SOUTH WEST SYNOD APPOINTS A NEW MODERATOR

David Downing nominated to serve as Moderator of the URC South West Synod:
The Revd David Downing has been nominated to serve as Moderator of the United Reformed Church (URC) South Western Synod after the Revd Ruth Whitehead was called to local church ministry in Pembrokeshire last year.
David has served in pastoral charge of local churches since his ordination in 1999, and currently serves as minister of Maidenhead and Marlow United Reformed Churches, along with Bracknell and Windsor.
David started going to church as a teenager at St John’s Hill URC, Sevenoaks, and grew up with FURY (the Fellowship of United Reformed Youth) serving it at local and national levels, including as a member of the National Youth Committee.
After a career in banking, he trained at Westminster College, Cambridge, before being ordained and inducted at Rectory Road URC. He also served at Claremont, Little Eaton, Central URC Derby, Chaddesden, as Chaplain at Derby University, Alvaston, Carlton Road, Mackworth & Repton.
David said: “It is a privilege to be called to share in the ministry of the South Western Synod. I have gained so much from the life of the URC and this call is very exciting. There is also a real sense that God is in this, which is also deeply humbling.”
“During my ministry, I have served on committees at Synod and national levels (from youth work to mission), served as a Street Pastor in Derby, and have recently been a leader in Aid for Ukraine, running from Maidenhead and Marlow which has so far sent over £180,000 of aid since the outbreak of war.
“I am looking forward to discovering the area, and I can’t wait to work with the team, not just in the office, but in all of the churches across the Synod.”
Speaking on behalf of South Western Synod, Synod Clerk Rachel Leach said: “We are thrilled to welcome David to the South Western Synod to serve as our Moderator. We look forward to working alongside him as he leads us into the future.”
URC General Secretary, the Revd Dr John Bradbury, said: “I’m delighted to welcome David’s nomination to serve as Moderator of the South Western Synod. David brings many gifts and graces to the role including an ability to spot opportunities, and to come alongside people in all kinds of situations. His wisdom and experience will be of great benefit to the Synod and to the wider Church”.
The Officers of the URC General Assembly will be invited to confirm David’s appointment when they next meet.

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