A round up of news from around the United Reformed Church over the past seven days, 15-22 April 2024.
Wessex Synod
Members of Immanuel Church in Southbourne recently gathered for their second weekend away. Blessed with a nearby Christian centre, the group enjoyed a selection of workshops, including making mocktails, entertainment, guided walks, and Bible studies. They also enjoyed meals together and time getting to know one another better.
Roz Bradbury, a member of the congregation, said: “The weekend away was instigated by wanting to truly get to know one another more, especially those working or who might not be about during the week at other times.
“We had a lovely time seeking time out with God in a relaxed environment away from distraction. It was a huge benefit to all who attended, and we encourage churches, if they’re able, to organise their own day or weekend away.”
Yorkshire
A group of Brownies has helped volunteers to plant 30 tree saplings at a graveyard at Heywood URC’s graveyard in Northowram, near Halifax.
Each week, a group of 10 volunteers meet up to maintain the graveyard at the rear of the church.
Recent plans have been the creation of a “quiet area” at the request of families who regularly visit loved ones’ graves, plus an adjacent wildflower meadow which has brought vibrant coloured plants for visitors to appreciate.
The group, with the encouragement of the church meeting, approached the Woodland Trust which kindly agreed to donate a variety of 30 saplings.
Across Yorkshire Synod, Stainbeck URC’s new youth pod has now been installed in the grounds of the church. The pod is a joint venture between Stainbeck URC, InterACT and Thrive Leeds, two locally based youth organisations.
The pod will serve as a safe place for the church’s young people as well as being made available for local community use. Learn more about Stainbeck’s youth project.
East Midlands Synod
Congratulations to the Revd Dr Bachelard Kaze Yemtsa who was inducted to the new Mid Lincolnshire pastorate, comprising Boston URC and Sleaford URC. May every blessing follow for Bachelard and for the congregations.
West Midlands
Six members of the 7th Gloucester Boys Brigade (BB) and Guide Association based at Christchurch in Abbeydale have enjoyed a fun weekend away thanks to a URC grant.
The group received a grant of £350 which enabled them to attend the Gloucester Youth For Christ’s Break Away weekend.
Along with exploring faith and building community, the young people spent the weekend playing games, engaging worship, asking big questions, sports, delving into the Bible and taking part in a variety of other fun activities.
Youth For Christ gifted the young people with a torch light keyring as a reminder of the message of Jesus light of the world.
Diane, the BB leader said: “The most notable outcome from the weekend is that every single one of the six young attendees indicated that they wished to further find out more about faith which we are now planning into our Boys’ Brigade programme with them.”
Youth For Christ Seeing works to see young people’s lives changed by Jesus and is a worldwide Christian movement working. Learn more about Youth For Christ.
Learn more about grant and funding opportunities from the URC.