This is what we call a bonus issue...not a BOGOFF but a special one for our membership only. Our usual, two other issues go to most synod members and others for whom it might be of interest. This is in accordance with our policy of being open and inclusive to all shades of opinion as we welcome them to join with us in our activities, prayers and vision for the future of our church.

Following on from this I am now asking for articles for the next issue. The copy date for that will be MONDAY, DECEMBER 29th 2008. This means that if you want to enjoy Christmas you will send it to me long before that.

We want to air subjects of interest that show our concern for the way we are moving forward, we hope, in our pursuit....not of happiness, but of enabling God's kingdom here on earth to be fulfilling for our sisters and brothers in Christ as we journey together. Not an easy task but worthwhile nevertheless.

We are aware that 'Open Synod Group' sounds very synodical but we are all part of that system and should use it to further our aims of being truly open to the Holy Spirit. Years ago there were many local branches. With society being so privatised these days there seems to be less enthusiasm for groups in all walks of life. But we need more members and ones not only from General Synod but from you and your friends out there who are such an important part of the Body of Christ. We know we have many sympathisers who would want local people to see how the church can be open and relatively uncomplicated.

My first encounter with OSG was when it was the "New Synod Group". I was taken along to a meeting by my vicar in my early days of adult theological formation, as a lay person! It was all a bit overwhelming and we were introduced to a certain Paul Avis who had just written a book about Eros and....In those days this did not mean much to me. Since then I have, I trust, grown to be more knowledgeable and more clued up in the structures of the church as well as in my study of the Gospel. When I first came to General Synod I went to my first OSG meeting...in that room 303 (?), on the third floor of Church House. Good speakers, a warm welcome with interesting and friendly people. It was here I was first introduced to General Synod Quiche... a soggy, cold dish that had intimations of not being far from the frozen state! Things have changed in the culinary area.

Here it was that I too began to realise the church was as political as the outside world. What an innocent I was in those days! How fortunate to have been introduced to the OSG with its breadth of vision. This is not to say that the other groups in synod are wrong or should not be there, just to emphasise our value in keeping, we trust, the tension between those of opposite and polarised views.

We were paid a very great compliment by a former member of synod who said that it was people like OSG members who had kept him in the C of E. He had always been a faithful member as well as keeping up his membership and loyalty to his particular churchmanship group. You will read in other contributions here how we try hard to be, not all things to all people but a rock against which the storms can batter and surge yet which still tries to keep a safe haven in its lee for those seeking respite and encouragement.

In 2010 we will have elections again for the next General Synod. Now is the time to start looking for new candidates to fill the places that will be vacant as some of the present members decide to retire. We need enthusiastic, some younger, but most of all people of all opinions who will make it a priority to pray and to be open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit as they are asked to vote and make decisions. It is hard work but satisfying, interesting and very rewarding. It is our responsibility to listen and to report to the deaneries and parishes about the business that General Synod has to transact and how it relates to life 'out there.' It also helps to be someone who likes reading!

We will be giving some guidance later about the way in which an election address may be put together as well as some of the synodical procedures that a member will encounter. Synod has woken up to the fact that new members have a lot to assimilate and have put in guide lines and a 'freshers' session at the beginning of the quinquennium. You can always come to G.S. and see what goes on as London and York: both offer a public gallery. The Young Adult Observers who come to York, from each Diocese that cares to find and send some, often stand for synod later on when they have the time in their chosen professions.

Why not try to find a potential, new synod member for the elections in 2010. They will be representing not only you but your diocese, parish and the church in our country too.

Shirley Ann Williams, Editor