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SYNOD SCHOOL

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July 26 - 31, 2026

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Key Leaders

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William Yoo

Convocation Speaker

Associate Professor of American Religious and Cultural History at Columbia Theological Seminary and author of several books, including What Kind of Christianity: A History of Slavery and Anti-Black Racism in the Presbyterian Church. As a teacher, preacher, and scholar, Yoo interprets the most challenging and urgent issues of racial justice with clarity, depth, honesty, and precision. He is a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and a member of Cherokee Presbytery. He and his spouse, Sarah, a middle school educator in Atlanta Public Schools, reside in Decatur, Georgia with their two teenage children and two cats.

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Joel Morien

Youth Convocation Speaker

Director of Christian Education at First Presbyterian Church of Green Bay. He is known for his dedication to helping young people grow in their faith and build meaningful relationships with God and one another. With a passion for creating engaging lessons and hands-on service opportunities, Joel fosters an environment where youth can explore scripture, ask questions, and live out their faith in everyday life. His leadership style blends creativity, compassion, and a deep commitment to guiding the next generation of believers. He lives in Appleton, Wisconsin with his wife, Brittany, and their 2 daughters, Aubrey and Lydia.

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CeCe Armstrong

Worship Leader

Co-Moderator of the General Assembly of the PC(USA).  She is the youngest of five children born and raised in Detroit. She was confirmed at Calvary Presbyterian Church in Detroit and has held membership at New Life Presbyterian Church in College Park, Georgia, and Belle-Terrace Presbyterian Church in Augusta, Georgia.  She received her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics at Spelman College in Atlanta and her Master of Arts in Education for Curriculum and Instruction with emphasis on Secondary Mathematics at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg. Cecelia went on to receive her Master of Divinity at Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) in Atlanta. She was ordained as a deacon and elder at Belle-Terrace and a minister of the Word and Sacrament.  Since that time, Cecelia has served in a number of church leadership positions across Georgia, Florida and South Carolina. In addition, she has participated in various committees and commissions on ministry, served as co-moderator of the National Association of Presbyterian Clergywomen. Cece has also been a contributing writer for Presbyterians Today magazine, as well as the Presbyterian Outlook and more.

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Matthew Black

Artist in Residence

Our Morning Song and a Prayer leader as well as Artist in Residence. Matt is an indie-folk singer-songwriter known for incisive lyrics and singable melodies. He’s also an experienced worship leader with deep ties across the PC(USA). The literal son of a preacher man, Matthew left his job as a mild-mannered IT manager in 2022 to make music full-time. Hear his songs and learn more at https://matthewblackmusic.com/

Countdown to Synod School

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Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question about Synod School?
Check out our
Questions and Answers sheet. Also check out our Facebook page.
 

Information about Buena Vista University & Storm Lake

Synod School Highlights

Youth video on Experiencing Belonging:  https://www.facebook.com/jeff.dickinson1/videos/579153077274927

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Children’s Time with Worship led by Tim Hughes-Williams:  https://www.facebook.com/sbalajiedlang.khyllep/videos/450241980304215

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Tuba and Xylophone duet for morning worship (Sara Sutter on xylophone and Nathan Lamb on tuba):  https://www.facebook.com/jeff.dickinson1/videos/586990246252009

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