BASSETLAW & BAWTRY DEANERY SYNOD Minutes recorded by Ray S Shaw (Deanery Administrator) Office Tel: 01909 548000 c/o Christ Church Office, Thievesdale Close, Worksop S81 0XS email: rayshaw@southwell.anglican.org webpage: www.southwell.anglican.org/bassetlawbawtry Minutes of Bassetlaw & Bawtry Deanery Synod Held on Tuesday 11 th July 2017 at The Ye Bell Hotel, Barnby Moor The meeting opened at 7:30 pm with welcome to members and guests from the Chair, Area Dean Rev Jonathan Strickland. Prayers and worship were led by Ray Shaw. Attendance: there were 44 Synod members from both Houses present. AGENDA ITEM DISCUSSION 2. Apologies Received from or given for 19 members. There are 17 House of Laity places vacant. 3. Election of One proposal for each post had been received before nominations Lay Chair closed. Mr Rick Brand (Misterton) has thereby been elected Lay and Deanery Chair and Mr Peter Stanley (St Luke s Shireoaks & Christ Church Treasurer Worksop) elected Deanery Treasurer. 4. Minutes of meeting Apr 26 th 2017 5. Matters arising /other business 6. Pastoral concerns. 7. Good News slot: Interns at Christ Church Worksop 8 Finance 1: Parish Share The minutes of the meeting held April 26 th last were accepted as a true record; proposed Ann Hickman (Gringley), seconded Marlene Simpson (Ranskill). Nominations were sought for Standing Committee. The Deanery had decided in 2001 that in addition to officers, six members from each House would represent Standing Committee. Six members of the House of Clergy offered to stand and all were accepted. Eight members of the House of Laity offered to stand for the six places. Following an interjection from the floor asking for clarification of voting procedures, it was resolved that all eight be co-opted for triennium 2017 20 (proposed Kathryn Dalton [Mattersey]; seconded Paul Hardman [St Luke s and Christ Church]). Carried without dissent. The full list of members of Standing Committee can be found on Appendix 1 attached. Prayers were offered for Joan Herrington (Sutton-cum-Lound) who is under treatment for cancer, June Ibbotson (Holbeck) having eye treatment and Rev Frank Beech (retired) who is seriously ill. Prayers were also offered for Rev Tony Walker s licensing taking place in Leeds that evening. Rev Luiz Lima introduced Samara Da Silva and Gabriel Amancio from Brazil who are midway through a six-month placement. Through Luiz interpreting they informed Synod about their work in Worksop, helping out at worship, schools work, Mothers and Toddlers and learning about the church in England, and also their plans for their future ministry. One particular initiative they have begun is a welcome card they have produced to deliver to all homes in the parish. Luiz is planning that internship opportunities continue in the benefice. Synod welcomed Chief Executive Nigel Spraggins who talked about the process for apportioning share. Share is required to deliver ministry in all its forms across the diocese and the nation and to cover costs both direct ministry and support. Consideration is given to the differences between rural and urban; wealthy and disadvantaged. In B&B seven parish groups are supported by the other nine. Total share division between each deanery is calculated based on church attendance, direct ministry received ACTION Page 1 of 6
and ability to pay from different levels of income using Experian data. The diocese is planning to amend rather than replace the process and increase the impact of ministry received through the Growing Disciples initiatives. Responses to questions from the floor: A buildings factor is not taken into account when apportioning total share to deaneries. Administration support is given at deanery level but not down to parish level. Church closure is not being considered but cost burden may be reduced by increasing benefice sizes in terms of number of churches. There are sequestration costs when a benefice is in vacancy and annual budgets are not based upon a full complement of incumbents. If they were then total deanery share would be higher. The number of vacancies is high because of baby-boomer retirements. Nottinghamshire has a need to promote itself to make it attractive to potential recruits. Direct clergy costs were the main need for Parish Share and were stated to be 50k p.a. plus a share of other costs including training and administration. It was suggested that parishes in long term vacancy should have a reduced Parish Share target, however this was not done as funds were needed to train curates etc and to recruit new clergy. Previously a ratio of 40/60 attendance/ministry had been used and it was now proposed that this moves closer to 20/80 Experian data on total income levels is now being used for 2015 which is the most recent (up to 100k), however figures on existing levels of charitable giving are not being used. Payment of parish share is a voluntary gift but there are moves being considered to tackle persistent underpayment. NS reminded Synod that if parishioners and PCCs gave to God then there would be no funding problem and a surplus to spend on increased mission. 9 Retford Area Team Ministry Synod welcomed Rev Phil Williams who is heading the task group established by Bishop Paul to review and advise on the provision of mission and ministry in the Retford area. The group with contact details comprises: Rev Canon Phil Williams revphilwilliams@gmail.com 0115 960 6185 Mrs Lucy Vernon lucyvernon@hotmail.co.uk 01777 710516 Mr Tom Fremantle tfremantle@executalk.co.uk 01777 870109 Mr Martin Dawson chezdawson@rocketmail.com 01777 703121 Rev Peter Sheasby peter.sheasby@methodist.org.uk 01777 702573 Archdeacon David Picken archdeacon-newark@southwell.anglican.org 01623 238957 Page 2 of 6
10. Area Dean s report. 11 General Synod report. The terms of reference under which the group is working are attached appendix 2. The group is open to input from across the deanery. An interim report will be issued to the Bishop at the end of July. Rev Williams will be visiting the Retford area on 24/25/26 th July to get opinions/meet people and parishes were encouraged to suggest meetings that he should attend etc. The Lay Chair recommended that all Deanery Members and interested members of their congregations should engage with the Task Force and Rev Williams. Rev Jonathan Strickland opened his remarks by saying he is humbled to have been appointed to the role and feels that he and the Lay Chair make for balanced leadership. He commented that he believes the deanery to be broken and cannot be healed until RATM is supported. He thanked Rev Dick Lewis for organising cover in Retford and all the churchwardens across the deanery in a time of many vacancies. He felt he needs to support incumbents who have an isolating and stressful job. He concluded by saying he wants to see every church be a beacon for the Gospel. G.S. member Mrs Joan Beck reported at the very recent General Synod held in York. The main points were: A pastoral advisory group is to be established to help clergy show love to all and a teaching document is to be issued in early 2020. A recognition that there are issues over presence and engagement in parishes where fewer than 10% of residents are Christian. Positive recognition that different faith groups have confidence in each other, as exampled in the Grenfell fire. Group work took place looking at ways to support local group initiatives. GS resolved that so-called conversion therapy is seen to be harmful, carried in all three houses. House of Bishops is tasked to consider if current church liturgy can be used for welcoming for people who have transitioned. The existing liturgy on baptism may be suitable. A covenant is to be produced covering clergy wellbeing, sickness, burn-out. Special consideration will be made on the problem of isolation felt by deaf clergy. There is to be a review of election procedures for Synod representatives. Consideration of the process for funerals of suicides. A review of the rules on wearing of vestments. 12.1 Ten Days of Prayer 12.2 Vacancies Joan Beck was thanked for her interesting and full report. The event was viewed as successful. Many parishes across the diocese got involved and it will be repeated next year. Nothing new to report on specific vacant benefices. Advertising will be made more attractive and on-line prompts to clergy seeking a post used. The use of the CofE website will be considered, using links to diocese website. Head-hunting is a new element as advertising only may not be totally appropriate. Time did not permit the proposed topic. 13 Table exercise 14 Illuminate Work towards 2020 is progressing well and further open meetings 400 are planned; the next being July 20 th. 15 Finance 2 Funds available for mission projects 4,289.08 Page 3 of 6
Comparisons at end June 2017 2016 Allocated 838,145 833,955 Receipts 332,783 378,348 %age Paid - 39.7% 45.4% Comparison with last year 45,564 less cash received 5.7% lower payment 10.3% below the Half Year target 21 Parishes on target 3 Parishes not yet contributed 16 Correspondence Mr Peter Stanley reiterated the comments of the Chief Executive about giving from generosity. The Lay Chair offered to help parishes that are expecting a problem meeting 2017 share if forewarned of a large shortfall. None The meeting closed with the Grace at 21:45 Next Synod: Wednesday 18 th October 2017 at Ye Olde Bell Barnby Moor. Minutes of past meetings can be found at: http://southwell.anglican.org/about-us-2/deaneries/bassetlaw-bawtry-deanery/bassetlawbawtry-synod/ Page 4 of 6
APPENDIX 1 BASSETLAW AND BAWTRY DEANERY SYNOD STANDING COMMITTEE TRIENNIUM 2017-2020 OFFICERS HOUSE OF CLERGY HOUSE OF LAITY Rev Jonathan Strickland, Area Dean Mr Rick Brand, Lay Chair Mr Peter Stanley, Treasurer Rev Becky Hancock Rev Sue Caddy Rev Mark Cantrill Rev Luiz Lima Rev Tim Stanford Rev Irene Tissington (Assistant Secretary) Mrs Joan Beck Mr Matthew Burnell Mr John Chambers Mr Harvey Falcon Mrs Ann Hickman Mrs Marlene Simpson Mr Peter Swinscoe Mr Chris Trend In attendance: Mr Ray Shaw, Synod Secretary Page 5 of 6 APPENDIX 2 Terms of Reference for RATM Task Group I am grateful to Canon Phil Williams and those who have kindly agreed to be part of a small task group to give consideration to a number of matters arising from the recent RATM Review. I would be pleased to hear the reflections and any recommendations of the group that would assist me and archdeacon at a season of transition and new opportunity. I would ask that the task group give particular attention to what will foster spiritual and numerical growth over the next ten years, with consideration of the priorities of the whole diocese in Growing Disciples. Parochial Structures for Growing Disciples Looking to the next 5-10 years, what parochial structures will best serve and enable gospel ministry across every community within the Retford Area Team? What advantages or disadvantages might arise for the parishes if they were to be re-grouped into 4 or 5 distinct benefices each with its own incumbent? Could this be achieved in a way that did not diminish good and effective working across the present Retford Team? Please give particular attention to: 1) What will enable clear and simple governance to equip and support the missional leadership in every parish? 2) What structure will best support good recruitment of new clergy in light of the continued decline in overall stipendiary clergy numbers in the CofE?
3) What will permit very diverse communities to focus their fullest energies on the distinct local mission entrusted to each one, whether rural or urban? 4) What further assistance might be necessary with regard to the care of church buildings to enable the clergy and lay leadership to give their best attention to the task of growing disciples? 5) What will enable the development of a clear plan for numerical growth that is likely to attract the substantial investment of resources from the Church Commissioners Strategic Development Fund as well as the wider diocese? 6) What existing or future ecumenical partnerships would best support the missional priorities in Growing Disciples? Priority Areas for Growing Disciples Where are their new and emerging opportunities for growing the church, particularly connecting with new and unreached people groups across Retford, and notably among those under 40? What two or three potential resource churches (urban and rural) may need strategic investment to enable them to grow as a resource to churches across the area and beyond? What specific support would those churches need to fulfil this potential? How can St Swithun s be revitalised effectively as a plant for a new worshipping community working in close partnership with St Saviour s, St Michael s and others? What other questions or concerns for mission should be brought to the attention of the bishop in regard to Growing Disciples? I would appreciate receiving an initial briefing on the work of the task Group by the end of July, though I recognise that further conversations and consultations are likely to continue into the autumn, involving all the PCCs and RATM Council. Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more Page 6 of 6