The past few months have seen us all adapting to new ways of managing our lives, as we strive to contain the spread of Covid-19. One change that a hospice chaplaincy team in Farnham has made, is to provide “comfort pebbles” to residents and their loved ones.
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- Deliver Vital Funding June 10, 2025 1:38 pm
Please ask your M.P. to commit to deliver vital funding to communities hit hardest by climate change here and around the world. Debt relief and innovative financing mechanisms are essential for climate justice Countries that have done the least to contribute to the climate crisis are also the countries suffering the most. This is particularly the case for Africa, the Caribbean, India and in some parts of South Asia and South America. Billions are being raised to support the Green Climate Fund to enable countries in these regions to invest in clean power and adapt to protect people from the increasing frequency of droughts and floods. The reality is that this external finance, as vital as it is, will never be enough. Countries must have sufficient financial resources, including domestic resources, to transform their infrastructure to address the growing climate crisis. Unfortunately crippling national debt diverts finance away from transition to low carbon economies and instead keeps countries locked into oil and gas for energy. Zambia The United Church of Zambia is a partner church of the Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church, through the Wessex Synod. Earlier this year Revd Richard Andrew, President Designate of the Methodist Church in Britain, was able to celebrate the 60 year anniversary of the United Church Zambia. He came away full of admiration for a church that is alive in the Spirit and faithfully serving communities with health, education and community development programmes. He also reported that issues around climate change feature in many conversations. As rain fell during the visit, church members hoped for more rain this year. The last two years have seen droughts plunging many farmers into poverty. This has required aid from the Government and external agencies. Yet, incredibly, this decade Zambia is set to spend four times as much money on debt repayment as it does on climate change. Christian Aid’s Restore campaign is asking people to speak to their MP to ask the government to force lenders to cancel or renegotiate the debts of low-income countries such as Zambia. Fund ‘Loss and Damage’ using the ‘polluter pays’ principle Christian Aid’s campaign also calls on the government to make polluters pay for the climate crisis they have caused. In 2020, churches and church members across the globe called for an international Loss and Damage fund to enable debt burdened countries such as Zambia to repair damage from flooding and other climate disasters. Our efforts worked. The Loss and Damage Fund has been established but so far the funding is a fraction of what is needed. Innovative financing mechanisms are desperately needed to help people build back and to protect from future extreme weather events. The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has called “on all developed economies to tax the windfall profits of fossil fuel companies” and to direct the funds “to countries suffering loss and damage caused by the climate crisis”. In a briefing on innovating financing mechanisms for Loss and Damage, the Quakers report that the top twenty-five oil and gas companies earned a staggering $205 billion in profits. A portion of such profits could provide an ongoing source of finance to address Loss and Damage. On 9 July, a mass lobby will ensure that MPs get the message that the climate crisis is a matter of justice. The COP30 climate summit that takes place in Brazil in November will provide governments with a further opportunity to take action. Please join with us and with Christian Aid and write to or visit your MP, and consider Christian Aid’s petition here – https://www.christianaid.org.uk/get-involved/campaigns/restore-campaign. Source
- Support the Fossil Fuel Non-proliferation Treaty June 9, 2025 9:26 am
As a young climate activist, I had the privilege to attend COP26 in 2021 in Glasgow. At 19 years old I was so excited to be in a hub of changemakers. However, the conference finished, and while the experience was formative for me, I left feeling disappointed and deflated. ‘Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers’ – from 1 Timothy 4.12 How many COPs does it take to arrest climate chaos? This was the statement on someone’s banner, a sentiment summed up by Greta Thunberg’s famous “Blah Blah Blah” speech which I watched firsthand. COP’s have often felt frustrating; fossil fuels are centre stage, and yet many governments are still approving new coal, oil and gas projects – threatening our chances of limiting warming. The Fossil Fuel Treaty We need a hope-filled alternative mechanism, and I believe the Fossil Fuel Treaty provides us with this. “The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty is a bold demand for a global exit plan from the fossil fuel era” – Global Justice now The Fossil Fuel Treaty seeks to recreate the Montreal Protocol – an international agreement in 1987 which successfully banned CFCs that were making a hole in the ozone layer1. The treaty aims to halt the expansion of fossil fuels, manage an equitable phase-out of coal, oil and gas, and lay the foundations for a true just energy transition in which no worker, community or country is left behind. It stands as something separate from COPs, a positive alternative to the diplomatic challenges of a conference. With fossil fuels accounting for 90% of carbon dioxide emissions this could not be more essential.2 An emphasis on the just transition and an equitable phase-out is in place to ensure that ordinary people will not be hurt by the transition. The treaty is clear that countries need to work together and provide jobs in sustainable industries for workers to move across. Listening to Vulnerable Communities Whilst the Treaty has lots of civil society support, the majority of the 15 nation states that have committed to this are small island states. This includes Fiji, Vanuatu and Tuvalu. These communities are paying the highest price from fossil fuel exploitation and climate change but are the least responsible. They have also shown leadership in resisting and working for a better future. This has also been called for by the least developed countries group (LDC) in 2017. We have a duty to listen to listen to those most impacted and amplify their cause, to: “defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.” – Psalm 82:3 Acting in Hope for Justice We are asking you to speak to your local MP about signing the Early Day Motion on Fossil Fuels. 37 MPs have signed so far, could yours be next? It’s a big ask, but I believe we are called to take big steps and leaps for justice. Your MP may say no, but you might be the final person who convinces them to say YES! Even if they don’t say yes, it is beneficial for them to know more about why you – their constituent – think the Treaty is important. Championing the Fossil Fuel treaty is a statement in itself. It’s a statement of not relying on COPs which have led to limited action. It’s a statement of being prepared to support new creative solutions. Most importantly, it’s an act of solidarity alongside those who are most affected by climate change. If your MP has already signed you can consider asking your city or council to support the treaty. JPIT is also going to share resources on other asks you can make of your MP around climate action, so do keep a look out. For more on the Fossil Fuel treaty see here: The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative For more on the early day motion (EDM), see here: Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty – Early Day Motions – UK Parliament Here is a short prayer you might like to use: Creator God, We are so thankful for the beautiful world we live in, your creation. We pray today for international cooperation around climate justice. Would you give our leaders wisdom. Let frontline voices be at the forefront and prioritised in every decision they make. Lord, give strength and resilience to climate activists working on the Fossil Fuel treaty. Would your blessing be on the campaign, and would you help us move away from the fossil fuels we rely so heavily on which are so damaging. Let your peace and justice flow Amen Source
- Cut bills, back jobs, secure the future June 6, 2025 3:09 pm
Like many Christians, I have been trying to balance the challenges of daily life with attempts to respond faithfully to the climate crisis. This has often felt like a struggle. In particular, for me, accessibility challenges and lack of options makes using public transport tricky. The cost of living crisis means that finding extra cash to install a heat pump or add solar panels is out of the question. And yet, those who feel this tension likely have the smallest carbon footprints. So how might we campaign for environmental justice in a way that also secures a fairer future for all? In Isaiah 55, there is a wonderful description of trees clapping their hands, of mountains bursting into song, of plants and geological features leading humans into joy and peace. When looking for environmental solutions it is important that we consider the intrinsic value of plants, of landscapes and of non-human animals. Doing so will also lead us into joy and peace, pointing us to the intersectionality of climate justice. Rather than striving to have the ‘greenest’ personal ethics – a competition that those with the most choices and chances in life will always win – we desperately need a multi-layered approach to climate justice that doesn’t cost the earth. That is why we would like you to ask your local MP to commit to cut bills, back UK jobs, and secure a greener, fairer future for all – not only for those who can afford it. My colleague Steve points out: “To date much of the UK’s carbon reduction has been met in electricity generation, pursuing a switch renewable energy. Going forward reduction will need to concentrate on other sectors.” – Steve Hucklesby To speak to your MP about this ask, you could ask them: What the government will do to ensure that lower income households can benefit from renewal energy and better insulation. How the government will enable a just transition; prioritising lower income households and those with lived experience of poverty alongside those working in the oil and gas industries. What the Government will do to support national food production and to enable farmers to introduce farming practices that will lower the carbon intensity of food production. How the government will create new jobs in sustainable industries. How they will ensure that Great British Rail will provide accessible and sustainable public transport for all. Local authorities have work to do in this area too. You could ask your local authority representative What plans they have for achieving net zero through reduce emissions from transport and housing. What are the constraints that prevent faster action and how can these be resolved? What plans are in place to reduce emissions from public transport and car use to contribute to local net zero targets. What planning measures they have in place to ensure that all new housing development maximises the potential of air source heat pumps and other forms of renewable energy. When speaking with your local authority, focussing on what national constraints are effecting their plans and actions will give you even more to speak about with your MP! Local and national politics are connected, and your local authority representatives and MPs want to hear your views. We ‘will indeed go out with joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.’ – Isaiah 55:12 Let’s ask our MPs to cut bills, back UK jobs, and secure a greener, fairer future for all as a hopeful action through which we demonstrate our commitment to the whole world’s joy. Source
- Teenager who loves playing church organ gains Lundie award June 2, 2025 6:30 am
Nineteen-year-old Dan Powell, from Southern Synod, is April’s recipient of the Lundie Memorial Award. Dan, who discovered his love for the organ at the young age of five, has been playing in church since he was 15. He often plays the opening songs in one church before running to another, starting half an hour later, to play their introductory songs. Although he is always adding new songs to his repertoire his favourite song is “How Great Thou Art”, the last song sung with his great grandad before he died and which he played at his funeral. Dan’s skills are often utilised for funerals and weddings, a responsibility he says is daunting but also a privilege. Dan called his award win a shock and encouraged others his age to get involved in their communities. “Do it,” he said. “Go ahead and you might surprise yourself and love serving the church too.” Dan, who was nominated by Pam Tolhurst, Gillingham United Reformed Church’s local leader, is described by her as “a valuable member of the church, someone who is reliable and totally committed to giving of his best”. Each recipient of the Lundie award receives £100. Dan is still thinking about how best to use this but knows it will be of great benefit to his church. Learn more about the Lundie award and how to nominate a young person. Source
- Epping church celebrates its 400th anniversary May 28, 2025 3:58 pm
A joyful service was held at Epping URC on 11 May to celebrate its 400th anniversary. Friends past and present gathered at the second oldest church in the URC and one of the oldest non-conformist churches in the country for a special service which included a concert, a talk on the church’s 400-year history, special video messages from its twinned church of Mbare UPCSA in Harare, Zimbabwe, and a presentation by the junior church. The packed church continued the celebration after the service by sharing a large buffet together. More events to celebrate the milestone are planned throughout the rest of the year. The Revd Karen Knight, Minister of Epping URC, said: “What a wonderful start to our anniversary celebrations. Our anniversary service gave us an opportunity to celebrate our past and to look forward to our future with renewed hope and confidence, ready and willing to listen to God and be guided by the Holy Spirit. “Our celebration concert was full of good music and laughter, and we were left speechless at the gift and talent of Stephen and Corrine. Like most experts they made it look so easy whilst working terribly hard. I am thankful to have such a good team who worked tirelessly and continue to work to make this a very special year.” Stephen [Warner], an Elder of the church and professional musician, and Corrine [Frost] performed a concert at the church on 16 May. Stephen said: “It was an absolute joy for us to be able to play to our friends at Epping URC and their enthusiastic response and involvement made it an evening to remember for everyone.” The evening also raised money for Epping Forest Foodbank. In honour of the 400th anniversary, the church also produced a special book written and researched by church elder Jeremy Flack which explored its long history. Many exhibits from the archives were also displayed. Highlights from the church’s history include the early radical and dissenting ministers Jeremiah Dyke and Nathaniel Ball establishing the church, a student David Livingstone preaching in the church in 1839, a visit by Dame Margaret Lloyd George to celebrate its 300th anniversary in 1925, the well-known hymn writer Revd Bryn Rees who was minister of the church in the 1970s and the rebuilding of the church into a modern worship centre in 1997. More can be read about the church’s history on their website: https://eppingurc.org/history/ Source
- Reform magazine: Issue 4 2025 May 28, 2025 1:14 pm
Popes and Moderators feature strongly in the latest edition of Reform. Editor Stephen Tomkins is in conversation with the incoming Moderator of the URC’s General Assembly, Catriona Wheeler. She explains how her career as a lawyer and her work as a member of the URC combine to inform a thoughtful and measured approach to her new role. One of Catriona’s predecessors as URC Moderator, Tessa Henry-Robinson, was recently inaugurated as Moderator of the Free Churches Group. Reflecting on the group’s future purpose, she says, “We are called to live as if we have seen the mountaintop.” We look back at the life of Pope Francis, asking the question: “What difference did he make?”. Stephen Tomkins looks forward to the likely priorities of the new pope, Leo. And with good timing, the URC’s Evangelism and Ecumenical Officer Lindsey Brown describes a recent visit to Rome by members of the Roman Catholic-URC Dialogue Group to present a new resource pack that will support Catholic and URC congregations to make their own local journeys of mutual understanding. Elsewhere, Reform reports on celebrations – in Coventry, of the URC’s hymn book Rejoice & Sing, and in Scotland, of 25 years since the URC in the UK and the Congregational Union of Scotland united to form the United Reformed Church as it now exists. Plus, the URC’s Head of Public Issues, Roo Stewart, looks forward to the Season of Creation, beginning on 1 September, with some great examples of how local churches are connecting with creation and the Creator. The Issue 4/2025 edition of Reform is available from 8 June. Subscribe to Reform digitally or in print. Source
- Liverpool parade crash: a prayer for those affected May 27, 2025 9:17 am
Following the events in Liverpool City Centre, the Revd Geoff Felton, Moderator of the United Reformed Church Mersey Synod, offers this reflection and prayer. Yesterday [26 May] was to be a day of celebration and joy for families and friends, citizens and supporters. I found myself on Queens Drive amongst the crowds enjoying the atmosphere and comradery of the parade. I chatted with strangers and laughed at people climbing objects that ordinarily they would be arrested for. As the coach passed, there was a sense of congratulations for a job well done. This sense of celebration soon became a scene of devastation and pain. In the light of the incident, we are reminded of the words of Isaiah who said: “I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” As difficult as it may be, this is not a time for us to fear but a time to trust. We trust in God and we trust in the emergency services and justice system of our nation. It was Michelle Obama who said “when they go low, we go high”. As a city region we will recover and will be stronger for it, but in the meantime let us “go high” by supporting those around us and listening to the concerns of our churches, friends and communities. A prayer: Loving God who holds our hand through times of difficulty and pain, we recognise the agony and devastation felt by so many at this difficult time. As celebration moves to anguish, we pray you will be with those who experienced the scenes of devastation over the weekend. Comfort those in pain, bring peace to those in turmoil and bring direction to those who are confused. We lift before you those whose work is not yet complete, the emergency services, the council leaders and the investigation teams. May they work with diligence and wisdom to uncover the reasons behind the events of the weekend and bring closure to the tragedy of the weekend. We look to Christ, who himself suffered for our sake and we pray all this in his name. Amen Image: David Tomaseti/Unsplash. Source
- Three churches gain “children and youth friendly” status May 27, 2025 6:30 am
Three local United Reformed churches have become the latest in a growing number of congregations to receive an accreditation for the work they do engaging young people. The Children and Youth Friendly Church Scheme can help your church improve the welcome it gives to children, young people and families. The churches are: Groby URC in East Midlands Synod which is in the privileged position of having an accredited lay pioneer in its eldership. The church has established a new Christian-based community expression for households containing children with special educational needs on a fortnightly basis. Young people are also sent birthday cards and receive a Bible when they turn nine-years-old, and spaces are created for children and young people to be creative and learn about God at the same time. Also in East Midlands Synod, Enderby URC gained the award for praying regularly for children and young people and for schools and nursery provision in the community. And for providing a means for uniformed groups using the building to request prayer in a creative way. Enderby URC also provides space for the groups to lead a service as part of the village’s annual Remembrance Parade, which attracts more than 200 people to the building. Richard Knott, CYDO+ for East Midlands Synod, said: “They are clearly a prayerful people.” At St George’s URC High Heaton in Northern Synod, children and young people are active with vestry prayers, work alongside adults in preparing and serving communion, then collecting empty glasses afterwards. St George’s makes regular contact with its local primary school to maintain established relationships. And all communication is open to young people to have a voice at the church’s meeting. Hannah Middleton, the Synod’s CYDO+, said: “The links which are being strongly developed with both the local primary school and the uniformed organisations using the church premises once again demonstrate the desire for mission this church is forging.” Learn more about the Children and Youth Friendly Scheme. Source
- URC members receive Maundy Thursday coins from King May 22, 2025 1:50 pm
The outstanding Christian service of two URC members were honoured by King Charles on Maundy Thursday. The Revd Louise Gee, an East Midland Synod Pastoral Consultant who also serves as Chaplain and Trustee at Friary Drop In (West Bridgford), and John East, a former Elder from Central URC in Darwen, attended a ceremony in Durham Cathedral for the annual presentation of Maundy Money just before the Easter weekend. Each year, purses with the special coins are distributed by the Monarch to a selected number of men and women whose ages match the age of the Royal on Maundy Thursday. This year, 76 people received the Maundy Money, to the value of 76p in a white purse. The gift is to mark their years of Christian service in their communities. The tradition dates back to 1210. Also handed out to the recipients was a red purse containing a £5 coin commemorating The Queen Mother and a 50p coin featuring stories of WWII. Explaining how he felt humbled, John who has served as Chair of DARE (Darwen Asylum Seeker and Refugee Enterprise and held many roles within the community, said: “I was delighted to be nominated to receive Maundy Money. Having the privilege to serve the Christian Church in many roles, it’s important to reflect each day on developing that relationship with Jesus and to be able to learn and sustain a living faith.” Because of her strong connections with North East England and Northumbrian spirituality, Louise was delighted that this year’s ceremony took place at the cathedral. She was accompanied by her eldest son Duncan. “This was probably one of the most amazing days ever,” said Louise. “The feeling when the envelope arrived, once I’d got past the thought that this was a joke, was just one of great excitement, but Maundy Thursday definitely topped all my expectations. A very proud day but for sure, the icing on the cake was when King Charles took my hand and thanked me for the incredible work I have done and continue to do within chaplaincy, church and community. “I accepted these purses with great delight and great pride on behalf of all those I have walked alongside over the years in many churches, in the prison and those who live on the margins – all who have been such a blessing to my ministry for whom I give thanks to our Lord. I’ve been asked if I’m still basking in the afterglow – the answer is yes!” John who attended with his wife Margaret, added: “There is no more challenging role of serving and, in turn, being served working with the casualties from war torn conflicts, famine, injustice that arrive in Blackburn with Darwen. Many are from other faiths and it’s been a miracle to work along other faith groups seeking reconciliation, peace and justice.” Source
- Around the URC in seven days: 14-21 May 2025 May 21, 2025 9:39 am
A round up of news from around the United Reformed Church over the past seven days, 14-21 May. Southern Synod Christ Church Petts Wood took on a 70K walking challenge earlier this month to help communities fight the climate crisis. In aid of Christian Aid week, members of the church walked continuous relay for 70,000 seconds, in solidarity with millions of people who have to walk long distances for clean water or to sell their produce. The epic feat started at 5am on 16 May to 12.30am on 17 May, totalling 19 hours and 27 minutes. More than £1,500 was raised in the process. National Synod of Wales Congratulations to Barry Uniting Church which has been awarded a Gold Eco Church Award by A Rocha UK. This award is the fourth Gold Eco Church in Wales, and the first United Reformed Church in Wales to achieve the incredible milestone. Barry Uniting Church is a local ecumenical partnership between Windsor Road United Reformed Church and Porthkerry Road Methodist Church. The congregation has been on a journey of environmental stewardship since its establishment in 2012, and their eco commitment is clearly reflected in the development of The Bridge Between Centre at Barry Waterfront — a sustainable and accessible church and community hub. Church HouseThe current work of Let’s End Poverty campaign will formally finish at the end of May. Supported by the URC, Let’s End Poverty was given funding for two years by The Methodist Church in Britain to organise action around last year’s General Election. Roo Stewart, URC Head of Public Issues, said: “Let’s End Poverty was a brave project to help churches, charities and civil society organisations to act together on poverty in the UK, putting the experiences of those most affected by poverty at the centre and promoting grassroots action to change our perspective of poverty from something that we can only alleviate to something that, with enough political will, we can end. “The project has ended, with some key successes, but the richest legacies are new and stronger relationships and fresh hope. The United Reformed Church has benefitted from being a part of Let’s End Poverty and remains committed to addressing the causes and impact of poverty in our neighbourhoods as we seek to be a Church with people at the margins.” South Western Synod Four species of nesting birds spotted in Wiltshire will have a safe place to call home thanks to specially made boxes installed at Malmesbury URC. The church installed Swift boxes in its garden for the nesting birds with the hope that last year’s hatchlings will return with their parents. “Along with the nesting birds, lots of others visit so we’ve also added a large bird table in the garden,” said Sara Crabb, Church Secretary. “We have bats in the evening and have even seen a fox frequenting church grounds in broad daylight. “The better weather has also brought more human visitors to the church garden and we are looking at rubbish/recycling options to improve things for them too.”According to Green Apostle Rob Weston, Malmesbury URC is the first in South Western Synod to install swift boxes on their building. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has updated its advice on feeding birds for anyone seeking to protect birds and wildlife in their local area. You can find more on caring for creation and becoming a greener church at urc.org.uk/greenerchurch. Source
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