2018 DNE Clericus and Synod

Maine is a beautiful state and offered a truly wonderful setting for the 2018 Synod for the Diocese of the Northeast, ACA. Although late October is only just past peak season for fall colors, the mountains in the distance were graced with snow just a day before the event. We owed our magnificent setting to the grace and hard work of Church of the Transfiguration, Fr. Gary Drinkwater, Rector. They offered to host the event which was held at at the Poland Spring Resort. Yes, that Poland Spring. Needless to say, the water was great!

We started with clericus meeting on October 24th. The clericus and synod were combined for efficiency and cost savings. Once people checked in refreshments were available in the lounge at Poland Spring Inn. later we gathered in the dining room for dinner followed by Evening Prayer in All Saints Chapel, across the road from the Inn.

On Thursday, October 25 the day began with breakfast and then Morning Prayer at 7:30 am. It has been very important to the clergy that our opportunities to gather for clericus are not wasted, so instruction on some aspect of ministry is planned for each occasion. That morning the Rev. Ed Ihde gave a truly enlightening presentation on the Theology of Sacred Space. Rev. Idhe is a trained architect and brought professional insight to the entire topic. After his presentation we returned to All Saints Chapel for Holy Eucharist and remarks were made in honor of SS. Crispin and Crispinian by the Rt. rev. Brian Marsh.

Later that afternoon the DNE Standing Committee met in advance of the first synod meeting. This was followed by a Synod Welcome Reception in the main hall. After the reception evening prayer was held in the chapel.

Friday, October 26 was the feast of Alfred the Great, King of England and at the service for Holy Communion James Hogan was ordained to the diaconate. Rev. Hogan had become a common face at our meetings for the last two years as our resident "baptist pastor". We cajoled him each time that he was on a slippery slope to Anglicanism. Now it is finished! Rev. Hogan will take over the work at St. David's in Poultney, VT. Rev. Hogan is another example of the growth and vitality of the diocese of the Northeast.

After the service we met through the afternoon in synod. One of the wonderful things about a synod in the DNE is the affable and fun atmosphere always to be had. Now where else is the serious work done with such lighthearted fun. it is always a pleasure and never a drudgery.

The last evening of the event was finished with a banquet and "lobstah" was supplied by Dn. leroy Weed who has been a lobstahman! for nearly 60 years! After dinner many of the clergy and wives enjoyed fellowship and engaging conversation at the large fireplace in the main room. The event was, as always, uplifting and profitable. many thanks to Rev. Drinkwater and the people of Church of the Transfiguration for all of their work in hosting in such Maine style!