How, and why, does Synod need to be involved in your building projects
A major purpose of Synod is to support churches in its mission, and most congregations meet in buildings which are formally owned by the URC (Mersey Province) Trust. Synod therefore must maintain oversight of what happens to its buildings, it has a responsibility to ensure legal requirements are met and it also holds a Property Fund which it can contribute to the cost of work.
Synod has delegated oversight of all building projects to two committees which work together to ensure that a suggested project helps to deliver the vision for the future life, witness and outreach of the church, and constitutes good value for money.
Pastoral Committee
The project will be reviewed by the Synod Pastoral Committee to assess how what is being proposed fits in with the mission of the church, and that of the wider church. If you haven’t already undertaken a Being Church assessment, you will be asked to carry one out and the Committee will use this as part of it’s assessment to judge the need and viability of the project. Pastoral Officers will also want to meet the church elders to discuss its mission.
Resources Committee
The project will also be assessed by the Synod Resources Committee who will advise on technical aspects of the proposal, primarily through the Property Officer or other Resources Committee representatives. The committee also assesses the financial viability of the proposal and can, where appropriate, consider the provision of a grant or loan for the project, funded by the Synod Property Fund.
Property Fund
Mersey Synod holds a property fund which is established from the sale of redundant buildings and rental income from other properties. On occasion, Synod has agreed to release the proceeds from the sale of property direct to the church for use in a major project.