From the 26th – 28th of May, 2023, the Diocese of Central Newfoundland held its 48th Diocesan Synod at St. Mary’s Parish in Clarenville. All six deaneries were well represented by clergy and laity. The theme chosen for this synod was “We are Living Stones.” This 48th synod had the pleasure of hosting our Primate, The Most Rev’d Linda Nicholls, and The Rt. Rev’d John Organ (Bishop of Western Newfoundland) and The Rt. Rev’d Samuel Rose (Bishop of Eastern Newfoundland & Labrador).
During the opening eucharist, the Archbishop Linda presented Ms. Debra Gill with the Award of Merit for her ministry when she lived in the Artic.
The Bishop’s theme for Synod, “We are Living Stones,” was chosen, and he asked synod to reflect on 1 Peter Chapter 2: As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
The Bishop’s Charge was dedicated to those people who are found, week by week, in the pews in every corner of our diocese: to those turning on the heat; listening to announcements; contributing to fundraisers; listening to sermons; singing choruses and hymns; kneeling or standing to pray; rising to say the creed; smiling at babies who are brought for baptism; extending hearts of sympathy at times of death; breaking bread; and drinking wine from tiny cups. It was also dedicated to those who do not share in any of this.
He also stated it was for to those who need love, meaning, hope, healing, and reconciliation and for those who are called to serve as followers of Jesus. The Charge was offered in hope that we who belong to Jesus and share in the life and flow of his Church, will once again take to heart his claim upon us, and answer the Spirit’s call to live for our Lord on land and sea, in our shopping centres, schools, hospitals, workplaces, prisons, shops, vestries, ACW’s, men’s groups, committees, and in our own hearts and homes.
Bishop Watton reminded Synod to recall the two promises of Philippians:
- Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.
- Philippians 4:19 – But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
The Bishop emphasized that many present are well aware of the changes that are taking place in your own context. It is important that we see this change with a broader perspective. But that we need to know that we are facing some huge changes—that some new conversations are beginning, and some of the concerns are becoming urgent. We are talking about some huge church and parish buildings that need, literally, hundreds of thousands of dollars in repairs; many of our church buildings, rectories, and halls are due for some major repairs and upgrades. Some of these buildings were built for congregations of hundreds and are now visited by a couple dozen at most.
On a positive note throughout each deanery, laity are not just talking about survival, but stepping up to ask about vocation, and communities are embracing the need to empower lay ministries and raise up deacons and priests for local ministries. Things are happening, and people are responding, so we need to be ready to be risk takers within our hearts and in our parishes for the sake of the Gospel.
The Bishop stated that he takes “great” hope because there is a tangible movement in our diocese. People are responding to the Holy Spirit’s calling us to new expressions of ministry and vocation. Bishop Watton reminded synod, and asked members of synod to remember, that God is leading us, and that we are the ones chosen to present and represent Jesus in our time.
During the opening eucharist, the Primate presented Ms. Debra Gill with the Award of Merit for her ministry when she lived in the Artic.
The Bishop’s theme for Synod, “We are Living Stones,” was chosen, and he asked synod to reflect on 1 Peter Chapter 2: As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
The Bishop’s Charge was dedicated to those people who are found week by week in the pews in every corner of our diocese: to those turning on the heat; listening to announcements; contributing to fundraisers; listening to sermons; singing choruses and hymns; kneeling or standing to pray; rising to say the creed; smiling at babies who are brought for baptism; extending hearts of sympathy at times of death; breaking bread; and drinking wine from tiny cups. It was also dedicated to those who do not share in any of this.
He also stated it was for to those who need love, meaning, hope, healing, and reconciliation and for those who are called to serve as followers of Jesus. The Charge was offered in hope that we who belong to Jesus and share in the life and flow of his Church, will once again take to heart his claim upon us, and answer the Spirit’s call to live for our Lord on land and sea, in our shopping centers, schools, hospitals, workplaces, prisons, shops, vestries, ACW’s, men’s groups, committees and, in our own hearts and homes.
Bishop Watton reminded Synod to recall the two promises of Philippians:
- Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.
- Philippians 4:19 – But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
The Bishop emphasized that many present are well aware of the changes that are taking place in your own context. It is important that we see this change with a broader perspective. But that we need to know that we are facing some huge changes–that some new conversations are beginning and some of the concerns are becoming urgent. We are talking about some huge church and parish buildings that need, literally, hundreds of thousands of dollars in repairs; many of our church buildings, rectories, and halls are due for some major repairs and upgrades. Some of these buildings were built for congregations of hundreds, and are now visited by a couple dozen at most.
On a positive note throughout each deanery, laity are not just talking about survival, but stepping up to ask about vocation, and communities are embracing the need to empower lay ministries and raise up deacons and priests for local ministries. Things are happening, people are responding, so we need to be ready to be risk takers within our hearts and in our parishes for the sake of the Gospel.
The Bishop stated that he takes “great” hope because there is a tangible movement in our diocese. People are responding to the Holy Spirit’s calling us to new expressions of ministry and vocation. Bishop Watton reminded synod, and asked members of synod to remember, that God is leading us, and that we are the ones chosen to present and represent Jesus in our time.
