Autumn Synod met on the 10th September at Bede Academy in Blyth. The theme for the day was Intentional Faith Development which continues the theme from work of Robert Schnase on the five practices of fruitful congregations.
Tricia Mitchell gave a report on the work of the Regional Discipleship & Ministries Learning Network and particularly the North-East One Opportunity. This new scheme sees nine young people employed for three hours a week in projects across the district. We were encouraged to pray for those young people and the staff supporting them as they take part in this year.
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- Helle Sewell – Co-ordinator
- Sarah Walton – Administrator
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- Katie – Community Hub
- Jamie – Social Media
- Sarah – All Age Worship
- Mark – Youth Drama
- Aimee – Community Hub
- Ewan – Children’s Group
- Andrew – BeachcomberFX
- Lisa- Sports Coaching
- Ben – Kenya Exchange
The morning continued with a report on Conference 2016 given by Andrew Lowe, one of our districts lay reps. Reports from the conference can be read on the website and we were directed towards the following items.
Elaine Lindridge brought us a report on the work around evangelism in the district and highlighted a number of events that are taking place.
- ECG Promo Video for ECG 2017
- ECG North-East is on the 15th October.
- Together Weekends
- ReImagine forum – a day for all those interested in revitalising + starting Churches
- Mission Shape Ministry Intro – 12th September in Hexham and 15th September in Morpeth
- Mission Shaped Ministry Course – January to November 2017
During our Synod we also heard stories of small groups with a difference that have developed in the district and interviews from our two new chaplains.
Our keynote was brought by Paul Wood from the Connexion who is head of the Ministry Development Team. You can read more about his keynote by reading this post here.
Synod closed with worship and instead of a formal service we had instruction envelopes that directed us in our time together.
