Diocesan Synod – the primary governing body of the Diocese - took place at St. Andrew's Church, Paddock Wood on Saturday 2 March, and in a first for the Diocese, Bishop Simon's Presidential Address was live streamed on Facebook.
In his address he spoke about how we communicate with each other, about trust and what it means to be a country that reflects the character of God.
Watch it below or read his full address here
Also on the agenda were updates from two areas of the Called Together workstreams.
These included a presentation from The Rev Jane Winter on work to formulate a Diocesan ‘rhythm of life’.
The idea is that it would offer groups of people a way in which they can commit to a pattern of prayer, listening and commitment, to help them deepen their relationship with God; a desire identified for many through Called Together.
Pilot groups are currently underway exploring how these groups might work.
An update was also given on ‘Called To Grow.’
This stream of work, about to come to fruition, aims to encourage each parish, through the drawing up of ‘Called To Grow’ plans, to review ‘the movement of God's Spirit within their church and parish and to make an honest appraisal of what is working and what is not.'
The Rev Andrew Axon, a member of the ‘Called To Grow’ working group took questions from the floor about how the scheme would work.
Set to be rolled out in fully in parishes later in the year, more about this initiative can be found here
During Bishop Simon's notices, thanks were given for Geoff Marsh, Diocesan Secretary, who has recently announced his retirement.
Bishop Simon thanked him for his ‘calm reassuring presence’ and for his ‘commitment to the Diocese and its parishes’.
Work is now underway to find a successor.
The Rev Richard Williams, Director of Finance, gave a brief overview of the outcomes of the One Mission, Many Places consultation, as well as the amendments made to the original proposal, on Indicative Offers.
These amendments have been under consultation - a consultation which closed on 8 March.
The next Diocesan Synod will take place on 22 June, 2019 at St. George’s School, Gravesend.