A selection of news and stories from churches and communities across the United Reformed Church.
Thames North
Cheshunt Free Church is celebrating its 144th anniversary.
On 21 March, the Revd George Watt, Moderator of Thames North Synod, presided at a service of thanksgiving for the church鈥檚 life and witness as the congregation prepares to amalgamate with nearby Broxbourne URC.
Stories shared by three members of the congregation, including two young people, highlighted the church鈥檚 lasting impact on faith across generations. The service 鈥� led by the Revd Mark Robinson, Minister of Cheshunt Free Church 鈥� was attended by members past and present, a former minister, community leaders, and the Mayor of Broxbourne, Councillor Patsy Spears.
Cheshunt Free Church鈥檚 rich history dates back to its 1889 foundation as part of the Countess of Huntingdon鈥檚 Connexion, later becoming a Union Church in 1921 and joining the United Reformed Church in 1972.
South Western
Warm congratulations to Pat and Bryan Elkington, who recently celebrated an incredible 70 years of marriage.
The couple marked the occasion with a family celebration and a special message from The King and Queen.
Aged 90 and 96, Pat and Bryan celebrated their platinum wedding anniversary on 24 March with family and friends at the Highworth Hotel. Long鈥憈ime Highworth residents, Pat and Bryan moved to the area after retirement to be closer to family and have been active members of the local community ever since.
Pat has been involved with the Women鈥檚 Institute, while Bryan has supported the work of Highworth URC, serving as its church secretary for a number of years. Together, they have two children, four grandchildren, and one great鈥慻randchild, with another on its way.
Among the many cards they received was a congratulatory message from the King and Queen, recognising their remarkable milestone.
We give thanks for their enduring commitment and wish them continued joy and wellbeing in the years ahead.
Image: Bryan Elkington.
West Midlands
Congratulations to Rodborough Tabernacle URC which has gained a Silver Eco聽Church Award聽from A Rocha UK.
The church registered with the Eco Church programme in May last year, initially aiming to achieve Bronze. However, once members began completing the survey, they realised that with a little more work, Silver was within reach.
Kim Baker, who began working full鈥憈ime as the Tab鈥檚 Church Development Leader in May and is deeply passionate about environmental issues, has encouraged a wide range of eco鈥慺ocused activity. This has included eco鈥憈hemed services, two nature鈥憈hemed weekend events involving the local community, a joint pet service with the local parish church, and seasonal Forest Church outdoor services. The Tabernacle was also invited to host a stand at Rodborough Parish Council鈥檚 recent Earth Day event.
The church is also working with the Stroud Landscape Project (part of the National Trust), supporting the graveyard team to manage the closed graveyard as a nature area. Alongside this, they are liaising with a local history group recording the graves, ensuring families can still visit to pay their respects.
A new initiative underway is the creation of a refill account with the Stroud Valleys Project, covering hand soap, washing鈥憉p liquid, and cleaning products. This encourages reuse while supporting a local environmental charity at the same time.
North Western Synod
A repair caf茅 based at Clitheroe United Reformed Church has saved 250 items from landfill.
Launched only 12 months ago, around 63% of the 400 things brought to the caf茅 during its first year have been fixed, a total of almost 250 items.
The group is part of the network which started in Amsterdam in 2009. The network now features more than 3,800 cafes worldwide.
The initiative hopes to contribute to a sustainable future by extending the life of everyday items, reducing waste and reusing raw materials as much as possible.
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Southern Synod
Southern Synod has announced that the Revd Dr Elaine Colechin has been appointed as its new Synod Clerk.
Elaine has a wealth of experience having ministered in a number of United Reformed churches, including her current church, Bromley URC, and serving as Area Leader for South London Synod Area.
Elaine said: “I am really excited to accept this appointment at a time of change in the United Reformed Church. In Southern Synod, we are beginning to face some of the difficult challenges that go with that change and have recognised the importance of a strong synod office team to support the needs of our local churches. I am looking forward to being part of that team and working more widely with Synod Committees and local churches to enable and encourage further what we are all called to: sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.”
The Revd Russell Furley-Smith, Convenor of Southern Synod Council added: 鈥淚 am delighted about Elaine鈥檚 appointment. She already knows the synod well, being a member of Synod Council, and has a great working knowledge of the URC. I am sure she will be a great blessing to us, and I am confident everyone will offer her support as she ends her ministry at Bromley and as plans to take up this vital role in the life of the Synod.鈥�
Elaine will start her new role on 1 July.
National Synod of Wales
There were smiles all round on 29th March as the Revd Ken Graham celebrated the 60th anniversary of his ordination.
The Revd David Salsbury, Moderator of the Synod Cenedlaethol Cymru (the National Synod of Wales) presented Ken with a certificate to mark the milestone.
Ken was ordained in 1965, serving in St Helens and Dunstable before moving to Cardiff in 1980 where he became minister of Beulah URC, Rhiwbina. 聽He went on to serve the North Cardiff Group, which included Beulah, before retiring in 2001. 聽Following his retirement from stipendiary ministry, Ken served as synod treasurer for a number of years.
David said: 鈥淭he presentation of his certificate took place in the context of a united service for the Cardiff Pastorate where Ken is known and admired by many. 聽Thanks were expressed to Ken for his service and dedication to the churches in Cardiff and beyond as he celebrated this significant milestone in his ministry.鈥�
