DISTRICT 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)
SEPT 2026 - "Turning the page"
Saturday 12th September, 2026 | huntington methodist church, york, YO32 9sh
Our Autumn synod happened on the 12th of September at Huntington Methodist Church and on Zoom. We were excited to welcome and get to know Romeo Pedro as our new District Chair
Slido Responses
ONLINE CELEBRATIONS OF HOLY COMMUNION. Video shared by The Connexional Team for autumn synods 2026 – you are welcome to use, show or share this video to prompt conversations in local churches or circuits
Conference Highlights Video 2026
What's one thing you'd like to tell Romeo about life in your circuit?
Slido responses – 52 votes
GROWTH & POSITIVITY (19)
Example comments: “Our circuit is flourishing and exciting things are happening”, “Being positive not negative”, “Caring and willing to adapt”, “Embodies joy and sorrow”
CHALLENGES & STRUGGLES (18)
Examples: “To many meetings”, “Struggling financially”, “Connexion have forgotten us”, “Too big to be coherent”, “Complex”, “HELP”
COMMUNITY SPIRIT (15)
Examples: “Travelling the same direction together”, “Friendly”, “Connected”, “Outward looking”, “Wonderful People”, “Missional”
CREATIVITY & FRESHNESS (10)
Examples: “We are trying new things”, “Fresh Expressions”, “Risk Taking”, “Exciting ideas”, “Curious”
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION (6)
Examples: “Diverse”, “Increasing age”, “Varied but vibrant”, “Rainbow Sparkly”
STAFFING & SUPPORT (5)
Examples: “Presbyters are overstretched”, “Understaffed”, “Pressure on staff”
FOOD & FUN (5)
Examples: “We have good cake”, “We do cake”, “Lots of cake”
RURAL & YORKSHIRE (4)
Examples: “Come and see the cows”, “Rural”, “’Get on with it’, This is Yorkshire.”
Previous Synods
Meeting God at the margins: discovering holy ground - May 2026
We were joined by Eunice Atwood to explore Church at the Margins, and voted in our new District Chair – Revd Romeo Pedro
Where are we needed most - Sept 2025
We met together to start exploring as a District our call to go where we are needed most. We looked at deprivation across our District, and started to think about what next steps we may need to take.
Transforming the status quo - May 2025
We met together exploring the theme ‘Transforming the Status Quo’ which included presentations by Revd Andy Lindley and Revd Ruth Gilson-Webb and engaging conversation around tables
How can we flourish in times of tension and conflict? (Sept 2024) - Hybrid
We were delighted to welcome Katie Bradley from ‘Place for Hope’ (www.placeforhope.org.uk) who, with the Revd Graham Jones, led a session entitled: ‘How can we flourish in times of tension and conflict?’ Katie is Manager of the ‘Way of Peace’ programme (www.placeforhope.org.uk/support/methodist-church-way-of-peace) which is being run in partnership with our Learning Network. Our District is part of the first phase of introducing this Reconciliation and Mediation programme across the Connexion. Enabling us to reflect on how conflict can be used positively in ways that help to develop strong, growing and missional communities.
The Kingdom of God is like - May 2024
"Many Parts, one body" - September 2023
"God's Future Stories" - May 2023
Workshops
- Justice and Inclusion with Alister McClure
- Intergenerational Church with Amy Shepherd
- Discipleship: Methodist Way of Life with Rev Rory Dalgliesh
- Digital Ministry with Elliot Crippen
- New Places for New People with David Perry
- Church at the Margins with Liane Kensett
- Creative Prayer with Lydia Harrison
- Net Zero with Adele Borrowman and Tim O’Brien