Thank you for considering serving as a delegate to the 2008 Eastern District Synod!

You are being asked to consider representing our congregation at the 2008 Eastern District Synod (June 18-21) to be held at Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

It is a privilege to be asked to serve Christ’s Church as a Synod delegate and you are asked to prayerfully consider this request.

The Book of Order outlines the purpose of a District Synod as follows:

· To confirm and renew Christian love and fellowship.

· To stimulate and strengthen the work of the Lord.

· To assemble and distribute information concerning the work of the District, the Province, and the world-wide Unitas Fratrum.

· To review the work of the District, including all congregations, boards and institutions, and to consider ways and means for strengthening the work.

· To elect necessary boards and officers for the intersynodal period for such terms as are herein provided, legislate on matters pertaining to the District, and transact other business related directly to the District.

· Give preparatory consideration to matters which will come before the Synod and, if desired, present recommendations thereon. However, the major purpose of the District Synods shall be the work of the congregations, boards, and institutions of the respective districts. As a rule, matters which can be decided only by the Provincial Synod shall be referred at once to the Provincial Synod.

Synod requires a great deal of time and attention, yet in addition to the work it is a wonderful opportunity to experience the church at large, to learn more about the variety of agencies serving the Moravian Church, to develop new friendships, and to celebrate the fellowship we share with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

As you make your decision, it is important that you are aware of the expectations of a Synod delegate. Following are basic requirements.

· You are expected to read all pre-synod material and take that material with you to Synod.

· All first-time delegates are required to attend an orientation session held early on the first day of Synod. This session will prove to be most helpful in preparing you for the Synod experience and help answer any questions you may have.

· You are expected to read all material distributed at Synod. This has the potential to be a substantial amount, but it is necessary to read all the memorials prior to action on the floor of Synod.

· You are expected to attend all sessions (business and committee) of the Synod. A typical Synod day begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 10:00 p.m. Occasionally, it will be necessary to extend beyond 10:00 p.m. in order to conclude the day’s business. Any absences from Synod sessions must be approved in advance by the Synod Chairperson.

Please be aware that there is a substantial amount of walking involved as one must travel between buildings for committee sessions and meals. (If it is difficult for a representative to negotiate steps, we will assign that person a committee that meets on the first floor.)

Yes, Synod is work. But more importantly it is sharing in the ministry direction of the church and there are significant opportunities for spiritual renewal through worship services and prayer gatherings.

Contact your pastor for more information regarding Synod, and may God guide you as you consider this special calling.