This year's Sierra Pacific Synod Assembly theme is a statement of both our reality and our hope. 

 

We come to this synod assembly full of feelings about the last several years. Racism, homophobia, and internal strife have been present in our synod for some time and were clearly witnessed and experienced at our last assembly. The harm done to members of this body and the splintered results of above troubles have left us wondering how we can come together once again in the name of the Lord.

 

The Synod Assembly planning team is aware that there is no right way forward and far more wrong ways to gather. We are aware that healing cannot come until we face our past. We have work to do on these issues that have left us broken in so many ways. This work begins with gathering.

 

This year's theme names our brokenness.  It does not erase the very real work ahead or the profound cost for some to be present. The work ahead is for the whole body and cannot be done by only a few. Even broken, we are the whole body in Christ Jesus.

 

We wish to invite the work of this whole body into the shared work of reconciliation, healing, ministry, and restoration.

 

We pray that our Scripture and the Holy Spirit guide us now. 

 

"Finally, siblings, rejoice. Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you." (2 Corinthians 13:11) 

 

The synod assembly planning team humbly invites you to bring your full selves to the 2023 synod assembly. Please come. We love you and this work cannot be done without each of you.