On September 24th through the 25th the Virginia Synod Council met virtually via Zoom to conduct business and hold their annual council retreat. Some highlights to share from this time together include:
1. Synod Council Retreat
During the Synod Council retreat, council members were led in discussion by The Rev. Kelly Bayer Derrick and Synod Council Secretary Blythe Ann Scott regarding racial justice. During this time the Synod Council was presented excerpts from racial justice resources including Isabel Wilkerson’s Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents. Following these excerpts, council members were invited to join breakout groups where they were led in guided discussions that touched on personal experiences, understandings, and misunderstandings of racism and social injustice. This time spent in difficult but vitally important conversation is a critical first step as the Synod Council works to engage and guide the entire Synod toward racial justice. Do Justice, Love Kindness, Walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8
More information will be shared with the Synod Council during the month of October as they prepare to continue these conversations during their time together in December.
2. Updates from Teams and Organizations
The Mission Table Team has reorganized its format of the Renew145 program following the pandemic to continue their work in digital meeting spaces. Renew145 is a congregational vitality program in the Virginia Synod that works with individuals and congregations. The program focuses on growing deeper in relationship with God, one another, and the community these congregations serve.
The Tapestry Team shared they have received more interest in partnership from Virginia Synod congregations and voiced their excitement in the renewed focus of holding these important conversations in the church today. They are currently seeking another male individual to serve on Tapestry leadership as well.
3. New Synod Council Appointments
Jack Graves was appointed to serve as the youth member on Synod Council. He will serve a one-year term in this role.
The Rev. Jonathan Boynton was appointed to serve on the Virginia Synod Council’s executive committee. This comes following The Rev. Chris Carr’s council term expiration as he had previously been serving on the executive committee. The Executive Committee is currently made up by Judy Casteele as the lay representative on the council, The Rev. John Wertz Jr., and The Rev. Kelly Bayer Derrick as Assistants to the Bishop.
The next Synod Council meeting will be held on Thursday December 3rd by Zoom.
