Synod of the Trinity Enews: Rev. Chuck Monts on the Road Again

	October 12, 2022 The Synod of the Trinity Being More Together Lehigh Malawi next challenge for Chuck & Deb Monts to conquer Chuck Monts isn't afraid to take on a challenge. Last year, the temporary supply pastor at Pleasant Valley Presbyterian Church in Brodheadsville, PA, spent two months biking from Los Angeles to New York to raise funds for The Bowery Mission in Manhattan. In 2023, he and his wife are heading east again, this time to Malawi, Africa, where they will volunteer for 11 months on a synod campus there teaching and working in a hospital. “We want to serve people, and Malawi is one of the poorest nations in the world,” Chuck said. “It’s a people in need. They are also very gracious. They’re known as the warm heart of Africa. People who have so little can humble me by how generous they are. When I was there it was unsettling to be shown such generosity, warmth and hospitality. They are very Christ-like in their hospitality and generosity.” To read more about the Monts' upcoming journey, click here. Kiskiminetas Dave Caves' passion set him apart in Synod region Anyone who was acquainted with the Rev. Dave Caves knew he had great devotion for the church. And he would do what it took to make sure ministries that strengthened the church were carried out. “He was incredible for the presbytery,” recalled the Rev. Dr. Don Wilson, the general presbyter at Kiskiminetas Presbytery where Dave resided. “He had an incredible love working with everybody. “If anybody had a question, he was willing to sit down with them, talk with them and work with them. He did a lot of mentoring of some of what are now the older pastors in this presbytery. They will tell you about his pulling them aside and talking with them.” To read more about Dave's impact at Kiskiminetas and around the entire Synod region, click here. The Synod of the Trinity is thankful for Dave’s work and service to the region and sends condolences to his family and friends. Board of Pensions Doug Portz named vice president of Church Relations Doug Portz, a Senior Church Consultant at the Board of Pensions, was recently named to the position of Vice President, Church Relations. Doug served the Synod of the Trinity (except the Presbytery of Philadelphia) and supervised three Church Consultants. He will now direct the full staff of Consultants, who are key to guiding church employers in supporting their ministers and employees through the Board of Pensions. Before joining the Board of Pensions, Doug served more than eight years in a pastoral and administrative role with Pittsburgh Presbytery. A new Church Consultant who will be in charge of the Synod of the Trinity region is expected to be named in November. Until then, Doug remains the Board's contact person for this region. For more on Doug's promotion, click here. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance PDA responding to devastation in wake of Hurricane Ian Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is seeking your support this hurricane season. In the wake of catastrophic impacts from Hurricane Ian, recovery is ongoing in places hit by Hurricane Fiona, including Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Cuba. Storms are becoming more frequent and more severe, and this early in the hurricane season we must prepare for these broad and anticipated catastrophes that have not yet formed. Give today to enable our response, from emergency needs through the long-term recovery phase. Ways to participate How to give (click here) Designate gifts to DR000194 Bulletin Inserts Available by clicking here Gift of the Heart Kits More information available by clicking here
First York hosting evangelism conference The First Presbyterian Church of York, PA, will hold a two-day gathering Oct. 15-16 focusing on the “8 Habits of Evangelism” featuring the Rev Ray Jones. Saturday, Oct. 15, events will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a light dinner and refreshments in the church’s Gathering Place, followed by a 6 p.m. worship and keynote by Rev. Jones. At 7:15 p.m., two breakout groups will run for 45 minutes in the John Calvin Chapel and Cafe225. Sunday, Oct. 16, begins at 8:30 a.m. with the Rev. Jones preaching followed by a 9:30 a.m. combined adult education class with an evangelish theme led by Steph and Byron Borger. The morning concludes at 10:45 a.m. with the Rev. Jones preaching. More information is available on the church's website by clicking here. Webinar: Recognizing & Reporting Child Abuse A webinar sponsored by Grove Presbyterian Church in Danville, PA, will focus on “Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse” during a Zoom event Oct. 29 at 9 a.m. The webinar is provided by Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance. The trainer is Joan Mosier (Session: TR013575). To register in advance for this webinar, click here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. David LaMotte to perform at Bluestone David LaMotte, an award-winning songwriter, speaker and writer, will perform Saturday, Nov. 19, at 8 p.m. at Bluestone Camp and Retreat in Hinton, WV, as part of a youth retreat there. He has keynoted peace conferences and facilitated conversations about positive change. His most recent book is “Worldchanging 101: Challenging the Myth of Powerlessness.” The cost for the concert is $25 person. The cost for the concert and cabin lodging at Bluestone with Saturday night dinner through Sunday breakfast is $70. To register and pay with PayPal, click here. To register and pay with a check, complete this form and mail to Presbytery of WV, PO Box 11720, Charleston, WV 25339. For more information, contact Susan Sharp Campbell at 304-667-9428 or susan_sharp_ campbell@hotmail.com. Hunter Farrell among speakers in Philadelphia The Presbytery of Philadelphia will hold “Fall Fest – Ministry Beyond the Edges: A Presbytery-Wide Equipping Event for All” on Saturday, Oct. 29, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church. The keynote speakers will be the Rev. Dr. Hunter Farrell and the Rev. Balajiedlang (Bala) Khyllep. The purpose of this gathering is to come together as a presbytery to learn, foster relationships and deepen the understanding of what it means to be the church in this time and place. Elders, deacons, pastors and congregants alike are invited to attend. For more information, click here. 'Hope for Recovery' aims to assist clergy Hope For Recovery, a special program to assist clergy in their ministry with persons seeking recovery from addiction — especially drug and alcohol addiction — will be held on Thursday, Nov. 10, at Christ Lutheran Church in Conyngham, PA, in Luzerne County. This event, which is open to clergy of all denominations, is primarily for people in the Hazelton/Luzerne County area and is open to all. To register by Nov. 1, contact the Rev. Carl Shankweiler, PO Box 744, Valley View, Pa. 17983 (570-682-9834; Carl1123@epix.net). A flyer with the day’s schedule is available by clicking here.
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