A round up of news from around the United Reformed Church over the past seven days, 2-8 September.
Southern Synod
Zeerak Shahbaz, a member of Broadway United Church in Eastbourne who also serves as Chaplain to URC Youth, has recently returned from a trip to Kuala Lumpur where he was one of four young adults to help plan a conference.
Jointly organised by the Council for World Mission and the World Council of Churches, the event, which took place at the Malaysia Bible Seminary, focused on empowering the next generation of church leaders and brought together more than over 50 young people from both organisations’ member churches.
“Attending the event was a true privilege, offering a deeper understanding of mission and evangelism in a broader youth context,” Zeerak said. Sharing in fellowship with other young people from diverse backgrounds and cultures led to enriching conversations and lasting inspiration. Together, we were reminded that we can rise to become proactive agents of transformative change.”
South Western Synod
Templecombe URC’s afternoon tea events in support of Breast Cancer Now is going from strength to strength.
Having lost her sister-in-law to breast cancer in 1984 at the age of 44, Helen Coombes, first presented the idea to her church in 2011. The first became so successful that it was made an annual event.
“It became more poignant some years later when my niece, Elizabeth, a member of Templecombe URC was diagnosed, and we lost her in 2021 at the age of 48.”
With keen bakers within the Templecombe community, around 30 people tucked into a variety of delicious cakes and scones raising more than £400 in the process.
The church plans to hold a Templecombe Bake Off in October.
West Midlands
Stratford URC enjoyed a visit from Fingal the therapy dog and his trainer Adrian who told all about Therapy Dogs Nationwide, the congregation’s chosen charity of the year. The church was inspired to learn of the work they do visiting care homes, schools, hospitals, and dementia cafes.
Elsewhere across the synod, Christ Church in Nailsworth held another successful “holiday at home”. Over three days, participants imagined they were all aboard the cruise ship “Hope of the Seas”. About 45 of them enjoyed an excursion to a garden centre as well as a “day at sea” and an afternoon tea with the Captain, complete with live entertainment.
Mersey Synod
The Revd Catherine McFie will begin a new chapter in her ministry, serving as Ecumenical Minister on the Isle of Man from December.
Catherine has been a valued minister within Mersey Synod since March 2020, when she moved to Liverpool to serve at St Columba URC, Hunts Cross and St George’s URC, Maghull, alongside her wider Synod responsibilities. Her ministry has been marked by compassion, clarity, and a deep commitment to justice and inclusion.
