A message from the Moderator
During the first week of every month the Moderators from across the 13 synods gather together, as mentioned last month. In June we met at the Offices of General Assembly in London, and had the opportunity to share with colleagues who support the church centrally. This month 2 of my fellow moderators are on Sabbatical (yes even Moderators get them every 7 years), so we were joined by other representatives – both of whom I have known for many years. It was a good meeting where we covered much ground, especially discussing the many policies coming to General Assembly.
The month has been filled with a variety of meetings and visits, some in person and some online. These included a whole variety of Synod Meetings, the highlight of course was our Extraordinary Synod Meeting on 9th June. It was at this meeting we discussed the resolutions about the proceeds from the sale of property. It was a very constructive meeting, and I was delighted to meet so many people. I did remind those gathered that every single member of the URC in the North West is a member of the Synod. I also reminded people that the funds the synod holds are there to enable the work of the URC in the North West, and that the resolution was about encouraging congregations to spend money to build the Kingdom of God. I reminded people that if congregations needed help in working out what ‘Mission’ means or which Synod staff member could support their congregation best, to get in touch with me and I will point them in the right direction. I am grateful to all who attended for the kindness you showed at my first Synod Meeting.
This month I have visited a variety of our churches, and have joined some for meetings, visits and worship. The Moderator of General Assembly Catriona Wheeler visited the Lancashire South East MP, and I was delighted to be able to visit Clitheroe URC and worship with the MP led by her. Every service I attended was fabulous, but I must highlight the online service jointly with the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan. I led the Commissioning Service for the new Lancashire South East Missional Partnership (Lancashire South and Lancashire East MPs joining together), it was a moving service at Westbury Gardens URC, with Rev’d Daleen ten Cate preaching.
Ecumenically I met with the Church Leaders from across Lancashire, and then on the same day met with Faith Leaders from across Greater Manchester – both wonderful occasions to represent you to the wider church and faith groups.
Pastorally I have been visiting many of those in Ministry across the synod. It has been wonderful getting to know people, and to see how I can support them as the Moderator.
The absolute highlight of the month was a visit to Barrow URC Primary School, where I met with Nicola McArdle the Headteacher and Elder at Clitheroe URC. She gave me a guided tour, and told me about the history of the school and how it had changed. I met many of the staff, chatted to pupils and even sat in an Early Years class, timing it perfectly so I got to watch Bluey and eat ice pops.
However, the best was yet to come, having met the school tortoise and dog, I then got to meet the school bees! I joined the ‘bee club’ and helped the children to spin the honey off the comb. It was great and I even managed not to get sticky!
As we come towards the summer keep safe, and enjoy the weather, God Bless.
Rev’d Mike Thomason Synod Moderator
