A round-up of news from around the United Reformed Church from the past seven days: 16-22 November.
The Revd Michaela Youngson, Assistant Secretary of the Methodist Conference, has written to the Revd Fiona Bennett, Moderator of the United Reformed Church (URC) General Assembly, to congratulate the URC on its 50th anniversary.
In a letter sent on behalf of the Methodist Conference, Michaela asked that God’s continues to bless Church during this time of celebration and in its future mission and ministry.
“We recognise the historical significance of that occasion within the wider ecumenical map of Great Britain and also the place the URC has within the wider and continuing history of the Protestent Reformation,” Michaela added.
“The URC’s Committment for Life demonstrates to the world your passion for justice and the well-being of the most vulnerable people in the world and we honour you for that.”
Read the letter in full here.
North Western Synod
Oldham minister treks Norway fjords for charity
A group of fourteen tired yet triumphant trekkers, including the Revd David Ireland, Minister of Union Street URC in Oldham, has completed an arduous five-day trek through the mountains and fjords of Norway to raise money for a Manchester children’s charity.
David, who also serves as Chief Executive Officer of Francis House Children’s Hospice, and his wife Judith were among six members of the group to reach the summit of Galdhøpiggen, Norway’s highest mountain – the six having a combined age of 406!
The group endured long days trudging over challenging terrain and raised around £15,000 in September.
If you would like to support the group visit .
Eastern Synod
Church refurb leads to reduction in carbon energy
Congratulations to Downing Place URC which recently revealed that the refurbishment of its church, by Archangel Architects in 2021, has led to a significant reduction in carbon emissions.
Prior to the works, the church produced 0.083 tons of carbon dioxide (tCO2) per metre squared (m2). Afterwards, this dropped down to 0.017 tCO2/m2, an 80% reduction.
The Revd Nigel Uden said: “Alongside future-proofing and access, sustainability was one of the main drivers when we were redeveloping the premises. We aimed at achieving the most environmentally helpful things we could with a Victorian structure.
“The congregation is pleased that the renewal of the building has enabled us modestly to contribute towards the renewal of the planet and it is grateful to the combined expertise of the architects, Coulsons, the contractors, and a dedicated Sustainability Group within the church.”
So far, the church’s efforts has netted a bronze A Rocha UK Eco Church award and it now aspires to silver.
East Midlands Synod
Churches urged to unite through cost-of-living crisis
Churches Together in Shire and Soke has taken the unprecedented step in writing to all church leaders in its area encouraging them to work more closely together to best support communities through the cost-of-living crisis.
In the letter, the presidents said churches can be far more effective together than they can apart.
Suggestions include heating a single space for projects such as lunch clubs and coffee mornings, and different denominations worshiping in relays in one place to save costs and build unity while at the same time maintaining distinct doctrines, practices, and characteristics.
However, the Presidents said: “The cold and hungry are not interested whether those who care for them are of a particular denomination; therefore, as disciples of Jesus, we need to come together as one.”
Explaining the reason behind the letter, the Revd Geoffrey Clarke, Moderator of the East Midlands Synod and one of the group’s presidents, said addressing growing anxiety about the crisis was a priority.
“I and others are horrified at predictions as to what may lay ahead for us across the country,” Geoffrey said.
“Rising food costs, significantly increased energy bills, and the possibility of power cuts mean that many people are frightened, so we have plenty of things to talk about.”
Read the letter in full here.
Thames North
Church organ finds new home
Passengers at London Bridge were treated to an impromptu concert, as a Victorian church organ found a new lease of life amongst the arches.
The 1880s style, 250 pipe organ, which originally lived at Whetstone United Reformed Church, was rehomed at the station by charity Pipe Up for Pipe Organs, which rescues old, abandoned church organs and rehomes them.
An official event welcoming the organ to the station took place in October, with Sir Peter Hendy. Network Rail’s Chair, members of the station team and the charity’s founders all in attendance. Read more.
Images: Francis House Children’s Hospice and Rail Business Daily