131st Synod convenes Friday in Fredericton

131st Synod convenes

Friday in Fredericton

by Ana Watts

Synod 2011 logo New Brunswick Anglicans will celebrate the first fruits of the Nicodemus Project when the 131st Diocesan Synod convenes at the Fredericton Inn this Friday afternoon (Oct. 28) at 2 p.m. Members of the 130th Synod held in Saint John in 2009 called for a strategy for transformational change in the diocese through spiritual, numerical and financial growth. The Diocesan Council articulated the goals endorsed by Synod — to re-learn Anglicanism, prepare leaders for change, support struggling parishes and assess ourselves and our ministries — and Archbishop Claude Miller officially launched the Nicodemus Project on Jan. 18, 2010.

Most parishes and some diocesan organizations have already assessed their strengths and weaknesses and set upon a course to focus on the missions and ministries most appropriate to their congregations and communities. Clergy and other leaders have benefited greatly from conferences, courses, workshops and seminars on everything from Bishops Matthias and Miller 2007 stewardship and wellness to congregational development and Anglican identity. A newly created Foundation for Life is funding innovative parish ministries and a newly appointed Parish Development Officer officially begins work on Nov. 1. Time for discussion and presentation of this new position is included on the synod agenda.

Fresh Expressions of Church — new forms of church for a fast changing world and often appealing to busy families — are beginning to appear in the diocese, and parishes in some areas are reaching out to one another to share their blessings through cooperation.

Many of these accomplishments will be colourfully illustrated in a 20-minute video produced by the diocese to highlight the first fruits of the Nicodemous project as it moves toward the end of its second year. Delegates to Synod will see it on Friday afternoon.

On Friday evening Archbishop Claude Miller will deliver his charge to Synod at a special sung Eucharist at Christ Church Cathedral beginning at 7 p.m. In attendance will be Bishop Matthias Meduadues-Badohu of our Companion Diocese of Ho, Ghana. The Dioceses of Fredericton and Ho are approaching the end of a five-year relationship begun at Synod in Fredericton in 2007. Much has been accomplished during the companionship. In the fall of 2010 parishes here raised more than $30,000 to supply a corn mill, and a structure in which to house it, to each of the seven parishes in the Diocese of Ho. A corn grinder not only generates revenue for outreach and the upkeep of each parish, it provides employment for at least four people in the community and makes it possible to grind corn at no-charge for the poor. It is also a sign of the faith and presence of the Anglican Church in the community. The corn mills are made in the Diocese of Ho.

Bishop Matthias will address Synod on Saturday afternoon.

Bishop Cyrus Pitman of the Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador is chaplain to this synod and will offer meditations on both days.

There was notice of only three motions in the Convening Circular distributed to delegates last week. The first acknowledges the depth and complexity of embryonic stem cell research, topic of a Synod 2009 motion. The second urges New Brunswick Anglicans to become informed about the Anglican Communion’s Anglican Covenant. And the third offers suggestions to improve the effectiveness of annual Greater Chapter meetings. Motions can also be made from the floor of Synod.