We’re very much looking forward to our Representative Synod on 18th September – meeting at the Manor School in York. We’ll be taking lots of care to try to make sure that everyone who can come feels comfortable and safe. It will be a great opportunity to ‘take stock’ and look ahead to all that God has in store. A warm invitation is extended to all!
Dear Friends September 2021
We look forward to welcoming you to the Representative Session of the Yorkshire North and East District Synod on Saturday, 18th of September 2021. This will primarily be an in-person Synod, held at York Manor Academy. (York Manor Academy, Millfield Lane, Nether Poppleton, YORK, YO26 6PA)
We are aware that some people may not yet feel comfortable meeting in large groups, so there will be the option to attend via Zoom. However, with some of the activities we have planned, the virtual experience will have some limitations. If you feel you need to attend virtually, please let the district office (admin@yorkshirenemethodist.org) know so that we can plan accordingly – although you will be free to change your mind on the day! The Zoom link will be sent to those attending online in due course. (If you are attending virtually you might want some pen and paper to hand during the ‘lament’ section; some resources for doing the craft activities will be provided on the district website.)
The day will include the usual Synod business plus worship, workshops, and craft activities. We are seeking to create a sacred and safe place in which we will explore our Synod themes. As we focus on ‘lament’ there will be a creative time for bringing music, prayer writing…etc. We encourage Synod members to reflect in advance on this theme, and perhaps bring anything creative that emerges: poems, songs, prayers. There will be a time of worship before lunch where we will share both what has been brought and what has been created on the day.
We will begin at 9.30am and finish by 3:00pm, with breaks for refreshments. On another note, if you are attending in person and would require the use of the hearing loop system, please could you inform the district office in advance.
We are really looking forward to the opportunity to meet together physically again, but of course Synod will have a different feel as we mitigate the risks. Please bring a mask with you and your own mug for drinks. You will also need to bring lunch and any snacks that you might need through the day, though a pack of biscuits will be included in a bag you receive as you arrive! We also would ask that those joining us in person do a lateral flow test before attending. Also, if anyone is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, please contact the District Office so that they can give you the information to attend virtually.
Synod papers will be available on the District website at: www.yorkshirenemethodist.org/district/synods or can be requested to be emailed directly, or printed and posted, by contacting the District Office at admin@yorkshirenemethodist.org or by phoning/texting 07809 431871
In calling you to the Synod, it is also our responsibility to remind you, as required by Conference, that “every presbyter and every deacon who is not a supernumerary, and every presbyteral and diaconal probationer, unless, in any case, excused by dispensation of the Chair, is required to attend the Synod of which he or she is a member and to remain throughout its sessions. A dispensation of absence is to be given only on compelling grounds.” This also applies to Recognised and Regarded ministers.
Supernumerary Ministers and Ministers Authorised to Serve are welcome to attend the Representative Synod, but do not need a dispensation of absence if unable to attend. Lay members of Synod who are unable to attend are asked to notify the Synod Secretary via the District Office and to let their Circuit-meeting elected substitute have their Synod Papers.
We look forward to worshipping and reflecting together in these challenging times.
With best wishes
Leslie Newton Emma Crippen Chair of District Synod Secretary