EventsSynod AssemblyElection of a Bishop

Election of a Bishop

Jan./Feb. 2012 Conference Meetings of the New England Synod, ELCA

To Prepare for the Election of a Bishop

The purpose of the conference meetings is to broaden the conversation begun at the congregational level about the New England Synod and its new Bishop. In addition to all rostered leaders, congregations are urged to send those who have been or may be interested in serving as Voting Members to the June Synod Assembly to this meeting. These meetings are open to all.

There are two parts to the meeting, the first being a Bible study of passages related to leadership. The second will be to consider the four questions contained on the congregational DVD. All attending will be asked to sit with people from other congregations so that "Synod" can be experienced during the process.

The agenda for the meeting is attached for those who wish to look at the passages before the meeting or for those who cannot attend and who may wish to forward their thoughts to the Ad Hoc Committee via the New England Synod office.

Agenda

Words of Welcome/Purpose of Meeting

Worship and Bible Study

Responsive Prayer (ELW p. 328)

“Table Group” Bible Study on Leading God’s People- Part 1

1. Leader: Exodus: 18 1-12

2. Table groups read verses Exodus 18: 13-27 listening for and then discussing:

qualities/attributes needed by leaders of God’s people
challenges leaders must face
what God is saying to us about the gifts needed in a Bishop.

3. Reports from Table Groups and Conversation

“Table Group” Bible Study- Part II

Each table group takes one passage from list below following the same format in the first Bible Study:

Matthew 28: 18-20
John 20: 21-23
1 Timothy 3: 1-7
2 Timothy 1: 13-14
Titus 1: 7-9

2. Reports from Table Groups and Conversation

Overview of the Election Process

The Synod We Are/The Bishop We Seek

“What is the Synod” portion of congregational DVD

Table Groups discuss “four questions”:

What does it mean for me/my congregation to be a part of a larger, connected church?
What are we able to do together as a Synod for the sake of Christ’s mission that we could not do alone as a congregation?
What are the challenges that we face as we seek to “go where love leads and serve where love calls?”
What kind of leader endowed with what spiritual gifts does the New England Synod need to better fulfill God’s purpose for us?

Small Groups Report and Consolidation of Thoughts

Closing Prayer

Dates and Locations:

Sunday, Jan. 8

Eastern Connecticut Rivers; 2 p.m.; Zion, Portland, Conn.

Saturday, Jan. 14

New Hampshire; 11 a.m. ; Concordia, Concord, N.H.

Sunday, Jan. 22

Southeast Massachusetts; 1:30 p.m.; Sanctuary, Marshfield, MA.
Greater New Haven; 2 p.m. ; Bethesda, New Haven, Conn.

Saturday, Jan. 28

Central Connecticut; 9 a.m. ; St. Andrew’s, Bristol, Conn.

Sunday, January 29

Naugatuck Valley; 4 p.m.; First, Waterbury, Conn.

Saturday, Feb. 4

Western Massachusetts; 9 a.m.; Bethesda, Springfield, Mass.
Southern Connecticut;; 10 a.m. ; Salem, Bridgeport, Conn.

Tuesday, Feb. 7

Boston Metro; 7 p.m.; Grace, Needham, Mass.

Saturday, Feb. 11

Vermont / New York; 10 a.m.; Ascension, South Burlington, Vt.

Sunday, Feb. 12

Greater Hartford; 3 p.m. ; Concordia, Manchester, Conn.
Central Massachusetts; 2:30 p.m. ; Trinity, Worcester, Mass.
Northeast Massachusetts; 3 p.m. ; Redeemer, Woburn, Mass.
Rhode Island; 3:30 p.m. ; Gloria Dei, Providence, R.I.

Saturday, February 18

Maine; 9:30 a.m. ; Water of Life, Newcastle, Maine

Conference Meeting Resources

icon Conference Meeting Bible study Part 1

icon Conference Meeting Bible Study Part 2

icon Election Process Overview

Video