31 Jul

Deanery Standing Committee

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!

06 Apr

2023 Deanery Synod Dates

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.

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

06 Oct

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.

26 May

June Deanery Synod

Hello Everyone,

The June Deanery Synod is in a little over two weeks. We’re being graciously hosted by Holy Trinity Hounslow (6 High St, TW3 1HG) and we look forward to seeing you all there. We’ll be meeting on Tuesday 14th June, with refreshments served from 7pm and the meeting starting at 7.30pm and looking at Racial Justice with Fr Joseph Fernandes, Vicar of St Hilda’s Ashford and Area Dean of Spelthorne. This is a key area in the Kensington Area Plan so it’s incredibly important that we engage with this topic fully.

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 14th of June into your diary. The next synod meeting is planned for Thursday 20 October, with a presentation by Jo Jones, the Kensington Area Bishop’s Schools’ Chaplain.

Deanery Updates & Notices

Children & Youth Workers – we’ve been asked to setup a WhatsApp group for Children and Youth workers to co-ordinate and share best practice. If your workers would like to participate in this, please send their contact details to me here.

School Chaplain Vacancy – Chelsea Academy have a vacancy for a school chaplain. If you, or someone you know, would be interested please click here for the vacancy advert and for the Chaplain pack, click here.

Archdeacon’s PA Vacancy– The Archdeacon of Middlesex is advertising for a permanent PA. If you, or someone you know, would be interested please click here for more information.

Creed & Culture Seminar: Identity – what difference does the Christian faith make to how we understand each other? Taking place at the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity (5 minute walk from Oxford Circus or Broad Street tube stops). The speaker is Michael Lloyd, principal of Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. Held on Saturday, 18th June 2022, 2 – 5 pm, more details and ticket information can be found here.

Warmest wishes and God bless,

Kathleen McQuarrie
Hounslow Deanery Secretary

Unconscious Bias Trainers
This involves undertaking about three hours of training and then helping PCCs in vacancies by giving them unconscious bias training – probably a couple of times a year. Email Martine if you’re interested.

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.

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.

10 Feb

February Deanery Synod Agenda

Hello Everyone,

Just a quick message from your friendly neighbourhood secretary. The February Deanery Synod is in two weeks, and will be held via zoom so there’s no need to brave the cold for this one. We’ll be meeting on Thursday 24th February, starting at 7.30pm and looking at Living in Love and Faith (LLF) resources with Rebeccah Cooper-Jones & Rev Jody Stowell.

The hope is for people in Church of England churches across the country to use these resources to study and pray together. This church-wide learning together, listening to one another, and listening to God, is intended to enable the Church of England to discern a way forward in relation to matters of identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage. The zoom link for the meeting is here.In preparation for the meeting, please take a look at the below documents and get ready to bring your questions to our expert speakers.Deanery Synod Meeting Agenda October 2021 Deanery Synod Meeting Minutes Please make sure to mark the 24th of February into your diary and I look forward to seeing you all there!

Kathleen McQuarrie
Hounslow Deanery Secretary

Unconscious Bias Trainers
This involves undertaking about three hours of training and then helping PCCs in vacancies by giving them unconscious bias training – probably a couple of times a year. Email Martine if you’re interested

Diocesan Synod By-Election
Our recent election has left several vacancies for us on the Diocesan Synod. You should now have received Nomination forms, don’t forget to get them into us by the 28th of Feb!

Hounslow Welcare Trust
The Houslow Welcare Trust exists to make grants to help Deanery churches. The next trustees meeting is coming in March – take a look at the criteria and get in touch if you’re interested.

04 Feb

Diocesan Synod By-Elections

Nomination & Elections – the time has come!

As was mentioned during the last Deanery Synod, the recent London Diocesan Synod election has left the Hounslow Deanery with 3 clergy and 3 lay member vacancies unfilled. We are now looking to fill these slots with a by-election. If you or someone you know would like to represent our Deanery on the Diocesan Synod then please do complete a nomination form.

Below are the links to the nomination forms for this election, along with the formal notice of an election as required by the synod regulations. Please do review these forms and nominate those who you think would best serve both the Deanery and the wider Diocese. It’s worth noting that per voting regulations nomination forms can be received via email, in person or via post to the details listed only. All nominations must be received by the 25th February 2022..

If we receive more nominations than vacancies, this will be followed by an election and, if required, voting forms will be sent out on the morning of the 28th of February..

The formal notice of an election is here
The Nomination form for clergy is here
The Nomination form for lay members is here

Yours in Christ,

Kathleen
Deanery Secretary

04 Jan

Welcome to January 2022!

I hope that you have all had a good Christmas, taken some time off and are looking forward to a new year of ministry in 2022! It was a pity that the Chapter Christmas lunch got cancelled but I’m hoping very much that we can all get together for an in-person Chapter in two weeks’ time and a party in February. Then, we’ll have a summer Chapter lunch at The Royal Oak in June.

Here’s the plan:

Tuesday 11am 18 January – in-person Chapter meeting at Hope Church Hounslow with Rev Claire Clarke

Christmas stories – things that went a bit wrong as well as things that went well
Tips on tools that help us get organised – personally and as teams
Deanery news and things coming up

Thurs 10 Feb 7.30pm CHAPTER PARTY at my place – 60 Elmwood Rd W4 3DZ

Thurs 17 Feb 2pm Online Chapter meeting
Peter Vannozzi will tell us about the new discernment process for potential ordinands, involving Grids, Traffic Lights and Carousels.

Mental Health First Aider training
The Diocese is offering parishes the opportunity to have one person trained as a Mental Health First Aider. This will enable the MHFA to recognise the symptoms of mental ill health; to provide initial help, on a first-aid basis; to signpost appropriate professional support; to be aware of their own mental health and well-being; and to understand how to use the MHFA framework within theological frames of reference and pastoral contexts.

The course comprises four half days of training, which should be completed reasonably close together.

Hounslow Deanery is being offered an in-person course for up to 16 people on Tues 10 May, Thurs 12 May, Tues 17 May and Thurs 19 May at 9.30am-1.30pm.

Would you, or someone else from your church, like to attend the course? If so, please let me know.

GROW course
Just a reminder that, if you and your church have not done this, it’s definitely worth considering. More info here: https://ccx.org.uk/grow-course/

Welcare Trust
The trustees meet again at the end of March so January/February would be a great time to reflect on funding needs for work in the community and see if this charity can help you. More info here.

Deanery synod – Introduction to LLF resources – Thursday 24 Feb 7.30-9.00pm
Rev Jody Stowell, Vicar of St Michael & All Angels in Harrow, and Rebeccah Cooper-Jones, professional mediator, will facilitate an introduction to the Living in Love and Faith resources that have been produced recently. The hope is for people in Church of England churches across the country to use these resources to study and pray together. This church-wide learning together, listening to one another, and listening to God is intended to enable the Church of England to discern a way forward in relation to matters of identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage. Please do try to join this session – all voices need to be heard.

Prayer
Please continue to pray for the well-being, both physical and mental, of clergy and church leaders.

Love, God bless and Happy New Year!

Martine

19 Oct

October Deanery Synod

Hello Everyone,

Just a quick message from your friendly neighbourhood secretary. The October Deanery Synod is in less than a week, and the first Synod to be held in person since the start of the pandemic. We’ll be meeting on Monday 25 October at St Michael’s Church, Elmwood Road W4 3DY. Don’t forget that we’re starting with the Lay Reps meeting at 6.30pm, with clergy welcome to join for refreshments from 7pm.

If you are planning to attend and have not yet received the meeting pack including both the agenda and minutes from the June meeting, then please reach out to me here.

Please make sure to mark the 25th of October into your diary and I look forward to seeing you all there!

WhatsApp Groups

The Deanery now offers WhatsApp groups for clergy, PCC Secretaries, Treasurers, and Churchwardens. They’re a great resource for problem solving and sharing solutions with others, do let me know if you would like to join one of these groups!

Kathleen McQuarrie
Hounslow Deanery Secretary

Hounslow Welcare Trust
The Houslow Welcare Trust exists to make grants to help Deanery churches. The next trustees meeting is coming at the end of November – take a look at the criteria and get in touch if you’re interested.

New Triennium Starts Soon!

If you would like to nominate someone for the Deanery Synod Standing Committee (even yourself), please out to me or our Area Dean, Martine. Both clergy and lay members are needed.

Lay Chair Election
The election for the new Lay Chair is now well underway and all Lay Reps should now have been sent voting papers via the post. Please make sure to have your paper returned by the 22nd to have it counted!

28 Sep

27 Sep

Oct Deanery Synod CHANGE OF DATE

We have had to change the date for the October Deanery Synod meeting and we will now been meeting on Monday 25 October (NOT 28 Oct.) The meeting will still be IN-PERSON and still be held at St Michael’s Church, Elmwood Road W4 3DY.

Lay representatives, please do come for 6.30pm for the Lay Only Meeting (no clergy please!) to elect the next Lay Chair. Everyone is welcome from 7pm for refreshments followed by Holy Communion (sharing bread only) at 7.30pm. Following this, Rev Derek Winterburn, Vicar of St James’s Church Hampton Hill, will facilitate a conversation about how we are caring for God’s creation. Finally, we’ll have some brief notices and the appointment or election of our Deanery Synod Standing Committee. An agenda will be sent round nearer the time.

Please remember!
The Hounslow Deanery Common Fund Meeting is still going ahead by Zoom on the 5th of October, 7.00-8.30pm. Do invite anyone in your church who you feel would benefit from attending and I look forward to seeing you there! If you would like the zoom detail for this meeting then please reach out to Kat here.

Warmest wishes and God bless,

Martine Oborne
Area Dean

Hounslow Welcare Trust
The Houslow Welcare Trust exists to make grants to help Deanery churches. The next trustees meeting is coming soon – take a look at the criteria and get in touch if you’re interested.

New Triennium Starts Soon!
If you would like to nominate someone for the Deanery Synod Standing Committee (even yourself), please out to me or Kat. Both clergy and lay members are needed.

Christian Mindfulness and Contemplative Prayer
This course comprises two Thursday morning sessions on 7 & 14 October at St Peter’s Church in Southfield Rd W4. Please contact Fabrizio Pesce to find out more. Or book here.

Hounslow Deanery

Parish Churches serving communities across north-west London

Hounslow Deanery

Parish Churches serving communities across north-west London

Category Archives: Events

Deanery Standing Committee

June Synod Minutes

Lay Chair Election

Deanery Updates & Notices

2023 Deanery Synod Dates

Deanery Updates & Notices

October Deanery Synod

Deanery Updates & Notices

June Deanery Synod

Deanery Updates & Notices

February Deanery Synod Agenda

Diocesan Synod By-Elections

Welcome to January 2022!

October Deanery Synod

Oct Deanery Synod CHANGE OF DATE