This site has been set up to enable easy access to some basic information about the Deanery and the work of the Deanery Synod. Suggestions as to form and content should be addressed, in the first instance, to the webmaster.
The Deanery is part of the Diocese of Peterborough, which is mainly contained within the County of Northamptonshire. There are 43 parishes within the Deanery, containing a total of around 28,100 souls. Currently these are served by a total of 9.3 Stipendiary Clergy, assisted by a number of Self-Supporting Ministers (SSMs), together with Readers, Pastoral Assistants and Parish Evangelists.
The Deanery Synod is a representative body and each parish within the Deanery is entitled to send at least one representative. The role of Deanery Synod is:
To consider matters concerning the Church of England and to make provision for such matters in the deanery.
To bring together the views of the parishes in the deanery, formulate common policies and promote the mission of the church.
To publicize and put into effect decisions of the Diocesan Synod.
To consider matters referred by General and Diocesan Synod.
The Deanery Synod is co-chaired by the Rural Dean and an elected Lay Chair.
Much of the work of the Deanery Synod is carried out by the Officers and the Standing Committee. The Synod meets together on about four occasions each year when, in addition to discussing and deciding current issues, they often hear a presentation from a visiting speaker.
The work of the Deanery Synod is summarized in a regular Newsletter, produced by the Secretary before and after each meeting.
The Deanery Synod has produced its Mission Plan and this has been submitted and accepted. This is a consultative document, which is not legally binding, is reviewed yearly but which represents the 'mind' of the Deanery. The Rural Dean and the Standing Committee would welcome comments and suggestions about the Plan, the draft of which can be found here. Please have a look at the draft and let us know what you think.