View as Webpage

This month, we celebrate Indigenous Heritage, recognizing the rich cultures, wisdom, and contributions of our Native siblings. As the Synod deepens its relationship with Indigenous communities, I find myself yearning to learn more about their enduring traditions and the values that have sustained them over centuries. Two quotes have been especially powerful in guiding my reflection this week.

In the Cherokee language, there is a concept of well-being called Eloheh (pronounced ay-luh-HAY). Randy and Edith Woodley, authors of Journey to Eloheh: How Indigenous Values Lead Us to Harmony and Well-Being, describe it this way:

“The Cherokee meaning of well-being is deep and resonant, and it is hard to capture in English. Eloheh means well-being, but it signifies so much more. Eloheh—what some traditions call the Harmony Way—describes a state of being when all is as it should be, or as it was created to be. Eloheh means that people are at peace, not at war; that the Earth is being cared for and producing in abundance, so no one goes hungry. Eloheh means people are treating each other fairly and that no one is a stranger for very long.”

(Randy and Edith Woodley, introduction to Journey to Eloheh: How Indigenous Values Lead Us to Harmony and Well-Being, Minneapolis, MN: Broadleaf, 2024, 5–6)

This understanding of well-being resonates deeply with the essence of peace, harmony, and care for creation.

Similarly, the Indigenous caucus at the 10th Assembly of the World Council of Churches shared the ecological wisdom embedded in their traditions:

“We as Indigenous Peoples believe that the Creator is in Creation. God revealed Himself/Herself as Creator and Sustainer in the act of creation. The triune God, along with the land, co-parents all life. The mystery in John chapter 1 unfolds how the Creator abides in creation. The incarnation of God in Christ becomes totality in God’s creation… Through God all things were made, without God nothing was or is made. In God there is life, and in God is the light of all Creation. The presence of God made the world and therefore it is sacred. The work of creation in God is the unity of diversity, where all lives coexist in a harmonious balance because they are all from God. Each seed that sprouts begins creation anew, and not one seed can grow unless the Creator enables it. We believe that doing justice to God’s creation is the basis of liberation and the human search for selfhood.”

(Indigenous Peoples Pre-Assembly Statement, World Council of Churches 10th Assembly, Busan, 2013. Quoted in The Land Is Not Empty, 195)

These profound insights remind us of the interconnectedness of life and the sanctity of all creation.

Recently, Rev. HollyHaile Thompson, a member of the Shinnecock Nation, offered a perspective that further deepened my understanding. She said, “In Native theology, we believe in confessing our humanity, not confessing sin.” As I reflected on her words alongside the earlier quotes, I was struck by a central theme: a focus on humanity, our Imago Dei—our divine image. It calls us to consider how the Divine sees us and how we are to see and value others.

Could this be the Church’s mission today—to find greater ways to honor and uplift the humanity of others? This type of theology aligns seamlessly with who Jesus was. As He walked through villages, entered homes, and spoke truth to power, He sought to right the wrongs of oppressive societal systems. For Jesus, setting the captive free was about restoring life to those whose lives had been taken from them.

This call to restoration does not negate personal responsibility. Our actions have consequences, and we do reap what we sow. However, many suffer under systems of injustice that thrive on otherness and seek to oppress those less empowered. No matter the reasons for our current circumstances, the Gospel’s mission remains clear: to restore life, not just for a fortunate few, but for all. This is the essence of Eloheh—harmony, peace, and a shared flourishing.

As we reflect on Eloheh, let’s ask ourselves: How can we bring this kind of harmony into our own lives and communities? What steps can we take to honor and learn from the Indigenous cultures around us? Perhaps it’s as simple as showing up, listening, and beginning to see the world through a different lens.

Let us walk this path of harmony, guided by the wisdom of our Native siblings, and commit to building a world where justice, compassion, and well-being are shared by all. This includes taking action in our daily lives and fulfilling our civic duty to vote, ensuring that our choices reflect a commitment to equity, environmental stewardship, and the dignity of every person. Together, we can make this vision a reality, one thoughtful act at a time.

The September Synod Mission and Ministries Commission met via Zoom on September 13th and 14th. The meeting began with thanking and commending those ending their terms on the Synod Mission and Ministry Commission at the end of this year after six years – Elder Cindy Burger, Susquehanna Valley; Elder Luci Duckson-Bramble, Long Island; and Elder Dr. Marvela Hermanus, New York City. Also ending terms are Elder Nancy Tindall, Coastlands, having served as Gap Treasurer for two and a half years and Rev. Leslie Latham, Western New York, having served for six years as Synod Moderator-Elect, Synod Moderator and Synod Commission Moderator and two years previously as the Synod Commission member from Western New York. These two will end their terms when Synod Assembly votes on the new Treasurer and Moderator-Elect. The Commission also welcomed Elder Gayle Griffin, Northeast New Jersey, who is the new Black Caucus Representative. 

The Synod Discernment Team continues its work and will present its Phase II Report at Synod Assembly. Sustainability and impact are key questions. Where is there new growth? The synod is blessed with resources, but we may need to change the way we steward them. 

The overture from this synod on a permanent GA Commission on Mid Councils was approved by the General Assembly. This gives presbyteries and synods a pathway to get General Assembly approval of presbytery mergers, realignments etc., when the work is complete rather than having to wait until the next General Assembly. The synod's 2023 Minutes were approved by the General Assembly with no exceptions. 

The Synod wide Mission Day focused on our Indigenous congregations will take place on September 28^th at the Brook and Shinnecock churches. Both have great histories and cultures which will be explored. The Native churches in Western New York Presbytery will have a similar mission day in 2025. Early Ministries Institute had 10 new pastors participating last year, with 10-12 more possible for the next couple of years. Transformative Conflict is the theme. 

Actions taken at the September Mission and Ministries Commission meeting:

• Approved an Ecumenical Grant request from the New Jersey Coalition of Religious Leaders in the amount of $3,500.
• Approved the following Emerging Gospel Communities Grants for a total of $60,000:

La Iglesia del Pueblo

New York City Presbytery

$20,000

Transformations

Hudson River 

$20,000

Pray and Play

Genesee Valley

$20,000

• As the Board of Trustees discussed and approved the following:
• to receive the Treasurer's Report.
• to receive the 2023 audit.
• to hire Lumsden & McCormick for another 3-year term as our auditors
• Authorized the Treasurer to use money in the Operating Fund to open a New Covenant Trust Company money market fund with a starting balance not to exceed $100K, the purpose of which is cash management. Money in this account will be deposited or withdrawn in consultation with the Treasurer, the Financial Manager, and the Synod Leader, and reported to the Commission’s Administrative Working Group at its next meeting. 
• Upon moving back into the Synod Commission approved a 4% cost of living salary increase for the synod staff for 2025.
• Approved an increase of 3% on the amount that the staff members pay toward Board of Pensions fees for dependent medical coverage for 2025.
• Turning to Synod Assembly the Commission voted on the following items:
• Recommended that the Synod Assembly approve the proposed Synod Budget for 2025. This is a one-year budget due to the Discernment Team work. They will present their final report and recommendations at a Special Called Synod Assembly in 2025. The budget presented in 2025 will align with their final report and recommendations.
• Recommended to Synod Assembly the election of Rev. Gregory Simpson to a four-year term as the Synod Treasurer. 
• Recommended to Synod Assembly the election of Rev. Sue Smith as the next Moderator-elect.
• Approved the celebration of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper during Synod Assembly.
• Agreed to split the money from the offering at Synod Assembly worship between the Native American Initiative and the Synod's Immigration Emergency Relief Fund.
• Changed the date of the Special Called Synod Assembly Meeting in 2025 to November 15.  

Site Visit to Peas & Harmony Farm: A Model of Sustainable Agriculture

On a crisp autumn day, members of the Synod's Connectional Ministries Working Group had the privilege of visiting Peas & Harmony Farm, an organic, no-till farm run by Andres Manamon and his wife Katy Dorsheimer, nestled in the scenic Rochester area. Spanning six acres, this farm exemplifies sustainable agriculture with a strong commitment to REAL organic practices. 

As we toured the farm, we were introduced to a variety of fruits and vegetables grown with care and intention. From strawberries, elderberries, raspberries, and blackberries to carrots, rhubarb, asparagus, cabbage, and hearty leafy greens, and more, the diversity of crops is a testament to the Manamon's dedication to cultivating seasonal produce that nourishes both the land and the community. The orchard, home to pear and apple trees, enhances the farm’s growing range of produce. Andres and Katy shared their vision for further growth, including plans to extend their production of garlic and explore additional vegetables.

Their approach to farming is not just about food but about fostering harmony with nature. Through no-till methods, they preserve the integrity of the soil, ensuring long-term fertility and reducing their environmental footprint. It’s a labor of love that speaks to their deep respect for creation, and their impact is felt far beyond their fields.

If you're in the Rochester area, you can support Peas & Harmony by visiting them at the Le Roy Farmer’s Market, which operates every Saturday from June through October, 9 AM to 12:30 PM. Whether you're looking for fresh berries, garlic, or leafy greens, Andres and Katy are eager to share the fruits of their labor with the community. Their commitment to healthy, organic food reminds us of the importance of supporting local, sustainable agriculture for the well-being of both our bodies and the planet.

Site Visit to Peas & Harmony Farm: A Model of Sustainable Agriculture

In November 2019, the Presbytery of Hudson River transferred the title of the former Stony Point Presbyterian Church to the Sweetwater Cultural Center, a newly formed Indigenous-led organization. Now in the fifth year of a 10-year site contract, Sweetwater remains dedicated to promoting the education, health, and welfare of Indigenous Peoples while preserving their cultures and ceremonial practices.

Led by Chief Dwaine Perry and the Board of Directors, Sweetwater has made strides in offering educational workshops, cultural events, and health initiatives. Despite facing resource challenges, the Center continues to be a vital space for cultural revitalization and community engagement.

As Sweetwater looks to expand its programs and develop its facilities, it seeks to strengthen partnerships and secure sustainable funding to support its mission. The Synod celebrates Sweetwater’s contributions and remains committed to fostering opportunities that highlight Indigenous leadership and culture.

For more information or to learn how you can support Sweetwater’s initiatives, please visit their website: https://www.sweetwaterculturalcenter.org/ or contact the Center directly.