Saturday 13th March 2021 – online
10am start – finishing by 16:00
Voting members sign-in from 9.30am
Non-voting members and visitors sign in from 9.45am
March 2021 Synod Papers March 2021 Synod Papers
Join the Zoom Meeting on 13th March using:
https://zoom.us/j/95094248805?pwd=ZW0yUkY0akNFaFNhR2VxM1pWcmNrQT09
Meeting ID: 950 9424 8805
Passcode: 013302
Please read the following pdf guidelines carefully, and as soon as possible:
Guide to using Zoom in the Synod Meeting
Download: Synod Apology Slip
Guidelines for Being a Representative to Meetings of the Wessex Synod
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 […]
Advent, Easter, Pentecost, Psalms, Resources
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
Christians on Ageing provide useful resources, and are running a series of events in late spring/summer of 2021. More details from https://christiansonageing.org.uk
The URC’s Legacies of Slavery task group has launched a new initiative – Black History Monthly. Each month throughout the year, a different article, film, book, or poetry by Black writers will be explored so that people can learn about Black History through a variety of lenses. More details available here: URC launches Black History […]
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 […]
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 […]
You may be aware that GEAR, together with URC Youth, has supported Crossfire with their annual youth camp and other events aimed at young people for many years now. The Crossfire Committee regularly reviews the structure, leadership and procedures to ensure that these camps and events can provide the right level of support and guidance […]
Friday 5 March is World Day of Prayer. While many communities have caved in to the pandemic, Andover, Devizes, Poole and Salisbury area World Day of Prayer planning groups have rallied and united to provide an exciting and vibrant service open to all. This ecumenical event involves several churches. Salisbury URC is hosting on Zoom […]
The Windrush scandal was a 2018 inhumane scandal concerning people who were wrongly detained, denied legal rights, threatened with deportation resulting in heartache and pain for many long-term UK residents. The UK Government Home Office (HO) seek to correct the wrongs by initially enlisting the support of Windrush Community Ambassadors (Sept 2020-Jan 2021) and now […]
Racial Justice Sunday – ‘What Kind of Love?’ Details: Racial_Justice_Sunday
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 […]
Pray4URC – another short series of weekly prayer meetings on Facebook Live from 18 February The GEAR team is hosting another short series for four Thursdays leading up to Mission Council in March. As in the two series last year, a guest will introduce some prayer needs in the URC family and then a panel will […]
Come and join us online, meet new friends, see old faces again and have fun, reflect and explore together who we are and what God is calling you into. Publicity flyer. We will meet over 6 weeks for 2 hours each session, 7-9pm, using the film ‘Rocketman’ and Bible readings to explore together. Each […]
Wessex Summer Camps 16-18 July 2021 Oakwood Activity Centre, Wokingham We hope that this event will be able to go ahead in-person. Wessex Summer Camps are a time for young people to have fun with others through a varied programme of activities. We explore the Christian faith and learn more about our amazing God […]
February Synod Gatherings will be taking place online again and will use the same zoom link each evening. You are welcome to attend any or all of them. 6.30pm for a 6.45pm start – finishing by 8pm. Zoom Meeting Link for all 4 gatherings: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86716262994?pwd=LzVsZVFRY0ZMYTlPVHp4WUlnNVNUQT09 Meeting ID: 867 1626 2994 Passcode: 866343 Monday 22nd February […]
Line Management 2021 dates are released on the HR training page: https://urc.org.uk/training-events.html To reserve a place for these training sessions, please contact the HR office at deepti.upadhyaya@urc.org.uk Why Manage – Part 1 Date: Thursday, 18 February 2021 Time: 10am – 12 noon Training delivery mode: Online Why Manage – Part 2 Date: Thursday, 29 April 2021 Time: 10am – 12 […]
What is God asking of YOU? Ministry Enquirers’ Event online to help you thing 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 Further information and booking details.
This webinar, delivered by the Charity Commission’s Faith Outreach team, provides an overview of the Commission’s expectations as regulator, including: – Trustee duties & risk management – Financial management and reporting in a faith charity context – Sending money internationally – Safeguarding in places of worship. The webinar is suitable for trustees and managers of […]
Here is our exciting programme of events 2021 for children and young people. Save the dates and keep an eye out for further details.
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 […]
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
Coronavirus, Covid
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 […]
The URC’s Children’s and Youth Work team has organised two, free, live online events for all young people aged 14 to 25 that have a connection to the Church. Fun with ‘Folk On’ takes place on 30 January 2021 from 8-9.30pm, and a worship service takes place on 31 January 2021 from 8-8.45pm. Read […]
Here is the December issue of the quarterly safeguarding newsletter. Safeguarding Newsletter – December 2020 – Online version Safeguarding Newsletter – December 2020 – Print version
Advent Quiet Day Saturday 19th December 10.30am to 3pm Led by Alison Toplas and Clare Downing In the run up to Christmas you are invited to join others in taking time out to look forward in hope. Our day together will include online worship and short talks, with plenty of time for personal reflection […]
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 […]
For further details visit the website: Pastoral Support | Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care iRecruit Careers Portal (ciphr-irecruit.com)
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 […]
The November edition of NewsUpdate is now available at the following link: View the November News Update here
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 […]
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.
Using places of worship and community halls during the November lockdown in England The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (No. 4) Regulations 2020 The regulations laid down in Parliament are at https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/1200/pdfs/uksi_20201200_en.pdf They are subject to amendment before the vote on November 4th, and if passed will come into force from midnight the same day. […]
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 […]
How might you share the good news of Jesus this Christmas? Might you be able to deliver a magazine to houses around the church – or have a box of them for people to help themselves to outside your church building. HOPE Together’s Christmas magazine is available for just 10p a copy. Click this link […]
Reset the Debt is a major new campaign from the Baptist Union, Church of Scotland, Methodist Church, United Reformed Church and Church Action on Poverty, supported by other denominations and charities. A briefing for Church Leaders from the Joint Public Issues Team. Read more below: JPIT Reset the Debt Report Reset the Debt Church Leaders […]
The October edition of NewsUpdate is now available at the following link: View the October News Update here
Synod Youth Event for ages 14 – 25 years Saturday 14 November 2020 SHINE – exploring Christ’s Light in the Darkness on Zoom 10am (90 mins) 12.30pm (90 mins) 3pm (90 mins) 5pm (90 mins) & 7.30pm (90 mins) Join us for a full day of virtual fellowship as we enjoy games, crafts […]
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 […]
Synod meets virtually on Zoom on Saturday 10th October 10am start – finishing by 16:00 Join the Zoom Meeting using: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82851442839?pwd=OFUxY1dFY3IxbUdGVW5pK3BnbStwQT09 Meeting ID: 828 5144 2839 Passcode: 463900 Further guidelines to using Zoom in the Synod Meeting The Synod Papers are available to download below in either pdf or Word format Please read […]
On 18th August 2020, 25 young Christians from all over the UK will launch their campaign for climate justice. The young adults, who range from 18-30 years old started the campaign through Christian Aid’s Prophetic Activists scheme. The campaign, which is called ‘Stop Fuelling the Fire’, focuses on encouraging the government to end the use […]
Christians on Ageing is once again offering space and time for discussion on some important issues highlighted by the experience of the Churches over the last six months. These discussions are open to all and follow a successful series held in the summer months (see the reports after this invitation below). 22 September – Recruitment […]
Church is different now, but what could we be doing now? What should we be doing in the future? If you want to have discussions with others, then why not attend our Synod gatherings? Not bound by geographical area, but by theme. Zoom in and join the discussion! Each evening will have a different angle […]
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
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 […]
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
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 […]
The September edition of NewsUpdate is now available at the following link: View the September News Update here
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 […]
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!
The Assembly Review Group met on Wednesday 22nd July by video-conferencing and carefully considered review documents from Wessex Synod, a reflection by their Synod Moderator, the Revd Clare Downing, and references sought from people in the wider church who have worked with Clare during her current term. The Synod documents comprised a description of the […]
The July/August edition of NewsUpdate is now available at the following link: View the July/August News Update here
Read the round-up of July’s virtual Mission Council by visiting the URC webpage link below: Mission Council roundup
The United Reformed Church’s (URC) interfaith relations team has organised two General Assembly-linked webinars focusing on Israel and Occupied Palestine Territories. At the first, to be held on 14 July from 7-8.15pm, a panel will share their experiences of an URC educational visit to the region in 2019 via Zoom. Introduced by Derek Estill, former […]
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 is regularly updating advice to churches about Covid-19 (coronavirus). Please keep an eye on the advice by following this link: […]
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 […]
Free Church Chaplaincy Management Committee For Higher Education In Bournemouth And Poole wish to appoint a Free Church Chaplain to work part time at Bournemouth University and Arts University Applications are invited from members of Free Churches For further details please contact Mark Priestley on 01202 895739 Closing date for applications Friday 10th July 2020 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Zambia
An online group for the Stepwise Faith Filled Life Stream will be starting soon. Not limited by geography this group will follow the same content of the stream, so participants will have the same opportunity for deepening their discipleship, just using a different medium for group interaction. The stream facilitators will be […]
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 […]
Government announcements over the weekend referred to the opening of places of worship starting from 15th June. Whilst it was clear from the statement that this was about private prayer rather than public worship, some media headlines did not reflect the limits of the provisions, and this has led to some confusion. In response to […]
The Pentecost service is now available to view on YouTube at the following link: https://youtu.be/zYvzTQMzTfA
This post is 18 hours per week Salary: £13,800 (equivalent to 50% of ministerial stipend) Applications from elders, members, retired ministers and non-stipendiary ministers are all welcome. The role of Synod Clerk in the Wessex Synod has six principal elements: To support the life and work of the Synod. To work with the Synod Moderator, […]
The United Reformed Church (URC) has announced the cancellation of its 2020 General Assembly, the first time the meeting has been cancelled since the URC was founded in 1972. Inductions and some business of the General Assembly will, however, be carried out online. The ongoing threat of coronavirus and the health and safety of General […]
The May edition of NewsUpdate is now available at the following link: View the May News Update here
Supporting Christian Aid during Lockdown United Reformed Church Online Consultation with John Plant I would like to invite you to join with me on ZOOM on Thursday 7th May at 14h00. I will host an online consultation with Christian Aid’s John Plant. Please note there are limited spaces available. Invitation to ZOOM consultation: JOIN US […]
The April edition of NewsUpdate is now available at the following link: View the April News Update here
Wessex Synod has a new page for children’s and youth work resources. Check out the new page here.
Revd Phil Nevard, Minister in South Western Synod has produced this useful document: Holy Week prayer stations
There is a section of resources about Covid 19 under the title Together apart https://arthurrankcentre.org.uk/together-apart/ There are some Holy Week resources https://arthurrankcentre.org.uk/together-apart/together-apart-worship-resources/ In partnership with our national church colleagues and fellow rural mission and ministry organisations we are producing a weekly email of resources and ideas https://arthurrankcentre.org.uk/together-apart/together-apart-weekly-reflections/ you can sign up here for the newsletter. […]
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 […]
Presidents of Churches Together in England have issued a call to prayer in the light of the Coronavirus pandemic. This is for all churches and people of prayer to join on Sunday 22nd March, Mothering Sunday. This Mothering Sunday, 22nd March, we are calling all churches to a National Day of Prayer […]
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
The March edition of NewsUpdate is now available at the following link: View the March News Update here
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
This meeting has now been cancelled Letter from the Moderator and Synod Clerk regarding cancellation Synod meets on Saturday 14th March at United Church Winchester 10 for 10:30 start – finishing by 16:30 The Synod Papers are available to download below in either pdf or Word format (a printed copy will be available to […]
The February edition of NewsUpdate is now available at the following link: View the February News Update here
Germinate – Arthur Rank Centre OUR HIGHLY-REGARDED RURAL MINISTRY COURSE IS BACK! Tuesday 11 – Thursday 13 February 2020 The Rural Ministry Course is designed for lay and ordained church leaders across the denominations entering a rural appointment for the first time, and those already in rural ministry who feel the need for a ‘refresher’. The three-day residential […]
GerminateThe Synod Clerk plays a vital role in the life of our Synod, working closely with the Moderator and the Synod Executive to hold together the varied strands of the Synod’s work. We are looking for someone to work alongside Sue Brown from next March, to take over fully as the new Synod Clerk from […]
The latest JPIT newsletter is available by following this link: https://jointpublicissues-news.org.uk/1MV9-6MJHI-DE97YVNL81/cr.aspx
The December/January edition of NewsUpdate is now available at the following link: https://urc-news.org.uk/2JB1-1IFQQ-5B2VWOLV35/cr.aspx
Peter Stevenson will be coming to the end of his term of office as Synod Treasurer in March 2020, so the Synod is looking for a new Treasurer. We would be pleased to receive nominations and expressions of interest for this role. The job description can be found downloaded here: Synod Treasurer role description Peter […]
TreasurerThe November edition of NewsUpdate is now available at the following link: http://C:\Users\dwalker\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Content.Outlook\BS0QSHC7\email.mht
Newsletter, NewsUpdateThe latest JPIT newsletter is available by following this link: https://jointpublicissues-news.org.uk/1MV9-6L9TN-DE97YVNL81/cr.aspx
Joint Public Issues, JPIT, NewsletterRevd Graham Hoslett has produced a single page synopsis of the meeting of Mission Council held on 15-17 November 2019.
Saturday 28 March 2020 Fleet URC 10.30am – 3.30pm A day of exploration with guest speaker: Linda Rayner Being a mission-shaped church in 21st century Britain raises many important questions. This will be a dynamic day of conversation and interaction, of mutual support and valuable networking. Learning to listen to our communities in order […]
Join our Finance Team The Wessex Trust company has 2 openings for well-motivated, professionally-minded people who care about delivering great service. We have a vision for future finance which we believe is exciting and creative. These are part-time posts, fully remunerated, in an attractive office, and they carry some first-class benefits. Help us to evolve […]
Job Opportunity, Vacancy
The latest edition of Sharing the Vision is available to download below.
enewsletter, Sharing the Vision6.30pm for a 7pm start – finished by 9.15pm at the latest We will be looking at 2 very different aspects of “Using Resources well” Finding Resources: Learn more about how to raise funds and access grants for your church projects Using Resources wisely: How can we and our churches work towards zero […]
Area GatheringCLOSURE OF FREEMANTLE URC – Fixtures, fittings and furnishings Sunday 8th September 2019 will be the final Service at Freemantle URC. Tuesday 17th September 2019 will be an Open Day when there is an opportunity for representatives from all URC churches to view available items. Opening Times will be: 1pm to 4pm, and 7pm to […]
18 July 2019 Churches urged to help Christian Aid tackle crisis and build resilience as floods devastate parts of South Asia Christian Aid is inviting churches across the south west to support an appeal offering a lifeline to those impacted by torrential rain, floods and landslides that have displaced millions of people across India, Bangladesh […]
Creation Time or Season of Creation approaches. Are you and your churches ready for the five Sunday which lie between 1st of September and 4th of October 2019. This year they are all in the 5-Sunday month of September. Our JPIT Team has recently sent round an email promoting the website seasonofcreation.org The theme they […]
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 […]
ZambiaThe 2019 Annual General Meeting of the Association for Church Editors presented Hugh Abel, long-time Magazine Editor for Salisbury United Reformed Church, with a Certificate for Achievement (for an A5 magazine using colour). Hugh travelled to London to receive the Church Magazine Award at the AGM held at Central Hall, Westminster, on 22 June. Hugh, […]
A conference for all who are interested in issues of ageing with a Christian faith, within the context of churches in the UK today. Come and ask your questions! Come and share your ideas! We might find some answers. Full details here
We may be a small church (average attendance 12-15), but when Andover Churches Together was looking for a host for a community service, our representative suggested we take a turn. Her enthusiasm became contagious. ‘Serving the World’ became the theme to mark the end of Christian Aid Week and we invited a Christian Aid speaker. Enlisting […]
Revd Graham Hoslett has produced a single page synopsis of the meeting of Mission Council held on 13-15 May 2019.
The Nicholson Gardens are a beautifully secluded, secure and peaceful place within the heart of Gosport. Managed by members of Gosport URC St Columba, they can be found between Spring Garden Lane and Carlton Road, (accessible from Carlton Road). Further information, including photos, travel directions and contact details for booking enquiries.
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 […]
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 […]
We deplore the violent and senseless terror attacks, which occurred at the Al Noor and Linwood mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who through this horrific event have lost loved ones, and also with those who are in injured. It is more important than ever that we, as […]
Example Safeguarding Policy for Local Churches in Wessex Synod.
An introduction to using Appreciative Inquiry in rural church and community settings Monday 11th & Tuesday 12th March 2019 Rural Innovation Centre, Avenue H, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, CV8 2LG Full details available here
2nd February 2019 This weekend’s Church and Society Group meeting was unanimous in its concern over the extent and extremity of division in our country at the moment. Whatever does or doesn’t happen on March 29th, a very large proportion of the population is going to be somewhere between very disappointed and angry and there […]
Bread of Life – A deeply moving and captivating performance for your church for Lent and Easter 2019. Springs Dance Company is delighted to be returning with its much sought after and highly praised production Bread of Life, for churches, cathedrals, festivals and schools. A reflection on the last supper, Bread of Life celebrates the meal of bread and wine with […]
This year’s reading party is at Bishop Woodford House in the delightful old Cathedral town of Ely, 15 miles from Cambridge and close to the Fens. As always, the programme gives time to enjoy as well as to relax. The conference is from Monday September 9th-Thursday 12th and costs £255 ensuite. There are a small […]
Reading Party6.30pm for a 7pm start – finished by 9.15pm at the latest Come and meet the new Synod Safeguarding Officer, Sharon Barr who will be leading a session on Safeaguarding. The Synod CYDO’s will lead an interactive workshop exploring what each local church is hoping to develop with children, young people and all […]
Once again the United Church in Bridport was transformed by over 60 Christmas Trees each decorated by a local community group or charity and filling every available inch with lights, images and messages galore. Over 7,000 folk come through the doors during the 12 days of the festival and over £2,000 raised by the charities […]
Every year, the United Church Dorchester transforms itself into an interactive, welcoming space during Advent when several hundred folk come through the front door (for the occasion turned into Stable Doors!) to explore the Christmas story in an innovative way. Six ’Stations’ are set up for folk to explore, consider and think about the stages […]
At: Winchester Baptist Church, Winchester, Hampshire Perhaps now more than ever before, our country needs the church at its best. Unfortunately, sometimes churches are not serving as effectively as they could. A church split, a failed leader, changing economics, stretched resources or an ageing congregation; there are many reasons for rural churches to be struggling […]
Development and Support Calendar of Events 2019 Bridge Builders Course – further information and dates on the poster. Saturday 23 February 2019 – Lay Presidency at the Sacraments Saturday 23 March 2019 – Lay Preachers’ Gathering Saturday 13 April 2019 – Elders’ Conference Saturday 19 October 2019 – Church Secretaries’ Day Saturday 16 […]
We had a ‘heavenly’ second annual Angel Festival! With amazing portrayals of angels created by churches, schools and community groups, delicious refreshments and entertainment. http://salisburyurc.co.uk/angel-festival/ Salisbury URC held its second ‘annual’ Angel Festival in October. Angels of all shapes, sizes and interpretations filled the sanctuary to the rafters (literally!) More than 20 schools, churches, community […]
Angel, Christmas, Good NewsSomething new is happening at Salisbury United Reformed Church! Transgender Remembrance Service held About 40 people gathered from as far away as Woking and Devon for a thoughtful, reflective service on Sunday 18 November to commemorate Transgender Day of Remembrance (20 November). Being the only service of its kind in the southeast of England, much […]
Good News, Salisbury
St Martin’s United Reformed Church, 2 Moorlands Road, West Moors, Dorset, BH22 0JW A warm welcome always awaits you at St Martin’s, the ‘little church with the big heart’ News Release West Moors Christmas Tree Festival raises £660 for charity 30 beautifully decorated and illuminated trees lit up St Martin’s United Reformed Church in […]
Christmas Tree, Good News, West MoorsOur Synod Clerk, Sue Brown has produced a single page synopsis of the meeting of Mission Council held on 16-18 November 2018
“Will you be a Peacemaker?” Christian Aid’s service resources for Advent and Christmas are inspired by the relentless work of Bishop Paride Taban from South Sudan. In his eighties now, he starts every day by praying 28 words for peace. They also tell the story of Diana, a psychologist in Lebanon who works with refugee […]
The latest news is now available from HOPE by clicking here The latest edition of Christmas HOPE is now available to purchase here
A resource for an advent service written by Christians in southern Germany for ecumenical services. Download here
JOB TITLE: Programme Executive for Ecumenical Relations DUTY STATION: Geneva STARTING DATE: 1 March 2019 CONTRACT DURATION: 4 years Further details here
Looking to be challenged and inspired this autumn? Well, now you can be – for a mere £7! God is with us: fresh responses to the good news is an edited collection of fifty of Reform’s ‘Chapter and verse’ is the latest book to be published by the URC and a valuable addition to any […]
Revd Michael Whitfield, a retired minister in the Wessex Synod, has produced a study based on the Rejoice & Sing version of the carol ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’. He would like to make the pack available to anyone who would find it a useful resource. The pack consists of: Weekly leaders notes A booklet […]
A unique resource available as a downloadable pdf. For over 60 years the URC has had a Covenant of Pulpit and Table Fellowship with the Protestant Churches in the Palatinate region of Germany, the ‘Evangelische Kirche der Pfalz’. Drawing on this partnership for the 100 years commemoration of the 1918 Armistice, the URC have been […]
The opportunity for ministers of other churches to seek a Certificate of Eligibility and come on to the roll of United Reformed Churches is currently open. Applications are welcome from ministers who are members of churches that are either a member of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, the Council for World Mission or the […]
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. […]
For information and booking download the form: FTB conference Nov 2018 booking form – Radical Faith
Recently Buckingham Palace recognised the significance of a National Day of Prayer, called by King George V one hundred years ago on 4 August 1918. The aim was to bring the nation together in prayers for peace. One hundred days later, the Great War ended. The United Reformed Church has been working with the organisation HOPE […]
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 […]
Saturday 29th September 2018 – 9:30-4:00 Seaford Baptist Church cost (including a buffet lunch) £45 Full details here
Our world has radically changed; we live in a time where there is a multiplicity of choices, a time when the moral codes and ethics are less than clear. It is a time of hurry and rush; a time when we seemingly know our neighbours less well, and yet conversely, we are more globally aware […]
A poster is available here for you to print and put on your noticeboard, or into your church magazine.
Worship resources are available now which can be used to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the initial arrival of the SS Empire Windrush and is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of the pioneering Windrush generation. Download pdf here ‘Longing to Belong’ short film is available here: https://youtu.be/B6ZO5UOSJN4 In honour of 70 years of the arrival […]
A sheet with links to various resources from the Ministers’ Gathering is avaialable below:
From Churches Together in England: As you will know, we are holding a national event to mark the 70th anniversary of the landing of the Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks on 22 June 1948 carrying over 500 passengers, and which is recognised as the start of the Windrush era. ‘Spirit of Windrush: contributions to Multicultural Britain […]
Revd Graham Hoslett has produced a single page synopsis of the meeting of Mission Council held on 19-21 March 2018
Available to download is the presentation shown at the March Synod meeting. Visit the URC website for further guidance
Find out more about Stepwise, the United Reformed Church’s intergenerational discipleship programme. Visit their page here
A message from Michael Jagessar URC Global & Intercultural Ministries (Mission) Given our ‘multi-cultural church, intercultural habit’ commitment, the United Reformed Church has an opportunity this year to celebrate the arrival of a generation who inspired a cultural change that has enriched our nation. In June 2018 it will be the 70th anniversary […]
Information about events and courses provided by Westminster College supporting “Walking the Way” available here
Advent Devotions 2017 Star of wonder, Star of night; Star with Royal Beauty bright. written by Revd Ruth Dillon Daily Devotions. This will print as a booklet (select your print settings – landscape, double-sided, flip on short edge). Advent Liturgy.
Durning the week, Paddington spent time with knit and natter and the coffee morning at Fleet URC.
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. […]
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 […]
At Iford URC, Paddington had tea and biscuits, chaired the church meeting, the children made him a book mark for his journal, and wrote him a letter.
At Fleet URC, Paddington was baptised, joined choir practice and served refreshments.
Revd Graham Hoslett has produced a single page synopsis of the meeting of Mission Council held on 7-9 November 2017.
A leaflet has been produced by the Inter Faith Network. Even though you are not in London, much of the information is still relevant. Take a look
A guide has been produced by Livability.org.uk and can be downloaded from their website here
A Discipling Presence flyer Promotional clip of a new resource for rural churches which has been produced jointly by the URC and the Methodist Church.
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.
Details of the thanksgiving service for the life of the Windermere Centre, and a prayer of thanksgiving for the life of the Centre, have now been released:The thanksgiving service will be held on Saturday 15 July 2017 at 3pm Carver Uniting Church, in Windermere; the Revd Tony Burnham will preach. We are encouraging Individuals and churches to […]
Riding Lights Theatre Company are on tour this Autumn with: “Gospel Street” This may be something your church might be interested in as an outreach event for their congregations and communities. The tour marks the beginning of our 40th year with a radical re-telling of the good news. Gospel Street asks what would the stories […]
Free Church Group Workshop on End of Life Care 17th July 2017 11am – 3.30pm Free Churches House, 27 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9HH Come and join the conversation about Palliative Care and Dying matters, and see how to strengthen and develop this important ministry in your church and local community. The day will […]
Why, as Christians, do we care about creation? How do we ground creation care in our spiritual life? And how does creation care fit as part of our churches’ wider mission? This event includes: Short presentations of different theological perspectives on creation care. An introduction (Oxford) or practical workshops (Reading) exploring ways of prayer, […]
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.
Understanding Spiritual Abuse in the Christian Community (UK). Could you spare 10 minutes of your time to help develop the understanding of spiritual abuse within the Christian community in the UK? Spiritual abuse happens. However, little is known about the full extent of this type of abuse within the church and wider christian community, and […]
The United Reformed Church Past Case Review phase two is an open invitation for anyone to raise concerns about the behavior or conduct of anyone affiliated with the United Reformed Church since its formation in 1972. The following resources regarding the Past Case Review are available via the main URC website: PCR Poster PCR Church […]
Opportunity for Churches: reaching the most unreached people 90% – 95% of the world’s disabled people die without ever hearing the Gospel, according to the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization. Disabled people are one of the world’s most unreached people groups. Christian disability charity Through the Roof would like to partner with churches to change […]
Recently, a group of people got together to tell their stories from around the country. They were about churches ‘serious about mission’ who had stepped out in faith and made a difference in their community. These stories are now on the internet to inspire and encourage. Do please have a look.
United Church of Zambia United Church of Zambia links The Council for World Mission (CWM) has encouraged every Synod to develop a link with a church in another country as part of its ‘Belonging to the World Church’ Programme. Wessex Synod had already made links with UCZ when Revd Derek Wales was the Synod Moderator […]
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 […]
Registering Local Church Buildings for the Marriage of Same-Sex Couples The following applies in England and Wales, but not in other jurisdictions where the URC serves. Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man do not at present allow the marriage of same-sex couples. Scots law does not require the registration of buildings for marriage services. […]
A total of 502 places of worship will receive between £10,000 to £100,000 to meet the costs of urgent repairs to roofs and rainwater disposal systems in the first round of the Listed Places of Worship Roof Repair Fund. Money is also being provided for structural investigations, specialist reports and bat surveys. A full list […]
Smoke and CO Alarms to be a Legal Requirement for Rental Properties Under new measures announced, all landlords will be required by law to install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms (CO) in their properties from October 2015. The move is part of a wider government push to ensure sufficient measures are in place to protect […]
