As we journeyed to Swanwick in Derbyshire on the first day of Synod, I felt both an excitement and a responsibility. I was not only representing my brothers and sisters in Hornsey, but I was one of the synodals attending the 2026 Great Britain and Ireland Provincial Synod. Compared to my church committee, this felt like attending the Moravian equivalent of Parliament. This was my second attendance at Synod, so I knew that before important church matters were discussed, we had the opportunity to reaffirm our faith at the opening service.

Over the coming days, the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of Sessions guided us through the Provincial Board Reports and reports from the various committees. Although the process is serious and demands much concentration, it is also informative and I felt I was also learning a great deal about all the good works being done in God’s name by the Moravian Church.

I listened with particular interest to the report of the Youth and Children’s Committee and its work in supporting the youth and children’s activities as well as fostering spiritual growth and safeguarding. It is so important that young people understand that Church isn’t only for Sundays. The report of the British Mission Board was also fascinating, and it was nice that during the Synod there was the opportunity to meet and hear from guests from overseas who had travelled to Synod to present reports and take part.

One item of Synod business which was of particular interest to me was the broadening of the role of lay pastors, enabling those appointed to work alongside ordained ministers rather than only leading congregations without one. This change may enable lay pastors to offer service more widely as well as allowing more people to be involved in ministry when the number of ordained ministers is reducing.

It is clear that despite the many challenges facing the Church in these modern days, there is much to be positive about in the development of the Moravian Church in Great Britain and Ireland as well as in other parts of the world. Inevitably though as new projects begin, others may come to a conclusion, and it was with great sadness that the Synod confirmed the closure of Fulneck School. The school, an independent day and boarding school in the historic Moravian settlement of Fulneck, near Leeds, was closing after nearly 275 years of operation, having been established in 1753. The decision followed a comprehensive strategic review which explored all possible alternatives, but no viable options or investment offers had materialised. After the decision was made the Synod held a silence in honour of all those who had worked in or attended the school over the last three centuries. After that decision, I included my own prayer for those affected.

The Synod runs for five days, and I found it spiritually uplifting to start each day with Morning Prayers and Bible Study and end each day with Evening Prayers, except on Sunday evening when the Synod Communion takes place. It was a reminder to us all that in carrying out the work of Synod, we were not only working in the name of God but also receiving His guidance.

On the Sunday, elections were held for the Provincial Board, the Provincial Committees, and other roles linked to the AGM and the next Synod in 2028. This is part of the Church’s process to both smoothly go forward and to create a direct link with the following Synod. I was honoured to be asked to allow my name to be included in the nominations and I congratulate all those who were selected to carry on such important work in those roles.

During my time at the Synod, I got a better understanding of just how much work had gone into the preparation, organisation and smooth running of the Synod. Great credit must be given to all those involved, including the many unseen people working tirelessly in the background.

As the Synod closed on Monday, 13th July, I felt both tired but spiritually refreshed. I was looking forward to reaching my home again and sitting quietly in my garden, knowing that when I did, I could look back and reflect that, with all the other synodals, I had played my part and followed the path that God had laid down for me.

Sr Patricia White

Hornsey

The Synod fellowship started when I met many of the Northern Ireland contingent at Belfast City Airport on Thursday 9th July. The conversations and laughter flowed during our journey to the Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick. Fellowship was to continue and was extended to many other brothers and sisters throughout the duration of Synod.

The opening worship service introduced the theme of Synod of ‘Faithfulness in a time of change’. The joyful singing of a group of Moravians in worship is uplifting and this service made me feel part of a special group and reduced any apprehension I had ahead of my first Synod. The singing of hymns was a consistent thread throughout Synod.

After the opening service on the first day there were three Synod sessions. There was a full programme each day including 9am morning prayers, five sessions and concluding with evening prayers at 9pm. This seemed like an intense schedule but there was plenty of time to meet, share, reflect and discuss between sessions, over mealtimes, coffee breaks or in the evening.

Morning prayers were led by Br Mikie Roberts. Br Mikie reintroduced us to the skill of singing canticles. We had thoughtful discussions of the hymn of the day in our home groups when we linked phrases from the hymn back to Biblical texts. Each morning Br Mikie also led us in the singing of the Hawaiian hymn of Ka ma na ‘o ‘I ‘O (Faithful is our God). By the end of Synod we had mastered the pronunciation of the Hawaiian words and were singing confidently and prayerfully. This is a hymn which will remain with me, and I am sure will be introduced to many congregations across the Province.

I was struck by the formality of the Synod sessions. The formal seating arrangements, the presentation of reports and the rules around voting and discussions of proposals. Mentimeter as an online voting tool was new to me and many other brothers and sisters and caused a few issues until we all became familiar with the technology. I found some of the discussions and reports interesting but challenging at times. The theme of ‘Faithfulness in a time of change’ was appropriate as we move forward as a Province within a changing society. I have learnt more about the oversight and workings of the British Province of the Moravian Church and the challenges of managing this within the current legal framework.

Evening prayers concluded the formal programme each day. Br James Woolford led prayers and Bible readings through music. Br James introduced us to a new hymn ‘May You be Near’ which he had written. This is another hymn which is a lasting memory from Synod, and I am sure will be introduced in many congregations.

Each Synod session started and ended with appropriate hymn verses, and a sung grace before lunch and dinner. So added to the hymns at morning and evening prayers, there was a lot of hymn singing each day. This reiterated the perception that as Moravians we like to sing!

Singing continued during the service of Holy Communion on Sunday 12th July. This was another memorable and meaningful service which was simultaneously broadcast to our brothers and sisters across the Province.

The Hayes conference centre was a perfect setting for Synod at a time of dry, hot weather. There were places outside in the beautiful grounds for walks, sitting and relaxation allowing spaces for further conversations, discussions and fellowship. I reconnected with some brothers and sisters I met during my days at Summer School and youth weekends and I also had the pleasure of meeting new brothers and sisters from across the Province.

As a newcomer to Synod, I was a bit apprehensive about what to expect before I arrived, but I need not have worried. The formality of the sessions, elections and discussions of proposals was offset by the times of fellowship and worship in the relaxed atmosphere and space of the conference centre.

I am grateful that I was given the opportunity by University Road Moravian Church to attend Synod. I would like to thank all involved with organising Synod and other synodals for making it such a memorable experience. Synod afforded me the time to deepen my faith through discussion, prayer and fellowship. Synod has also encouraged me to become more involved in the wider Provincial committees and other church work. If given the opportunity, I would encourage you to attend Synod in the future. It is not as daunting as it seems!

Sr Sandra Biggart

University Road Moravian Church, Belfast