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THE UNITED REFORMED CHURCH

Minutes of the General Assembly of the United Reformed Church 2004

Sunday, 4 July 2004 First Session

Opening worship was conducted by the Chaplain; Bible study was led by the Revd Dr Janet Tollington.

Catch the Vision

The General Secretary presented the report of the Catch the Vision Steering Group.  The Moderator greeted members of the Catch the Vision steering Group.  It was noted that there would be opportunity for debate later in the Assembly.

The Revd D. Alasdair Pratt took the Chair.

Synod Resolutions

Mrs Rosalind Fearon, on behalf of Northern and North Western Synods, moved adoption of Resolution 2:

Resolution 2                                  

Northern & North Western Synods

General Assembly agrees to transfer the Local Churches at Bewcastle; Brampton; Carlisle; Silloth; Wigton; Cockermouth; Harrington; Workington; Penrith & Penruddock and Whitehaven from the Northern Synod to the North Western Synod and authorises the two Synods to effect this transfer at a date convenient to both.

Seconded by Mrs Ruth Clarke

Resolution 2 was carried.

The Revd Paul Breeze, on behalf of Yorkshire Synod, moved adoption of Resolution 3:

Resolution 3

Yorkshire Synod

General Assembly invites Local Churches and Church Members to adopt Sunday 3rd October, or such other date as may be more suitable, as a Day of Repentance and Rededication in which they may repent of their shortcomings and recommit themselves to Christ, the eternal Word of God made flesh.

Seconded by the Revd Ray Stanyon

After debate, the Revd John Marsh, seconded by the Revd Brian O’Neill, proposed that the Resolution be now put. Assembly agreed, with the required two-thirds majority.

Resolution 3 fell.

Election of Moderator of General Assembly 2005/6

The Assembly Clerk explained the voting procedure.  The Moderator led the Assembly in prayer and the vote was taken.

Youth and Children’s Work

The Report of the Youth and Children’s Work Committee was presented by the Revd Kathryn Price. 

After responding to a number of questions, Ms Price, on the Committee’s behalf, moved adoption of 
Resolution 38:

Resolution 38

Youth & Children’s Work Committee

General Assembly notes that after considerable research the Youth and Children’s Work Committee has been unable to comply with the instruction contained in resolution 12 of 2003 ‘to use the model of the Ginger Group teams and work with others in drawing up plans for the development of a team to become a resource to local churches . . .’.

General Assembly therefore calls upon the Youth and Children’s Work Committee:

•     to re-establish a network of District and Synod youth secretaries to complement the children’s work network;

•     to develop an Assembly-wide data base of youth and children’s groups and workers, with the aim of sharing resources and skills;

•     to have regular quality mailings, building on the success of Urchin and Bridge, which shall include opportunities for the participation of young people and children;

•     to develop a five year plan, focusing work under the headings of Belonging, Worship, Discipleship, Evangelism and Action.  All are to be featured in every year, but with a particular emphasis on one in each;

•     to ensure that all those working within the United Reformed Church with children and young people are adequately trained for their role;

•     to monitor, in collaboration with Training Committee, training in work with children and young people offered at all levels, including ordination, Continuing Ministerial Education and Training and Learning for Service;

•     to support and advocate the Youth and Children’s Work Trainers’ programme;

•     to create a forum for theological reflection on youth and children’s ministry both within the United Reformed Church and ecumenically;

•     to offer opportunities for children and young people and those who work with them to explore faith development and spirituality;

•     to ensure good stewardship.

After debate, Resolution 38 was carried.

A film was shown of the Pilots’ visit to Legoland.

Mission Council

The Mission Council Report was presented by the Revd D Alasdair Pratt.

The Revd Ray Adams and Mr John Ellis responded to a number of questions.

Assembly adjourned.

Sunday 4 July 2004 Second Session