The Work of the Synod

The Synod of Lakes and Prairies of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) supports the ministry and mission of the 16 presbyteries within its bounds. Connections to the individual presbyteries can be found here. The presbyteries, in turn, guide and support their churches. The following items provide only an outline of the work of the synod.

The synod’s narrative budget for 2012, which provides a more detailed look at the synod’s budget for the current year, can be found here.

Ministries in Partnership

The Synod of Lakes and Prairies …

1. Provides general financial support to the mission and staff of its presbyteries,

2. Supports “Presbytery Staffing Partnerships,”

3. Offers “Synod School,” an annual education event open to all, at Buena Vista University

4. Provides training for presbyteries and churches, including an annual training event for Committees on Ministry and Preparation for Ministry,

5. Supports racial-ethnic scholarships that invest in the education of minorities for the ministry, and

6. Provides grants to support the development and redevelopment of churches.

Ecumenical and Institutional Ministries          

The Synod of Lakes and Prairies …

1. Implements significant mission through its associations with Presbyterian Homes and church-related colleges within the six-state area,

2. Provides financial support to campus ministries and administers additional support to campus ministries through the Westminster Fund of the Synod, and

3. Supports career development and ecumenical media centers throughout the synod.

4. For a closer look at the ecumenical and institutional ministries of the synod, click here.

Communication

The Synod of Lakes and Prairies …

1. Provides communication counsel and media relations training to presbyteries.

2. Works with presbytery communication staff to build networks that enhance communication across presbytery boundaries.

3. Publishes newsletters and summaries that outline the work of the synod.

4. Provides a Web site with information regarding the ministry and mission of the synod.

5. Provides information about the ministry and mission of the synod and its presbyteries to the denomination’s national office and news outlets to improve networks and the flow of information throughout the church.

Financial and Administrative Services      

The Synod of Lakes and Prairies …

1. Provides payroll services to all presbyteries and camps,

2. Provides guidance for presbytery and church record keeping, and

3. Administers a loan fund that provides below market-rate loans to churches and presbyteries for remodeling and repairs, additions, new construction and church sites.

Governance

The Synod of Lakes and Prairies…

• Convenes and administers the meetings of the governing body and committees required by the Book of Order, and

• Implements additional programming and support for presbyteries.

Copyright © 2012, The Synod of Lakes and Prairies of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
2115 Cliff Dr., Eagan, MN 55122-3327
Phone: (651) 357-1140 - Toll Free: 1 (800) 328-1880

website design and maintenance by Noteworthy Web Design