A round up of news from around the United Reformed Church over the past seven days, 26 February – 3 March 2024.
West Midlands Synod
Shrewsbury United Reformed Church (SURC) in Shropshire has gained a Silver A Rocha UK Eco Award.
“We’re really pleased with this latest award which reflects the hard work that members of the church have put in to reducing our environmental impact over the last 20 years since we were first recognised as an eco congregation.” Mike Streetly, co-ordinator of the church’s eco group said.
“While it’s great to receive this award, we can’t rest on our laurels. One area that we will be focussing on this year is trying to become a beacon of encouragement for everyone around us to engage with the urgent environmental issues we are facing.
“We will be holding a series of public events in the third week in April to coincide with Earth Day (22 April) under the heading ‘Guardians of Creation’. These will explore ways in which we can all help to protect and enhance our environment locally and globally.”
Learn more about Shrewsbury’s eco efforts.
Thames North
Congratulations to Peter Williams, Kate Moody and Valerie Windsor, three longstanding members of Lancaster Road in Enfield were recently presented with ‘Loyal and Devoted’ service certificates.
Peter celebrates 72 years of service, Kate 63 years and Valerie 65 years.
East Midlands Synod
St Andrew’s with Castle Gate URC in Nottingham has also gained a Silver Eco-Church Award from A Rocha UK.
The fast-acting church achieved a Bronze in December 2022 and 14 months later achieved Silver after working on the ‘lifestyle” component of the award.
The church now plans to work on the ‘Buildings’ and ‘Land’ sections of the awards scheme to be able to submit for Gold award.
Congratulations to Claire Ette who was commissioned as a Lay Preacher at High Street URC in Wellingborough last month following two years of training.
As part of morning worship led by the Revd Chris Parker, Claire’s commissioning was conducted by the Revd David Featonby, Convenor of the Synod’s Lay Ministries group. Training & Development Officer Derek Graham presented Claire with her accreditation certificate and badge in recognition of her splendid achievement.
The church wishes Claire every blessing in her service as a Lay Preacher.
Congratulations also go to St Andrews URC in Chesterfield which has a gained a Children and Youth Friendly Award.
Over the past couple of years, the church has re-established links with its local primary school, Highfield Hall, and there has been much positive engagement which the church and school are keen to continue.
For example, last Easter the school’s reception class visited the church. The children explored what Easter means for Christians and how its celebrated. The event also included a puppet play. At Christmas, Advent boxes were sent out to families in need, and parents and carers, with their children, were invited to a festive Christmas pudding making event.
Richard Knott, East Midlands CYDO+, who supported St Andrews’ on its award journey said: It has been a total joy and privilege to share with this group in this process. It was especially delightful to see the how the group engaged with the young people involved and how their contributions , ideas and challenges were treated with respect and responded to with positive action.”