Deanery Synod January 2018 Welcome! Do get a drink, take a wander round the church, introduce yourself to anyone you don’t know.

Jesus says: wherever two or three are gathered I am in the midst of them. So, we come from scattered lives to meet with God and one anther. Let us recognize God’s presence with us. Silence is kept. As God’s people we have gathered: let us worship together.

Be still, for the presence of the Lord, the Holy One is here; Come bow before Him now with reverence and fear. In Him no sin is found, we stand on holy ground; Be still, for the presence of the Lord, the Holy One is here.

Be still, for the glory of the Lord is shining all around; He burns with holy fire, with splendour He is crowned. How awesome is the sight, our radiant King of light! Be still, for the glory of the Lord is shining all around.

Be still, for the power of the Lord is moving in this place; He comes to cleanse and heal, to minister His grace. No work too hard for Him, in faith receive from Him; Be still, for the power of the Lord is moving in this place. David J. Evans © 1986 Kingsway’s Thankyou Music.

Prayer

Shake off the dust of tiredness: come and be refreshed. Shake of the dust of complacency: come & be challenged. Shake off the dust of hesitancy: come and be encouraged. Hear the call: to tell Christ’s story in our world today…

Holy God, we gather in the name of Christ. We gather as your people, whose mission is to share your love, grace and healing. We gather and give thanks for your presence with us, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

So tonight …

Recap: from synod in June, “What is the most pressing issue for us to tackle together as a Deanery?” Feedback was:

Increasing the number of clergy Increasing lay involvement in ministry Lay people entering into mission

Developing links and promoting unity in the Deanery Working together Getting to know each other

The Deanery assisting parishes in mission and resourcing Sustainability of churches

Recap: from synod in October, “What can be done at deanery level to help a Reach/Grow/ Sustain strategy in our churches?” Feedback was:

Share good practise & expertise Help attract people to church Inspire and spark Prayer together Hold Deanery Prayer meetings Internally focus Vision and enthusing

How did you get on …? How can being part of the Deanery help us? For your next PCC ask the chair for 10 minutes to discuss: How can being part of the Deanery help us? What can we offer other parishes? How did you get on …?

In benefice/plurality groups… how would you like things to be in 7 years’ time?

In benefice/plurality groups… what in the meantime might hinder things being like that?

In benefice/plurality groups… what is the most pressing thing?

In benefice/plurality groups… how might ‘the deanery’ help you?

In benefice/plurality groups… what’s your next step?

With Archbishop Sentamu Deanery Mission “Sent” With Archbishop Sentamu 13th-15th April 2018

Circulated with agenda Minutes and Reports Circulated with agenda Any questions? Any news?

Forthcoming Dates Deanery Confirmation Service with +Paul Sunday 4th February, St Mary’s Thirsk Deanery Synod Wed 11th April, St James, Baldersby (tbc) Tues 19th June, St Mary’s Leake Deanery Ascension Day Service Thurs 10th May, venue tbc (any offers?)

Longing for light, we wait in darkness, Longing for truth, we turn to You. Make us Your own, Your holy people, Light for the world to see. Christ, be our light! Shine in our hearts. Shine through the darkness. Shine in Your church gathered today.

Longing for peace, our world is troubled. Longing for hope, many despair. Your word alone has power to save us. Make us Your living voice. Christ, be our light! Shine in our hearts. Shine through the darkness. Shine in Your church gathered today.

Longing for food, many are hungry. Longing for water, many still thirst. Make us Your bread, broken for others, Shared until all are fed. Christ, be our light! Shine in our hearts. Shine through the darkness. Shine in Your church gathered today.

Many the gifts, many the people, Many the hearts that yearn to belong. Let us be servants to one another, Making Your kingdom come. Christ, be our light! Shine in our hearts. Shine through the darkness. Shine in Your church gathered today. Bernadette Farrell © 1993 OCP

Go in the light and peace of Christ Thanks be to God.