A look at some of the latest stories, events, and updates from across the United Reformed Church — celebrating how communities are living out their faith in action.
The Group for Evangelism and Renewal in the United Reformed Church (GEAR) held its Refreshing Your Ministry conference from 7-9 October at The Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick.
GEAR Chair Revd Matt Stone said: “It was such a joy to be in the tangible presence of God and see the Holy Spirit move; to worship and listen to powerful teaching; and to be with and pray for one another.”
Thanking the organising team for its efforts, the Revd Sally Willet, Editor of In GEAR, the group’s magazine, added: “Praise God for an amazing week, the fantastic speakers and excellent teaching.”
GEAR’s next conference takes place 5-7 October 2027 and is open to all URC Ministers and CRCWs, elders in local leadership, and others in local URC ministry and leadership.
Learn more about GEAR and the Refreshing Your Ministry conference.
Southern Synod
Kingston URC marked this year’s Harvest festival with a joyful weekend of worship, community, and thanksgiving.
Volunteers decorated the church and foyer with flowers and greenery ahead of the service, where members brought donations for the local Food Bank and the Trussell Trust.
Sunday’s service centred on gratitude for God’s provision and the call to share with others. The choir led the congregation in songs of praise and prayers were offered for Bangladesh, Israel, and Palestine.
After the service, members enjoyed games, a display of traditional Korean dress, and a dance workshop led by a Korean member of the congregation. The day concluded with a shared meal featuring homemade dishes and cakes.
The church thanked everyone who helped organise and take part in the celebrations, making this Harvest Festival a true expression of faith and fellowship.
Across the Synod, the East Team churches — four Local Ecumenical Partnership congregations (URC/Methodist/Baptist) in Eastbourne — successfully led four afternoon chapel services at Eastbourne District General Hospital.
The Revd Memona Shabaz, Minister of the four churches, described the initiative as “an important opportunity to share the good news, strengthen community outreach, and express gratitude to the dedicated NHS staff who work tirelessly to provide exceptional care”.
Mersey
Congratulations to Pat Cansfield, Helen Bennett and Gail Rose who are now newly Assembly Accredited Lay Preachers.
