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