Report from Synod, March 2011

       My second venture into the world of Synod was a little further away this time – a trip to Kent, the garden of England.  It was too far for a day trip so John, Doreen and I decided to travel to Canterbury and stop over.  Naturally we stopped off on the way and had some tea.  You have never seen such a big mug.  We eventually got there and checked into the hotel, which had free tea and coffee facilities so we immediately liked it.  There was just enough time to wander into Canterbury, where we caught a glimpse of the Cathedral and drank some tea.

       The following morning we set off for Synod, stopping off at picturesque Chilham on the way.  It had beautiful Tudor buildings, a castle and church. 
       We tore ourselves away and arrived in Willesborough in good time.  Unfortunately, it took longer than expected to find the church but we still got there in time for a cup of tea followed by a big lunch, which was just what we needed after our huge breakfast.  After a well-timed trip to the one lavatory, we trooped into the church for the meeting to begin.
       The meeting opened at 1:10pm with devotions lead by Gerald Kirsch and there were 8 clergy and 23 lay members in attendance.  After the minutes, matters arising included the Clergy Benevolent Fund, which some churches hadn’t been paying into and so would be asked to do so.  The Anniversary celebrations were looking to be expensive (in the region of £12,000), but we could have an affordable key ring made to our design.  The Jerusalem Declaration was pretty much sidelined and would be reviewed in more detail at Convocation.  There were 4 or 5 people in training to become lay readers, but the search would continue.
       There then followed the Bishop’s report, stating the Year Book was ready and the next draft would follow soon.  The conference following last Synod had provided a real feast of spiritual food.  He had been sad to hear that Rev Geoff Collins had received his home call but had been unable to attend his funeral in Skye due to insufficient notice.  Barry Jones had also received his home call.  The Day of Prayer had been a good day, with 37 people attending at St Jude’s.  Paul thanked me for my poster.  He also reported the Denomination had been accepted as full members of Churches Together in England.  Again, John proposed a vote of thanks for all of Paul’s work in the Diocese and local churches.
       We then came to the treasurer’s report, but first Ron asked for more giving to the Home Mission Fund.  Colin then managed to get a word in and after giving a very healthy account, he proposed increasing the amount in the quota for the fund to £70.  Following much discussion, Colin again managed to get a word in and said he proposed holding a ‘Jubilee’ year, as described in Leviticus.  Other than the payment to the Home Mission Fund, there would be no quota for 2011.  Remarkably, there were two people against this motion but 17 for so it was carried.
       Following the Stipend Fund report (all going well), we came to the election of officers where everyone who held office last year were re-elected. A full list of officers is now available on the Diocesan website!  (www.fcofesd.org.uk)
       For the first time we had a brief report from each of the churches.  This was a well received section of the meeting, where even the less well off churches found positive things to report.  It gave an indication that the Diocese was in a very buoyant mood, despite any difficulties being faced.  The Diocese had much to be thankful for.
       Any other business was upon us, which included signing yet more Charity Commission forms as the Diocese also had to register as a charity.  It seems a never ending process.  I also gave a brief report on the website progress and I am pleased to say the website is now live.  Yay!  Paul also showed off his new FCE flag, which looked very smart.
The next Synod would be held at Sunbury Court on Monday 17 October 2011, followed by the Southern Diocese conference, Monday to Thursday.  We then closed the meeting at 3:10pm.
       Following another well timed trip to the solo lavatory, it was time for the Memorial Service being held for Rev Geoff Collins, which was well attended and we were pleased that Geoff’s son was able to attend.  This was a moving service and it was incredible to hear about all that Geoff had done in his lifetime.
       After another cup of tea and some supper it was time to return home.  Sadly, we delayed by an accident on the M1.  Other than finally collapsing on the sofa at around 11pm, it had been a very good day and I enjoyed the entire trip.

Report from Convocation 2011

Once again we knew lunch would be a struggle.  So we came up with a cunning plan and I found a potential picnic location that was on the way to Convocation.  As often happens with best laid plans, we actually ended up having a very rushed lunch in a layby on the A38.  I sprinted to the four door ‘restaurant’ in the pouring rain and ate lunch whilst watching cars whiz past.

            After a rushed glass of wine and a cheese and onion cob, we got to Swanwick with minutes to spare, time enough to sign in, say hello to old friends and take our seats. 

Convocation got underway at 2pm and the new members were welcomed.  After the usual hymn, reading and prayer came the roll call and this year there were 33 lay members, 16 ministers and 5 visitors in attendance.  We then elected the General Secretary, who is once again Paul, with thanks from Primus.  In a fair imitation of cars on the A38, we whizzed through the rules of order, letters of apology, memorials (which sadly this year included Barry Jones of Emmanuel) and letters of greeting.  We just had time to receive all the reports before breaking for afternoon tea.

It was finally time for the annual game of “Where’s my room?”, made interesting this year as it was still pouring down with rain.  Fortunately, being familiar with the layout of The Hayes, we could head straight for the closest door, find our rooms and then move the cars to the closest door.  Fortunately, someone had some brains and remembered to get the door code before we left and locked ourselves out in the rain.  This tactic meant we didn’t get too wet, which made Eric the Lion very happy.  Simon the Bear was also made happy when we bumped into friends for him to smile and wave at.

We resumed business at 4:45pm and raced through the reports.  There was some discussion regarding the period the Bishop’s appointments should be given for, and then the news that Charity Commission registrations should now be done online.  Joy.  This meant adding each of the trustees’ details by hand.  There were a few groans at this, but also some people looking a little smug.  Then there was a round of applause in thanks for the people travelling to Exeter.  Once again, Dad was able to give his report on day one and gave the good news that the quota is staying the same as last year.

Leaving the election of officers for the next day, it was time for tea, which for me was a rather nice steak and ale pie.  We were impressed with the food this year.  After tea came Evening Prayer and the Convocation Charge, given by Bishop Primus John McLean.  His sermon was riveting and contained hard hitting home truths – the Denomination was at risk of dying out if we didn’t grow.  We were charged not to let this happen.

After the service there was only one thing left to do; go to the bar.  Once again we had a good evening of fellowship and catching up with people we see once a year.  Dad beat me 2-1 at pool.

After an interesting breakfast discussion which included Abbots Ale and Bishop’s Finger, we got back to business with the election of officers.  John McLean was voted back as Primus with a very gratifying 46 votes for and only 3 against.  Next was the General Treasurer and I declared in a loud voice “I’ll propose my Dad”.  He was elected unanimously.  The remaining elections ran smoothly, with the same people as last year being re-elected.  Norma and Marlene did say this would be their last year as Convocation Organisers.

The election of committees followed, and once again these were mostly the same as last year, with only a couple of changes.  We moved onto the motions.  The second year approval for some articles and cannons was passed with no problem, as was tidying up amendments for the admission of deacons.  After the break, the motion to remove the byelaw about the retirement age for ministers resulted in a lot more discussion, as this was a hastily written law for a sensitive subject.  It was however eventually removed.  Ministers may now carry on into their doddery.

After a lunch of jacket potato and chilli (I got a plate of cold meat with little fuss), we got back to serious business and watched a short video of Paul and Mark pretending to be super heroes at the St Andrew’s children’s club.  Bishop Primus wondered how we were meant to follow that, as he now felt very old.  To which, Bishop John pointed out it was too late, as the Byelaw had been removed.

Moving back to the Charity Commission, Convocation agreed to apply for charity status. This meant the whole of Convocation filling out another form, and that someone would have to enter these details online.  Joy, again.  She’s going to be busy.

The date of the next Convocation would be 21-23 May 2012, held again at The Hayes Conference Centre.  Another session came to a close.

As Convocation isn’t all about business, that evening we had a night off, and did something a little different.  We held a talent showcase.  We’re a surprisingly talented bunch of people, but the effort that stands out was Rev Robert Wilson standing on a chair, holding a coat hanger and reciting a poem about being a statue in London.  It was an enjoyable evening, ending in the inevitable singing competition and traipse off to the bar.  Alas, this visit was Scotch free (and not even Scott free).

The final day of business dawned.  We started off by hearing a report from Bishop Gerhard Meyer, and it was good to hear the success stories of the REC in Germany.  He also mentioned someone from Croatia wanted to join the REC, as well as someone from a Lutheran church.  This was followed by Norma and Marlene giving out their inimitable gifts of appreciation.

We were then given the cost of Convocation, which this year was a little over £12,000 and included a donation of £201 (one of the collections) to the ‘Church restoration group’.  After a lengthy and comprehensive vote of thanks, the minutes were approved and Convocation closed.  We weren’t quite done though, as we had to have the annual group photo, during which Paul tried to take a panoramic shot of the whole group.  I ran from one side of the group to the other, to try and be in the photo twice.  It’s a shame the photo didn’t work, but at least it wasn’t raining.

After another tasty lunch, the time for goodbyes had come around again, and surprisingly fast.  It was another good year for business, fairly sensible debate and enjoyable fellowship.