August 6, 2016
The Synod of Alaska-Northwest continues to live into a new and creative way of being a synod. After decades of being a large program body, it has recently moved to a reduced function as provided for by the Book of Order. Although mission in the form of programs no longer occurs, the ties between the member presbyteries are perhaps stronger than in the past. The synod does mission only in terms of how it supports its member presbyteries, taking seriously the mandate of the 211th General Assembly (1999): to “develop, encourage, equip, and resource congregations and their leaders, . . . enhance the effectiveness of congregations, and find simplified, flexible and more responsive ways to . . . work in a rapidly changing environment.”
Two major challenges have been addressed. The first has been to provide a temporary home–and then a permanent home— for the remaining churches of Alaska Presbytery. The result has been a merger between the former Presbyteries of Alaska and North Puget Sound. The merger is progressing smoothly and gracefully, with much excitement about a new relationship and the opportunities it brings.
A second challenge has been how to make the synod’s large financial resources, accumulated and held for many years, available to the presbyteries—again recognizing that mission in our context is best accomplished at the congregational level, with support of the presbyteries. We are blessed to be stewards of the mission gifts given by generations of faithful Presbyterians; with such blessings comes solemn responsibility.
Dean Strong, Stated Clerk, Synod of Alaska-Northwest
Today’s Focus: Presbytery of Synod of Alaska-Northwest
Let us join in prayer for:
Synod Staff
Dean Strong, Stated Clerk
E J Lee, Director of Operations
Kris Green, Bookkeeper
PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Anne Blair, PMA
Michele Blum, PPC
Let us pray
Lord, guide us as we seek to be faithful in our very rapidly changing world, using your gifts to proclaim the good news in mission and ministry in the frontiers of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.
Daily Lectionary
Morning Psalms 63; 149
First Reading Judges 9:22-25, 50-57
Second Reading Acts 4:32-5:11
Gospel Reading John 2:13-25
Evening Psalms 125; 90
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