Synod
The London District Representative Synod has 439 members. They are made up of lay members elected by the churches and ministers. It meets twice a year in Spring and Autumn at Westminster Central Hall. Its work is co-ordinated by the Chairs and the District Synod Secretary, Bala Gnanapragasam. For further information contact Bala.
The Ministerial Synod for all 231 ministers in the District meets annually in the Spring. Information on forthcoming Synods can be found here as soon as it is available. An important part of Synod business is to respond to the decisions and initiate business at the annual Methodist Conference.
Future Synod Dates
Representative Synods
Saturday 28th April 2012
Saturday 15th September 2012
SEPTEMBER 2011 REPRESENTATIVE SYNOD
Summary of the proceedings
The London District Autumn Representative Synod met at Central Hall, Westminster to reflect on the theme ‘Leaders for Changing Times: Inspiring, Equipping, Renewing.’
The Synod opened in worship, and heard the story of Naaman, which was discussed together from the various viewpoints represented in the text. Those ministers joining the District were warmly welcomed, as were guests from the Methodist Church in Italy.
Much of the morning was spent considering issues of poverty in the light of this summer’s riots. Paul Morrison, research officer in the Connexional Team, talked about poverty and inequality, and challenged the District to hear the voices of those on the margins of our society, and to respond to their expressed needs. Alexandra Weekes-Aggrey spoke about the atmosphere in Tottenham which led to the rioting while Dorothy Greaves spoke from her perspective as a magistrate.
The morning ended with presentations on the challenges facing Dalit children from Kasta Dip of the Church of North India, and on fostering from Barbara Russell of Action for Children.
In the afternoon session the Synod approved the appointments of district officers and committees for the next year, and elected its representative to the 2012 Conference. The Synod voted to recommend to the Conference the Revd Michaela Youngson as a District Chair from September 2012 alongside Revds Jenny Impey and Stuart Jordan. This was Revd Ermal Kirby’s last Synod as a Chair; a farewell service will be held at Central Hall on 27th November.
In light of its earlier discussions, the Synod adopted a notice of motion recognising that challenging poverty and inequality is a priority for the church, and calling upon political leaders to take into account the voices of the marginalised, whilst offering sympathy to those affected by the riots.
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Spring Synod 2011
District Review
At the September 2010 District Synod, synod members discussed the District Review process in small groups, considering their vision for the district, and what they thought were the most important tasks for the district to accomplish. All of these discussions were recorded and analysed by the District Council. The Council compiled a summary of the suggested tasks, which can be seen here. For more information, or for full details of the discussions, please contact the District Council Secretary, Martin Harker.
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London District Synod Saturday 11th Sept 2010
The London District autumn synod met at Central Hall, Westminster to consider the theme “Belonging Together”. The Rev Jenny Impey greeted the synod on behalf of the District Chairs, and introduced the theme, drawing on Ephesians 4:1-16. The many ministers moving into the District, and the new lay members of synod were warmly welcomed.
The Rev David Gamble, now ex-President of Conference, shared some of his thoughts on the business at the Portsmouth Conference, not least his delight at now being permitted to speak!Synod then considered an external review which the District Council had commissioned to assess the progress of the London District, now four years after its creation. Members engaged in lively debate in small groups on their visions for the District, and proposed tasks and goals for the District to focus on over the next three years.
In the afternoon, synod heard from a number of guests, interviewed by the Rev Tony Miles. The Rev Dr Keith Albans, Group Director of chaplaincy and spirituality at MHA spoke about the challenges and possibilities of chaplaincy with elderly people in an ageing society. The Rev Dr Ebute Obiabo, explained the Biblefresh 2011 initiative, for which he is the District's coordinator, and enthused synod to help church members engage with their Bibles.
Finally, synod heard from Michael Smith, a serving London police officer, and the founder of Word 4 Weapons, an organisation which places secure knife and gun bins in communities around London. Most of these are located next to churches, which make available special Bibles to give to anyone who would like one, in exchange for the weapon they have disposed of. Last year nearly 700 weapons were taken off the streets, and the group is expanding rapidly, intending to launch outside of London later this year.Synod discussed the Conference report Justice for Palestine and Israel, with the Revs Susan Male and Colin Smith talking about their engagement with Jewish communities in their areas. Synod also considered the report Leading and Presiding, and voted to retain a two-person, one-year presidency. Representatives were elected for the forthcoming Youth Assembly and next year's Conference.
Synod gave permission to cease worship at Keston Church in the Bromley Circuit, giving thanks for all the work which has been carried out there, whilst it was pleased that Battersea Mission has now been able to reopen following renovation in time to celebrate its 70th anniversary.
“Get Connected”, an event for the District's young people, also took place in parallel with synod. Workshops were held in the afternoon on worship, gospel music, and dance, followed by a celebration in the evening.
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London District Representative Synod April 2010
The District Synod on 24th April and the Celebrations that followed the business enjoyed a good attendance. The messy church was attended by 18 children and they had a whale of a time. The ‘Caribbean picnic’ was enjoyed by all as children played on the sand, families seating under the palm trees enjoying their picnic or dancing to the beat of the steel band or joining in with the quadrille dancers. The offering taken during the evening celebration amounted to a generous sum of £1759.07. The whole sum, including gift aid element where appropriate, will be given to the work of rebuilding Haiti, as the District remembered its people on Saturday.The vocations DVD ‘Pushing the Door’ is available for anyone who wishes to request a copy. Just contact the District office.
Our thanks goes to all those who have worked hard in making Synod and all the extra activities a great success.London District Synod April 2010 – Photographs
There are photographs of the London District April Synod available through these links below – ENJOY!
General/Building/People
Welcome/Business
Children's-Messy Church
Steel Band
Evening Celebration
Dancers
Food/Picnic