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1.1 In the past year the Southern Synod said farewell to Revd David Helyar who has retired after being Moderator for the last 14 years, around 800 people gathered with David and his wife Mary for an afternoon of memories, thank yous and worship at Worth Abbey in July 2001. Then in September people were delighted to gather again as Revd Nigel Uden was inducted as Moderator in a service held at Sanderstead URC. 1.2 The Synod has designated that four of the available stipends will be used for strategic ministries. A group is in place to oversee this process, guidelines have been drawn up and proposals have been received. 1.3 The Synod continues to employ a development officer and a half time ecumenical officer, as well as the equivalent of a half time mission and evangelism enabler in each district. Training for both lay and ordained has been encouraged in a variety of contexts, in order to support and develop the lives of churches and individuals. 1.4 After over a decade operating in the same space with the same number of staff hours, in spite of an ever increasing workload, the Synod office is undertaking a review. It is hoped that this will find ways of easing the administrative burdens. 1.5 A provincial consultation took place in April this year, taking the form of a Synod vision day. This set out some of the priorities for the coming years and the implications these will have on the structures currently in place. 1.6 To illustrate the breadth of the ongoing work within the life of the Synod at this time, this report will outline five areas of work. 2 Youth and Children's Work 2.1 In October 2000 the Synod unanimously agreed a resolution that encouraged all churches to nominate a youth and children's work elder. In the past year all districts have been encouraged to consider how they can further support and develop youth and children's work in local churches. One district is currently seeking to raise the funds to employ a district youth and children's worker. 2.2 Whilst many churches continue to operate successful traditional methods of working with young people and children, others are trying out new ways of working as they seek to engage with the young people and children in their communities. The trend of churches employing youth workers continues and the Synod has made funds available to support this. 2.3 In October 2001 over 100 people gathered on a Saturday morning for a seminar led by Ishmael, another such event is being planned for 2002. A FURY event is being planned to run alongside the October Synod meeting. The Canterbury district still runs their summer camp that attracts over 150 young people and children. Many local churches have devoted time to training their youth and children's leaders and considering future strategies for work with young people and children. 3 Asylum Seekers in the South-East of England: The response of the Church 3.1 It was vital that the voluntary sector, and especially Christians in Dover, played a part in welcoming Asylum Seekers and supporting them against the prejudice and hostility that was very evident in the community. The Asylum Seekers Support Group, based at St Columba's United Reformed Church, Dover, created a space for recreation, counselling and care. 3.2 The volunteers are from the different denominations in the town. We have been able to provide legal help, support for prisoners, clothing and food and school uniforms as well as friendship to groups from many countries, but especially the Roma from the Czech Republic and Slovakia. These families are persecuted by skinhead gangs, and have found what is in effect an 'oasis' and a place to find friendship and trust. 3.3 This is still the only church venue open in the area for Asylum Seekers. A publication entitled 'Welcome the Stranger' is due to be released soon, showing in words and photographs the past five years working in Christ's name. 4 Links with India 4.1 In 1999 the bishop of Rayalaseema Diocese, South India, asked the Southern Province of the URC to forge a partnership link. This was taken up. 4.2 With the help of the Belonging to the World Church Programme Bishop CBM Frederick and two other representatives came to Britain for five weeks. During the October 2000 Synod a partnership agreement was sealed using these words, 'We belong together and wish to learn from one another's experience through fellowship, prayer and regular exchange visits in order to share our understanding of the faith we have in common and our vision for the future, and so that we can be more faithful and effective in the work of God's Kingdom.' 4.3 Ten people from the Synod went to India in January 2002 for three weeks. They were overwhelmed by the warm welcome and hospitality they received and are now sharing this rich experience with others. 5 Regeneration Development Officer: A new appointment 5.1 A large proportion of our churches are engaged in community outreach and development through parent and toddler groups, pensioner clubs, after school clubs etc. but more could be done. More churches could be engaged in local issues, especially in the new climate of acceptance of faith group involvement by the Government but often are not through lack of understanding on how to access funding and writing business plans and monitoring progress. 5.2 Regeneration is about re-establishing hope by re-fashioning society it is not about cosmetic tinkering to make things look better; it is about employment opportunities, environmental responsibility, neighbourhood pride, active citizenship, community development. This new work takes that which is decaying, neglected and life sapping and seeks to transform it into that which is renewed, nurtured and life giving thus enabling crumbling communities to enjoy a renaissance. In short the work of regeneration is a Gospel activity, a mission opportunity which makes things new and offers hope. 5.3 The Synod has appointed Revd Peter Southcombe to spearhead this work and to establish mission opportunities through community engagement and development with churches, local, regional, national and European government officers. 6 Lomas House 6.1 A new venture, a place for equipping saints, restoring lives, and discerning new ways forward! Its called Lomas House and it's in Worthing. It's a 25 bedroom Edwardian house, at present being fully refurbished and restored, originally a home for retired missionaries, a few who still remain there, acquired by the Southern Synod last year from CWM who sought to sell it. 6.2 The vision for its new life was initially caught by local people and in the end, thanks to the wider support of the Synod, came into being as a new retreat and training centre available to all. Its aim is to provide opportunities for small groups and individuals seeking time away on retreats, quiet days, and times of healing and renewal, and offering helpful courses for leaders, teams, church secretaries, elders meetings, and any who are looking for something to help them develop their gifts and skills in the life of the church and beyond. Hopefully it will also be a place that encourages and inspires churches to explore new ways forward for mission, worship, evangelism, buildings, closures, unions and prayer. 6.3 It is a place for us all, always with an open door to whoever seeks its life. It is geared for the smaller group or church so they are more able to come away and reflect in a place appropriate to their size and ethos. A place of peace and prayer from which might flow new life to the praise and the glory of God and the advancement of Christ's Kingdom. 7 In profoundly challenging days for the Church in Britain, Southern Synod is excited by these five significant areas of work, and by many others besides. We recognise gratefully that many people, much effort and untiring prayer are at the heart of it all. To God alone be the glory. |
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