“We Are Church Together — Every One. Everywhere. Every Time.”
The Synod has received confirmation from the Anglican Bishop of the Bahamas that the time of our Holy Communion Service at his Cathedral in Nassau will be on Wednesday, November 19, at 1:30 pm. What an honor and opportunity for our Synod Assembly to embody being Church Together ecumenically and internationally! Please note the change of port day (from Thursday) due to an itinerary adjustment beyond our control.
In addition, we are pleased that the ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton will be the preacher at this service at Christ Church Cathedral in Nassau, and is able to be with us on the ship as the ELCA Churchwide representative to our Assembly. Needless to say, she has expressed her excitement in joining us for such “quality time” together!
Also, as a reminder, this year our Synod Assembly will include a bishop’s election.
Bishop Wilma S. Kucharek is eligible for re-election and has indicated that, after prayerful discernment, she is willing to continue the Call to serve as our Bishop.
We have been asked how we can support the mariners who work on all types of seafaring vessels. These are the people who spend a great part of each year away from their families, providing the goods and consumables that we use in our daily lives, but which are often taken for granted. Consider the international transport of such things as produce, food, clothing, technology, machinery, as well as the safe and comfortable transport of those who travel by sea. Therefore, we are asking you to participate in a collection of International (Phone) Calling Cards which we will collect when we are together and give to the seafarers on our ship. Such a gesture given in the name of Christ will aid them as they call the loved ones from whom they will be separated this holiday season.
And finally, as you in-gather these calling cards for the mariners, we ask that you would also be generous with your assembly offering to our Synod’s Special Appeal. This offering from individuals and congregations will be used to support maritime ministries, as well as special projects in Central and Eastern Europe. Your gifts will be collected at the Assembly, and may also be sent to the Synod through the end of this year with the notation “Assembly Offering.” Your participation in going the extra mile will provide for the unique mission and ministry we do as a Synod, and make a difference in the lives of others.
Thank you for your generosity. We look forward to seeing you soon, as we embark on the important work we do together as the Church gathered in Synod Assembly! Indeed,
“We Are Church Together — Every One. Everywhere. Every Time.”
(A PDF of this announcement can be viewed here.)
