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