District Synod

The Kingdom of God is like...

Saturday 11th May 2024 | York

District Gathering

Join us for an exciting day of inspiration, workshops, and conversation as we explore together the theme “The Kingdom of God is like…” Open to everyone – we are hoping to have 250 people from around the district gathering at York Manor Academy.

Click here to book your free place
(just so we have an idea of numbers)

Scroll down to see some of the topics and workshops that we hope to explore, to give a taste of what to expect on the day.

We can’t wait to see you in York on Saturday 11th May
9.30am – 3.00pm
Manor Academy, YO26 6PA

We hope to have an exhibition space, opportunity to learn and discuss, formal workshops, and creative spaces for craft and prayer. The day will start with worship and include a small amount of Synod business. Please bring your own lunch and reusable cup for hot drinks.

Details of the day:

A full programme, including a formal agenda, reports, and calling letter for Representative Synod, are coming soon. We will update this page, and share details on social media, the district newsletter, and email Synod members.

9.30am – arrival, tea & coffee, chat, and Interactive Exhibition area open to explore.
10.00am – Opening worship with music led by Burniston Band and introduction to our theme by Revd Leslie Newton
11:00am Synod Business
11.15am – Coffee Break
11:45am Workshop One
12:45am Lunch
1:30pm Workshop Two
2:30pm Final Worship
3:00pm Home!

Workshops:
The Kingdom of God is like… a place where our stories are heard, just as they are – Rory Dalgleish
The Kingdom of God is like… waiting with God – Fran Rhys
The Kingdom of God is like… joining in with Jesus’ revolution – Leslie Newton and Naomi Prince
The Kingdom of God is like… yeast in the dough: Craftism – Andy Lindley and Liane Kensett
The Kingdom of God is like… full inclusion for all disabilities and neurodiversity -Lydia Harrison and friends
The Kingdom of God is like… helping refugees – Clare Willis (Refugee Action York)
The Kingdom of God is like… a well-tended Garden – Tim O’Brien and Simon Pringle
The Kingdom of God is like… full bellies – Gordon Hay (Resurrected Bites)
The Kingdom of God is like… taking time out to hang out with your mate Jesus – Tara Goodall (TakeTime meditation)

Exhibition Stalls:
Carecent
EcoChurch Clinic
MHA
Discover The Kairos Movement
Reading the Bible Imaginatively
Demonstrating AI and creative online church
Craft activities to do and take away
Creative prayer space in the chapel
Bricks and Mortar – the world of buildings
All We Can
Methodist Women in Britain
District Youth Team

PAPERWORK:

Reports

District Manse Committee

District Property Report

Other paperwork

Greetings from the Learning Network

Memorial

Past Synods

Representative Synod is an exciting church event that takes place in autumn and spring each year. In addition to discussing formal business, Synod is an opportunity for us to gather as a district to worship, learn and share stories. It’s a place for conferring, conversation, talks, and workshops. Everyone is welcome to attend, and it is open to any visitors – come along to hear inspiring speakers, be challenged with focused workshops, and connect with others from all around the district in sharing experiences, challenges, and discussions.

Details of Representative Synod are usually posted about a month in advance on this page, sent directly to Synod members, and also publicised on our Social Media Accounts and District Newsletter. See the sections below for details of reports and other information that is available in advance.

General information about Representative Synod (formal details – downloadable word doc)