2020 was a year of planning for the Synod’s future.  When the Administrative Commission took Original Jurisdiction over the Synod of the Covenant in February, 2020, one of the actions was to place all of the Synod’s ministries on hold for at least six months.  2021 will be a year of re-establishing the vision and purpose for the Synod.

2020 has also, of course, been a year of pandemic and disruption in all of our society, and in all of our churches and judicatories. COVID-19 has forced all of us to change the ways we live out our faith and relationships with each other. The Synod’s transition and the pandemic combined to leave a surplus in our budget.

In gratitude for the ministry of the eleven presbyteries which compose the Synod of the Covenant, the Synod returned a financial gift of gratitude to the presbyteries equal to two-thirds its 2020 surplus.  Each presbytery was sent $8,000 before the end of 2020, and more will be sent if the finalized 2020 results allow.   The presbyteries can use this gift to support any needs consistent with their mission and ministry.

Lisa Allgood, Executive of Cincinnati Presbytery, thanked the Synod in this way:

This generous gift enabled the Presbytery to support two ministries within the Presbytery:

The Carmel Presbyterian Church Pantry, serving hundreds of people in the Avondale area with a food ministry and a non-perishable pantry.  This ministry is critical to area neighbors and provides a lifeline to the community.

The Presbyterian Church of Wyoming to expand and amplify the effect of an intergenerational ministry that promotes an incredible outreach and witness to the greater Wyoming community.

Thank you, Synod of the Covenant, for faithfully supporting the Presbytery of Cincinnati!