Pastoral Committee

Caring for the people of God

Synod Pastoral Committee

Convener: Rev Jason McCullagh
Minutes Secretary: Ms Katherine Buckland
Ministries Committee Convener: Mrs Kath Lonsdale

Synod Pastoral Elders:

Aire Valley: Mr Edward Convery
Bradford + Saltaire URC: Vacant

Central Area:
Harrogate Mission & Care Group Churches: Mrs Gill Chapman
Leeds Mission & Care Group Churches: Mrs Sheana Dudley
SPACE Group Churches: Vacant
Flanshaw & Knottingley: Vacant

Eastern Area: Vacant

Western Area:
Huddersfield and Calderdale: Vacant

Southern Area:
Sheffield Churches: Mr Trevor Orr
Don & Dearne Churches: Vacant

Ecumenical Sub-Committee:

Aire Valley/Bradford: Vacant
Central:   Mrs Terasa Raddings
East:   Rev David Coote
South:   Mr Rod Morrison
West: Cald/Hudd:  Vacant
Ecumenical Meeting of Vale of York : Rev Alison Micklem

Committee aims

To formulate and implement the Synod scoping policy.
To offer pastoral support for local churches and pastoral groupings.
To advise and assist in matters relating to establishing, grouping, amalgamation, or dissolution of local churches both within the United Reformed Church and with other denominations liaising with other Synod Committees as necessary.

Range of Activity

The detailed arrangements relating to vacancies and calls:
- Declaration of Ministerial Vacancies
- Appoint Synod Companions and Interim Moderators
- Grouping and Scoping of Pastorates
- Declaration of vacancies
- Concurrence with calls
- Arrangements for Services of Ordination and Induction
Advising and assisting in the writing of Constitutions and Sharing Agreements in which the United Reformed Church is involved.
Maintaining effective working relationships with Ecumenical partners
Meeting regularly with the Synod’s Ecumenical Officers for proper networking, support and encouragement.
Offering continuing care of churches.
The working out of the implementation of the Deployment Policy
Supporting the work of Mission and Care Groups in their pastoral care for the churches in the group.
Liaising with churches on authorisation for lay presidency at the Sacraments