Synod of the Trinity Enews: We Stand with Ukraine

	March 22, 2022 The Synod of the Trinity Being More Together Synod matching $24,000 $50,000 for Ukraine The outpouring of support for the Synod of the Trinity's fund for Presbyterian Disaster Assistance has been staggering. The total we have received to assist the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s humanitarian response to the war in Ukraine has exceeded our original matching figure of $24,000. Because of your generous donations, we are increasing our matching figure to $50,000 for individuals, churches and presbyteries in our region that donate through our giving platform at Presbyterian Mission Exchange! As of this mailing, we have received more than 100 donations in amounts anywhere from $10 to $4,000. Every dollar counts!! How to Donate Online Send funds to be matched by clicking here. Use our "General Ministry & Mission Fund." Include "Ukraine" in the notes section when donating. All administration fees will be covered by the Synod so your entire donation is sent to PDA. By Mail While we prefer you use our online giving platform, we will accept mailed checks made out to "Synod of the Trinity." Please write "Ukraine" on the memo line and mail to: Synod of the Trinity 702 East Simpson Street, Unit 87 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 UPDATED: 'Stand With Ukraine' Bulletin Inserts We have updated our bulletin inserts that outline this increased giving opportunity for use in your congregation. There are also two articles on the reverse side that highlight stories of local ties to the Ukraine region. Download and use this Sunday! Color Insert             Black & White Insert Where are the PDA donations going? To date, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance has sent support to several of the PCUSA's reformed and orthodox partners who are working with national and local churches. They are: Community of St. Egidio in Ukraine – working in western Ukraine Hungarian Reformed Church Aid – western Ukraine & Hungary Hungarian Interchurch Aid – Ukraine & Hungary Lutheran World Federation – Poland International Orthodox Christian Charities – Romania Additional Bulletin Inserts Disaster appeal bulletin insert (click here) One Great Hour of Sharing: Ukraine (click here) War in Ukraine At First Church of Pittsburgh, war in Ukraine is 'very personal' In 2018, three members of the First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh traveled to Ukraine to connect with worship leaders there. Little did they know just how important this relationship would become four years later. With a war raging in Ukraine, First Church has been in constant contact and prayer with Bread of Life (it's sister church), even raising funds in excess of $15,000 for their brothers and sisters who are doing everything in their power to bring people to safety. “Once you know somebody there, the invitation is clear, you need to respond however you can," said Judy Shipley, the chair of the Mission Committee at First Church. "For us it’s very personal. We care for these people, we want to see them safe, and we want them to hopefully someday be free again to pick up their ministry. My prayer is that they will have a chance to start over, to restore and rebuild after devastation and ruin.” To read more about this relationship, click here. War in Ukraine Ukraine war hits close to home for the Rev. Dr. John Burgess Rev. Dr. John Burgess lived in Russia on three separate occasions while on sabbatical at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. The relationships the Presbyterian minister forged during those stays have made it hard for him to watch what is happening there now. “It’s so sad for me," he said. "It’s sad, too, because this has been a part of my life for 20 years and I may never be able to go back to Russia. It really hits me personally. It’s friends but it’s also my own investment, my own love and care for Christians in that part of the world." To read more of John's thoughts on the war in Ukraine, click here.
Lenten Devotional has Matt. 25 theme As the PCUSA's Matthew 25 invitation marks its third anniversary this April, Presbyterians are invited to delve more deeply into the Scripture passage this Lent. The devotional spends time each week exploring one of Jesus’ many Matthew 25 “I was” statements, beginning with Ash Wednesday. For more on the devotional, click here. Synod PW set dates for summer gatherings The Presbyterian Women of the Synod of the Trinity have scheduled their four regional gatherings for the summer of 2022 (and they have a chocolate theme!). They are: Eastern Region – June 3-4, Plymouth Meeting, PA Central Region – June 17-18, State College, PA Northwest Region – June 25, Slippery Rock, PA Southwest Region - June 26-27, Bridgeport, WV Registration forms are available on the Synod PW's webpage by clicking here.  You can find plenty of other information on the Synod PW at the above link as well. Church financial leadership coaching program The Presbyterian Foundation has created a free, 12-month coaching program for church pastors that will assist them in leading their congregation down the path of financial sustainability to fulfill their church's mission. Click here to view a short video about the program and fill out an application to become a coaching program participant. Campground ministry chaplains needed The Pennsylvania Council of Churches’ Campground Ministry is seeking chaplains for the 2022 summer season. This is a paid position and this year, they’ve added even more opportunities to serve across Pennsylvania. To learn more about the position, click here. It’s easy to apply via PCC's website and the online application. This is a first-come, first-filled opportunity, so if you or someone you know might be interested in serving, please apply immediately. FEMA grant webinars available The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Grant Programs Directorate is inviting faith-based, community and nonprofit organizations to participate in upcoming webinars regarding the fiscal year 2022 Nonprofit Security Grant Program. Each webinar will present the same content, including: • Physical Safety/Security: Vulnerability Self-Assessment Information and Tools • NSGP Overview and FY 2021 NSGP Recap • Preparation for the FY 2022 NSGP: What Nonprofit Organizations Should Do Now • Open Forum: Moderated Question and Answer Session The next in the series is March 4 at 3 p.m. (Eastern). More information and links to the webinars are available by clicking here. Presbyterian Foundation Day of Learning set The Presbyterian Foundation will offer its annual Day of Learning on March 29 with presentations and conversation about planned giving programs and best practices for your congregation. Ministry Relations Officer Ellie Johns-Kelley, who serves the majority of the Synod region, will be one of the guest speakers. There will be time for questions and answers and giving resources. More information and registration are available by clicking here.
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