A round up of news from around the United Reformed Church over the past seven days 7-13 October 2024.
Yorkshire Synod
Three churches in Leeds, Christ Church Halton, Headingley St Columba and Stainbeck, marked the Season of Creation with a craftivism project. Knitted, crocheted and fabric flowers were made and displayed to draw attention to the beauty and diversity of our world. The flowers are being displayed on the churches’ railings, windows and trees outside to highlight that, through our prayers and actions, God’s Creation can thrive and flourish.
North Western Synod
Congratulations to the North Western Synod Faith-Filled Worship group, facilitated by mission mentors Revd Daleen ten Cate and Liz Delafield, which has successfully completed the stream and received certificates of completion.
As part of their learning, the group led a service titled “Christ in the dust”, a modern interpretation of the Good Samaritan story, by partnering with YoURChurch.
Two members of the group will also be receiving their Locally Recognised Worship Leaders (LRWL) certificates.
Learn more about Stepwise, the URC’s discipleship development course.
Across the synod, ‘What Would You Ask Jesus?’ is a new group from Wooler URC which has been meeting in a local pub once a month to share food and experience of faith together.
Since it began in June, the group has met four times with members sharing powerful, personal stories which has led to some people joining in to find out more. Two people have since started attending the church and others have taken away books and resources to learn more.
West Midlands Synod
Congratulations to the Revds Sally and Andrew Willett who have recently become West Midland Synod’s Mission Development Officers.
They will be job sharing this role, alongside ministering to six churches in the West Birmingham and Walsall Pastorate.
In their new the couple will be assisting churches to grow in their mission and discipleship.
Across the synod, three young people were baptised at Dursley Tabernacle last month as the church also celebrated its Sunday school anniversary. The school dates back to 1778 when William King a local factory owner realised his workers, both adults and children, were illiterate. On their day off, he set up a school to teach them to read and write, using the Bible, which at the same time taught them about faith.
Commitment for Life
Twelve lay preachers from across the URC gathered at Luther King House last month after accepting an invitation to learn how to design and present a Commitment for Life (CFL) service of worship at their local congregations.
Northern College tutor Revd Dr Graham Adams provided a theological foundation for the day, and Revd Ana Gobledale provided practical tips on sermon construction.
“I came a bit worried that the theology might be a bit over my head,” recalls Crispin Myerscough from Garstang URC. “But it really wasn’t. It was incredibly inspiring and creative,” he said.