Synod 2011 - November

The East Midlands Synod
of The United Reformed Church

met on the beautiful Autumn Morning

of Saturday 5th November 2011
at Sherwood United Reformed Church

Here are my observations
of some of the things that went on at Synod.

These are not official minutes, and can not be guaranteed for their accuracy.
I have concentrated on the things that struck me as interesting or important,
and I will have omitted reporting on some issues which you may have picked up.

Would you like to have a go at reporting the events at Synod for the website?
Would you like to take the photographs?
Then please let the Synod Clerk know!

David Legge

Jill Turner, Church Secretary at Sherwood
welcomed everyone and gave an overview
of things happening at the chruch.
Synod Clerk Duncan Smith,
our new Moderator Peter Meek,
and Office administration Chris
officiated from the 'Top Table'

Geoff Towsend, Pastoral committee Convenor, presented their report.
He told synod that in the East Midlands
we are over deployed for ministry
– we need to be reducing numbers of ministers from now on.

This has also stretched our synod funds, which together with the vanishing recession interest rates, means the synod is having to cut some of its anticipated expenditure.

The list of lay people authorisedto preside at the sacraments in local churches was accepted.

Charles Jolly -Synod's Green Apostle - told us "How can we respond to Climate Change"

Carbon output is increasing – it is now nearly twice what is stated in the classic books on the subject! China is increasing the most.
The poorer countries of the world are taking the biggest hit from climate change effects, and are shouting the loudest for change.

We need to write to support our government (in particular Chris Hoone, and David Cameron) in its policies, and urge them to keep on! The UK is taking a lead in working for an international agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (the Christian Aid website provides more details).  

Up till now nature seemed big enough to look after itself – now we know we are seriously harming it. It is a matter of life & death – for people NOW in some countries – for ALL in the future. This is an ethical and a theological issue, belonging to  TEND & TREASURE in the Five Marks of Mission.

These websites provide ideas, inspiration and resources, however much work you may have already done on environmental issues.

Lunch

After Lunch:

We met David Greatorix (right),
the new Synod Treasurer
who presented the Budget figures for 2013.

Snippets from amongst the rest of the afternoon's discussions:

The rep from Bulwell spoke about their sadness bout loosing the headquarters of CWM from our country because of difficulties in obtaining visas for the staff.  After a noable history in London (beginning as the London Missionary Society - LMS), the HQ has moved to Singapore.

We heard news that young people from Botswana will be coming over to the UK next year, and there is opportunity for young people from the EMS to work on a project for a couple of weeks with them.

One question from the floor was “what has happened with our European partnership” – the Moderator said the link had arisen with the Croatian Reformed Church because of a personal relationship between Malcolm Hanson and Bishop Andrea. Without that link it has proven difficult to sustain. Camilla reminded Synod that there should have been a European Church appointed (nationally) for us to relate with 'on behalf of' the whole denomination.

A Cydo is a synod appointee; however, the contract is with church house in London, as they are in part at least national appointments. This is under review. The costs are entirely with the Synod.

And General Assembly will happen next year. Are you interested? As a Synod we can send 15 representatives – incl 3 ex-officio: the Moderator, The Synod Clerk & .

The highlight of the Synod was the formal induction of Revd Dr Deborah Anderson as our Training and Development Officer:

Synod 2011 - March

The East Midlands Synod
of The United Reformed Church

met on the beautiful Spring Morning

of Saturday 19th March 2011
at Newport Pagnell United Reformed Church

Here are my observations
of some of the things that went on at Synod.

These are not official minutes, and can not be guaranteed for their accuracy.
I have concentrated on the things that struck me as interesting or important, and will have omitted reporting on some issues which you may have picked up.

Would you like to have a go at reporting the events at Synod for the website?
Would you like to take the photographs?
Then please let the clerk [at] urc5 [dot] org [dot] uk (Synod Clerk) know!
David Legge

The Church has a long history, being founded as a Congregational Church in 1660 by Revd John Gibbs was ejected from the Parish Church for refusing Holy Communion to some folk of the Parish. Church Secretary Geoff gave us a brief history of the Town. It has a long and interesting story, and has been involved in two civil wars! In the first it switched sides from Royalist to Parliamentarian! The second was more recent – involving the coming of a big supermarket to the town.

The current building, which dates back to 1881, has been extensively redeveloped inside and provided a pleasant and comfortable venue for synod.

Outside was nice too:

Revd Jenny Mills, Minister at Newport Pagnell, led the opening worship, choosing the theme of New Beginnings

Synod Clerk Duncan began to take
the minutes as Moderator Terry Oakley
addressed Synod.

Judith North and Colin Udall fielded questions about the Youth & Children Report before taking the young people away to bake bread and butter – Colin showed a butter church he bought on e-bay!

Geff Townsend presented the Pastoral Committee Report

Under this we heard news about the uncertainty over the future of the buildings in Yardley Hastings which means that the congregation is facing a new beginning.

Steve Fisher (URC) and  Steven Mosendale (Methodist) - pictured below - proposed & seconded that a united URC-Methodist Area be formally established in Milton Keynes. This will clarify the Free Church position in MK as the boundaries have or are about to change.

Steve Faber, convenor of the Mission Development Group, presented the report and urges delegates to encourage their churches to take up "Back to Church Sunday". It is scheduled this year (2011) for 25 September but can be done on any Sunday. It is good to do it just before the regular Harvest Festival, because you then have something special to invite folk back to!

"Back to Church Sunday" plants the vision of a doubled congregation, and can be achieved in 12 step. Success is not measured in how many people come, but in how many people are invited! 

Presenting the Ministries report, David Downing spoke about how it was an exciting time exploring new beginnings in ministry

This led onto a resolution supporting Leicester City of Sanctuary – part of the Cities of Sanctuary movement, (a similar organisation in structure to Fair-trade Town/City ) As the action group is looking for active support.

This was broadened to include all cities and towns in the East Midlands, and proposed by Lynn Fowkes below.

Brian Long (an Elder in this Synod) & Susan Durber (principal) presented the “Vision for Westminster”.

Founded in 1899 but incorporating an earlier college founded 1844 in London, the college is part of our heritage, part of the powerful history of dissenting academies. The trustees want to make that come alive for new times. Colleges are increasingly involved in lay training, need to expand courses offered, and Westminster needs to upgrade facilities. Since its opening in 1895 “it has remained remarkably unmodified” said one surveyor. They hope to raise £2m from the 13 synods. Later our Synod voted to contribute its share!

Then it was time to embarrass Terry!

Paying tribute, Steve Faber referred to the restructuring of Synod;how Terry always sought to place mission at the centre, for example creating Mission Enablers and establishing the Mission Fund; and that his spirituality was noted and appreciated, rooted bathed and surrounded by prayer;

Helen Lidgett followed up reminded us of: Terry's encyclopaedic knowledge of the local churches – vital as the 'New Synod' took over from districts; how he enjoyed leading worship in local churches; how he explained encouraged, challenged, and chivvied churches; his true gift of leadership to encourage other view to be aired; and his encouragement for women to participate at all levels; and not least his pastoral care to retired ministers and widows.

Terry was then presented with a cake bearing his image!

Lunch time . . . .

Martin Hazell, Director of Communications for the URC, enthused about "The Advertising Campaign".

The U.R.C is really good about talking – now we need to do the walking. In this campaign we are wanting to attract people who are not in our church, who are not us! Inspired by the artistic style of Sister Corita, the posters are designed to 'grab' people instantly. If we are advertising a cutting edge church, then we have got to be one. So it requires churches to sign up, and to go through the training. Churches can 'express an interest' to get hold of the Campaign Pack which will give full detail of the training resources.

One speaker said they thought the posters would will work well in University setting.

Another comment was that there are many areas not addressed by the campaign - e.g. science – that people will want to confront before they come to church. Martin said that this is campaign is intentionally about common misconceptions

One question asked was “Can a campaign church change people who come? Isn't the Gospel about changing people. (Quote poster) Martin replied that the campaign is about change, but we need to begin with an open approach. Too many churches expect people to change before they welcome them. Journeying with someone as they change invokes change in those who do the accompanying.

Another question was ; “Are you vetted before you can be a campaign church” Martin replied that we realise that no one is ever going to be ready – so it is signing up to a covenant. We can not police churches – there will be mistakes, but better that than not trying at all.

There is a website forum where people can sign up to ask question of the campaign team. Askit dot U.R.C dot org dot uk

Helen Lidgett (above left) presented the Finance Report, aided by Treasurer  Richard Turnbull (middle) and Property offcier Robert White (right).

Finance – although we have a surplus, most of that was due to some surprise bequests. This can not be relied on, and some is ring fenced. We were reminded that the Mission Fund exists to help churches in small projects.Richard retires later this year and was thanked for his diligence and the hard work he has put into the new 'formula' for calculation M&M contributions which for the first time allows churches to calculate their own figures!

Robert reported that the Land Registry process was proceeding, and that details were still awaited from the Land Registry via the synod solicitors.  He also referred to David Edwards Insurance Brokers who have been contacting local churches. They do provide advice and support for many U.R.C churches and other properties (e.g. Church House), and offer their advice at no cost to churches.

The Synod clerk invited Revd Peter Meek,
who will be our new moderator from the end of summer,
to address Synod.
Peter will be living in Matlock
so that his wife Tracy may continue to work as a teacher in Buxton.

Synod concluded with
a Communion Service
written by Terry
and led by him and Jenny Mills.

One of our Assembly Moderators, 
Revd Dr Kirsty Thorpe, preached.

The bread we shared
was some of that baked on the day
by the young people.

Synod 2010 - March

Reflections from East Midlands Synod meeting

Which met on Saturday 20th March 2010
at  Loughborough URC

The East Midlands Synod
of The United Reformed Church

Met on Saturday 20th March 2010 starting at 10.30am
at 39 Frederick Street, Loughborough, Leics., LE11 3BH

Here are my observations
of some of the things that went on at Synod.

These are not official minutes, and can not be guaranteed for their accuracy. I have concentrated on the things that struck me as interesting or important, and will have omitted reporting on some issues which you may have picked up.

Would you like to have a go at reporting the events at Synod for the website?
Then please let the clerk [at] urc [dot] org [dot] uk know!
You do not have to be able to take photographs - I or someone else can do that.
David Legge

Opening Worship

Tamara Oates, convenor of Youth group,

led the opening worship on the theme of trust

She made full used of computer presentation software,
and showed some video clips.

Terry and Deborah presided at the communion service which started the afternoon session.

Throughout the day in the Halls the fairtrade stall was open
- do you support Fairtrade?
Does your church run a stall?

Contact the Synod Office if you are interested.   

Charles Jolly (right, addressing Synod)
was also on hand to talk about the TLS course,
show resources from Christian Ecology Link (below) ,
Commitment for Life, Operation Noah, TLS (below),
and his Short election briefing document which will help you
address questions to your local candidates about development issues.  

Peter Rippon, Church Secretary

introduced news about Loughborough URC which has seen its income grow so much that it recently had to register as a charity.
Much of this income is from use of premises, but the church does not just view its hall users as income providers - rather all user groups are regarded as part of church family.
These groups cover three broad Areas: Youth & arts, (brownies, drama groups and dance...), ‘academic' (English & maths...) and Caring (knitting group, Age Concern, groups for adults with learning difficulties...)
Like many churches, LURC has seen a decrease in membership over the years, but this has bottomed & it is starting to grow.

The Zimbabwe Flag

outside the church has invoked much comment from the neighbourhood.
It is there because Helen Playdon is exhibiting and selling Zimbabwean artwork from the Art East Cooperative.
Many of their homes were destroyed by government in 2005 and now they are supported by Silvera House ( a URC Commitment for Life Partner)

Your church can be host to this exhibition when it moves on!
Contact Helen through the Synod Office.

Colin Udall gave a long presentation about the new

Please make sure that your church picks up the latest information from the forthcoming 'roadshows' on the subject.
Look at the notes from Colin's Synod presentation soon to be attached below.

Vetting and Barring Scheme
that comes in the place of (or is it alongside?) the Criminal Record Bureau checks. This will eventually improve things as the checks will be portable from organization to organization. However it will become a mandatory legal obligation with fines for organizations that do not comply.

Our Synod Clerk, Duncan Smith

shared a little of what has come up in our Synod review, that it is common to most synods, and is being shared with those yet to be reviewed - which means the East Midlands Synod is setting an example in the URC! Most of the items raised in the review are already being worked on. Synod is continuing to review how it works and improve how it encourages churches to be involved in mission.

He also presented the changes to the Mission Development Group.

Judith Booth

gave here last presentation as convenor of the SEARCh group, and gave special thanks to everyone who have served synod for their term of 6 yrs.

We are looking for ordinary people to fill these rolls - if you know anyone who might be able to serve the Synod in this way, please pass their names to synod office or directly to Irene Wren.

The SEARCH group is charged with finding a range of people to fill the various different posts and sit on committees. Very often they tear their hair out to discover new people.

Claire Downing, convenor of the Pastoral Group,

presented the List of Authorised Lay Presidents, and reminded us that this is (nationally) an annual review.
There are a number of gaps in the list - is your church one?

Does your church require someone to be authorised to preside at Communion of Baptism ceremonies or not?
Please communicate this to the synod office and the Pastoral group will approve on behalf of Synod any additions.
Even (especially) if your church does not need one, then please let us know that too.

There is planned a Review of the policy & theology of lay presidency. Synod asked for this to be an open discussion from the outset, and not restricted to the Pastoral Group

We were also reminded of the rolling out of the Local Ministry & Mission Review (LMMR) which replaces the district Quinquennial Visitation. This involves creation a New Style Pastorate Profile which is a 'living document', and is for the church not a prospective minister! Essentially it should set out general directions for the Mission of the local Church, and will be reviewed every 4 years. This can be done by the church & Minister alone, or can involve Mission Enablers, Pastoral Consultants, members of the Training team or whoever the church feels may help them the most.

Prayer4life Summer Synod

Each church will soon receive a square of black cloth.
Please decorate it with symbols of prayer and bring it along
(or if you really can not come,
send it to the office)
they will be assembled into a big banner on the day

Richard Turnbull and Robert White did their usual double act
on Finance and Property

Sharing agreements - From the floor, Paul Bedford suggested we do as much of the work in house as we can, using the model Agreement as closely as you can so that when the solicitors are involved (as they must be) all they have to do is approve the document. This will cut costs and speed up the process. Synod will pay half the legal cost.

URC Ministers Pension Fund is at the bottom of the league at the moment. It may take up to 20 yrs to make up the shortfall (depending on the future performance of the market).
The Pension Regulator has asked for a commitment to be shown by the church to support the fund - hence the resolution to contribute from Synod. Every synod will be faced with a similar resolution, the figures are set for 2010, 11 & 12 according to the number of members in each synod. Manses are excluded from the '10% of property sales' contribution for 2012 and beyond this because they are restricted by law.

A Summary of Accounts (draft) was presented for information.

We were reminded that the accounts are the responsibility of the trust to produce audit and adopt, not the synod (just as church accounts are the responsibility of the Elders not the church meeting). They are made available on the synod website or through the synod office in May as soon as they have been adopted.
The M&M review process is still a work in progress, and it is a most intricate task. There are differences from church to church as to how church accounts are produced which make direct comparisons a time consuming affair. There are differences of opinion as to how specific some of the details of Synods policy should be. Thus it will not be able to produce agree the new formula (based on income) for use this year - it will be postponed to 2012. An interim solution, to base the 2011 figs on the 2010 figs, was passed.

Registration of the Title with Land registry

Questions have been asked in the past about registering church property with the Land registry. As it is an expensive process, the advice was to leave it until necessary. However, there has been an invitation by the land registry to do it in bulk for the whole synod at huge discount which averages out at about £9 per church. This is too good an opportunity to miss, and so Robert was given approval to peruse it. This only applies to churches who use the East Midlands Synod Trust as their custodial trustees. And inventive for those churches who still have their own elected trustees to join?

Gordon Milnes (right) was introduced

as the Synod Link Person
for One Church 100 Uses (1C100)

CROSSWAYS

When the national URC closed Synod believed that with sound management the centre could be successful. This has been a longer process than was original thought. colour
An agreement with the Milton Keynes Christian Foundation fell through because they could not guarantee the church being available for the congregation every Sunday. Synod set up the Crossways centre itself. Income has increased but the economic climate has meant that Synod's contribution has been larger than expected. The lack of en-suit facilities prevents many outside organisations from using the facility.

In November last year Synod asked for a definitive report to be presented to this meeting. However, there are possible sources of funding that take more than six moths to pursue.
The management committee was granted further time to explore these sources of grants, and to explore the wisdom of setting up an independent chartable body to run the centre.

Ministries

This was the last time for Paul Bedford as convenor - he now moves to serve as a Pastoral consultant.

Prayer & Spirituality

Mike Playdon is a wondeful resource for all churches to use!

Don't take my word for it, invite him to your church.

He can lead a "Ways of Praying" day, help you work through 'Prayer4Life', and all sorts of other things to do with Prayer.

He promoted Day of Prayer at Leicester to be led by Duncan Tuck.

Synod 2009 - March

The East Midlands Synod
of The United Reformed Church

met on Saturday 21 March 2009
here at St Andrew's with Castlgate URC, Nottingham.

The East Midlands Synod
of The United Reformed Church

met on Saturday 21 March 2009 here at St Andrew's with Castlgate URC, Nottingham.

Here are my observations
of some of the things that went on at Synod.

These are not official minutes, and can not be guaranteed for their accuracy. I have concentrated on the things that struck me as interesting or important, and will have omitted reporting on some issues which you may have picked up.

Would you like to have a go at reporting the events at Synod for the website?
Then please let the clerk [at] urc5 [dot] org [dot] uk know!
You do not have to be able to take photographs - I or someone else can do that.
David Legge

The morning of Synod was given over to a set of Workshops in which we were able to discuss parts of the Synod Mission Stragtegy, Deployment of Ministers, and a New way to calculate the M&M assessment.
People were invited to choose one of several groups which looked in detail at  sections of these documents.
This was just the start of the process, and these papers are now released to local churches and groups for discussion and comment. Please address your feedback to the synod office.

You can join in the discussion here on this website.
The papers are available here, and you can add your comments at the bottom of each section. You can also submit a general feedback formwith your overall opinions.

Some of the workshop groups
which met in various places throughout the premises.

The morning was rounded off with a celebration of the Lord's Supper 

Lunchtime came with the usual Synod fair: Soup and Sandwiches, Traidcraft and Books. And a chance to catch up on news from other churches.

However, it will be the Bookstalls last appearance at Synod unless someone (like you?) offers to run it in the future. 

The afternoon session had a more familiar Synod feel to it, as we discussed and debated, tried to draw to a consensus over decision to be made, or voted on those that required it. 

	Paul Bedford presented the section from Ministries including detailed proposals regarding preachers expense. These were accepted by Synod.
David Miller, convenor of the Pastoral Group including a proposal to adopt the Deployment Strategy - Report to Synod March 2009 paper as a working document. A debate ensued over this, much of which was concerned  as to the working used in the document, and whether it was actually a 'strategy'. Synod accepted it as a discussion document, and it may even be reissued with slightly different wording! However, it is now available for comment. A revised version will be presneted to the Autumn Synod.
	Terry Oakley, our Moderator, presented several papers to synod - in particular the Synod Mission Strategy, which as mentioned above, is available for comment from the churches.
Robert White, our Trust officer, outlined some changes to the Memorandum and articles of the Trust that had been agreed by the trustees which give more responsibility to Synod for the appointment of Trustee. It also changes the name of the trust to refer to 'synod' rather than 'province'. Synod accepted these changes.
	Richard Turnbull, Synod Treasurer spoke as part of the Finance and Property Group convened by Helen Lidgett (below). They were both called on to speak several times during the discussion which centred around the synod's continuing financial support of Crossways - do we treat it as a financial drain on the synod, or as an essential and vibrant part of the work of the church? Synod decided to follow the latter line, and agreed to continue to support it at least until the end of the first five years (as was originally agreed some three years ago).
	Dereck Markie, executive director of the East Midlands Christian Forum gave us an overview of the proposals for it to evolve into a new charitable company limited by guarantee called EMBARC - East Midlands Belief in Action of Regional Churches. EMBARC's objects will be to advance the christian religion for the benefit of the public,  to keep churhes informed about the effects of local and national government, and to enable churches to work together to promote sustainable communities.   SYNOD agreed to support the new body in the same was as it supports EMCF.

Synod 2008 - November

The East Midlands Synod
of The United Reformed Church

met on Saturday 1st November 2008 here at Whetstone URC, Leicester.

Here are my observations
of some of the things that went on at Synod.

These are not official minutes, and can not be guaranteed for their accuracy. I have concentrated on the things that struck me as interesting or important, and will have omitted reporting on some issues which you may have picked up.

Would you like to have a go at reporting the events at Synod for the website?
Then please let the clerk [at] urc5 [dot] org [dot] uk know!
You do not have to be able to take photographs - I or someone else can do that.
David Legge

The Moderator, Terry Oakley, stamped his authority on this autumn's Synod Brownie style by rasining his hand whenever he wanted discussion to end

At the start of Synod, he invited Revd Les Gill to come forward and share news of the Host Church, Whetstone URC, Leicester. Les took the opportunity to speak about some of the UCB publications he uses, in particular Word for Today

From left to right:
Lindsey Cole, Synod Lay Preaching Commissioner, and Stanley Jackson, TLS coordinator
presented Hazel Coley with her "Assembly Accredited Lay Preacher" certificate,
and Charles Jolly with his "Diploma in Contextual Theology".

Well done to them both!

The business of the day commenced after a time of Bible Study based on the Beatitudes as found in Matthew 5.

T his synod focussed heavily on the twin issues of "the Synod Mission" and "our Finances" which were heavily intertwined.

The approval of the Budget for 2009 depended upon the acceptance by Synod of several proposals regarding the Mission Strategy for the Synod.
Acceptance of them depended somewhat on knowing their financial implications.
So the budget was presented by the Finance Committee early on in the day, but as not approved by synod until most of the debating had taken place.

It was the first outing to Synod for Helen Lidgett (right) as convenor of the Finance & Property committee. She coped well with the huge amount of work that was presented from that group.

Elizabeth Nash took the Chair to allow the Moderator to present the Synod Mission Strategy. Claire Downing, our representative on the national Mission Committee, presented an overview of the National Strategy (Draft) so that we could see how our work fits in to that (or vice versa)

At the end of the day The Synod Mission Strategy was accepted as a working draft and referred to local churches (church meeting and elders) for their.

Download a copy from the link below and take it to your Church Meeting and/or Elders Meeting.

Ask the questions about both your local church and the Synod:

What are we here for?   What is our mission?
How can we prioritise the nine elements in the strategy?   Is anything missing?

Feed back your comments to the Synod Office.

Synod Treasurer Richard Turnbull called upon several times during the day to clarify financial questions.

Some decisions which I imagined would pass through Synod quite easily in actual fact took up some time.
For example, the proposal to increase the Mileage allowance for Synod events from 25p to 30p invoked quite a debate. 

Some people argued that in times of financial stringency we should keep costs low, or reminded us that petrol is now dropping in price.  Others said that the rate of 25p had not been changed for over 7 years, and that it included a consideration for the maintenance of the vehicle.
I did not speak, but I though that as a minister (i.e. someone for whom this is my livelihood) I like to think that I am being offered a reasonable rate for my mileage (the local church gives 40p per mile!) - it is part of being valued. I also know that I do not have to claim every single mile, so why all the fuss? 

I was also slightly surprised at the argument over whether the new Training Officer (to replace Elizabeth Nash when she retires next year) should be a minister of word and sacrament or not.

I can say that I think we have been very well served by Elizabeth over the past few years. I know that when I talk to her about training or other issues, I am talking to someone who has been where I am, and can empathise with my needs. She is not coming from a totally theoretical or academic perspective. This is just my opinion, but I should think that through the work of training and supporting ministers in the field, Elizabeth has through them given back to the local church more than the one post we have 'lost' in placing her in this synod position. However, Synod asked the enabling group to reconsider employing a lay training officer, even though this could be twice as expensive.

What do you think?
Feedback through our experimental FORUM

All decisions at this assembly were arrived at using "Consensus Procedures". The photo shows the sea of orange that the Moderator sees when consensus is reached!

The procedure was used heavily in the debate on whether to use "1 church 100 Uses" (1C100U) as part of our synod strategy. Look back to my report on the Spring Synod to remind yourself of Lord Andrew Mawson's presentation.

Adopting it will consume some of the Synod's resources in both people and money. But we need to invest for the future - "The church is used to saving for a rainy day. Well take a look - it is pouring down. Now is the time to spend!" was one comment. Many people thought this was a very business centred approach, and that the resolution offered made no mention of creating Christian Community. They Consensus process allowed the basic resolution adopting 1C100U to be passed, and over lunch an additional resolution was composed by those people who felt strongly over this either way: "Synod agrees that the 1C100U projects should be people, community and mission centred within the framework of the Synod strategy, calling,vision aims and principles." This was passed.

Lunch in the Hall
- a brief time to eat, relax and catch up with colleagues from other churches,
buy a book from the Bookstall,
or some fairtrade goods.

Rachel Coupe, founder and Managing Director of "Grace" was present at the start of Synod and over lunch to answer questions about her organisation. 'Helping Churches to reach children' is the motto of "Grace" which operates as an agency hat sub-contracts children's workers to local churches.

Can't afford of Children's worker for yourself?- share one through Grace!

Worried about all the planning and paperwork? Let Grace do that for you!

Back to business:

Derek Hopkins - Crossways Director - was on hand to tell us the story of our retreat and conference centre.

Due to unforeseen factor like illnesses and maternity leave, the centre has not broken even this year and will need further support from synod.

The centre is used quite well by many different organisations and denominations - but surprisingly not so well by us! 

Does your church organise a church away day?
If you can't travel to Crossways, can they come to facilitate an event at your church?
Do you know of groups or organisations that go away from planning meetings or similar- could they use Crossways?

"Thank you for giving us a glimpse of heaven!"

Click on the menu link at the top of this page to find out more about Crossways or download a promotional brochure below.

Robert White, our Trust and Property officer presented a complicated resolution regarding the assets and liabilities of Synod being held by the Trust Company - United Reformed Church (East Midlands Province) Incorporated - as principle rather than as nominee.

The moderator had introduced this business saying that  after the debate he expected that there will still be only one person present who really understood it - i.e. Robert!

However, Robert explained that this was required in order to comply with the Charities Act 2006 and then were were happy to pass the resolution.

Robert also explained that the guidelines for local churches registering as charities had now been agreed and were available for download from the URC National website.
These guidelines must be followed exactly. 

Sue Richardson, Christian Aid's Regional Rep, spoke of fund-raising work being done in Leicestershire to further work with The Church of South India supporting people with HIV/Aids.

Following a request from the floor, it was agreed that information about this appeal would be circulated throughout the synod, even though some counties have overseas links with different churches.

Duncan Smith delivered a paper in which he proposed how synod should deal with matters arising from General Assembly, and usefully lists those matters which local churches need to be aware of. 

See his paper, attached below.

some amendments were made including:
- 3. Resolution 28: to replace the word Pastoral Committee with Ministries Committee

- 5. Resolution 33: delete 'passed on to chruches' and 'by churches and the Synod administration' (as it goes directly to chruches from Assembly)

-9. resolution 49: will be brought to Synod in March 09 for debate.

Synod 2008 - Spring

The East Midlands Synod
of The United Reformed Church

Met on Saturday 18th March 2008 starting at 10.30am
at 39 Frederick Street, Loughborough, Leics., LE11 3BH

Here are my observations
of some of the things that went on at Synod.

These are not official minutes, and can not be guaranteed for their accuracy. I have concentrated on the things that struck me as interesting or important, and will have omitted reporting on some issues which you may have picked up.

Would you like to have a go at reporting the events at Synod for the website?
Then please let the clerk [at] urc5 [dot] org [dot] uk know!
You do not have to be able to take photographs - I or someone else can do that.
David Legge

Why on earth did I choose that photograph (above) of Loughborough URC nearly obscured by a "Give Way" sign?

Well, so often the church is expected to give way to changes in society in this post-modern world of ours. We are not expected to stand up and make a difference anymore, after all religion is just a matter of taste isn't it? It is a personel choice what you believe, as long as it doesnt hurt anyone else!

How close people are to the truth, yet how far away!

For me the most spectacular part of this Synod was . . . . .

. . . the presentation by Lord Mawson

"One Church, 100 Uses."

Revd Andrew Mawson (he is not just a 'Lord') began by telling us the story of his time at Bromley by Bow and how he worked with a very small congregation to develop one of the first church community centres of its kind in the UK. One of the first obstacles he faced was the red tape of local bureaucracy, but being a Minister in the Dissenting Tradition, he did not let this stop him!

Now the Bromley by Bow Centre is regarded as a model of what can be done by the church, even when apparently failing, to serve the local community, and still retain space for a worshipping community at its centre. The expertise gained at Bromley by Bow has been applied to other churches, particularly in the Souther Synod - it can work elsewhere.

In 2005 as Part of the Catch the Vision the Revds Andrew Mawson and Peter Southcombe were asked to explore the possibilities of utilising our buildings in better ways, based upon their track record of developing various church mission and community projects in the recent past. The result is One Church, 100 Uses, a re-development agency wholly owned by the United Reformed Church through its Synod and National Trusts.

The organisation already works with three of our Synods. The invitiation was for the East Midlands Synod to consider becoming involved in the next part of the scheme.

At last some visionary thinking and working in the URC!
At last the church comes into the 21st Century.

Presentation of TLS

The opening worship saw Alison and Charles Jolly receiving certificates for achieving a milestone in their ministry training.

Ministries

or Peter, an elder from my church this was his first visit to an East Midlands synod. He wrote: "Out of necessity the Synod is a business meeting and I personally found it frustrating that sometimes decisions were not made because there was a desire to finalise every detail before progressing and hence items were deferred." He was referring to the guidelines proposed by Paul Bedford from the Ministries Group regarding Payment of Expenses and Gift to visiting preachers and worship leaders. Based on policy already in use in Derbyshire (and other 'counties') it nevertheless drew a large number of comments, and was eventually withdrawn back to the group for further consideration.

Communion

David Featonby prepares for the communion service, standing below the stained Glass widow

Miscellany

Here are some photo's taken over lunch

The Moderator

Revd Terry Oakley, in the chair at the start of the afternoon session.

Christian Aid visits Synod

Sue Richardson, our Christian Aid Area representative, brought Christian Aid partner "Ripon" Masud Karim. Concerned about injustices in Pakistan, Ripon's organisation teaches literacy (less than 4 in 10 men can read, 1 in 10 women), State Law, Sharia Law, and Human Rights Law. The organisation also works to restore property to women

Climate Change

Charles Jolly said "The only unknown about climate change is whether it will be a disaster or a catastrope"

He then presented a short DVD on global climate change and strongly encouraged us to visit www.Creationchallenge.org.uk and www.operationnoah.org.uk to learn more.

Other business from the afternoon

In order from the top, left to right:
Duncan Smith, our Synod Clerk presented reports from Synod Enabling Group (SEG);
Elizabeth Nash our Training Officer, presented a resolution to send to General Assembly asking "Equal Opportunities" and "Nominations" committees to try to sind out why the URC has not been able to achieve equality of opprtunity and participation for women at all levels in the church;
David Miller presented the report from the Pastoral Group, which asked for executive authority on behalf of Synod to concur with the call of a Minister to a post.

Synod: 2007 - Spring

The East Midlands Synod
of The United Reformed Church

met on the beautiful Spring Morning of Saturday 10th March 2007
at Newport Pagnell United Reformed Church

The Church has a long history, being founded as a Congregational Church in 1660 by Revd John Gibbs was ejected from the Parish Church for refusing Holy Communion to some folk of the Parish. The current building, which dates back to 1881, has been extensively redeveloped inside and provided a pleasant and comfortable venue for synod.

Outside was nice too!

Here are my observations
of some of the things that went on at Synod.

These are not official minutes, and can not be guaranteed for their accuracy. I have concentrated on the things that struck me as interesting or important, and will have omitted reporting on some issues which you may have picked up.

Would you like to have a go at reporting the events at Synod for the website?
Then please let the clerk [at] urc5 [dot] org [dot] uk (Synod Clerk) know!
You do not have to be able to take photographs - I or someone else can do that.
David Legge

Resources from synod are attaced at the bottom of the page .

Synod this time was not as photogenic as in the past - the MMM event was not held, so that all staff could attend and share in the discussions about the shape of the new Synods. The bulk of the time (all morning and a good hour or so in the afternoon) was devoted to the Proposals for the New Synod which was extensively discussed and was the subject of several amendments. You can see the changes in the version attached to this report.

There was a healthy interest in the accountability and transparency of the new Synod. One of the first questions to be asked by Jim Brown (Castle Gate & St Andrew's) was "How does the local church raise Issues to be discussed at Synod level or Assembly?". Similarly, Les Gill (Whetstone) said that Synod needs to be accountable to the local churches, and this is not in the document. He laid a challenge on the synod members and local churches to make sure we work to make synod accountable to the local church. Alan Sell (who announced himself as "vagrant theologian") commented that the idea of Mutual accountability is inherent in the Basis of Union, under which every Synod must operate.

There was also some concern that much of the practical work of Synod - such as the Link with Botswana - will be devolved to "Networks". Eric Allen (retired Minister) reminded us that Networks are transient things - they depend on one or two key people to motivate the work, and can quietly fade away when those people move on. Duncan Wilson (Sherwood) was concerned that this apparent side lining of Church and Society matters gave the general impression that the church was not at all concerned about the world, but was totally inward looking.

One astute member asked about the 'shape' of Ordinations and Inductions. At present they are held in the context of a District Meeting (some Districts convene this in the vestry before hand; others more publicly in the service itself). There was a fascinating exchange among the platform party at the front over the interpretation of the new rules laid down by assembly, and a complete split of opinion as to whether it will be a 'meeting of Synod' or simply 'under the auspicies of Synod'! This will be researched!.

As the debate went on, these ideas were tested by asking Synod members to hold up an orange card if we were warming to the idea, or a blue card if we were not. Elizabeth Nash, in the chair, told us what she could see, so we had a feeling of which was things might go, and invited those in the minority to speak first. It was a wonderful way of facilitating the discussion, and I think made the work much lighter than it might otherwise have been. Elizabeth chaired the whole (long) session admirably.

I will not attempt to list the amendments to the document which came along with the debate - you should consult the formal minutes when they are produced, or look out for the revised version of the Booklet which should, in the fullness of time, find its way onto this site.

Synod was informed that there are discussions with the Charity Commissioners over the precise wording regarding some of the changes necessary in losing Districts, which might delay their adoption. In order to facilitate the changeover from Districts to Synods in July this year, Synod passed a resolution asking Districts to pass a resolution devolving their power to synod:-

East Midlands Synod requests Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincoln, Northamptonshire and Nottinghamshire District Councils to resolve that from 10^th July 2007 they devolve all responsibilities to the East Midlands Synod or its committees, and to recognise that the Synod meeting or duly authorised committees thereof, will act as East Midlands District Council, until the removal of district Councils from the structure of the United Reformed Church.

The debate above was interupted by Lunch,

and the celebration of Holy Communion....

The last hour or so of Synod was devote to the rest of the Business (initially expected to fill the whole afternoon!). It may have lasted for a shorter time, but it felt just as long as the rest of synod!
Here are some highlights

Granville Jackson gave an interesting presentation with photographs, on the recent synod visit to the United Congregational Church of South Africa organised to deliver a training course - Conflict Management through Mediation. The course was run at Kuruman, a mission station which was established by the London Missionary Society (LMS) in 1816 and built up by Robert Moffat in the 1820's. This was especially interesting to me as Moffatt was connected with my 'home' church, Roby URC in Manchester where you can still see "Dr Moffat's Chair" in the vestry.

Duncan Wilson presented the items brought by the Finance and Property Group, which included information from Robert white, Trust officer, about Entertainment Licensing. This is a minefield, and the penalties for not complying are high. Please read the minutes from Synod or contact Robert directly at the Synod Office if you have any entertainment at your church.
Also included in this section was a report from Derek Hopkins (right), the director of Crossways , about the program of events that are planned.

Muriel Garrow, seen here with Mission in the World convener John Hall in the background, gave us news about the forthcoming visit in July '07 of a Choir from Botswana. It will give concerts at four venues through the synod, as well as possibly appearing at General Assembly. Tim brought news of an interesting conference Engaging Faith .... building cohesion in our community; bringing people of faith and people from the statutory and voluntary sectors together.
Look at the Links below for machine readable version of the MitW reports to Synod.

Sarah and Avril presented a thorough report from Fury Assembly. The United Reformed Church is blessed with its youth and rightly organises top quality events at national and Synod level for them to be enabled to participate in the life of the denomination. The quality of the reports we receive at Synod bears witness to that.

Finally we returned to the Synod Structures.
"How are we going to fill all of those posts?" as been the question on many peoples lips. Well, Judith Booth and the Nominations sub group have been working hard, and presented a list of Nominations to Synod with very few gaps!
I think it helped that the New Synod Strictures are in fact very similar in many respects to the existing one.

...and the moderator closed the meeting
and we shared the grace together.

Synod: 2006 - Autumn

The EastMidlands Synod
of The United Reformed Church

met on the foggy morning of Saturday 14th October
at Sherwood URC, Nottingham.
This is the church at which the Synod Office is Located.

Here are my observations
of some of the things that went on at Synod.

These are not official minutes, and can not be guaranteed for their accuracy. I have concentrated on the things that struck me as interesting or important, and will have omitted reporting on some issues which you may have picked up.

Would you like to have a go at reporting the events at Synod for the website?
Then please let the clerk [at] urc5 [dot] org [dot] uk (Synod Clerk) know!
David Legge

Opening Worship focused on the fact that October was a "Month of Mobilisation" - there was a global call for action against poverty.

As part of the liturgy, we were invited to 'stand up against poverty' and to say these words (in solidarity with others who would be doing the same the following day)....

As part of the generation that demands an end to poverty,
I stand up:
- for the 30,00 children killed by poverty today;
- to insist that governments keep their promises to the poor to reach the Millennium Development Goals, and aim much higher;
- for action not excuses;
- for justice and equality;
I stand up against poverty.

After this Mrs Jill Turner (left), Secretary of Sherwood URC welcomed Synod to the church. and we moved swiftly into the business of the day.

Colin Udall briefly spoke about the exciting agenda the young people were going to follow (more later) and we wished we were joining them!

One of the young people, Daniella (right), spoke about the recent weekend Conference on Poverty.

Linda Granville, CRCW in Nottingham, and Synod Advocate for Racial Justice, delivered a presentation about the new "URC Multicultural Tool kit".

"It is about meeting Christ in a different other
... about discovering the fullness of Christ through the fullness of humanity.

Click the image for an order form.

Our moderator, Terry Oakley, gave a fascinating and well received talk to lead us into our discussion about New Synods.

Terry began with ideas from Mission Council: He asked us
"What would we like to be known for?"
Elaborating, he invited us to think of the Synod and our local church as people - what would they be like? Would the recognise each other?

Not that we are thinking of our obituary just yet. Terry said that there is a growing understanding that God is calling the URC not to disappear, but to be a par of the church of the 21st century! And if this is true, should we not expect there to be renewal and growth?

Terry developed the idea of the comparison between a church and a person - different people are at different stages of life - and so are our various churches.

The New Synods need to resource and support the lives of local churches - it is no use having a committee if it does not link in to the life of a local church in some way. Terry presented the latest draft of the working document for our discussions, and invited questions. Revd Dr Alan Sell brought a theological point rather than a question. He said that the purpose of the church (according to the Bible) is to worship the triune God and proclaim the Good News of God's saving love, and offered a small amendment to make that clear in the discussion document. Although it was in order to table such an amendment, I thought synod was in sympathy with it's sentiments.

In his reply to the two questions which were asked, Terry said there was a desire to enable local churches to set the agenda for Synods, and Synods to set the agenda for Assembly.

We then broke into small groups to discuss:
1. How can Synod have an effect to help local churches.
2. Do we prefer local area teams or a single team of experts.

The fruits of the written submissions from these groups will help shape the next draft of the discussion document.

You can also read the script of Terry's Moderator's Report which he delivered in the session after lunch.

During lunch we could :-

....Buy items from the Tradecraft stall....

....Give our treasurer great pleasure
by claiming our mileage expenses!....

After lunch, the synod session opened with what was for me the highlight of the day :

- a sketch about the desperate need for donations to the Retired Ministers Housing Fund - not because it will help my retirement, but because Duncan Wilson (seen here with his wife acting the role of a destitute on a park bench) was called (in the play) a "silly little man"!

Bob Pursar from the area known as 'Shire and Soak' (Northamptonshire and the Soak of Peterborough) spoke about the ecumenical work going on to ensure that 'the church' is represented in the new estates being built. In many places up and down the country, new estates have been built with no attempt to build 'community'. The churches seek to redress that, and are working together to enable local churches to engage in the planning process, and to enable them be 'be' the church in those newly built estates. This is seen as a mission opportunity to give the gospel to people at a time of movement in their lives. It will be an uphill struggle, because in their research they have found that people do not know their neighbours, and do not want to get to know them!

Stewart Dew, from the Church & Society Department in London, came to speak about developments there. A new interdenominational group has been formed for a trial period - between the URC, Methodists, and Baptists. This group is looking at how the Gospel can inform decisions on the big issues in society today. (See Appendix below)

He reminded us that next year in the bicentenary of the abolition of slavery, and asked "but has slavery really been abolished?". He reminded us about sweatshop labour around the world which brings us the cheap goods we desire; about people trafficking; and about Fairtrade and make poverty history.

Other 'hot' issues at the moment are 'assisted dying' - the need to discover God's justice in this field; and Trident (he commended the URC/Methodist publication "Peacemaking: a Christian Vocation". You can find more about the work of Church & Society on the URC national website.

The young people returned from the "MMM" sessions, and treated us to some drumming . . .

... to some drama . . .

... Terry closed synod in prayer, and asked for an encore on the drums.

Synod: 2005 - Autumn

The East Midlands Synod
of The United Reformed Church

met on Saturday 12th October here at Whetstone URC, Leicester.

Reports from Synod available
in the lincks at the bottom of this page include:

• Mission in the World (below)
• Catch the Vision

Mission in the World Report

Link with Botswana.

In the Synod Muriel will be presenting some of the experiences of the group that represented us at the 25^th Anniversary of the Botswana Synod of the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa. This is our "Link" Synod and at a later date we will bring proposals about ways in which we might use the link to our mutual benefit.

Rural Ministries.

Our major presentation for this Synod will be from Yvonne who will present us with some of the difficulties and opportunities found in rural ministries. However, our intent is not just to inform and offer prayer needs - it is to present models that raise issues of theology and praxis that may guide us all in the mission.

Emerging Evangelism.

There is also a book review. We want to encourage members of Synod and Church members to get into some theological reflection albeit at a fairly popular level. We will offer a review of some kind of resource material at each Synod to this end.

MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY

We remind Synod of the continuing programme related to MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY. As I am writing world leaders have assembled for the 60^th anniversary of the U.N. White band day 2 was last Saturday and the leaders are reviewing the Millennium Goals. We would urge ministers and churches to keep up to date with developments on the world scene and make prayers regular and as informed as possible.
Good sources of information are www.christianaid.org and www.makepovertyhistory.org.

Please note……….
2^nd November - mass lobby of parliament for trade justice.
Flyers and posters are to be produced for this.
One World Week is 23^rd - 30^th October and could well be used in conjunction with the lobby.
10^th December - White Band Day 3
13^th - 18^th December - World Trade Organisation Ministerial Conference in Hong Kong.

please pray for these initiatives and for positive responses that get put into practice.

The St.Philip's Centre.

The sub-group of the Leicester District are in the process of submitting an application for a Special Category Ministry related to the St.Philip's Centre in Leicester. Synod will remember the presentation given by Rev'd Dr Andrew Wingate in March about the hopes and aspirations of the St.Philip's Centre. Synod will also be pleased to know of the unique "Memorandum of Understanding and Agreement" signed in September between the St.Philip's Centre and the Islamic Foundation in Markfield.

In the final analysis mission is to do with people who come under God's kingdom rule sharing their insights about that kingdom with other people with whom they are in relationship. Our aim is to encourage them/you to do just that.

Synod: 2005 - Spring

The East Midlands Synod
of The United Reformed Church

met on Saturday 12th March
here at St Andrew's, Peterborough

This was one of the first new buildings to be opened
after the United Reformed Church was formed

Here are my observations
of some of the things that went on at Synod.

Opening Worship

was led by Revd Clare Downing and focussed on the MakePovertyHistory campaign.As part of the act of worship we were invited to help each other tie on a white arm band.

And there was every encouragement to buy
FairTrade and Traidcraft products from the well stocked stalls.

The Top table

The moderator, Revd Terry Oakley, and The Synod Clerk, Mrs Irene Wren, take their places on the top table.

The members of synod settle down in the church.

YOUTH

Tamara Oates and Sarah Bedford shared their experiences of Fury Assembly. After a memorable journey (more like an expedition!) they shared in the discussions which included topics such as FairTrade, Racism, and bullying.

John Brown

Synod was introduced to John Brown, the recently appointed national Youth & Children's Work Training and Development Officer.

John outlined the developments in Youth & Children's Work
following decisions at last years Assembly

He also promoted URCHIN
The URC's Youth & children's work magazine.

Mission in the World

Revd John Hall introduced some of the work of this Group

FairTrade: even though only 41% of local churches in the Synod have signed up to be FairTrade Churches, they Synod was able to vote to be a FairTrade Synod. Has your church decided to become a Fair Trade Church? Then let the synod know!!!!

Botswana Link: this is being developed.
Several people from Botswana recently visited the Synod and several local churches around the region.

MakePovertyHistory: You can't have missed this one! There is much work to be done leading up the G8 summit in July. Only around half of the $100bn debt cancellation that was promised has been delivered so far! Please send a postcard - or even better write a letter to your MP (a letter is worth 40 postcards!) to urge our government to continue its lead in this work.

We were also urged to look at 'leaning on' the USA
which is the engine behind the world's economy,
and forge links between us (and other european churches) & USA Christians

Leicester Centre for Theology & Ministry in a Multi-Faith Society: John Hall introduced Revd Andrew Wingate who works at this centre. He explained how vital is the work of building bridges across religious divides. We should not allow religion to the a reason for hatred and division.

Clikc here to see the Powerpoint Presentation (requires Macromedia Flash plugin)

Traveling Towards Gods Tomorrow
Biblical Reflection

The Moderator led us in a journey of Reflection through the Bible
- the Story of the continuing Journey of God's people with God

Mission Council

Irene Wren brought brief news from Mission Council. In particular she invited offers from synod for someone or some group to decorate the MDF letter (H) which she is holding in the photograph. This is one of eighteen letters which will form a huge cross formed from the words

Encountering Church

Encountering Church is the theme chosen for the year
by incoming Assembly Moderator David Peel

It is also the theme for URC Holiday Forum this year
which will be led by David and his chaplain Jill Thornton.

Finance & Property

Convened by Revd Duncan Wilson, and with the help of Revd Richard Turnbul (treasurer) and Robert White (Property Officer) this group presented budget information for they Synod, and news of the forthcoming pack regarding the Asbestos Surveys which churches are requested to undertake before the end of the year.

A Time to Heal

Tricia Lloyd announced details of the forthcoming URC East Midlands Health & Healing Day to be held on 17th September at Christ Church, Orton Goldhay, Peterborough.

Your Synod Rep and your Minister each has a leaflet.

There were other (less photogenic?) presentations at synod.

In particular, the resolution giving permission for Synod to explore the possibility of managing the Yardley Hastings Centre caused some careful debate. The resolution was considerably amended before being passed, in order to make clear the process to be followed in the desired Feasibility Study, and the committee which will take executive action on the report of that study before the next synod meeting.

The other resolution to cause some disquiet was a proposal to General Assembly from Leicestershire District that the URC should to nominate a person who would apologize to anyone who has been sexually abused by a member of the Church.

Synod Meeting March 2012

The East Midlands Synod
of The United Reformed Church

met on Saturday 17th March 2012
at St Andrew's United Reformed Church
Peterborough

www.standrewsurcpeterborough.org.uk

Here are my observations
of some of the things that went on at Synod.

These are not official minutes, and can not be guaranteed for their accuracy.
I have concentrated on the things that struck me as interesting or important,
and I will have omitted reporting on some issues which you may have picked up.

Would you like to have a go at reporting the events at Synod for the website?
Would you like to take the photographs?
Then please let the Synod Clerk know!

David Legge

Synod Started with Opening devotions
led by Revd Peter Meek, our Moderator.

Peter spoke on Mark 4:35-41
challenging us to trust Jesus enough
that we would risk 'sleeping with him in the boat.' 

You can read a summary of what he said.

The worship included the induction of Carol Jackson and Ray Greene
to the role of pastoral advisers
for Lincolnshire and Leicestershire respectively.

Following standard procedure Phillip Laws, the Church Secretary from our host church, gave us a little of the history and context of the church.

Reminding us that in the URC, ministry is the work of the whole people of God, Revd David Downing presented the "Ministries Group" report on Local Church Leadership.

There is a need in every local church for one person to be a recognised leader. Traditionally it has been 'The Minister', but we are entering into a time when every church can not expect 'their minister' to be present and available all the time. Can a lay person take on this role? What would it be called? How would it function? Are there other leadership roles within the local church that fall under the same umbrella?

We have been asked to discuss this pepoer in our Elders and Church meetings, and feed back our intial responsed through the Training Officer's PA at the Synod Office.

The URC National Assembly Mission Committee Report
was presented by our new representative,
Revd David Dean,
a new face in the Synod.

Charles Jolly enthused us all  to find and  encourage
people to take on the TLS course.
TLS is not just for training lay preachers - the core course is complete in itself, and there are several additional courses available for the third (and subsequent!) year.

Charles had plenty of material for us to browse on this
and on Green Issues.

Ann Parker came all the way down the M1 from Leeds to share her enthusiasm about The URC Commitment for Life programme. 

She shared her experience of visiting our Christian Aid partners in Bangladesh, where she witnessed the simple but innovative work being done to create safe places from, and build homes resistant to the increasingly common floods.

The Pastoral Group's Report was presented by Geoff Townsend,
with the delightful news that
bookings at Yardley Hastings (aka Crossways)
have gone up sufficiently to pay for some improvements
to some of the accommodation.

Geoff then presented the Groups paper on Deployment of Ministry.
Here things are about to change quite radically.
The number of Ministers that can be employed by the URC is determined by the income of the church nationally, which is, by and large, what it receives through M&M (Mission and Ministry fund) paid by every local church. This is declining in line with the decline in the number of church  members.

What is more, in the East Midlands, we already have five more than our fair share of ministers in post.

The paper outlines the situation in the Synod, and makes some suggestions as to what has to be done. meetings are being arranged in the counties open to anyone from any United Reformed Church to discuss this very issue.
Look out for a meeting near you soon!

With his St Phillips Multi faith Centre hat on, David Dean introduced John McCallum who spoke about the Near Neighbours Scheme which is running in Leicester. Any URC congregation in the CoE parishes listed are strongly encouraged to join with their near neighbours of other faiths to do projects!!!  It's a great Scheme.

This is a scheme funded by the government through the Church Urban Fund to encourage 'ordinary people' to set up some activity to get neighbours together. The condition is that they included people from more then one faith (or people from a faith and people of no faith). It is intended to have a light touch for the applicant. Three stories were told which churches anywhere could easily do - whether they can apply for the funding or not!

Lunch


and


FairTrade

Helen Lidgett ,
convenor of the Finance and Property Group (F&P)
presented the F&P report and spoke about the Budget.

because of microscopic interest Rates, falling membership
and the steady cl;sing down of the 'resource sharing scheme'
the east Midlands Synod is facing a huge deficit in this years accounts
- one that can not be sustained.

As far as I can make out, in effect the budget has been ripped up,
and each team given a 'budget' of zero.
They now have to look ahead and justify their expected expenditure,
showing how savings may have been made.

Robert White
spoke to the Property Officers report,
with quite a bit of additional information
which is available here.

The Radical Welcome Campaign: Revd Helen Carr and Revd Malcolm Fife gave a brief report as the the status of 'The campaign'.  Several churches have signed up for the full programme, and 'Companions' are being trained. However, more volunteers to be companions are needed. Please offer through the Synod Office.

Even if a church is not intending to join up fully, the 'Everybody Welcome Programme' is valuable (even for those churches that are already welcoming - there is always room for improvement!), and there is a wealth of additional material in the campaign's introductory pack. Your Mission Enabler can help with that.

Steve Faber gave a verbal report from the Mission Development Group
which had only met on the Monday before the Synod.
Inspirational,
and full of information about:

Getting small churches talking - our Synod has the second highest number of small churches in the URC, and we would like to facilitate small churches talking with others who are facing similar challenges in respect of mission engagement;

Sharing Your Good News stories via the e-Letter and the Website - there are many, many good things happening in the East Midlands, and we need to share the stories to encourage others.  You might feel that your activity is quite ordinary, but it might be exactly the news that someone else needs.  If you are willing to write a short paragraph for the fortnightly e-letter, we are willing to send someone to take photos and interview you for a web site article;

Back to Church Sunday- the URC is now a full partner in BTCS.  Registration opens on April 12th, and the main Sunday this year is September 30th.  If this Sunday isn't convenient for your church calendar, pick a different week.  What matters is that we need to get inviting people to church.  Synod were given the 30 second training session..."I'm going to church on Sunday and it's going to be great.  Would you like to come with me?"  Steve then gave the challenge: if your church isn't going to be great on sunday, then do something about it!  If any church finds it difficult to access the internet to register for BTCS, please speak with Steve or one of the other Mission Enablers and we resigster you for the day.  The Mission Enablers are also able to give further training and help with preparing yourselves for BTCS - research shows that the more carefully a church prepares itself, the more people tend to answer the invitations and the more likely they are to keep coming to church;

Using the London 2012 games locally - there is a huge wealth of resources at www.morethangold.org.uk to help your church run social, outreach, and social justice activities around the London 2012 Games (the Olympics and the Paralympics.)  Details of the Olympic Torch relay route were also given, and since it will be passing through many of the towns and cities where we have churches, this presents a further opportunity to engage with the community.

Please remember that the Mission Enablers - Jane Barron, Simon Ellis, Steve Faber, Lynn Fowkes, Les Gill and David Legge are available to help any church wishing to develop their mission.

Talking up the tail end of Synod,
Jenny Mills fielded questions about the Youth & Children's group report;
Irene Wren presented to Search Group report for adoption,
(with the usual plea: if there are people in your church
who might like to be involved in Synod Groups or take on a Synod Post,
please propose their names to Irene)
and Duncan Smith, our Synod Clerk presented his report.

Synod ended with a report from some of the people
who recently visited the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa in Botswana - now officially the East Midlands Synod's  'World Partner' Church - look at the signatures of the declaration:

The trip seemed to have involved a lot of Chickens!

Again, I will try to get a fuller report posted here on our website.

Those who had stayed on to the end were able to have home made  cake with their final cuppa, and some of us were able to take away some cartons of the fresh soup made locally and generously donated to the Synod by local "New Covent Garden Soup Company".

End of Report