Synod of the Pacific Commissioners

Synod Commissioners

Current Synod Commissioners

Nan Notor	RE (Westminster)
Carolyn Rosen	RE (Los Gatos)
Vincent Arishvara	TE (Trinity San Jose)

Synod’s relationship with the Presbytery of San Jose

Synod Executive Rev. Nancy Martin Vincent spoke at our May 2024 Presbytery Meeting. From the minutes of that meeting:

Geography of the Synod of the Pacific: In California, Northern 2/3 from San Jose and San Joaquin to Oregon border, all of Oregon, 2/3 of Idaho, all of Nevada. “The Synod is a family,” Nancy said. Executives and stated clerks get together once/month for a forum, and show up in person to resource and care for each other.

Introducing Presbytery of San Jose’s commissioners to Synod:

• (belated) Rev. Bob Bowles, Synod Finance Committee;
• Nanette Notor, Past Moderator and Partnership Committee;
• Carolyn Rosen, Personnel Committee and Nominating Committee;
• Rev. Vincent Arishvara, Partnership Committee;
• Rev. Andy Rausch; Tech Advisor.

The Synod’s standing committees are:

• Synod Finance Committee, which operates a Savings and Loans for
Presbyteries, Churches, and Presbytery bodies such as Zephyr Point.

o Synod Loans carry lower rates than a bank, after an easier lending process than a bank.
o Earnings are distributed as grants that entities within the Synod can apply to receive.
o Earnings are also distributed as Block Grants, equal amounts sent annually to all 10 presbyteries of the synod with no strings attached.
o Mission Treasury Services are also offered.

• Synod Personnel Committee supports search committees, provides payroll services for presbytery staff free of charge (until end of 2025), offers some benefits options for congregations.

• Synod Partnership Committee distributes grants, notably:

• Hilda V. Thompson Medical Ministry Grant.
• Opportunity Fund Grant.
• Emerging Needs Grant.

In 2023 and 2024 many people pulled money out of the Synod to take advantage of new high-yield savings vehicles with slightly better terms. The Synod’s Demand Account is increased to 4% rate of return. Please consider depositing at the Synod, so there is money to loan out.