Think Globally, Make Peace Locally: Building Skills for Interfaith Dialogue in a Rapidly Changing World

Hello, friends in the Regional Synod of Albany,

Many Albany Synod congregations support the Al Amana Centre in Oman. For many years, the Al Amana Centre, and Oman itself, have been carefully working at peacemaking in the midst of the conflict in the Middle East, demonstrating hospitality and serving as facilitators of difficult conversations. 

Two Al Amana staff--Justin Meyers, Executive Director, and Joshua Bode, Director of Operations and Ecumenical Affairs--will be in our region on July 13, leading a workshop open to all. 3-5 PM, Delmar Reformed Church. More details below in the flier. They'll be teaching some of the skills taught and employed at the Centre. Come do some learning and also check in with Justin and Josh about how their work is evolving, given the recent troubling developments in the Gulf and Levant. 

No RSVPs are necessary but I still appreciate hearing from you that you're coming--email me at nortonlevering@gmail.com to give me a heads up.

--Abby Norton-Levering, Synod Ministries Coordinator

PS Invite your friends! Even and especially if they're of another faith tradition!

UPDATED details: "Word, Silence, and the Climate Emergency" Book Discussion Group

We are excited you're considering joining us as we explore together Timothy Gorringe's Word, Silence, and the Climate Emergency: God, Ekklesia, and Christian Doctrine. This book will illumine and empower us as we work in our various contexts to care for God's world. Albany Synod and Camp Fowler are co-sponsors of this offering.

A bit about the author, the book, and the journey ahead: 

Timothy Gorringe is an English Anglican priest, widely published author, emeritus professor of theological studies at University of Exeter,  beekeeper, smallholder, and member of the Iona community. Word, Silence, and the Climate Emergency is an incisive and timely theological tome that compellingly unfolds the meaning of the gospel in light of, and for witness within, our present context. This is a challenging book best considered in community.

For nearly a dozen Mondays this fall beginning mid-September, we will rigorously consider, a chapter or two at a time, this theology that eventuates in the argument that the climate crisis is a urgent confessional issue. Our venture will conclude in mid-December with the final section of the book that focus on the Spirit’s presence and provocation for the preservation of God’s beloved and beleaguered world. 

Daniel Carlson and John Paarlberg will co-convene afternoon and evening sessions via Zoom -- and we're delighted to note that Tim will be joining the afternoon sessions! 

The Albany Synod Ministries Board has generously provided a grant to offset the cost of up to ten participants’ purchase of the book or e-book. You can request this assistance as part of the registration process below. (While we would encourage participants to purchase the text from other sellers than Amazon, a significant sample of the book can be read on Amazon’s site.) In addition, here’s a link to John Paarlberg’s compilation of one especially relevant aspect of the final chapter.

For our clarity re. participants, groups, and distributions, please register by September 15 AT THIS LINK. 

Also, feel free to invite others to share this opportunity for illumination and inspiration!

Update from the Albany Synod Executive Committee re: Synod Staff

April 14, 2025

Dear Members of the Churches and Classes of the Regional Synod of Albany,

Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ.

We, the Albany Synod Executive Committee (ASEC), wish to share an important update regarding our recent decisions about Synod staffing.

As many of you know, on March 13, ASEC voted to conclude all current staff positions as of September 30, 2025. That decision was made because of anticipated structural changes and a desire to provide clarity and a timeline for transition. However, after hearing from many of you—through letters, conversations, and expressions of concern—we recognize that we acted too quickly and without adequate discernment or consultation with the wider Synod community.

In response, ASEC called a special meeting held on April 10th for deeper reflection and renewed discernment. We took time to listen carefully to your feedback, to prayerfully reconsider each role individually, and to reflect on how best to honor both the needs of the Synod and the people faithfully serving in these positions. As a result, we have rescinded our original decision and adopted a revised plan that reflects both continuity and care.

The following positions will continue until, at least, May 31, 2026:

• Synod Administrator currently staffed by Robert Hoffman

• Synod Program Coordinator currently staffed by Lindsey De Kruif

• School of Ministry currently staffed by Sandy Cornwall

The following positions will continue through December 31, 2025, with possible special contract extension for continued work on key initiatives like Churches Learning Change:

• Ministries Coordinator currently staffed by Abby Norton-Levering

• Minster for Renewal currently staffed by Sherri Meyer-Veen

We acknowledge that our initial decision, though made with the intent to provide clarity for staff, caused confusion and pain. We regret the swiftness with which we acted and offer our sincere apologies for not pausing to listen more fully before making such a consequential decision. We are grateful for your feedback, your grace, and your ongoing engagement.

As we continue this season of transformation, we commit to clearer communication, collaborative discernment, and prayerful leadership. Thank you for walking with us. We welcome your continued input and questions as we seek to be faithful stewards of this unfolding journey together.

In Christ’s peace and hope,

The Albany Synod Executive Committee