A round up of news from around the United Reformed Church over the past seven days, 3-9 June.
Wessex Synod
More than 70 food enthusiasts descended on Fleet URC for its famed curry night to raise money for charity.
Led by Chef Saju Mathew, the annual event raises money for the Palani Mission in Tamil Nadu, a remote part of southern India. The mission, part of the St Thomas Evangelical Churches of India, has two objectives: to provide teaching based upon the life and work of Jesus, and to help the poor.
This year, Saju created a new menu based on his grandmother’s recipes from Kerala. Diners’ fed back that it was one of his best meals ever. Also, a new feature included a raffle which helped raised the total of the night to £2400. Over the years, the curry nights have raised a whopping £30,000 for the Palani Mission.
The money raised will pay the training fees and qualification of a community nurse over the next two years, enabling her to secure full-time employment serving the local community. It will also enable the construction of some houses, plus medical camps for those who cannot afford medical care.
Across Wessex, Abbey URC in Romsey, Hampshire, is celebrating an award of £14,316 from the National Lottery Community Fund towards much-needed roof repairs at Abbey Hall and new energy-efficient lighting.
A spokesperson for the church said: “We are thrilled that the grant will allow us to move forward with these essential improvements.”
East Midlands Synod
Children aged seven-11-years-old recently hosted a delicious evening serving puddings to raise money for Christian Aid.
Dave Dennis, Children, Youth and Family Worker at Bulwell URC, said: “With huge smiles and servant hearts, the children prepared and served a fantastic selection of puddings to more than 50 family members and members of the church congregation. The room was full of warmth, laughter, and the wonderful smell of homemade desserts.”
But it wasn’t just about the sweets. The children also took part in a fame where they learned about the challenges people face around the world when trying to trade fairly and earn a living.
Dave added: “It was a powerful reminder of why Christian Aid’s work matters so much.”
Thanks to the children’s excellent hosting skills and the generosity of donors, £245 was raised for the charity.
Thames North
A three-day worship and teaching event drawing people from across the UK and the world was held at Christ Church in Newham, East London, earlier this month. Nineteen different nationalities were represented amongst the congregation. Synod Moderator Revd George Watt spoke at the event and met with the church’s local leader and elders.
National Synod of Scotland
A lovely afternoon was had at Priesthill URC for the reopening of its community garden.
Members of the church and local community and friends of Giffnock, Barrhead and Shawlands URCs came to support and enjoy the open day with various activities from storytelling, to face painting and stone carving.
A huge thanks went out for all the support from our funders and the hard work of the garden volunteers, church members and those simply down at the hall to lend a hand.