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1 The Wessex Synod Strategy Committee has been developing its strategy for growth in missionary congregations and the use of resources to support that endeavour. The Synod has re-affirmed: that the primary purpose of the synod is helping to supply resources to the local church for worship and mission the synod's commitment to releasing the resource of the whole people of God the synod's wholehearted commitment to ecumenism at all levels of the church. 2 We work very hard to stimulate all our people to consider what God is calling them to be and to do, in the church and in the world. This has resulted in a growing number developing skills and knowledge through TLS and training for different ministries. As displayed at General Assembly 2001, we have introduced the process called the Wessex Navigator. This follows our previous document 'How do you see your future?' which was used at the time of a ministerial vacancy, in assessing a major building project or within a district consultation. The new programme is intended to apply to all these situations, but it is aimed more particularly at encouraging all churches to keep their work and witness under constant review. 3 Since the last report from Wessex in 1999, we have welcomed 3 new churches into the United Reformed Church, but sadly the total number of churches has decreased by 6. Not all of these have closed - some have united with neighbouring churches. In the light of 'Growing Up' we have come to see that the closure of a church building may be a constructive move, and District Councils continue to grapple with the implications of this. 4 As a result of the closure and sale of church buildings, the synod has received significant sums of money. This income has been used in a number of ways - a New Projects Fund which was intended for major projects in buildings or personnel, but has so far mainly been used for the former; the support of two pilot projects of family workers in local churches; a thank offering of £200,000 which will be divided between Christian Aid, Sarum College, and a fund to provide grants to smaller churches for innovative mission projects. Major building projects have been carried out successfully at a number of churches including Charminster (Bournemouth), Elstead, Fleet, Henley-on-Thames and Westborough (Guildford). 5 In addition we have introduced a Manse Policy with the aim of ensuring that all ministers have appropriate accommodation. The synod has taken responsibility for providing the manses and paying for major repairs, but to help fund this initiative redundant manses are being sold and all manse funds wound up. This process has met with some problems, but we are convinced that it is taking the housing of ministers in the right direction. 6 We have continued to develop our ecumenical policy, encouraging joint working wherever possible and looking carefully at any requests for grants towards building work in Local Ecumenical Partnerships. The local informal relationship with the Methodists has been maintained and strengthened - a liaison group of Wessex with the Southampton Methodist District meets regularly to discuss matters of common interest. The Synod and District plan joint training sessions on a variety of subjects for the whole people of God throughout the area. 7 Amongst the activities of local churches, we have been glad to participate with our ecumenical partners in the formation of Local Ecumenical Partnerships to serve large new housing developments at Whiteley (Fareham) and Elvetham Heath (Fleet). A rather unusual project has been initiated by our Parkstone church which called a half-time minister (an Anglican) who has been appointed also as half-time civic chaplain in the Borough of Poole. 8 We have said farewell to our Moderator, and wish Derek and Anne Wales a long and happy retirement in their new home in Chichester. Derek served Wessex faithfully throughout his term of office, and we are particularly grateful for the way in which he strengthened the links with our many ecumenical partners. Now we set off on a new voyage of discovery with Adrian Bulley. We have also welcomed three other new members of staff. Our Youth and Children's Work Trainer Ann Martin moved to another job in January 2001, and after much thought we delayed naming a direct successor, but instead we have made a short term appointment of a Youth and Children's Development Worker, Andrew Micklefield. The extent of our building projects programme has led to the introduction of an Assistant Synod Officer (Properties), Terry Pearce, and a new post of Trust Financial Officer has been filled by Nigel Grice. To complete the changes, we have moved the Synod Office from Chandler's Ford to refurbished premises in Southampton. 9 In July 2001 we held our first Synod Day for a number of years. It was entitled 'Joppa Journey' and held at the Leisure Centre in Eastleigh. The idea for the name came from the story of Jonah, and this led to a whole range of imaginative workshops and activities, from 'A hole in the boat' to 'Learning to surf'. Attendance was restricted by the inclement weather, but those who attended voted it a considerable success. We cannot promise exactly the same range of events when General Assembly comes to Portsmouth in 2003, but we look forward to giving you all a warm welcome. |
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