What Is a Synod?
A Look Inside the Anglican Tradition of Church Governance and Fellowship
By Rev. Steve Macias

Each year, churches across the Reformed Episcopal Church (REC) gather for a special event known as a Synod. As part of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA), our dioceses follow a historic pattern of shared governance and spiritual unity. But what exactly is a synod—and why does it matter?

A Gathering of the Church

A diocesan synod is the annual meeting of clergy and lay representatives from all parishes within a diocese. It serves as both a business meeting and spiritual convocation. During Synod, delegates come together to:

• Worship through Morning Prayer and Holy Communion
• Hear teaching and encouragement from bishops and clergy
• Review ministry reports and diocesan updates
• Vote on key matters such as budgets, leadership, and resolutions

This process is a vital part of the Anglican tradition, where the Church is governed in community—not by bishops alone, but with the prayerful counsel of both clergy and lay leaders.

A Joyful Opportunity for Fellowship

Synod isn’t just a meeting; it’s also a joyful gathering of the Body of Christ. Meals are shared, friendships are renewed, and new connections are formed across parish lines. It’s a chance to see how our local ministry fits into the broader work of the Reformed Episcopal Church.

Saint Paul’s at the 118th Synod

This year, Saint Paul’s Anglican Church is excited to participate in the 118th Synod of the Diocese of Mid-America, to be held October 8–10, 2025, at Good Shepherd REC in Tyler, Texas.

As a newly received parish in the REC, this will be our first opportunity to take part in Synod and witness how our diocese gathers for worship, governance, and mission. It’s a meaningful milestone for our community.

Want to Learn More?

If you’d like to learn more about Synod, how it works, or how you can attend, please reach out. Whether you’re a confirmed member, curious observer, or someone discerning a deeper role in our parish, Synod offers a chance to engage with the wider Anglican and Reformed Episcopal Church.

Let us continue to pray for the unity and strength of our diocese as we look ahead to this important gathering.

The 118^th Synod of the Diocese of Mid-America will be held Wednesday, October 8 – Friday, October 10, 2025 at Good Shepherd REC in Tyler, TX.   The schedule will be similar to last year’s Synod,  beginning mid-afternoon on Wednesday and concluding midday on Friday. 

Travel:

For those traveling by air, Tyler does have a regional airport, but you might be better off flying into Dallas Love Field (DAL) or DFW International and renting a car.  It is about a two-hour drive from Dallas to Tyler.

Hotel:

We have a block of rooms already reserved at the Hilton Garden Inn in Tyler.  The rate is $124.00 per night, including breakfast.  You can book your room now by clicking the following link: https://group.hiltongardeninn.com/49jfph

HILTON GARDEN INN TYLER

220 Grande Boulevard

Tyler Texas 75702
(903) 509-1166

The post 2025 REC DMA Synod – Tyler, Texas first appeared on Saint Paul's Anglican Church - Los Altos.

Join us after for a special St. Patrick’s Day celebration and an opportunity to meet our Bishop, Dr. Ray Sutton. We’ll celebrate with a special Irish potato bar meal.

The Most Rev. Ray R. Sutton serves as the Presiding Bishop of the Reformed Episcopal Church (REC) and the Ordinary of the Diocese of Mid America. He is also the Dean of the Province and Ecumenical Affairs of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA), of which the Reformed Episcopal Church is a founding member and special jurisdiction. Bishop Sutton often lectures at ACNA and Reformed Episcopal Seminaries, and is a popular retreat speaker.

The post (3/16) Holy Communion & Confirmation Service with Presiding Bishop Ray Sutton first appeared on Saint Paul's Anglican Church - Los Altos.

This past Sunday, Saint Paul’s Anglican Church had the honor of welcoming The Very Rev. Dr. Steven Rutt, who not only shared exciting updates about the growth of the Deanery in the Diocese of Mid-America within the Reformed Episcopal Church (REC) but also delivered a powerful sermon on “Justification by Faith and Our Union with Christ.”

A Timely Message Rooted in Scripture and Tradition

Dr. Rutt’s sermon drew from the deep wells of Christian wisdom, weaving together insights from the early Church Fathers like St. Ambrose, as well as the Reformation giants John Calvin and Richard Sibbes. Dr. Rutt reminded us that justification by faith is not just a doctrine to be believed but a reality that shapes our identity through union with Christ. His words challenged us to live fully in this union, resting in the assurance of God’s grace while actively participating in the life of the Church.

The Expanding Work of the Deanery

Following the service, Dr. Rutt shared exciting news about the growth of the Deanery in the Diocese of Mid-America. He described how new missions are being planted and parishes are experiencing new growth. A new website is being prepared and Bishop Sutton is expecting that the West Coast may soon become its own diocese soon.

Looking Ahead

We are deeply grateful for Dr. Rutt’s visit and his gospel-centered leadership. His also spoke with the Canterbury teachers leading a day on teaching the Christian worldview in the classroom and the noble calling of teaching.

The post Dr. Steve Rutt visits SPAC (August 2024) first appeared on Saint Paul's Anglican Church - Los Altos.