Synod Trinity

06/04/2026

The Presbyterian News Service picked up our story on Huntingdon Presbyterian Church's annual auction that provides thousands of dollars each year to the One Great Hour of Sharing offering.

You can find a link to their reposting here:

For 20 years, Huntingdon Presbyterian Church in Huntington, Pennsylvania, was the site of a free weekly meal for local residents. It was a way for the central Pennsylvania congregation to give back to its community while meeting a need in its neighborhood.

06/02/2026

Two overtures that will come before the 227th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in Milwaukee, WI, in late June and early July were prepared by the Presbytery of Philadelphia. One focuses on expanding healthcare options for pastors while the other seeks transparency concerning the denomination’s recent elimination of mission co-workers.

For more detail on these overtures and to hear from leaders in the Presbytery of Philadelphia explain their position, click here: https://www.syntrinity.org/featured/philadelphia-bringing-two-overtures-to-227th-general-assembly/

06/01/2026

Congratulations to Synod Communications Coordinator Mike Givler for winning an honorable mention in the "Best of the Church Press Awards" at the Associated Church Press Awards Convention & Awards Celebration in Toronto in mid-May.

Mike's story titled "A century later, First Hazleton’s organ goes home to Pasadena" was recognized in the "Feature Article: Local reporting - Short Format (1,200 words or fewer)" category. A list of the award winners can be found here https://www.theacp.org/awards-winners [scroll to Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to see Mike's name].

To read the story that was honored, click here: https://www.syntrinity.org/featured/a-century-later-first-hazletons-organ-goes-home-to-pasadena/

05/29/2026

Each year, the Synod of the Trinity provides Small Church Leadership Development funds for its presbyteries so they can distribute the funds to their smaller congregations that are looking to provide training for their clergy and lay leadership.

In 2025, the Synod distributed more than $22,000 to its presbyteries, money that was divided up based on the number of “small” churches in each presbytery. A church with a membership of 100 or less is considered a “small church” for this program.

Click here to find out how our presbyteries use these funds last year: https://www.syntrinity.org/featured/more-than-22000-distributed-to-smaller-churches-in-synod/

05/28/2026

We are excited to announce that during a Synod of the Trinity Special Assembly meeting earlier this week, Synod commissioners unanimously voted to elect Kristal Smith as the Synod’s new stated clerk. She will begin her new role with the Synod on June 1.

Most recently, Kristal served as the Presbytery Leader for Governance and Congregational Leadership at the Presbytery of Carlisle, having stepped down from that position at the end of February.

“Rev. Smith is conscientious and thoughtful and cares deeply about the spiritual health of the Church,” said Synod Executive the Rev. Forrest Claassen. “In just a few short years, she has won the trust and respect of the stated clerks across the Synod. I am grateful for the wisdom and care she will bring to the office of Synod Stated Clerk. I look forward to partnering with her in making the Synod a place that ‘supports and challenges presbyteries to be vital, innovative and faithful.'”

More: https://www.syntrinity.org/synod/kristal-smith-elected-new-synod-stated-clerk/

05/26/2026

Ever wonder how an overture becomes Presbyterian polity?

This creative (and catchy) explainer from the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship breaks it down — set to music inspired by "Hamilton."

Even if you’ve followed General Assembly for years, this is a fun refresher on how the process works. And if you’re new?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGLmgCc9dG0

Ever wonder how an overture becomes Presbyterian polity?

This creative (and catchy) explainer from the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship breaks it down — set to music inspired by "Hamilton."

Even if you’ve followed General Assembly for years, this is a fun refresher on how the process works. And if you’re new?

Watch it by clicking on the link in the comments.

05/21/2026

Final stop of the 2026 Synod regionals is in Newport, PA, at Highland United Presbyterian Church. It has been great traveling around the region connecting with our commissioners and presbytery leaders.

05/20/2026

The Synod’s in-person regional gatherings continue today as the East Region meets at Faith Presbyterian Church in Emmaus.

Do you see anyone you know?

05/19/2026

Each spring, Huntingdon Presbyterian Church holds an auction that benefits the One Great Hour of Sharing offering. The congregation annually collects thousands of dollars for this giving opportunity that supports the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s commitment to helping communities facing challenges related to disaster, hunger, poverty, climate change, and immigration/migration and refugees.

Since 2016, more than $29,000 has been raised for OGHS through the auction and donations.

“They get it,” said the Rev. Brett Hoover, referring to his congregation’s engagement with OGHS. “This is a good demonstration that we’re getting the understanding of our giftedness and the calling to use that giftedness for the betterment of the kingdom. It’s all of these aspects of our theology coming together.”

For more on this outreach, click here: https://www.syntrinity.org/featured/huntingdon-churchs-annual-auction-raises-thousands-for-oghs/

05/14/2026

Stop 2 on our regional tour is occurring today in Morgantown, WV, at the First Presbyterian Church. It’s another great group gathering for connection and conversation.