By Allison Agius
“The world needs what we do.”
Bishop Todd Townsend
Surrounded by the warmth and reverent glow of our Cathedral, we gathered for the opening worship service of the 185th Synod of the Diocese of Huron, on Friday evening, October 18, 2024.
During his sermon, Bishop Todd talked about the importance of the Cathedral in being part of who we are as a Diocese since our founding. Bishop Todd continued by announcing that in preparation for Huron’s hosting General Synod in June 2025, the Nave of our Cathedral would undergo a renovation; an investment in ourselves that would see the pews removed and replaced by cathedral chairs, as well as a new substructure and floor. The congregation listened as the main message of the sermon shifted to the healing power of God’s love in and through Jesus. Following the service, delegates, clergy, and distinguished guests gathered in Cronin Hall for a time of fellowship and refreshments; a welcomed time to reacquaint with colleagues.
Our Saturday gatherings began early at the Lamplighter Conference Centre, with a service of Holy Eucharist celebrated by The Rev. Canon Stephen Harnedek assisted by Rev. Susan Bagshaw. Following our call to order, and messages of welcome, we took a moment to remember our faithfully departed and churches that have closed. Rev. Kimberley Myer and representatives from the Anglican Fellowship of Prayer led us in morning prayers from our newest resource, Pray Without Ceasing. Following a few official orders of business, Bishop Todd addressed Synod with an inspiring charge “the world needs what we do,” healing, grace, gospel, and hope even if much of the Western World feels otherwise. The world needs us to be peaceful, healthy communities which requires us to shift our centre of gravity to one in which we receive and dwell in the language of Christ and the gospel. We face many challenges and there is still much to do.
Bishop Todd spoke about three key areas of focus; People (vocational discernment and leadership development), Property (churches redeveloped and strategically consolidating resources), and Plan (the launch of Returning to Grace; our new Diocesan plan). God is not done with us; there is a deep and vibrant spirit in the Anglican tradition and people will need healthy spiritual communities within which to find the grace and love of God.
The Finance report generated ardent discussion following the news that current financial statements have not been done for the past four years. Review engagements are being proposed for the years 2020-2021, while full audits will be done for 2022 and 2023. While pension and retirement benefit plans are strong, 2023 saw a significant shortfall in the budget with an additional shortfall expected for 2024.
Archdeacon Stephen McClatchie noted that feedback regarding revision to the diocesan plan “Turning to Grace” was helpful and honest. “Turning to Grace for Parishes” will soon be available. The full plan can be found on the Diocesan Website and motion was passed to launch the plan.
Rev. Hana Scorrar addressed Indigenous Ministries within the Diocese. She shared an emphasis on gifts and empowerment as we grow together; within the Indigenous communities, they are the church everyday-not just Sundays “building disciples and equipping saints;” everything is a ceremony and there is always celebration. There is an emphasis on spiritual renewal, “you can’t build a house with the same rotten boards” and storytelling “through stories we understand the world, create community and foster connectedness.” Storytelling offers the opportunity for truth telling and expression of emotions which holds the power of healing in the church.
Throughout our day, we heard three poignant and inspired testimonies from Morgan Sherlock (St. Aidan’s, London), Jeanne Sanchez (Filipino Worshipping Community, All Saint’s Waterloo), and Gloria Aykroyd (St. John’s Tillsonburg). We also enjoyed musical interludes and hymns led by Marque Smith and Rev. Matt Martin.
Following lunch, another spirited discussion followed the motion regarding ACW membership on Diocesan Council. Requiring a two thirds majority from both laity and clergy votes, the motion was unsuccessful. Nominations to Diocesan Council from Deanery Councils were presented, and nominations to General Synod were introduced for a vote via electronic emailed ballot which closes on Monday October 21.
PWRDF announced they will adopt a name change in Spring 2025 and will be known as “Alongside Hope”; note the website will remain the same. They are proud to be designated one of the top 100 charities in Canada. Rev. Canon Dr. Greg Jenkins suggested that everyone can support them through prayer if financial donations are not feasible.
Canterbury College recently welcomed their new Principal, Rev. Dr. Jennifer Boyes- Garbin and they will be offering three new workshops for clergy in January to facilitate continuing education. Dr. Daniel Smith brought greetings from Huron College and shared that the newest residence opened in September, they experienced their largest ever first year class this year and are looking forward to the Robert Orr Lecture with Dr. Kwok Pui Lan on November 7, 2024 at 7:00pm. Renison University College welcomes their new president Rev. Dr. Marc Jerry. He shared that they are looking ahead and preparing for the future as the thanked Dr. Wendy Fletcher for her 10 years of service as President.
The Congregational Coaches introduced the Revive Program to empower and equipe lay leadership within the churches. The Diocese of Huron has purchased license for the program which means that it is free for our churches to explore.
Camp Huron challenged us to imagine what could be…Rev. Canon Gerry Adam reported that numbers are climbing again post COVID, and the long-awaited bathroom upgrades are complete. The “Say Yes to Kids” Campaign raised $25,000 in bursaries to assist with the cost of sending children to camp; no child will ever be denied the chance to experience camp due to a hardship with cost. Rev. Canon Dr. Adam thanked Rev. Chris Travers for his leadership this past summer.
The College of Deacons Project focused on food insecurity among the students at Huron, Canterbury and Rension Colleges. Through the generosity of parishes throughout the Diocese, they raised a total of $9100.00 in gift and grocery cards. The cards have been presented to the Chaplains of the schools to support students in need.
The Synod gathering was pleased to honour and acknowledge Clergy and Staff who retired this past year.
After final announcements and notes of thanks the 185th Synod of the Diocese of Huron was adjourned.
“We are going where we have never gone before, take my hand and let’s journey together."
Rev. Hana Scorrar, Indigenous Ministries Missioner
Allison Agius is a parishioner of Christ Church, Colchester, and a postulant in the Diocese of Huron.