Matthew 25 In Action:

The Steeple Center

- A Testament to Faith in Action

The Matthew 25 Initiative, guided by the teachings of Jesus in the parable of the sheep and goats, calls us to action: building congregational vitality, dismantling structural racism, and eradicating systemic poverty. The transformation of the First Presbyterian Church of Trenton (FPCT) into the Steeple Center, under the Coastlands Presbytery, exemplifies this mission.

Reviving History for a Brighter Future

120 East State, the non-profit behind the transformation, aims to revitalize the 300-year-old site of FPCT into a community-centric Steeple Center. This project is a fusion of faith, history, and community engagement, embodying the first focus of the Matthew 25 Initiative - invigorating congregational vitality. The church's rich history, dating back to the Battle of Trenton, and its role as a spiritual beacon in the community are being repurposed to serve the broader needs of today's society​​.

A Hub for Inclusivity and Diversity

The Steeple Center aims to be more than just a performing arts center. It stands as a testament to the second focus of the initiative, dismantling structural racism. By creating an inclusive space that welcomes all, the Center seeks to bridge divides and foster unity in a setting steeped in history​​.

Addressing Poverty Through Community Engagement

The anticipated $25 million project is not just an investment in bricks and mortar but in the people of Trenton. By generating local employment and providing space for non-profit and for-profit entities, the Steeple Center aims to address systemic poverty, resonating with the third focus of the Matthew 25 Initiative. This venture will catalyze the revitalization of the surrounding community, offering jobs and creating opportunities for meaningful connections​​.

A Collaborative Effort

This ambitious project, seeded by the First Presbyterian Trenton congregation and supported by grants and community efforts, showcases the power of collective action. The project leaders emphasize the continued need for support to make this dream a reality, a call that aligns perfectly with the ethos of the Matthew 25 Initiative​​.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The Steeple Center project is a vivid example of Matthew 25 in action - a demonstration of faith, hope, and love in tangible form. It invites us, as members of the Synod of the Northeast and beyond, to reflect on how we can contribute to such transformative endeavors in our communities.

Let us be inspired by this project to seek out and support initiatives that embody the spirit of Matthew 25, for, in doing so, we live out our faith in the most profound way.

Calling Emerging Pastors

As you navigate the early years of your ecclesiastical call to service you will experience unique challenges and opportunities that come with the early stages of ministry. The Early Ministry Institute Design Team invites you to be a part of the 2024 Early Ministry Institute (EMI). This year’s theme: Resilience and Community: In the Face of Loneliness.

EMI is a dynamic program designed specifically for emerging pastors, to include: Teaching Elders, Ruling Elders, Commissioned Lay Pastors, and Chaplains within their first five years of ecclesiastical call to service. It is crafted to provide you with valuable insights, resources, and a supportive community as you embark on this rewarding journey in ministry.

EMI is a three-year program providing emerging pastors with:

• Professional Development: Gain practical skills and knowledge to excel in your ministry.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow emerging pastors and mid-council leaders.
• Mentorship: Benefit from the wisdom of experienced mentors in the field.
• Community Building: Form lasting connections with peers who understand your journey.

The cost for the week is only $375 which includes your registration, lodging, and meals. If you are within your 1^st -5^th year of your call, we invite you to register for the Early Ministry Institute by completing the registration form: https://synodofthenortheast.wufoo.com/forms/mq6xx2k1hq4qd1/. Your participation will not only enrich your ministry but contribute to the vibrant community of emerging leaders within our Synod.

For additional details or if you have any questions, please reach out to the Synod's Administrative Coordinator, Rev. Dr. Nichol Burris. You can contact her via email at nichol.burris@synodne.org or by telephone at (315) 460-5282

We look forward to welcoming you to the Early Ministry Institute and supporting you in your journey of growth and service.

Blessings,

EMI Design Team

Rev. Bradford Morgan, Moderator

Rev. Michelle Allen, Co-Moderator

Rev. Anita Wright

Rev. Robin Curras

Rev. Jeff Geary

Rev. Jeff Courter

Rev. Heather Kirk-Davidoff

Rev. Dr. Nichol Burris

Rob Trawick

Indigenous People's Day Offering

In response to the 225th General Assembly’s call to create a stronger relationship with our sisters and brothers in PC(USA) Indigenous Churches, the Synod of the Northeast is creating a Synod-wide Indigenous People Day Special Offering to be collected on February 18th, 2024. The money raised in this special offering will go directly to our Synod’s four Indigenous Churches to assist them in building repairs. Be on the lookout at the beginning of the new year for bulletin inserts for this Special Offering which will highlight each of our Indigenous congregations.

A Special Synod Assembly Zoom Meeting

A special Synod Assembly Zoom Meeting was held Saturday, December 9th for the Discernment Team to present the results of their First Phase Report. The team elected at the 2022 Synod Assembly consists of Joseph Chu, Eastern Korean American Presbytery; Heather Kirk-Davidoff, Albany Presbytery; Holly Haile Thompson, Long Island Presbytery; JyungIn Lee, Coastlands Presbytery; Magdalene McClarrin, Long Island Presbytery; Sabrina Slater, Geneva Presbytery; Eric Thomas, New York City Presbytery; and Dakota Whitaker, Northern New England Presbytery. Okokon Udo, from LeaderWise, serves as the Discernment Team’s Consultant. SanDawna Gaulman Ashley, Synod Transitional Leader, serves as staff to the Discernment Team. The team provided the Synod Assembly with details from the report. The report itself can be found by clicking below.

Questions from Commissioners included the following: Will the name change from A New Way Forward?  What does inclusivity and full inclusion mean?  How do we engage with rural congregations and presbyteries? What does full inclusion look like? How will the group be formed to make final determinations?  How will the New Way Forward do more bottom-up ministry in communities and people's lives?  While answers were provided, it was noted that the Discernment Team has now completed Phase One.  These questions and others that people may offer will be thoroughly discussed and later answered as the work of the Discernment Team continues. 

Submit Your Commissioners for the 226th General Assembly

As of the December 11th notice from the Office of the General Assembly, 6 of the 19 presbyteries in the Synod of the Northeast have submitted the names of their General Assembly Commissioners with or without a YAAD. As we approach the holidays and people are focused on Advent, Christmas and taking time off, please remember to get the names of your elected 2024 GA Commissioners and YAADs into the Office of General Assembly by December 28th. Also please remember to share the opportunity for volunteering at General Assembly widely within your presbyteries. At this time when different models of the GA meeting are being tried, it is important to get as many people involved as possible.

2024 Synod PJC Meeting Dates

The Synod PJC (SPJC) has established the following dates to meet in 2024 for trials or appeal hearings. Locations are to be determined. If the SPJC Executive Committee determines that there are no cases before them, or no cases are ready to be heard by the advertised three-day date, those dates will be canceled, and the PJC will move forward to the next set of advertised dates.

• April 15 - 17
• June 3 - 5
• September 30 – October 2
• December 2-4