In the name of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Thank you for responding to my invitation and request to gather as a synod of this Missionary Diocese of CANA East.  This is our sixth synod together.  I am grateful to God that you are here and I am looking forward to all the Christ centered interaction that the next two days will provide for us.

Why is it that we gather as a synod?  Is it for reasons of fellowship, strengthening and renewing relationships with brothers and sisters in Christ across the diocese?  Is that why we gather?  The synod planning team recognizes that fellowship and strengthening our relationships with each other is a very important part of our annual missions conference and synod.  That is why last night we ate together and shared in a wonderful banquet.  On two occasions today, we will eat together again and then on Saturday we will share a meal not only with each other but also with the Lord, as we break bread and share the cup of the Lord’s Supper.   Our fellowship and relationships are important.  That is one of the reasons why I urge the clergy to use the diocesan prayer schedule each week during the Prayers of the People to pray and intercede for those who are gathered here at this Synod.

Read the entire address here.