Now
you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.
[I Corinthians 12:27]
When our family gathers for a holiday, at the time of a death, or for a celebration, whether it be Barb’s or my own; if a member of the family is not present they are missed. Our synod family just concluded our annual assembly and though most of our rostered leaders were present, and most of our congregations sent persons from their communities to serve as voting members at the assembly, I did notice those who were missing. Of course, like any good family we proceeded with the agenda without those individuals being a part of us. Yet they were missed.
The apostle Paul’s image of a body with many parts is applicable here in the life of our synod. The Allegheny Synod is comprised of 117 rostered persons and 127 congregations; and when one of those parts is not a participant in our annual assembly, our body is less then whole. They are missed. Our worship of God as people on the road of faith together lacks wholeness. Our fellowship is incomplete without them. The discussions and decisions lack their insights and their opinions.
Of course, most of our pastors, associates in ministry, diaconal members, and lay voting members of congregations are in attendance faithfully each and every year. That was the case this year, but there were several members of the body of the Allegheny Synod who were not present June 7 – 9 this year … and we missed you. Yes I mean that, because when one part of the body is missing, the body though continuing to function, lacks wholeness and is not as effective as it might be. Look at the photos, read the articles, hear and see what you missed.
But there will be another assembly, next year! The date is Thursday night, June 5 through noon on Saturday, June 7, 2008. I look forward to our synod family gathering fully and completely!
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