29 Nov

Deanery Christmas Mailing

Dear Friends

I hope that you are all well and getting excited for all your Christmas services and events. We all know how full on this month can be, so it’s important to take some time to plan for a break afterwards and I hope that you will all do that.

Again, as you all know, this season is more about being with our communities and one another, rather than about what we actually do – just as Jesus comes essentially to be with us in our human condition, rather than to do things. I went to the Bishop’s study day last week, which I’m sure many of you went to too, and one of the things that I took away from that was not only the reminder to ensure that Jesus remains at the heart of all we do, but the importance of hospitality and welcome – which really rest on being fully present. I guess, when you think about it, arrangements weren’t perfect for Mary and Joseph when it came to Jesus’s birth but everything was good for the Holy family – because God was with them and joy abounded. So, without going on at length, I want to wish you all a very joyful Advent and Christmas season – which will be a blessing for your churches, your communities and yourselves too.

I look forward to catching up with those of you who can join me for lunch tomorrow and, otherwise, at our chapter get together on 25 January.

With love and God bless

Martine

Hounslow Area Dean


2024 Deanery Synod Meetings

February – The next Deanery Synod meeting has been arranged for for Thursday the 22nd of February, starting at 7.30pm with refreshments from 7pm. This synod will be looking at volunteering and will include looking at how to both motivate and encourage

volunteers. Our speaker will be The Venerable Richard Frank and we’ll reach out closer to the time with an agenda.

2024 Meetings – dates for the rest of the year are still pending as our Standing Committee members are working with speakers. However topics for the year have been tentatively agreed;

  • June – Partnering with Hounslow Council
  • October – Discipleship

Please do reach out if you have any suggestions or would like to host.


Deanery Updates & Notices

Disability History Month16th Nov-16th Dec. This year’s theme is ‘Disability, children and youth’. This is a call to look at the children and youth provision we offer in out churches, and ask questions about how we enable inclusion. Find out more here.

Kensington Office move – It’s the end of an era… the Kensington Episcopal offices have moved.  As of 20 November, the new address is:

Bishop of Kensington / Kensington Area Office

3rd Floor, Regal House

70 London Road

Twickenham

TW1 3QS

St Paul’s Cathedral Advent Carol Service – Saturday 2 December 2023, 5.30pm. It was wonderful to welcome so many of you last year, and very much hope that this year, you will come and join us again as we prepare to begin the season of Advent and pause to pray and reflect. To request tickets, please email Gemma Winpenny, deadline is the 17th of November.

Kensington Youth Weekend Away 202421-23 June 2024. The annual Kensington Youth Weekend will take place at Oakwood Youth Challenge, Wokingham. This is a fantastic opportunity to bring young people (Year 6+) and leaders from different churches across the area together, to enjoy worship, teaching and a range of outdoor activities. Particularly aimed for churches who don’t run their own residentials. Further information will be sent out in due course, and contact Jo Jones for further details.

Youth Group Football – Is your youth group looking to form their own football team or arrange matches against other churches? If so, they can join this network and have access to the directory. The group is also working with Ambassadors to provide a space for teams to play friendly games. Click here to sign up.

Warmest wishes and God bless,

Kathleen McQuarrie

Hounslow Deanery Secretary

18 Oct

October Deanery Synod Minutes & 2024 Chapter Dates

Hi All,

I’m sure you’ll all join me in thanking Bishop Emma for joining us at the October Synod. It made for a lovely start to the new Triennium. Additionally, thankyou to St Michael’s and the team for hosting us all and providing such lovely refreshments.

The minutes of the meeting are here and I’m afraid there was was no recording of the meeting this time. Do let me know if you have any questions or notice any changes needed in the minutes. We’d also be very grateful to receive feedback on how you found this meeting and any suggestions you might have as to how we can improve and make more valuable the time we are spending together as Synod.

We don’t have a date for the next synod yet but the new standing committee are due to meet next week with the hope of announcing a date soon. Please do reach out to Martine or myself if you would like to make any suggestions.


Deanery Updates & Notices

Bushtea and Cake – Every Friday in October. Celebrating and saluting sisters and matriarchs of movements, this series of Black History Month events is held at St Michael & All Angels Church, N16 7ED, with Doors open from 5pm, showtime 6 – 7.30pm. Click here for more information.

Menopause Cafe – 19th October 2023, 7pm. The Menopause Cafe is back.  at the earlier time of 7pm.  Hosted by the Spire Cafe, St Paul’s Church, Brentford.  Check the website here for more details and how to register.

West London Youth Prayer Night – 20th October, 7pm. Join us for an amazing night of Prayer and Worship. We will be led in worship by Zac Carpenter with a band from local Vineyard churches and Josh Green from 24-7 Prayer Youth will be speaking. This is open to all churches and youth groups. We want to gather to seek God and pray. Click here for more information and to book.

New Church Officers’ Evening – Tuesday, 24th October 2023, 7.30pm – 8.45 pm

This year the diocese are holding an online event for Churchwardens, PCC Treasurers, PCC Secretaries and new PCC Members.  This is an opportunity to hear about the roles and receive information about the support that is offered by the Diocese and the Kensington Area Team.  To register, click here

Light Night – 31st October, 7.30pm. Hope Church Hounslow are hosting a light party for young people at the end of October. More details to come soon but please see the flyer here, for more information please reach out to Chris at Hope Church.

Communications training: Helping your church thrive online – 1st November, 10.30am-2.30pm. In-person training with the Church of England Digital Labs Team sharing manageable tips and ideas for improving your church’s online presence. Held at Diocesan House with lunch included. For more information or to book, click here.

Safeguarding SundaySunday 19th November. Register your church to take part, and receive a free digital resource pack with everything needed to plan and run a ’Safeguarding Sunday’ service.  Whether you can give this 10 minutes or can dedicate a whole Sunday morning, it all counts. Find out more here.

St Paul’s Cathedral Advent Carol Service – Saturday 2 December 2023, 5.30pm. It was wonderful to welcome so many of you last year, and very much hope that this year, you will come and join us again as we prepare to begin the season of Advent and pause to pray and reflect. To request tickets, please email Gemma Winpenny, deadline is the 17th of November.

Kensington Youth Weekend Away 202421-23 June 2024. The annual Kensington Youth Weekend will take place at Oakwood Youth Challenge, Wokingham. This is a fantastic opportunity to bring young people (Year 6+) and leaders from different churches across the area together, to enjoy worship, teaching and a range of outdoor activities. Particularly aimed for churches who don’t run their own residentials. Further information will be sent out in due course, and contact Jo Jones for further details.

Youth Group Football – Is your youth group looking to form their own football team or arrange matches against other churches? If so, they can join this network and have access to the directory. The group is also working with Ambassadors to provide a space for teams to play friendly games. Click here to sign up.

Warmest wishes and God bless,

Kathleen McQuarrie

Hounslow Deanery Secretary

28 Sep

October Synod Reminder 

Hi All,

Just a quick reminder that the October Deanery Synod is coming up in less than a week, please make sure to have this booked in your diary! Our guest speaker will be the Rt Rev Dr Emma Ineson, the new Bishop of Kensington. After presiding over communion, she’ll be talking us through her vision for the area followed by a Q&A session. Hosted by St Michael’s Elmwood Road, the synod will be on Tuesday 3rd of October, starting at 7.30pm, with refreshments from 7pm. Join us to hear from our new Bishop and bring your burning questions!

In preparation for the meeting, please take a look at the below documents and get ready to bring your questions to our expert speakers.

Do make sure to mark the 3rd of October into your diary and feel free to reach out to myself or Martine if you have any questions on this event. I’m afraid this meeting won’t be broadcast this time, so if you want to hear from Bishop Emma make sure to attend!

During the meeting we will be voting new members of the Deanery Standing Committee – as part of their duties they will be picking the dates for the 2024 Synod meetings. We will let you know as soon as they have picked the dates!

21 Sep

October Deanery Synod

Hi All,

The October Deanery Synod is coming up on soon and this first synod of the Triennium will feature several important deanery votes as well as opening the triennium with communion. Our guest speaker will be the Rt Rev Dr Emma Ineson, the new Bishop of Kensington. After presiding over communion, she’ll be talking us through her vision for the area followed by a Q&A session. Hosted by St Michael’s Elmwood Road, the synod will be on Tuesday 3rd of October, starting at 7.30pm, with refreshments from 7pm. Join us to hear from our new Bishop and bring your burning questions!

In preparation for the meeting, please take a look at the below documents and get ready to bring your questions to our expert speakers.

Do make sure to mark the 3rd of October into your diary and feel free to reach out to myself or Martine if you have any questions on this event.

During the meeting we will be voting new members of the Deanery Standing Committee – as part of their duties they will be picking the dates for the 2024 Synod meetings. We will let you know as soon as they have picked the dates!


Deanery Updates & Notices

Black History Month – October 2023. This year, Black History Month will be dedicated to honouring the achievements of black women who are often the forgotten heroines. We’d love to hear how churches are planning to celebrate this important occasion. Please email communications@london.anglican.org

Holy Land Study Tour – Monday 2nd – 11th October. With the Rev Preb Andrew Corsie, Willesden Area Director of Ministry, and Dr Salim J Munayer, Founder of Musalaha. A Study Tour offering insights and fresh understanding gleaned from over 30 years of pioneering “conflict resolution delivery“ set against the intense backdrop of the Israeli/ Palestinian violent conflict. For more information, click here.

Growing Younger training event – 14th October, 9am -1pm, Building on a similar event last year, who share a desire to help children and young people flourish in our churches. The morning will include: a panel sharing their thoughts and taking questions; input from Bishop Emma and a range of seminars exploring various aspects of youth and children’s ministry, led by experienced local practitioners. For more information and to book, please click here.

Racial Justice Pilgrimage – Monday 16 October. Join the Bishop of Willesden Lusa Nseng-Ngoy on a walking pilgrimage to visit Black History sites from Westminster to Ladbroke Grove. The total distance is 7.6 miles. Please bring a packed lunch and meet at Windrush Memorial, Waterloo Station 9am to Finish at Grenfell Tower 3.30pm. View the route and timings here.

Menopause Cafe – 19th October 2023, 7pm. The Menopause Cafe is back.  at the earlier time of 7pm.  Hosted by the Spire Cafe, St Paul’s Church, Brentford.  Check the website here for more details and how to register.

West London Youth Prayer Night – 20th October, 7pm. Join us for an amazing night of Prayer and Worship. We will be led in worship by Zac Carpenter with a band from local Vineyard churches and Josh Green from 24-7 Prayer Youth will be speaking. This is open to all churches and youth groups. We want to gather to seek God and pray. Click here for more information and to book.

New Church Officers’ Evening – Tuesday, 24th October 2023, 7.30pm – 8.45 pm

This year the diocese are holding an online event for Churchwardens, PCC Treasurers, PCC Secretaries and new PCC Members.  This is an opportunity to hear about the roles and receive information about the support that is offered by the Diocese and the Kensington Area Team.  To register, click here

Light Night – 31st October, 7.30pm. Hope Church Hounslow are hosting a light party for young people at the end of October. More details to come soon but please see the flyer here, for more information please reach out to Chris at Hope Church.

Safeguarding Sunday – Sunday 19th November. Register your church to take part, and receive a free digital resource pack with everything needed to plan and run a ’Safeguarding Sunday’ service.  Whether you can give this 10 minutes or can dedicate a whole Sunday morning, it all counts. Find out more here.

Kensington Youth Weekend Away 2024 – 21-23 June 2024. The annual Kensington Youth Weekend will take place at Oakwood Youth Challenge, Wokingham. This is a fantastic opportunity to bring young people (Year 6+) and leaders from different churches across the area together, to enjoy worship, teaching and a range of outdoor activities. Particularly aimed for churches who don’t run their own residentials. Further information will be sent out in due course, and contact Jo Jones for further details.

Youth Group Football – Is your youth group looking to form their own football team or arrange matches against other churches? If so, they can join this network and have access to the directory. The group is also working with Ambassadors to provide a space for teams to play friendly games. Click here to sign up.

Warmest wishes and God bless,

Kathleen McQuarrie

Hounslow Deanery Secretary

31 Jul

Deanery Standing Committee

Hand up who wants to volunteer!

Dear Deanery Synod Reps,

As you know, we are now in a new triennium, or three year period, and hope that you will find our meetings valuable and productive.

We want Deanery Synod to be a place where you get the opportunity to meet reps from other churches and we all learn from each other. We also hope to be good conduits for conveying messages from the Diocese to parishes and from parishes to the Diocese.

At Synod meetings we want to prioritise the goals and plans of the Diocese and Area, but we also want to address the things that you and your parishes want to discuss and cover. So do please let us know your suggestions.

We are looking for people to serve on the Deanery Synod Standing Committee to make plans for future meetings and to try to ensure that we are using and respecting your time and commitment. Do let us know as soon as possible if you are interested to serve in this way, as we need to elect Standing Committee members at the next meeting on the 3rd of October.

We hope that you have an enjoyable summer. As you know, Bishop Emma is our guest at Synod on 3rd of October at St Michael’s Elmwood Road, W4 3DY. She will preach and preside at Holy Communion and we’ll have the chance to get to know her better through a Question and Answer session. We gather at 7pm for refreshments, with the meeting formally starting at 7.30pm.

All warmest wishes and God bless,

Martine Oborne and Simon Surtees

Area Dean & Lay Chair


June Synod Minutes

I’m sure you’ll all join me in thanking St George’s Church, Hanworth for hosting last month’s informative Deanery synod on disability and the church. The minutes of the meeting are here and these include information on the recommended additional resources. Do let me know if you have any questions or notice any changes needed in the minutes. We’d also be very grateful to receive feedback on how you found this meeting and any suggestions you might have as to how we can improve and make more valuable the time we are spending together as Synod.


Lay Chair Election

As mentioned above, we started the new triennium at the beginning of July and we’ve reached out to all of your to confirm your current deanery synod reps. Following this, we will be sending out nomination forms for the Lay Chair election on Friday. Please make sure we have the correct details for your deanery synod members because if we don’t know about them, they can’t be counted!


Deanery Updates & Notices

Admission of Church Wardens to Office – All Churchwardens must be admitted to office each year they are elected by no later than 31st July.  If you have not been sworn in yet, please email Victoria ONeill urgently to make alternative arrangements.

Growing Younger Retreat – 13-15 September 2023. Collaborating with the Diocese Children & Youth team, the Kensington Area Growing Younger Team are hosting retreat for employed children and youth workers at Ripon College, Cuddesdon (Cuddesdon, Oxford OX44 9EX). For more information, reach out to the Diocese of London Children & Youth team.

Black History Month – October 2023. This year, Black History Month will be dedicated to honouring the achievements of black women who are often the forgotten heroines. We’d love to hear how churches are planning to celebrate this important occasion. Please email communications@london.anglican.org

Autumn Deanery Synod – 3rd of October, 7.30pm. The last synod of 2023 will feature several important deanery votes as well as opening the triennium with communion. Our guest speaker will be the Rt Rev Dr Emma Ineson, the new Bishop of Kensington. After presiding over communion, she’ll be talking us through her vision for the area followed by a Q&A session. Hosted by St Michael’s Elmwood Road, the synod will be on the 3rd of October, starting at 7.30pm, with refreshments from 7pm. Join us to hear from our new Bishop and bring your burning questions!

Holy Land Study Tour – Monday 2nd – 11th October. With the Rev Preb Andrew Corsie, Willesden Area Director of Ministry, and Dr Salim J Munayer, Founder of Musalaha. A Study Tour offering insights and fresh understanding gleaned from over 30 years of pioneering “conflict resolution delivery“ set against the intense backdrop of the Israeli/ Palestinian violent conflict. For more information, click here.

Creative Growth – As part of the London 2030 vision, the Creative Growth ambition wants to see that estates are fully included in the vision for every Londoner to encounter the love of God in Christ. In partnership with the area Bishops and Directors of Mission, an Area Estates Advocate has been chosen for each area to work with the Diocese Estates Enabler. Our own Revd Fi Budden is the Advocate for Kensington Area.  If you are interested in exploring estate ministry, or highlighting the estate ministry you are already involved with, please contact Fi who would love to hear from you!

25 May

The Summer Synod is coming up

Hi All,

The Deanery Summer Synod is coming up on soon and this final synod of the Triennium will have a focus on Disability and the church. We’re being graciously hosted by St George’s Church Hanworth (Castle Way, Hanworth Park, TW13 7QE) and we look forward to seeing you all there. We’ll be meeting on Thursday the 8th of June, starting at 7.30pm, with refreshments served from 7pm. Our speakers will be Rev John Beauchamp, Diocesan Disability Ministry Enabler, and our own Rev Rachel Wooden.

In preparation for the meeting, please take a look at the below documents and get ready to bring your questions to our expert speakers.

Due to IT limitations, this meeting will not be broadcast so the only way you can hear from our excellent speakers is to attend in person. Do make sure to mark the 8th of June into your diary and feel free to reach out to myself or Martine if you have any questions on this event.

Our next Synod will mark the beginning of the new Triennium and will feature communion, Bishop Emma speaking on her vision for the area, and important deanery business.  Please make sure to block out the 3rd of October in your diary!


£150,000 Hounslow Energy Fund Launched

Hounslow Council has re-launched its Hounslow Community Energy Fund (HCEF) for 2023, with £150,000 available to support community-based projects that cut carbon and improve energy efficiency. Churches are eligible to apply and the deadline is the 31st July. We know a couple of Hounslow churches managed to get funding in the last round so we encourage all of you to consider it this time. For more information and guidance on how to apply, click here


School Governors Needed!

While we’ve recently managed to fill one of the governor vacancies in the deanery, there are still two outstanding and we desperately need your help in filling them.

  • The Green School Trust -are looking for someone who would like to move into a chair or vice-chair role after a suitable period of induction. For more information, please reach out to Kate Nepstad, Head of Governor Services.
  • The Blue School – One of our Deanery Foundation Governors stepped down in March and we are looking for a replacement to represent the Deanery.

If you know anyone in your congregation who would make a good fit to represent the Deanery on the board of Governors please reach out to me or Martine. Any foundation Governor candidates will be voted on by the Deanery Standing Committee before being submitted to the school. Please note that we would need to receive the below before any candidate can be considered;

  • A letter from the candidate’s vicar (or church wardens if the church is in interregnum) – confirming both the good character of the individual and that they attend church regularly so are well placed to represent the Deanery as a Deanery Foundation Governor
  • An email or formal letter (preferably sent via email) from the candidate explaining what they would bring to the role, their experience and skills, so demonstrating their suitability. It helps if this also includes their contact details so both we and the school can reach out to them in the event they are successful.

Deanery & Area Vacancies

Parish Administrator – St Philip & James Whitton with St Stephen’s Hounslow

seek a Parish Administrator, to be based at Whitton. The role will involve the management of day-to-day activities of the two churches, including some financial duties, to act as PA to the Vicar, and support the churchwardens and officers in their roles. Hours: 24.5 hours per week – can be worked flexibly across Monday to Friday

Salary: £15.00 per hour plus Workplace Pension (c£28.860pa pro rata)

For more information please contact the Hon PCC Secretary, Mrs Lucy James,

Community Development LeadHope Church Hounslow. The role will be to oversee and co-ordinate our community work along with the Vicar; build on relationships with outside agencies; give oversight and administrative backing to their Foodbanks and community work with different groups; build and train volunteer teams; grow their work with debt advise, benefits, housing, mental health support, food poverty, back to work/employment training, vulnerable families and vulnerable adults; oversee risk assessments and to be involved in fundraising for this work. Deadline for application is 26 May at noon and interviews will take place in the week beginning 5 June.  For more information click here or contact info@hopehounslow.org.uk

General Secretary for the Diocese of London –  Seeking to do everything we can to support our parishes, chaplaincies and church plants as they contribute to the flourishing of people and communities across the city, the diocese are looking for an experienced leader who has the desire to play a vital role in the work of the LDF. They will work closely with Bishop Sarah, the Area Bishops and Archdeacons, and the broad range of trustees and non-executives. Application deadline 29th May, for more information click here.


Deanery Updates & Notices

Thy Kingdom Come 2023, 18th – 28th May – The Diocese has launched a brand new app which is a one stop shop for access to inspirational daily prayer reflections, videos from ecumenical leaders on the TKC23 daily themes and resources for children and young people. The TKC App is an award winning resource that your congregations can download to guide them through 11 days of prayer and reflection as we pray – Thy Kingdom Come in our lives and communities. To download TKC23 App click here for android, or here for IOS.

Triennium End– Just a quick reminder that the Deanery Rep terms come to an end on the 30th of June, and new reps should be elected in your APCMs. Please do let the deanery office know your church deanery reps following your APCM so we can make sure our membership list is up to date.

Summer Deanery Synod – 8th of June, 7:30pm. The next synod will be looking at Disability and will feature speakers Rev John Beauchamp, the Diocesan Disability Ministry Enabler, and Rev Rachel Wooden. Hosted by St George’s Church, Hanworth (Castle Way Hanworth Park, TW13 7QE), the synod will be on the 8th of June, starting at 7.30pm, with refreshments from 7pm. This meeting will not be broadcast via zoom so the only way to hear from these great speakers will be to attend in person!

Kensington Area Youth Weekend 202316-18 June 2023. The Area Youth weekend away, for young people in school years 6-10 will take place at Oakwood Youth Challenge near Wokingham.  If your church hasn’t participated in this before and would like to find out more, please contact Joanna Jones here.

Clergy raining – Monday 19 June, 10am – 1pm, Diocesan House. How do we speak the gospel in public today? Much of our outreach at local level can be hampered by the lack of a strong and positive public narrative about Christian faith in public discourse. Bishop Graham Tomlin will speak, click here for more information.

Multiply Conference22 June, 10am-4pm, St Paul’s, Hammersmith. Multiply 2023 is an invitation to join in.  A day conference for church leaders, practitioners and strategists. To dream bigger, to sow into opportunities emerging around them, and to bless and nurture the rich, blended ecology of the Church. It takes all kinds of Church to reach all kinds of people. For more information, click here.

Rethinking Disability – 22 June, 10am – 4pm, London Diocesan House. a day looking at the theology of justice in a disabling world and the Church. The day will draw together recent theological perspectives on disability justice, share stories gathered from disabled Christians, and explore practical pathways for increasing the participation of disabled people in church. For more information click here.

Theology in a Summer – 17th July. This online short course, features six talks from a variety of speakers on topics across the spectrum of theology, including biblical studies, doctrine, church history, ethics and more. Open to all. For more information click here.

Growing Younger Retreat 13-15 September 2023. Collaborating with the Diocese Children & Youth team, the Kensington Area Growing Younger Team are hosting retreat for employed children and youth workers at Ripon College, Cuddesdon (Cuddesdon, Oxford OX44 9EX). For more information, reach out to the Diocese of London Children & Youth team.

Autumn Deanery Synod – 3rd of October, 7.30pm. The last synod of 2023 will feature several important deanery votes as well as opening the triennium with communion. Our guest speaker will be the Rt Rev Dr Emma Ineson, the new Bishop of Kensington. After presiding over communion, she’ll be talking us through her vision for the area followed by a Q&A session. Hosted by St Michael’s Elmwood Road, the synod will be on the 3rd of October, starting at 7.30pm, with refreshments from 7pm. Join us to hear from our new Bishop and bring your burning questions!

Holy Land Study Tour – Monday 2nd – 11th October. With the Rev Preb Andrew Corsie, Willesden Area Director of Ministry, and Dr Salim J Munayer, Founder of Musalaha. A Study Tour offering insights and fresh understanding gleaned from over 30 years of pioneering “conflict resolution delivery“ set against the intense backdrop of the Israeli/ Palestinian violent conflict. For more information, click here.

Creative Growth – As part of the London 2030 vision, the Creative Growth ambition wants to see that estates are fully included in the vision for every Londoner to encounter the love of God in Christ. In partnership with the area Bishops and Directors of Mission, an Area Estates Advocate has been chosen for each area to work with the Diocese Estates Enabler. Our own Revd Fi Budden is the Advocate for Kensington Area.  If you are interested in exploring estate ministry, or highlighting the estate ministry you are already involved with, please contact Fi who would love to hear from you!

Warmest wishes and God bless,

Kathleen McQuarrie

Hounslow Deanery Secretary

06 Apr

2023 Deanery Synod Dates

Hello All,

Happy Easter and I do hope you’re enjoying the warmer weather. This is just a quick email to let you know about the dates for the next two synods. Our next synod will be looking at Disability and will feature speakers Rev John Beauchamp, the Diocesan Disability Ministry Enabler, and Rev Rachel Wooden. Hosted by St George Hanworth, the synod will be on the 8th of June, starting at 7.30pm, with refreshments from 7pm. This meeting will not be broadcast via zoom so the only way to hear from these great speakers will be to attend in person!

The last synod of the year will feature several important deanery votes as well as opening the triennium with communion. Our guest speaker will be the Rt Rev Dr Emma Ineson, the new Bishop of Kensington. After presiding over communion, she’ll be talking us through her vision for the area followed by a Q&A session. Hosted by St Michael’s Elmwood Road, the synod will be on the 3rd of October, starting at 7.30pm, with refreshments from 7pm. Join us to hear from our new Bishop and bring your burning questions!

Finally, just a quick reminder that Deanery Synod rep terms come to an end on the 30th of June with new reps due to be elected as part of your APCMs. Along with this, the terms of both the Deanery Standing Committee and our Lay Chair, Simon Surtees will also be ending with elections due to be held as part of the October Synod. Simon is planning on standing again and nomination forms for the Lay Chair will be going out following the Summer. Please make sure your church lets us know of your new deanery reps as soon as possible so that we can include them in this important process.


Deanery Updates & Notices

Triennium End– Just a quick reminder that the Deanery Rep terms come to an end this year, and new reps should be elected in your APCMs. Please do let the deanery office know your church deanery reps following your APCM so we can make sure our membership list is up to date.

Internship programme – Hope Church Hounslow are running an internship in partnership with Kick from September. The post is open to male or female coaches and will provide the opportunity to work with children from 5 to 18. For more information see the advert here.

Kensington Area Youth Event – 21st April 2023. This should be a brilliant evening with comedian Paul Kerensa and the opportunity to meet Bishop Emma – and food! We would love to welcome as many young people and their leaders from across the area as possible. To find out more about bringing a group along, contact Jo Jones.

LLM discernment – Tuesday 25th April, 7-8pm. A short online session to explore licensed lay ministry (LLM) in the Diocese of London; what it is, how discernment and training happens, and an opportunity to ask questions. For clergy and interested lay people. To book a place, click here.

Growing Younger “Faith at Home” – 11th May, 7:30-9:00pm. The Area Growing Younger group are inviting churches to attend a workshop for parents and carers on how to grow and foster faith in our children at home. The event will include a conversation with Care for the Family, a space for discussions, and a means to feedback into the livestream to have your questions answered. For more information contact Jo Jones.

Vocations Discernment Process – 15th & 22nd May, 5th & 12th June. The next round of the discernment process for those considering a call to ordained ministry begins in May with a four week discernment group on Zoom. If any incumbents have potential candidates, please email Rev Peter Vannozzi.

Kensington Area Youth Weekend 2023 – 16-18 June 2023. The Area Youth weekend away, for young people in school years 6-10 will take place at Oakwood Youth Challenge near Wokingham. If your church hasn’t participated in this before and would like to find out more, please contact Joanna Jones here.

Growing Younger Retreat – 13-15 September 2023. Collaborating with the Diocese Children & Youth team, the Kensington Area Growing Younger Team are hosting retreat for employed children and youth workers at Ripon College, Cuddesdon (Cuddesdon, Oxford OX44 9EX). For more information, reach out to the Diocese of London Children & Youth team.

Holy Land Study Tour – Monday 2nd – 11th October. With the Rev Preb Andrew Corsie, Willesden Area Director of Ministry, and Dr Salim J Munayer, Founder of Musalaha. A Study Tour offering insights and fresh understanding gleaned from over 30 years of pioneering “conflict resolution delivery“ set against the intense backdrop of the Israeli/ Palestinian violent conflict. For more information, click here.

Creative Growth – As part of the London 2030 vision, the Creative Growth ambition wants to see that estates are fully included in the vision for every Londoner to encounter the love of God in Christ. In partnership with the area Bishops and Directors of Mission, an Area Estates Advocate has been chosen for each area to work with the Diocese Estates Enabler. Our own Revd Fi Budden is the Advocate for Kensington Area. If you are interested in exploring estate ministry, or highlighting the estate ministry you are already involved with, please contact Fi who would love to hear from you!

Venue Needed – John Beauchamp, Diocesan Disability Ministry Enabler is looking for venues to hold neurodiversity training in the Spring and Summer this year. If your venue is:

  • close to accessible transport
  • step free
  • has accessible toilet facilities
  • has flexible seating
  • has good acoustics and a hearing loop
  • is warm in colder weather

please contact John directly.

Warmest wishes and God bless,

Kathleen McQuarrie

Hounslow Deanery Secretary

08 Mar

February Deanery Synod Minutes

Hello All,

I’m sure you’ll all join me in thanking Christ Church Feltham and Rev Andy Watkins for arranging last month’s informative Deanery synod. Many of the reps who attended have let us know how useful they found the talks on Asylum seekers, and we encourage you to take a look if you weren’t able to attend.

The minutes of the meeting are here and these include links to recordings of the interviews. Do let me know if you have any questions or notice any changes needed in the minutes. We’d also be very grateful to receive feedback on how you found this meeting and any suggestions you might have as to how we can improve and make more valuable the time we are spending together as Synod.

We don’t have a date for the next synod yet but are working closely with speakers, with the hope of announcing a date soon. Please do reach out to Martine or myself if you would like to contribute


Multiply Estates Mission

For this event, we’ll be joined by the fantastic Sarah Small, Head of Eden at The Message Trust, and Cris Rogers, director of Making Disciples.

Alongside Sarah and Cris’s keynote talks, attendees will be able to put questions to our panellists – including:

  • Brendan Bassett, team lead of Jesus Shaped People
  • Sara Barron, executive director of the National Estate Churches Network
  • Ray Driscoll, head of estates planting at the Church Revitalisation Trust
  • Mark Miller, head of New Wine’s urban ministry

We’d love those who are involved in estate mission and ministry or those that would like to be, to join us at St Barnabas Church, North London, on Tuesday 28 March 2023. Multiply: Estates Mission is for everyone – we’d love people to bring their teams, including their local leaders. For more information and book tickets, click here.


Deanery Updates & Notices

  • Triennium End– Just a quick reminder that the Deanery Rep terms come to an end this year, and new reps should be elected in your APCMs. Please do let the deanery office know your church deanery reps following your APCM so we can make sure our membership list is up to date.
  • Coronation Weekend Webinar – 9th March, 11am. The upcoming coronation gives a wonderful opportunity for churches to engage their communities in celebration and worship, and to support volunteering, as well as to pray for the King. This webinar will introduce the national plans and resources for the coronation weekend with suggestions as to how to use them locally to create a memorable and outward-facing occasion. Hosted by Stephen Hance (Vision and Strategy Team) with colleagues from the National Church. Click here to join.
  • Supporting Young People’s Emotional & Mental Health – 15th March, 5.30pm-7.30 pm. Led by the brilliant Dr Kate Middleton, from Youthscape/Mind & Soul Foundation, this session will be offering advice and support for how we can offer care to our young people around wellbeing. It’s free – all are welcome. For more information, or to register, click here.
  • Kensington Area Youth Event – 21 April 2023. This should be a brilliant evening with comedian Paul Kerensa and the opportunity to meet Bishop Emma – and food! We would love to welcome as many young people and their leaders from across the area as possible. To find out more about bringing a group along, contact Jo Jones.
  • Growing Younger “Faith at Home” – 11th May, 7:30-9:00pm. The Area Growing Younger group are inviting churches to attend a workshop for parents and carers on how to grow and foster faith in our children at home. The event will include a conversation with Care for the Family, a space for discussions, and a means to feedback into the livestream to have your questions answered. For more information contact Jo Jones.
  • Vocations Discernment Process – 15th & 22nd May, 5th & 12th June. The next round of the discernment process for those considering a call to ordained ministry begins in May with a four week discernment group on Zoom. If any incumbents have potential candidates, please email Rev Peter Vannozzi.
  • Kensington Area Youth Weekend 2023 – 16-18 June 2023. The Area Youth weekend away, for young people in school years 6-10 will take place at Oakwood Youth Challenge near Wokingham. If your church hasn’t participated in this before and would like to find out more, please contact Joanna Jones here.
  • Growing Younger Retreat – 13-15 September 2023. Collaborating with the Diocese Children & Youth team, the Kensington Area Growing Younger Team are hosting retreat for employed children and youth workers at Ripon College, Cuddesdon (Cuddesdon, Oxford OX44 9EX). For more information, reach out to the Diocese of London Children & Youth team.
  • Creative Growth – As part of the London 2030 vision, the Creative Growth ambition wants to see that estates are fully included in the vision for every Londoner to encounter the love of God in Christ. In partnership with the area Bishops and Directors of Mission, an Area Estates Advocate has been chosen for each area to work with the Diocese Estates Enabler. Our own Revd Fi Budden is the Advocate for Kensington Area. If you are interested in exploring estate ministry, or highlighting the estate ministry you are already involved with, please contact Fi who would love to hear from you!
  • Venue Needed – John Beauchamp, Diocesan Disability Ministry Enabler is looking for venues to hold neurodiversity training in the Spring and Summer this year. Please contact John directly If your venue is:
    • close to accessible transport
    • step free
    • has accessible toilet facilities
    • has flexible seating
    • has good acoustics and a hearing loop
    • is warm in colder weather

Warmest wishes and God bless,

Kathleen McQuarrie

Hounslow Deanery Secretary

Deanery WhatsApp Groups
Useful for sharing best practice, the Deanery groups cover roles as diverse as Churchwardens, PCC Secretaries, Treasurers, Safeguarding, and children’s workers. If those in your parish would like to join, click here to let us know.

Kintsugi Hope.
Kintsugi Hope is not just a charity. We have a vision of starting a movement of Kintsugi Hope Wellbeing Groups where people can experience safety and support. For more information click here.

Hounslow Welcare Trust.
Last year the trust extended grants in excess of £35k, supporting projects ranging from debt support, community hubs, and relief for Ukraine. Get in touch if your church would like funding.


01 Feb

The February Deanery Synod meeting is next week

Hello All,

The First Deanery Synod of 2023 is next weeks with a focus on ministering to Asylum Seekers. We’re being graciously hosted by Christ Church Feltham (Hanworth Rd, Feltham TW13 5AB) and we look forward to seeing you all there. We’ll be meeting on Wednesday the 8th February at 7.30pm, with refreshments served from 7pm. Our speaker will be Rev Jonathan Samadi, vicar of St Mary’s Staines.

This synod we’re hoping for a participation heavy event featuring series of conversations and interviews that would provoke conversations among the deanery synod members and hopefully spark ideas. Bring your questions and issues around ministering to asylum seekers at your church.

Please make sure to mark the 8th of February into your diary and feel free to reach out to Rev Andy Watkins, the Deanery Community Champion, if you have any questions on this event.


    Deanery Updates & Notices

    • Racial Justice Sunday – 12th February 2023. Racial Justice Sunday is taking place on 12 February 2023 and is very much a call for all Christians to engage in the righteous struggle for racial justice.
      • CofE liturgical resources
      • Churches Together in Britain and Ireland resources
      • Churches Together in England resources
    • Bishop of Kensington welcome service – Sunday 19th February, 3pm. The new Bishop of Kensington has been announced as the Rt Revd Dr Emma Ineson (diocese announcement here). Everyone in the area is invited to her welcome service at St Barnabas Kensington which will be followed by refreshments.
    • Deanery Vacancies – Holy Trinity Hounslow are currently recruiting a Case Worker for the Olive Branch Crisis Drop-in to guide homeless guests from first meeting and assessment to being housed. Application Deadline: Tues 28th February, Click here for further details.
    • Multiply Estates Mission – 23-28 March 2023, 10am – 1pm at St Barnabas Church, North LondonFor practitioners with a deep love for estates mission and for those who are new to the call but hungry to get going. Join us to hear stories from across the nation and discover practical tools for starting this work in your community. Register here
    • Kensington Area Youth Event – 21 April 2023. This should be a brilliant evening with comedian Paul Kerensa and the opportunity to meet Bishop Emma – and food! We would love to welcome as many young people and their leaders from across the area as possible. To find out more about bringing a group along, contact Jo Jones.
    • Kensington Area Youth Weekend 2023 – 16-18 June 2023. The Area Youth weekend away, for young people in school years 6-10 will take place at Oakwood Youth Challenge near Wokingham. If your church hasn’t participated in this before and would like to find out more, please contact Joanna Jones here.
    • Creative Growth – As part of the London 2030 vision, the Creative Growth ambition wants to see that estates are fully included in the vision for every Londoner to encounter the love of God in Christ. In partnership with the area Bishops and Directors of Mission, an Area Estates Advocate has been chosen for each area to work with the Diocese Estates Enabler. Our own Revd Fi Budden is the Advocate for Kensington Area. If you are interested in exploring estate ministry, or highlighting the estate ministry you are already involved with, please contact Fi who would love to hear from you!
    • Venue Needed – John Beauchamp, Diocesan Disability Ministry Enabler is looking for venues to hold neurodiversity training in the Spring and Summer, this year. Please contact John directly if your venue is:
      • close to accessible transport
      • step free
      • has accessible toilet facilities
      • has flexible seating
      • has good acoustics and a hearing loop
      • is warm in colder weather

    Warmest wishes and God bless,

    Kathleen McQuarrie

    Hounslow Deanery Secretary

    09 Dec

    Hounslow Deanery Christmas Mailing

    ***Merry Christmas All! This month’s mailing is a special edition featuring sections by some of our Deanery Standing Committee.***

    Dear Friends,

    This time last year we were sadly postponing our Clergy Christmas lunch because of COVID fears. Which meant that we finally celebrated Christmas 2021 together on the hottest day of the year in June – it was the first time I’ve had to apply sun cream before pulling a Christmas cracker!

    But, thanks be to God, this year we can all go ahead with lots of lovely church services and events. And we can look forward to our Clergy Christmas lunch in January. 

    2022 has been a very full year. Who would have thought that we would see three different Prime Ministers? And who would have thought we would both celebrate 70 glorious years of her late Majesty’s reign and also queue through the night to pay our final respects to our Queen in Westminster Hall?

    I do hope that you will take time to rest and reflect during the Christmas season. Christ came to take on our heavy burdens, not to add to them! Thank you for being such a support to me and to each other. I
    do hope that we will be able to meet up face to face more in 2023 at both Chapters and Synods. Thanks especially to Kat McQuarrie who ensures the show stays on the road behind the scenes.

    Please continue to pray for our Bishop-elect and for the Holy Spirit to be powerfully at work this Christmas – through all we do – to bring hope and comfort to the world around us.

    Warmest wishes and a Merry Christmas,

    Rev Martine Oborne
    Hounslow Area Dean


    February Deanery Synod

    The next synod meeting is planned for February the 8th, with refreshments from 7pm and will be hosted by Christ Church Feltham. We are currently planning to look at how churches can minister to asylum seekers within Hounslow and will feature the Rev Jonathan Samadi. Please do reach out to Rev Andy Watkins, the Deanery Community Champion, if there’s anything you would like to contribute to this event.


    Our Mission in Pakistan – the Rev Sally Baily

    This year Rev Sally Baily, the Deanery Diversity Champion, spent some time visiting Churches and Christians in Pakistan. Below is a her account of the trip.

    Rev Davis with Hammad & Sally
    Rev Davis with Hammad & Sally

    We spent 3 weeks in Pakistan during Oct/Nov visiting churches, preaching and leading worship with our band of local musicians.   This was our first mission trip to Pakistan since before COVID.   The team visited the Assemblies of God Church in Iqbal Town Lahore which is the founder of the Pentecostal movement in Pakistan. This church has many church plants around the Punjab region and runs a nursery school and computer training centre for Christian students.

    We also visited New Life in Christ church to preach and lead worship.   Pastor Imran is a businessman who has a vision to open a college for Christian students who want to learn business skills.  

    We renewed our connection with the Presbyterian Education Board where our friend, the late Lyn Masterson, worked for over 20 years. We have visited many of their school in rural areas over the years.  During this visit we led worship at a staff thanksgiving lunch.  Many of the schools programmes have not yet restarted after COVID, but we are hopeful that we can visit the schools again next year. 

    Mrs Javed and team at Presbyterian Education Board

    Some of the most precious memories are from visiting a poor Christian village for a worship programme, and praying for a young girl who had been abducted and abused for 3 months.   Thankfully she is now free but still has to face a court case against her abusers. We also visited a brick kiln for filming a music video. It was shocking to see the poor state of the houses where Christian families were living and the back‐breaking work involved in making bricks.  

    It was a privilege to pray with them and other Muslim workers making bricks. We have a long standing relationship with Lahore Evangelical Ministries (LEM) under the leadership of Rev Waseem Khokhar.  He also had a relationship with HT Hounslow via Stu.  During this trip we supported LEM’s teaching programme for local pastors and Sally led a session on preaching for transformation. LEM has a ministry among Brick Kiln workers and is looking for funding for their Christmas outreach/support programme.  

    If you would like to support this work, please reach out to us for the Rev Waseem Khokhar’s UK bank account.


    Unconscious Bias Training – Simon Surtees

    The PCC of St Pauls Chiswick recently went through unconscious bias training. Our Deanery Lay Chair, Simon Surtees, recalls how it went for them and how this has affected their interregnum.

    One of the things that has taken us slightly by surprise since the beginning of our interregnum at St Paul’s Grove Park have been the challenges thrown out to us a Parish as we begin to think about the person who might be coming to lead us in the future. 

    Our previous Incumbent had been with us for over 30 years. He had established traditions and ideas that had become second nature to us as a Parish, but which also made us open to styles of prayer and liturgy to keep us alert to the different ideas to add subtlety our worship. Nevertheless, our PCC are working hard to sustain the life of the Parish, however much the congregation might be feeling the loss of him. So, we wondered why the policy of the Diocese was to ask the PCC to come together on Zoom for a session on Unconscious Bias Training. This asked us to ask ourselves just how set in our ways we were as individuals and how prepared we might be to embrace change. 

    The Zoom session we were offered came from a team from St Stephen’s in St Margaret’s.  It challenged us to ask ourselves questions at every stage of the process of change, it asked us to think of what we were for and what we were against and, crucially, why we were against it, and we were asked to consider how would we react in the face of change? In an open way, we faced what we might be open to, and where we would be uncompromising. Above all, it provided much needed space for thought and circumspection and we would encourage other PCCs to consider this training as well.

    Our Church Wardens have been strong in their leadership. We have had good sessions which have allowed the Parish to express their own views. Our advertisements in the Church Times have just concluded and we await the recruitment process with some excitement. Our prayers have been honest and forthright. We look forward to what they will bring.


    Working against Modern Slavery – Nick Lines

    St Nicholas Chiswick has been working hard against Modern Slavery. Nick Lines, the deanery Mental Health Champion, tells us what they’ve been doing.

    St Nicholas Chiswick held the Hidden Voices course this autumn, with some participation from other Chiswick parishes. A course run by the Church of England’s Clewer Initiative, Hidden Voices focuses on modern slavery. It was conducted by Clewer Initiative staff and volunteers with the Metropolitan Police anti-slavery unit; and one session included a presentation by Hestia, a charity that works with survivors of modern slavery. The course presents what modern slavery is, how to identify its presence in the community and how to prevent it. Participants felt the course made them more aware, more able to detect and more empowered to work against modern slavery. Following this course, we are now planning on:

    • Creating protocols for all St Nicholas parish activities to help detect and handle potential cases of slavery
    • Spreading awareness of modern slavery in the local community in Chiswick and in Hounslow more broadly
    • Approaching Hounslow Friends of Faith and others to widen the propagation of awareness
    • Working with Hounslow Council and the Met to facilitate detection of and action on cases in the area

    Deanery Updates & Notices 

    Bishop of Kensington – until the consecration of the new bishop of Kensington, Bishop Ric Thorpe (the Bishop of Islington) will be Acting Bishop of Kensington during this interim period. Archdeacon Richard will be leading the Area Team locally during this time, but for any Bishop’s Office enquiries during this period, please continue to contact Emma Hughes (PA to the Bishop of Kensington).

    Diversity Awareness – Rev Sally Baily strongly recommends everyone make time to to engage with the Rev John Root’s blog. He is the former curate of Harlesden, led an estate church plant in Hackney, and planted two Asian language congregations in Wembley before his retirement ministry in Tottenham.

    Multiply Estates Mission – 23-28 March 2023, 10am – 1pm at St Barnabas Church, North LondonFor practitioners with a deep love for estates mission and for those who are new to the call but hungry to get going. Join us to hear stories from across the nation and discover practical tools for starting this work in your community. Register here

    Merry Christmas everyone!

    Kathleen McQuarrie 
    Hounslow Deanery Secretary