REPRESENTATIVE REPORT ON THE 148TH SYNOD
Date: 5th May and 8th May 2021(VIRTUAL)
Synod opened with a virtual service on Wed. 5th 2021 with Bishop Claude
Berkeley as the chief celebrant. The sermon had a very important message not only
for the delegates but for us as Church. Below is a summary of the main points that
need to be pondered on.
SUMMARY OF SERMON
Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold Jesus (the Risen Christ) in all his redeeming
work. (Collect, 3rd Sunday of Easter B).
And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” (Rev.
21:5a)
The above scripture and prayers were used as the reference for the sermon with a
focus on renewal and making things new as the core message. In keeping with
the theme, the Synod was asked ‘to open the eyes of faith,’ for the reason that it is
both timely and enduring, as we find ourselves in a context of ongoing struggle
with the Covid-19 pandemic; our economic reality; crime, violence and murder;
illegal immigration; accusations of corruption; vaccine issues; Caribbean disaster
relief and much more. He noted that the eyes of faith will allow us to see what
God is showing us in the midst of our struggles. It will enable our strength and
conviction in fulfilment of the tasks to which we have been called. He asserted that
God is calling us to join Him in making all things new, and the eyes of faith will
bring us into full alignment with God’s plan.
He also charged that we should pray to obtain the eyes of faith so that we can see -
and join in God’s renewing work among us and in His world because renewal is
central to our life’s experience. He reminded us that the Apostle Paul prayed that
the God of our Lord Jesus Christ may give the disciples a spirit of wisdom, so that,
with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to
which he has called you. (Ephesians 1:17-18).
The Bishop affirmed that there is a connectedness in the notion of the eyes of faith
with God’s plan and person of Rev 21:5, ‘The one who was seated on the throne
said, “See I am making all things new. The Synod was reminded that the victory
and presence of God among His people, guarantees the end of loneliness, sorrow,
death, need, sin and darkness, and leaves us with the blessed assurance of God’s
faithfulness in all things and at all times (R.N. Brown) which is a privilege for all.
The Bishop divulged that “As a Diocese we have been promoting new ideas and
approaches and ‘the response has been a slow one, as if to say, what is this? “we
have always done it this way!” Leave us alone!’ We were reminded that renewal is
a key theological principle in understanding and responding to what God is
doing among us. Repentance, reconciliation, forgiveness, all lead into the newness/
renewing principle - of God’s plan of salvation. So too, is setting parishes and
vestries to perform optimally - in due deference to the church’s mandate and
efficacy.
Synod was asked to therefore consider if we are renewing ourselves apace or
growing old and passing away or even working towards a common model of
discipleship or just doing our own thing! He urged that WE THE CHURCH, must
embrace the eyes of faith and leave alone of the carnal eye which distracts and
reduces the quality of our efforts.
BUSINESS DAY 1
The day’s proceedings started and ended with worship led by the Tobago region. A
key item on the day’s agenda was the Bishop’s Charge. This is where the Bishop
gets the opportunity to bring together his reflections on his observations and
conclusions about the work in the Diocese and bring important matters to attention.
The theme was Making Disciples Today… Responding to God’s Renewing
Grace.
It must be noted that the Diocese because it is an institution, is impacted by the
Labour market as well as Social, Cultural, Economic and Political factors as they
exist in the country. Having done an analysis of the impact of these factors on the
church, the following points were shared to be considered as part of the plan for
going forward:
Accept that the economy, business performance, employment and individual
earnings have dropped and will recover only slowly in the best of
circumstances
In the worst of circumstances, they will continue to decline and reach crisis
proportions in five years. The church has to find ways to access revenues
(and control expenditures) despite these conditions. There is a need to look
to different avenues and critical dialogue is needed.
Potential avenues include:
o International development agencies
The Trinidad and Tobago international diaspora
o Fund-raising and remittances
On-line services to both local and international markets
(The above denote boundary expansion consideration)
Property Development – Commercial and residential
Property sales from rationalization of the property portfolio (proceeds to be
put into real and financial investments to generate revenue for operations)
Be entrepreneurial in identifying and going after opportunities. This requires
developing the skill and the discipline to evaluate opportunities before
committing expenditure
It must be noted too that the Diocese is supported by a strong financial and legal
framework.
Other matters:
Presentations were made by the Buildings and Land Unit, The Education
Board and the Monitoring and Evaluation Team of the Diocesan Strategic
plan 2016-2020. The Bishop however expressed his dissatisfaction with the
level at which implementation was taking place across the Diocese. A
preview was given of the Diocesan Strategic Plan 2021 – 2025, which is in
preparation. It was noted that parishioners would be invited to submit ideas
for the opportunities via the Regional Councils.
There is a need for efficient record keeping throughout the Diocese
A lot of work is to be done in each parish and the following documents
must be used as reference:
1) The Provincial Action plan ( Provincial Synod 2019) each Synod
member must obtain a copy
2) The Strategic Plan- this must be an agenda item for vestries and
Regional Councils
Baptism as the gateway to communion is being considered
A virtual Bible convention is being planned
There must be a stronger relationship between schools and the church to
support ministry in the schools.
There must be a youth council in every parish
Vestries to include Ministry to Schools as an agenda item.
The need to treat actively with orientation and preparation of vestries as an
initial act of serving the given period. (When the vestry works the church
rumbles). All members must be aware of the regulatory role of the vestry.
Need to develop our second Language competence in light of the growing
migration from Venezuela
Vestries must do a risk assessment before engaging in any project
Members met in clusters in the afternoon session (part of the three part plan –to
examine- recommend- propose) to discuss reports of stewardship in alignment with
the Strategic plan.
BUSINESS DAY 2
The day’s proceedings started and ended with worship led by the South region.
The first activity was the presentation of a report on the financial health of the
Diocese. At this juncture it was highlighted that the Diocese is only breaking even
amidst our present circumstances.
The remainder of the proceedings for the day centred on accountability for
stewardship. Cluster evaluation reports, prepared from Day 1 activity were then
presented. The objective was to share the evaluation findings of the activities
undertaken. There were also presentation of reports of work done by Regions. It
was advised that going forward, clusters will continue to meet and work to develop
an action plan as part of the remediation plan. (Recommend- propose).It was
generally found that in most areas there is much work to be done.
BUSINESS DAY 3
The day’s proceedings started and ended with worship led by the North region.
The focus of this day was on elections to several boards and committees as well as
passing of motions for consideration.
Information shared:
o An online store is available at the Diocesan website
o Bible study roll–out is taking place
o A safe church document is being developed- Diocesan Code of
Conduct
o There is a dire need to work on relationships within our church as a
community of people. The observation was made that relationships
are dead within our diocese
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The goals of the Synod were achieved. Delegates were given the opportunity
to get an insightful account of the workings as well as the problems that are
being encountered in the Diocese.
Most churches seem to be working on personal agendas/silos instead of
working as a whole body with one goal.
Several churches/parishes were not sending in their reports as required for
proper monitoring of the Strategic plan.
Several aspects of the Diocesan Strategic plan have not been activated in a
number of churches. This lack leaves a void in the opportunity to make and
keep disciples.
All church members must make an effort to have a good understanding of
the new Strategic Plan and seek opportunities as individuals to help to
achieve its objectives. In our Parish, there are several opportunities- a
Ministry for everyone, take the initiative, call on the Holy Spirit for guidance
and talk with anyone.
There must be regular reminders of our goal and action plans as this will
help to keep our focus.
All Vestry members must have a copy of the Diocesan Strategic plan (2021-
2025) and use it. We the Vestry members must think about making ourselves
new by doing new things or doing old things in new ways. This is one tested
strategy for success.
With reference to the information above concerning relationships, let us
ponder on the questions ‘How do we relate to one another?’ ‘Do we need
each other?’
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to represent you.
Prepared by Andra Salandy