Let's Hear It for the Synod!

Bet that title got your attention! We don’t hear much these days about synods, unless it's to ask what  the future holds for them.

What I’m discovering, however, is that there’s lots of places where synod-driven ministries are thriving. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to be at the renowned synod school last month sponsored by the Synod of Lakes and Prairies, but, judging by the Facebook comments I saw, lots of Presbyterians were enlightened, educated, and entertained.

And last week I saw in action the Mobile Health Fair ministry of the Synod of the Covenant. Every summer, the synod hires a team of young adult volunteers who travel throughout Ohio and Michigan providing health screenings to children and adults who otherwise wouldn’t have any access to medical care. This summer, 44 health fairs were held, and over 1,900 children and adults were screened. Many of those screened are the children of migrant workers who come to Ohio and Michigan during the summer.

The screenings provide real benefits. Over 600 glucose tests were administered to persons over 18, and 84 persons who had no prior diagnosis of diabetes were found to have abnormally high levels. They will be given educational information about diabetes and the opportunity to follow up with more intensive medical care. Vision and dental screenings are also provided, along with follow-up referral care.

This ministry requires an enormous amount of organization and planning, not to mention volunteers above and beyond the core team who set up and help at each of the fairs. More than 350 volunteers from congregations across the synod helped at the health fairs this summer.

Most of us who are not in the Synod of the Covenant probably haven’t heard about the Mobile Health Fair Ministry. But it’s an important and effective ministry that all of us as Presbyterians should be thankful for. Kudos to the Synod of the Covenant!

Comments

[Rev. Jeff Peterson-Davis]

Hey Cynthia,

Great "shout out" about the Mobile Health Fair. Our congregation has for the past several years taken a week to travel with the college team and van to provide volunteer support. The fair doesn't come to our area, so we go to the health fair. It is an AWESOME ministry. It has connected our affluent and insulated congregation with realities faced by migrant workers... And given migrant workers faces and stories.

I am confident that ministries like this can and will continue in whatever structures we come up with, but it sure fits nicely in our current Synod structure.

[Jim and Mary K Paisley]

Thanks for high lighting the in detal the wonderful mission of the Synod Mobile Health and what a difference it makes in the lives of many both the giver and reciever. Jim/mk