Members of the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic came out for testimonies, praise, worship and fellowship during the first annual Diocesan Synod on November 18-19 at All Saints’ Church in Woodbridge, Va.

The theme of this year’s Diocesan Synod was Luke 9:43, “They were all amazed at the greatness of God, marveling at all that Jesus did.” The great majority of the Synod was spent hearing testimonies from each church on what the Lord is doing in and through them.

In addition to riveting personal testimonies of transformation, the highlights included a Eucharist centered on healing, both in the sermon and through an extended time of healing prayer ministry, a report on the vital work of church planting, a dedication of the new diocesan offices at All Saints’ Church, approval of the 2012 budget, and elections.

The Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic will be posting a number of these testimonies on its website in the coming weeks. Bishop John Guernsey recently announced, “I know you’ll be blessed and encouraged by these accounts of what Jesus is doing!”

One testimony, from St. Brendan’s in the City, was offered by Jason, a 26 year-old with a life filled with broken relationships, addiction and prison. Jason revealed how he has been touched and transformed by Jesus Christ through the ministry of His people.

Listen to Jason’s testimony here: http://www.anglicandoma.org/uploads/Jasonstestimonyfromsynod.wma

“I was privileged to hear and see all day on Saturday messages of hope and evidence of a ‘new day’ from the churches all around the Mid-Atlantic. It was truly a journey through Acts of the Apostles - testimonies that could easily fill Acts 2. It was so encouraging to witness the Holy Spirit on the move as we are being faithful to follow. Our new Bishop is a gentle giant, John Guernsey. It was an anointed day to be with all the clergy especially, who are genuinely blooming under the leadership of their new shepherd overseer who majors on the Main Thing and throws out Roberts Rules of Order in favor of testimonies and healing prayer for all of us,” said Carol Jackson of The Falls Church.

The Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic continues to emphasize that there are so many around us who need to know what the Lord is doing among us. 

Bishop Guernsey put this into biblical context as he exhorted the Diocese, “Like Andrew, be quick to share your experience of Jesus with those you know. And you might share the link to Jason’s testimony with someone who needs to know that our God is mighty to save!”

Jack Koller, senior warden at Christ the King Church, Alexandria, offered his experience at the event, saying, "The Synod was a very special time for me. It was a great opportunity to come together to recognize Jesus as our Lord, to ask for his favor and direction and to celebrate what He is doing in our midst. It reminded me time and time again that His promises are true. The September synod was the moment we passed into the promised land - the new diocese. The November Synod was the impetus for me, inspired by such great stories of His work, to get to work. It called me forward to live more like my brothers and sisters in Christ as they give witness to the Lord Almighty," continued Koller.