District Synod

Over 140 representatives, ministers, supernumeraries, and visitors came together on Saturday 7th May at Manor Academy in York to join in worship, conferring, conversation, talks, workshops, and more. Looking to God to relight the fire of our faith, passion, and action. A day of encouragement, challenge, discussion, and fellowship.

The full live stream of the morning is available to watch back here

Thank you to everyone who contributed to District Synod. Representative Synod is far more than a business meeting, and it was great to have many visitors of all ages!

Re-invitation
Extension of the invitation of Revd Leslie Newton as Chair of District
Synod agreed to recommend to the Methodist Conference that District Chair, Revd Leslie Newton, be reinvited for a further 5 years from September 2023

Reports
Children and Youth Report
DAF Report
Property Report
Action for Children

Applications to cease worship:
New Earswick
Stamford Bridge
Barmby Moor
Finghall
Dunnington
South Cliff
Thorngumbald
Bolton

Jill Marsh – Justice, Dignity and Solidarity

Watch the video on YouTube here

Related resources:
www.methodist.org.uk/about-us/the-methodist-church/the-inclusive-methodist-church/

Note:
See below for more on the Justice, Dignity and Solidarity “Community of Practice” that is being proposed for the District

Rachel Lampard – Walking With Micah

Watch the video on YouTube here

Related resources:
www.methodist.org.uk/our-work/our-work-in-britain/social-justice/walking-with-micah/

Trey Hall – God for All

Watch the video on YouTube here

Related resources:
www.methodist.org.uk/our-work/our-work-in-britain/evangelism-growth/explore-the-god-for-all-strategy/

A prayer for Synod written by Elliot and Emma Crippen:

Relight our fire, Lord;
Help us burn with a passion for you again,
Fan the flames, Lord;
Rekindle the embers of our past, and revive us, Lord, again.

Relight our faith, Lord;
Help us flourish in the world as a force for peace,
Re-ignite the spark, Lord;
Encourage the sharing of our faith, and your kingdom, we pray, increase.

Relight our passion, Lord;
Help us navigate new challenges for this generation,
Set our hearts ablaze, Lord;
Inspire us to live your way, and be inclusive, for all, in our nation.

Relight our action, Lord;
Help us centre on wellbeing for everyone,
Let our love burn, Lord;
Facing issues of today, and seeking justice, like Jesus, your son.

Relight our fire, Lord;
Rekindle the passion for our future, and revive us, Lord, again.
Amen

Creative Contributions and Craft Activities:
Lament activities instructions (pdf)
Printable prayer card (pdf)
Poem by Karen Portsmouth (pdf)

God in Heaven,

As we come together in this moment of lament,
our thoughts go to those who are now absent;
our journey has been a weary one, our hearts are full of loss,
we come before you and lay our burdens at the cross;
hold us close while we are in this space of grief,
and with your grace help us to find some relief.

As we come together in this moment of prayer,
we are comforted by your love ever present ever there;
our faces long to smile, with hope for brighter days ahead,
we come before you, Jesus, to receive our daily bread;
fill us with your joyful spirit come what may,
and with your grace help us to see your blessings in every day.

As we come together in this moment of change and transition,
we look forward, excited for new ways to fulfil your mission;
our hands to give, and our hearts to serve,
we come before you to receive your word;
surround us with your spirit as we look for guidance from above,
and with your grace help us to move forward in your love.

In Jesus name, Amen