A selection of news and stories from churches and communities across the United Reformed Church.
North Western Synod
The Revd Dr Gilbert Esambe is encouraging others not to give up on their calling after completing a Doctor of Ministry degree while serving in the Lancashire South East Missional Partnership.
After earlier setbacks and delays to his studies, Gilbert continued learning alongside ministry, studying during evenings, days off, and annual leave. His research explored innovative approaches to mission and ministry within the URC.
Reflecting on the achievement, Gilbert says the degree represents more than academic success—it is a reminder that delayed dreams need not be abandoned. His message to others is simple: trust God’s timing and persevere.
Gilbert said: “As I reflect on this achievement, I do so with gratitude to God, to my family, friends, colleagues, church members, and all those who have encouraged me along the way. I also give thanks to the URC within which I have had the privilege to serve and grow.
“My prayer is that this story will encourage others who are pursuing a calling, a dream, or a vision that seems distant today. Keep going. Trust God’s timing. Stay faithful to the task before you. The harvest may take time, but it will come.”
Elsewhere across North Western
Aftab Alexander Mughal, Director of Minority Concern (UK) and a member of Westbury Gardens URC in Blackburn, led a delegation to Lambeth Palace on 16 June for a special prayer service and meeting with the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Rt Revd Dame Sarah Mullally.
The delegation, comprising Pakistani Christians from different church traditions, presented a petition highlighting the ongoing issue of the forced conversion and forced marriage of Christian and Hindu girls in Pakistan. They also raised wider concerns about the human rights challenges faced by religious minorities in the country.
Following the meeting, the Archbishop expressed her support for their advocacy and assured the delegation of her prayers.
Aftab said: “We found her Grace to be a humble, compassionate, and deeply concerned church leader who is committed to promoting peace and justice. We are grateful for her time, for arranging this special prayer service, and for demonstrating her concern for human rights around the world, including in Pakistan.”
Minority Concern (UK) hopes the meeting will help increase international awareness of the challenges facing religious minorities in Pakistan and strengthen efforts to promote equality, freedom of religion, and the protection of vulnerable communities.
Thames North Synod
The minister of Newland URC, the Revd Naomi Young-Rodas, joined civic and faith leaders on 24 June for a series of inter-faith visits across Luton led by the Bishop of Bedford, the Rt Revd Richard Atkinson OBE.
The programme, organised by Grassroots Luton, the Luton Council of Faiths and the Near Neighbours Programme, brought together Christian, Sikh and Muslim communities to strengthen relationships and promote understanding.
Newland Church was formed in 2023 when five URC congregations in the Luton and Dunstable area — churches in the Luton & Dunstable Cluster, Bury Park URC, Edward Street URC, St Katherine of Genoa URC, St Ninians URC, and Wigmore Church (URC/Methodist) — voted to unite as one church serving two locations. Naomi was inducted as minister of Newland Church and St Albans URC in May 2026.
During the visit, the group toured several places of worship, including Guru Nanak Gurdwara (Sikh Temple) and Bury Park Jamia Masjid, which now occupies the former Bury Park URC building, where there was discussion about plans for a community garden and environmental improvements, demonstrating how faith communities can continue to serve local people in new ways.
Participants also reflected on shared values of hospitality, peace, compassion and mutual respect.
Naomi said: “It was heartening to witness everyone’s shared commitment to community cohesion in Luton. Together, we reflected on shared values such as hospitality, service, peace, mutual respect, and compassion for all, while also acknowledging the important role faith communities play in supporting social cohesion.”
National Synod of Wales
The National Synod of Wales is continuing to place creation care and climate justice at the heart of its mission. Awarded an Eco Synod Bronze Award in 2023, the Synod has taken significant steps in areas including carbon reduction, biodiversity, ethical investment and environmental education.
Working alongside A Rocha UK, Climate Cymru and other partners, the Synod has supported churches through an Eco Church roadshow, webinars, practical resources and guidance on reducing carbon footprints.
Churches across Wales have embraced a range of initiatives, from installing solar panels and improving energy efficiency to creating wildlife habitats, hosting eco-themed worship, running community environmental projects and campaigning for climate justice.
The Synod’s efforts are yielding results. Wales is now home to two Eco Church Gold Award winners, four Silver Award churches, twelve Bronze Award churches and eleven more congregations registered with the scheme.
Looking ahead, the Synod hopes to build on the momentum of recent years, helping more churches care for creation and embed environmental action into every aspect of church life.