“Rest for the Journey: Spirituality for Ministry and Mission” was a Synod Summer Conference for people who wished to participate in the gift of prayer and fellowship – coming together to enjoy the abundance of God as Christians gathered together to create time and space to receive what God has to give to us.

The keynote speaker was the Rev. Joan S. Gray, Moderator of the 217th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). She presented inspiring, thought-provoking, spiritually-based talks and worship experiences.

Meeting on the campus of our Synod-related Arcadia University in Glenside, Pennsylvania, participants enjoyed a diversity of worship services, unique workshops, and informative discussions with a wide variety of people. A beautiful night time “candle lit” Labyrinth walk was available in the Mirror Room (on left) of the main campus building known as The Castle.

There was a special visit by Bishop Lazlo Tokes of the Hungarian Reformed Church of Romania (pictured on right with Moderator Gray). Bishop Tokes is a Christian human rights activist who has been persecuted for his beliefs. Also present during the conference and speaking to the Synod Commissioners at the business meeting were our PC (U.S.A.) Missionaries Eric and Becky Hinderliter (on left) who are home on leave from their work in Lithuania.

Many displays were presented for conference participants to learn about our Synod Networks and other important organizations that work alongside the Synod. Their presence was a good way to inform participants about work done within the Synod.

Conference Chairperson, Steve Shussett (left), Teaching Presbyter of Lehigh Presbytery, faithfully led a planning team that developed the conference. Team Members were 2006 Synod Moderator Ruth Rusling (Elder, Lehigh), 2007 Synod Moderator Gary Lyon (Clergy, Kiskiminetas), 2007 Synod Vice Moderator Mary Speedy (Elder, Carlisle), 2006 Presbytery of Philadelphia Moderator Mary Ellen Lloyd, 2007 Presbytery of Philadelphia Moderator Warren McNeill, and Synod staff.

At the Synod business meeting, the report concerning minutes for all 16 Presbyteries was received by the Synod Commissioners. The Synod Review Team gave a presentation with their Preliminary Report. The final report of this Team will be presented at the October 2007 meeting.

The next Synod business meeting will be held October 18-19, 2007, in Greensburg, Pennsylvania in the Presbytery of Redstone.