 |
Synod 2002: How Delegates Are Elected What would you like to see provincial and congregational leadership focus on for the next four years? Do you know that synod determines the provincial budget and the method that calculates the contribution requested from each congregation? Have you ever wondered how the contributions to the provincial budget are spent? The answer to these questions and many more can be found at synod. Provincial agencies and boards look to synod for future direction. When they go to Black Mountain next April, delegates to Synod 2002 will have a voice in the decisions that will determine the direction of the Moravian Church, Southern Province. If you doubt that one vote means much, don't forget our last national presidential election. The work of synod falls into three broad categories: provincial policy and procedures; budget and finance; and elections. Those who attend synod should have knowledge of or be willing to learn about the structure and government of the church. They should be a diverse group of women and men of all ages, some who are detail-oriented and some who have a vision for the future with ideas on how the church can be more effective for Christ in a changing world. Being elected a synod delegate is not like a political campaign or a popularity contest. The Book of Order states in Paragraph #403 "In representing the interests of their electors or their office, members of synod must not lose sight of the interests of the province province and of the Unity as a whole. Members of a synod vote according to their own conviction and are not bound by instructions of their constituents given beforehand." The responsibility of a delegate is to be prayerful about the work, attend any pre-synod meetings, read and study introductory material carefully, be familiar with those nominated to fill vacancies in boards and agencies, participate in a ministry group or committee at synod, enjoy the many opportunities for worship and fellowship, and make a report to the congregation upon your return. The PEC Office is preparing a notification letter for each congregation regarding their number of eligible delegates to Synod 2002. (A registration form will be included.) Your communicant membership from the year 2000 will be divided by 125. If there is a remainder of 63 you will be entitled to an additional delegate. (Please note the Book of Order, Paragraph #1550 Rules and Regulations III for further details on the method for electing delegates and the requirements for congregations that enable their delegates to be seated.) Alternates are to be elected as carefully as official delegates. Delegate and alternate names must be received in the PEC Office by December 3, 2001. (If your congregation's bylaws call for a December or January Church Council, you will need to call a special council for electing synod delegates.) Our prayers are with each congregation as you elect your delegates. We look forward to a wonderful time of worship, fellowship, and becoming equipped for more effective service to Christ and his church at the Synod of 2002. |
|
Home | Who Are the Moravians? | What We Believe |