Diocesan Synod set to meet from Nov. 7 to 9

Preparations are in full swing for the 144th Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa, which will take place from Nov. 7 to 9, 2024.

Registration for Synod will be online only from Oct. 4 to 18. Parish Incumbents will be responsible for registering the Synod members from their parishes.

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A pre-Synod zoom session has been tentatively scheduled for Oct. 29th, 7 p.m. It will be open to Synod members, alternate members, and to churchwardens and will review items to be addressed at the upcoming Synod.

Synod will begin with an evening Eucharist service beginning at

7 p.m. on Nov. 7 at Christ Church Cathedral (414 Sparks Street, Ottawa). Bishop Shane Parker will deliver his charge to the Synod as a part of the service.

Synod will continue on Nov. 8 and 9 at the St. Elias Banquet Centre (750 Ridgewood Ave, Ottawa).

Onsite check-in for Synod begins at 8 a.m. on Nov. 8. Those attending are asked to complete their credential form before Synod and bring the form with them to check-in. An orientation meeting for new Synod members begins at 8:30 am. Synod business will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude by 4 p.m., resuming with a worship service at starting 9 a.m. on Saturday morning.

Archbishop Hosam Naoum of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem is sending a recorded message to Synod.

The Rev. Dr. Dawn Davis, assistant professor of Contextual Learning at Huron University, has been invited to be a Synod Responder, offering reflections periodically on the Synod’s operations and considering how she sees the Holy Spirit at work at the Synod.

Davis is an Anglican priest with a professional human resources certification, specializing in training and development and organizational behaviour. She also has a doctorate in ministry in spiritual formation. Davis developed the international Revive Program to help parishes grow in spiritual vitality. Lay leaders join the ordained minister in small groups to pray, study and discuss scripture and develop their sense of call. She currently serves as an honorary assistant at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, Ont. and as the faith formation director, advising and assisting the rector in offering opportunities for spiritual growth. Davis recently co-edited a book with Matthew Floding titled Experience: Spiritual Formation in Theological Education.