The Darlington District Spring Synod was hosted by the Stockton Circuit at the Oakwood Centre, Eaglescliffe.
The Synod was chaired for the last time before his retirement by the Rev Graham Carter (Chair of District). Opening Worship was led by “Joyce Simpson and the Simpson’s” from the Stockton Circuit, who performed an amusing and thought provoking sketch around the theme ‘Spread the Good News’. Graham Carter led Bible Study on Luke 7:36-50 ‘Jesus anointed by a sinful woman’. He used the theme ‘Justification by grace, through faith’, stressing the need for people to be ‘enabled to belong, before they believe.’ The church, like Simon’s house, must have an open door to all comers ~ not just for those who ‘pay’, belonging to the church is not the same as belonging to a ‘club’.
A Commissioning Service was held for those who are to represent the District on a trip to the Miathene District of Kenya later in the year.
Susan Johnson (District Mission Enabler)gave a short presentation on Hope 08.
Susan then advertised a ‘Mission-shaped Ministry course’ to start in 2009, offering training for anyone involved in mission in the church.
A report was given on ‘Mapping the Way Forward’, a discussion day, involving Superintendent Ministers and others in the District, exploring ways in which we can best use the resources we have available to engage in God’s mission.
A ‘Farewell to Graham’ and the presentation of a cheque to Graham was made by Brian Caldwell. Brian gave an amusing account of Graham’s ministry in the Darlington District and his time as President of Conference, followed by a vote of thanks for all Graham has done and achieved. The Stockton Circuit ‘choir’ sang ‘We’d do anything for you, Graham’!
Synod closed in prayer.