A round up of news from around the United Reformed Church over the past seven days: 13-19 May 2024.
West Midlands Synod
The congregation of Shrewsbury URC received seven new members at a service held on 5 May. From left, Ruth and Stuart were made members for the first time, Tom transferred from another URC church following his wife’s call to ministry in the newly formed URC Shropshire Pastorate, and Eileen, Ursula, Robin and David were made members from other denominations.
The Revd Mark Rodgers, Minister of Shrewsbury URC, said: “It was wonderful to receive new members and we are grateful they’ve chosen Shrewsbury URC to be their new spiritual home.”
Thames North Synod
The Revd George Watt, Moderator of Thames North Synod preached at Hounslow URC on 12 May for the 200th anniversary of its chapel. The service was led by the local church leader with contributions from the congregation. The church also bestowed a warm welcome to the town’s Mayor and two councillors who also attended.
East Midlands Synod
Members and friends of North Lincolnshire Area churches gathered at St. Columba’s Church in Lincoln, to raise money for communities in Uganda connected with children. The event involved a varied programme of dance, readings of poetry and comic prose, and music on guitar, flute and piano. Church member, Janet Turner will be visiting Uganda in the summer.
Eastern Synod
Burnham URC has been honoured for its community work at a civic award ceremony hosted by Burnham-on-Crouch Town Council. The congregation received the Mayor’s Award for 2024, which recognised the church’s Christmas Day lunch provided to the community in 2022 and 2023, its weekly food bank, and the ‘Community in a Cup’ drop-in space. Burnham URC children’s and youth work was also praised.
The Revd Anne Sardeson, Minister of the church, said: “It was a great honour to have our work recognised by the town and for some of our hard-working volunteers to receive a special thanks.”