Here’s your round-up of local news from around the United Reformed Church (URC) over the past seven days.
Riddlesden church receives praise
Riddlesden United Reformed Church (URC) and volunteers have been praised for the support they provided to their community affected by Storm Franklin.
Homes were left without power, at least six had to be evacuated, and the back garden of one property was washed away into the river.
An emergency shelter was based at the church and volunteers helped provide food and hot water.
Cllr Caroline Firth, of Bradford Council, said: “I want to thank Riddlesden United Reformed Church for opening its doors to the community, and the various volunteers who helped run the shelter. I know many, many more people who have been willing to step forward to help, as we have a tight-knit community.”
Young siblings’ discipleship recognised in Lundie Award
Ashley (12) and Ryan (10) Fai of Andover and Salisbury URCs were nominated for the Lundie Memorial Award by their former minister for their faith and discipleship, and not only because of their regular attendance and enthusiastic participation in worship. Ashley and Ryan responded to the call to raise money for Abelare, a charity responding to homelessness, by giving up their beds and taking part in The Big Sleep. They were able to raise well on the way to a thousand pounds through their selfless action.
Ryan’s everyday discipleship became even more apparent when, after attending online baptism classes, he questioned why he had to wait until the church reopened in order to be baptised. He and his family led the church leadership in thinking outside the box and finding ways to carry out a meaningful baptism over zoom. Sister Ashley helped with the preparations and pouring the water into the font, while Ryan was able to witness to his faith in front of family and friends and members of the congregation, as well as his grandparents in Cameroon.
Nominator Revd Ana Gobledale, Minister of Salisbury URC, said that she chose to make the nomination to acknowledge the siblings’ enthusiasm for mission, their commitment to a Christian life of discipleship, and their “steadfastness as part of our worshipping church during this extraordinary year of united worship online.”
Is URC member the oldest person in Morecambe?
A woman thought to be the oldest person in Morecambe is looking forward to celebrating her 107th birthday in June.
Marjorie Greenfield, who moved to Morecambe in 1976 when she retired and became an active member of Sefton Road URC, was born a year into World War One in 1915, the same year as Orson Wells, Billy Holiday, Frank Sinatra, and Edith Piaf.
In an interview with the Lancaster Guardian, Marjorie shares fascinating details: life with her family as a young child, when the Second World War out when she was aged 24, a cruise to celebrate her 101st birthday to name a few things. Read more.