and work through.
Below are some links to articles shared by a couple of our presbyteries that might be helpful to you if you are feeling overwhelmed:
Synod PW cancels July gathering
The Presbyterian Women of the Synod of the Trinity gathering that was scheduled for July 9-11 will not be held due to the current guidelines on social distancing and travel.
The PW will be posting news, events, and ways of encouragement as it goes through this solemn period. So, please stay tune on the Synod PW page for more details coming up shortly.
The PW will send out reminders for the upcoming church-wide gathering in Aug. 5-8, 2021 in St Louis.
NWMC seeks suggestions for virtual gathering
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, and wanting to act with an abundance of caution, NWMC will not be meeting in person at Westminster College this year. The conference leadership has made the decision to move to a virtual platform for 2020. Details regarding dates, times and offerings will be coming soon and can be found on the NWMC website here.
NWMC wants to hear and consider ideas, suggestions, dreams and possibilities for what might be included in the virtual NWMC 2020. A survey is available here.
West Virginia's Festival of Faith moved to August
The Presbytery of West Virginia's Festival of Faith, with keynote presenter Jill Duffield, editor of The Presbyterian Outlook, has been moved to Saturday, Aug. 29. More information will be coming in early summer. Please mark this date on your calendar!
Eight steps to flatten the curve
Practical suggestions for pastors and churches with links to several sources of online training in skills of mental health first aid, suicide prevention and trauma-informed pastoral care are available through the Presbyterian Mission Agency.
Other mental health ministries are available here.
Find helpful resources on Synod website
The Synod of the Trinity continues to be a resource hub for the region. On the Synod's website, you can find helpful links to the following categories:
If you have something to contribute to these sections, or have an idea for a resource page, contact Synod Communications Coordinator Mike Givler at mgivler@syntrinity.org.
Subscribe to the Synod's enews today!
If you or someone you know would benefit from receiving the Synod of the Trinity's e-newsletter, simply send that person's email address to Synod Communications Coordinator Mike Givler at mgivler@syntrinity.org and he'll get you signed up!
Synod office working virtually
Due to the coronavirus, the Synod of the Trinity staff is working remotely until further notice. This link provides contact information for us.
|
|
No comments:
Post a Comment