Synod of the Trinity Enews: An Inside View of the Ukraine War

	April 26, 2022 The Synod of the Trinity Being More Together Ukraine war 'not rational' for PCUSA co-worker Ellen Smith Ellen Smith, a mission co-worker for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), took some time to talk with and email Synod Communications Coordinator Mike Givler before and during a March trip to Europe that she took to visit church partners engaged in ministry with Ukrainian refugees. What she is seeing and feeling has been very emotional for her. “The issues are enormous for everyone involved – Ukrainians and everyone receiving them," she said. "They’re receiving them with great kindness and great support, but this is a long-term thing. If the war ends tomorrow, it’s still a desperate situation that needs to be addressed because so much has been destroyed in Ukraine.” For more on Ellen's views of what's occurring in Ukraine and with its neighbors, click here.                                                                         We are standing tall with Ukraine Synod match met; PDA still accepting funds On March 7, in response to the war in Ukraine, the Synod of the Trinity announced it would be matching funds and forwarding them to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, which is working with ecumenical partners that are dealing with the humanitarian crisis in countries bordering Ukraine. Within a few weeks, the outpouring of support from our region enabled us to reach (and greatly exceed) our matching total of $50,000. We are no longer matching funds to PDA, but urge you to continue to support its efforts with prayer and monetary contributions, which can be made through PDA's website by clicking here. (Note: Gifts can be designated for Ukraine in the comments/instructions box on the second page of the giving form.) Philadelphia Philly's Ruth Santana-Grace to stand as co-moderator at 2022 GA During a special called meeting of the Presbytery of Philadelphia in late March, more than 100 elders and pastors unanimously voted to support their executive presbyter, the Rev. Ruth Faith Santana-Grace, to stand as moderator (or co-moderator) of the 225th General Assembly. Rev. Santana-Grace shared that the Rev. Shavon Starling-Louis, a pastor in North Carolina, will stand with her as co-moderator. For more on this exciting announcement, click here.                                                                             Meet the Candidates Presbyterian Outlook editor Teri McDowell Ott will host a conversation with the candidates standing for moderator of the 225th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) on June 9 at 7 p.m. (Eastern). For more information and to register, click here. West Virginia Bream Memorial's outreach offers showers, healthcare and more It's called the Shower and Healthcare Program, but this outreach at Bream Memorial Presbyterian Church in Charleston, WV, is so much more than running hot water and vaccinations. There's also food, clothing and toiletries available. Best of all, because of this ministry, those who are benefiting are saying thank you by giving back to the church. “A lot of our guys are homeless, but they stay around to clean the showers up afterwards, they clean the locker room, they have been cutting grass for us and do odd jobs for us around the buildings,” explained Derek Hudson, the Facilities and Outreach Coordinator at Bream Memorial who manages the shower program. “That part is almost more satisfying – that they’re making it into a community of their own. They’re not only building trust with us, they’re building trust with each other." To read more about this unique outreach, click here. Redstone Mission trip helps volunteers be 'hands and feet of Christ' Third Presbyterian Church in Uniontown, PA, coordinated a mission trip to Madisonville, KY, in March to assist with cleanup and repairs following a tornado that ripped through the area in December of 2021. Twenty-two team members from Third Church, Trinity Presbyterian Church of Florence, PA, and Apollo Presbyterian Church took part in the trip. For some team members, it was a first mission trip, but for others it was part of a yearly adventure. This trip gave team members the opportunity to truly be the hands and feet of Christ. To read more about the trip, click here. The trip was made possible thanks in part to a Synod Mission Travel Grant that was awarded to Third Presbyterian Church. For more on the Synod's grants, click here.
225th GA commissioner training resources Beginning Saturday, June 18, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) will make history with the denomination's first hybrid General Assembly. Every presbytery is in the process of getting their commissioners ready for this first-time event. Commissioners looking for the most up-to-date information on what to expect at GA can find a collection of short videos by clicking here. A timeline of things to come for commissioners and advisory delegates is available by clicking 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. Emotional intelligence workshops available Emotional intelligence (EQ) is central to effective ministry. Without EQ, the ministry of clergy goes nowhere. The Center for EQ-HR Skills is sponsoring a workshop at Mar-Lu Ridge in Jefferson, MD, on June 6-10. This highly interactive workshop, designed for faith-based leaders will improve human relations skills by focusing on the four essential areas of EQ: self-awareness, self-management, social-awareness and relationship management. More information on the gathering is available by clicking here.
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