Welcome
to
        The Synod of the Mid-Atlantic

Phone:
(804) 342-0016
Toll Free:
(800) 743-7670
Fax :
(804) 355-8535
Toll Free Fax:
(877) 259-4441

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Updated Info on the tornado cleanup in Eastern VA

See: http://www.pcusa-peva.org/what.htm

A Word From 
Your Interim Synod Executive/Stated Clerk/Treasurer

It is a pleasure to write you during this Easter period, when we celebrate the risen Lord!  Our work and mission in the name of Christ continues at the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic.  Many exciting things have happened during the past five months, and it is a delight to report them to you.  It could not, of course, have happened without the capable and diligent work of our synod staff – Janice Chick, Jean Hayes, and Cindy Hollingshead.  We have completed all of the follow up from the 220^th Stated Meeting held in early November, 2007, prepared and con- ducted the 221^st Stated Meeting two weeks ago at the Episcopal Roslyn Center, and Cindy has worked to complete our work with new auditors—all in the midst of living our busy personal lives.  Thanks to them all.

There is no doubting the energy and hard work of our synod commissioners, who have continued to learn their roles in the new organization and who conduct their work together in a spirit of love, cooperation, and community.  Thanks to them all.  Of particular help are the members of the Executive Committee of the Synod – who provide advice, decisions, and guidance as we conduct our affairs.  They are Fed Ward, Moderator, Dick Keever, Moderator in Nomination, Hugh Robertshaw, Member At Large, and the chairs of the four designated committees – Joe McCutchen, Finance, Felecia Hardy, Grants/Awards, Jessica Scholten, Administration, and Tony Palubicki, Presbytery Initiatives.

Her are a few highlights from 221^st Synod Assembly:  

·         New Mission Statement – there was a provisional one passed in July, 2007, but a request was made to revise it.  It passed the Assembly and is part of the CIF prepared by the Synod Executive Nominating Committee and approved by the Synod Assembly.  The new mission statement now reads:

The mission of the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic is to engage in the ministry of Jesus Christ and the mission of the Presbyterian Church (USA) as described in the Great Ends of the Church (Book of Order G-1.0200) by providing information, encouragement and support in caring for its member presbyteries, congregations and members.

·         Reserve for Operations – a motion was passed to reduce the governance reserve of the Synod by $100,000 (from $350,000 to $250,000).

·         Emergency Fund for Presbyteries – a motion was passed to take the $100,000 and make it available to presbyteries for emergency needs.  Half will be available as grants and the other half as temporary loans.  Guidelines will be set, and any time any disbursement is made, whether grant or loan, all other presbyteries will be informed as to the amounts, the reasons, and the remaining balance in order to insure transparency.

·         Heiserman Distribution – each synod will receive approximately $62,000 for use for new missions.  This is a one-time distribution and the work is done with other synods.  At present, one candidate for this work is Latino Mission along the I-95 corridor from Princeton to Baltimore .  Baltimore and New Castle would participate in this.  Another candidate is for a program certification in Elder Competency done in conjunction with Union Seminary.

·         New Emergent Ministries – The Grants/Awards Committee will disburse these awards.  There will be two per year, beginning at the end of 2008.  Two awards will be made based on the interest earned, one for 2/3 of the amount, the other 1/3.  These will vary depending on the interest, but it is expected to be about $20,000 - $30,000 per year total.  Guidelines are in the works and you will be informed.

·         The 2009 budget was reviewed and revised downward, resulting in a per capita reduction of 15 cents.  It is now $1.45, down from $1.60, beginning with the 2009 budget.

·         A commissioners’ motion was offered to request a study be done to determine if the Board of Trustees could be dissolved and their functions be incorporated into the work of the Synod Assembly.  A task force appointed by the Executive Committee will make a recommendation to the 222^nd stated meeting in October, 2008.

·         A $5,000 grant to the North Carolina Council of Churches was made and approved.  Funding will come from the peacemaking account.

·         The Westminster Foundation (Virginia Campus Ministries) requested and received authority to use the interest from its fund for a short term, part-time coordinator position.

It is expected that the Search Committee for a permanent executive will proceed with deliberate speed, now that the Church Information Form (job description and synopsis of what the synod is) have been approved and are published to interested parties.  It is hoped that a permanent person can be approved at the October Synod Assembly.  Please pray for the members of the search team as they conduct their work – that they will find a sense of discernment and that those who feel God’s call will find this synod to be the next step in their service to the Church.

Finally, we hope that your work in ministry and mission, wherever God has called you, is fulfilling and energizing as you worship, pray, study, and work to be good stewards of God’s creation.

                                                                                John Winings

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