A round up of news from around the United Reformed Church over the past seven days, 1-7 April 2025.
Mersey Synod
Friends of members of St Andrew’s URC Douglas gathered in March to celebrate 200 years of worship at the church.
The Revd Geoff Felton, Moderator of Mersey Synod, and the Revd Catherine McFie, Interim Moderator of St Andrew’s Douglas and long with Victoria James, Chief Operating Officer for the URC visited the Isle of Man to join in the celebrations. They were also joined by the Mayor of Douglas, Natalie Byron-Teare.
Church Secretary, Chris Quine, said: “So many people helped make our service, and the lunch that followed, such a wonderful occasion. Thanks to all who attended, to all who provided the eats for the faith lunch, to all who prepared the church and cleaned up afterwards.”
East Midlands
St Andrew’s URC in Peterborough was beautifully decorated in celebration of the World Day of Prayer on 7 March, themed “I made you wonderful”.
Leah Wooton-Stamper, an Elder at St Andrew’s, shares: “The church was decorated with palm trees, lovely flowers, a tumbling representation of sea and sand at the front of the church. And the service was a delight – written by ladies from The Cook Islands. Members of our congregation took part as well as people from other churches. So much effort went into making the evening the success it was.”
North Western
The loyal and devoted service of two women was celebrated at Hurst Nook URC’s annual general meeting at the end of March.
At the meeting Marilyn Piper and Pam Davenhall stepped down from their roles as Secretary and Treasurer at the church in Ashton-under-Lyne where they had served for 30 and 20 years respectively.
They were handed certificates to mark their achievement, and Marilyn was presented with a bee plant pot containing hellebores and a peony scented candle, plus more flower-related gifts from others. Pam was presented with a Boots voucher and is looking forward to deciding what she might spend it on.
Thames North
The Revd Terry Hinks was recently celebrated at a church service where he retired after 39 years of service. Terry, who served Cores End and Trinity High Wycombe, is retiring to the Cotswolds with his wife Elizabeth.
