The Darlington District Spring Synod was hosted by the Swaledale Circuit at St Francis Xavier School, Richmond. Opening Worship was led by members of the circuit and Rev Alan Coustick read John 21:1-14. Following various bits of business which included Synod agreeing the new District Logo and approving the new District Structures, the Synod took part in Workshops. These included, Rev.Peter Phillips, (Secretary to the Faith and Order Committee and member of the Theological Working Group for Equality and Diversity) offered an introduction to the process of bringing in a Connexional “Equality and Diversity” policy – with some theological foundations, some practical issues and some future directions. Prof. Peter Howdle (Joint Implementation Commission) offered ‘An Anglican-Methodist Covenant’ highlighting where we are now, and where we might go. We explored the work that has been done by the Joint Implementation Commission, and the resources it has produced to help to deepen the Covenant relationship at all levels. We talked about what needs to be done locally and nationally to make further progress. Rev Paul Golightly (St Antony's Priory Ecumenical Spirituality Centre, Durham) lead 'Drawn to the Deeper Centre' where participants experienced ‘contemplative prayer as a way of experiencing intimacy with God.’ This workshop was experiential as we explored a spirituality rooting us deep in God and inspiring our Christian living. Susan Johnson (District Mission and Development Enabler) presented "Stories of Grace, Growth and Generosity." sharing in stories from around the District of mission and development. Rev. Nigel Johnson (Probationer Minister and Prison Chaplain) told us about ‘Prison Ministry’, particularly Life in HMP Frankland and other Prisons in the Darlington District.
At the end of the morning a Memorial Service for Local Preachers was led by Bill Offler (Local Preacher’s Secretary) with a reading from Amos.
After lunch, worship based on Jeremiah 1:4-9 ‘The Call of Jeremiah’ was led by Hannah Wakefield and Amy Thorns, Youth Representatives to last years Youth Conference, followed by their report.
An offering was taken amounting to £508.88.for the Dispensary in Mbaranga.
Synod moved once again into the workshops.
The Chair Rev Ruth Gee expressed her thanks to all who had helped make the Synod a successful day. An invitation was extended to attend the Autumn Synod, which is to be hosted by the Durham and Deerness Valley Circuit, by the Superintendent Minister Rev Neil Dixon.
Synod closed with prayer, led by the Chair.