Synod of the Sun Celebrates Strong Finances, New Partnerships, and Shared Mission at Fall 2025 Meeting

The Synod of the Sun held its Fall 2025 Stated Meeting on October 27 at First Presbyterian Church in El Paso, Texas, under the leadership of Moderator Sharon Curry.

Treasurer Bill Wiles reported that the Synod remains in strong financial health, with $13.4 million in assets and a balanced 2026 budget prioritizing mission, youth, and Hispanic ministries. Highlights included celebrations of vibrant programs such as the Synod Youth Workshop and the Hispanic Mission Ministries Network, as well as the adoption of a new HR manual and staff cost-of-living adjustments.

Guest speaker Felipe Manuel Pastor, president of the National Northwest Synod of the Presbyterian Church in Mexico, shared about the synod’s extensive work across Baja California, Durango, Monterrey, and Ciudad Juárez. He described their focus on evangelism, education, and resource-sharing among presbyteries, emphasizing unity and cross-border cooperation rooted in mutual support and gratitude.

Moderator Curry reflected on the Synod’s shared ministry across 11 presbyteries and 150,000 members, while Synod Leader Mitch Miller highlighted leadership transitions, presbytery collaboration, and emerging partnerships such as NOROC. Thomas Riggs provided an update on the Communication Services Plan, supporting over 30 programs nationwide.

The Synod welcomed Libby Janes as the new Director of the Partnership for Disaster Recovery. Drawing on her social work background, Janes shared her call to ministry and her vision for relationship-building, asset-based collaboration, and new possibilities in disaster response.

Committee reports detailed ongoing work in empowerment, grants, equipping, and covenant partnerships, noting more than $104,000 distributed in mission grants and scholarships. Covenant partners—including Lyon College, Pan American School, Trinity University, Ferncliff Camp, PHSSW, Tres Rios Border Foundation, and Solar Under the Sun—shared updates on growth and collaborative outreach.

The meeting concluded with worship and the installation of Ron Fike as Moderator for 2026.