Author Archives: Littlehampton United

A massive explosion at the port of Beirut on 4 August caused the deaths of more than 150 people, wounded 5,000, and left an undefined number of people reported as missing. Around 300,000 people were displaced from their homes and, according to specialists, the explosion is among the five strongest blasts in human history. Read More … … Continue reading →

For many of us, the Covid-19 lockdown has presented many frustrations, challenges and stress. Fliss Tunnard, a United Reformed Church Related Community Work (CRCW) student, reflects on the highs and lows of organising her wedding during the pandemic and how her faith and verse Philippians 4:6-7 helped her navigate these difficult times to find joy in the simple things in life.  Read More … … Continue reading →

Winchmore Hill United Reformed Church members’ green-fingered efforts have gained a bronze-level A Rocha Eco Church Award. The nationally recognised award acknowledges how a church cares for God’s earth in different areas of its life and work. Winchmore Hill URC, which gained in the award in July, was able to demonstrate its eco-friendly commitments in its worship and teaching, along with the way it runs its church buildings, engages with the local community, and lifestyle of members of the congregation. Andrea Latter, a church Elder, said: “Gaining this award is a wonderful acknowledgement of what we have achieved, especially during these… Continue reading →

In this reflection, Karen Campbell, United Reformed Church Secretary for Global and Intercultural Ministries, explains how we can learn from a group of slaves who rebelled against their oppressors. Each year, 23 August has a special designation – it is the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 1997. Read More … … Continue reading →

The Revd Dr David Pickering is to step down as Moderator of the United Reformed Church (URC) National Synod of Scotland. The move comes after David received and accepted a call to serve the Pastorate of Emmanuel URC, West Wickham and Elmers End Free Church, in the URC’s Southern Synod. Read More … … Continue reading →

The Revd John Proctor, outgoing General Secretary of the United Reformed Church (URC), is retiring on 14 August having served the Church for 34 years. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, colleagues and friends will gather digitally for a virtual leaving do. In his own words, John reflects on his time in the role and offers thanks to those he has worked with:  It was refreshing to read the interview in July’s Reform with our new General Secretary, John Bradbury. The Church has made a fine choice. John will get a grip on the job very quickly, and he will serve with great… Continue reading →

6 August 2020 The following statement has been released by 189 organisations representing different faiths, on the 75th Anniversary of the Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. As a wide coalition of faith-based communities from around the world, we have … Continue reading →

Planning your summer holiday and reading list? Consider taking a copy of the United Reformed Church’s (URC) Reform magazine with you. Packed with news, comment, inspiration and debate, there’s still time to read great articles in the summer edition, before September’s issue is published on 30 August. Like “Stay Online” an article by Lawrence Moore, Church Mission and Discipleship Consultant for Walking the Walk, a URC resource bank, and founder of iChurch. “Do online services create a two-tier church of those who can and cannot join in? Or can they ensure everyone is included – at last?” challenges Lawrence in the… Continue reading →

What could COVID-19 teach us about responding to the threat of nuclear weapons? How might Christians respond? It is widely acknowledged that COVID-19 has accentuated and laid bare many pre-existing issues within society, and has set a precedent for governments … Continue reading →

As leader of the Joint Public Issues Team, Rachel Lampard calls the Church to a new song of opposition against increased antisemitism. Friends of mine, who I didn’t even realise were Jewish, told me last year how worried they were about … Continue reading →