Synod 34 Reflections: Cypress Brannon
It’s 6:20 am. The steamy warmth of a freshly cooked breakfast gently hugs our silent caucusing room. Heavy eyed and yawning, delegates amble into the room and take their seats.
For a single moment, regardless of age or if we knew each other, we were like slowly-stirring siblings patiently coming together at the table, waking up and growing in excitement at the meal Rev. Connoley had prepared for us. It was comfortable, nostalgic even.
As we were eating, one presenter invited our caucus to participate in a spiritual practice. As we were exhaling, we imagined roots growing downwards from where we were sitting. These roots spread out, intermingling with each other, perhaps even wrapping around each other in a representation of our increasing connection to those around us. A fitting metaphor, as that interconnectedness and mindfulness permeated the whole of General Synod.
I am so deeply thankful for my fellow delegates from the Kansas-Oklahoma conference. Some folks I had met for the first time, others I have known for a few years, but each delegate brought their own uniquely informed expertise and lived experiences to our deliberations and conversations, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to learn from and with such wonderful and inspiring people.
Even now, a group of members in discernment (MIDs) continue to stay in touch since meeting at General Synod. We discuss our favorite theologians and help each other think about potential sermons. We also play games together, and sometimes we just vent and support each other.
General Synod was a rewarding, challenging, and life-changing experience. Like the UCC, Synod too can be described as having numerous streams that inform the overall context. Synod is not merely the resolutions we pass, nor the people we elect - though these significant decisions are of great importance. Synod is also about connection, collaboration, and community.
Having experienced this extravagant welcome from a justice-driven community of hope, I wholeheartedly invite you to consider becoming a delegate - it is truly life changing.