A Message from the Moderator
As I look back over the last two months, a time of shadowing and deep learning, it has been a real honour to return to my roots. Getting to know an area that has changed immeasurably and discovering where there were once streets I now need 'google maps' to find my way. I find that I am discovering some new places and becoming reacquainted with others.
One of the joys has been meeting many retired Ministers. Each year we have a couple of lunches to bring retired ministers together. In April we met at Luther King Theological College and invited those from across the Central and South Areas. In May we met near Kendal and invited those from across the Cumbria and Lancashire Areas. What struck me was just how much retired ministers do. Leading services, attending committees, acting as mentors, supporting churches, and faithfully praying for the church. Thank you so much for this, without your support as a synod we would struggle. I enjoyed meeting you all and hearing the stories of how church and ministry has changed and I appreciated the wisdom that you had to share.
With Clare I attended a whole round of synod committee meetings. I think I am now starting to understand how it all knits together, as well as seeing just how dedicated people are to ensuring that the mission of the synod is fulfilled,
Each month the 13 Synod Moderators meet together, to support each other but also with a full agenda. One of the main areas of discussion is the process of introductions, reviewing those ministers seeking a move and those pastorates seeking a minister. I am not sure how I thought the process happened, maybe a little bit of potluck. However, I was struck by just how deeply the Moderators consider every single request, the fact that introductions are surrounded by prayer from the very start. When a profile is shared, there has been so much prayer to get it to that point it is powerful. So, I would encourage you, if your church is in an introduction process, please remember the profile you are given is not random but has been carefully prayed through.
Another event was the Ministers May School, where the Ordained Ministers from Northern, North Western and Mersey Synods came together at Cliff College. A fabulous programme was put together by the Training and Leaning teams from all 3 synods. We had Rhiannon McAleer, the Director of Research and Impact at the Bible Society, talking about the 'Quiet Revival' research and even though YouGov have admitted that the data is flawed, there are still signs of a quiet revival happening. Ken Benjamin from the London Institute f Christianity engaged us all with looking at how we can engage
with God in the everyday, and how everyday interruptions and challenges can help us share the gospel. Finally, we had Yinxuan Huang who spoke about Bible confidence and bringing the bible into what we do every day. They were engaging and challenging speakers, that gave us a lot to think about. I expect some of you may hear more about it from those who attended. We also spent a lot of time getting to know each other, sharing stories, and discovering that you never want me on your quiz team!
I have also been to a few of our churches, for meetings and to visit for services. The amount of work that is going on to bring glory to the God is amazing. I have been struck by how you are inhabiting the synod strategy as a 'church with people at the margins'.
Thank you so much for all you do to bring glory to God across the North Western Synod. Please be assured of my prayers as you meet people in the everyday. In return I would be grateful of your prayers as I start in this amazing role.
Finally, I want to pay tribute to Clare Downing. I have known Clare for many years. She was my Moderator whilst I was serving in the Army and supported me when I returned to a Pastorate in Wessex Synod. It has been an honour to shadow and learn from her here in the North West. Clare has been fabulous as the Transitional Moderator and has helped to transform the synod in so many ways. Enjoy your retirement Clare, and spending time by the sea with John.
With prayers for all your work,
Revd Mike Thomason