Diocesan Synod Summary JULY 2012
Last Updated on Monday, 13 August 2012 10:25
BRIEFING:
By Rob Marshall (Communications Adviser to the Diocese)
Quote of the Synod: “There is much for us to celebrate!" -Archdeacon Martyn Snow
1 Diocesan Synod took place at St Mary's Bramall Lane on Saturday 21 July. It was the last Synod of the present three year term.
2 Bishop Steven gave an in-depth Presidential Address which will is available in full as a video (www.sheffield.anglican.otg) and full text (bishop’s pages of the website).
3. Reports from Bishop's Council, the Board of Education and the Board of Ministry and Mission were presented to Synod members. The latter took the form of a visual presentation of images looking at the past decade.
4. Canon Simon Bessant gave a lucid summary of events at the York Sessions of the Church of England’s General Synod. He said that "the House of Bishops will need the Wisdom of Solomon to keep all side happy when they meet in September."
5. Finances were never far from the surface of this meeting. How do we properly resource our mission strategy? Canon Sandra Newton gave a thorough, honest and challenging insight into budgeting, expenditure and good housekeeping.
An interview with Sandra summarising her main points will be broadcast on the website from mid-August for parishes to watch in early September at PCC meetings.
6. The annual report and accounts of the Sheffield West Riding Charitable Society were presented and received by Martyn Snow.
7. Synod had an hour of its time to discuss Salt and Light> Transforming our society and God's world is the focus of the Diocesan Mission Strategy's outward-facing initiative. It will be the theme of the Development Day in October. Martyn Snow gave an illuminating summary of the Salt and Light report. "There is much for us to celebrate," the Archdeacon told Synod. Kate Plant assisted in the presentation.
8. David Jeans from Deepcar asked a question to Synod about re-imagining the use and maintenance of church buildings in the Diocese.
9. The Dean of Sheffield gave an update on the proposed renovation and refurbishment of the Cathedral known as the Cathedral Gateway Project.
10. 2014 is the centenary of the Diocese of Sheffield and Bishop Peter gave an update of early planning and discussions.
11. The first meeting of the newly elected Diocesan Synod will be held at St Peter's Warmsworth on Saturday 24 November.
