Hounslow Deanery

Parish Churches serving communities across north-west London

16 May

Have your reps changed since your APCM?

Hi All,

I’m sure you’ve all had, or will soon have, your APCMs and I do hope they went well. Following this, if you’ve had any changes to your Deanery Synod Reps please can we ask you to let me know asap. The Diocesan Synod elections are coming up soon so we need to confirm the deanery membership to the Diocese before then – if we don’t know you’re a member, you won’t be able to participate in the election.

As an additional piece of deanery news, I will be stepping down as deanery secretary and Martine’s PA as of next week. Samantha Dowden, current PA to the Area Dean of Hammersmith, will be taking over – please be welcoming to her in the new role over the next few months while she learns the ropes. The email address will be the same, so don’t worry!

June Synod Meeting

The June Synod will be held on Monday the 3rd of June, starting at 7.30pm with refreshments from 7pm, hosted by Holy Trinity Hounslow. The theme of the Synod is Working with Hounslow Council and so that we can encompass all the many different areas your church can work with the council, the format of the evening will be a little different from normal.

The synod will start with an introductory presentation from both Holy Trinity and Hounslow council. This will then be followed by a marketplace where you can meet service providers, get contacts, and ask questions. We encourage you to come along and bring any volunteers in your church who might benefit from this event. Due to the unique nature of the event, it will not be broadcast via zoom so being there in person is the best way to get answers to all those burning questions!

2024 Deanery Synod Meetings

Topics for the year have been tentatively agreed and there are two meetings left;

  • 3rd of June – Partnering with Hounslow Council, Holy Trinity Hounslow.
  • 9th of October – Discipleship, Hope Church Hounslow

Please do reach out if you have any suggestions.

Deanery Updates & Notices

Job Vacancy –  Hope into Action in Ashford is embarking on a unique project in partnership with St Hilda’s Church and the local prison and they are looking for a Resettlement Housing Empowerment Worker to work with them. If you think you, or someone you know, would fit into that role then click here for more information. Application deadline 21st May.

Hospital Chaplaincy –  Michael Sserunkuma, lead chaplain at Chelsea and West Minister NHS Foundation Trust, is looking to recruit 10 volunteers from the Deanery for the Chaplaincy. He’s looking for individuals who are comfortable being among the sick and are 16 or over. If you feel called to minister to the sick and are curious about joining the chaplaincy team, please email the chaplaincy team here. Applicants will be invited to join the team at a follow-up meeting scheduled for 5th June 2024 from 12.00 – 14.00 hrs.

Thank God it’s Friday BSL – 7 June, 12 July, 6 – 8pm, The Church of the Annunciation, W1H 7AH. Are you a student of British Sign Language?  Are you a Christian? If the answer is ‘yes’ then this is the group for you. Suitable for all levels.

Details and updates shared on the Deaf Church Facebook page.

Digital communications workshops – Thursday 20th June, 10.30am-2.30pm, Diocesan House, SW1P 4AU. Two practical, hands-on, stand-alone workshops led by Church of England Digital Labs. Choose one or bring your lunch and come to both.

Workshop 1 – Plan an achievable digital strategy

Workshop 2 – Create engaging content for Instagram

For more information or to book, click 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.

Cooks needed for the Youth Weekend Away! – Do you like cooking?  Are you happy to cook for large numbers?  Do you like having fun?  If this is you, the team are looking for a couple of people who would be happy and willing to join the Youth Weekend Away to cook the meals.  Training is available if needed and support will be provided with menus and shopping.  If you or anyone you know might be interested, please could you get in touch with Jo Jones as soon as possible.

Neurodiversity Training – the diocese are continuing to run a series of neurodiversity training events through 2024.  These are 90 minute online introductions to neurodiversity and full day follow up sessions to look at this subject in more depth.

This is your opportunity to learn more about a topic that impacts our ministry in many different ways through neurodivergence in ourselves, our colleagues, church officers and parishioners. Understanding neurodiversity helps us understand people and create better and more creative relationships. For any questions, please reach out to John Beauchamp, Diocesan Disability Ministry Enabler.

Neurodiversity introductory training on Zoom

Full day training (Please attend an introductory session before attending this session)

  • Thursday 13th June, 10.30am – 4.00pm – London Diocesan House, 36 Causton Street, London. SW1P 4AU.  Step free access; Accessible toilets; PA and hearing loop. Click here to book.  
  • Tuesday 24th September, 10.30am – 4.00pm at Holy Trinity Hounslow, High Street, Hounslow. TW3 1HG.  Step free access; Accessible toilets; PA and hearing loop. Click here to book. 
  • Thursday 7th November, 10.30am – 4.00pm at London Diocesan House, 36 Causton Street, London SW1P 4AU.  Step free access; Accessible toilets; PA and hearing loop. Click here to book. 

Kensington Area Growing Younger Day – Saturday, 12 October, 10am-2pm at St Mellitus, Courtfield Gardens. An excellent opportunity for churches to bring their children and youth teams, or anyone interested in ministry to children and young people, to be inspired, encouraged and equipped. Panel discussion, input from Bishop Emma, a range of seminars, resources, networking – and a free lunch! Further details to follow.

Study, Resource and Support day – Saturday October 19th at St Mellitus College (24 Collingham Rd, London SW5 0LX.  Hosted by Bishop Emma and the Area Team, and focusing on the vital subject of money and generosity in the life of the local church. Bishop Emma will give keynote bible input and we are also arranging a range of practical workshops, including: How to run a giving programme and encourage a culture of generosity in church; Making the most of hall hire; Using digital giving; and Best practice in PCC financial planning. A ‘marketplace’ of resources and ‘help desks’ with experienced advisers will also be available during the day. Can I encourage you to ‘save the date’ in your diary and to ask as many of your PCC and/or finance volunteers to make it a priority. Further details and a booking link to follow before the summer.

Warmest wishes and God bless,

Kathleen McQuarrie

Hounslow Deanery Secretary

25 Mar

February Deanery Synod Minutes & June Synod date

Hi All,

I do hope you enjoyed the last synod looking at Volunteers and I’m sure you’ll all join me in thanking both our speaker the Venerable Richard Frank and Christ Church Turnham Green for hosting. If you were unable to attend but would still like to hear the talk then it’s still available to watch via Christ Church’s YouTube channel here.

The Meeting minutes are here for your review – do let me know if you see any issues or would like to request any changes.

June Synod Meeting

The June Synod will be held on Monday the 3rd of June, starting at 7.30pm with refreshments from 7pm, hosted by Holy Trinity Hounslow. The theme of the Synod is Working with Hounslow Council and so that we can encompass all the many different areas your church can work with the council, the format of the evening will be a little different from normal.

The synod will start with an introductory presentation from both Holy Trinity and Hounslow council. This will then be followed by a marketplace where you can meet service providers, get contacts, and ask questions. We encourage you to come along and bring any volunteers in your church who might benefit from this event. Due to the unique nature of the event, it will not be broadcast via zoom so being there in person is the best way to get answers to all those burning questions!

2024 Deanery Synod Meetings

Topics for the year have been tentatively agreed and there are two meetings left;

  • 3rd of June – Partnering with Hounslow Council, Holy Trinity Hounslow.
  • 9th of October – Discipleship, Hope Church Hounslow

Please do reach out if you have any suggestions.

Deanery Updates & Notices

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

An Easter message for children and young people – A message from Bishop Sarah has been released for churches and schools to use in services and assemblies across the Diocese. You can watch and download the video on Vimeo here.

How to use Canva for your church, April 4, 3pm – 4pm. Canva is a free design tool which offers a number of great features to help you create logos, flyers, posters, social media posts and much more. This webinar is ideal for those who are new to Canva, for more information or to sign up, please click here.

EV Charging Points at churches – webinar, Tuesday 9 April, 2pm. Parish Buying is running a webinar for any church interested in installing EV charging points at some of its parking spaces to serve either parishioners or the wider community.  

The minimum number of parking spaces to be converted to EV charging is two, and you must own (not rent) your car park.  For more information or to register click here.

Living with Backpain in Ministry, Tuesday, 20 April, 10am-12.30pm, LDF, 36 Causton Street, London, SW1P 4AU. Back Pain effects about one-third of the adult population of the UK and can leave people feeling depressed and frustrated by the ways it limits their activities and their working lives. To book click here.

Prayer Spaces experience and training – Week commencing 22 April at Diocesan House, Causton Street, SW1P 4AU. Prayer Spaces are an amazing way to help young people (and in fact all ages!) in schools and churches experience how to pray in different and creative ways.  There will be an opportunity to experience a prayer space and attend a training session during the week commencing 22 April at Causton Street.   To find out more about Prayer Spaces, click here.

Finding Home: Christian responses to homelessness, Tuesday 23 April, 10am-2pm, St Mark’s Church, Kennington, SE11 4PW. Do you support those who experience homelessness, or are interested in starting a ministry in this area? This talk is a space for parishes across the Dioceses of London & Southwark to come together and discuss their responses. Hosted by the Diocese of London’s Compassionate Communities Team and the Diocese of Southwark’s Together Southwark. For more information click here.

Kensington Area Youth Event, Friday 26 April, 7pm-9pm. The next Area Youth Event will be at HTB Onslow Square site (SW7 3NX) from 7-9pm on Friday 26 April, for those in school years 6-13.  A great opportunity to gather with lots of other young people, and totally free! Further details available soon – but if you think you might like to bring young people from your church along, get the date in your diary!

Listening for God’s Call – a vocations day for women, Wednesday 27 April 11am-3pm, St Botolph without Aldgate, EC3N 1AB. For women in the Diocese of London who are beginning the process of discernment of a call to ordained ministry. The day gives an opportunity to understand the process, and to discuss some of the particular joys and challenges of ordination for women. Lunch will be provided, for more information click 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.

Cooks needed for the Youth Weekend Away! – Do you like cooking?  Are you happy to cook for large numbers?  Do you like having fun?  If this is you, the team are looking for a couple of people who would be happy and willing to join the Youth Weekend Away to cook the meals.  Training is available if needed and support will be provided with menus and shopping.  If you or anyone you know might be interested, please could you get in touch with Jo Jones as soon as possible.

Kensington Area Growing Younger Day – Saturday, 12 October, 10am-2pm at St Mellitus, Courtfield Gardens. An excellent opportunity for churches to bring their children and youth teams, or anyone interested in ministry to children and young people, to be inspired, encouraged and equipped. Panel discussion, input from Bishop Emma, a range of seminars, resources, networking – and a free lunch! Further details to follow.

Warmest wishes and God bless,

Kathleen McQuarrie

Hounslow Deanery Secretary

21 Feb

February Deanery Synod Reminder

Hi All,

Just a quick reminder that the February Deanery Synod is tomorrow! Featuring the Venerable Richard Frank, the Archdeacon of Kensington as our speaker looking at the subject of volunteers – a cornerstone of many churches! Hosted by Christ Church Turnham Green, the synod will be on Thursday the 22nd of February, starting at 7.30pm, with refreshments from 7pm. Join us to hear from the Archdeacon and bring all your questions about volunteers!

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

**If you’re unable to attend but would still like to listen to the talk then Christ Church will be broadcasting it on their YouTube channel via this link. The recording will be kept online for a few days so you can catch up later.***

2024 Deanery Synod Meetings

The date for the next synod 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
  • 9th of October – Discipleship, Hope Church Hounslow

Please do reach out if you have any suggestions.

Deanery Updates & Notices

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

Who Cares? An Introduction to Pastoral Care – 20th & 27th February, 5th, 12th & 19th March. Are you interested in caring for others, whether in a small group or visiting them at home or in hospital? This course covers topics including Listening, Visiting, the nature of Pastoral Care, Boundaries and confidentiality, and more. For more

information and to book click here.

Lent Listening Groups – 20th & 27th February, 5th, 12th & 19th March. Explore how listening can create space to pay attention to what God is doing in our lives. A mix of online sessions hosted by our bishops, and small group sessions in your own context, for both churches and individuals. For more information and to book click here.

Kensington Area Youth Event – Friday, 1 March, 7pm – 9pm, St John’s Hampton Wick. Bring your young people along – there will be food, fun and games, worship and engaging discussion. Further details to follow soon. For more information contact Jo Jones.

Toddler Group online training session – Wednesday, 6 March, 7.30pm. If you’re involved in running a toddler group at church (or interested in setting one up), then save the date!  This training session will cover several key themes, including how to make church baby/toddler groups welcoming, distinctive and a key part of your ministry to children and families.  For more information contact Jo Jones .

Multiply Estates Mission 2024 – Tuesday, 12 March, 9am – 2 pm, St Barnabas North London. Multiply Estates Mission is an opportunity to explore what it takes to build churches for those yet to belong, to create welcoming homes for the weary, for those longing to find a family in Christ.  Cost is £10 per person.  For more information and to book, click here.

Kensington Area Lent Day – Wednesday, 13th March 2024, 10am. The Area Lent day is for all clergy and Licensed Lay Ministers.  For more information and to register, please click 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.

Cooks needed for the Youth Weekend Away! – Do you like cooking?  Are you happy to cook for large numbers?  Do you like having fun?  If this is you, the team are looking for a couple of people who would be happy and willing to join the Youth Weekend Away to cook the meals.  Training is available if needed and support will be provided with menus and shopping.  If you or anyone you know might be interested, please could you get in touch with Jo Jones as soon as possible.

Kensington Area Growing Younger Day – Saturday, 12 October, 10am-2pm at St Mellitus, Courtfield Gardens. An excellent opportunity for churches to bring their children and youth teams, or anyone interested in ministry to children and young people, to be inspired, encouraged and equipped. Panel discussion, input from Bishop Emma, a range of seminars, resources, networking – and a free lunch! Further details to follow.

Warmest wishes and God bless,

Kathleen McQuarrie

Hounslow Deanery Secretary

08 Feb

February Deanery Synod

Hi All,

The February Deanery Synod is coming up on soon. This first synod of 2024 will feature the guest speaker the Venerable Richard Frank, the Archdeacon of Kensington. He’ll be talking on the subject of volunteers – a cornerstone of many churches! Hosted by Christ Church Turnham Green, the synod will be on Thursday the 22nd of February, starting at 7.30pm, with refreshments from 7pm. Join us to hear from the Archdeacon and bring your questions al about volunteers!

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 22nd of February into your diary and feel free to reach out to myself or Martine if you have any questions on this event.

2024 Deanery Synod Meetings

The date for the next synod 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
  • 9th of October – Discipleship, Hope Church Hounslow

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

Deanery Updates & Notices

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

Praying for Schools – 4th-18th February. Praying for your local schools is a brilliant way to support them, either through a dedicated prayer group or including them in your regular parish or individual prayers.  The Pray for Schools organisation is running a ‘Love Our Schools’ fortnight and useful resources can be found here.

Racial Justice Sunday – Sunday 11th February The theme for this year explores the movement of people from their homelands to the places they now call home – the journeys made, and the reception or welcome received on arrival. View the resources 

Disability and Diversity – 16th February 10am-4pm, London Diocesan House, 36 Causton Street, London, SW1P 4AU. A disability theology day with Professor Brian Brock.  There are a few spaces left.  For more information and to register, click here.

“Decisions, decisions…” – a reflective weekend for SSMs – 16th -18th February 2024. Christians in Secular Ministry (CHRISM) are hosting this weekend.  Guest speakers include the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullaly, DBE, Bishop of London and the Revd Annette Fritze-Shanks, Bishop’s Adviser for Self-Supporting Ministry.  For more information and on how to book, please click here.  

Who Cares? An Introduction to Pastoral Care – 20th & 27th February, 5th, 12th & 19th March. Are you interested in caring for others, whether in a small group or visiting them at home or in hospital? This course covers topics including Listening, Visiting, the nature of Pastoral Care, Boundaries and confidentiality, and more. For more

information and to book click here.

Lent Listening Groups – 20th & 27th February, 5th, 12th & 19th March. Explore how listening can create space to pay attention to what God is doing in our lives. A mix of online sessions hosted by our bishops, and small group sessions in your own context, for both churches and individuals. For more information and to book click here.

Kensington Area Youth Event – Friday, 1 March, 7pm – 9pm, St John’s Hampton Wick. Bring your young people along – there will be food, fun and games, worship and engaging discussion. Further details to follow soon. For more information contact Jo Jones.

Toddler Group online training session – Wednesday, 6 March, 7.30pm. If you’re involved in running a toddler group at church (or interested in setting one up), then save the date!  This training session will cover several key themes, including how to make church baby/toddler groups welcoming, distinctive and a key part of your ministry to children and families.  For more information contact Jo Jones .

Multiply Estates Mission 2024 – Tuesday, 12 March, 9am – 2 pm, St Barnabas North London. Multiply Estates Mission is an opportunity to explore what it takes to build churches for those yet to belong, to create welcoming homes for the weary, for those longing to find a family in Christ.  Cost is £10 per person.  For more information and to book, click here.

Kensington Area Lent Day – Wednesday, 13th March 2024, 10am. The Area Lent day is for all clergy and Licensed Lay Ministers.  For more information and to register, please click 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.

Cooks needed for the Youth Weekend Away! – Do you like cooking?  Are you happy to cook for large numbers?  Do you like having fun?  If this is you, the team are looking for a couple of people who would be happy and willing to join the Youth Weekend Away to cook the meals.  Training is available if needed and support will be provided with menus and shopping.  If you or anyone you know might be interested, please could you get in touch with Jo Jones as soon as possible.

Kensington Area Growing Younger Day – Saturday, 12 October, 10am-2pm at St Mellitus, Courtfield Gardens. An excellent opportunity for churches to bring their children and youth teams, or anyone interested in ministry to children and young people, to be inspired, encouraged and equipped. Panel discussion, input from Bishop Emma, a range of seminars, resources, networking – and a free lunch! Further details to follow.

Warmest wishes and God bless,

Kathleen McQuarrie

Hounslow Deanery Secretary

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 Month – 16th 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 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

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 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.

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 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

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 Lead – Hope 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 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.

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 Conference – 22 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