GS 2016 art 1

GS 2016 Article 1 – Opening of Synod

On behalf of the convening church, the Rev. John VanWoudenberg called the meeting to order, welcoming all present, especially the delegates to GS 2016. He requested all who were present to sing Hymn 23:1,2,3 and then read Philippians 2:1-8. After giving a meditation on this passage (Appendix 1), he had the assembly sing Hymn 23:4,5,6 and then led in prayer. He gave opportunity to br. Cornell Feenstra, member of the organizing committee, to address the assembly with some words on the background of the convening church and its surrounding community, as well as information regarding pertinent logistics.