This being my first General Synod, I wasn’t sure what to expect. From my “pre-Synod” preparation I did know that my time in Baltimore would be filled with worship experiences, plenary sessions, and workshops. And I had heard that Synod was like a big family reunion. As a Member in Discernment with the Rhode Island Conference I attended as a visitor, exploring as many of these experiences as possible.

What impressed me the most was the dedication with which the delegates undertook their responsibility to make the best decisions about the business of Synod. Several individuals in the Plenary sessions spoke of the presence of the Holy Spirit moving through the deliberations and I certainly felt that as well. But for me, it was during worship, especially on Sunday, that I felt the presence of God expressed in the Spirit moving through those assembled. As I stood that Sunday afternoon to take Communion with several thousand others, I felt the Spirit bring us together as one body – as one family in Christ. In that moment, I became more aware of how much I belong to this body and of how much this body is now part of me – of who God has called me to be.