Here’s your round-up of local news from around the United Reformed Church (URC) over the past seven days.
Community church celebrates fifth anniversary
West Thamesmead Community Church celebrated its fifth anniversary on 20 February. Largely funded by the URC, when the Revds Sally and Andrew Willett were called there, the ecumenical church plant in southeast London began with nothing. No team, people, or building. On the day, the vibrant congregation, with more than half half under 18, gave thanks to God and celebrated with joy-filled worship. They feasted on chicken, Jollof rice and anniversary cake, all made by members of the congregation.
Lancashire Stepwise group finally meet in person
After a total of 24 hours on Zoom, spread over seven months, members of the Lancashire Faith-filled Worship group have finally met in person.
The special event took place on 9 February at the Exchange Coffee House in Blackburn.
A member said: “It was a complete joy to be able to see and hug the lovely people we had become so fond of during our study time together. We had shared much online, including personal ups and downs, and we had prayed for one another on many occasions. We were all in agreement that we would like to keep in touch and perhaps meet up again in the summer. Venues near the seaside, maybe at Morecambe or Lytham St Annes, Watch the space!”
Repair café goes from strength to strength
A repair café that relocated to Shrewsbury United Reformed Church in Shropshire is going from strength to strength.
The café, run by a team of volunteers, moved to the church last September and takes place on the third Saturday of every month.
Clothing, electricals, jewellery, ornaments, garden tools, cameras, furniture, and many more items are repaired.
“Since we moved to the URC it has really taken off,” said Liz Evans, one of the founders of the group. “People bring their stuff in, ideally stay and talk to the repairers, learn some new skills so they might be able to fix things themselves in the future. They can also have tea and a biscuit and make it more of a social thing.” Read more.
Worchestershire church gains eco award
Broadway URC in Worcestershire has recently been awarded a Bronze Eco-Church award from A Rocha UK.
The church is encouraging other users of their premises to think about following their example to improve their environmental impact. This display, pictured below, reflects the West Midlands Synod’s principles of refusing to buy what’s not necessary, reducing purchases, reusing items instead of throwing them away, repairing things that are broken, and avoiding single-use plastics wherever possible.
Can your church share a similar message to people outside your congregation?
If you have a good news story that can inspire, raise hope, or show God’s work in action, then please let the URC Communications know. We would love to help share your news across the denomination and in local news outlets. Please email the team at [email protected].