The council began as always with time for devotions and sharing. Our treasurer Frank Suttell presented the proposed revised 2017 budget and proposed 2018 budget. He noted that the proposed budgets reflect increases in our synod’s strategic initiatives, which includes grants for large scale capital projects and additional resources and tools for congregations. The budgets were approved by our Synod Council and will come to the 2017 Synod Assembly for adoption.
Ed Wagner, chair of the Financial Management Committee, presented to the council about our 10 year financial plan. In accordance with a 2015 continuing resolution, the Synod Council reviews and approved the 10 year plan annually. The overall goal of this plan is to provide a sustainable balance between income and expenses in our synod by 2024. This is done through moving into an endowment model that preserves our synod’s investments and provides a predictable income.
During Bishop Rimbo’s report the council extended a call to Synod Deacon Evelyn "Patty" Avila as a Mission Developer to the Latino Ministry at Ascension, Deer Park. She will be ordained on June 3. The Bishop provided a report of the progress of the call process for the Assistant to the Bishop for Congregations.
The Synod Council approved six Leadership Development Grants and one Trexler Grant within our synod, approved the agenda for our upcoming Synod Assembly, and released the trustees of St. Peter’s, Port Jervis as the congregation’s leadership is able to provide governance and oversight again.