Over 300 clergy and lay leaders gather for Synod 2016

The family of the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic gathered together on November 18-19, 2016, at All Saints’ Church, Woodbridge, VA, for our annual Synod. We were thrilled that nearly one hundred people attended the Pre-Synod workshop on multi-ethnic ministry Friday afternoon, led by Dele and Oneya Okuwobi. Their Pre-Synod Workshop, as well as their Saturday afternoon workshop will be available online here.

Following the workshop, we gathered with over 300 clergy and lay members of the Diocese as we celebrated Holy Eucharist together on Friday evening. You will find a link to the sermon, preached by the Rev. Johnny Kurcina, Rector of Christ Church Vienna here (audio) and here (video).

Saturday was filled with teaching, elections, reports and fellowship. The day began with Morning Prayer, led by the Rev. Sue Harmon (Truro Anglican Church, Fairfax, VA). The Rev. Jim Beavers (Christ Anglican Fellowship, Orange, VA) preached the sermon. Listen to his sermon here.

The Synod was then called to order and Bishop John Guernsey gave his report, which included highlights and other key events occurring in the diocese during the past year. Listen here or watch video here.

The Rev. Tom Herrick, Canon for Church Planting, gave a report on the work of the Great Commission Committee. The Rev. Dan Marotta, the Rev. Matt Hemsley and the Rev. Josh Kammerer all gave reports on their respective church planting efforts.  The Rev. Dan Marotta shared his testimony of the launch of a brand new mission church, Redeemer Anglican Church in Richmond, VA. The Rev. Robin Adams also shared his testimony of the journey of Church of the Word (Gainnesville, VA) out of the Episcopal Church, five years of waiting and now joining the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic. You can listen to all these reports here. Video will be available here.

The Synod then voted to admit Redeemer Anglican Church (Richmond, VA), as a mission of the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic and Church of the Word (Gainesville, VA ) as a congregation. Audio is available here and video will be here.

Elections were held for positions on the Standing Committee, the Constitutions and Canons Committee and for delegates to Provincial Council and Provincial Assembly.

Standing Committee
The Rev. Liz Gray, Restoration Anglican Church, Arlington, VA
John Miller, Immanuel Anglican Church, Woodbridge, VA
Albert Thompson, Christ the King Anglican Church, Alexandria, VA
The Rev. Patrick Ware, Winchester Anglican Church, Winchester, VA

Alternate: Mason Waldhauser, Church of the Resurrection, Baltimore, MD

Noonday prayers followed the elections, with the Rev. Richard Treacy officiating.

Lunch offered a great time of fellowship and conversation. Some even gathered outside for lunch. The day was surprisingly sunny and warm for November and offered a great opportunity for people to share with one another. Six breakout sessions were offered during lunch.

After lunch, Treasurer Gary French presented, and the Synod adopted, the Diocesan budget for 2017. The audio of his report is here.

The Rev. Becki Neumann presented a report from the Constitution and Canons Committee, after which the Synod approved several amendments to the Canons and gave initial approval to one amendment to the Constitution. Listen to her reports here: Part One and Part Two.

Clergy, delegates, and guests then attended a wide variety of workshops that were offered at Synod 2016:

• Gregory Strong of The Falls Church Anglican spoke on "Our Fundamental Anglican Beliefs." 
• The Rev. Mary Amendolia spoke on "Fresh Ways to Ignite Evangelism in Your Church."
• The Rev. Georgette Forney spoke on "Finishing Life God's Way," on how to finish our faith journey in God's time and God's way.
• The Rev. Christopher Royer spoke on how we can learn to value international partnerships and get our churches more involved in ministry to Muslims and Hindus.
• Christine Johnson spoke on the new "Federal Regulations on Overtime Pay and How They Will Affect Your Church."
• Dele and Oneya Okuwobi spoke on how we  make Jesus' church on earth reflect His church in heaven through multi-cultural ministry. 

Throughout the entire Synod, people visited the many mission and ministry exhibits. After a final hymn and prayer, the Synod was adjourned.  

We are so grateful for the army of volunteers who helped make this event a success. From providing a welcoming smile, manning the registration table, counting ballots, overseeing our audio-visual needs, and leading our worship, to serving lunch and so much more, these folks’ gracious ministry was a wonderful support for the weekend. Thank you also to All Saints’ Church for their warm welcome and continuing ministry of hospitality to the Diocese.

We are already looking forward to Synod 2017 and invite you to join us! We will meet next year on November 17-18, 2017, at All Saints' Church, Woodbridge, VA. Mark your calendars today! We hope to see you there!

Lynn Milograno is the Administrator of the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic. Photos by Ed Glancy and Mary Ailes.