Birmingham Methodist District Synod
Bromsgrove South High School on Saturday 26th April 2008

08-1) Opening worship was led by members of the Bromsgrove Circuit.

08-2) Apologies and dispensations were noted and recorded.

08-3) It was agreed that letters be sent to:
Rev Vincent Price who was unwell, Rev Nichola Jones who was unwell and due to travel the next
day to Palestine, Rev G Thackray Eddy who had had a mild stroke and Mrs Linda Innes whose
Mother had died and to thank her for her service as District Representative on the Methodist
Council. The Chair reported that he had sent a card to Brian Fitzpatrick, whose wife Deacon
Marion had died, and it was agreed to send cards to Rev John Ashplant and Mrs June Cox who had
recently been widowed. Those receiving a card had already received greetings from the Ministerial
Synod a few days earlier.

08-4) World Church visitors from Queen's Foundation were welcomed and encouraged to share in the
proceedings if they so wished.

08-5) Extending Discipleship Exploring Vocation.
Rev Caroline Wickens introduced the EDEV process to the Synod. Participants from the Tamworth
and Lichfield Circuit who were engaged in a pilot group shared their own perspective. EDEV is a
process which enables members to explore their faith journeys together and provides a safe space
in which to grow. The process will be available to all circuits from September 2008. There would
be the need for facilitators for the local groups. Training would be arranged. This process was
commended.

08-6) Holly Hill School
A presentation was made regarding this Methodist/Church of England (Aided) school. Prayerful and
financial support from District circuits and churches was invited.
It was noted that Christine Graham had retired as District Governor for the school and it was
agreed that Marjorie Evans be appointed to replace her. Since Christine was not present it was
agreed to write to thank her for her service in this appointment.

08-7) People travelling with Impairment
Rev Robin Hutt addressed the Synod on the issues surrounding impairment. He drew attention to
the Guide to Good Practice on pp788-793 of CPD.

08-8) District Probationers Committee.
Henry Lewis, Julia Monaghan and Jane Wilson were supported in proceeding to second year of
Probation.
Andrew Clark, Caroline Homan and Andrew Lyons were sent forward for ordination and Reception
into Full Connexion at the 2008 Conference.

08-9) Farewells.
Those ministers who were leaving the district or leaving their appointments were commended and
thanked for their service. Later in the Synod, Charles Worth, the District Training Officer, who
would shortly be retiring was thanked for his care and support.

08-10) Team Focus
The Chair referred members to the Connexional Website for information about the Team Focus
development. Resulting from this there would shortly be appointments advertised for training and
development posts within the District and in cooperation with neighbouring districts.

08-11) Evangelism
District Evangelism Enabler, Michele Simms, highlighted evangelism opportunities and training
offers.

08-12) District Mission Priorities
Following consultation at the previous Synod and at other District meetings, the District Policy
Committee submitted a report which included eight key mission priorities for the work and
resources of the District. These were approved. Five action points for immediate implementation
were also agreed.

Priorities and actions see file in REPORTS Section or click here

08-13) District Archivist
The new District Archivist Diane Webb introduced herself and encouraged circuits to retain and
archive the documents, which would in due course become items of heritage.

08-14) Church Closures
Permission was given for Chilvers Coton in the Nuneaton and Atherstone Circuit and Wildmoor in
the Bromsgrove Circuit to close.
It was also reported that the Akrill church had reviewed its position and decided to reopen.

Long Lane in Birmingham (West) and Oldbury Circuit had decided to close their building and look
for a new base.

08-15) Network
It was reported that the proposals to make Network an independent charity had been withdrawn.
Forthcoming events were highlighted. Margaret Dow, the District Network Secretary, was thanked
for her work as she was retiring from this office.

08-16) Inter-faith Appointment
It was noted that Rev Dr Israel Selvanayagam would shortly be returning to India to the
appointment of Principal at Bangalore Theological College. It was hoped to make a joint
appointment with the Queen's Foundation to further the interfaith work he had been doing.
Conversations were still in progress and prayer was invited.

08-17) Jubilee Debt Campaign
Resources and worship material for the 10th anniversary of the Jubilee Debt Campaign human
chain would be available. A "Journey to Justice" event was to take place on 18th May for which
tickets would be available. The event would be followed by a march.

08-18) Reports
The reports included in the Synod Handbook were approved and agreed as appropriate.
Thanks were expressed to all those across the District who do a great deal of work which is
expressed in the form of these reports.

08-19) Conference 2009
This would be held at Wolverhampton in the Civic Hall and would be organised on a regional basis.
Peter Mills was the Team Leader for this District. He encouraged as many people as possible to get
involved. They should contact him.

08-20) Conference 2008
It was reported that one of the substitutes Barry Sutcliffe would be attending Conference instead
of Kudzi Kamanga who was unable to attend.

08-21) Sabbatical
The Chair expressed his willingness to visit churches and talk about his experience in South Africa
during his sabbatical. He thanked Anne Smith and Deborah Webb together with the
superintendents who had covered for him during his absence.
Peter Mills took the opportunity to offer the condolences of the Synod to Bill Anderson on the
death of his father which had occurred during the latter stages of Bill's sabbatical.

08-22) Resignation
The Chair reported that Rev Ian Summerscales had resigned from the Methodist Ministry and had
been received into the Orthodox Church the previous Saturday.

08-23) Notification of Changes to Directory
The Synod Secretary asked for any changes to details for the District Directory to be sent in the
first instance to the District Office.

08-24) The Bromsgrove Circuit was thanked for its excellent provision for the Synod and Rev Brian Hunt
led closing prayers.