Will you please pray for the upcoming annual Synod? Please pray as you are led or use the prayers below from the Book of Common Prayer for guidance.

For a provincial or diocesan convention or synod (from the Book of Common Prayer, 2019)

Almighty and everlasting God, by your Holy Spirit you presided in the council of the blessed Apostles, and you promised, through your Son Jesus Christ, to be with your Church to the end of the world: Be with the council of your Church assembled in your Name and presence. Save us from all error, ignorance, prejudice, and pride; and of your great mercy direct, sanctify, and govern us in our work, by the mighty power of the and govern us in our work, by the mighty power of the Holy Spirit; that the order and discipline of your Church may be maintained, and that the Gospel of Christ may be truly preached, truly received, and truly followed in all places, breaking down the kingdom of sin, Satan, and death; till all your scattered sheep, being gathered into one fold, become partakers of everlasting life; through the merits and death of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. 

Holy Gracious and everliving Father, you have given the Holy Spirit to abide with us for ever: Bless, we pray, with the Holy Spirit’s grace and presence, the Bishop(s), Priests, Deacons, and all the Laity who assemble in your Name; that your Church, being preserved in true faith and godly discipline, may fulfill the will of him who loved her and gave himself for her, your Son Jesus Christ our Savior; who now lives and reigns with you and the same Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. 

WHAT IS SYNOD?

The Synod is the legislative body of the diocese meaning it adopts canons (our governing rules), approves the budget, elects diocesan committee members and takes any other action necessary for the life and work of our diocese. Synod meets annually and consists of the clergy order and the lay order. The clergy delegates include the bishop and the priests and deacons of the diocese under the authority of our bishop. The lay delegates are those elected by the local congregations and missions, plus the lay members of the Standing Committee. In addition, the Synod includes four youth delegates, nominated by our churches and chosen by the Standing Committee. They have full voice and vote.