“Until he comes again, [Jesus’] ministry is to build his Church. And what a privilege it is for us to be brought into that mission. And to live our life out completely consistent with the Rock on which we are built, the Rock of our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us to save us from our sins and to make us forever to belong to him—to worship him in glory.”
This was how Bishop Dan Gifford, our diocesan bishop, began his message to the diocese at our Opening Eucharist service for Synod 2026 at Church of the Good Samaritan in St. John’s, Newfoundland. More than 200 delegates and observers from across the country, along with local members and volunteers from Newfoundland, listened in attendance. Our theme this year for our annual general synod was “Growing & Building God’s Church” based on 1 Corinthians 3:9-11, with a special focus on the work of church planting and church revitalization.
Tuesday: Clergy Day & Church Planting
Before Synod officially commences, it is our pattern to hold a day just for our ordained clergy. So on Tuesday, more than a hundred clergy assembled for a deeply encouraging Clergy Day focused on our shared call to "Growing & Building God's Church." Led by Canon George Sinclair and the Church Plant Servant Leadership Team, our time was grounded in rich, practical teaching on how every person can actively participate in church planting through sending, prayer, and financial support. The day was filled with interviews with active church planters and unveiled our new framework for congregations to operate as Releasing, Supervising, or Blessing congregations in our church planting efforts together. As the clergy met, a beautiful highlight this year was the first-ever dedicated gathering for clergy spouses, where over 30 spouses shared a time of fellowship, prayer, and teaching led by Bronwyn Short. Bronwyn also addressed the entire gathering before lunch on the vital Ministry of Clergy Spouses. The clergy wrapped up this full day together in Evening Prayer and the renewing of their clergy vows.
Wednesday: Gospel Renewal, Mission & Health
On Wednesday all of our delegates and observers assembled, numbering well over 200, including seven active or retired bishops, 94 voting clergy, 62 voting lay delegates, and many observers and local volunteers. We opened with Morning Prayer and Bible teaching by Canon David Short on 2 Timothy 4, centered on Faithful Perseverance.
We then turned to the topic of Church Revitalization. Canon Mark Eldredge from the American Anglican Council and Anglican Revitalization Ministries guided us through three deeply practical sessions on Gospel Renewal, Gospel Mission, and Gospel Health. Drawing largely from his book Revive—a copy of which was given to every attendee—he featured frameworks and resources to help equip churches for healthy, vibrant ministry.
Each day all the attendees were exceptionally well cared for by the host church team and volunteers from other Newfoundland congregations. Wonderful snacks and lunches were prepared and served in two locations. The Good Samaritan fellowship hall was only large enough to serve lunch for half of our attendees, but another nearby church (Cornerstone Ministry Centre) generously provided their building so we could seat and feed the other half. We are deeply grateful to all those gave and served us throughout the week.
That evening, our sense of fellowship culminated in a joyful Opening Eucharist service. Joined by members of the local community, robed clergy filled the sanctuary alongside a large, combined choir from Good Samaritan and a partnering Nigerian congregation. In the service Bishop Dan Gifford preached from 1 Corinthians 3 and delivered his Bishop's Charge, pointing us toward God's faithful work across our diocese.
Thursday: Unity and Vision for Resourcing Mission
Our third morning was a moving time of worship and reflection, beginning with Morning Prayer led by our retired founding Moderator, Bishop Don Harvey. Bishop Darrell Critch—who flew in from Madagascar—shared a warm reflection on Bishop Don’s legacy, followed by Canon David Short’s second Bible teaching on finishing well in ministry. The day moved into diocesan business conducted in a spirit of remarkable unity and shared purpose. Canon Howard Edwards presented a budget focused on mission growth, which was carried with broad support. We joyfully acclaimed six nominees for the open Diocesan Council positions, and adopted important updates to our Canons regarding liturgy and ecclesiastical discipline. We were also encouraged by regional reports from Bishop Mike Stewart (West) and Bishop Stephen Leung (AMMiC), alongside warm interviews hosted by Bishop Dan—highlighting kingdom initiatives like the new Canadian Anglican Campus Network and an interview with Canon Ben Roberts and Rev. Phill Pearson on the expanding national work of the Artizo Institute, as their interns learn to faithfully preach God’s word all across the diocese.
Friday: Looking Forward to Gospel-fueled Ministry
We closed our historic first Synod in Newfoundland with full and grateful hearts. After Morning Prayer, Canon David Short delivered his final Bible teaching centering on the book of Titus, highlighting the Gospel-fueled characteristics of healthy churches. Bishop Dan then hosted a final series of ministry spotlights, giving us a front-row seat to God’s work through ministries such as Packer College, the ARDFC, Good Shepherd Vancouver's mission work in Asia, and a moving interview with Rev. Nathan Chan and his wife as they discern church planting in the Edmonton area. We then gathered for Midday Prayers, which included a homily from Bishop Mike Stewart. We concluded our time together with a final shared meal, giving thanks for the deep unity, warm hospitality, and renewed vision God poured out on us throughout the week.
We hope all who attended were built up in the Lord Jesus and their hearts encouraged. And we pray, they will bring back what they gleaned to their congregations, share it, and that, by God’s grace, we will continue to see our diocese increasingly participate in the growing and building of God’s Church.