Godstone
Deanery Synod
Report on
the meeting held at Smallfield on 18 November 2004
The meeting began with Ann Wright being presented
with a bouquet of flowers as a token of thanks for all she had done during her
four years as Secretary. David Butlin, the Rural Dean, then welcomed the new
Secretary, Janet Harman.
Using
Census Statistics as a Basis for
Every incumbent has received data from the 2001
Census relating to his/her particular parish.
This information can also be found on the diocesan website at www.dswark.org/census and includes
information on age profile, ethnic group (almost 100% white in this area),
religious affiliation (although shown as predominantly Christian, only about 5%
of those claiming affiliation are practising), living arrangements
(co-habiting, divorced etc) and country of birth.
We were encouraged to identify appropriate methods
for ministry and service to the community, based on the social patterns
revealed by the census statistics, perhaps offering worship at different times
of day or during the week, making best use of all the talents within a
congregation. Faith communities should
become involved in local issues, such as planning and transport; seek to tackle
local problems like alcohol and drug abuse and build relationships with other
churches and other religious traditions.
It is important to try to see the world from the
perspectives of the most excluded, avoiding resentment and “tit for tat”
behaviour, to build relationships, resist the rush to possess truth, showing
concern for the world rather than ourselves “for whoever finds life will lose
it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it”. Terry Drummond emphasised the importance of
knowing our context, and seeing ourselves all as theologians in the world. We should affirm people in the “secular”
areas of their lives, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in these other places
beyond the church.
Terry Drummond is soon to leave his post of Social
Responsibility Adviser, to become Bishop Tom’s Chief of Staff, Personal
Assistant and Lay Chaplain.
Business
Meeting
Rural Dean’s Remarks
The Rural Dean formally recorded the sad news of the
death of Peter Atkinson which had occurred since the last Deanery Synod
meeting. He had been Rector of Burstow
and Horne only for about a year. We were
asked to keep his wife, three children and the parish in our prayers.
Stephanie Sokolowski moved from the Godstone United
Benefice at the end of July.
Peter Moseling from
Financial Update
Parishes are to pay an increased £12 subscription for
each synod member: this had remained at £10 since 1988.
Reports: Board for Church in
Society (Representative Sue Mallinson)
Established in 1994, this Board has now been
disbanded, the large number of members rendering it unworkable. Two smaller groups containing people with
specific skills and interests are to be created in its place. A copy of the summary of minutes from the
last two meetings is available: please contact Deanery Synod Secretary.
Diocesan Synod
(Representative Michael Lawrence)
The presidential address had included the topics of
human sexuality, women bishops,
Forthcoming Events
The next meeting will be on Monday 21 February, at St Stephen’s,