Members of Synod

After half a century of attending Synods in an Anglican setting, there is not much that puzzles me about the overall process. However, this time I admit that I have met my match and I am composing a document primarily because I was requested to do so by those who were planning the “Governance” procedures for our newly launched church.

I am not complaining about the request to do this, but rather I am admitting up front that even after a number of discussions and explanations, I still am far from certain as to what I should be bringing before you this afternoon. Normally, policies and concerns are spelled out in the Bishop’s Charge to Synod, which, as I said last year, was similar to the Speech from the Throne in the parliamentary world.

One thing this accomplishes is that it has cut down by several pages the length of the Charge, which already is too long, since the issues I will raise here will not be regurgitated again tomorrow. However, even with this preamble, I do not want to trivialize or minimize the importance of any of these items I now put before you. Each one is of paramount importance and is to be kept in mind throughout this afternoon’s workshops (which follow) and indeed through the decision making process of Synod.

1. Prayer.
It goes without saying that congregations pray. Or at least it should go without saying. Most of you who have been on this pilgrimage are aware that we have reached our present plateau through concentrated prayer across the land. Those in leadership in a parish must make provision for this gift to be exercised on a regular basis throughout the week and especially when we are called upon to uphold special situations and when it is obvious we are under attack. Deacon Garth Hunt has been invaluable in the prayer guide issued each month. Our prayer life, personally and corporately must be strengthened rather then reduced as our numbers grow and we mature.

2. Sacrament
I am especially referring to the Holy Eucharist here, but this is not meant to minimize the other major Sacrament – Holy Baptism, nor the five others that often bear that name.