Yesterday was the first official day of General Synod 2012. The seminarians, of course, started meeting on Wednesday, but the official business of the synod began at 3:00 yesterday.
By now, the two opportunities for New Business have passed without any. That is always – to me – a good sign.
The planers of this year’s Synod have been exceptionally overt in their use of the words “one” and “unity” – more, perhaps, in desperate hope than in actual reality – there seems to be an overarching fear that the so-called “conscience clauses” and “homosexuality issue” will disintegrate into polarized infighting. It isn’t, exactly, an unfear fear – although, thus far, I haven’t found most of the delegates particularly itchy for a fight.
Worship is singularly reflective of SW Michigan, mega-church “contemporary” with a spattering of old-text hymns that I imagine – from the texts used – have been harvested from the internet. I, as you know, am a hymn fan – although I prefer using less-sexist texts when possible and, certainly, when ecumenical consensus has accepted them and rendered them normative. Perhaps I’ll say more later.
Last evening’s welcome dinner was a picnic on the lawn. Brats, Burgers, and Chicken. The food is good here, but the particular highlight of the meal was the ice sculpture. Beautiful, isn’t it?!
If you’re wondering, GS3 has 18 participants this year (of a possible 24). Each one wonderful. The church has a good future as they enter into leadership.
More later…
Grace and peace,
`tim
Interesting ice sculpture. What intrigues me more is the American flag behind it. Even in the military we don’t post flags at church picnics, so I wonder if this is really a church picnic or a political rally.
Lisa,
So true! What an odd place to post a flag….
Grace and peace,
`tim