At the third meeting in the 290th year of the Synod of the Trinity, the Synod Review Team, convened by Elder Bettie Stammerjohn (Washington Presbytery), reported on the state of the Synod.  After working together throughout the past year, talking with a wide variety of persons, and reading many evaluations and documents, the Review Team made several recommendations ranging from affirming the current Synod structure and missional model to encouraging better and more communication throughout the Synod to expanding the role of Synod Commissioners in doing the work of the Synod.  (Click here for complete report)

Mary Speedy (Elder, Carlisle Presbytery) was elected as the 2008 Synod Moderator and Gary Lyon (Clergy, Kiskiminetas Presbytery) was elected as the 2008 Vice-Moderator. They will be installed at the February 2008 Synod meeting.

Chantal Atnip, Synod Treasurer, gave a detailed report concerning current and projected finances of the Synod.  In approving the 2008 budget, Commissioners acknowledged that travel reimbursement beginning in 2008 will be at the “charity rate” of 14 cents per mile.

Coordinating Team updates were given for Student Ministries (Chairperson Jeffrey Kisner, Washington Presbytery), New Immigrant Ministries (Chairperson Ted Dennis, Beaver-Butler Presbytery), and Racial Ethnic Ministries (Chairperson Warren McNeill, Philadelphia Presbytery).  The Church Development Coordinating Team (Chairperson Jim Robinson, West Virginia) presented two groups seeking Mission Development Resources Committee (MDRC) grants from the Synod.  Commissioners approved funding for The Shepherd’s Staff (Pittsburgh Presbytery) and West Kensington Ministry (Philadelphia Presbytery).

The Synod Committee on Representation led opening worship on Thursday. Moderator Gary Lyon and Redstone Executive Presbyter Doug Holben led Friday’s Communion worship service.  This service included a Minute for Mission given by Bill Soldwisch, a Mission Co-Worker laboring in Mexico. Bill has been participating in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Mission Challenge ’07.

A new Synod Mission Network was recognized. The Presbyterian Men Network seeks to “promote, encourage, coordinate, and nurture Christian faith and discipleship among all men” in the 16 Presbyteries of the Synod.

The next meeting of the Synod will be held February 21-22, 2008 in the Presbytery of Washington.