Mid October to early November saw an unusual glut of deanery events, starting with an Open Synod meeting at Addlestone which featured an exciting and enthusiastic presentation about St Paul’s HeBrews Café (of recent “The Wey” fame!) of which you will hear and see more in the January newsletter, and an interactive workshop by Revd Alan Hulme, Director of Parish Development and Evangelism with the Diocese of Guildford, on “Be prepared to give an answer”, a brilliant presentation aimed at inspiring confidence in talking about our faith and giving testimony. If you have not heard Revd Hulme on this topic yet, we would encourage you to do so!
We also had a Synod Social hosted by Royal Holloway Chaplaincy in their beautiful chapel, with the new Bishop of Dorking, +Jo Wells, preaching at a splendid Evensong with the delights of Royal Holloway’s choir. The evening included yummy canapés and prosecco, plenty of time for chatting, networking and getting to know the new Bishop, and an interview of Chaplain Cate Irvine with +Jo with some memorable insights into her life and ministry.
Finally, on 6 November, Bishop Andrew visited St Mary’s Church in Thorpe for a Deanery Confirmation Service, where ten people from four churches were confirmed by Bishop Andrew in a joyful and lovingly prepared celebration followed by the usual bun fight in their Rutherwyke Room.
