A round up of news from around the United Reformed Church over the past seven days, 18-24 March 2025.
East Midlands Synod
The Revd Kevin Jones, a former army chaplain, has become the first minister inducted to the new South West Derbyshire Area Partnership.
Ashbourne Road Church, a Methodist and URC LEP in Derby, hosted a special service to mark the occasion on 1 March. The service was presided over by the Revd Geoffrey Clarke, East Midlands Synod Moderator, and the Revd Tracey Harris, Derby Circuit Superintendent Minister.
The church together with Alvaston, Derby Central, Mackworth and Repton URCs will make up the area partnership.
National Synod of Wales
Congregations belonging to St Gwrthwl’s Church in Wales and Penuel United Reformed Church in the village of Llanwrthwl have formed a new local ecumenical partnership (LEP).
Established on 1 February, worshippers of both traditions will attend services in the URC-owned chapel.
A new local covenant, based on the Covenant for Unity in Wales, was signed by members of both churches, commemorating the anniversary of the original covenant, which made 50 years ago.
Thames North Synod
Member of Thames North Synod’, led by the Revd Sujeeth Kumsar, Minister of Vine, Gants Hill and Barking URCs, represented the synod at the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren (ECCB) Ministers’ Conference in Prague in February.
Sujeeth said: “It was a meaningful time to learn about the wider church and mission and ministry. I had the privilege to meet many other ministers and representatives from other countries as well. Neil Thorogood led one session about the life of the URC in the UK. Sohail Ejaz and I thank God for the privilege and opportunity given to us to experience and learn from other churches.”
Southern Synod
London Road, Ewell and Tolworth United Reformed churches have celebrated the 80-year membership of a congregant.
Gwyneth Smith was born in Epson in August 1930 where her father, the Revd W E Evans, was the Free Church Chaplain to five psychiatric hospitals in the area. Gwyneth was baptised as a baby at Epsom Congregational Church and on 4th February 1945 she was received into adult membership.
“I met my husband Raymond in the church,” said Gwyneth. “We married there and brought up our son and daughter. I led junior church, ran the Brownie pack and later, when I retired from teaching, ran ‘Little Urchins’, our mothers and toddlers’ group. I was very enthusiastic about our drama group and sang in the choir. I also took evening services to stop them from being discontinued. Epsom and Ewell churches united in 2022 when I was still a serving Elder. Arthritis and mobility issues prevent me from actual church attendance, so I greatly appreciate being able to tune into the morning service from either Ewell or Tolworth. I can share in church meetings, join in the hymns and still belong. Thanks be to God.”
The Revd Roger Jones, Minister of Tolworth and London Road, Ewell Churches said: “It’s great Gwyneth can still attends our streamed online services every week from the safety of her home and members of the congregation still enjoy the conversation with her online at the end of the service over coffee. We think our technology, like our worship, is for all ages.”
North Western
Residents with broken toasters, wobbly bikes or items that need patching up are being encouraged to visit a new repair cafe that is being opened at Clitheroe URC.
The community initiative offers residents a place to bring everyday items, from electronics, mechanical devices, computers, clothing, and more—for repair by skilled volunteers. The cafe will run on the third Saturday of every month from 10am-12pm.
The first repair café took place on 15 February, and a grand VIP opening took place a month later on 15 March featuring the Mayors of Clitheroe and the Ribble Valley, along with MP Jonathan Hinder.