Wessex Synod

of the United Reformed Church
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Home
  • Synod
    • Our Faith
    • Prayer
    • Synod Meetings
    • Wessex Workshops / Area Gatherings
    • General Assembly
    • Stories from our Churches
  • Our Work
    • Paddington’s Pilgrimage
    • Children’s & Youth Work
      • Children’s & Youth News
      • Children and Youth
      • Leaders and Workers
      • Resources for C&Y work
      • Grant opportunities for children’s & youth work
      • Wessex Summer Camps 2022
    • Development and Support Officers
    • Discipleship – Walking the Way
      • Discipleship Development Fund
      • Holy Habits Resources
      • Stepwise
      • Volunteer Recruitment Form
    • Ministries & Learning
      • Elders
      • Lay Preachers
      • Local Mission & Ministry Review (LMMR)
      • Ministerial Accompanied Self Appraisal (MASA)
      • Silence & Retreats Group
    • Mission & Outreach
      • Mission Development Group
      • Church & Society Group
      • World Church Group
      • Fresh Expressions
      • Global & Intercultural Ministry
      • Rural Ministry
      • Eco Church
    • Synod Executive
      • Nominations Group
    • Wessex Trust
      • Ministry & Mission Fund
      • Expense Claim Forms
    • Employment
      • Employment newsletters
    • Role Descriptions for Synod Appointments
  • Calendar
    • Synod Calendar of Meetings
    • Calendar of Development & Support Events
  • Safeguarding
    • Safeguarding Training Dates
  • Document Library
  • Contact Us
  • Meet the Team
Search the site...

News

Exciting opportunity Advent Resource

18th May 2022 / Development Team Admin / Children & Youth News, News

Are you aged 5 – 11? Are you a young family with big ideas? Do you want to be involved in designing a new resource for the URC?   You are invited to come and take part The creative team who are putting together this year’s Advent Resource would like to hear from you Come […]

Read More

Training for DBS verifiers and safer recruitment

18th May 2022 / Development Team Admin / News, Upcoming Events

DDC (Due Diligence Checking Ltd) and the URC Training Coordinator for Safeguarding will be hosting Verifiers and Safer Recruitment training on line on the following dates and times.   You can come to both parts of the session or just one part, whichever is relevant to your role.   Tuesday 12th July – Verifiers’ session 7-8pm, […]

Read More

Generating Income and Grant Applications

17th May 2022 / Deborah Walker / News

Sat 1st October 2022 – 10am–4pm in Bristol (in person) This ACAT course is for those who are looking to source funding for their church or for a church project. It has been designed to provide delegates with the skills and confidence required to identify potential sources of funding before successfully applying for it.   […]

Read More

Latest JPIT Newsletter

17th May 2022 / Deborah Walker / News

The latest JPIT newsletter is available by following this link:  JPIT Latest edition

Read More

Bi-monthly Update May – Children & Youth

11th May 2022 / Development Team Admin / Children & Youth News, News

Bi-monthly newsletter – May 2022 from the Children & Youth team at Church House.

Read More

Job Advert Mersey Synod Training & Devel Officer

10th May 2022 / Development Team Admin / News

URC Mersey Synod Training and Development Officer Job Advert. Closing date for applications:  noon on Wednesday 1 June 2022.

Read More

Sharing the Vision – April edition

22nd April 2022 / Deborah Walker / News, Sharing the Vision

The latest edition of Sharing the Vision is available to download below.

Read More

3 ways to support Mental Health in the Church

20th April 2022 / Development Team Admin / News

Poor mental health affects all our lives.  Mental health issues can affect anyone, at any time, and sometimes for no apparent reason.  Not only that but the church is often at the forefront of engaging with the vulnerable.  So, how can we best look after the mental health of the church while looking after ourselves? […]

Read More

Wessex Workshops in April and May

14th April 2022 / Development Team Admin / Area Gatherings, News

These Workshops are open to anyone interested in the topics.   What it means to be a digital disciple (how to live as Christians online and digital tools for enabling your own discipleship) Wednesday 27th April, 7pm – 8.30pm,         repeated on Thursday 28th April, 10am – 11.30am.   How can we disciple others online? (tools […]

Read More

Wessex Synod Big Day Out 2022

14th April 2022 / Development Team Admin / Children & Youth News, News

Come and Celebrate the URC’s 50th Jubilee Saturday 7 May 2022 at Hollycombe Steam in the Country Tickets on sale now – Book Now   Information Update including Event Programme and Frequently Asked Questions.   Hollycombe attractions include: largest traditional steam fairground a Bioscope two steam railways Steam farm museum numerous steam engines azalea walks […]

Read More

Wessex Summer Camps 2022

31st March 2022 / Development Team Admin / Children & Youth News, News

Wessex Summer Camps 2022 22 – 24 July 2022 Oakwood Activity Centre, Wokingham. Camp 1 for ages 8 – 11 year Camp 2 for ages 11 – 17 years   Wessex Summer Camps Brochure for further details including cost and payment information.   Bookings: £10 deposit per person required to secure your booking Wessex Summer […]

Read More

Wessex Workshop – February recording

30th March 2022 / Development Team Admin / Area Gatherings, News

Wessex Workshop on 28 February Making the Most of Your Online Presence Speaker: Dan Morrell     Recording of the session available to watch on YouTube. Powerpoint presentation.    

Read More

John Bradbury’s Speech from Synod

22nd March 2022 / Deborah Walker / News, Synod Meetings

Revd John Bradbury, General Secretary of the URC spoke at the March Meeting of Synod on: ‘Reforming Christian Identity for the mid-21st Century’  

Read More

Free online training for youth leaders

16th March 2022 / Development Team Admin / Children & Youth News, News

Inclusive Practice: providing pastoral support for LGBT+ young people. Tuesday 29 March 2022 7pm – 8.30pm   Free online training session led by Frontier Youth Trust Publicity flier. Discussion topics will include: Creating LGBT+ inclusive environments Inclusive language and use of pronouns Pastorally supporting LGBT+ young people Register at https://bit.ly/inclusive-practice  

Read More

Bi-monthly Update March – Children & Youth

16th March 2022 / Development Team Admin / Children & Youth News, News

Bi-monthly newsletter – March 2022 from the Children & Youth team at Church House.

Read More

Latest URC News Update

15th March 2022 / Deborah Walker / News

The latest edition of NewsUpdate is now available at the following link: View NewsUpdate here

Read More

Interactive Prayer Stations for All Ages

14th March 2022 / Deborah Walker / News, Prayer

Sun Hats and Wellie Boots has produced interactive Prayer Stations designed for all ages. They are ideal for intergenerational worship, or to be left in churches to be explored throughout the week. They’re also ideal for school prayer spaces, particularly for children 8yrs+ and high school students, but can also be used for youth groups […]

Read More

Green Living Aims

14th March 2022 / Deborah Walker / News

At March Synod Revd Dr Sarah Hall from Avenue St Andrew’s URC in Southampton spoke briefly about Green Living and the interactive leaflets available to help you and your friends, family, colleagues to understand more and take action. These Green Living leaflets are an attempt to convey key points from the Dorset Green Living Guide with updates of information […]

Read More

Wessex Workshop – Legacy of Slavery Conversation

10th March 2022 / Deborah Walker / Area Gatherings, News

A Legacy of Slavery conversation – Tuesday 15th March at 7pm Our next Synod gathering will be a discussion around the Legacy of Slavery consultation, a chance to have a discussion with Karen Campbell, Secretary for Global & Intercultural Ministries (Mission) and David Reynolds following the presentation made by Stephen Ansa-Addo at our autumn Synod meeting last […]

Read More

Wessex Workshop – Making the most of your online presence

24th February 2022 / Deborah Walker / Area Gatherings, News

The Workshop is open to anyone interested in this topic, so please pass the flier around your church community. Below is the zoom link for the sessions.  Please join Zoom 10 minutes before the start of the session.  Thank you. Monday 28 February 2022 10am – 11.30am     or 7pm – 8.30pm Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82435443259?pwd=SWFrVXZwTVUzWmhsQ05YbEgzcThsQT09 […]

Read More

Safeguarding Training day at Hythe URC

24th February 2022 / Development Team Admin / Children & Youth News, News

A full day’s safeguarding training (in person) for all those working with children, young people and adults at risk. At Cornerstone Hythe URC, New Road, Hythe, Southampton, SO45 6BR.  10am – 4pm. Further information on the publicity poster. Booking is essential, please email.

Read More

Paediatric First Aid Training – spaces available

24th February 2022 / Development Team Admin / Children & Youth News, News, Upcoming Events

There are places available on a forthcoming Paediatric First Aid training course, (meets Ofsted requirements). This training course is blended which means there is 6 hours of pre-learning online followed by 6 hour practical session on Saturday 26 March 2022 at Trinity United Church, Ringwood, BH24 1DH. 9.30am – 4.30pm. Free to members of local […]

Read More

Sharing the Vision – February edition

18th February 2022 / Deborah Walker / News, Sharing the Vision

The latest edition of Sharing the Vision is available to download below.

Read More

URC Church and Society update

15th February 2022 / Deborah Walker / Church & Society, News

Download: URC Church & Society update Feb 2022   

Read More

Good News Story – Twyford URC (Bucks)

14th February 2022 / Deborah Walker / Good News Story, News

Twyford United Reformed Church After years of fundraising and planning, building work is underway to bring one of Twyford’s most loved community buildings into the 21st century. Apart from a small 1950s toilet and kitchen extension, Twyford United Reformed Church (URC) and old school room have changed little since the late 19th century and the […]

Read More

Stepwise Come and See event on 30 March 7.30pm

10th February 2022 / Development Team Admin / News, Upcoming Events

Stepwise – Come & See event Wednesday 30 March 2022 7:30pm on Zoom     Register your interest to receive the zoom link.  Contact:  bookings@urcwessex.org.uk Publicity Flyer The next Faith Filled Life group will start in May 2022.  Find out more at the Come & See zoom session. Faith Filled Life stream journeys through exploring […]

Read More

Job vacancy Admin Assistant Safeguarding

10th February 2022 / Development Team Admin / News

Are you interested in being part of a team to help the Church keep people safe? Further details Job advertisement Closing date for applications:  12 noon, Monday 28 February 2022  

Read More

Peter Pay’s Thanksgiving Service – 11/02/22

26th January 2022 / Deborah Walker / News

  A Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Peter Pay, one of the Moderators of The United Reformed Church General Assembly, 2020-2022, who died in December, will take place at Salisbury Methodist Church at 1pm on Friday 11 February.   The address of the church is St Edmund’s Church Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 1EF. The […]

Read More

Discipleship Development Grants

19th January 2022 / Development Team Admin / News, Walking the Way

Discipleship Development Grants Further information and application forms.

Read More

Sharing the Vision – January edition

13th January 2022 / Deborah Walker / News, Sharing the Vision

The latest edition of Sharing the Vision is available to download below.

Read More

Legacies of Slavery Consultation

13th January 2022 / Deborah Walker / News

LoS consultation overview – Dec21 Legacies of Slavery Consultation – FAQs LoS Consultation – Questions for Churches – deadline for answers 7th February 2022     https://urc.org.uk/legacies-of-slavery-consultation-launched/ 

Read More

URC is 50 – Jubilee Celebrations

13th January 2022 / Deborah Walker / News

Service of Thanksgiving and Celebration If you asked for a seat or two to be reserved for the October 1 service, you should now have received an email from Eventbrite with your ticket/s. Please keep these safe as the codes will be needed to gain entry to the venue. You can bring a print out […]

Read More

What is God asking of YOU?

11th January 2022 / Development Team Admin / News

Ministry Enquirers’ Event Saturday 12 February 2022 10am – 3pm online Register with ministries@urc.org.uk to receive zoom details   Enquirers’ Event to help you think about God’s call to Worship Leading Lay Preaching Ministry with children and young people the Ministry of Word and Sacraments Church Related Community Work  

Read More

Newsletter Children’s & Youth – January

10th January 2022 / Development Team Admin / Children & Youth News, News

Here is the Bimonthly Newsletter from the Children’s & Youth Team at Church House – January 2022

Read More

Peter Pay, Moderator the URC General Assembly

18th December 2021 / Deborah Walker / News

It is with great sadness we announce that Peter Pay, Moderator of General Assembly, but also known to many in Wessex Synod as a former Synod Clerk, and a popular Lay Preacher died peacefully earlier today (Saturday 18th December). A tribute to Peter can be found at: https://urc.org.uk/peter-pay-moderator-the-urc-general-assembly/ Do please hold his widow, Jo, and the […]

Read More

Sharing the Vision – December edition

16th December 2021 / Deborah Walker / News, Sharing the Vision

The latest edition of Sharing the Vision is available to download below.

Read More

Crisis Communications Plan for Local Churches

10th December 2021 / Deborah Walker / News

A free guide to crisis communications for churches. Crisis communication is an essential element of disaster ministry. A little bit of preparation now can go a long way in ensuring everything goes more smoothly at your church when disaster strikes. This plan aims to support Ministers, Elders and staff to provide best practice tips for […]

Read More

Covid Plan B: Synod Moderators’ updated guidance

10th December 2021 / Deborah Walker / News

The Synod Moderators have issued further guidance in light of the Government’s Plan B.   It is available to view here: Covid Plan B: Synod moderators’ updated guidance  

Read More

Churches Together in England latest news

6th December 2021 / Deborah Walker / News

View the latest Churches Together in England Newsletter

Read More

Omicron – updated advice to churches

2nd December 2021 / Development Team Admin / News

As Covid rules have been strengthened in response to concern over the new Omicron variant, the United Reformed Church (URC) Synod Moderators provide updated advice to churches: Read more.

Read More

Sharing the Vision – November edition

18th November 2021 / Deborah Walker / News, Sharing the Vision

The latest edition of Sharing the Vision is available to download below.

Read More

Stepwise – article for church newsletters

16th November 2021 / Development Team Admin / News, Walking the Way

Stepwise is making a difference!       Read more about Stepwise in this article which can also be downloaded and used in church newsletters.

Read More

Synod Deployment Consultation

9th November 2021 / Deborah Walker / News

Ministries & Learning Committee are inviting congregations, ministers, elders, young people – anyone involved in the life and witness of Wessex URC congregations – to take part in a consultation about their vision and mission for the future.  The feedback will feed into proposals for future patterns of ministry and deployment in Wessex about which […]

Read More

Guildford URC win Gold Award in Guildford in Bloom 2021

8th November 2021 / Deborah Walker / Good News Story, News

Thanks to the green-fingers and hard work of Guildford URC member Ian Hitchcock the Church was delighted to win the Gold Award in the Best Front Garden category, in Guildford in Bloom 2021.    

Read More

Good News Story – and the winners are…

8th November 2021 / Deborah Walker / Good News Story, News

And the winners are… Collectively Camberley, the Business Improvement District (BID) for Camberley Town Centre, was established in 2011. In 2021 95% of those businesses in the area voted to extend the BID for another 5 years. The BID, organises many of the town centre events, including the car show, Farmers Markets, Christmas Lights and […]

Read More

Praise from the Heart – Psalm resources

8th November 2021 / Deborah Walker / News, Prayer

For many years, Revd. Duncan Wilson (now a retired minister in Banbury) has been using the lectionary’s choice of Psalms each week as a call or introduction to worship. He has paraphrased each psalm as a responsive call to worship and is now offering them as a resource for churches and worship leaders to use […]

Read More

Advent, Easter, Pentecost, Psalms, Resources

Newsletter Children’s & Youth – November

3rd November 2021 / Development Team Admin / Children & Youth News, News

Here is the Bimonthly Newsletter from the Children’s & Youth Team at Church House – November 2021.

Read More

Gosport School Pastors

1st November 2021 / Development Team Admin / Good News Story, News

  Gosport School Pastors, represented by myself and Andy Williams, were awarded the Community Impact Award at the Hampshire Education Awards celebration held in October 2021. This is a huge honour and one which we feel extremely privileged to have received. We were delighted to have been nominated by members of the Senior Management Team […]

Read More

October 2021 Synod Minutes available now

22nd October 2021 / Deborah Walker / News, Synod Meetings

Download the Minutes from the October meeting of Synod:

Read More

Good News Story – Green Living Group – the sequel!

18th October 2021 / Deborah Walker / Good News Story, News

You may remember the virtual Green Living Group based at Avenue St Andrew’s URC in Southampton which reported in May 2020 that we were using the Dorset Green Living Guide (greenliving.sustainabledorset.org) to look at our individual carbon footprints relating to food, energy, transport, waste, water and community in our lives. At that stage we thought […]

Read More

Sharing the Vision – October edition

14th October 2021 / Deborah Walker / News, Sharing the Vision

The latest edition of Sharing the Vision is available to download below.

Read More

Good News Story – Community Accessible AED

13th October 2021 / Deborah Walker / Good News Story, News

In June I was approached by one of our local councillors asking if he could fund a community accessible defibrillator outside High Cross Church. Having spoken to a few people and checked locations, we agreed it would be a great project and the ideal location would be outside the café doors so it was accessible […]

Read More

Legacies of Slavery

12th October 2021 / Deborah Walker / News

Download the Legacies of Slavery Consultation document below: LoS Consultation Overview Document   Further information can be found on the URC website:  https://urc.org.uk/our-work/legacies-of-slavery.html

Read More

Synod Papers available now – October 2021

24th September 2021 / Deborah Walker / News, Synod Meetings

Synod meets in person on Saturday 9th October  High Cross Church Knoll Road, Camberley, GU15 3SY   The Synod Papers are available to download below in either pdf or Word format   Download: Legacies of Slavery Consultation Overview Document Synod Apology Slip Find High Cross on the map Poster swap information We have looked at […]

Read More

Sharing the Vision – September edition

16th September 2021 / Deborah Walker / News, Sharing the Vision

The latest edition of Sharing the Vision is available to download below.

Read More

What is God asking of YOU?

8th September 2021 / Development Team Admin / News

Ministry Enquirers’ Event on Saturday 2 October 2021, 10am – 4pm on Zoom   to help you think about God’s call to   Worship Leading Lay Preaching Ministry with children and young people the Ministry of Word and Sacraments Church Related Community Work Chaplaincy Contact:  ministries@urc.org.uk to register and receive programme details. Publicity flier

Read More

September “in person” Area Gatherings

20th August 2021 / Deborah Walker / Area Gatherings, News

Topic: Reporting back from General Assembly Tea/Coffee at 6.30pm for a 7pm start – finishing by 9.15pm. Everybody Welcome     North East – Monday 6th September at Guildford URC South East – Tuesday 7th September at Havant URC South West – Monday 13th September at Trinity Church, Ringwood North West – Wednesday 15th September at Wheatley URC  

Read More

Sharing the Vision – August edition

12th August 2021 / Deborah Walker / News, Sharing the Vision

The latest edition of Sharing the Vision is available to download below.

Read More

Sharing the Vision – July edition

15th July 2021 / Deborah Walker / News, Sharing the Vision

The latest edition of Sharing the Vision is available to download below.

Read More

New Freedoms, Same Responsibilities

9th July 2021 / Deborah Walker / News

As the Governments in England, Scotland and Wales move towards reducing or ending Coronavirus restrictions on Places of Worship, the Synod Moderators offer the following guidance to congregations of the United Reformed Church. We remind churches of the Great Commandments: to love God with our whole being and love our neighbour as we love ourselves. All […]

Read More

Sharing the Vision – June edition

10th June 2021 / Deborah Walker / News, Sharing the Vision

The latest edition of Sharing the Vision is available to download below.

Read More

Safely celebrating Holy Communion

18th May 2021 / Deborah Walker / News

Safely celebrating Holy Communion In response to a few people asking recently how best to deal with Communion at this stage of the pandemic, here is some general guidance, recognising that each church needs to respond according to local risks and their own customs.  There is no “one size fits all” solution. Government Guidance as […]

Read More

Supersleuths: URC resources for Holiday Clubs

11th May 2021 / Development Team Admin / Children & Youth News, News

FREE – Heroes and Villains Holiday club from the URC 2021 Supersleuths – publicity poster Are you planning to run a holiday club this year? Whether it’s the first one you have run or you run them regularly this Holiday is for you. Get your detective hat and coat on, grab your magnifying glass, there […]

Read More

Newsletter Children’s & Youth – May

11th May 2021 / Development Team Admin / Children & Youth News, News

Bimonthly Update from the Children’s & Youth Team at Church House – May 2021

Read More

March 2021 Synod Minutes available now

30th March 2021 / Deborah Walker / News, Synod Meetings

Download the Minutes from the March meeting of Synod:

Read More

Junior Church members speak at Synod

16th March 2021 / Deborah Walker / News, Synod Meetings

Two of Salisbury URC’s Junior Church came to Synod on Saturday 13th March and spoke to the meeting. Their contributions can be read by following the links below: Alex’s Statement of Faith God’s Garden by Alice

Read More

Christians on Ageing

16th March 2021 / Deborah Walker / News

Christians on Ageing provide useful resources, and run events throughout the year. More details from https://christiansonageing.org.uk

Read More

Synod Papers available now – March 2021

26th February 2021 / Deborah Walker / News, Synod Meetings

Synod meets virtually on Zoom on Saturday 13th March 10am start – finishing by 16:00 Voting members sign-in from 9.30am Non-voting members and visitors sign in from 9.45am   Join the Zoom Meeting using: https://zoom.us/j/95094248805?pwd=ZW0yUkY0akNFaFNhR2VxM1pWcmNrQT09 Meeting ID: 950 9424 8805 Passcode: 013302 The Synod Papers are available to download below in either pdf or Word […]

Read More

Holy Week podcasts for 11-14 year olds

22nd February 2021 / Development Team Admin / Children & Youth News, News

2021 Holy Week Mini Podcast Series A series of 8 daily recordings to listen and engage with throughout Holy Week 2021. Aimed at 11 to 14 year olds, each recording includes a Bible reading, reflection, prayer, and a response activity.   Podcasts will be released daily from Palm Sunday (28th March) until Easter Sunday (4th […]

Read More

Living in the Anthropocene: Resilience and adaptability  

9th February 2021 / Deborah Walker / News

A blog from the Tragedy and Congregations team, www.tragedyandcongregations.org.uk I am writing this in mid-January 2021. We are in our third lockdown in the UK. A new more highly transmissible variant of Covid-19 is sweeping through the country. Of late, daily deaths have numbered over 1,000 (today over 1,500). When will it end? Today the […]

Read More

Wessex Events children and youth 2021

12th January 2021 / Development Team Admin / Children & Youth News, News

Here is our exciting programme of events 2021 for children and young people.  Save the dates and keep an eye out for further details.

Read More

Newsletter children’s & youth January

12th January 2021 / Development Team Admin / Children & Youth News, News

Bimonthly Update from the Children’s & Youth Team at Church House – January 2021. We hope that the new year sees you healthy and in positive frame of mind, thinking of the ways to develop children’s and youth work further through the things we have learned during the very different year we experienced in 2020 […]

Read More

Guidance on closing church buildings for public worship

7th January 2021 / Deborah Walker / News

The Synod Moderators have issued their latest guidance in response to the national lockdown. It can be found at the link below: Guidance from the Synod Moderators on closing church buildings for public worship  

Read More

Coronavirus, Covid

Sight Loss Friendly Church

18th December 2020 / Deborah Walker / News

The Sight Loss Friendly Church team is part of Torch Trust for the Blind, a Christian charity dedicated to enabling blind and partially sighted people to live fulfilling Christian lives. They do this by producing large print, braille and audio versions of the Bible and other leading Christian publications, and by empowering churches to include […]

Read More

Safeguarding Newsletter December 2020

14th December 2020 / Development Team Admin / News

Here is the December issue of the quarterly safeguarding newsletter. Safeguarding Newsletter – December 2020 – Online version Safeguarding Newsletter – December 2020 – Print version

Read More

Advent Supplement for Children’s & Youth work

1st December 2020 / Development Team Admin / Children & Youth News, News

The nights are definitely drawing in and winter is in the air – a sure sign that Advent is just around the corner.   Here is a special Advent supplement to share with you the resources which are available to you from the URC CYW team.   We hope you find something of interest or […]

Read More

Bishop Rodwell Chomba Farewell Service

10th November 2020 / Deborah Walker / News, United Church of Zambia (UCZ)

Below is a screen shot of Bishop Chomba, his wife Gertrude and their younger son waiting to receive greetings from members of the Presbytery in the course of his Farewell Service as he prepares to complete his eight years as Presbytery Bishop. The service was live streamed from St Paul’s United Church of Zambia on […]

Read More

Good News Story from Andover URC

10th November 2020 / Deborah Walker / Good News Story, News

THE BIG SLEEP Ashley and Ryan have been raising money for a charity that provides shelter and accommodation for people that are vulnerable and homeless. We took part in an event that is called the Big Sleep, which was when you sleep on the floor in the streets, but due to Coronavirus (and us being […]

Read More

Children’s & Youth Nov newsletter

6th November 2020 / Development Team Admin / Children & Youth News, News

Greetings from the United Reformed Church Children’s and Youth Work Team. bi-monthly update of 2020   This month’s bimonthly is full of news and links to resources which we hope you will find useful and inspiring over the coming weeks of Advent and into the new year.

Read More

Black History Month

14th October 2020 / Deborah Walker / News, Racial Justice and Intercultural Ministries

Black History Month sees the launch of the URC’s ‘Legacies of Slavery’ webpage You are invited to explore how the legacies of slavery continue to affect life today. Resources can be found on the URC website at the following link: https://urc.org.uk/legacies-of-slavery Resources include bible studies, films, books, papers, prayers and theology covering the topics including […]

Read More

Safeguarding Training Online in 2021

11th October 2020 / Development Team Admin / News

Next set of dates for Safeguarding Training Online. This is for all those working with children, young people and adults at risk.  The training will be delivered via the Zoom online platform, across three sessions.  Participants must attend all 3 sessions to complete the training and gain a certificate. Saturday mornings, 9.30am – 11am Part […]

Read More

Children’s and Youth News update Sept 20

8th September 2020 / Development Team Admin / Children & Youth News, News

Welcome to the September 2020 update from your support team in Children’s and Youth Work normally found at URC Church House but currently on Zoom!     September 2020 – CYW bimonthly update URC Youth Supplement Youth Assembly 2021 – Letter from URC Youth Moderator

Read More

Safeguarding Newsletter September 2020

4th September 2020 / Development Team Admin / News

It is with joy that the first safeguarding newsletter is launched.   Safeguarding Newsletter – September 2020   The newsletter has been produced as a joint effort to update you on changes and recent developments in child protection and safeguarding adults.  There is a section at the end of the newsletter which is specific to […]

Read More

Ministry Enquirers’ Day Sat 3 October

4th September 2020 / Development Team Admin / News

Ministry Enquirers’ Day Saturday 3rd October 2020 10am – 1pm,  via Zoom What does the Lord require of YOU?   Ministry Enquirers’ Day for anyone thinking about God’s call to Lay Preaching, Ministry of Word and Sacraments or Church Related Community Work. For full details contact Farrah Falomi-Carrer at ministries@urc.org.uk

Read More

Cinnamon Network Training Series

4th September 2020 / Development Team Admin / News

Cinnamon Training Series Further information and bookings: https://www.cinnamonnetwork.co.uk/cinnamon-training/   Race Diversity 1 and 2 – Thursday 17th September – 9.30am-3.00pm  Empowering Volunteers – Thursday 1st October – 9.30am-2.00pm  Build a Successful Fundraising Strategy – Thursday 15th October – 9.30am-1.00pm  Explore Missional Listening – Thursday 29th October – 9.30am-2.00pm  Building Effective Partnerships – Thursday 12th November – 9.30am-1.00pm  Effective Leadership – Thursday 26th November – 9.30am-1.00pm  […]

Read More

Face covering policy

4th September 2020 / Deborah Walker / News

Read the URCs Face covering policy

Read More

Trialogue – an online live YouTube broadcast for 16-25 yr olds

29th August 2020 / Development Team Admin / Children & Youth News, News

Trialogue – a fortnightly panel discussion for young people! 3 Panelists, 3 Questions, 3 Values     ‘Trialogue’ is aimed at 16 to 25 year olds, each session will explore a theme alongside a Bible passage, providing a spring board for further discussion and reflection. A member of the  CYDO+ team will host three guest […]

Read More

Let’s Celebrate: children and young people in the URC

4th August 2020 / Development Team Admin / Children & Youth News, News

We would love everyone to hear about all that is going on among children and young people in the URC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAOwv-oOzZM Please feel free to share the link as widely as possible!

Read More

Practical Information during Covid-19 and beyond

25th June 2020 / Deborah Walker / News

This page deals mainly with the practicalities we are faced with during the pandemic. For more pastoral support and ideas for worship, please see the post entitled Worship/Prayer Resources for during Covid-19   The URC will be updating advice to churches about Covid-19 (coronavirus) as and when new information is available. Please keep an eye […]

Read More

Worship/Prayer Resources for during Covid-19

20th June 2020 / Deborah Walker / News

  Letter from Clare Downing re being church Telephone pastoral care guidance Wessex Synod March 2020 Wessex Synod have produced some basic guidelines on using video conferencing which we hope will be of help to you.  Download them here: Video conference Guidelines URC Daily Devotions       The Church of England has set up […]

Read More

Virtual Green Living Group

16th June 2020 / Deborah Walker / Good News Story, News

We are a virtual Green Living Group ‘meeting’ in Southampton to explore ways we can reduce our carbon footprint at an individual and household level.  Most of us are members of Avenue St Andrew’s URC.  We are using the Dorset Green Living Guide (greenliving.sustainabledorset.org) looking at food, energy, transport, waste, water and community. We are […]

Read More

Good News Story from Guildford URC

16th June 2020 / Deborah Walker / Good News Story, News

Guildford URC is unusual in having a resident Caretaker, Andrew Lee.  Although COVID-19 forced cancellation of the many regular activities by the church and local community groups Andrew has kept the building active including recording components of Sunday services for our website http://www.guildfordurc.org.uk/category/virtual-service/  and supervising our collection for Guildford’s Salvation Army Food Bank. When the […]

Read More

How we can change the way our money is used in the current crises we face

16th June 2020 / Deborah Walker / Church & Society, News

The current Coronavirus pandemic has awakened us to the frailty of our accepted social and economic norms. Prior to it, though, the accelerating global warming crisis should have alerted us to the danger of continuing in the way to which we have become accustomed in ‘developed’ countries, especially over the last 40 years. Our Wessex […]

Read More

Prayers for use by the Churches of Wessex Synod

16th June 2020 / Deborah Walker / News, Prayer, United Church of Zambia (UCZ), World Church Group

Below are 2 Prayers – 1 for Zambia – 1 for  during this season of pandemic To help our congregations lift up global concerns during this pandemic season Provided by the World Church Group   Prayers for Zambia by Nigel Appleton Gracious God, We give thanks for the resilience and faith of our sisters and […]

Read More

Zambia

Black Lives Matter – a reflection from Enala Bhebhe

10th June 2020 / Deborah Walker / News, Racial Justice and Intercultural Ministries

Why should they experience brutality in the hands of the police? Why should they experience injustice from the justice system? Why experience inequality and racism in the classroom and in all work settings? Why are they affected the most in the face of Covid-19 pandemic? Is it by choice to be born black? Yes, there […]

Read More

New page for Resources children & youth

9th April 2020 / Development Team Admin / Children & Youth News, News, Uncategorised

Wessex Synod has a new page for children’s and youth work resources. Check out the new page here.

Read More

Virtual Communion resource

7th April 2020 / Deborah Walker / News

Sharing Communion Over the Easter period, communion is usually celebrated in our churches. The Faith and Order Committee of the URC has prepared a paper which gives guidance on the potential for sharing communion as a part of ‘virtual’ services during this period when we cannot meet together. You can find it at: Virtual Communion (please […]

Read More

Worship Live streams

16th March 2020 / Deborah Walker / News

Church House have a comphrehensive list of churches offering live streamed services, sermons as podcasts, recorded services on YouTube, audio files of services and sermons and other resources has now been published. https://urc.org.uk/latest-news/3385-coronavirus-worshipping-digitally  

Read More

URC Guidance on Covid-19 (Coronavirus)

3rd March 2020 / Deborah Walker / News

The URC has issued guidance to churches and it is available to read at the following link:  https://urc.org.uk/latest-news/3365-urc-issues-coronavirus-advice-to-its-churches.html

Read More

Revd Ana Gobledale’s Zambian journey

2nd August 2019 / Deborah Walker / News, United Church of Zambia (UCZ), World Church Group

Ana, as recipient of the Short Term Study Grant, will be in Zambia 17 July – 1 October. Her time will be split between the Presbytery of Lusaka and the United Church of Zambia University in Kitwe. While guest of Bishop Choma, she will be meeting with various church groups. While at the University, she […]

Read More

Zambia

How does Stepwise work? new short film

4th June 2019 / Development Team Admin / News, Walking the Way

How does Stepwise work? Watch this short film (5 minutes) – a Taste of Stepwise.

Read More

Pulpit Supply Fees – did you know…

16th April 2019 / Deborah Walker / Lay Preachers, News

You may not be aware that there are certain situations in which a church can claim re-imbursement of Pulpit Supply expenses from Church House.     These expenses can be claimed when a Minister is unable to work for one of the following reasons: ill-health which is certified; parental leave; Jury Service; a sabbatical term […]

Read More

Stepwise is coming! What is Stepwise?

20th March 2019 / Development Team Admin / News, Walking the Way

Stepwise is being rolled out in Wessex Synod. What is Stepwise?   Stepwise is the new intergenerational United Reformed Church discipleship development programme.  It is for people of all ages and backgrounds.  Stepwise is an integral part of Walking the Way – living the life of Jesus today, the United Reformed Church’s focus on whole-life […]

Read More

STEPWISE facilitator role description

4th October 2018 / Development Team Admin / News, Walking the Way

We are looking for people who can catch a vision of the church of the future and help facilitate those who are going to be part of leading us forward towards that vision.  We are not looking for teachers, but people who can facilitate others’ learning.  If this sounds like you, please get in touch. […]

Read More

TRIO resource pack available to loan

6th August 2018 / Development Team Admin / News

TRIO is a financial stewardship programme for churches which has proven success in a wide variety of demographic settings in encouraging generosity in giving. A TRIO campaign encourages people to consider their financial giving to the church. …The Responsibility Is Ours There are two copies of the TRIO pack available to loan from the Synod […]

Read More

Holy Habits Resources available for local use

10th May 2018 / Development Team Admin / Lay Preachers, News, Walking the Way

Worship resource materials have been made available for local use.  

Read More

Introducing Stepwise

17th March 2018 / Deborah Walker / News

Find out more about Stepwise, the United Reformed Church’s intergenerational discipleship programme. Visit their page here

Read More

Paddington’s Pilgrimmage: The Route

24th November 2017 / Development Team Admin / News

Paddington’s Pilrimage – The Route Find out when Paddington will be coming to your church.   Paddington’s route – North Any problems or questions about the route in the North, please contact Phil Ray. Email Phil.   Paddington’s route – South Any problems or questions about the route in the South, please contact Ruth White. […]

Read More

Social Isolation

22nd November 2017 / Deborah Walker / News

Social isolation is a major and increasing problem in the vast majority of the communities surrounding our church buildings. As well as seeking to host or run events in our buildings many are also seeking help for reaching out to the housebound around us. LINKING LIVES is a Christian Charity offering training and support for […]

Read More

Developing a dementia-friendly church A practical guide

17th October 2017 / Deborah Walker / News

A guide has been produced by Livability.org.uk and can be downloaded from their website here

Read More

Hiring Church Premises – FAQs

19th July 2017 / Deborah Walker / News, Wessex Trust

We have received various questions regarding the hiring documents we sent out recently so have produced a document with the most frequently asked questions, which can be downloaded here.  This will be updated from time to time with new questions we are asked.  

Read More

New Policy Guidelines for Lay Presidency authorisations

20th March 2017 / Deborah Walker / Lay Preachers, News

Please download and read the letter about what we want each church to do in order to have people authorised to preside at the Sacraments.

Read More

New CDM Regulations

30th July 2015 / Deborah Walker / News, Wessex Trust

    NEW Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015)     Is your church currently involved with any type of construction works, or alterations? Are you planning to commence any of these works? Are you currently in discussion with contractors no matter how small the contract is? Do you have works carried out […]

Read More

Elders resources for download in Word

7th May 2015 / Development Team Admin / Elders, News

Resources in Word format available to download.

Read More

(c) 2017 Wessex Synod of the United Reformed Church - Powered by WordPress, Theme by ThemeBlvd, Website by iChurch