Godstone Deanery Synod

Report on the meeting held at Bletchingley on 13 November 2006

Healing, Health and Holistic Care

A record number of members (since my time as Secretary) turned up at Bletchingley Village Hall to hear Revd Canon Nicky Tredennick, one of our own members, speak on healing, health and holistic care. As Diocesan Adviser on this subject, Nicky is currently involved in three local training programmes, including one at Hurst Green where the healing ministry is being revived ecumenically and one in the Windmill Group, which is focusing on prayer.

Why the Church should be concerned about the Healing Ministry

• Jesus healed and authorised his disciples to do likewise (St Matthew 10: 1)
• The Bible advocates praying for those who are ill or suffering (St James 5: 13)
• Prevalent in society are concerns about physical health and exercise, questions of faith and also a widespread spiritual hunger. It is important to offer a Christian ministry in response to this.
• What each Church can offer will vary with the particular context and skills of individuals

In summary

Healing can be a misleading word with the expectation of a cure. We have to be open to what God wills for us. Jesus was the great healer and he heals through us; we are healers only through the gift of the Holy Spirit and are all in need of greater wholeness; our final wholeness comes at the point of death.

For further information

• Ask your D S representative for a copy of sheet produced by Nicky Tredennick (or e-mail me for one)
• Read: “A Time to Heal Handbook: The Development of Good Practice in the Healing Ministry” (Church House Publishing)

Business Meeting

Deanery Re-organisation

Some time was spent debating this, and parishes may also be consulted on the matter at some stage. Within the Reigate Archdeaconry there are three Deaneries: Reigate, Godstone and Caterham. The original plan was to reduce the huge Reigate Deanery by amalgamating some its parishes with the much smaller Caterham Deanery. However, Bishop Nick is now advocating leaving Reigate as it stands and Caterham and Godstone combining to form the new Tandridge Deanery.

Graham Paddick, Vicar of Dormansland, presented the Bishop’s case for combining Godstone and Caterham Deaneries, which is basically one of mission. The newly formed Tandridge Deanery would cover roughly the same area as the local authority, Tandridge District Council, and as such would form a more effective Christian body, better placed for influencing and engaging with local issues such as housing, drugs, youth, exclusion etc.

The arguments against are that it would become too large and unwieldy; that the current TDC was created in 1974 from Godstone and Caterham District Councils combining, and the areas remain fundamentally different in nature; that Godstone Deanery is successful as it is and that a more effective way of bringing influence to bear on TDC is through local networking and an approach our local parish and district councillors.

After some considerable discussion it was agreed to vote and the decision was in favour of Godstone Deanery remaining as presently constituted, with 32 votes in favour, 4 against and 12 abstentions. During the course of the evening, the temperature had risen considerably and someone was dispatched to turn the heating down (perhaps the boiler at Bletchingley Village Hall is just particularly efficient?!)

Other matters

• The previously unfilled lay vacancy on the Diocesan Synod was taken by Bill Pressey of Bletchingley, who will consequently also become a member of the Deanery Synod and his PCC.

• There was Deanery interest in a proposed talk on Islam at Hurst Green on a Saturday morning.

· Southwark is aiming to become a Fairtrade Diocese and a volunteer is sought to become a Deanery Fairtrade champion. Anyone interested should speak to David Butlin or Caroline Shrieve at Trinity House.

Next Deanery Synod Meeting

Tuesday 6 February, St Mary’s Hall, Oxted. Speaker Tom Sutcliffe: “In my Father’s house are many mansions”

Janet Harman, Deanery Synod Secretary (janet.harman@ntlworld.com)