PC(USA) News

• unanimously elected Rev. SanDawna Gaulman Ashley to a 5-year term as our Synod Leader (see the new job description)

• unanimously approved a new staff structure for the Synod (as described in the Narrative Budget), including a new Mid Council Resident for Programs, Leadership Development, and Administration, as well as a new Funds Development Internship

Starting in Fall 2026, the Synod Assembly will meet three times a year. Each presbytery is to elect one Teaching Elder Commissioner, one Ruling Elder Commissioner, one Young Adult Advisory Delegate, and one Alternate Commissioner. Commissioners will serve three-year terms, which will be staggered so they don’t turn over all in the same year.

Participation in the work and ministry of the Synod is being opened up to at-large members of congregations and presbyteries, regardless of ordination status unless required otherwise by the Book of Order. Each of the six “Ministry Pillars” outlined in Reimagining the Church in the World include Teams which will be seeking participation from members of the Synod community.

If you have questions about the Synod, you can contact Scott Kindig or Cindy Burger, who are two of the Presbytery of Susquehanna Valley’s Synod Commissioners; or you can contact Pastor Becky or Chris Burger, the Presbytery’s Co-Stated Clerks, at statedclerk@susvalpresby.org; or contact Lead Presbyter Greg Garis at greg@susvalpresby.org or 607-323-4477.

The Power of $3

During the Synod of the Northeast’s 2025–26 budget presentation, we learned of a shortfall in the 2025 budget. “Designated giving” dropped significantly this year — from about $16,000 in 2024’s focused fundraising initiative to just $2,920 through October 2025. The reason for the drop was that there was no focused fundraising campaign in 2025.

“What if we could increase giving through a simple fundraising strategy that does not impose, but enhances the inclusive and connectional aspects of our denomination?” asked Rev. Dr. Gregory Simpson, Synod Treasurer.

If the 100,000+ congregants across the Synod each contributed just $3 per year — not per week, not per month, but per year — it would dramatically strengthen the Synod’s financial foundation. This modest ask (less than a cup of coffee at Starbucks) could collectively generate $300,000 annually, transforming the Synod’s capacity to fulfill its mission to be “a grace-filled, connected, and accessible Synod body where presbyteries, congregations, and leaders build trust, share resources, and boldly live Christ’s call to justice, equity, and beloved community.”

Think about that just for a minute. Think about the increased training that pastors could benefit from. Think about the ways we could strengthen presbyteries. Think about the ways we could build new advocacy, strengthen lay ministry training programs, and simply strengthen every aspect of each of the 19 presbyteries working in the Synod. Just think about that for just a minute!!

Even though the 2026 budget of $2,118,820 prioritizes equipping gospel communities (including a new Funds Development Intern position), communication efforts, and maintaining mission granting while strategically using reserves for fiscal sustainability, we can do more. The $3 campaign represents not just financial stewardship, but a democratic approach to sustaining the Synod’s work in building congregational vitality, dismantling structural racism, and eradicating systemic poverty — core commitments of the Matthew 25 initiative, from a denominational perspective, but also significantly strengthening the capacities of our presbyteries.

To make a donation to the Synod of the Northeast, go to synodne.org/donate.

More news from the Synod can be found in their newsletter: conta.cc/4aES7Lc.