Report

INTRODUCTION

The October 2003 Deanery Synod was held in Hinton St George Village Hall on Thursday 21st October at 7:30pm. 

The Rural Dean welcomed all the Synod members, and Rev. Stephen Lynas who would be presenting “First to the Lord."

The Rural Dean thanked Ross Coad for standing in as Lay Chairman for Catherine Cavender who was unwell.

Prayers were led by Rev John King, Vicar of Hinton St.George

PRESENT:

The Rural Dean - The Rev Nigel Whinney

The Lay Chairman - Apologies

House of Clergy - 8  with  3 Apologies

House of Laity  - 43 with 12  Apologies

Visitors: -  4

Minutes of the last meeting (12th June 2003) having been circulated to the Synod membership with the Agenda for this meeting, were, after consultation, approved and signed as a correct record.
(Proposed: Derek Esp; Seconded Ross Coad)

MATTERS ARISING:   

There were no matters arising

TREASURER’S REPORT:

Graham Tout spoke to his printed Report  distributed to members on arrival. 
 

The Accounts for 2002 were approved, and following discussion at the last Synod and further deliberations, it was agreed to ask for a contribution of £10 per Parish for 2004. (Nothing had been requested during the previous 7 years or so). Members were again encouraged to give the Secretary their e-mail addresses to minimise postage when possible).

RURAL DEAN'S NOTES

Nigel Whinney outlined some of the forthcoming events:

• 19 November: Clergy and Readers Day in Taunton

• 9 December  Advent Quiet Day

• 3 March  Bp.Peter on First to the Lord at Holyrood School, Chard, in the evening, for all PCC members in the Deanery.

SECRETARY’S REPORT:

 Sr.Phyllis advised the meeting of the 2004 Synod  dates:

• Tuesday 10th February at Combe  St. Nicholas at 7.30pm

• Wednesday 9th June at Curry Rivel at 7.30 pm.

• Thursday 21st October at Ilminster at 7.30 pm.

In apologising for sending out some inadequate sets of Minutes, she asked that on receipt of the Minutes of this and subsequent Synods she is immediately notified if anything is amiss so it can be rectified sooner.

RURAL AFFAIRS

Ross Coad reported:

Church Walks: So far £7,500 has been raised towards the £10K needed, contributions having come from District and Parish Councils and Shell Better Britain and individuals.

Food Links: Following Christina Ballinger's visit last Synod, it is proposed to follow up some of the suggestions. It was noted that the Chard Farmers Market has restarted on Fridays at the Guildhall.

Rural Sunrise: An envelope containing information regarding Monica Cook's visit on 17th November to Ilminster was given to one rep from each parish to encourage participation in the evening's programme at 7.30 pm in the Minster Rooms.

Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith:: Rev Tim Price will give a presentation on 3rd December in the Parish Church, South Petherton. All welcome..

FIRST TO THE LORD

Presentation by Rev. Stephen Lynas

Based on 2 Cor 8.5:"The Macedonian Christians gave themselves first to the Lord, and then to support the Jerusalem church."

We are strongly encouraged to follow the FTTL programme, though not compulsory.  There are 4 strands:-

1.Changing Lives

This will be considered in detail in The Bishop's Course - daytime, home or Lent Course, and will also be promoted during the Evenings with Bishop Peter as he visits each Deanery early in 2004.  (Copies of the flyer for the Bishop's Course, A Prayer Diary and a synopsis of his presentation of FTTL were available from Stephen Lynas - Clergy and Reps were encouraged to take copies).

FIRST TO THE LORD (Cont'd) 

2.Reviewing Expenditure

This will be at Diocesan and Parish level, requiring wise budgeting and spending, recognising particular changes and trends both in the way we live; movement of population and church-going all of which impact on Parish/Diocese costs and Income; also the deployment of clergy.

 3.Equipping the Preachers

Arranging Retreat Days and Training Days in the Archdeaconries.

 4.Sharing the Challenge

This will require our commitment to the Lord and to the Ministry in the Church with its inevitable changes; looking at various ways of communicating teaching, activities, options - passive or active?

Deanery FTTL Visitors.

The Deanery FTTL Visitors will visit PCC's in the Deanery in pairs, starting after Easter 2004. 

Some concerns/questions which arise: What does God want us to do/stop doing  as we can't do it all How will God resource what we need to be doing? Our Evening with Bishop Peter on 3 March will give us little time to be ready after Easter - may need short-term plans as well as long -term visions.  Stephen Lynas and his staff will be involved in initiating and inviting PCCs for the FTTL Visitors.

We have too many churches in the Deanery and often what the architects require of parishes is excessive - how can we be more resourceful and where possible use DIY?  Our greatest danger is being in the comfort zone and not wanting to face stark facts of reality.

Churches' Friends organisations/Societies can be good models for encouraging even non-churchgoers to be actively interested. Stephen Lynas was thanked for his presentation.

Future Deanery Synod Meetings:

10th February 2004–  7:30pm Village Hall, Combe St Nicolas

The Synod closed with the saying of the Grace at 9.15pm