Diocesan Synod met at Manor Church of England Academy, York, on a dank Saturday, 23rd November 2019.
“I call on you all to build the way God builds! To watch the way God watches. To repent and believe the good news of God’s reordered world. To give as God has given in Jesus Christ.”
So Archbishop Sentamu ended his Presidential Address on Ps127:1 and Mark 1:15, speaking on the theme of ‘Building for eternity; Humanity’s need for God’s blessing’.
YORK MINSTER MASTER PLAN
York Minster’s Director of Works & Precinct, Alex McCallion, presented the Synod with a brief overview of the Minster’s plans to develop its welcome to visitors and worshippers outside the building as well as within. The proposals include opportunities to liaise with the City Council in enhancing the Minster’s surroundings, and in providing a new cafĂ©/restaurant run by the Minster. In reply to questions he assured the Synod that the Minster was working in partnership with existing local businesses and that the Chapter continues to work in partnership with the Deanery of York in developing the Minster’s Christian mission in the City.
SETTING GOD’S PEOPLE FREE
Chair of the House of Laity Dr Nick Land updated Synod on some of the latest responses from Deaneries in developing every day discipleship amongst all church members. He showed a video of the Bishop of Gloucester, Rachel Treweek, commending discipleship as a week-long activity and ministry for all believers, “From Sunday to Saturday.”