There are 483 people on General Synod – and although I didn’t meet them all in Church House this week, at some times it felt like it. I met other reps from my diocese, old friends from the church where I was married, a mutual friend of a pal from Singapore, people I know from various Christian organisations I’m involved with and LOTS of people I know from Twitter, Facebook and other places on the internet. I failed to find the brother of another friend from Singapore, who I’m told is also on synod, but I shall seek him out next time. I chatted to people I sat next to, to people in the halls and corridors, to a lady who was having lunch at the same café, and to so many people in the tearoom. I’d almost lost my voice when I got home.
When I wasn’t talking I was absorbing information. We had an induction with an overview of synod work, lots of legal stuff, a trial vote using the electronic machines and a mock debate. Once synod kicked off properly, after the behatted service in Westminster Abbey, we heard speeches from HM The Queen (delivered by the Earl of Wessex) and both archbishops.
my prayer is that the Lord’s blessing may be upon you as you embark on your deliberations; and that you will find inspiration in the joyous words of the hymn you sang this morning:
O Comforter, draw near,
within my heart appear,
and kindle it, thy holy flame bestowing.
Elizabeth R
It seems to me that the ‘hellos’ part of synod is a key part of its work – learning to love one another across differences, but also finding our connections and the ways that we can help one another to follow and serve our God, who sends his Comforter to kindle our hearts.
So do say your ‘hello’ below if you’re a fellow synod member reading this, and even if you aren’t.
The Vicar's Wife 
Hello! Thanks for saying hello and serving on our behalf!
And thanks for the blog posts, having watched and prayed it’s a joy to hear about it through your eyes!
Hello! And thank you so much for your prayers.
Hello! Love this- agree about my voice feeling a bit lost now, and about the learning to love one another across difference. Hope we get to say ‘hello’ in person at the next session! Bex
Hello! How to say hello in person in February too!
Lovey to hear about the General Synod kick off. I stood for election for Southwark Diocese and didn’t get in which is not surprising given the unprecedented numbers. However, very pleased for answered prayers that so many wonderful people are now elected, including yourself! Feel a bit more reassured about the future of the C of E and will remain on Deanery Synod and maybe will join Diocesan Synod. Will continue to pray on! Denise xx
Thank you! Sorry you’re not there with me!
Thank you for serving on Synod. It sounds like a big commitment to learning the processes and of resources (time, energy, etc). Thank you because of your commitment to the standard of God’s Word. Thank you for contending for the faith. Sincerely with prayers for all on Synod to focus on Truth and speaking truth in love.
My women’s study prayed for all members of the Synod today during our study of the Book of Jude. May God’s wisdom lead each one.
Thank you so much. It does feel a bit daunting, but I’m grateful for all who are praying for me, and for others on synod.