A selection of news and stories from churches and communities across the United Reformed Church
Yorkshire Synod
Who needs just one scarecrow when you can have a congregation of them instead?
In time for Harvest, the famous Bridge Church Scarecrows have planted themselves around Otley Bridge URC church lawn and are set to remain there until early September.
“Another great Otley tradition just at a time when we all need to raise a smile,” said one local resident. “Amazing as always,” said another, though one resident was sad that it “doesn’t look like our favourite one is there this year”. Well, there’s always next year…
Wessex Synod
Two young members of Park URC in Reading are hitting the spot with a pop-up burger bar in August. The pair, dubbed “the Burger Brothers”, will pull in the punters on Wednesday 12 August from 5pm. Home-made beef smash burgers with chips for just a fiver. What’s not to like?
Meanwhile, outside Salisbury URC books spilled onto the pavement at the start of August, as the church’s popular second-hand bookstall got into full swing. Fiction, non-fiction and children’s books were all priced under £2. Inside, the church’s newly refitted bookshop was also open. This permanent fixture is the ideal add-on to a visit to the Spire Coffee Shop, which is regularly open on Tuesday and Saturday mornings.
Mersey Synod
Christ Church Haydock URC in St Helens is delighted to have begun work on an extension that will incorporate a second hall into the building.
“This project isn’t just about bricks and mortar,” they say. “It’s about creating space to share the love of Christ in practical ways, offering hospitality, building relationships, and serving our neighbours faithfully.
With the installation of a larger kitchen as part of the plans, and the refurbishment of some existing rooms, “this new space will give us room to grow the work we’re already doing with children and young people, while opening the door to new ways of serving our local community”.
North Western Synod
Over sixty people gathered for a pop-up service at George and Clemmie’s Farm on 2 August. North Blackburn URC’s “sunflower service”. With calves in attendance, and blessed with a warm, bright day, the intergenerational service was a great success. The Sunflower Service has become an annual highlight in the church calendar.
George and Clemmie’s Farm on Meins Road in Blackburn is a working dairy farm with its own ice cream parlour, also offering seasonal flower picking and woodland walks.