A Message From Your Bishop Phil Ashey
DWA Synod 2026
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Welcome to the Diocese of Western Anglicans 2026 Synod! Whether you are here as clergyperson or spouse, delegate, lay leader or simply to join in the "synergy" of our coming together (Synod means we are on the way together), as your Bishop, I welcome you to this great gathering.
Psalm 133 reminds us why we are here: for Anointing, for Refreshment and for Blessing!
"Behold how good and joyful a thing it is when brothers and sisters dwell together in unity!"
* "It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard, and went down to the edges of his clothing..." We are here to be Clothed with power from on high—the theme of our 2026 Synod. You are here to receive a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit through the preaching of Bishop Thad Barnum, Rev. Clancy Nixon and your Bishop; through times of worship and through the prayer teams that are here for you during and following our worship and teaching every day, and for as long as the LORD leads and provides!
* "Like the dew of Hermon which falls upon the hills of Zion." We are here for the Refreshment of our souls and relationships in Christ: Through our times of worship and teaching, workshops on the person and power of the Holy Spirit, “affinity based” gatherings, “decadent desserts” and dinner on the beach, we are invited to renew our love for Jesus and each other, with fresh vision, anointing and hearts refreshed with the joy of living our lives as Jesus would if he were in each of our shoes!
* "For there, the LORD promised his blessing, even life for evermore!" We are here for the
BLESSING of renewing friendships and making new ones, of renewing our love for Jesus and his Great Commission to make disciples (Matthew 28:16-20), and the blessing of his promise that when we do this he will be with us even unto the ends of the earth!
Julie, Carol, and I are filled with joy and expectation of what the LORD has in store for us as a Diocese, which I will be sharing with you as we move forward into 2027. Most of all, we are blessed by the anointing and refreshment of walking and serving with you in this great Diocese. May Synod 2026 be a time of anointing, refreshment, and blessing for you as well!
With love and thanksgiving in Christ,
+Phil
