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Dear Friends, 

The theme of the 160th Regular Session of Synod this November is ‘Love Thy Neighbour.’ In reflecting on these words with the Galatians, Paul writes, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” To the Corinthians, he writes, “Let all that you do be done in love.” 

Bishop Asbil writes, “since we last met as a Diocese in 2019, the importance of this gospel commandment has been shown to us in increasingly challenging ways. In a world beset by pandemic, loving our neighbour has meant keeping our physical distance – but not our spiritual distance. In a society marred by discriminatory and privileged systems, loving our neighbour has meant bearing prophetic witness to injustice, and testifying to God’s call to love without barriers. On a planet crying out for care, loving our neighbour has meant caring for God’s creation, so that God’s love can be known to future generations. 

As followers of Christ, we are committed to loving our neighbours in word and deed, by our witness, and above all, in the very structures that guide us as a Diocese. In all places throughout this Diocese, parishes and individuals are already dedicated to loving our neighbours in a multitude of 3 compassionate and gospel-led ministries, including affordable housing initiatives, anti-bias and anti-racism training, drop-ins and creation care. 

At this Synod, we’ll celebrate the great diversity of this Diocese, and reflect on how we are equipped to make our love known to every neighbour, in every place. And we’ll give thanks that in Jesus Christ, God gives to us the model of how we should love each other, our neighbours, and this world, just as God has loved us.”

Synod schedule: (Lay Synod Delegates and Clergy from our parish will attend online)

  • Thurs., Nov. 25, 2021 from 7 pm to 9 pm

 

  • Fri., Nov. 26, 2021 from 10 am to 5 pm

 

  • Sat., Nov. 27, 2021 from 10 am to 12 noon 

Discussion & Decisions

  • Affordable Housing

 

  • Diocesan Environmental Plan and Single-Use Plastics

 

  • Priorities and Plans and Budget for 2022

 

  • Assessment Rate for 2022

 

  • Governance Pilot Project 

Our own parish of St. Timothy’s has contributed a musical piece to this year’s synod worship, “A New Commandment” performed by Kara Prost and Marianne Gast.  I am proud of the musical talent (professional and lay) in our parish, and excited that we will be “showing up” at synod in this way.  If you see our musicians, don’t forget to thank and encourage them- they have done an outstanding job over the last 2 years, and are eager for what comes next! 

Every blessing,

Andrea+