A round up of news from around the United Reformed Church over the past seven days, 14-21 October 2024.
Yorkshire Synod
Rotherham United Churches had fun bringing “Church in the Park” at the Rotherham Show.
The churches organised a large tent with four different areas: a prayer area with a variety of prayer stations and activities; a performance area from where the story of David and Goliath (the theme of this year’s tent) was told; a ‘Messy Church’ craft area with David and Goliath themed crafts; and an information area, with Gospels of Mark and leaflets about faith and the different churches involved, as well as stand from Christians Against Poverty.
The Rotherham Show, held at Clifton Park, is a two-day festival that welcomes up to 90,000 people each year.
The Show has a full programme of music, dance, theatre and circus, as well as numerous stalls from different businesses and community groups.
The Revd Matt Stone, Minister of Herringthorpe URC, said: “For many years, Rotherham’s churches have had a presence, and this year was no different.
Supported by a grant from the Yorkshire Synod Mission Fund, Rotherham United Churches had a large tent called ‘Church in the Park’ with four different areas:
All of this is provided free of charge, unlike many of the Show’s activities.
“Different churches took a lead at different times over the weekend, and Herringthorpe URC had a fantastic team of 16 who staffed the tent on Sunday from 11am-1pm, with many staying on to help later in the afternoon too,” continued Matt.
“We had lots of opportunities to share faith and to pray for people, and to be a Christian presence in the midst of Rotherham’s biggest annual event.”
Elsewhere across Yorkshire and supported by the URC’s Legacy Fund, Herringthorpe URC in Rotherham, has appointed a part-time Pioneer Chaplain.
Alan Wood, who recently completed his Pioneer training with the Light College, was commissioned on 1 September.
Herringthorpe’s URC’s Minister, the Revd Matt Stone, said that the church had “a growing passion to share the good news of Jesus with the community, and Alan would help the church reach out and connect in new ways.”
Mersey Synod
Friends, family, and local dignitaries recently gathered at Peasley Cross URC in St Helens, Merseyside, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its current building.
Originally built in 1974 to replace the old church demolished in 1973, the building was only expected to last 25 years. However, due to the dedication of church members who maintained and repaired it over the years, it is still going strong after half a century.
The special service was led by Revd Allison Claxton and attended by prominent figures, including the Lord Mayor of St Helens, Jeanette Banks, and the Mersey Synod Moderator, Revd Geoff Felton, along with representatives from other local churches.
Revd Claxton preached on the biblical figure of Joshua, urging the congregation to renew their commitment to serving God in an ever-changing world. Drawing parallels between Joshua’s leadership and the church’s history, she highlighted the building as a shared inheritance and called on attendees to embrace Joshua’s challenge, “as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”
As part of the service, a time capsule was filled with mementos such as letters, photographs, cards, and a cloth sheet of painted handprints from Messy Church families and leaders. Guests were invited to contribute items for future generations to discover.
The celebration concluded with a buffet, allowing attendees to share memories, stories, and reflections on Peasley Cross URC’s rich history. Reflecting on the event, Allison remarked, “It was a wonderful time, full of laughter, song, and praise to the God who has kept us this ‘Church on the Corner’ for so many years. Here’s to the next 50!”