One of the URC’s largest churches, Woking United Reformed Church, celebrated its 20th anniversary last month. The service was lead by the Revd Lucy Brierley, and the address was given by the General Secretary of the URC, the Revd Dr John Bradbury.
The 20th anniversary of Woking URC was marked by a Communion Service on 2 February. The packed church enjoyed a celebratory service followed by a huge buffet, provided by members and volunteers of the church, which filled the central aisle of the sanctuary.
The former St Andrew’s URC and York Road URC joined to become Woking URC in 2005, and the church has been on a significant journey of growth, and engagement with the wider town since.
The Revd Lucy Brierley, minister of the church since November 2005, said that one of the most notable parts of the church’s story was the redevelopment that took place from 2009-2010, allowing the church to transform its building into “a place of warmth and welcome for our local community. This was the catalyst to become a place of welcome and hospitality with the strap line ‘Whoever you are and wherever you are on life’s journey you are welcome here’.”
Over the years, Woking URC has offered free coffee and bacon rolls to early morning commuters, put on ice rinks, funfairs and petting farm events, alongside hosting a Covid vaccination hub, other community and charity events alongside the usual activities of worship, youthwork and fellowship that make up the worshipping life of the church.
“I became minister of Woking URC within a year of the union,” said Lucy, “… and have had the privilege of walking alongside so many individuals and families over the past 20 years. Many of the young people I see in the congregation on a Sunday morning were born and grew up within the church, including my own four children.
“It’s been quite the journey – sometime marked by challenges and sadness, but more often marked by the joy and adventure of following Jesus together. It has certainly never been boring!”
The anniversary service was joyful and included participation from all-ages, including a video montage of photos from the past 20 years that gave an overview of the journey of the church.
This included milestones such as the 15 months spent worshipping off-site during the redevelopment project, memories of ‘All Nation’ events, much-loved ‘donkey services’ (where a live donkey comes in for Palm Sunday), church weekends away, puppet shows, online services during the Covid lockdown, and reflections from its young people on what it means to be part of the church.
Many longstanding members of the congregation found it moving to be reminded of the journey the church, and many newer members learned a great deal more about its history. The Bible readings were read out by the oldest members of the church and the newest.
Lucy continues: “For me, the best thing about the day was seeing all ages together sharing faith and food. It was a day of building up the church and committing ourselves to the Spirit led journey ahead.”
The sermon, delivered by URC General Secretary John Bradbury, used Luke 2: 22-40 as the Bible passage.
“The weaving of his account of the Jesus story hangs heavy with a dark cloud. ‘In those days a decree went out from Emperor August that all the world should be registered’. What power and might is this that one human being can issue a decree and the whole world jumps – or at least sets off to the place where they are to be registered?
“We may not have an Emperor who can command the whole world to be registered. We have those who, however, through a single Tweet or an executive order can make what feels like the whole world jump in either consternation or delight. The so-called Holy Land is still a place of occupation, strife and fear – for all its peoples, Jew and Palestinian alike.
“I pray that whatever unexpected turn of events the next 20 years brings, there will still be faithful people here, following the baby in Simeon’s arms, and naming as truth the one who stands before Pilate.
“Let us follow faithfully, and let us proclaim that light and salvation here in Woking, and to the ends of the earth.”
Andy Jackson serves as Head of Communications for the URC.