A round up of news from around the United Reformed Church over the past seven days, 16-22 December.
Wessex Synod
With the recent stormy conditions, Petersfield and Liss’ annual Round Table Santa’s Sleigh Event was at risk of complete cancellation. The town’s festival had already been called off.
However, Petersfield & Liss stepped in to offer space in its newly refurbished sanctuary so that Santa, Rudolph and the elves could set up their grotto.
Over two evenings, many children and families visited the grotto in the church and shared their plans for Christmas with Santa, Rudolph and the elves along with what makes Christmas so special for them.
The Revd Joshua Thomas, Minister of Petersfield and Liss, said: “We were delighted to be able to offer our space in this way and the delight on my own children’s faces, pictured, was a testament to the success of the event.”
Separately, the church also held an Advent walk which saw a band of willing volunteers lead around 30 families around the church, adjoining buildings and garden as a means to discover the joy of the birth of Jesus.
Once back inside the church, families took part in a variety of activities from salt dough wreath making, nativity dress up photo booth, indulging in hot chocolate and biscuits, to exploring the meaning behind advent candles and Bible references pointing to the birth of Christ, and a joyful carol service.
Mersey Synod
Wilmslow Youth, a charity based at Wilmslow United Reformed Church, has been awarded a £5,000 grant.
The charity creates spaces for young people to build friendships with other young people and get to know trusted adults who can support them whenever needs arise.
Opened in 2016, Wilmslow Youth also provides free-to-access, early intervention, professional mental health services for young people aged 11-18 and their parents.
The grant will also help fund a “wider family” programme, which will provide help for children who are about to start secondary school and parents and carers with free counselling, and early mental health support Year 6 children.
North Western
New Chapel URC in Horwich held a celebration service after replastering work at the church was completed.
The service was attended by several clergy and many friends and members of New Chapel and Churches Together in Horwich and Rivington.
Linda Gillett, church leader, said: “It was an extra special day as we welcomed three new members during the morning worship”.
Elsewhere across the synod, Edgeley Community Church presented their Brownies, Rainbows and Guides a URC Advent Pack. Here are a few of the Brownies looking very happy.
Thames North Synod
Congratulations to Penny Stuart who recently became an Assembly Accredited Lay Preacher. The Revd George Watt, Moderator of Thames North Synod, had the pleasure of commissioning Penny at Adeyfield Free Church where Ola Lawal, the Synod Lay Preaching Advocate, presented her with a certificate.
Southern Synod
Inspired by the vision of North Gillingham Church Leaders to have a Nativity crib in Gillingham High Street, a stunning, hand-made crib was created for a carol singing event.
The crib was made by a client of Langley Trust Project in Strood, a charity which helps people with convictions transform their lives.
Pam Tolhurst, a chaplain at the project and local leader at Gillingham URC, said: “Seeing the client’s skill in crafting benches and planters from pallet wood sparked the idea to apply those talents to this project. From a simple sketch, the crib came to life—thanks to teamwork, careful planning, and creative dedication.”
“The crib was proudly displayed beside a Christmas tree during the carol singing and tree-lighting ceremony and now stands at Gillingham train station until early January, spreading the message of Jesus as the true reason for Christmas.
“This beautiful piece not only delights passers by but also showcases the client’s willingness to use his God-given gifts in a new and meaningful way. We praise God for the joy it brings to so many.”