Have synod, will travel
by Ana Watts
The dates for Diocesan Synod 2009 are tentatively set, but the location may be up for grabs.
“Synod usually takes place in the city of Fredericton, but it doesn’t have to,” says Archdeacon Geoffrey Hall, Secretary of Synod and chair of diocesan synod planning. “Each town and city in the province is unique, has its own colour and flavour. Synod Planning can imagine a different venue could make synod a different experience for all of us.”
Synod Planning, a group composed in part by leaders of eight Synod Planning Committees, doesn’t get much down time. By the time it has scrutinized, analyzed and prioritized the comments and suggestions from one diocesan synod, it’s time to start thinking about the next. It was feedback from the 2007 synod that encouraged the thinking outside the box as well as outside the city of Fredericton, for the 2009 synod scheduled for June 4-6.
In order to change the synod location for June 2009, Synod Planning would need to receive synod-hosting proposals by May 25 of this year.
“Proposals from interested groups within archdeaconries that have the infrastructure to host a meeting with more than 350 delegates would be most welcome,” says Archdeacon Hall. “If there is interest within an archdeaconry it should be discussed with the archdeacon. Registration, transportation and meals would be among the host group’s main responsibilities.” The venue and membership of a remote arrangements committee must be finalized by early June, when specific planning for the 2009 synod begins.
“It would take three or four dedicated men and women in leadership roles to co-ordinate the event, and that group should work through their archdeacon,” says Canon Fred Scott, diocesan treasurer. “All we are looking for is hospitality. Using the resources provided by parish support of the diocesan budget, the Synod pays the costs.”
The necessary infrastructure includes a meeting space large enough to accommodate 360 delegates seated at tables, dormitory or other non-commercial lodging for Synod delegates (the number of delegates requiring lodging depends on the location), and a church large enough to seat about 400 people for the synod service.
“A synod outside the city of Fredericton would give many of us an opportunity to get to know the diocese better and to appreciate its varied cultures and landscapes, but that is not the only benefit,” says Canon Scott. “Hosting our synod could provide quite an economic boon to any town or city in the diocese. Local businesses and church groups stand to do a brisk business.”
The last time the Diocesan Synod was held outside Fredericton was 1995, on the occasion of the diocesan sesquicentennial (150th anniversary). The business meetings were held on the UNB Saint John campus and the sesquicentennial service was held at Trinity Church in the city centre.
Synod Planning is composed of the Bishop, the Secretary of the Synod as chair, members of diocesan staff as necessary, the vice-chair of Diocesan Council, and chairs of the eight synod planning committees –– nominating, agenda, hospitality, technical support, credentials, worship, resolutions and arrangements. The group co-ordinates the planning of synod based on the anticipated needs, vision and agenda of the Synod, taking into account evaluation of previous synods.
Proposals to host Diocesan Synod June 4-6, 2009 should be discussed with territorial archdeacons who will forward them to Synod Planning through the Chair, Archdeacon Hall at the Office of the Bishop.
Diocesan Communications
25 March 2008
