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- Response to international development budget cut February 26, 2025 5:14 pm
Baptist, Methodist, Church of Scotland and United Reformed Church leaders have responded to the Prime Minister’s announcement concerning further cuts to the international development budget: We deeply lament the government’s stated intention to make further cuts to the UK’s international development budget. This would break a manifesto promise made to people in the world’s poorest communities, and have a devastating impact on lives and livelihoods across the globe. While there is a case to be made for increasing defence spending to support Ukraine in resisting Russian aggression, that shouldn’t come at the cost of vital humanitarian and development programmes, which play a crucial role in promoting human security around the world. UK aid programmes protect women and girls from violence, provide cost-effective vaccines to babies and young children and support human rights defenders who work to prevent future conflict. Such programmes will be under threat if UK aid is further slashed by 40%. Our Churches have strongly encouraged and supported the UK in its commitment to international development, not only as a way of showing care to our global neighbours, but in recognition of the UK’s historic and ongoing responsibilities to address the causes of global injustice, poverty, forced migration, climate change and conflict. It is a source of deep regret to see a backing away from that responsibility. A massively reduced UK aid budget would be experienced as a bitter blow by partners and communities in the global south, especially coming so soon after the devastating USAID cuts. We urge the government to rethink its decision immediately. Revd Lynn Green, General Secretary, The Baptist Union of Great BritainEmma Jackson, Convener of the Public Life and Social Justice Programme Group, The Church of ScotlandRevd Helen Cameron & Carolyn Godfrey, President and Vice-President, The Methodist Church in BritainTim Dunwoody, Team Leader for Irish Methodist World Development & Relief, The Methodist Church in IrelandRevd Philip Brooks, Deputy General Secretary (Mission), The United Reformed Church Source
- Church celebrates 10 years of dementia support February 24, 2025 3:10 pm
Diss United Reformed Church celebrated the 10th anniversary of its popular Dove Dementia Café early this month. The café first opened its doors in January 2015 to just one person with dementia. But over the years more and more have attended with the church now regularly seating between 50 and 60 people for lunch, all supported by a team of 20 volunteers. Held on the first Wednesday of every month from 10am-1pm, the cafe is specifically for people living with dementia and their carers. Ruth Bridges, the church’s Community Worker, said: “Our first hour is always spent together with hot drinks and cake. At this time, games such as dominoes are available, as are jigsaw puzzles and a quiz, but this is also a time for catching up with friends. During the second hour, there is a support group for the carers in a separate room should they wish to go to it. Everyone else takes part in an activity, with our members with dementia being supported by our wonderful volunteers. We have different activities each month which vary from art, poetry, music and exercise, to having outside entertainers visiting. Then we all come back together for the final hour for a light lunch.” The dementia cafe was the first of Diss URC’s “Dove” groups to start and from it new branches of community support have grown. Dove Song is a music therapy group for people with dementia, whilst Dove Afternoon Tea provides prayers, readings and hymns in a dementia friendly format. In addition, Dove Song Plus is a singing group for those with complex needs living in local residential homes. Whilst finally the latest group to start is Dovelets, which is a sensory play, messy play and music group for children with special needs. All of the Dove groups are offered free of charge and rely upon financial support from the church, the local community, grants and gifts. This year, Alan Pagan, the son of Gabrielle Pagan Diss URC’s Church Secretary, will be running the London Marathon on behalf of the Dove Dementia Cafe and hopes to raise £1000. If you’d like to support Alan and the café, donations can be made to his Just Giving page. For further information on any of Diss URC’s groups please email Ruth Bridges at [email protected]. Source
- Prayers to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s war on Ukraine February 19, 2025 1:46 pm
24 February 2025 marks the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale attack on Ukraine, the largest war in Europe since 1945. According to the United Nations, around 12,500 civilians, including 650 children, have died. Around 46,000 Ukrainian soldiers have also been killed in action. A just peace is still not within reach. To mark the anniversary, the following prayers are written by church leaders in Transcarpathia, Ukraine. We hope that these prayers will help us to join in the lament and hope of our Ukrainian siblings. You might wish to use them in your intercessions as we unite in prayer for peace: Excerpt from a prayer by the Revd Erika Margitics, Minister of the Reformed Congregation in Beregszász (Berehove): Our Almighty Loving Lord, We praise you that your protecting hand over us hasn’t yet become weary! It is so wonderful to know that you are greater than war, greater than our thoughts, greater than our own limitations. We thank you for the peace you will surely give one day. And for the peace you already grant us, even under circumstances which don’t offer reasons for hope. We pray for true peace for the whole country. We pray for those who pray with us. And we pray also for those who do not keep us in their prayers. Lord, teach us to love. To love as you love. To love truly, even if it is hard in this time of war. For it is this love that liberates us to be truly grateful. This act of love has given, gives and continues to give hope and a future in all circumstances. Amen. Excerpt from a prayer by Zsuzsanna Danku, Elder and wife of the Lay President of the Reformed Church in Transcarpathia. We thank you, O God, that you have kept us alive in the midst of burdens and troubles. We believe, Lord, that even in these three years of war, nothing has happened to us without your knowledge. But we also know from your word that it is not your will. You did not create the world for this. Be with all those who have lost their loved ones. Carry them through the pain of grief, since only you can comfort them. Please grant the wounded people both physical and spiritual healing. Bless those who pray for us. From the depths of our souls, we ask you to bring about peace in an instant. We echo the psalmist’s words, “For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.” (Psalm 122:8) In the name of Jesus Christ, hear our prayer. Amen. Excerpt from a prayer by the Revd Sándor Zán Fábián, Bishop of the Reformed Church in Transcarpathia. Our Heavenly Father, I am grateful for all the people you have kept safe from the ravages of war. I am grateful for those who stayed in Ukraine despite all the dangers and difficulties. I am grateful for the children born in the years of the war. Thank you for the care, the homes and the health they have experienced. I am grateful for all the strength, hope and faith you have given to me. Thank you for the people who have helped, encouraged and supported our community in many ways. I trust in your love. I trust in your might and in your grace. I ask you to share the gift of your love with those suffering from war. By your power above all, create peace. Please, grant your grace to all of us sinful and miserable human beings so that we learn to forgive one another and to love. In the name of Jesus Christ, hear my prayer. Amen Banner image: Nataliya Melnychuk/Unsplash. All other images: Kevin Snyman. Source
- “Shining star” gains Lundie Memorial Award February 17, 2025 7:45 am
Meet Zoe Logan, the recipient of January’s Lundie Memorial Award. Nominated by Rebecca Smith, junior church leader at St Andrew’s with Castle Gate URC in East Midlands Synod, Zoe is called a “ray of sunshine” in her church community. Rebecca said: “Zoe has buoyed up the church with her jokes and ongoing service. We’re very grateful for her” Since the Covid lockdown, Zoe has been a dedicated contributor to her church newsletter, which keeps everyone updated on events, recipes, and news. But what makes it extra special? Zoe’s joke section! What started as a way to lift spirits during lockdown has now become a tradition, with Zoe sharing weekly jokes tailored to the season—whether it’s Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or even National Doughnut Week! Her humour has brought endless smiles to her church family. For Zoe, the best part of her involvement is seeing the joy it brings to others: “I love when church members come up to me with jokes they’ve memorised or just tell me how much they appreciate the laughs.” Her advice to other young people? “Go and get involved! I’ve made so many friends and had loads of conversations with people I would have never expected. It’s really helped build my confidence and people skills—it’s a great conversation starter!” When asked how she felt about becoming a Lundie Memorial Winner, Zoe said: “I feel so lucky to have such kind people around me to even consider nominating me. I am going to continue submitting my jokes to the newsletter to spread a little bit of joy.” Winning the Lundie Award comes with a £100 prize, and in true Zoe style, she’s planning to use it for something fun for the whole church—maybe a Christian comedian or even a clown! To learn more about the Lundie award and information on how to nominate a young person, see: https://urc.org.uk/category/children-youth/lundie/ Source
- Butterflies and Bees: spreading the pollen of peace February 17, 2025 7:30 am
In Ilford’s urban-dense, nature-depleted town centre, you’ll find a group of people from the Vine Church Ilford, striving to spread the “pollen of peace”. Led by a team including Ruth and Peter Musgrave and Sheila Baldwin, the group are in the midst of creating a “pollinated pathway” to encourage butterflies and bees to spread within the town centre and to come from other places. Peter, who has recently returned from a trip to Bangladesh, where he supports and draws nature inspiration from the Bangladeshi Taizé community, explains just how important butterflies and bees are in nature, and their correlation in spreading the Good News. “Whenever you see a butterfly, it brings joy,” said Peter. “Our work in the town centre follows on from our weekly gardening club, which restarts in March, where we work with our local Salvation Army on its Malachi Place project which supports homeless people, who come to help us tend to our gardens. “Everything needs some kind of pollination to spread. We have three very small gardens in Ilford town centre, and we work to highlight the value of butterflies and bees, and pollinated plants, which flower better. We’re also growing vegetables for food and use organic seeds because modern seeds developed using pesticides won’t attract butterflies.” Peter went on to explain the importance of butterflies and bees. “They’re essential to the eco system. They’re essential in keeping our eco system alive. Their work supports other insects, which supports other birds, mammals and bats, which supports their food and shelter. “The previous government allowed a pesticide to be used in Britain, after Brexit, that meant that millions of bees were killed. Now the current government is moving forward with a complete ban on bee-killing pesticides. “When pesticides are used, the pollination sequence is interrupted. In our gardens, we use organic seeds, which brings an oasis to the town. Seeds made using pesticides do not attract butterflies and bees.” Peter likens the process of butterflies and bees to being Jesus to those in need in our communities. His passion for nature and the winged insects dates back to when he was a young student following reports on TV about the devasting Bhola cyclone which struck the then East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, and India’s West Bengal in 1970. As many as 500,000 people died. The following year came the Bangladesh genocide where up to 3 million Bengalis were killed. Peter wanted to do something to help. He turned to Tower Hamlets, which has the largest Bangladeshi community in England and Wales, where he worked for many years as a youth worker. Bangladesh is one of four regions supported by Commitment for Life, the URC’s global justice programme. In 1989, Peter, his wife Ruth and their three children got the chance to live and work in Bangladesh working with the Church of Bangladesh (COB’s) Social Development Programme. Ruth worked in women’s development, and they stayed until 1994. Between 2010-2014, Peter again worked in Bangladesh through the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), where he lived close to the Taizé community then in Mymensingh town. He has maintained a relationship with the COB and the MCC and with the Taizé Community in Bangladesh, which has moved to a rural area on COB land. “At one of the places where the Taizé community farm, you can see outside that farming area rice growing where pesticides are used. The difference between that land and the Taizé farming area is stark,” continues Peter. “In other parts, you’ll see rows and rows of banana plants. The original flowers and plants that grew there have been eradicated along with the insects that pollinated them. “What is attractive about the Taizé community garden is that they have lovely vegetables and fruit plants, which demand your attention because they have lots of lovely butterflies and bees buzzing around. “I guess I’m like a butterfly popping from place to place, as is the Taizé community on that site. They’ve planted themselves, rooted in the community and attract people and butterflies. “For example, a Muslim man named Hussain who lives in a slum area in Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, has been known to the Taizé community for 40 years. He had polio as a child and they provided support and he travelled all the way by public transport, which was not easy, to spend Christmas with the Taizé community there. “He’s attracted by what they do there and in turn the community respects him. He is a caring person and cares for people in his own area. He’s like a butterfly. Filling up with the pollen from the Taizé community and then spreading that pollen in his community, like the hymn The Pollen of Peace [by Northern Ireland songwriter Roger Courtney) says ‘Christ has sown the seeds of love. Let us spread the pollen of peace throughout our land’. “As butterflies and bees get food from the plants that they need, people are nourished by the Taizé community and spread that nourishment to others in need. That’s what we try to do with our gardens in Ilford.” Peter encourages us all to play our part in creating a pollen of peace in our communities. “Churches can be come Eco Churches, Synods can become Eco Synods, and regardless of whether you have a garden or a patio, you can grow pollinator-friendly flowers,” he said. In 2022, Vine Church Ilford’s eco work was recognised by the London Faith and Belief Forum and the church received a Sustainability Award from them. Vine Church Ilford members, Sheila and Peter, pictured, went to Westminster Abbey in November to receive the award, which included £500 to put towards the cost of the energy saving work. Learn how your church can become an Eco Church. Learn how your synod can become an Eco Synod. – all our synods are Eco Synods already: five already have a Bronze award. Learn about pollinator-friendly flowers. Discover more URC resources on caring for creation. Images: Peter and Shiela/The Vine […]
- Remembering Covid-19 March 9 2025 February 11, 2025 12:13 pm
You are invited to use this Act of Remembrance as part of the Day of Reflection for the 5th Anniversary of Covid-19 on 9 March 2025. More information about the Day, and how to submit events to a national map, can be found here: Day of Reflection. This act of prayer and reflection begins with washing hands with soap and warm water. Call to Remember I will bless the LORD at all times; *whose praise shall ever be in my mouth.2 I will glory in the LORD; *let the humble hear and rejoice.3 Proclaim with me the greatness of the LORD; *let us exalt the Name together.4 I sought the LORD, who answered me *and delivered me out of all my terror.5 Look upon the Lord and be radiant, *and let not your face be ashamed.6 I called in my affliction and the LORD heard me *and saved me from all my troubles.7 The angel of the LORD encompasses those who fear God, *who will deliver them.8 Taste and see that the LORD is good; *happy are they who trust in God! An Inclusive Language Psalter Hymn There is a Balm in Gilead Hymnal 1982, The Episcopal Church #676 General Reflection Five years ago the world was riveted by news of a strange virus originating in China. Little did anyone know how quickly Covid-19 would move across the planet. All living creatures were affected by Covid-19. Humans covered their faces, doing what social creatures find impossible to do. Not being able to gather with friends, families and community was a trauma compared to world war without human relating, we isolated and stayed in our homes. Nature began to recover, flora and fauna took a deep breath when we could not. Human activity was arrested for a while as the planetary eco systems were stunned by human absence. Our wider humanity became acquainted with illness and death, often far too young to embrace finitude. The lack of gathering loved ones at the deathbed exacerbated grief and extended sorrow into a bleak emotional landscape. For generations who had never known a global crisis, this was a catastrophe. Covid-19 brought a golden age into existential pain and end. Whilst faith communities resorted to Zoom and YouTube to connect the faithful, others fell away longing for in-person gatherings. If there was a brighter side, people were forced to slow down. Some days felt like a much needed sabbath rest. The introverted rejoiced in solitude! Our hectic, over thinking, rat race subsided and we were shown our lives do not need to be so full and hurried. Working from home and digital know-how grew at a greater pace. We knew this historical crisis would change us and the after effect would be enacted for years to come. Praying Healing Christ,In marking this time we have not arrived in this present moment unscathed byCovid-19. With each additional vaccination we know this virus is living and evolving. Yet, we are grateful for medical science and continued miracles of healing and well-being.With each regret and wince recalling days of isolation we know in spirit we held each other. Yet, we are grateful for the gift of gathering and joining around tables of kinship and friendship.With the encroachment of human activity upon nature and wildlife we must learn to live in harmony with all your creation. Yet, we have been reminded that we do not need to be greedy to be happy.With each new viral infection we know this disease does not respect our human divisions of class, sex, age, race, gender, sexuality, faith or none. Yet, we are called to have respect, mercy and compassion for the whole global human family.In our sorrow bring comfort, as we name before you those we miss and see no more……….We entrust them, O Light of Life, into your mercy where there is no sighing, tears or remorse. May the light of your life, O Christ, encourage us as we continue our earthly sojourn. In your holy name we pray, Jesus the Christ, Amen. Hymn Healer of our Every Ill Marty Haugen Prayer for Covid Anniversary Has it really been 5 years Lord?5 years since lockdown, fear, heroic NHS staff, and a daily death toll on the news?5 years since panic, uncertainty, and incompetencemixed with dedication, unity, and scientific ingenuity?5 years since law breaking was contrasted so strongly with law keeping? It feels so much further away than just 5 years.We’ve seen several different prime ministers and a different monarch;there again we’ve got the same US president back!The homeless have been returned to the streets– seems it was too expensive to keep on supporting them after all,politicians are busy rewriting history,seeking to influence which lessons are to be learnt,…and we live with the trauma. So, we remember before you, Lord, those who have died,those whose lives are still wounded with grief and long Covid,and those who gave their lives through caring.We give thanks for doctors and scientists who found a vaccine so quickly,for advisors and planners who got the vaccine delivered so well,and for those who devised treatments to relieve suffering. But, Lord, we’re left with the pandemic’s legacy –unanswered questions, unresolved grief, and unaddressed angerwhich sit alongside our gratitude and admiration. We wonder, Lord, what we can learn from the pandemic,whether we’re ready to hold to accountthose who failed to plan,those who could not lead with integrity,those who profiteered from suffering, andthose who evaded justice.We’re left wondering how to deal with both the trauma and the memories,and, most of all, Lord we wonder if we’re any better prepared for the next one. So give us your wisdom, Lord,that we can navigate these times, and our memories,with honesty, grace, and the ability to bring change, Amen. ——– Offered by a United Reformed Church member Hold a silence Closing Words based on Psalm 103 May the Holy One who heals all your iniquity bless and keep you;the face of the Lord who heals all our afflictionsshine upon you and […]
- Geoffrey Clarke reappointed East Midlands Synod Moderator February 10, 2025 7:45 am
The Assembly Executive of the United Reformed Church, meeting at The Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick, Derbyshire, has reappointed the Revd Geoffrey Clarke as Moderator of the East Midlands Synod. The Review Panel unanimously nominated Geoffrey to serve until July 2029, following an extensive review process, including responses from church members, Elders, churches in the Synod and ecumenical colleagues, alongside Geoffrey’s own reflections on his ministry. Geoffrey said: “I am delighted to be offered the opportunity to continue to serve as Moderator here in East Midlands for a further term. “I count it as both privilege and pleasure to serve alongside the members and ministers of our churches, supported by a wonderful team of synod staff and officers. “I have been humbled and upheld, for the past five years, by the company and colleagueship of good people across and beyond the synod and enabled, I trust, to be play my part in encouraging and supporting others. “I could not ask for a better team in which to serve. These are challenging times, and we can take nothing for granted, other than a confidence in the One whose people we are. The God who calls us grants us the strength we need.” Synod Clerk Graham Jennings said: “I am delighted that the Assembly Executive has reappointed Geoffrey and we look forward to continuing to support our ministers and local congregations in the East Midlands with Geoffrey’s leadership. “We thank the Review Panel members for their work and are pleased to see Geoffrey’s dedication and his many, valued strengths recognised in the report.” Synod Treasurer David Greatorex said: “It is great to hear about Geoffrey’s reappointment and I look forward to continue working together.” John Bradbury, URC General Secretary, said: “The panel wholeheartedly and unanimously concluded that there is a clear call for Geoffrey to continue serving in his role and believes and prays that this will be for the flourishing of the whole Synod.” Source
- Encounter with Pope Francis called an “honour” on pilgrimage to Rome February 10, 2025 7:30 am
In mid-January, the Revd Lythan Nevard, Moderator of the United Reformed Church Eastern Synod, formed part of an ecumenical pilgrimage to Rome with church leaders from Norfolk and Waveney. Here, Lythan reflects on the trip: I was privileged to join church leaders of Norfolk and Waveney. We were Baptist, URC, Quaker, Catholic and Anglican. It turned out to be an advantage to travel with Catholic and Anglican Bishops as we were able to experience all sorts of things that URC folk usually do not. We stayed in the Venerable English College and had a glimpse of what training for Catholic priesthood is like. I’m not a morning person but found the discipline of 6:45am prayer followed by mass an integral part of the experience, though it has not come home with me. We shared communion at the Anglican Centre and met the ecumenical liaison officers of the Methodist, Anglican and Reformed Churches. We visited two of the dicastries, administrative departments, of the Holy See for Christian Unity and for Promoting the Integrity of Human Development. The latter has a focus on listening to the needs of parishes across the world, reflecting on the issues and seeing what gifts and resources can be offered and what partnerships, including ecumenical and governmental can be created. I appreciated, as I have not before, the sense of being part of the global church that came from these conversations. We visited the Basilica of St Paul’s Outside the Wall and were guided round by the former abbot who included stories probably not on the usual tour! And we were the first group to visit the Scavi – the necropolis excavated under St Peter’s Basilica following a long closure for redevelopment. We were able to glimpse what might just be the bones of St Peter and had a real sense of Church history all around us. On the Wednesday we were part of the regular audience with Pope Francis but were able to skip the queue, Bishops are the best accessory and were surprised to be given front row seats. There was a palpable air of excitement and joy. Greetings, the Bible reading and a short summary of the Pope’s reflection on it were read out in eight languages. We were entertained by a circus troupe celebrating the Pope’s current focus on children. Then without warning our group were ushered up the steps to greet Pope Francis. It was an amazing honour, albeit one that lasted about 20 seconds. We were each given a bronze papal medal – now a prized possession. if you want to see it I will probably be carrying it around for a while!. There was something very special about thousands of people worshipping God and celebrating their faith together. Just as treasured as my medal though, is a conversation in the college chapel before breakfast between me, my Baptist colleague and a Catholic tutor about ministry where we shared appreciation of each other’s ministerial formation and how we express our faith in Jesus. It gave me hope, in this Catholic Jubilee Year of Hope that Jesus’ prayer “that they may all be one” may actually be fulfilled. Image featuring The Pope ©Vatican Media. Source
- Assembly Executive: day three round-up 5 February 2025 February 5, 2025 11:32 am
Andrea Heron, Chaplain to the General Assembly Moderator 2024-2025, offered reflections on John 2, the story of the wedding at Cana, on the final day of Assembly Executive 2025. She talked about the actors’ game “Yes and…”, where people pair off, one person suggests a scene for them to act and the other goes with it and adds something. “Trying to plan it out,” she said, “ruins it, but committing to the improvisation, trusting something unforeseen will turn up, forces you to come up with something better than you could ever have imagined and completely new.” Andrea asked: “Do you believe in resurrection? Do you trust the process?” Jesus at Cana was faced with a moment he did not feel prepared for, from which there was no going back, and he chose to say yes, and step off the cliff. “Anything after ‘Yes and…’ is God’s bit,” said Andrea, “and better than anything we could have come up with.” Session nine A2 Committee Structures & General SecretariatThe General Secretary, the Revd Dr John Bradbury, introduced proposals to reorganise the URC’s committee structure. It needs to balance the need to develop policy while at the same time supporting and resourcing work at synod and local level. It is proposed that the existing Discipleship and Mission departments be reworked into a Ministries Committee, and a Mission and Discipleship Committee, with staff working across both committee’s remits under the oversight of one Deputy General Secretary. The goal is “to facilitate greater joined-up working at the strategic level, and to enable this to be expressed effectively operationally”, he said. Dr Bradbury emphasised that there remains a desire that young people and children be involved in, have and ownership of, their own programmes – so a Children’s and Youth Work sub-committee would specifically deal with this area of work. Other specialist committees such as Complaints and Discipline will remain as they are. Detailed work on terms of reference and work on the composition of all committees would be brought back to General Assembly in July 2025. Finally, Dr Bradbury introduced a proposed reshaping of the General Secretariat to comprise General Secretary, Chief Operating Officer, Deputy General Secretary, and the proposed Head of Governance. He concluded by saying “it is unlikely we’re going to get this spot on right first time. And it’s very unlikely that there won’t be unintended consequences.” He said the proposed changes “are for the next stage of the journey, but they will need to continue evolving as the needs of Church life change over time”. Responding to questions for clarification, Dr Bradbury agreed that for proposed new sub-committees (such as the Equalities Committee) questions arise about budgeting their work and how they interact with General Assembly. He said that resourcing and training lay people (which is primarily the work of the local church) would be shared between the two new committees. Dr Bradbury believed that the make-up of the General Secretariat (broadly, two members reflecting the theological life of the URC and two reflecting the practical outworking of Church life) sends an “incarnational” message: “We do not separate out the theological and practical.” Assembly Executive approved the formation of a Mission and Discipleship Committee and a new Ministries Committee – and the intention for the Business Committee to bring finalised composition and terms of reference to the General Assembly of 2025. It also adopted the formation of a Children’s and Youth Work Programme sub-committee of the new Mission and Discipleship Committee. Executive instructed the Nominations Committee and the Youth Executive to bring names forward for the new Ministries and Mission and Discipleship Committees to General Assembly in July 2025. It was clarified that representation from the Youth Executive on specific committees might be covered as standing orders are agreed. The Convenor of the Resources Committee recommended that Assembly standing orders be looked at to ensure enough time is available for the newly proposed committees had the time and space to bring resolutions to General Assembly. There was further discussion about Resolution 5, concerning the make-up of the General Secretariat (and also its name). There were concerns about balancing employment law with a desire to be flexible about membership of the Secretariat, especially in relation to the proposed Head of Governance. Concerns were reiterated about the Secretariat’s make-up (a. the possibility of less than 50% of the Secretariat being members of the URC; b. becoming potentially more “managerial” than “missional”, one speaker said). Some members also felt hampered by the fact that, at this stage, there are no of terms of reference for the Secretariat. Dr Bradbury said that some of the very issues being raised in discussion were evidence for the need of URC governance to be better administered, and reiterated his belief that it is essential to have someone overseeing governance as part of the General Secretariat. A facilitation group was established to agree a revised Resolution 5 on this matter. Revised wording was brought to a later session. It was designed to ensure that ensuing work will draw together, and define more precisely, all the strands of the Secretariat’s work. Assembly Executive debated at which point in the process of change terms of reference should be agreed. There was also more detailed articulation of the fact that governance is an integral element of the Secretariat’s work, and of the pressure on the General Secretary to address governance issues. On a vote, Assembly Executive agreed that “the General Secretariat shall consist of the General Secretary, the Chief Operating Officer, the Deputy General Secretary and the Head of Governance as of the close of General Assembly 2025”. In addition, Assembly Executive requested the Business Committee to bring terms of reference for the General Secretariat to General Assembly, July 2025, and required the Resources and Ministries Committees to determine by July 2025 whether, for future appointments, the post of Deputy General Secretary for Mission and Discipleship should be restricted to members of the URC or ministers of the URC. AD1 Resource […]
- Assembly Executive: day two round-up 4 February 2025 February 4, 2025 8:40 pm
Day two of the 2025 meeting of Assembly Executive opened with worship, led by the Revd Andrew Mann-Ray, one of the General Assembly Moderator’s Chaplains. He reminded members that God lifts up the weary and gives hope to the hopeless. The reading was from Romans 4, about Abraham trusting God’s promise of a son after all seemed hopeless. Andrew spoke of his love of folk music and played Jon Boden’s song ‘Moths in the Gaslight’ about people returning to the city after the pandemic. He linked the coming of hope in the midst of despair with Abraham’s faith in God. He mentioned that our churches had a similar age profile to Abraham and Sarah and spoke of those in churches who are in despair, and of the need to give them hope in the promise of God. Session four Discussions around papers AD1: Resource Centres for Learning and A2: Committee Structures & General Secretariat will conclude on day three of Assembly Executive. Session five BDFH1: Towards a Ministry of Children’s & Youth WorkRevd Samantha Sheehan, Children’s and Youth Work Committee, and Mary Thomas, Convenor of Ministries Committee, presented Paper BDFH1 about a new formal ministry of church commissioned Children’s and Youth Workers. Revd Sheehan advised that the paper presented was a continuation of resolutions brought to General Assembly in 2023. She provided a summary of those resolutions which were as follows: Recognise work amongst children, young people and families as ministry Invites synods to develop appropriate schemes to offer accreditation and recognition of local church roles (volunteer and employed) Is minded that there should be a formal ministry of URC Children’s, Youth and/or Family Ministry Revd Sheehan asked for Assembly Executive’s help in discerning how work should progress to aid the task group which is working to explore what and how this distinctive ministry can be offered. Mary Thomas, then explained some of the theology behind the resolutions, as shown in appendix one. Much in this appendix explains why children matter. “No matter the age, we all have a place at the table,” she said. Mary explained that the role is distinct in itself. It is not a sub-branch of the Ministry of Word and Sacraments, not Church Related Community Work. The role is a ministry specifically among children and young people and is about discipleship, encouraging and enabling them in their Christian journey. The title of the role “Church Commissioned Children’s and Youth Workers” expresses that the clear intention and focus of work. If the direction of travel is agreed, the Basis of Union would need to be updated, shown in Appendix Three. The convenor then invited Assembly Executive into conversation and discernment, following on point seven and appendix one, and appendix two which proposes marks of ministry, in small discussion groups. Assembly Executive was asked to answer on three questions, primarily focusing on the first two: Is this the correct direction of travel in developing this new ministry? What opportunities could this new ministry offer in your context? Then How should this new ministry be financed and what may be the implications? Following their return from group discussions, comments centred on whether the post would be stipendiary or non-stipendiary, or a paid worker post; would it involve presiding sacraments; would it not be better to resource existing CYDOs and children’s and youth worker; does the role also involves ministering to families; is an extra ministry really needed? The convenor responded that task group wants to encourage synods to think about how they’re encouraging the paid workers in their synods, but this is an opportunity to see if there’s a desire to formally recognise a larger ministry rather than it just sitting in local ministry and synods. The role would be a formal ministry and so would be offered as a stipendiary post as well as non-stipendiary. It would also involve ministering to families also. In regard to whether the role could be recruited to under the Certificate of Eligibility, Nicola Furley-Smith, Ministries Secretary explained that it would be very difficult to map those onto the URC’s requirements. Work is yet to be done to see what would be required for training, to then see if anyone would come forward, and then ascertain if they would have what would be required, or if they would need more training. Following a query as to whether the proposals is linked to the Church Life Review, the Revd Dr John Bradbury, explained that it is not, but that it is a role parallel to Minister of Word and Sacraments and Church-Related Community Workers, not a salaried/employed role. Concerns were expressed about how the ministry would be funded at the expense of taking funding away from something else. Due to a lot of more discussion required, the convenor asked for resolution 14 to be withdrawn for more concrete proposals to be brought back to General Assembly. Revd Sheehan said, that the committee noted that there is a coolness towards a formal ministry towards children’s youth and family work, but there is a desire to encourage children’s, youth and family work in its general and current sense. This motion was agreed by Assembly Executive. Session six Amendments to Section O – Paper R1 Paper R1 is related to Paper A3, where the Complaints and Discipline Advisory Group (CDAG) commissioned Dr Ed Morgan KC to review the URC’s discipline system in the light of processes from other churches and regulatory bodies (including the Church of England, the Catholic Church, the General Medical Council, the Bar Standards Council, the Nursing and Midwifery Council and the Care Quality Commission). CDAG felt it was also appropriate to bring some immediate amendments to the URC’s Section O process building on Dr Morgan’s work and after a consultation process. These amendments included: the ability to act if the ‘home denomination’ of a minister serving with us does not attend to a discipline case appropriately clarify that Moderator’s recorded warnings are not part of the discipline process but that records […]
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Church celebrates 10 years of dementia support
Diss United Reformed Church celebrated the 10th anniversary of its popular Dove Dementia Café early this month. The café first opened its doors in January 2015 to just one person with dementia. But over the years more and more have … Continue reading
Prayers to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s war on Ukraine
24 February 2025 marks the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale attack on Ukraine, the largest war in Europe since 1945. According to the United Nations, around 12,500 civilians, including 650 children, have died. Around 46,000 Ukrainian soldiers have also been … Continue reading
“Shining star” gains Lundie Memorial Award
Meet Zoe Logan, the recipient of January’s Lundie Memorial Award. Nominated by Rebecca Smith, junior church leader at St Andrew’s with Castle Gate URC in East Midlands Synod, Zoe is called a “ray of sunshine” in her church community. Rebecca … Continue reading
Butterflies and Bees: spreading the pollen of peace
In Ilford’s urban-dense, nature-depleted town centre, you’ll find a group of people from the Vine Church Ilford, striving to spread the “pollen of peace”. Led by a team including Ruth and Peter Musgrave and Sheila Baldwin, the group are in … Continue reading
Remembering Covid-19 March 9 2025
You are invited to use this Act of Remembrance as part of the Day of Reflection for the 5th Anniversary of Covid-19 on 9 March 2025. More information about the Day, and how to submit events to a national map, … Continue reading
Geoffrey Clarke reappointed East Midlands Synod Moderator
The Assembly Executive of the United Reformed Church, meeting at The Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick, Derbyshire, has reappointed the Revd Geoffrey Clarke as Moderator of the East Midlands Synod. The Review Panel unanimously nominated Geoffrey to serve until July … Continue reading
Encounter with Pope Francis called an “honour” on pilgrimage to Rome
In mid-January, the Revd Lythan Nevard, Moderator of the United Reformed Church Eastern Synod, formed part of an ecumenical pilgrimage to Rome with church leaders from Norfolk and Waveney. Here, Lythan reflects on the trip: I was privileged to join … Continue reading
Assembly Executive: day three round-up 5 February 2025
Andrea Heron, Chaplain to the General Assembly Moderator 2024-2025, offered reflections on John 2, the story of the wedding at Cana, on the final day of Assembly Executive 2025. She talked about the actors’ game “Yes and…”, where people pair … Continue reading
Assembly Executive: day two round-up 4 February 2025
Day two of the 2025 meeting of Assembly Executive opened with worship, led by the Revd Andrew Mann-Ray, one of the General Assembly Moderator’s Chaplains. He reminded members that God lifts up the weary and gives hope to the hopeless. … Continue reading
Four New Christmas Songs for Testing Times
Last Updated on 15 December 2023 by Neil Hunter This week, hymnwriter and URC Minister the Revd John Campbell has written three new songs in an attempt to straddle the gap between the Holy Land of Christmas and the current … Continue reading