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.

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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