Transition Year Conversation - February 2007 ...

 

Synod

The topic for our on-going discussions during this year of transition for this month revolves around this question:  What is God calling us to be about as a Synod in the coming six years?

 

The enclosed discussion starter includes information about the definition of the word “synod.”  It also includes some words from the Statement of Purpose from the Constitution of the Synod.  Some questions are included to help begin your conversation with each other as you discern how God is calling us, collectively, to be about our mission as a synod in the coming years.

 

I have also included in this mailing a copy of a piece written by Rev. Michael L. Cooper-White, President of Gettysburg Seminary.  It describes well what the purposes of a synod are from his perspective and is quite informative, I believe.  Pastor Cooper-White served as the Executive Director of the Department for Synodical Relations in our churchwide offices in Chicago for a number of years before accepting the Call to serve as President of this seminary.

 

Please take 15-20 minutes of your council meeting time to talk with each other about this topic.  Then, please also invite others groups within your congregation to also converse with each other about this.  Have someone send back your summary statements to the synod at transition@gulfcoastsynod.org.

 

Did you know:

 

The word “synod” comes from a root word meaning “way” or “journey”

 

How are we “journeying together” as a synod?
 

Click Here to go to the responses to Question 6

 

 

Next month the topic will focus on the “Role of the Bishop” followed by “Our calling as Stewards of God’s Gracious Gifts,” and “The Great Commission.”  We will then have completed about 9 months of conversation around various topics with the overarching theme of how we are discerning God’s call to us in the coming six years.

 

Thank you, in advance, for your leadership and participation in this process.  These conversations could be a real asset to the newly elected bishop as she/he begins serving as Bishop of this synod.

 

A blessed Lenten journey to all.

 

Paul J. Blom, Bishop

 

 

 

The question for our conversation is:

 

 What is God calling us to be about as a Synod in the coming six years?

 

Please send your comments and summary conclusions to: transition@gulfcoastsynod.org.

 

[Return to Top of Page]

 

[Return to Year of Transition Page]