Light of Christ's 2010 Synod blog

On Sunday, Sheila Dierks and Bob Franch shared their reflections on Synod.

All our delegates traveled home on Saturday.  At both Masses this weekend we shared some initial reflections on our experience of attending the ECC Synod in St. Louis.  Saturday evening, Toni Stone and Fr. Don spoke about their impressions of the Synod.

Friday evening closing.

Jeff

Fr. Steve, bishop-elect from the diocese of Florida, addressed the Synod Friday morning.  One of the images that he uses for ministry and for our Communion is that of a round table, one that can always be expanded to make room for more people. Please forgive the sometimes shaky video, I (Toni) should have used a tripod for this one.

Fr Michael Seger, Prayer leader. Noon to 1:00 today (Friday).

Jeff

Today was another long day, filled with prayer, discussion, food, and laughter. This morning I attended a workshop on liturgy and what impressed me the most was the diversity of practice among all of our communities. Each community expresses its unique personality in the way it worships and no two communities celebrate the liturgy in the exact same way. This diversity was celebrated and affirmed in the workshop as we shared ideas and compared notes on music and how to empower the laity to make the liturgy their own.

The House of Laity was quite productive this afternoon. With some minor changes we passed the proposed canons on the Order of Business at Synods (Canon 68), The Election of a Presiding Bishop (subcanon 3), Granting of Faculties (Canon 56), and the proposal from our Region to change Canon 67.4 (final versions of these will be published once they pass the House of Pastors). There was quite a bit of discussion on all these issues and not all of us agreed on the results. However, even when we disagreed, I am aware that everyone gathered here is committed to the success of the ECC.

After dinner I joined with a few others to sing some Celtic chants led by Stefan Andre Waligur (I'm bringing home one of his CD's to share). It was a prayerful end to a full day.
with blessings and thanks for your prayers, Toni

Pictures are Bishop Rick Hollingsworth presider and homilist.

Not pictured, the House of Laity had another productive day working through legislation we showed you before leaving for the Synod.

Another long but productive day.

Jeff

This afternoon we celebrated the Eucharist according to the Anglican Rite with our sisters and brothers from St. Jerome in Tulsa.  Our Communion is diverse and Bishop Rick, with humor and compassion, challenges "the church to reflect the love and acceptance we have found in Jesus Christ."  (and you don't want to miss the very funny riff he does on trying to explain to others just what the ECC is!)  The readings for the day were Deuteronomy 32:1-4, Ephesians 2:13-22, and Luke 6:12-16. Used with permission (c) Bishop Rick Hollingsworth 2010. Sermon starters, references, and stories at BishopRKH@cox.net

This morning, Fr. Armando Leyva, bishop-elect from California, addressed the Synod.  He told the story of how he came to the US and of his journey to the ECC.  His ministry and heart are centered on the immigrants among us who are looking for a place that they can call home.  For those of us who do not know him, this talk gives some insight into Fr. Armando's personality and pastoral vision.

 

The weather has been great! We have had lots of wonderful conversations on a variety of issues.  Yesterday the House of Laity passed the proposed budget and the House of Pastors passed it today, so it now goes to the Presiding Bishop for his signature.

                       hoping that you will consider coming to the next Synod,  Janell Flaig