Revd Nigel Cowgill welcomed everyone to synod and Revd Tony Miles welcomed everyone on behalf Methodist Central Hall.

Opening Worship was led by the Epsom Methodist Church, Sutton circuit on the theme “Now is the time: Come to the Cross”.

Introductory Business

Denise Tomlinson (Synod Secretary) introduced the business.

Welcome to New Members of Synod.

The synod secretary welcomed new lay representative to synod and the following ministers who are new to the District:

• Deacon Tessa Bennett (West London Mission)

• Revd Craig Gaffney (Blackheath & Crystal Palace)

• Revd Jenny Impey (Tower Hamlets)

• Revd Donghwan Kim (Harrow & Hillingdon)

• Revd Saidu Kanu (Battersea & Wandle Valley)

• Revd Greg Obong-Oshotse (Lesnes Abbey)

• Deacon Sarah Jane Rigby (Romford)

• Revd Ajay Singh (Ealing Trinity)

Dispensations Dispensations were given to 18 presbyters.

Appointment of Scrutineers

The synod appointed the following scrutineers

• Aba Amponsah-Dadzie

• Ade Benson-Ogundimu

• Cynthia Bond

• Joan Drummond

• Virginia Hopson

• George Kulasingham

• Ruth Imbo

• Caroline Ogunsola

• Adrian Pickett

• Sheila Platt

• Omotayo Roberts

District Representatives to Methodist Conference

Lay reps

Synod are seeking to appoint five lay people (three of whom for three years)

One nomination received.

Synod agreed the following resolution:

Synod are asked to appoint Ms Sarah Murray for three years.

Ministerial reps

Synod are seeking to appoint three Ministers (Two for three years)

Three nomination received

Synod agreed the following resolution:

The Synod are asked to appoint Revds Stephanie Njeru and Mmasape Zihle for three years and Revd Roz Hollingsworth for one year.

Synod agreed the following resolution regarding the remaining vacancies:

The Synod delegates to the District Council to fill the remaining vacancies for Methodist Conference representatives on behalf of the Synod.

Report from Methodist Conference The synod watched the conference highlights video.

Laughter and Lament – conversation with the Global Relationships Team. Andy Dye (Programme Team Leader) shared experiences of the Global Relationship Team over the last 18 months. These included both the challenges and the opportunities faced by our partner churches.

Reflections of Ministry & Mission in a time of Change

Revd Tony Miles led a conversation with Belinda Letby, Janet Arthur and Wes Gibbs reflecting on their experiences over the last 18 months.

Act of Remembrance Revd Dr Jongi Zihle led the act of remembrance remembering all those who have died over the last 18 months. Synod remembered all Local Preachers, Lay Members of synod and those silently named.

Ministers who have died since the last Synod

• Revd Barnabus Alexander (Sutton)

• Revd Michael Baker (Lesnes Abbey)

• Revd Jessie Cobb (Romford)

Lunch

District Council Business

Hilary Porter (District Council Secretary) introduced the District Council Business

Appointment of Deputy Chairs

The synod agreed by a show of hands the following resolution. “The District Council recommends to Synod that the Revd Rosamund Hollingsworth is appointed to serve as Deputy Chair for an initial two years with immediate effect.”

The synod agreed by a show of hands the following resolution.

“The District Council recommends to Synod that the Revd Faith Nyota is appointed to serve as Deputy Chair for an initial two years with immediate effect.”

District Appointments

Synod agreed by a show of hands the following appointments:

District Archivist – Revd Martin Wellings

Candidates Committee Member – Revd Matt Lunn

Synod agreed by a show of hands the following resolution:

“The Synod delegates to the District Council any further appointments which need to be made before the next April Synod (2022).”

Authorisations and Approvals Synod noted the application for Authorised to Serve as Presbyter (SO7££) for Revd Bethany Lewis (Sutton)

Synod agreed by a show of hands the following resolution “The Synod notes the actions taken by the District Council with regard to authorisations”

Permission to Discontinue Public Worship

Aveley Methodist Church, Romford Synod approved the following resolution by a standing vote.

The Synod gives permission to discontinue public services in accordance with SO493 (1) at Aveley Methodist Church.

Ministerial Business

Sabbaticals

Synod agreed by a show of hands the following resolution:

The Synod to approve the recent decisions made by the District Sabbatical Group.

2019/20

Revd Sue Creighton

2021/22

Revd Japhet Kabilu

Revd Ling Yu Ji

Revd Charity Madenyika

Deacon Ali McMillan

Approval of Letters of Greeting

Synod Secretary Denise Tomlinson asked that the following letters of greeting were approved:

• Deacon Andrew Packer

• Deacon Karen McBride

• Papa Kwaku Owusu

• John Koomson

Synod approved by a show of hands.

Synod closed with worship. Revd Jonathan Hustler preached A retiring Collection was taken for the World Mission Fund

Next Representative Synod: Saturday 30th April 2022