Friday

  • Didn't go in to the office, but took such steps at home as were necessary to leave at 10am for Belleville and the 134th annual synod of the Diocese of Springfield. Trying to sort out what vestments to bring and what to carry them in made Brenda remark that I'm worse than a girl getting ready for prom!
  • Spied a Ruby Tuesday (always Brenda's casual dining establishment of choice) in Belleville and grabbed lunch before checking in at the Four Points by Sheraton.
  • Gaveled synod to order promptly at 2pm and took care of the organizational and administrative formalities that need to be taken care of on such an occasion.
  • Introduced and heard greetings from two special guests: the Bishop of Missouri (whose office is only a 17 minute drive from where we are meeting) and the new ELCA bishop of the Central-Southern Illinois Synod. 
  • Delivered the Bishop's Address, the text of which can be found here.
  • Recessed a little earlier than we had planned on (no complaints from anyone on that) and met down at St George's for the Eucharist. It was a splendid liturgy.
  • Back up Hwy 159 to the Four Points for a lovely banquet and light-hearted entertainment. This is fun.

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