Seeing Synod through New Eyes

This year’s Synod was my first ever Synod.  I wasn’t a delegate this time round as I was representing LYQ. As someone who has only been in the state several months, it was a great way to see what is happening in the district and meet lots of people.

A highlight for me was hearing the reports from different branches of the LCAQD; Lutheran Services and their performance program, LEQ and the impact of their outdoor education campsites, and hearing the success of the church plant ‘Beyond’ church.  Also what really inspired me was hearing new Communications Officer, Tiffany Kneen, speak about how important how we relate and communicate to others as a church is, because even though we are told not to judge a book by its cover, the cover is still important, and moreover, we need to make sure that our story and contents are worth the read.

I think Tiffany’s message encapsulates my encouragements for us going forward from this Synod. We can continue to sit around and talk about governance issues, which yes are important to function well, (and I pray the changes that went through at Synod will be genuinely beneficial to the work of the church), but at the end of the day it’s in our local communities and relationships with other that the work of Jesus really makes an impact.  By next Synod I hope that we as a church community are more intentional and active in how we go out of our comfort zone and meet people where they are at and truly love them.  I also encourage young adults to consider getting amongst Synod next year – it is a powerful authority in our church and your voice matters!