MAP to be Refreshed at Upcoming Synod

With a thematic focus on the future, the sesquicentennial synod of the Diocese of Niagara will take place at the Burlington Convention Centre on November 2.

‘Faith in the Future’, the Synod’s theme, is inspired by Jeremiah 29:11, “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.”

As part of the proceedings, members of Synod will hear from Dr. Emily Hill, parish development missioner about the renewal of the diocesan Mission Action Plan (MAP). Having lived into our MAP for several years, it was time for a review of our goals and objectives and to give thanks to God for the ways we’ve come alongside the Spirit. At the same time, through a number of consultations, we’ve sought to prayerfully discern where the Spirit might be calling us to life and compelling us to love for the coming years. Helping us to cast our gaze to the horizon and the opportunities to contribute to the wider Anglican Communion, Archbishop Linda Nicholls, 14th primate of the Anglican Church of Canada will be the Synod’s special guest.

The business parts of the Synod will include receiving the 2023 auditor’s report, consideration of the 2025 diocesan budget, as well as some changes to the canons. We’ll also have a chance to hear from the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund, as well as the Anglican Foundation of Canada, and to engage with the work of the Primate’s Commission on Reimagining the Church.

Ahead of Synod, electronic elections will be held for regional representatives to Synod Council as well as delegates for the upcoming General Synod that will be held in London, Ontario next June.

And because it’s a special year in the life of our diocese, after the regular Synod proceedings, we are also planning a special anniversary dinner in the evening to celebrate our 150th anniversary. All are welcomed for this ticketed event, which is being generously sponsored by Ecclesiastical Insurance. Through the dinner, we will also be expressing our faith in the future by raising funds to support curacies across our diocese through a fund designated for this purpose.

Please hold the members of synod in your prayers as they discern how best to equip our diocese – and all our parishes – to put our faith in the future!

To learn more about our 150th Synod, be sure to review the convening circular which includes all Synod reports and resolutions, on our Synod webpage