The Synod of the Northeast Mission and Ministries Commission

Stated Meeting Holiday Inn Express, Latham, NY

Friday, September 27, 2019 Worship The meeting of the Mission and Ministries Commission of the Synod of the Northeast began with a time of worship led by Rev. Dr. Amaury Tañon-Santos, centered on Matthew 25:31-46 using a modified lectio divina. Attendance Present: Elder Warren McNeill, Mission and Ministries Commission Moderator Elder Jacinth Hanson, Synod Moderator Rev. Leslie Latham, Synod Moderator-Elect Presbytery Representation: Albany – Elder Samantha Brewer Boston – Elder David Dorer Cayuga-Syracuse – Elder Victor Jenkins Elizabeth – Elder Maryjane Finne Genesee Valley – Rev. Anne Waasdorp Geneva – Elder Virginia Champlain Hudson River – Elder Duna Fullerton Monmouth – Elder Crystal Garcia New Brunswick – Elder Cherry Oakley (alternate) New York City – Elder Marvela Hermanus Newark – Rev. Anita Wright Newton – Rev. Jeanne Radak Palisades – Elder Steve Huston Susquehanna Valley – Elder Cynthia Burger West Jersey – Elder David Watts Western New York – Rev. Leslie Latham

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Presbyterian Women – Lisa Gray Elder Alan Ford – Treasurer Rev. Nancy Talbot – Stated Clerk Rev. Dr. Amaury Tanon-Santos- Synod Networker Fran Klaiber – Manager of Finance Elder Lori Hylton – Administrative Coordinator Rev. Paul Rack – Journal Clerk Excused: Eastern Korean American – Elder Hu Nam Nam Long Island – Elder Luci Duckson-Bramble New Brunswick – Elder Jenny Lee Northern New England – Rev. Scott DeBlock Southern New England – Elder Lisa Baker Utica – Elder Steve Vance African American Caucus – Rev. James Reese Hispanic Caucus – Rev. Carmen Rosario Synod Leader – Rev. Dr. Harold Delhagen Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 1:22 pm by Elder Warren McNeil, Moderator of the Mission and Ministries Commission, who welcomed the commissioners present. The commission VOTED to approve the distributed docket for this meeting. Elder McNeil asked that the commissioners lift up Donna Delhagen in prayer. She is recovering from surgery. The need to stay with her is the reason that Rev. Dr. Harold Delhagen, Synod Leader, asked to be excused from attendance at this meeting. Staff Reports Synod Leader Elder McNeil read aloud the Synod Leader’s report in its entirety.

NJ MISSIONAL STRUCTURES The first area I would like to address is the work of our Missional Structures Initiative in New Jersey. For many years now, we have worked with these presbyteries through transitions and challenges. In this time, we have been cultivating our relationships as well as a common missional vision. As with most presbyteries across the PC(USA), these presbyteries are challenged by the loss of volunteer and financial resources. This strain is in large measure due to changes in contextual, demographic, and cultural shifts. Current Status In our New Jersey Missional Structures Initiative, we have engaged in careful listening and have cultivated a dynamic new vision for the mission of our New Jersey Presbyteries. Four of the seven participating

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presbyteries have already voted unanimously in the affirmative to move forward with this process (Newton, Palisades, Newark, and Elizabeth). The Executive Council of West Jersey has also voted to recommend this to their presbytery, and they vote on Tuesday, September 17. We are now working with both Monmouth and New Brunswick presbyteries and anticipate their decisions yet this fall. Next Steps – Design & Implementation Each presbytery will be asked to name 2 members to a Transitions Working Group that will develop a plan for the transfer of membership and assets as well as design new governance structures for the four new presbyteries. It has become clear that in order for the Synod to facilitate this complex work we will need to hire a staff person to resource this process. You will see attached to this report both a position description and an outline of the work anticipated. I therefore propose: Recommendation #1 That the Mission & Ministries Commission approve the attached position description for a Regional Resource Coordinator to be hired as soon as November 1, 2019, for a halftime contract position for a period of one year. That the Commission authorize the Synod Leader, the Synod Treasurer, and the convener of the Administrative Working group to complete the details needed to fill this position. I have identified Ruling Elder Joe Martinoni (Newton) as the individual to be hired for this position if the way be clear. This position can be paid for with funds already budgeted in the Presbytery Support line of our 2019 and 2020 budget. STAFF SUPERVISION One of the beautiful and challenging parts of our decision to live together with the core values of the New Way Forward is that we have chosen to work together with nimbleness. On one hand this means we function in ways that allow us to respond more efficiently and promptly to changing of needs among those we serve. The challenge is that this means we are almost always engaged in a dynamic process of change. When I began serving you in November 2011, I opened with the following leadership paradigm: The first function of leadership is to engage in deep and frequent listening (cultivation). The second function is for the leader to articulate what she/he has heard (articulation). Then finally, the leader is called to hold the community accountable to the values and decisions it makes (accountability). This report, like all my reports, is based upon these three leadership functions. Another area that requires faithful listening and cultivation is in the supervision of staff. In carrying out these responsibilities I work to listen both for the feedback of our Synod members and for the aspirations and concerns of each staff person. I annually conduct a review with each of them in which they are also encouraged to share a self-review. This review process leads to the development of a work plan for the following year. These reviews usually occur at the end of a calendar year. 2018 Reviews The 2018 reviews were completed in early January 2019 in coordination with a staff (Mission Team) retreat. My intention in these review sessions is to hold in balance the needs and expectation of the larger Synod community who we serve with the aspirations and needs of each team member. Recommendations In the review process with both Lori Hylton and Amaury Tañón-Santos it became clear that they have both far exceeded and excelled in their respective positions. I worked with each of these employees over a period of over six months exploring ways in which their vocational calling and the needs of our Synod’s mission might best be served. The result is the recommendation that both of these employees have their position descriptions changed to reflect more adequately the work they are doing and the work that best serves the mission and aspirations of our Synod. I am including both the old position descriptions and the

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new proposed descriptions for each of them. Both of these employees have just completed 360 Reviews with helpful and stellar results. These are substantial and I believe necessary changes and will call for commensurate increases in compensation. In executive session I can address the details of this part of my proposal. We have built into these proposals quarterly reviews for the first year to ensure that the changes will function as anticipated. One of the core values of New Way Forward is that every effort must be made to raise up more diverse cadre of leaders. It is essential that we are clear that these changes are not a succession plan for leadership. In the event of the vacancy of the Synod Leader or the Stated Clerk our procedures call for an open search process. As a Synod community we have found ways to recognize the responsibility to cultivate and resource new, diverse and emerging leaders – the Bob Washington Scholars, the Young Ministry Leaders, the Early Ministry Institute and more recently the Servant Leadership Institute. I believe these proposed staff changes offer this potential for our Synod as well. Director of Operations and Leadership Initiatives Lori Hylton has been working with us for almost two years now as our Administrative Coordinator. As many of you have recognized, Lori has excelled at her work in many ways. Part of this has been to make our logistical needs appear seamless! But Lori has also stepped up to serve in leading a number of new initiatives such as our Servant Leadership Institute, our Cuba initiative, and our Diversity Working Group. She has devoted her continuing education resources and time to participating in a Spanish immersion course of study. It is clear we got a lot more than we bargained for with Lori! The new position of Director of Operations and Leadership Initiatives seeks to recognize these areas of growth and addresses ways in which to best meet the developing needs of our Synod. I therefore propose: Recommendation #2 That the Mission and Ministries Commission approve the attached position description of Director of Operations and Leadership Initiatives as a replacement of the previous position of Administrative Coordinator, and that the Administrative Working Group determine appropriate compensation for this position effective January 1, 2020. Associate Synod Leader Amaury Tañón-Santos has served us as the Synod Networker for five years and has been a vital part of the New Way Forward process from its very beginning. The changes reflected in this new position description are based upon both Amaury’s growth as a leader in our Synod and in the dynamic changes and expectations within our Synod both for his work as well as mine as Synod Leader. As I have been called to focus more of my work in leading Missional Structures work, Amaury has been willing to pick up some of the other functions that have traditionally fallen to the Synod Leader. These functions include participation in national conversations, ecumenical relations, connectional advocacy work on issues such as immigration and new diversity initiatives. Amaury has shown strong leadership competencies both within our Mission Team and throughout the larger church. He and I have alway s worked closely together and enjoy excellent communication. These shifts have allowed me to move more intentionally into a variety of areas of presbytery support including crisis management, transitions, and missional re-visioning. This position change acknowledges the added responsibilities Amaury has undertaken with excellence. I therefore propose: Recommendation #3 That the Mission and Ministries Commission approve the attached position description of Associate Synod Leader as a replacement of the previous position of Synod Networker, and that the Administrative Working Group determine appropriate compensation for this position effective January 1, 2020.

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Director of Finance Fran Klaiber has served our Synod with excellence and dedication for over 31 years. In the past couple of years, she has taken the initiative to continue her education, works with a coach and will now participate in our Servant Leadership Institute. In light of the position changes proposed above it seems fitting that we change her title from Manager of Finance to Director of Finance. This simple change would better reflect the parity of positions on the Mission Team. I therefore propose: Recommendation #4 That the Mission and Ministries Commission approve the change of title of Director of Finance as a replacement of the previous position title of Manager of Finance effective January 1, 2020. SYNOD PURPOSE & VISION CASTING Finally, I believe it is time for our Synod to begin a season of review and reflection on its next chapter of ministry and mission. In other words, it’s time to create New Way Forward 2.0! I think the best way to accomplish this is the following: Recommendation #5 That the Commission Moderator work with the Synod Leader in creating a New Way Forward Working Group charged reviewing the New Way Forward, to identify current needs and opportunities within our Synod, and to explore how to best meet these needs in the future. This working group would need to bring its findings and recommendations to the Mission and Ministries Commission meeting in the spring of 2020 with a final report to the Synod Assembly in the fall of 2020

Stated Clerk Rev. Nancy Talbot reported. The commission referred the minutes of the January commission meeting with a correction of the spelling of Maryjane Finne’s name and the notes of the May retreat to the Administrative Working Group for consideration and recommendation to the full commission. GA Overtures The Leadership Team decided to pull the overture on boundaries in New Jersey for further consultation. We plan on bringing it back to the next commission meeting if necessary. Rewrite of Previous Overture About Elders A revised edition of this overture, which has already failed to be approved by two General Assemblies will be brought to the commission tomorrow after discussion at the Administrative Working Group. This overture was written taking into account all the feedback received as to why people were against the overture. Susquehanna Valley SARC Rev. Talbot informed the commission that the Cabinet of the Presbytery of Susquehanna Valley has requested that the synod form a Special Administrative Review Committee (SARC) to help

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them evaluate their processes and recommend changes in how the presbytery operates. The Synod Leadership Team appointed the following members to this SARC: Rev. Lorri Cooney (Cayuga-Syracuse Presbytery) Elder Samuel Dance (Cayuga-Syracuse Presbytery) Elder John Goehle (Genesee Valle Presbytery) Rev. Leah Ntuala (Geneva Presbytery) Rev. Steve Plank (Cayuga-Syracuse Presbytery) The SARC has the authority to review operations and procedures in the presbytery including but not limited to:

•The practices, conduct, behavior, and patterns of the members of the presbytery as they relate to presbytery assembly meetings, operations, cabinet, and committees, and to professional relationships with one another and with congregations •The role of presbytery cabinet, committees and personnel in presbytery operations •Standard practices of the presbytery, its cabinet, and its committees, commissions, teams and task forces or working groups that may or may not have an actual written policy or procedure related to them •Written policies and procedures including but not limited to presbytery by-laws, presbytery manual of administrative operations, personnel policies •Operations and minutes of the presbytery cabinet and presbytery committees, commissions, teams, and task forces or working groups created for a particular reason •Minutes of presbytery assembly meetings •Financial documents including presbytery budgets

Newark Synod AC There is still a small and limited Synod Administrative Commission working monthly with churches in the Newark Presbytery. Two churches have ongoing cases in secular courts: Newark First and Elmwood. The case regarding the First Presbyterian Church of Newark experienced a set-back when a judge ruled that a certificate granted by British King George II took precedence over the PCUSA Book of Order. This decision has been appealed. Meanwhile, the congregation has elected new trustees to replace the ones who have effectively renounced the jurisdiction of this denomination (who nevertheless still control the church’s assets). The AC is also working with the First Presbyterian Church of Irvington. The following presbyters serve on this AC: Elder Richard Ansah (First Presbyterian Church of Irvington) Elder William Bartels (New Brunswick Presbytery) Rev. Elaine Connelly (Newark Presbytery) Elder Lorraine Cuffie (First Presbyterian Church of Irvington) Elder Eunice Dartey (Palisades Presbytery) Rev. Nancy Fields (Hudson River Presbytery) Elder Edgar Miller (Palisades Presbytery)

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Permanent Judicial Commission The synod Permanent Judicial Commission met in January for training with Flor Velez-Diaz, the General Assembly Manager of Judicial Process and Social Witness. There have been no cases that have gone to trial. However, an alternative resolution agreement was reached concerning a case in New York City Presbytery. The General Assembly PJC sustained the decision of a Synod PJC trial regarding First Presbyterian Church in Newark. They also sustained the decision to dismiss a case regarding the Elmwood United Presbyterian Church in Newark. Committee on Representation The Committee on Representation reviewed applications and selected candidates for the Servant Leadership Institute. Rev. Amir Tawadrous (Western New York) is a new member of COR. Revs. Rick Spaulding and Jeniffer Rodrigues have resigned from COR. If anyone has suggestions of people who would be good to serve on COR, please let the stated clerk know. Triennium The synod has $75K available for scholarships to the Youth Triennium. We spent nearly $47K this year, as attendance was down. New York State Sexual Harassment Law Due to changes in the minimum standards for Sexual Harassment Policies in the State of New York, the commission will be asked to approve a revised policy at this meeting. Responsibilities as a Synod Commission Representative In Teams and One Hub there is a document called Life as a Synod Mission and Ministries Commission Representative that lays out the responsibilities of representatives. The Stated Clerk encouraged commissioners to be go-betweens with their council or organization, conveying information both ways. Working on Dates Going Forward The Office of General Assembly has moved its Mid-Council Leaders Gathering to November 5-9, 2020, which conflicts with our Synod Assembly. Is the commission willing change the Synod Assembly and the September commission meeting which needs to be held at least 30 days before assembly? The commission VOTED to move next fall’s meeting of the Synod Mission and Ministries Commission to September 18-19, 2020, and to move the Synod Assembly to October 23-24, 2020.

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Synod Networker Rev. Dr. Amaury Tañón-Santos reported. Networks Working Group Transition New language is coming for Standing Rule changes reflecting the evolving understanding of this Working Group’s role. Networking and Networks The Working Group will be asked to approve a new network for Native American ministries in our synod. They are meeting with all three Native American congregations, two of which are of the Seneca tribe in Western New York and one is with the Shinnecock tribe in Long Island. The synod will be organizing space for gathering of Native American leadership for fellowship and strategic thinking. We are intentionally and prayerfully taking on some difficult history. We hope to atone for our sins and encourage their enthusiasm. Also, the synod will be participating in nationwide PCUSA Portuguese-Language Presbyterian Council annual meeting in Stony Point next week. Half of the Brazilian churches in our denomination are in the bounds of our synod. Connectional Ministries 1. We need to appoint another person to the Puerto Rico task force and have someone in

mind. We have almost depleted the funding and now have to turn to fundraising and encouraging partnerships with sister congregations in Puerto Rico. Rev. Dr. Tañón-Santos plans to visit the island in December.

2. A draft of a partnership agreement between the synod and our sister synod of the Iglesia Presbiteriana-Reformada en Cuba (IPRC) is coming for consideration to this meeting.

Social Justice Witness Immigration, environmental justice, and poverty continue to be the foci in our social justice witness area. They share evident intersections with issues of racism and discrimination. This also informs our leadership formation initiatives, our pursuit of innovation in governance, and our commitment to diversity. The proposed shift in the work of the Working Group will place social justice at the front and center of the synod’s ministry. Central New York Missional Structures Listening sessions have been going on throughout the region, while we are waiting on the work of the Susquehanna Valley SARC. Other participant presbyteries are supportive of this process and are showing encouragement and patience. The Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse has a new Resource Presbyter in Rev. Karen Chamis and a new Stated Clerk in Rev. Ben Fitzgerald-Fye.

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Come to the Table We are receiving registrations for Come to the Table in November. Rev. Liz Theoharis (New York City), the co-chair of the national Poor Peoples’ Campaign, and Rev. Cindy Kohlmann (Northern New England), the co-Moderator of the General Assembly, will be our preachers. We will be able to significantly highlight our partnerships with Cuba and Puerto Rico. Administrative Coordinator Elder Lori Hylton reported. Early Ministry Institute This three-year program, designed to encourage and support pastors in their first call, has been going for nearly 30 years. Participation is declining, however. She proposes an evaluation process to identify strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for the future. This will be done in conjunction with the design team over the next 6-9 months, reporting back to the commission. Suggestions from the floor included:

• More attention to renewal of pastors who have been working for some time • Sabbaticals • Including Temporary Pastors (eg. Interims)

Servant Leadership Institute The institute is currently led by Elder Janey Steinwadel (New Castle Presbytery); the work with the latest cohort started on September 20. There will be another to start up in the spring. The objective is to develop, nurture, and deploy individual leaders, especially non-traditional, grassroots leaders committed to working collaboratively with the diverse communities of the synod. The Commission broke from plenary to go into the Working Groups at 2:51 pm. Saturday, September 28, 2019 The Saturday session of the Mission and Ministries Commission was opened with prayer by Jacinth Hanson at 9:00 am. Because Elder Warren McNeill had to attend a Presbytery of New York City stated meeting as its stated clerk, Elder Hanson announced she will preside.

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Missions Working Group Rev. Steve Huston, Mission Working Group Convener, reported. Innovation Grants The commission VOTED that the Innovation Grants be awarded according to the grant request summary, as follows: 1. Quincy Mandarin Bible Study Fellowship (Boston), $16,500 for 2019. 2. The Moving Church Within College Campus (Eastern Korean American), $15K. 3. Earth Church (Albany), $0. 4. Common Ground (New York City), 20K. 5. Companions on the Way (Genesee Valley), $0. 6. Christ Community Church (Eastern Korean American), a Korean ministry now attracting

Japanese and others, modeling reconciliation. $20K. 7. Project Connect: Incarcerated Women Visitation and Re-entry (New York City), $15K. 8. Lawrenceville Job Training Partnership: Cook Well Program (New Brunswick), $20K. 9. Westminster REACH (Cayuga-Syracuse), $10,720. 10. Young and Bold (Elizabeth), $12.5K. 11. Creating the Future (Hudson River), $0. 12. Good Success Academies (Newark), $0. 13. Hope’s Table (Newton), $12K. 14. ASL Interpretation Project (Genesee Valley), $11.5K. 15. NYC Young Adult Volunteer Program (New York City), $10K. 16. International Student Campus Ministry (Boston), $10K. 17. Community Outreach Project (Newark), $7,500. The commission VOTED that the Glenwood Table (Long Island) Innovation Grant, $18,000 funding be resumed. Campus Ministry Support Strategy The Working Group struggled with the question of whether we want more partners with smaller grants, or fewer partners and larger grants. They opted for more partners with smaller grants. The maximum grant is going to be $2500, with the understanding that we have the flexibility to provide additional money with the requirement of matching funds. The goal is to engage students in deep and meaningful encounters with Christian spirituality: innovative, creative, and experimental. They hope to develop students as leaders on campus, in the community, as well as in congregations, emphasizing partnering with local Presbyterian churches or other Presbyterian entities. In 2020 we will have a transition year, but in 2021 we will be looking for all the criteria to be met, as well as for the funding model, with preference given to those who have cultivated new financial partners, especially if they are Presbyterian. The funding application has been adjusted and simplified, with shorter required answers to encourage narrowing the focus.

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The commission VOTED to adopt the Campus Ministry Support Strategy. Networks Working Group Elder Crystal Garcia (Monmouth), Networks Working Group Pro-Tem, reported. Proposed Amendments to the Standing Rules The Working Group is advocating a change to being called the “Connectional Ministries Working Group,” to reflect the evolution of the scope of their work. The language is more encompassing and eliminates that which is specific to networks. It was pointed out that the commission has always waited to make any changes in the Standing Rules until a meeting of the full Synod Assembly. There is also a group that will be working on envisioning “The New Way Forward 2.0,” which will involve Standing Rules changes. This proposal should be included in that package of changes. The commission, therefore, VOTED TO REFER this proposed amendment to the Synod Assembly. In the meantime, the commission affirms this direction and permits the Working Group to use the name “Networks/Connectional Ministries” on a provisional basis. Early Ministry Institute The commission VOTED (with one no and one abstention) to appoint the EMI design team members to 3 year terms for the respective classes:

Judy Hay (Genesee Valley), 2020 Rebecca Kindig (Susquehanna Valley), 2020 Cherry Oakley (New Brunswick), 2021 Michelle Sumption (Genesee Valley), 2021 Karen Hernandez-Granzen (New Brunswick), 2022

The commission VOTED (1 abstention) to approve the appointment of an EMI Task Force to do a program evaluation, consisting of 3 EMI design team members from different presbyteries, 1 presbytery leader, 2 Mission and Ministry Commission members (1 elder, 1 minister), and 1 EMI Alum. The 3 members from the design team will be selected by the design team. The remaining members will be selected by the synod Moderator in consultation with the Networks/Connectional Ministries Working Group Convener and the Administrative Coordinator. Puerto Rico Task Force The commission VOTED (1 absention) to elect Joanne Tunison (Geneva) and someone from the Bedford Presbyterian Church Recovery Team (Northern New England), to be appointed by the Moderator of Synod in consultation with the Networks/Connectional Ministries Working Group Convener and the Synod Networker.

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Ecumenical Engagement Grants The commission VOTED to grant $5K to the New York State Labor Religion Coalition and the Poor People’s Campaign; and to grant $1500 to the Coalition of Religious Leaders of New Jersey. They are expanding their interfaith participation beyond the Abrahamic faiths. The commission VOTED: 1. to adopt the partnership covenant between the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Cuba

(IPRC) and the Synod of the Northeast. 2. to approve the formation of a Native American ministries Network, to encourage the

vibrancy of Native American ministries. 3. to celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper at the 2019 Come to the Table event, in

Stony Point, November 8-9. Administrative Working Group Elder David Watts (West Jersey), Administrative Working Group Convener pro-tem, reported. The commission VOTED to approve the Overture to the 224th General Assembly concerning Ruling Elders. The commission VOTED (2 abstentions) to approve the overture regarding a General Assembly Commission for Mid-Councils. The commission VOTED to approve the Synod Sexual Harassment Policy with changes on pages 2 (remove “including both adults and children”), 7 (changing to whom to report – delete names and just use titles), and 8 (adding the date). The commission VOTED to ratify the parameters of authority for the Susquehanna Valley Special Administrative Review Committee, which is dealing with relational and procedural matters. The commission VOTED (2 abstentions):

1. to approve the January 25-26, 2019, Synod Mission and Ministries Commission Minutes with the correction to Maryjane Finne’s name. The Administrative Working Group suggests that in the future the approve of the Minutes remains the responsibility of the general body, without going through the Working Group.

2. to receive the notes taken at the May 2019 Synod Mission and Ministries Commission Retreat.

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The commission VOTED to enter into a time as the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees VOTED:

1. to receive the Audit Report for 2018 by Lundsten and McCormick, including the financial statements, audit opinion and management letter.

2. to receive the Lipe and Dalton Investment Report. 3. to receive the report of the Treasurer, including 4. to approve the change in dependent medical contributions for 2020 of 7.9%.

The commission VOTED to return to the Commission from the Board of Trustees. The commission VOTED:

1. to accept the recommendation of the Leadership Team to continue the existing benefits plan of not giving extra compensation to individuals who choose to waive medical coverage.

2. to approve the position description for the Regional Resource Coordinator and that the commission authorizes the Synod Leader and Synod Treasurer, the Moderator of the Mission and Ministries Commission and the Convener of the Administrative Working Group to complete the details needed to fill this position.

3. to approve the year-end compensation, effective January 1, 2020, providing staff salary adjustments within budget guidelines, the Stated Clerk and the Synod Leader will be considered providing performance reviews are completed by December 31, 2019.

4. that the current staffing structure be reviewed for possible change by the Personnel Advisory Team in conjunction with the Leadership Team and a Human Resources consultant approved by the Administrative Working Group, with a recommendation before January 31, 2020.

The commission VOTED (1 abstention) that the Synod Moderator, the Mission and Ministries Commission Moderator, and the Synod Moderator-elect, appoint a New Way Forward 2.0 Working Group to be charged with reviewing the New Way Forward, identifying current needs and opportunities within our synod, and exploring how to best meet these needs in the future. This Working Group will bring its recommendations to the Mission and Ministries Commission meeting in the spring of 2020 with a final report to the Synod Assembly in the fall of 2020. Announcements Elder Lisa Gray presented fliers on the Presbyterian Women initiative on Substance Abuse Disorder. Elder Maryjane Finne has resigned from the commission because she is joining a church outside the bounds of Elizabeth Presbytery, which she represents on the commission. The commission thanked her for her service.

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The commission VOTED to adjourn to a time of worship at 11:14 am. Rev. Dr. Amaury Tañon-Santos centered again on Matthew 25:31-46. Attest: Rev. Paul F. Rack Journal Clerk Submitted by

Rev. Nancy Talbot Synod Stated Clerk