Talking NW Synod

Friends, meet Reverend Mike Thomason, the newly appointed moderator of the Northwestern Synod. In this episode Mike recounts his journey from Salford and army chaplaincy to local church leadership, sharing stories from Iraq, Afghanistan, and community ministry. He outlines his pastoral, presence-centred approach to leadership, the synod’s challenges and plans for review, and a call to shift from m...

Friends, welcome to another edition of the Synod podcast, where Reverend David Ireland reflects on a remarkable life of ministry, architecture, and leadership in children’s palliative care. From designing Francis House to establishing international pain clinics and pioneering care for teenagers and young adults, this episode explores how faith, innovation, and community transformed the hospice mov...

This episode introduces a new partnership between the Northwestern Synod and Place for Hope offering free mediation, facilitated conversations, and one-to-one conflict coaching to help churches handle disputes, long-standing hotspots, and difficult conversations constructively. Listeners learn how the service works, how to refer a case (contact the Synod clerk Claire MacIntyre or Programme Lead Ma...

This episode brings together Palestinian human rights lawyer Sahar Francis, Reverend Ashraf Tanuz and Reverend Dr Graham Adams to examine the situation in Gaza and the West Bank through the lens of the Kairos document from South Africa in 1985. They discuss parallels between state theology and the Zionist project, the buy-in to the Israeli narrative and failure of some Western churches to speak fo...

Friends, welcome to this edition of the Northwest Synod podcast. Today Lawrence speaks with Michael Harvey about cultivating a culture of invitation in Synod churches and the surprising power of asking, "How are you?". They explore how a genuine question can unlock personal stories of pain and hope, modelled by Jesus, and how simple practices—like a short daily prayer and following up "How are you...

Join us in this special edition of Talking NW Synod as we sit down with the Reverend Tim Meadows, the Moderator of General Assembly and minister in the Mersey Synod. In this heartfelt conversation, Tim reflects on the challenges and rewards of being a leader in the United Reformed Church. He shares his experiences of navigating the complexities of faith, identity, and community, highlighting the i...

In this episode of Talking NW Synod, host Lawrence Heath-Moore welcomes Leo Roberts, the Synod's Children and Youth Development Officer, for an engaging conversation about his dual roles as a youth development officer and a dedicated singer-songwriter. As they explore Leo's method of capturing midnight inspirations and managing a vast collection of musical instruments, the discussion delves into t...

In this episode of "Talking NW Synod," we are joined by Elizabeth Gray-King as she reflects on her 35 years of multifaceted ministry, including her recent role as Synod Pastor for the North Western Synod. Elizabeth shares her experiences balancing a portfolio career as an artist-theologian and visual theologian, alongside her commitment to pastoral care. Elizabeth discusses the emotional challenge...

In this episode of Talking NW Synod, we explore the significance of community audits in empowering churches to make meaningful contributions to their local communities. Kathy Varley from Locality joins us to discuss how these audits help churches understand and address the needs of marginalized groups effectively. By gathering insights from the community and local stakeholders, churches can strate...

Welcome to another edition of the podcast "Talking NW Synod," where host Lawrence Heath-Moore engages in a thoughtful discussion on the "Let's End Poverty" campaign. Join guests Niall Cooper, the Chief Executive of Church Action on Poverty, and Mike Hart, Transformation Director of the Northwestern Synod, as they explore the role that churches can play in addressing and prioritizing poverty in pol...

Join us for an insightful episode as we sit down with David Hardman, the Methodist Liaison Officer, to discuss the ongoing complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Despite facing visa challenges and being temporarily in the UK, David shares his recent experiences and reflections from his time in the region. During this conversation, we delve into the humanitarian crisis, the church's role...

Join us for an enlightening end encouraging discussion with the youngest-ever General Secretary of the United Reformed Church, Reverend Dr. John Bradbury. In this episode, we delve into his journey of unexpected leadership, the challenges faced by the URC, and the Church Life Review that aims to redefine its future. Discover how the church is tackling decline and embracing opportunities for growth...

In this episode of "Talking NW Synod," join us as we delve into the extraordinary journey of the Reverend Doctor Frin Lewis-Smith, a remarkable minister and academic with expertise in angelology. Discover how a transformative experience at a Bible study in Jamaica led her from pursuing a career in medieval literature to answering a divine call to ministry. Explore Frin's unique approach to her dua...

Lawrence Heath-Moore sits down with  David Hardman, the Methodist Liaison Officer in Jerusalem, to talk about some of the latest developments in the Gaza crisis.  David was living in the West Bank on 7 October and is in constant touch with many people living through the crisis.  The approach is to ask how we as would-be disciples of Jesus look at the situation through eyes of faith.  Lawrence's fi...

Most of us know Leo as the Synod Chidlren & Youth Development Officer (CYDO; in this episode, Lawrence explores his "other life" as a singer-songwriter. Listen as Leo talks about how he got started, the instruments he plays, the process of writing a song and how music relates to his faith.  As an extra treat, you get to hear him play and sing some of his songs!

Lawrence Heath-Moore talks with Wendy Higson and Izzy Lamb about Clitheroe United Reformed Church's Gold Eco-church award.  Discover the ways in which their eco-church journey has transformed not only their buildings but the lives and spirituality of the congregation and brought a new dimension to their relationships within the community. Be inspired to find ways of making small,incremental change...

As the NWS continues to respond to the call of the Legacies of Slavery Confession and Apology, Professor Anthony Reddie explores the human journey from a “fixed identity” to an identity of “complex subjectivity”.  Using personal stories and the insights and challenges of Black Liberation Theology, Reddie helps people of faith acquire a greater appreciation of theircomplexity that will help White p...