Synod of the Trinity Enews: Merry Christmas!

	December 22, 2025 The Synod of the Trinity Being More Together Synod of the Trinity Your Synod of the Trinity staff includes (from left) Forrest Claassen, Elizabeth Connelly, Frank Orzehoski, Skip Noftzger, Mike Givler and Gwenn Egresitz. Merry Christmas! The Synod of the Trinity staff wishes you the merriest of Christmases, and health and prosperity in the new year. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." Luke 2:13-14 Pittsburgh 2026 APCE Annual Event has distinct local flavor Next month, the Association of Partners in Christian Education's Annual Event will converge on Pittsburgh. For those from the Steel City area, they'll notice a distinct local flavor to this gathering, thanks to planning that was done by people with ties to the city. “We really worked hard for people to get a taste of what Pittsburgh is all about, maybe in ways that haven’t been done in the past,” said John Ryan, a pastor in North Carolina who grew up in nearby New Cumberland, WV, and graduated from Westminster College. “Our Biblical, grounding text is The Great Commission, the Matthew version of it," John added. "This year’s theme is ‘Bridging the Gap: Love God, Love Self, Love Neighbor.’ We played up the rivers, the bridges with all of our thematic work. Even with how we’re naming groups and some of the worship times are all playing into that.” For more on the APCE Annual Event and all that is planned, click here. Upper Ohio Valley Gene Toot, 96, was 'prominent member' of East Liverpool, OH Gene Toot was more than a pastor. He was a valuable member of the East Liverpool, OH, community who served on boards of service groups, was a teammate and friend on softball and bowling teams, and a renowned dahlia grower. Gene also helped form Upper Ohio Valley Presbytery more than 50 years ago and was involved with Beaver Creek Presbyterian Church Camp from its inception in 1953. “He was a friendly guy to be around. He had a lot of depth," described Ian Leyda, the current pastor at Long’s Run Trinity Church in East Liverpool where Gene was pastor emeritus. "He was a sports fan, a sports nut. He was truly a universal guy, meaning he was very well read in many subjects – politics, philosophy, theology and Ohio State football.” Steve Cramer, a former pastor at Trinity Church, added, "He was just seen widely as a prominent member of the community, not just the church." For more on Gene's life and impact in his community, click here. The Synod of the Trinity is thankful for Gene’s work and service to the region and sends condolences to his family and friends. Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Luminosity Conference aims to help churches through change where faith and innovation meet, will be held  Luminosity is a conference for Presbyterian leaders who want fresh ideas and real tools for guiding the church through change. Attendees will hear from experienced leaders, learn practical strategies and walk away re-energized and equipped to make an impact right where you serve. To apply for a grant for the Luminosity Conference, Stewardship Kaleidoscope and/or the Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising, fill out an application by clicking here. The only requirement is that an applicant is a Minister of Word and Sacrament or Commissioned Ruling Elder. Remember, if any church members go to Stewardship Kaleidoscope with their pastoral leader, they are also eligible and should be included on the pastoral leader’s application. For more information and to register for the Luminosity Conference, click here.
Click image above to find events occurring around the Synod region! Christmas Joy Offering supports pastors Each year during the Advent and Christmas season, past, present and future leaders of the church are recognized. God has blessed the church with incredible leadership in every time and place, but those leaders often need to be supported by their communities as well. The Christmas Joy Offering provides support for Presbyterian church workers and their families in their time of need and leadership development and education for communities of color at Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color. More information is available by clicking here. Welcome new pastors! Gleaned from presbytery newsletters in the Synod of the Trinity region, we recognize these pastoral celebrations: PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA *Adrienne Poissant was ordained at Wallingford Presbyterian Church on Nov. 16. PRESBYTERY OF CARLISLE *Drew McFayden will be installed at Gettysburg Presbyterian Church on Jan. 18. Pittsburgh collecting for medical debt Over the past few months, Presbyterian church members in Pittsburgh Presbytery have donated nearly $75,000 as part of a campaign with the national nonprofit group Undue Medical Debt – enough to eliminate more than $14 million in outstanding bills. The coalition has exceeded its initial goal to raise $65,000 and the campaign is still open through the end of the year for those who would like to erase burdensome medical debts for their community. Click here to learn more and donate. Carlisle scholarship program helping in Honduras Students in Honduras can attend elementary school without charge. However, unlike public education in the United States, tuition and fees are charged for secondary school. The Presbytery of Carlisle, which has a partnership with the Presbytery of Honduras, is supporting this scholarship program. Any amount of money may be given towards scholarships. A gift of $100 will cover a significant portion of a student’s annual tuition and change their life. For more information on this program, contact Carlisle's Honduras Mission Subcommittee through Kathy Wells (kathywells1207@gmail.com) or Tony Lorenz (alorenz.fpcarl@pa.net). Join Mission Mondays at NWMC On the second Monday of each month, the New Wilmington Mission Conference holds "Mission Mondays," a special online event featuring a mission coworker, scholar or partner sharing stories, insights, opportunities and updates about God‘s work around the world. Join the NWMC to be inspired, connect with others and deepen your understanding of global missions. Everyone is welcome — share this invitation and join the discussion. The next Mission Monday is Jan. 12 at 7:30 p.m. Details to come. To get a Zoom link, register by emailing office@nwmcmission.org. PHS to help churches, mid councils write their histories The Presbyterian Historical Society is in the process of developing a resource and/or training to help churches research and write their own histories through an anti-racist lens. To inform our process, PHS staff would like to hear directly from churches and mid councils on what would be most useful for you as you engage in this work via this survey. As part of this effort, PHS is collecting and preserving products of self-study undertaken by PC(USA) congregations and mid councils and providing access to them via the PC(USA) Self-Studies on Racism digital collection. Use this webform to submit your church or mid council's self-study product to be preserved and added to the digital collection.
The Synod of the Trinity | Being More Together Have a story tip? Email Mike Givler, Communications Coordinator, here. Like us on Facebook.  Follow us on Twitter.

Synod of the Trinity Enews: Synod Sunday is Sept. 15

	August 27, 2024 The Synod of the Trinity Being More Together Synod of the Trinity Synod Sunday: Sept. 15 Mark your calendars: Sunday, Sept. 15, is Synod Sunday! On Sept. 15, we invite the congregations and presbyteries in the Synod of the Trinity region to celebrate the gifts and blessings that take place in our bounds throughout the year. The Synod works hand-in-hand with the ministry and mission of our presbyteries as they seek to support the witness of congregations, to the end that the church throughout its region becomes a community of faith, hope, love and witness. Please use these bulletin inserts to help tell our story and celebrate the good news that is occurring in our region. Color                        Black and White Lackawanna-Lehigh Rhonda Kruse's transitional call helped shaped presbyteries Rhonda Kruse started her journey as the transitional leader at Lehigh Presbytery in 2019 with a three-year term. Fast Forward five years and in that time she has guided both Lehigh and Lackawanna Presbyteries into a merger that will benefit both mid councils financially, missionally and staffing-wise. "I really did what I was called here to do," she said, "which was to help initially Lehigh, and then Lehigh and Lackawanna, become more sustainable into the future and find a new way forward that could help them better support their congregations, which is the mission of a presbytery.” For more on Rhonda's time at Lehigh and Lackawanna Presbyteries, click here. Huntingdon Upper Spruce Creek Church energized by Creekside Park A church without walls is something that is becoming more and more popular these days as congregations move their ministries into communities where they don’t have a physical building. At Upper Spruce Creek Presbyterian Church in Pennsylvania Furnace (Centre County), the congregation has accomplished that right next to its brick and mortar structure. A new Creekside Park that’s sandwiched between the existing church building and Upper Spruce Creek not only has space for outdoor worship but also areas for games, a firepit and meditation. And, of course, fishing. “I think God wants us to take chances in his name,” Scott Kretchmar, the church’s certified lay pastor. “This was taking a chance. God has given us the courage to try something a little bit different. I would just encourage churches as much as they’re able to try new things." For more on this new space, click here. Pittsburgh Seminary Mission in the Margins: Lessons and Practices from the Global Church Pittsburgh Theological Seminary’s World Mission Initiative and Continuing Education for the WMI Conference and W. Don McClure Lecture will focus on “Mission in the Margins: Lessons and Practices from the Global Church” on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 11-12. The movement of Christianity has shifted drastically over the past century, and now more than two-thirds of Christians live in the Global South. Yet mission practices continue to be deeply tied to older paradigms that presuppose that mission flows “from the West to the rest” rather than “from everywhere to everywhere.” What might we learn from listening to our siblings in Christ around the globe as we partner in mission together? For more information and to register, click here.
Energy-saving resources for congregations Find out how your congregation can get both tax rebates and direct pay options for installing energy-efficiency upgrades and/or renewable energy! Explore resources from this summer’s presentations to the General Assembly Committee on Environmental and Climate Justice and the General Assembly plenary, as well as a fuller hour-long webinar hosted by Presbyterians for Earth Care. The Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of Treasury for Inflation Reduction Act Implementation, Ronald Newman, has been a great resource and wants to support congregations applying for these incentives. To learn more, click here. Welcome new pastors! Gleaned from presbytery newsletters in the Synod of the Trinity region, we recognize these pastoral celebrations: PITTSBURGH PRESBYTERY **Steve Singleton was ordained and will serve as associate pastor at Bidwell Street Presbyterian Church. PRESBYTERY OF DONEGAL **Mwat Asedeh was installed as pastor at Stewartstown Presbyterian Church on Aug. 11. Synod PW seeking mission project apps The Presbyterian Women of the Synod of the Trinity has announced that its Mission Team is accepting applications for the 2025 PW Synod Mission project grants. The criteria of the project is that it will impact the lives of: women, children, youth, racial ethnic persons and persons with a disability and have a PW connection. The nominated project for 2025 should be a project within the Synod of the Trinity. For more information and to learn more about the Synod's PW, click here. PCUSA launches interactive map The 226th General Assembly (2024) approved the descriptions of presbytery boundaries submitted via overture by each synod. This interactive map shows the results of this long and complicated process, which included invitations to all stated clerks and executives to share information in the early stages and to confirm the final product. Click here to view the map. Evangelism Conference set for Oct. Registration for the 2024 Evangelism Conference, planned by the PCUSA's Theology, Formation & Evangelism committee, is now open. The “A Lifestyle That Exudes Justice” Evangelism Conference will be held Oct. 3-5 at the Presbyterian Center in Louisville, KY. They will explore how we are called to embody the good news of God’s healing and compassion through "A Lifestyle that Exudes Justice." Click here to learn more and register. Krislund offering space for PSU fans If you’re looking for a place to stay during your Penn State football weekend, Krislund Camp & Conference Center in nearby Madisonburg, PA, may have just the place for you. Stay in one of the camp's cabins and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Krislund after an exciting day at the stadium. For information on availability and pricing, call (814) 422-8878 or email registration@krislund.org.
The Synod of the Trinity | Being More Together Have a story tip? Email Mike Givler, Communications Coordinator, here. Like us on Facebook.  Follow us on Twitter.

The Synod of the Trinity Enews: Kilberts reunite at General Assembly

	July 26, 2024 The Synod of the Trinity Being More Together General Assembly Kilbert twins relish time together at General Assembly Chris and Brian Kilbert attended this year's 226th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in Salt Lake City. The 45-year-olds from the Synod of the Trinity region are not only brothers, but also twins. It made for an extra-special time for the two to bond over Presbyterian work while also getting in some sightseeing and hiking after their GA work was complete. “During General Assembly, I was very thankful to be able to share that experience with Brian,” Chris said. “Obviously we were with our own presbytery commissioners in different parts of the Assembly room, but for meals and evenings, we were able to be together and that was special.” For more on their experiences, which included being recognized for their 20-year ordination anniversary in front of a 600-person plenary, click here. __________________________________ Headlines from Salt Lake City CO-MODERATORS ELECTED Commissioners to the 226th General Assembly chose two South Carolina pastors, the Rev. CeCe Armstrong and the Rev. Tony Larson, to be the next co-moderators. They will serve a two-year term and are the fifth straight team of co-moderators to win election. To learn more about this team, click here. STATED CLERK NAMED Rev. Jihyun Oh was duly elected to the office of Stated Clerk of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The vote was 420-2. For more on Rev. Oh, click here. PER CAPITA INCREASES During the final day of the General Assembly, per capita rates were set of $10.84 for 2025 and $11.26 for 2026. Those figures include 64 cents during each of those years for items with financial implications approved by the Assembly. The current per capita rate is $9.80. To read more, click here. LAKE ERIE OVERTURES Three overtures came before the 226th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) that were sponsored by the Presbytery of Lake Erie that dealt with "shared ministry." Click here to read more. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT The 10 most significant things commissioners did at the Salt Palace Convention Center and in neighboring churches between June 29 and July 4 have been recapped. Find the list by clicking here. Lake Erie Costly small fires doesn't deter New Hope Church Finding a beacon of light while sifting through the ashes following a fire isn’t easy. At New Hope Presbyterian Church in Erie, PA, the positive vibes that have come the congregation’s way since that May 9 emergency have helped carry it forward. “It’s just been incredible the amount of prayer support, cards and people stepping up to the plate,” said New Hope Church Commissioned Pastor Clay Woodring. “We had people from as far away as Indiana state that were at that pastors’ conference. All these Presbyterians are praying for us, and it just boomeranged. We have been taken care of, prayed for.” For more on the costly fire that could have been a lot worse, click here. Upper Ohio Valley Golf ministry a hole-in-one at First Westminster Church There’s something about the game of golf that can bring people together. No, the sport is not for everyone, but for those who enjoy golf, it can be as much a social experience as an athletic one. This in a nutshell is why the First Westminster Presbyterian Church of Steubenville, OH, has decided to bring the game of golf in the form of a golf simulator to its campus. It’s an activity that fits any age and one that can unite a congregation and, in fact, a whole community, while also providing life lessons and an important skill. “Our vision is for it to become a hub of relationships,” Jason said. “To watch the Holy Spirit work through relationships – it’s unbelievable how doors open. To watch the relationships fall into place, it as pretty evident that God had his hand through all of this. Ministry is about relationships and to watch this hook of golf bring those relationships together with God’s hand has been awesome.” For more on this unique outreach, click here. Philadelphia Synod grant helps Ivyland volunteers travel to Europe A Synod of the Trinity Mission Travel Grant assisted volunteers from Ivyland Presbyterian Church in the Presbytery of Philadelphia to travel to Europe this summer. "(In Naples), we met some wonderful children. We shared a week together studying the story of Joseph (Giuseppe). We studied lessons, worked on crafts, performed a play and played games. "The team walked together (6-7 miles per day), sweat together, ate together, laughed together and prayed together. It was a wonderful blessing." For more on this overseas trip, click here.
Synod PW seeking mission project apps The Presbyterian Women of the Synod of the Trinity has announced that its Mission Team is accepting applications for the 2025 PW Synod Mission project grants. The criteria of the project is that it will impact the lives of: women, children, youth, racial ethnic persons and persons with a disability and have a PW connection. The nominated project for 2025 should be a project within the Synod of the Trinity. For more information and to learn more about the Synod's PW, click here. ____________ Northumberland PW learn about Casa Materna The Presbyterian Women of Northumberland Presbytery hosted a luncheon on June 22 to learn more about the Presbyterian Women 2024 Synod of the Trinity Mission Project: Casa Materna. Casa Materna is a prenatal clinic and birthing center in San Juan La Laguna, Guatemala. There is so much to the story, especially how Guatemalan women are being educated and certified in midwifery and nursing care. For more information, click here. Welcome new pastors! Gleaned from presbytery newsletters in the Synod of the Trinity region, we recognize these pastoral celebrations: PRESBYTERY OF DONEGAL **Easter Smart was installed as the pastor at Centre Presbyterian Church in New Park on July 14. HUNTINGDON PRESBYTERY **Scott Hoffman will be installed as the senior pastor at State College Presbyterian Church on Aug. 4. **Hilary Livingston will begin her ministry as the pastor at Providence Presbyterian Church in Altoona on Sept. 22. PCUSA launches interactive map The 226th General Assembly (2024) approved the descriptions of presbytery boundaries submitted via overture by each synod. This interactive map shows the results of this long and complicated process, which included invitations to all stated clerks and executives to share information in the early stages and to confirm the final product. Click here to view the map. Evangelism Conference set for Oct. Registration for the 2024 Evangelism Conference, planned by the PCUSA's Theology, Formation & Evangelism committee, is now open. The “A Lifestyle That Exudes Justice” Evangelism Conference will be held Oct. 3-5 at the Presbyterian Center in Louisville, KY. They will explore how we are called to embody the good news of God’s healing and compassion through "A Lifestyle that Exudes Justice." Click here to learn more and register. Donegal running trip for Civil Rights Tour The Presbytery of Donegal is sponsoring a Civil Rights Pilgrimage Bus Tour to Virginia, Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee from Oct. 19-26. The package includes eight days and seven nights of lodging, breakfast, transportation, museum tour fees and speakers. The cost is $1,625 per person for double occupancy and single occupancy is $2,175 per person (may be less depending on participants). Lunch and dinner are NOT included in the price. A limited number of single rooms are available. More information is available by clicking here. Krislund offering space for PSU fans If you’re looking for a place to stay during your Penn State football weekend, Krislund Camp & Conference Center in nearby Madisonburg, PA, may have just the place for you. Stay in one of the camp's cabins and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Krislund after an exciting day at the stadium. For information on availability and pricing, call (814) 422-8878 or email registration@krislund.org. 'In the Arms of God' workshops at Montreat Montreat Conference Center in Montreat, NC, will hold its Women's Connection 2024 Workshops focusing on "In the Arms of God" from Aug. 9-11. Through “In the Arms of God,” you’ll have the chance to retreat from the day-to-day, take a deep breath of the Spirit, gather in community with other women of faith and leave with a heart full of hope. The preacher for the event will be Ruth Faith Santana-Grace, the co-moderator of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and general presbyter of the Presbytery of Philadelphia. For more information on these workshops, click here. Youth Triennium set for 2025 The Office of Presbyterian Youth and Triennium (PYT) has announced the 2025 Presbyterian Youth Triennium will be held in Louisville from July 28-31, 2025. It will be held at the Kentucky International Convention Center and surrounding hotels — all located very close to the Presbyterian Center — in downtown Louisville. Four new PYT Connect resources based on the theme of “When Did We See You?” can be used to create and host your own local or regional PYT theme experience. They are free to use for a wide variety of events and settings including church gatherings or a weekend retreat. The Event Planning Guide, Group Study Guide, Recreation Guide and Worship & Prayer Guide are available by clicking here.
The Synod of the Trinity | Being More Together Have a story tip? Email Mike Givler, Communications Coordinator, here. Like us on Facebook.  Follow us on Twitter.