Please pray for the gathering of elders and ministers and professors of theology who will be meeting in Pella, Iowa on the campus of Central College from June 20-25, 2013 for the 207th General Synod.
Among those attending from Hope Church are Carol Bechtel, Jeff Japinga, Lynn Japinga, Judy Parr, Jill Russell, Larry Schuyler, and Phil Tanis.
Here are a few ways you can support General Synod in prayer in the coming week:
- Pray for the pre-Synod gatherings of classis stated clerks and RCA chaplains.
- Pray for the President of Synod, Rev. Don Poest, and for the General Secretary, Rev. Tom DeVries as they provide leadership during Synod.
- Pray for the conclusion to the multiple year discernment process which will culminate in a vote at this Synod meeting to adopt the following focus for our ministry together in the RCA. Transformed and Transforming: Radically Following Christ in Mission Together, “In cooperation with the Holy Spirit, serving with each other, and working with all the partners God provides, as we move toward a fifth century of mission and ministry, the Reformed Church in America will focus on three interconnected strategic priorities: Cultivating Transformation in Christ; Equipping Next Generation Leaders; Engaging in Mission.”
- Pray for the many recommendations and overtures coming before Synod on a variety of topics including issues relating to our church government and polity, how to move forward given denominational differences around issues of human sexuality, and how to implement our commitment to becoming a multiracial denomination freed from racism.
- Pray for a spirit of discernment and wisdom, grace and unity as our denomination gathers together to share in worship and to make decisions that will guide our ministry.
For more information, visit the RCA General Synod website.