ARCHDEACONRY SYNOD REPORT       2010

 

INTRODUCTION

It was my privilege and pleasure to be one of your representatives at the annual meeting of the Archdeaconry Synod.

This year the gathering was hosted by the Chaplaincy of St. Vincent’s on the Algarve.

The theme of the 2010 Synod was “Making a Difference”.

 

BUSINESS

There was much business to conduct; minutes and matters arising from the previous Synod, financial matters, and the presentation of a report from the Diocesan Synod.

In his financial presentation David specifically asked us to convey his thanks to Chaplaincy treasurers for their efficiency and ‘making a difference’ to his work.

 

An important aspect of Synod business was the feed-back from five working parties convened after the last Synod to address issues raised about the Care of our Clergy.  The groups had looked at: The roles of the elected laity, Appointments, Pastoral Care, Communications and the Roles of the Archdeacon and Area Dean

There were recommendations of considerable relevance for ‘making a difference’ to the lives and work of our priests.

Perhaps the most important message for us all came from the Cathedral Dean when he said; “Every person in the church community must be cherished, valued and loved by everyone else and at the heart of our relationships must be prayer…..the ultimate responsibility for pastoral care lies within the prayer life of each of us.”

 

At another business meeting Bishop David returned to the issues raised by the Working Parties and gave us his perceptions and thoughts. He commended the commitment of Synod members to being proactive and recognizing and responding to potential difficulties faced by our priests. He gave some time to the issues arising out of the bullying of priests and the consequences for their lives and work. He also commented that the Diocese of Europe is no longer a backwater where clergy are tossed to spend their lives drinking G and T on the beach.

 

WORSHIP

Worship is an integral part of the Synod and there were many and varied opportunities for worship.

The first act of worship was a Eucharist with the singing, readings and prayers being led by the children and young people of St. Vincent’s.

Two traditional Morning Prayer services were led by Readers.

A coach trip took us to celebrate the Eucharist in the beautiful little church of St. Luke’s set in a private estate of retirement homes.

The Bishop led a Eucharist with the laying on of hands and anointing of oil for healing.

 

  

FELLOWSHIP AND FRIENDSHIP

Fellowship and friendship are significant aspects of the Synod. Meal times, the occasional ‘free period’ and entertainment in the bar provided opportunity for fellowship and the renewing of ‘old’ acquaintances. In addition, there were two Bible Studies led by a Reader with time for group discussion and exchanges of thoughts and understandings of our faith.  

A fellowship event was also provided when we were treated to ‘A Taste of Portugal’ with some Chaplaincy members dressing up in national costume and with a range of food and drinks to savour. 

 

MISSION

Making a Difference through Mission was a theme running through the Synod.

Mission to families was the motivation for Lucy Moore (a vicar’s wife in Portsmouth) starting up what is now called, Messy Church. Her vibrant enthusiasm, energy, and commitment to reaching families in a very different way in her own local area is now an international movement. 

Her Messy Church meets monthly during the week. Parents, careers and children of all ages come together after school for a time of craft work, followed by a simple act of worship and then they have a meal together. It is an alternative to traditional Sunday Church appealing to families and bringing them into the life of the church community. 

 

The highlight of the whole Synod (for me at least) was the presentation of the Mission Team to Peru Project.  Each member of the team present at the Synod gave us their reflections and impressions of what had clearly been a truly worthwhile experience.

This presentation was preceded by a talk from Rebecca Locke, a representative of USPG. She gave us some useful background information about the work of Bishop Bill and his wife Judith, in Peru. 

 

Bishop David also made reference to mission in one of his reports when he said that it was his plan to spend some time with each congregation setting mission and ministry priorities. 

 

CONCLUSION

I found the Synod a very valuable experience and opportunity. It is good to get a wider perspective of what is going on in other Chaplaincies and to feel a part of the Diocese of Europe.

Linda Cade