Synod Nyack 2012 of the United Reformed Churches in North America began on Monday evening, June 11, with a wonderful evening of prayer and worship.

Delegates, wives, and others crowded the auditorium to pray for God’s blessing and sing praises to him. Elder Steve Hanko, from Pompton Plains Reformed Bible Church, described it best when he compared the experience to the Holy Spirit’s arrival recorded in Acts, saying: “Tonight, the house shook.” 

Five ministers and four elders offered prayers for synod, its delegates, officers, committees, plenary sessions, ministry representatives, food, fellowship, unity, and God’s honor and glory. Prayers ended with a time of silent prayer and were interspersed with hymns.

Accompanists for the evening were Shannon Murphy (Messiah’s Reformed Fellowship in  New York) on the organ, Michael Kearney (West Sayville Reformed Bible Church) on the piano, and J. P. Galib on the trumpet.

These young people did a great job of contributing to an incredible worship experience.

Following the worship service, Mid-America Reformed Seminary hosted a well-attended time of fellowship in Simpson Hall. Old friendships were renewed and new ones forged. Synod is a great time to put physical faces with virtual friends.

Delegates rolled onto the campus of Nyack College throughout the afternoon. Many spots on campus provide lovely views of the Hudson River, winding through the valley that inspired so many American painters. 

Tomorrow the work begins in earnest.