Report of the Vice President

Vice President’s Report:

Year two has once again been one of learning and growing. I learn more about the Synod’s mission and interaction with our brothers and sisters each time Synod Council meets, in conversations with the Bishop and from spending time with individuals across our territory. While the curve continues to be a steep climb, it has been one filled with support and encouragement from many folks. My appreciation and gratitude go out to Bishop Riegel for his willingness to answer questions (even the silliest ones) and to provide advice as I navigate my way this first year, to my fellow synod council members and to each of you.
Shortly before Synod Assembly 2024, I was blessed to attend LARCUM, and to engage in thoughtful, prayerful conversation relative to the Holy Sacrament of Communion based on presentations from those denominations attending (Lutheran, Anglican, Roman Catholic, and Methodist). It was truly an enlightening event.

This year I am pleased to say we were able to fulfill our promise as a Council to hold consultation with each conference in the Synod. In July we held our quarterly meeting in Wheeling and were able to converse with leadership (clergy and laity) of the UOVC. In September our meeting was held in Charleston at St. John XXIII Pastoral Center, giving an opportunity to meet with the UKVC. Unfortunately, I was not physically present at this meeting as I was recovering from total knee replacement which limited my ability to travel. I was able to participate briefly by conference call. Finally, in late April we convened in Petersburg and were able to spend time with folks from Caroline Furnace and the Potomac Conference. Fulfilling this commitment took Synod Council about 18 months; however, the results in my opinion were well worth the time and effort. I would like to thank Bishop Riegel for his efforts in arranging the logistics for each of these meetings, as well as the individual congregations who so graciously stepped up to host us each time.

November took me to Gettysburg for the Region 8 meeting of Bishops and Synod Vice Presidents. The trip over the mountains proved to be a challenge as that was the day of a major snow storm along I 68. While it was a little overwhelming I returned home with a better understanding of how the WV/WMD Synod is connected to others within our region. Laughter (the kind that makes your side hurt and tears flow from your eyes) and fellowship were combined with serious conversations centered around fulfilling each Synod’s mission. We will gather again in the fall, once again in Gettysburg.

Here on our home turf Synod Council continues to meet quarterly. We are beginning to look to SA in 2026 and 2027. Our next Bishop’s election will be in 2027, and we are considering carefully the format of this assembly. We have received recommendation from the Select Committee charged with studying this topic and now we seek your input. During this SA you will be asked to participate in a small group plenary discussion looking at some of the potential options for 2027. Please share your thoughts and ideas – remember this is YOUR synod and it only works if we all pull the rope together.

Finally, let me close by saying this has been an amazing year! I am honored to serve as YOUR vice president. I want to thank all our Council members for their faithful work this past year. Their input has been invaluable as we chart our course for the future. I pray that our Gracious God will continue to provide guidance, strength and blessings to the work of our Bishop, DEM, Synod Council, and all our congregations in the WV/WMD Synod.

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