Spring Synod - 2006

Willington Methodist Church

The Rev Tom Wilkinson welcomed the Spring Synod to Willington Methodist Church on Saturday 8th April.

Once again the Synod was based around the 'Priorities for the Methodist Church'. Following worship led by the people of the Willington Circuit, Susan Johnson the District Mission Enabler led a Bible Study on Luke 15 1-11. After accepting the written "Reports to Synod", the chair invited Ian Bell of the Addington Fund was to speak on the continuing problems being faced by the farming community. Revd Keith Pearce shared with the Synod the progress that had been made regarding our links with the Miathene Synod in Kenya. It was agreed to set up two funds: a travel fund and a support (project) fund.

Paul Nixon reported back from the Youth Conference 2005 and thanked the District for its continued support.

The majority of the day was filled with Workshops including Fresh Expressions of being Church, led by Todd Gile; Seeing with New Eyes (Methodist Art Collection) led by Sarah Middleton, Puppets in Worship led by Jenny Pryde, a discussion on the report "What sort of Bishops?" was presented by Richard Bradshaw whilst at the last minute (due to illness) Elizabeth Oliver led a session entitled "Madness!!??…..welcoming people with Mental Health Problems into our churches".

An Offering was taken up for the Methodist Ministers' Children's Relief Fund raising £168.09. The Closing act of Worship was led by the Synod Secretary during which a stole and Cassock, given from the Churches in the District, was presented to the Chair, the Revd Graham Carter, as he prepares to begin his year as President of the Methodist Conference. Special prayers were offered for him and Rosamond at this time as the Synod reminded him of the words of His ordination "Remember your call".