Reflections on General Synod 28

Reflections on General Synod 28

With the theme Imagine What’s Possible, General Synod 28 was hosted by the Florida Conference, July 1-5, 2011, in Tampa, Florida.

 

With the theme Imagine What’s Possible, General Synod 28 was hosted by the Florida Conference, July 1-5, 2011, in Tampa, Florida.  It was an uplifting and energizing experience for everyone and will be a cherished memory for our church.

Dr. John Syster served as Local Arrangements Committee Co-Chair; Greg Chestnut participated on the Worship Committee and served as General Synod Choir Director and Organist.  About 100 volunteers from our church played a major role in making Synod a tremendous success.  Our bakers supplied over a thousand dozen cookies, which helped to exceed the overall goal of 15,000 dozen.  The Opening Worship Service on Friday evening featured the angelic voice of our Sydney Starcher.  Our choir members and our Sharon Scott shared their musical talents during the Sunday Worship Service.  Led by Rev. Gloria Van Houten and our youth leaders, our youth participated in mission projects and worship services.

On the last evening of Synod, folks from our church got together for dinner to celebrate and acknowledge the leadership roles of Dr. John, Rev. Gloria and Greg; and to reflect on our shared experience.  We felt very fortunate to have had the Tampa Bay area selected for General Synod 28, making it possible for so many of us to attend.  This was a once-in-a-lifetime event for us all.