The Rev Neil Dixon welcomed the Autumn Synod to Durham High School for Girls on Saturday 12th September. Young people from the Durham and Deerness Valley Circuit led the opening devotions.
The theme for the Synod, which was attended by 57 Ordained and 78 Lay representatives, was ‘Hope in God’s future’ with a particular focus on ‘Signs of Hope’.
During the afternoon an invitation was extended to representatives to reflect on and pray about some of the ‘Signs of Hope’ in the District and to meditate on new opportunities through prayer stations, bible reflections and reports from around the District.
Preparations began for Conference 2010 with the election of District representatives ~ Brian Thornton, Roger Walton, Anne Offler, Alison Wilkinson, Norma Nevin (Synod Secretary), Mavis Green and Jane Gibson. Representatives to Youth Assembly are Sam Newton, Michael Offler and Grace McAloon.
The Chair presented some of the highlights from the Conference Report ‘Give thanks in all things’, enthusiastically encouraging Synod to continue to discern God’s will for our Church.
The Chair also introduced the Synod to ‘The Big Read’, which is to take place across the Districts and Diocese of the North East during Lent 2010. Based on the book ‘Lent for Everyone (Luke)’ written by Bishop Tom Wright, with daily reflections, it can be obtained through SPCK. Kirsty Smith from MRDF spoke to Synod about its project in Cameroon.
Following this the Synod Secretary informed Synod that the Chairs of both the Darlington and Newcastle Districts will carry out a sponsored walk entitled ‘We’re Walking’ to raise funds for this MRDF project. The walk will take place during Holy Week along the ‘Weardale Way’, stretching from Sunderland on the coast, up to Wearhead in Weardale, a distance of 77 miles!