A Letter from Bishop Chris (November 2024B)
Friends,
Thank you to everyone who participated in Synod last week. It was so good to be with you celebrating all God has done in our churches and ministries this year and to embrace His call to “Living Mission,” our Synod theme. I am so grateful for his call on my life to serve as your Bishop!
Friday night was a beautiful time of worship, led by the Restoration Anglican team (Arlington, VA), and the ordination of six new deacons (see photos). I preached that evening on what it means to be a humble servant—the essence of what makes a good deacon.
On Saturday, Rev. Jamie Brown (Truro Anglican) delivered a powerful sermon from John 4, teasing out its themes of mission. Please take a moment to listen to it here.
During my Bishop’s report, I shared stories, photos, and videos showcasing how the Holy Spirit is changing lives across our Diocese. It is deeply moving to see your passion for reaching the lost. Well done—keep going!
The business portion of Synod was full of encouragement. Rev. Tuck Bartholomew, our Canon for Church Planting, shared updates on church planters bringing Christ’s light to their communities. We heard inspiring reports from Rev. Patrick Cunningham, Rev. Mike Koppola, Rev. Robert Cunningham, Rev. April Murrie, Rev. Mike Seawright, and Rev. Seth Zimmerman. Synod also welcomed Church of the Good Shepherd in Charlottesville, VA as a congregation, Trinity Church in Burke, VA as a mission church, and Christ the Redeemer Anglican Church in Dillsburg, PA as a mission church.
Outstanding lunchtime speakers left participants wanting more. You can listen to their recordings here. After financial updates from Gary French and Rev. Amy Rowe, Synod approved the 2025 budget, including a $300,000 goal to support current and new church plants. Please consider contributing to this vital Fund for Church Planting.
Our Friday schedule changed unexpectedly when our seminar speaker, Daryl Cripe, was called away due to a family loss. As we plan to reschedule, I encourage you to listen to this interview, where he discusses the critical factor in revitalizing small, mid-sized, and stagnant large churches—reaching new people without requiring large budgets and achieving a tipping point for growth.
Amendments to our diocesan Canons were also approved (see the report here), and we heard from Rev. Jim Beavers about the ordination process for emerging leaders. Next we elected new members for various committees:
Standing Committee: Heather Adams, Scott Thompson, Rev. Scott Bailey, and Rev. Brian Vander Wel.
Constitution and Canons Committee: Kris Iverson, Jodie Mueller, and Mike Harpster.
You can find all Synod materials, including sermons, presentations, and breakout session recordings, here. These resources are valuable tools for reflection and growth.
We are deeply grateful to all who made this Synod possible—the hosting team at All Saints’ Church, our diocesan staff, and everyone who participated. Please mark your calendars for next year’s Synod on November 14 and 15, 2025.
You are an essential part of our Diocese. Your faithful witness brings Christ’s light to a world in need. Keep sharing your stories and living in mission every day.
To God be the glory!
+Chris