A Letter from Bishop Chris

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Thank you to everyone who participated in our 2025 Synod. It was so good join together as a diocese to celebrate what God has done in our churches and ministries over the past year and to embrace His call to “Flourishing Together,” our Synod theme.

Our Scripture focus for the Synod was Psalm 92 and particularly verses 12-15:

The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the Lord is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.

Flourishing together is the life-giving partnership of a diocese and her congregations in which mission, relationship, and clergy wellbeing are held in balance. It’s this vision of flourishing together that guides our diocesan priorities for 2026 (primarily in three areas):

•    Missionally

•    Relationally

•    Through clergy and congregational vitality

To flourish missionally means actively participating in God’s work in the world—sharing the gospel, serving others, planting churches, and embodying Christ’s love—so that both individuals and communities grow in faith and impact.

To flourish relationally is to grow deeper in love for one another—to live out unity in Christ, hospitable presence, and reconciliation in the everyday rhythm of our life together. This is not just a nice idea; it’s the Gospel made visible.

Finally, clergy vitality will lead to congregational vitality. Simply put, healthy clergy lead healthy churches. Unhealthy clergy—no matter how gifted—inevitably reproduce their own un-health in the people they serve. That’s why in 2026 we will begin to emphasize support for clergy in the areas of counseling, financial development, spiritual direction, preaching improvement, renewal in the Spirit, and inner healing.

A few highlights from our time at Synod:

Thursday night was an evening for the clergy to be together in prayer, repentance, and worship. Our time included an exceptional meal, laughter and table fellowship, and a time of anointing for mission in the context of corporate worship.

Friday was a full day that included:

Time for the Bishop and clergy together to discuss developments within the ACNA and particularly with regard to the allegations against the Archbishop.

Teachings by the Reverend Canon Jonathan Millard on Missional Flourishing and Relational Flourishing.

A myriad of workshops including: 

The Ordination of Deacons and Celebration of Holy Eucharist

• William Anderson Clark

• Timothy Allport Feyrer

• Anna Grace Louise Brooks Flake

• Ryan Lee Scarberry

• Stephanie Jane Workman

Saturday

During my Bishop’s report, I shared stories, photos, and videos showcasing how the Holy Spirit is changing lives across our Diocese. It is deeply moving to see your passion for reaching the lost. Well done—keep going! I also discussed what it means for us to Flourish Together in the year ahead.

We celebrated the Reverend Canon Mary Hays upon her retirement. Thank you Mary for your more than 40 years of ordained ministry and service to the Anglican Church!

The business portion of Synod was full of encouragement.

After financial updates from Rev. Amy Rowe, Synod approved the 2026 budget, including a $300,000 goal to support current and new church plants. Please consider contributing to this vital Fund for Church Planting.

Amendments to our diocesan Canons were also approved (see the report here).

Next we elected new members for various committees:

Standing Committee:  Allan Sharrett, Rev. Vivian Hayes, Dondie McNickle, Angela Morlu, Rev. Nathan Dickerson

Constitution and Canons Committee: Nkiruka Christian, Arthur Freyre, Darren Jones

Finally, the Rev. Tuck Bartholomew, our Canon for Church Planting, shared updates on church planters bringing Christ’s light to their communities. We welcomed St. Andrew’s, Frederick, MD (Rev. Seth Zimmerman) and also Church of the Resurrection, Midolothian VA (Rev. Lewis Lovett) as new missions of the diocese. We also heard from Rev. Katie Hamlin about the upcoming launch of Church of the Holy Comforter in Silver Spring, MD.

You can find all Synod materials, including sermons, presentations, and breakout session recordings, here. These resources are valuable tools for reflection and growth.

Thank You

We were hosted spectacularly by Church of the Resurrection in Baltimore, MD. Many thanks to the Reverend David Drake and the vestry, staff and people of this wonderful congregation!

Thanks also to our diocesan staff, volunteers, and everyone who participated. Please mark your calendars for next year’s Synod on November 12-14, 2026 at Truro Church in Fairfax, VA.

You are an essential part of our Diocese. Your faithful witness brings Christ’s light to a world in need. Keep sharing your stories and living in mission every day.

To God be the glory!