SYNOD OF THE TRINITY NEWS: EASTERN SYNOD REGIONALS

By Rev. Mark Juengel

On May 20 the Synod of the Trinity held the Eastern Regional Gathering at Faith Presbyterian

Church in Emmaus, PA. Our Mountain Laurel Presbytery representatives to the Synod, were

Alex Hendrickson, Yvonne Lewis, Mark Juengel, and our stated clerk Scott DeCaro.

The day began with a warm welcome by Faith Presbyterian Church’s pastor, the Rev. Rebecca

Mallozzi who has served there for 8 years. She shared with us two of the church’s ministries,

the Teacher Closet – a school supply project, and their church garden. The garden’s produce is

donated to a local food bank.

The theme of all four regional gatherings was from Matthew, “You are the Salt of the

earth…You are the Light of the world.” We were asked the question, “How do these verses

shape our understanding of the people of God in the world?” We explored the nature of Salt

and Light. Are we more like a saltlick, a salt truck, or a salt shaker? If we are Light, are we a

candle, flashlight, campfire, or lighthouse? How might these images shape our presbyteries and

synod to be more vital, innovative, and faithful?

New Clerk of the Synod

On May 26, the Synod held a specially called meeting for the purpose of electing a new clerk of

the Synod. We are delighted to announce Kristal Smith was unanimously received to this

position. Kristal is the former Presbytery Leader for Governance and Congregational Leadership

at the Presbytery of Carlisle. Since ordination in 2005, Kristal has served as an Associate Pastor,

Hospital and Hospice Chaplain, Visitation Pastor for 4 Lutheran churches, and most recently as

Co-Leader for the Presbytery of Carlisle.

“In talking with Kristal,” said Erin Kobs, the chair of the search committee, “the search

committee was very impressed with her background as a stated clerk, her thoughtfulness when

answering our questions, and most of all, her relational nature. Welcome Kristal!

Synod General Commission

The next Synod event will be held on June 16, 17. This is a meeting with the General Council.

We will spend our time reviewing our secondary ends, receiving committee reports, and of

course looking at the budget.

Please keep your Synod and Staff in prayer as we continue to connect with one another.

By God’s Grace,

Rev. Mark Juengel

Synod Co-Moderator