October Deanery Synod
Hello Everyone,
The October Deanery Synod is in two weeks with a focus on Schools. We’re being graciously hosted by The Green School for Girls (Busch Corner, London Road, TW7 5BB) and we look forward to seeing you all there. We’ll be meeting on Thursday 20th October at 7.30pm, with refreshments served from 7pm. Our speakers will be Jo Jones, Kensington Area Bishop’s Schools’ Chaplain, Sally Yarrow, CEO & Executive Headteacher of the Green School Trust, and Penny Roberts, Diocesan Director of Education.
From school engagement and developing relationships, to ways to getting involved, this synod will be useful for church representatives and Christian parents alike. Please do feel free to invite any church members who may find this topic useful.
The Green School are currently working with their facilities department to see if we can make use of their car park for the synod. Watch this space for a future update on parking arrangements
In preparation for the meeting, please take a look at the below documents and get ready to bring your questions to our expert speakers.
Please make sure to mark the 20th of October into your diary. The next synod meeting is planned for February, with a focus on community engagement. Please do reach out to Rev Andy Watkins, the Deanery Community Champion, if there’s anything you would like to contribute to this event.
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).
Caring for God’s Creation – Saturday 8 October 10am to 4.30pm, St Pancras Church, Euston Road London NW1 2BA. We are all called to follow the 5th mark of mission. “To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth.” The day will be a mix of reflective and practical sessions, as well as a number of information stalls to pick up ideas and inspiration. For more information on this event and to register, click here.
Preventing Gambling Harms in Diverse Communities (PGHDC) – run by YGAM together with Hounslow Safeguarding Children Partnership, PGHDC was set up in 2021 to equip Faith and Community Leaders in London and surrounding counties with the knowledge and skills to have purposeful and informed conversations with young people and their families about gaming and gambling. The training is open to Safeguarding Officers, Children & Youth Workers, School Chaplains, and anyone else who works closely with children. Workshops are being held Monday 10th October at 10am (register here), Wednesday 19th October at 10am (register here), Monday 7th November at 6 pm (register here), and Tuesday 29th November at 10 am (register here). For further information please reach out to Marek Maj, YGAM Education Manager
Kensington Area “Growing Younger” Training Morning – Saturday 15 October 9am to 1pm, St Mellitus College, 24 Collingham Road London SW5 0LX. Everyone who works with children and/or youth in a church setting in the Kensington Area, is warmly invited to this training morning. This will include time together in worship, a key note speaker, and a wide variety of seminars on different aspects of working with children and youth across our churches. All free and breakfast will be provided! To book your place please click here.
Patenting in a Digital Age – 1st November, 7.45pm, at All Souls. Young people growing up today are ‘digital natives’ – the first generation to grow up exclusively in the digital age. The impact of digital technology is far-reaching; creating both challenges and opportunities. Led by Jason Royce, former director of Romance Academy, and a hugely experienced youth worker, this seminar will look at the challenges and opportunities of parenting in this digital age. To sign up, click here.
The Menopause Café – 17th November, 7.30pm, St Paul’s Church Brentford.The Menopause and the Workplace report found that one in 10 women have left work because of symptoms of the menopause. Featuring our special guests, Bishop of London Sarah Mullally, Menopause Nutritionalist and Wellbeing Specialist Joanne Fazel, and Angela Chan, Head of Inclusion at StoryFutures. Tickets are £2 each, please click here for more information or to purchase tickets.
Clergy Marriage Retreat – 25-27 November 2022 at Wiston House, West Sussex. An opportunity for clergy couples to spend a weekend away investing in their marriage. The weekend is led by Nicky and Sila Lee, Will and Louie Van der Hart and Ian and Jo Dyble, who help couples recognise and navigate the unique pressures on clergy marriages. As on The Marriage Course, each couple’s conversations are kept private while mealtimes give an opportunity to get to know others. There is limited availability so, if you would like to come, please book early.
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. To find out more about Kintsugi Hope please click here.
Hounslow Welcare Trust
This year the trust has extended grants to several churches, supporting projects ranging from debt support, community hubs, and relief for Ukraine. – take a look at the criteria and get in touch if your church would like funding.