A selection of news and stories from churches and communities across the United Reformed Church.
Southern Synod
Pam Tolhurst, Church Leader at Gillingham URC, received the Volunteer Champion Award at the 2025 Langley Trust People Awards. Pam is volunteer Chaplain to two Langley Trust projects in the Medway Towns in Kent. The Trust is a Christian organisation providing housing, and transformative support and care for ex-offenders or those at risk of offending. Pam received a British Empire Medal in 2022 for her volunteer work.
National Synod of Scotland
The National Synod of Scotland has received accreditation as a Living Wage employer. This was agreed as an action within the Synod’s Church with People in the Margins policy, adopted in 2025. The policy also encourages local churches to seek accreditation if they employ people. It is part of the Synod’s commitment to transform the unjust structures of society, the fourth mark of mission. See http://www.livingwage.org.uk
Eastern Synod
Hadleigh United Reformed Church in Suffolk held a Wellbeing Fair in January. Stalls, talks, and taster sessions – from Body Boss Fitness to yoga, meditation and a healthy skin demo. Plus, refreshments of course. There was something for everyone because, as the poster said, “God welcomes all sorts”.
North Western Synod
The creative members of Ramsden Street URC in Barrow-in- Furness have collaborated with pupils at their local Junior School, Greengate, to work on a join craft project – a Tree of Life banner to hang in the church. The group meets regular to engage in craft activities or enjoy jigsaws, colouring or Lego.
East Midlands Synod
Jill Marriott, Elder and Choir Leader at Long Eaton URC, was awarded the British Empire Medal in the New Year’s Honours List for services to the Church and to the community. Jill started the Long Eaton URC choir in 1998 and has raised thousands of pounds for charity over the past 26 years.
Yorkshire Synod
Zion United Reformed Church in Cottingham, East Riding has received two awards. One was presented to the 1st Cottingham Girls Brigade for its resilience and determination in rebuilding from scratch in recent years after numbers dropped to two. The second award went to the church family on behalf of the team that run the Toddler Group, for both its fundraising work and the impact that it has on the community.
