Pressing forward with our Vision 2026, Healthy Churches Transforming Communities as we continue to Unlock, we are looking forward to an Open Diocesan Synod meeting taking place soon, on March 26; giving us a chance to explore the boundless generosity of God in a number of ways. 

We will hear from a keynote speaker from the national church; from local speakers about new developments in youth ministry and we will also formally launch the new 'Parish Giving Scheme'.

As well as Synod members, two further attendees will be able attend from each parish. To manage numbers we are asking EVERYONE attending to book in via Eventbrite. See below for more practical information including booking link and agenda for the event.

Writing to parishes recently, Rt Rev. Philip North, Bishop of Burnley, said: "The keynote speaker on March 26 will be Alan Smith who has recently been appointed First Estates Commissioner. This means that he is in effect Chief Executive of the Church Commissioners who hold the Church of England’s £9.3 billion investment portfolio.

"It will be fascinating to hear him speak and be able to ask him questions about how those investments are to be used to support mission and ministry in our Diocese, especially in our most deprived communities. Alan is an interesting and engaging speaker so it will be good to welcome him."

Because this is one area where the national church is helping us, we will also hear collectively of some new developments in youth ministry.

With our outstanding schools and some superb children’s work across the Diocese, addressing the post 11 drop-off is a key priority for many of our Parishes.

Bishop Philip added: "We will hear from Rachel Gardner about the excellent Launchpad scheme and from Ben Green from the Diocesan Board of Education about learning communities that support parishes in ministry to the young. 

"Finally, we will be formally launching the Parish Giving Scheme, with a presentation from Grant Forrest, CEO of the Scheme. This is a new and time-efficient way of managing people’s giving to the Parish Church and it is incredibly easy to use. I speak from personal experience!"

In addition to members of Diocesan Synod, TWO PEOPLE FROM EVERY PARISH are being invited to come along on March 26th. Ideally that will be the incumbent and the treasurer, but that is a decision best made locally. Booking details follow ...

• Open Synod agenda click here. 
• Date and time: Saturday, March 26, 2022
• Time: 9.30am-12.45pm 
• Venue: St Wilfrid's CofE Academy, Duckworth Street, Blackburn, BB2 2JR. View Map 
• Eventbrite link: Book your places using this link. 

Ronnie Semley, February 2022