The Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Sydney ran this year from ran this year from 14 to 22 September, with sessions held over five days. The ACR caught up with Greta Morris, a lay member of Synod from St Paul’s Canterbury, and Andrew Levy, rector at St Anne’s Ryde, to hear what stood out to them during Synod, what encouraged or challenged them, and what they are praying for as the Diocese of Sydney looks to the future.
1. What particularly stood out to you about this year’s Synod
Greta: The respectful manner of proceedings throughout Synod stood out to me this year. There was a generous spirit present, and cohesion and teamwork were evident amongst those at the head table and all who led from the front. The archbishop conducted each day in a humble, warm and confident manner that positively affected the way in which others spoke and encouraged one another.
Andrew: Engagement and prayerfulness. There were more questions asked at this synod than in others in recent memory. At one level, this might be a good sign of increased engagement across the parishes to participate together in the life of the diocese. The questions also gave the archbishop and his team the opportunity to speak about the progress and focus of diocesan operations.
The tributes and motions of thankfulness for the number of longstanding retiring ministers and servants throughout the diocese meant that much of our sessions were given to prayer. Although a feature of every synod, it was particularly memorable this year as we had these motions of thanks for retiring clergy presented back-to-back. This highlighted how important it is for us as a diocese to be thankful to God for his work in and through his people!
2. Was there anything that especially encouraged, challenged or surprised you during Synod?
Greta: It was great to hear stories from different parishes within the diocese: Ryde, Riverstone, Jervis Bay, Denham Court and my own parish of Canterbury. It was really encouraging to me to hear my own rector, Stephen Gardner—among others—sharing the histories of our churches and the way God has used others to bless us, and the ways he is now equipping us to reach out and serve other churches. In the same way, it was encouraging once again to hear updates from the Bishop of Bathurst about how God continues to work in that region. As one of a growing number of lay women who took part in Synod this year, I was also encouraged by the presence and support of others there and will be praying for us to grow in godliness and service of God’s people within our own churches as well as for positive involvement in future synods.
Andrew: There were a number of encouragements at this year’s synod—firstly, the ongoing commitment of the diocese to see people come to faith (and return to faith) in the Lord Jesus Christ. This was seen in the debate and motions raised around the diocese’s five-year mission plan especially towards conversion growth and ministry to young people.
Second, it was appropriate to honour the service of a number of prominent and important people across the diocese—notably Bishop Peter Hayward, Archdeacon Kara Hartley, Russell Powell and Bishop Mark Calder (retiring as Bishop of Bathurst).
Thirdly, I loved the variety of the parish presentations. It was a great idea to have one region per day. There was a great mix of brand-new things (Jarvis Bay), rejuvenations (Denham Court) and fruitful young ministries (Canterbury). St Anne’s Ryde had the privilege of giving the Wednesday presentation about our 200-year celebration. Ours is an old ministry in our diocese, and I hope that the presentation and video we showed encouraged our diocese to celebrate and tell the story of God’s faithfulness!
3. As you look beyond Synod, what are you praying for in the life and ministry of the Diocese?
Greta: I hope that as the diocese continues to grow and change, parishes will seek out ways to support each other; that there will be opportunities for churches to walk alongside each other, to share resources, and to encourage each other to go and make disciples. I will be praying for each church in the diocese to shine brightly with the light and love of Jesus and that God might bring many through our doors. I also trust that God will show each of us in our different suburbs and circumstances how we might bless the people around us—those who are right there in front of us with great needs, those who are marginalised, and those simply feeling hopeless. Close to my heart is the Rahab ministry in Canterbury Bankstown, so I will be continuing to pray for the women we meet, that they might know the Lord Jesus and the hope that he brings.
Andrew: I’m praying for an ongoing work of the Holy Spirit across our diocese to help our parishes work as partners in the gospel, perhaps especially within our mission areas. It’s very encouraging to hear churches sharing resources, people and wisdom as we seek to reach the lost and grow the saints in their love for Jesus! It’s exciting to see our archbishop feeling energised about the direction of our diocese. After crafting and shaping a vision for the last few years, we are starting to see initiatives take hold—may we see crowds gather and may we work to help them know their Saviour.
Know someone in your church who would find this helpful? Please share it with them.