A round-up of news from across the United Reformed Church over the past seven days, 11-17 August.
Thames North Synod
Congratulations to the Revd John Key who celebrated the 65th anniversary of his ordination on 30 July. To mark the milestone, Thames North Moderator Revd George Watt visited John, described as a good a faithful servant, to congratulate him in person.
North Western Synod
Staff and students from Luther King Theological College gathered at Hinsley Hall, Headingley, for their annual away day, earlier during the summer. The event was led by Revd Caroline Ryder, Tutor for Ministerial Formation, who guided the day’s reflections around the theme of “window gazing”.
The day began with a time of worship before Caroline encouraged students to consider the idea of window gazing not as idleness, but as a space for contemplation— looking outward, beyond themselves, and seeing the wider landscape of ministry, faith, and community.
Through thoughtful reflection, the group explored both the challenges and the opportunities that arise in public ministry — whether as ministers, elders, or local preachers.
Time in the afternoon was spent in the sunshine, creating a perfect setting for conversation, personal reflection, relaxation, and even a bit of cricket.
East Midlands Synod
Congratulations to the Revd Helen Wakefield-Carr who has been inducted as Minister of Desborough United Reformed Church. On the same day, 14 June, the new Kettering Area Churches Partnership was inaugurated. The partnership comprises five churches Brigstock, Corby, Desborough, London Road (Kettering) & Toller (Kettering).
Yorkshire Synod
Members of Trinity Church, Rawdon, gathered at Buckstone Rock to honour 18th-century Baptists who risked their lives to worship in secret during a time when non-conformist faiths were illegal. These clandestine Sabbath services, held under threat of persecution, reflect a deep legacy of courage and conviction.
The annual gathering also recalls the site’s ties to John Wesley, founder of Methodism, who preached there on several occasions. Today, the rock stands as a symbol of perseverance, faith, and religious freedom.
Trinity Church, a Baptist/URC partnership, continues this tradition not only to celebrate the liberty they now enjoy, but to remember those across the world who still face oppression for their beliefs.
“We gather to give thanks for those who came before us,” said a church member, “and to pray for those who are not yet free to worship.”
National Synod of Scotland
The Revd Lindsey Sanderson, Synod Moderator, welcomed Enoch Frimpong, to the National Synod of Scotland’s synod office in July.
Enoch is involved in the leadership of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana’s Global worship centre in Glasgow. Lindsey and Enoch had the opportunity to share experiences about the PCG, the URC and church life in Scotland.
