Godstone Deanery Synod

Report on the meeting held at South Godstone on 21 February 2005

Zimbabwe Link: presentation by Bishop Nick

Although the Central Zimbabwe Link goes back about 20 years, many parishes now know very little about it or have given up. A complete re-launch is planned to coincide with the visit of Bishop Ishmael to this country at the end of June and beginning of July, for the Southwark Diocesan Centenary celebrations. Wide ownership of such a link is essential if it is to be maintained. It should be seen in the spirit of mutuality, with us receiving as well as giving and it is envisaged that parish to parish links will be built up, hopefully leading eventually to actual visits in both directions.

Bishop Nick showed some slides taken during his eight day visit to Zimbabwe last Easter when he and his wife had stayed with Bishop Ishmael and his wife. We were able to build up a picture of a totally different style of worship, where people would walk for twenty miles to gather in the open air around a tree to celebrate a Eucharist lasting several hours on Easter Day, and then walk home again. Inflation is high and clergy stipends difficult to afford. An intimidating atmosphere is present in which a careful path has to be walked between upholding the truth and putting oneself at personal risk. However, Bishop Nick painted a very positive picture of Bishop Ishmael as someone to be trusted.

Hilary Brand, newly appointed Chair of the Croydon Area Zimbabwe Link Working Group, is responsible for publicity concerning the re-launch of the Link, with posters and email newsletters. She intends to make a video when she and her husband visit the country in the near future, which would be available for parish use. Anyone who would like to be added to her email list of parish contacts should get in touch with her.

Business Meeting

New Godstone Deanery Boundaries

There is a proposal to redistribute parishes more evenly amongst the three deaneries, Caterham, Godstone and Reigate, which make up the Reigate Archdeaconry. Godstone would be the least affected, the only change being the addition of Nutfield Parish. However, these proposals are yet to be confirmed.

Deanery Fun Day

This will be on Sunday 19 June at St Andrew’s Convent, Edenbridge. Anyone who went last year will remember a wonderful hot summer’s day (it is snowing as I write this!) in a beautiful location with a magnificent tea provided, including strawberries and cream. It is hoped that a representative from each parish or group will attend the planning meeting at St John’s Church, Hurst Green on Monday 16 May at 8pm.

Area Dean’s Remarks (the title “Area Dean” has now replaced “Rural Dean”)

We were reminded that Deanery Synod elections take place this year and parishes were asked to let the Deanery Synod Secretary have the results as soon as possible. As Secretary, could I also add that any email addresses, as well as names and postal address would be very gratefully received!

Financial Update

The bank balances all appear healthy. Three parishes have overlooked their Deanery Synod subscriptions, but I won’t embarrass them by naming and shaming again (hopefully they have now paid up!).

Forthcoming Events

Make Poverty History: meeting on Saturday 2 April at St Mary’s Church Hall, Oxted, to study trade, aid and debt. Peter Ainsworth (Conservative), Jeremy Pursehouse (Liberal Democrat) and James Bridge (Labour) will be there.

The next meeting

Wednesday 8 June, at St John’s, Hurst Green, when the Rochester Report (Women Bishops) & Windsor Report (consecration of an actively gay bishop in the USA) will be considered. If this sounds interesting, please consider standing for election to the Deanery Synod, which meets just three times a year and provides a good point of contact with our neighbouring Anglican churches.