Friday–Synod Adjourns

Closing the week’s devotional messages on the ministry of mercy, Pastor Barry York addressed the Synod. The ministry of mercy is a battle, he pointed out, using Isaiah 58 as a text. He impressed the importance of equipping our congregations for mercy ministry, but also of doing mercy ministry ourselves. He shared several of his own and his congregation’s experiences of the difficulties and blessings involved in reaching out to the poor, the homeless, the sick, and other needy people in our communities and families.

The report of the Judicial Committee regarding Communication 2006-06, which had been addressed yesterday, was taken up again today. The communication regarded the level of openness of session meetings to the members, as interpreting the Directory for Church Government. The report and decision of the Synod are to be communicated to the author of the original paper through his session.

Election results were announced for open spots on seven boards and ten committees.

Synod ended with a resolution of thanks and with small-group prayer for the congregations of the RPCNA, and then with corporate prayer and praise.

Synod adjourned, with a schedule to meet in 2007 on June 25-29.