Synod of the Trinity Enews: Regionals recap, Pittsburgh clergy rally

	June 17, 2020 The Synod of the Trinity Being More Together Find the latest COVID-19 resources on the Synod website here. Synod of the Trinity Annual regional gatherings focus on leading in a crisis and civility This year's Synod of the Trinity Regional Gatherings for Partnership and Networking event were held online. And instead of four meetings, there were just two. The smaller groups allowed for some personal conversations, and the topics ranged from their own response to staying at home for several months, a Synod-wide survey targeting the experience and well-being of congregational leaders during COVID shutdown, and an introduction to our justice concern for the year, “civility.” To read more about this year's regional gatherings, click here. Pittsburgh Presbytery leaders among clergy rallying to address injustice Craig Kephart (Washington Presbytery) and Sheldon Sorge (Pittsburgh Presbytery) were at a 300-person clergy rally in Pittsburgh in early June to address injustice. They were kind enough to pull together their thoughts on the day for a story for the Synod’s website. You can find the powerful recap here. __________ El Rally del Lunes, 1 de Junio, en Pittsburgh Find this story translated in Spanish here. Please share! Attention: Graduates! Seniors (high school and college), we want to hear from you! Seniors, you represent an historic graduating class that has been honored and celebrated with some of the most unique and creative graduation "exercises" ever! We are so impressed by your accomplishments these last months, and those of all students and teachers! As you have moved to and through the graduation doorway during this pandemic, there is much you can teach and share with the rest of us. We want to hear your stories, how you have been able to persevere through this unprecedented time. In 300 words or less, describe: what you have learned about yourself since we began staying home? how this experience has changed or become a part of you or your view of life as you move into the future? how your faith has gone with you or been stretched in these last months? Some responses will be published on the Synod's website, and those chosen will receive a $25 Amazon gift card. Send in your thoughts along with a photo of you that helps tell your story to Communications Coordinator Mike Givler at mgivler@syntrinity.org by June 30. Lehigh Virtual 'Water Walk' a splashing success at First Church of Allentown The First Presbyterian Church of Allentown, PA, has had a growing relationship with communities in Malawi, Africa, for several years. This year, the congregation decided to add to that partnership by participating in the "Water Walk for Malawi." However, due to the coronavirus, the congregation could not hit the streets to raise awareness and funds for water insecurity in Malawi. Instead, they participated in a virtual walk and through an online giving platform raised more than $1,300 locally for the cause. Read more about this initiative here. Shenango Bessemer Presbyterian Preschool carving its niche in community The Bessemer Presbyterian Preschool was established in 2018. The mission is to provide a quality preschool program with developmentally-appropriate learning experiences and connections to early learning resources in the context of a nurturing Christian environment. A Synod of the Trinity Innovation Grant helped get this preschool off the ground. For more on this outreach, click here. Lackawanna, Lehigh, Northumberland Presbyteries, Synod join for three-part workshop series The Synod of the Trinity teamed up with Lackawanna, Lehigh and Northumberland Presbyteries to host past GA Moderator Bruce Reyes-Chow, who discussed “Ideas for a Hybridized Worship Experience Between People on Zoom and People in Person” on June 16. Find links to the recording and PowerPoint below. Recording PowerPoint This was the third part in a series of workshops, and the resources for the previous two are available below. "Generosity in Uncertain Times" by Ellie Johns-Kelly and Karl Mattison of the Presbyterian Foundation (June 10 recording and PowerPoint) "Theological, Ecclesiastical and Practical Issues Related to Re-Opening Church Buildings" by Cindy Kohlmann, PCUSA Co-Moderator (June 3 recording and PowerPoint) 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 How & when to return to worship safely Guidelines for sessions during the COVID-19 outbreak (Kiskiminetas Presbytery) Congregational Regathering Policies (Presbytery of Donegal) Interim guidance for communities of faith More resources are available here.
The 224th General Assembly meeting is being held digitally for the first time in GA history. Because it is online this year, anyone can attend and take in the events. Here's a timetable for some of the highlights: FRIDAY, JUNE 19 Moderator Election, 8 p.m. (could be delayed) SATURDAY, JUNE 20 Mass Poor People's Assembly & Moral March on Washington, 10 a.m. (digital) TUESDAY, JUNE 23 Youth Rising Coalition, 3 p.m. FRIDAY, JUNE 26 Opening Worship, 11 a.m. SATURDAY, JUNE 27 Stated Clerk Election, 11 a.m. Docket and more information at this link: WATCH HERE! Annual Ruling Elder Luncheon online July 8 A webinar titled “Celebrating the Call to Serve as a Ruling Elder” is scheduled for Wednesday, July 8. This online opportunity replaces the normal Ruling Elder Luncheon that occurs at the General Assembly, which this year will be held online. More information on this event is available here. Conversations about Life, Race & Faith In response to the killing of George Floyd, Pittsburgh Presbytery staff members Ralph Lowe and Brian Wallace are recording a series of conversations you are welcome to use with your congregation in whatever format you find appropriate. Recently recorded is a five-minute conversation about one thing people can do to seek reconciliation with those around them. It is available both on YouTube as well as a downloadable file that can easily be included in a pre-recorded worship service or a live Zoom meeting. As a follow-up, Ralph and Brian have also recorded a 35-minute conversation where they seek to model honest and thoughtful ways of talking about the realities of race. Find links to the recordings here. Committees call on PCUSA to recommit to racial justice Honoring the lives of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, the Racial Equity Advocacy Committee and the Advocacy Committee for Women’s Concerns issue a call to immediate action, reminding the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) we are accountable to the commitments we have made. Read more about this plea here. PCUSA offers racial justice resources A listing of resources to help bring about racial justice in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the wider world is now available. The list of resources will grow as more resources are developed. Resources are arranged in six categories: Statements from the PC(USA) Worship Resources Policy Statements Recommended Books Study, Training and Discussion Materials Articles. Click here to view what’s currently offered. 'Don't rush back to your church building' Don’t rush to re-open your church sanctuary for face-to-face gatherings. That’s the word from the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson II, stated clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). As local, state, and federal governments continue their work to re-open businesses and allow for houses of worship to hold services once again, Nelson believes caution is still the best action to take. Watch the short video here. Synod's PW names projects for 2020 The Presbyterian Women of the Synod of the Trinity have selected The Lighthouse Foundation “Transitional Housing Program” and Jeremiah’s Place for its projects to support in 2020. For more information on those initiatives and how to support them, click here. Donegal's Festival of Worship begins June 28 Join congregations all across the Presbytery of Donegal this summer for its online Summer Festival of Worship. Each Sunday from June 28 to Sept. 13, one of Donegal’s congregations will host online worship for the presbytery. All other congregations are invited to join that church for worship that week. It’s a great way to become more connected as we join together in worship. And it’s a terrific way to handle the Sundays when a pastor is off for vacation or study leave. Or weeks when it would benefit the congregation for the pastor to devote time to other projects rather than worship/sermon preparation. More information is available in the Presbytery of Donegal’s enews from June 12 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: Non-Presbyterian Denominational maps Ruling Elder Training Communications Tools and Resources Continuing Education Employment Financial Resources Church Safety PCUSA-Related Online Readings 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.
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