The Synod of the Trinity Enews: Giving Thanks for our Native American neighbors

	November 21, 2022 The Synod of the Trinity Being More Together Synod of the Trinity Giving thanks for our Native American neighbors. How can we help them? In October 2022, the Synod of the Southwest sponsored a learning tour for synod executives across the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) denomination. They wanted those who had gathered to see, firsthand, the physical condition of Native PC(USA) churches in their region — and by extension, understand the condition of similar churches throughout the country. "We also met with Native elders," writes Synod of the Trinity Executive Forrest Claassen who was on the trip. "One, a matriarch who went by the nickname 'Cookie,' told us of the missionaries’ words. Her voice held no tone of recrimination. Native people are used to broken promises. She left us to draw our own conclusions, as we sat together in a building needing repair." To read more of Forrest's reflections, which includes a video from the trip, click here. Synod Assembly Leadership changes at forefront of annual Synod gathering In late October, a hybrid Synod Assembly was held in State College, PA, for commissioners and presbytery leaders to gather, connect and do business. Several important items were passed, including naming a new stated clerk and keeping the Synod's portion of per capita the same for the fifth straight year. A full recap of the meeting is available by clicking here. Donegal Columbia Presbyterian Church ministry seeking new home Hands Across the Street (HAS), a ministry of Columbia (PA) Presbyterian Church, is one of only two year-round homeless shelters in Lancaster County, operating seven days a week winter and summer. However, the building it uses will no longer be available to HAS beginning in May of 2023 and a new location is needed. Read a letter from the Rev. David C. Powers, pastor at Columbia Presbyterian Church and director of HAS, describing the current situation and need for a new location. For more on this developing situation, click here. Philadelphia 'Soul Shots' exhibit sheds new light on gun violence victims One of the ministries highlighted at the Synod Assembly last month was the Soul Shots Portrait Project, which links fine artists with families or friends of victims of gun violence. The artists meet with the victims’ loved ones to learn about the lives they lived. The Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill, PA, near Philadelphia is currently hosting this exhibit through Dec. 16. A Synod of the Trinity grant has assisted with this outreach. The goal is to present diverse works that in some way relay graphically, or through narrative, the essence of the person being portrayed. The mission is to bring attention to and memorialize the lives lost and tragically altered due to gun violence. Portraits have the unique ability to call out the souls and profoundly affect those who see them. For more on this ministry and how you can see it, click here.
Clergy Jam Session set for Dec. 3 at Pittsburgh Seminary A Clergy Holiday Jam Session will occur on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 3-5 p.m. Come witness the musical talents of Pittsburgh pastors at the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Knox Room. There is no cost to attend but monetary donations will be accepted. Homemade desserts will be for sale. Attendees will need to complete a Covid questionnaire and the link to the questionnaire is available by clicking here. Presbyterian Woman set date for 2023 The Presbyterian Women of the Synod of the Trinity 2023 Summer Gathering will be held July 10-12 at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center in State College, PA. This year's theme is "Do Everything In Love" and will include: Plenary sessions and worship with inspiring speakers. Engaging workshops and mission opportunities. Shopping and sharing resources from a variety of vendors. Fellowship with sisters in PW. For more information on the gathering and the work of the PW, click here. Remember Giving Tuesday on Nov. 29 The Synod of the Trinity is challenging Presbyterians, their congregations and the presbyteries in our region to join in the Giving Tuesday spirit on Nov. 29 and thereafter. By clicking here, money can be donated to the Synod of the Trinity through Presbyterian Mission Exchange, a service of the Presbyterian Foundation. Money donated will support peacemaking grants, campus ministries or the many other ministries of the Synod. And while you are on the Presbyterian Mission Exchange, check to see if your congregation or presbytery is there and say “thank you” for their ministry by donating on Giving Tuesday. Matthew 25 resource guide now available A webinar highlighting examples of how to use “A Year with Matthew for a Matthew 25 Church” resources is now available to view. The video features Rev. Dr. David Gambrell, Associate for Worship in the Office of Theology and Worship, and Rev. Sally Ann McKinsey, editor of Call to Worship. "A Year with Matthew” begins in Advent, on Nov. 27. To view the video, click here. More information and resources are available in this article here. Historical Society helping digitize records To assist congregations with the preservation of church records, the Presbyterian Historical Society awards annual Heritage Preservation Grants to PCUSA congregations, covering up to $500 of the cost to digitize official records. The deadline to apply for this year's grant is Dec. 31. For more information, click here. New investment incentives for mid councils The Presbyterian Investment and Loan Program invest funds is offering a special incentive rate of 2.25 percent APY on a 13-month, fixed rate note to all mid councils on new investments $50,000 and over. Every dollar invested supports the growth of mission and ministry in your presbytery and the PC(USA), while earning you interest on your investment portfolio. Offer valid until Dec. 31, 2022. If you would like further information about our special incentive rate or would like to discuss other available investment options, please contact Clare Lewis at clare.lewis@pcusa.org or by phone at 1.800.903.7457 ext. 5865.
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