We think we probably just created a “never-before” in the life of the URC!
A recent August weekend of formal visits to Northern Synod brought together General Assembly and Youth Assembly Moderators for what we think is the first time ever for such an opportunity. Even as I was preparing to be inducted it was a joy to be planning with Youth Moderator, Kacie Hodgson, and Youth Moderator Elect, Alex Clements. All three of us are now on our travels around the URC; an abundance of Moderators!
For me, the weekend was abundant many times over. Bethel URC (Chester-le-Street) kicked us off with a pie and pea supper on Friday and shared its journey of congregations coming together and creating deep friendships; a place of welcome where tables are regularly laden with a meal and the conversation and faith go deep.
Saturday began at Cromer Avenue URC (Gateshead), joined by members of Denewell Avenue URC and by Kacie. The building becomes a pre-school throughout the week and everywhere I looked there were the bright and glorious signs of games, pictures, nooks and crannies for story times and awesome constructions. We got to be creative ourselves alongside lunch. A time capsule was being completed as a throw-it-forward gift to whoever might open it long after we’re gone. We dedicated a new prayer leaflet which gives a local focus for each day of the month. Abundant life enfolded in prayer!
“the art studio space particularly grabbed me!”
Alex joined our caravan of Moderators at our afternoon with Waddington Street URC (Durham). Nestled in the shadows of the train viaduct, we popped in on the converted houses next door, which are the Waddington Street Centre. Begun in the church hall in 1981 and now in its purpose-built home, this mental health resource centre hums with life. The top floor art studio space particularly grabbed me! Before more welcome refreshments, we walked to the nearby Flass Vale nature reserve where prayers were offered beside the trees the church planted to celebrate the URC’s 50th birthday (pictured below; Alex and Kacie, 4th & 5th from right).
Time to earn my keep a little. Woodhouse Close Church in Bishop Aukland unites Anglicans and Methodists with URC friends. It was a joy to preach and share in communion and then to hear of Messy Church, a 24-hour prayer vigil (as part of the Global Week of Prayer), and a host of ways in which congregation and community share. An afternoon visit to the quite incredible Aukland Palace, Faith Museum, and Mining Art Gallery rounded off an amazing weekend.
Why abundance? I came away with a deep sense of the overflow of love, creativity and sustained hard work that faith seeds and that the Spirit nurtures. And I got to share with Kacie and Alex in a URC first!