Introduction to Synod 2002

What is Synod?

Provincial Synod is the representative body of all the 20,000 people in the Southern Province. (Only Unity Synod has higher authority.) It is the primary governing body and its purpose is to adopt laws and govern in all matters pertaining to the province. It also sets goals and determines the future direction of the province.

Who is Synod?

• duly elected representatives from each congregation based on the communicant membership of that congregation,
• all ordained ministers serving under call or appointment in the Southern Province,
• all lay ministers who are in full charge of an organized congregation,
• all retired ordained ministers residing in the Southern Province or retired from the Southern Province,
• 3 full-time church educators elected to represent all church educators.

Can others attend Synod?

PEC invites advisory delegates to attend synod. They participate in all activities except voting. How often does Synod meet? every 4 years.

When is the next Synod?

April 17-21, 2002

Where does Synod meet?

in 2002 at Blue Ridge Assembly, Black Mtn., NC

How will my church be represented?

All ordained active and retired pastors who are members of your congregation may attend. In addition, each congregation is entitled to one delegate per 125 communicant members.

How and When should delegates be elected?

Delegates (and alternates) must be elected by Church Council no later than December 1, 2001.

What are some things Synod does?

• examines the spiritual and temporal affairs of the congregations,
• adopts Rules and Regulations for congregations,
• hears and redresses grievances,
• elects a governing board called the Provincial Elders' Conference who acts on behalf of synod during the period between synods,
• elects representatives to the following boards: Archives, Christian Education, Evangelism and Home Missions, Financial, Mission Society, Provincial Women, Salemtowne, World Mission, Salem College and Academy and Moravian Theological Seminary Trustees, and NC Council of Churches. These administer the church's government or manage its finances and institutions,
• elects delegates to Unity Synod,
• elects bishops,
• oversees and directs agencies, institutions and funds of the province,
• supervises church publications,
• regulates the organization of the congregations,
• exercises general supervision over all church activity in the province.

Has planning begun for Synod?

Yes, the Planning Committee has been hard at work since January. They have visited Blue Ridge Assembly and chosen a theme. The Worship Committee and Nominations and Elections Committees are being formed and begin work soon.

In the coming months we will address various aspects of synod: how legislation may be submitted, the work of ministry groups before and during synod, how delegates can prepare for their experience, and the work of the Nominations & Elections Committee. If you have questions about synod, please e-mail them to us at lkale@mcsp.org and we will answer them in future issues of Provincial Ties.

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