Synod Committee Vacancies
The United Reformed Church relies heavily on its church members to fill a range of roles within the Synods. Eastern Synod is no exception, and we currently have the following vacancies. Please consider prayerfully if you feel called to serve the wider church in any of these roles.
The list of vacancies will appear here and within the Synod papers for the October and March Synod Meetings. Vacancies will be for a three-year term in the first instance, with possible re-election for a second term. Wherever possible, vacancies will be filled at the October Synod Meeting to run for a three-year term from January of the following year. Where necessary, vacancies can be agreed by the March Synod Meeting, counting the year of election as the first of the three-year term.
All committee vacancies are elected by the Synod Meeting. In the main these are volunteer appointments - it will be clearly specified if remuneration is available.
We are currently looking to appoint volunteer roles within the Synod - See List Below:-
Rural Life and Ministry Advocate
The key elements of this role are to act as a conduit for information, resources and training on rural matters; to liaise with the URC’s Rural Officer; and to provide a Christian insight on matters relating to the countryside. An understanding of rural issues is important. The Advocate is a member of the Synod’s Mission Committee which meets four times each year.
County Ecumenical Officer (Norfolk)
County Ecumenical Officer (Suffolk)
The main purpose of these two roles is to represent the Synod on the regional ecumenical forum; ensure relevant information is passed to local churches; liaise with relevant LEPs as necessary; be a contact point for local URC churches and ministers on ecumenical matters; liaise with the Synod Ecumenical Officer on ecumenical documents such as sharing agreements; and meet occasionally with other Ecumenical Officers within the Synod. However, for most of these matters the involvement is at most only occasional.
Further details can be obtained from Synod Clerk or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , the Synod’s Ecumenical Officer. Roy estimates that the time commitment for each of these two roles is on average half a day a month.
Cambridge Area Partnership Pastoral Advocate (one of three)
In addition to the Advocate's local work there is an annual meeting of Pastoral Advocates, and Pastoral Advocates also attend the November meeting of the Synod's Pastoral Committee.
Resources Committee
We are seeking one person to serve on this Committee which meets four times each year.
The Committee is primarily concerned with developing the Synod's finance and property policies, making grants, and approving property transactions relating to local churches and major alterations to property.
Listed Buildings Advisory Committee
This Committee advises the Resources Committee on applications from local churches for listed building consent to alter their church buildings. It meets about four times a year, at the local church to which the application relates. We are now seeking people to join this Committee. It does not require any special expertise beyond a general understanding of historic buildings matters.
Apart from the Listed Buildings Advisory Committee all these roles are initially for 3 years. Please would anyone who is interested in any of them or would like more details please contact me, either by ringing on 01603 - 452550 or sending an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Further information about any committee vacancy is available from the This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
If you want to offer (or suggest someone) can you please contact The Moderator or the This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
