MNO Synod Bishop's Message

Reflections from Sweden

I know I wasn't keen on this trip all along. It kept reminding me of what I needed to get done in the Synod and how much work I was leaving behind. It also reminded me that I have 10 days between this trip and the one to the Cameroon after Easter. So with that in mind, I really seemed resentful of this trip to Sweden. Bishop Ray said to me last week that he was really happy to see me going, that it was important for me to have the global experience to share in my small synod.

The theme for this week is "Living in Communion in the World Today". That theme speaks to the experience we had upon arrival at Copenhagen yesterday (the nearest airport to Lund, Sweden). LWF Stewards greeted us with signs, welcoming us, then directing us to the train to Sweden. She had gathered a few other LWF folks and we began hugging each other in greeting, so happy to see others who had a connection to us. It was like being greeted by family when you arrived in a foreign land. About fifteen of us rode the train to Lund and we chatted all the way, sharing about our families and our churches, as if we were family, getting each other up to speed with our own family contexts. When we arrived at the train station, still others were waiting to take the shuttle with us to the hotel. Again, much hugging and conversation. In the evening we were served a banquet and we wandered about greeting one another. Friends were gathered in the room- Dr, Ishmael Noko came to speak to each of us, asking of our spouse and family, then reminding us to send greeting to those he knew at home in Canada.

The atmosphere here is of a family gathered. We do not know each other personally and had not met before yesterday, but here we are family, knowing each other as the family of God. This statement helped me relax and prepare for the days ahead. This was not an event to be resentful of. This was an event to celebrate the family of God- that we were lost from each other, but now are found. The conversations are flowing readily. We are so excited to be in communion with one another, to know there are others who struggle in their little churches, who care what the world is doing in their homes and in their environment. I am acutely aware that we are the "rich relatives", that we have so much in North America. I am acutely aware already that my sister in Mozambique yearns for conversation about being a woman leader who has the freedom to speak out. I am acutely aware that my grandchild has a longer life expectancy than her mother can imagine.

So, while I am here, I will yearn to know more about my family in the world.
I will yearn to walk with my family in the world. I hope and pray God will
help me keep that yearning when I return home to Canada.
Peace to all at home and in the world.
Bishop Elaine