Hounslow Deanery

Parish Churches serving communities across north-west London

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

08 Mar

February Deanery Synod Minutes

Hello All,

I’m sure you’ll all join me in thanking Christ Church Feltham and Rev Andy Watkins for arranging last month’s informative Deanery synod. Many of the reps who attended have let us know how useful they found the talks on Asylum seekers, and we encourage you to take a look if you weren’t able to attend.

The minutes of the meeting are here and these include links to recordings of the interviews. 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.

We don’t have a date for the next synod yet but are working closely with speakers, with the hope of announcing a date soon. Please do reach out to Martine or myself if you would like to contribute

Multiply Estates Mission

For this event, we’ll be joined by the fantastic Sarah Small, Head of Eden at The Message Trust, and Cris Rogers, director of Making Disciples.

Alongside Sarah and Cris’s keynote talks, attendees will be able to put questions to our panellists – including:

  • Brendan Bassett, team lead of Jesus Shaped People
  • Sara Barron, executive director of the National Estate Churches Network
  • Ray Driscoll, head of estates planting at the Church Revitalisation Trust
  • Mark Miller, head of New Wine’s urban ministry

We’d love those who are involved in estate mission and ministry or those that would like to be, to join us at St Barnabas Church, North London, on Tuesday 28 March 2023. Multiply: Estates Mission is for everyone – we’d love people to bring their teams, including their local leaders. For more information and book tickets, click here.

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.
  • Coronation Weekend Webinar – 9th March, 11am. The upcoming coronation gives a wonderful opportunity for churches to engage their communities in celebration and worship, and to support volunteering, as well as to pray for the King. This webinar will introduce the national plans and resources for the coronation weekend with suggestions as to how to use them locally to create a memorable and outward-facing occasion. Hosted by Stephen Hance (Vision and Strategy Team) with colleagues from the National Church. Click here to join.
  • Supporting Young People’s Emotional & Mental Health – 15th March, 5.30pm-7.30 pm. Led by the brilliant Dr Kate Middleton, from Youthscape/Mind & Soul Foundation, this session will be offering advice and support for how we can offer care to our young people around wellbeing. It’s free – all are welcome. For more information, or to register, click here.
  • Kensington Area Youth Event – 21 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.
  • 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.
  • 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. Please contact John directly 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

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. For more information click here.

Hounslow Welcare Trust.
Last year the trust extended grants in excess of £35k, supporting projects ranging from debt support, community hubs, and relief for Ukraine. Get in touch if your church would like funding.

01 Feb

The February Deanery Synod meeting is next week

Hello All,

The First Deanery Synod of 2023 is next weeks with a focus on ministering to Asylum Seekers. We’re being graciously hosted by Christ Church Feltham (Hanworth Rd, Feltham TW13 5AB) and we look forward to seeing you all there. We’ll be meeting on Wednesday the 8th February at 7.30pm, with refreshments served from 7pm. Our speaker will be Rev Jonathan Samadi, vicar of St Mary’s Staines.

This synod we’re hoping for a participation heavy event featuring series of conversations and interviews that would provoke conversations among the deanery synod members and hopefully spark ideas. Bring your questions and issues around ministering to asylum seekers at your church.

Please make sure to mark the 8th of February into your diary and feel free to reach out to Rev Andy Watkins, the Deanery Community Champion, if you have any questions on this event.

    Deanery Updates & Notices

    • Racial Justice Sunday – 12th February 2023. Racial Justice Sunday is taking place on 12 February 2023 and is very much a call for all Christians to engage in the righteous struggle for racial justice.
      • CofE liturgical resources
      • Churches Together in Britain and Ireland resources
      • Churches Together in England resources
    • Bishop of Kensington welcome service – Sunday 19th February, 3pm. The new Bishop of Kensington has been announced as the Rt Revd Dr Emma Ineson (diocese announcement here). Everyone in the area is invited to her welcome service at St Barnabas Kensington which will be followed by refreshments.
    • Deanery Vacancies – Holy Trinity Hounslow are currently recruiting a Case Worker for the Olive Branch Crisis Drop-in to guide homeless guests from first meeting and assessment to being housed. Application Deadline: Tues 28th February, Click here for further details.
    • Multiply Estates Mission – 23-28 March 2023, 10am – 1pm at St Barnabas Church, North London. For practitioners with a deep love for estates mission and for those who are new to the call but hungry to get going. Join us to hear stories from across the nation and discover practical tools for starting this work in your community. Register here
    • Kensington Area Youth Event – 21 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.
    • 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.
    • 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. Please contact John directly 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

    Warmest wishes and God bless,

    Kathleen McQuarrie

    Hounslow Deanery Secretary

    09 Dec

    Hounslow Deanery Christmas Mailing

    ***Merry Christmas All! This month’s mailing is a special edition featuring sections by some of our Deanery Standing Committee.***

    Dear Friends,

    This time last year we were sadly postponing our Clergy Christmas lunch because of COVID fears. Which meant that we finally celebrated Christmas 2021 together on the hottest day of the year in June – it was the first time I’ve had to apply sun cream before pulling a Christmas cracker!

    But, thanks be to God, this year we can all go ahead with lots of lovely church services and events. And we can look forward to our Clergy Christmas lunch in January. 

    2022 has been a very full year. Who would have thought that we would see three different Prime Ministers? And who would have thought we would both celebrate 70 glorious years of her late Majesty’s reign and also queue through the night to pay our final respects to our Queen in Westminster Hall?

    I do hope that you will take time to rest and reflect during the Christmas season. Christ came to take on our heavy burdens, not to add to them! Thank you for being such a support to me and to each other. I
    do hope that we will be able to meet up face to face more in 2023 at both Chapters and Synods. Thanks especially to Kat McQuarrie who ensures the show stays on the road behind the scenes.

    Please continue to pray for our Bishop-elect and for the Holy Spirit to be powerfully at work this Christmas – through all we do – to bring hope and comfort to the world around us.

    Warmest wishes and a Merry Christmas,

    Rev Martine Oborne
    Hounslow Area Dean

    February Deanery Synod

    The next synod meeting is planned for February the 8th, with refreshments from 7pm and will be hosted by Christ Church Feltham. We are currently planning to look at how churches can minister to asylum seekers within Hounslow and will feature the Rev Jonathan Samadi. Please do reach out to Rev Andy Watkins, the Deanery Community Champion, if there’s anything you would like to contribute to this event.

    Our Mission in Pakistan – the Rev Sally Baily

    This year Rev Sally Baily, the Deanery Diversity Champion, spent some time visiting Churches and Christians in Pakistan. Below is a her account of the trip.

    Rev Davis with Hammad & Sally
    Rev Davis with Hammad & Sally

    We spent 3 weeks in Pakistan during Oct/Nov visiting churches, preaching and leading worship with our band of local musicians.   This was our first mission trip to Pakistan since before COVID.   The team visited the Assemblies of God Church in Iqbal Town Lahore which is the founder of the Pentecostal movement in Pakistan. This church has many church plants around the Punjab region and runs a nursery school and computer training centre for Christian students.

    We also visited New Life in Christ church to preach and lead worship.   Pastor Imran is a businessman who has a vision to open a college for Christian students who want to learn business skills.  

    We renewed our connection with the Presbyterian Education Board where our friend, the late Lyn Masterson, worked for over 20 years. We have visited many of their school in rural areas over the years.  During this visit we led worship at a staff thanksgiving lunch.  Many of the schools programmes have not yet restarted after COVID, but we are hopeful that we can visit the schools again next year. 

    Mrs Javed and team at Presbyterian Education Board

    Some of the most precious memories are from visiting a poor Christian village for a worship programme, and praying for a young girl who had been abducted and abused for 3 months.   Thankfully she is now free but still has to face a court case against her abusers. We also visited a brick kiln for filming a music video. It was shocking to see the poor state of the houses where Christian families were living and the back‐breaking work involved in making bricks.  

    It was a privilege to pray with them and other Muslim workers making bricks. We have a long standing relationship with Lahore Evangelical Ministries (LEM) under the leadership of Rev Waseem Khokhar.  He also had a relationship with HT Hounslow via Stu.  During this trip we supported LEM’s teaching programme for local pastors and Sally led a session on preaching for transformation. LEM has a ministry among Brick Kiln workers and is looking for funding for their Christmas outreach/support programme.  

    If you would like to support this work, please reach out to us for the Rev Waseem Khokhar’s UK bank account.

    Unconscious Bias Training – Simon Surtees

    The PCC of St Pauls Chiswick recently went through unconscious bias training. Our Deanery Lay Chair, Simon Surtees, recalls how it went for them and how this has affected their interregnum.

    One of the things that has taken us slightly by surprise since the beginning of our interregnum at St Paul’s Grove Park have been the challenges thrown out to us a Parish as we begin to think about the person who might be coming to lead us in the future. 

    Our previous Incumbent had been with us for over 30 years. He had established traditions and ideas that had become second nature to us as a Parish, but which also made us open to styles of prayer and liturgy to keep us alert to the different ideas to add subtlety our worship. Nevertheless, our PCC are working hard to sustain the life of the Parish, however much the congregation might be feeling the loss of him. So, we wondered why the policy of the Diocese was to ask the PCC to come together on Zoom for a session on Unconscious Bias Training. This asked us to ask ourselves just how set in our ways we were as individuals and how prepared we might be to embrace change. 

    The Zoom session we were offered came from a team from St Stephen’s in St Margaret’s.  It challenged us to ask ourselves questions at every stage of the process of change, it asked us to think of what we were for and what we were against and, crucially, why we were against it, and we were asked to consider how would we react in the face of change? In an open way, we faced what we might be open to, and where we would be uncompromising. Above all, it provided much needed space for thought and circumspection and we would encourage other PCCs to consider this training as well.

    Our Church Wardens have been strong in their leadership. We have had good sessions which have allowed the Parish to express their own views. Our advertisements in the Church Times have just concluded and we await the recruitment process with some excitement. Our prayers have been honest and forthright. We look forward to what they will bring.

    Working against Modern Slavery – Nick Lines

    St Nicholas Chiswick has been working hard against Modern Slavery. Nick Lines, the deanery Mental Health Champion, tells us what they’ve been doing.

    St Nicholas Chiswick held the Hidden Voices course this autumn, with some participation from other Chiswick parishes. A course run by the Church of England’s Clewer Initiative, Hidden Voices focuses on modern slavery. It was conducted by Clewer Initiative staff and volunteers with the Metropolitan Police anti-slavery unit; and one session included a presentation by Hestia, a charity that works with survivors of modern slavery. The course presents what modern slavery is, how to identify its presence in the community and how to prevent it. Participants felt the course made them more aware, more able to detect and more empowered to work against modern slavery. Following this course, we are now planning on:

    • Creating protocols for all St Nicholas parish activities to help detect and handle potential cases of slavery
    • Spreading awareness of modern slavery in the local community in Chiswick and in Hounslow more broadly
    • Approaching Hounslow Friends of Faith and others to widen the propagation of awareness
    • Working with Hounslow Council and the Met to facilitate detection of and action on cases in the area

    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).

    Diversity Awareness – Rev Sally Baily strongly recommends everyone make time to to engage with the Rev John Root’s blog. He is the former curate of Harlesden, led an estate church plant in Hackney, and planted two Asian language congregations in Wembley before his retirement ministry in Tottenham.

    Multiply Estates Mission – 23-28 March 2023, 10am – 1pm at St Barnabas Church, North London. For practitioners with a deep love for estates mission and for those who are new to the call but hungry to get going. Join us to hear stories from across the nation and discover practical tools for starting this work in your community. Register here

    Merry Christmas everyone!

    Kathleen McQuarrie 
    Hounslow Deanery Secretary

    27 Oct

    Deanery Synod Minutes

    Hello Everyone,

    Thank you so much for coming to our recent deanery synod meeting at which we looked at how we might better serve our local schools. I’m sure you all join me in thanking our speakers Jo Jones, Sally Yarrow, and Penny Roberts. The minutes of the meeting are here and these include a links to the presenters’ slides. 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. 

    Also, please have a think about the subjects you would like discussed at Synod – maybe this is something you could raise at your PCC meetings and see whether there are any particular areas where you would welcome more advice or sharing of information with other churches in the deanery. 

    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.

    Church Energy Cost Support Grants

    With the cost of living crisis starting to bite we know that many churches are facing significantly higher energy bills than ever before. The Diocese of London has been allocated £684,000 to help churches with energy bills this winter, and these funds are due to be distributed in the next couple of months.

    The amount that can be allocated to each church will depend on how many churches apply, as grants will be awarded by dividing the allocation from National Church by the number of applicants. The Diocese would therefore request that you consider carefully how great your need is for financial support at this time, bearing in mind your sources of income and available reserves.

    If your church wishes to apply for a grant, please send an email to energyfund@london.anglican.org including the following details by 11th November 2022:

    • Name of your church
    • 4-digit diocesan reference number
    • Contact name at the church
    • Bank account details to which funds should be remitted, together with supporting evidence, e.g., scan of paying-in slip or bank statement extract

    All applications will be reviewed and processed after this deadline, therefore please expect to hear back in late November. If you have any questions about the grant scheme or the process, please contact Mary Spredbury, the Kensington Area Finance Adviser.

    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).

    Hounslow Welcare Trust – The Hounslow Welcare Trust exists to make grants to help deanery churches work in their community. Supporting projects ranging from debt support, community hubs, and relief for Ukraine, the trust has given out over £40k to deanery churches in the last year and would like to give out so much more. The next meeting of the trust will be held in November so if your church project could do with funding, take a look at the criteria and send in your application before the 1st of November

    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.

    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 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

    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.

    19 Oct

    October Deanery Synod Reminder

    Hello all,

    Don’t forget that the June Deanery Synod is tomorrow! The October Deanery Synod will 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 tomorrow, Thursday the 20th 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 including any Children’s or Youth workers that facilitate your work with schools.

    ***The Green School for Girls have extended an invitation for all synod attendees to use their carpark. Once parked, please head for the main reception where you will be directed to the Main Hall. Please note that due to IT limitations this meeting will not be recorded or broadcast via zoom so the only way to see this important synod is to attend!***

    In preparation for the meeting, please take a look at the below documents and get ready to bring your questions to our expert speakers.

    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.

    Warmest wishes,

    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.

    22 Jun

    June Deanery Synod Minutes and Updates

    Hello Everyone,

    It was lovely to see many of you at this week’s Synod and I hope that you enjoyed the meeting as much as I did. Many thanks to our speaker, Fr Joseph Fernandes. The minutes of the meeting are here and these include a link to the meeting’s recording showing the slides. 

    Do let me know if you have any questions or notice any changes needed in the minutes.

    Our next Synod meeting is currently pencilled in for the 20th October and will be held at Hope Church Hounslow. Closer to the time, we will confirm this date and send over the meeting details. Please do keep this date in your diary and do let me know if you have any items that you would like to be considered for the agenda.

    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.

    Theatre Chaplains– Open once more, ministry is needed within the theatre industry more than ever. Theatre Chaplaincy UK provides pastoral support to all those working in the theatre, of all faiths and none and are looking to expand their team of chaplains. Chaplains are each assigned a theatre, where they visit regularly, front of house and backstage, to offer support and a friendly, confidential listening ear to any in need. They would love to hear from any interested ordained and licensed lay candidates. To find out more, please email theatrechaplain@gmail.com

    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. The deadline for applications is 1 July 2022.

    Bishop Graham’s Farewell service – Tuesday 12th July at 7:30pm at St Paul’s Hammersmith. Everyone is welcome at this service to say farewell to Bishop Graham who has been the Bishop of Kensington since 2015. Please let the team know if you are planning to attend here, to sign an e-card for Bishop Graham (which he will receive on 12th July), please click here

    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.

    October Deanery Synod – 20th October 7.30pm, Hope Church Hounslow. Our next Deanery Synod is currently planned for October and will look at Schools, with a presentation by Jo Jones the Kensington Area Bishop’s Schools’ Chaplain. Make sure to note this in your diary!

    Kensington Area Youth Weekend 2023 – The Youth Weekend 2023 will take place from 16-18 June 2023 at Oakwood Youth Challenge near Bracknell.  This weekend, led by Area Youth and Schools’ Chaplain Jo Jones, is particularly for churches who don’t run ‘in house’ youth residentials.  Further details will be sent out in the autumn, but if you would like to find out more before then, please contact Jo on Joanna.jones@london.anglican.org


    With thanks,

    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 on the 14th of July – take a look at the criteria and get in touch ASAP if you’re interested.

    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.

    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.

    15 Mar

    February Deanery Synod Minutes

    Hello Everyone,


    It was lovely to see many of you at the February Synod and I hope that you enjoyed the meeting as much as I did. Our speakers, Rebeccah Cooper-Jones & Rev Jody Stowell gave a very informative talk on Living in Love and Faith along with some guidance on the Pastoral Principles. The minutes of the meeting are here and include links to useful details following on from the synod. Do let me know if you have any questions or notice any changes needed in the minutes.

    Our next Synod meeting is currently pencilled in for the 14th of June, held at Holy Trinity Hounslow, and will feature Revd Allen Bower, the Kensington Area Dean of Cultural Diversity. Please do keep this date in your diary and do let me know if you have any items that you would like to be considered for the agenda.

    Diocesan Synod By-Election
    Nomination forms have been received and as the nominations did not exceed the number of vacancies, no election was needed. Congratulations to our new clergy representatives to the Diocesan Synod:

    • Rev Anne Dollery (St Dunstan, Feltham)
    • Rev Micheal Dobson (St George, Hanworth)
    • Rev Sally Baily (Holy Trinity Hounslow)

    They join Rev Michael Gill and our lay Representatives Julian Duffus & Shelia Matthews to represent the Hounslow Deanery at the London Diocesan Synod. Our thanks to everyone who participated.


    With thanks,

    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 in two weeks – take a look at the criteria and get in touch if you’re interested.

    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.

    Mental Health First Aider Training
    Eight parishes have signed up for this so far but there are still plenty of places left.  Please let Martine know asap if you or someone else from your parish, would like to attend.