General information about Representative Synod
Representative Synod: 18 September 2021, Manor Academy, York
Thank you to everyone who contributed to our District Synod. It was a great chance to meet together physically, and on Zoom: in worship and workshop, fellowship and conversation. Reflecting on:
- all that we’ve experienced over the last 18 months
- where we are now and
- how God is shaping us for the future.
It was a day that inspired us to think about Lament, Laughter and Looking Forward: with worship, speakers, creative activities, humour and reflections by Jo Enright, and workshops on topics of ‘Looking Outwards in Mission’, ‘Creating a Greener Future’, ‘Becoming a More Inclusive Church’ and ‘Growing as an Intergenerational Church’ amongst others…Representative Synod is far more than a business meeting, and it was great to have many visitors of all ages!
Agenda and calling letter
Synod representation proposal
Reports
Action for Children report
Learning Network Newsletter
Applications to cease worship:
Cease worship Keyingham
Cease worship Kilham
Cease worship Hampsthwaite
Cease worship Rainton
Publicity from other organisations:
All We Can video
Learning Network video
JPIT Yorkshire Conference video
Other Links:
Videos shown at Synod – YouTube Playlist
Methodist Conference 2021 – Highlights Video
Hymns used in worship:
Jesu Tawa Pano (StF 27)
Be still and know that I am God (StF18)
Take this moment (StF 513)
As the deer pants for the water (StF 544)
Lord, I come to you (StF 471)
All my hope on God is founded (StF 455)
Love divine, all loves excelling (StF 503)
Hear the call of the Kingdom (StF 407)
Creative Contributions and Craft Activities:
Lament activities instructions (pdf)
Printable prayer card (pdf)
Poem by Karen Portsmouth (pdf)
Prayer Card:
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
Representative Synod (online): 24 April 2021
All videos from our Synod on 24th April 2021 can be found in this YouTube playlist here
We are very fortunate to have Deacon Eunice Attwood and Revd Dr Peter Phillips joining our synod. You can read some background to their ministry here
Catch up with the talks below. You can find copies of their slides here:
Deacon Eunice Attwood Slides
Revd Dr Peter Philips Slides
Papers to be considered by the synod can be found below.
Reports:
Property report
District Advance Fund report
Treasurer’s report
Safeguarding report
Children’s and Youth Work report
District trusteeship proposal
York Circuit memorial
Bridlington Circuit memorial
Local Preachers’ Book of Remembrance
Learning Network newsletter
Applications to cease worship:
Appleton, Ryedale
Riccall, Goole and Selby
Borrowby, Thirsk and Northallerton
Maunby, Thirsk and Northallerton
Hull Central, Hull (Centre and West)
Trinity, York
Deferred Special Resolution
Resolution
Briefing note
Circuit voting
Publicity from other organisations:
Fund for Human Need
JPIT response to immigration consultation
Extraordinary Representative Synod: 27 February 2021
An additional session of synod was held to consider the God in Love Unites Us resolutions. The report, along with supporting information, can be found here.
The resolutions voted on are here. Synod members voted in favour of all resolutions.
Representative Synod: September 12th 2020
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the planning and delivery of our Synod. It was especially encouraging that Synod:
a) agreed to seek Conference approval for a brand new, non-geographically defined Circuit to provide a District-wide ‘new place for new people.’ and
b) committed to becoming a Net Zero Carbon District by 2040, at least.
Technical info for how Synod worked can be found in this FAQ document here
All videos shown at Synod, along with notes and documents, can be found on this page:
www.yorkshirenemethodist.org/news-events/district-synod-recordings-and-notes
Representative Synod: April 25th 2020
Dear Synod Members, We are writing to inform you that the Conference Office has agreed that all spring Representative Synods that have not yet been held should now not take place, due to the necessary restrictions in place. Of course, the main theme for these Synods would have been the resolutions contained in the God in Love Unites Us report. Although it is uncertain when we will begin to return to normality, it is important to be clear that the Methodist Church will ensure that there is proper opportunity for all the District Synods to confer and register their votes before any decisions are made by the Methodist Conference (whenever it turns out that the Conference next meets.) In the meantime, please be assured of our care and prayers for all of you, and all our churches and circuits in these challenging days.
Every blessing
Leslie Newton and Jackie Gaitley
District Chair and Synod Secretary
Facebook Live – Representative Synod
In addition to papers sent out to Synod members, Revd Leslie Newton, Chair of District, will offer a live video for Synod members (and anyone else who wishes to view) lasting about half an hour on Saturday 25th April at 10am. Catch up below, or on this page here
Transcript of Leslie’s message ‘Fly the Flag’ – click the link below to open/download the document
Facebook Live transcript 25th April 2020 by Leslie Newton (pdf)