A round up of news from around the United Reformed Church over the past seven days, 26 May to 2 June.
Eastern and Thames North Synod
More than 40 ministers and local leaders from Eastern and Thames North Synods recently gathered for the annual Spring School at Highgate House Conference Centre near Northampton.
This year’s theme was “Inter-related: Church as a community of difference”. Hannah Fytche led the Bible Studies based on Romans inviting ministers to engage with Paul’s letter in a fresh way. Other inspirational topics were covered such as intersectional, intercultural, intergenerational, the cross and the crossroads. The threads were then brought together. Worship was led by the Moderators and others, and those present also enjoyed a quiz and a sing-along of well-known hymns and some light-hearted entertainment.
Two ministers, Michael Pfann and Ondrej Zikmund, from the Evangelical Church of the Czech Brethren spent a few days visiting Thames North Synod recently. After a few days in London, they joined ministers and local leaders at the Spring School.
Yorkshire Synod
Trinity St Andrews raised more than £1631 for charity during a 14-hour singathon.
Over 14 hours, from 8am-10pm, the church’s music group sang and played the first verse of 790 in the Singing the Faith hymnbook during a 14-hour singathon.
The epic feat was in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the union of Gargrave Road Methodist Church, Broughton Road Methodist Church and Skipton United Reformed Church, now known as Trinity St Andrews.
Jonathan Crossley played piano throughout the day and was joined by Susannah Morrish on flute, along with members of the music group and the Trinity St Andrews congregation.
“People came and went throughout the day,” said a spokesperson. “They joined in with the singing and enjoying a range of refreshments. Everyone commented that it was a lovely day of faith and fellowship.”
The money raised will be donated to Christian Aid.
East Midlands
A true testament to the transformative power of faith was recently witnessed at Abbots Road Church, when a sceptic who joined an Alpha Seekers Group was baptised.
Jack Rackham journeyed with seven others who all supported and encouraged each other over the course of 13 weeks.
Jack immersed himself in prayer, discussion and reflection, and each meeting brought him closer to understanding and embracing his faith.
It was in the last week of the course that Jack says everything changed. He describes the Holy Spirit breaking through as like a “kick in the chest” leading his heart and spirit to open to God’s love and grace.
Jack was then baptised on Easter Sunday.
