Synod Council is required to meet at least twice a year, but ours typically meets three to four times during the year with special meetings held, often by teleconference, as needed. The Synod Council is chaired by the vice president. The membership of the Synod Council includes the four officers of the synod and twelve voting members from around the synod, representing a balance of clergy and laity, geographical distribution, and age. Click here for the roster of the Synod Council and its committees.

Summary of Actions, 25 April 2026

A regular meeting of the Synod Council convened 25 April 2026 at St. Paul, Morgantown, the following actions being taken.

Polity Matters

• Related to Synod Assembly 2026
  
• To advance to Synod Assembly the Rules of the Assembly as presented in writing with recommendation for adoption.
• To grant enfranchise The Rev. Susan Claytor and The Rev. Darrick Biondi with seat, voice, and vote in the 2026 Synod Assembly, contingent upon registration.
• To grant The Rev. Gary Koontz seat and voice in the 2026 Synod Assembly, contingent upon registration.
• Related to Tri-Synod Archives
• To reappoint The Rev. Tim Spence and to appoint Tamara Riegel to the Board of Directors of the Tri-Synod Archives.
• To request of the Tri-Synod Archives a sample policy or other appropriate resource for the recommended financial contribution from a closing congregation for the depositing of its archival  materials.

Financial Matters

• To recommend to Synod Assembly that $150,000 from unrestricted reserves be designated to engage and fund a development manager at the Synod Council's discretion.
• To advance to Synod Assembly the Proposed Budget for FY2027-2028 as prepared by the Select Committee on Finance with recommendation for adoption.
• To give $500 to the West Virginia Council of Churches for technological upgrades to facilitate remote meetings.
• To authorize renewal, at the discretion of the treasurer, of the $50,000 CD held at Huntington Bank maturing 5/22/26.
• To authorize the treasurer to purchase of a $50,000 CD 5-month in June.
• To authorize renewal, at the discretion of the treasurer, of the $50,000 CD held at Huntington Bank maturing 7/8/26.
• To authorize renewal, at the discretion of the treasurer, of the $50,000 CD held at Huntington Bank maturing 8/2/26.
• To appoint Dave Finney as assistant treasurer and to authorize Jim Nichols, Matthew Riegel, and Dave Finney as signers for all banking and financial accounts.

Roster Matters

• To grant retired status to The Rev. Nancy Knol, effective 1 May 2026, contingent upon the emergence of no impediment.
• To suspend the ministerial faculties of The Rev. James Riley for one year and until the completion of requirements.