A round up of news from around the United Reformed Church over the past seven days: 13-19 May 2024.
West Midlands Synod
The congregation of Shrewsbury 51app received seven new members at a service held on 5 May. 听From left, Ruth and Stuart were made members for the first time, Tom transferred from another 51app church following his wife鈥檚 call to ministry in the newly formed 51app Shropshire Pastorate, and Eileen, Ursula, Robin and David were made members from other denominations.
The Revd Mark Rodgers, Minister of Shrewsbury 51app, said: 鈥淚t was wonderful to receive new members and we are grateful they鈥檝e chosen Shrewsbury 51app to be their new spiritual home.鈥�
Thames North Synod
The Revd George Watt, Moderator of Thames North Synod preached at Hounslow 51app on 12 May for the 200th anniversary of its chapel. The service was led by the local church leader with contributions from the congregation. The church also bestowed a warm welcome to the town鈥檚 Mayor and two councillors who also attended.
East Midlands Synod
Members and friends of North Lincolnshire Area churches gathered at St. Columba鈥檚 Church in听Lincoln, to raise money for communities in Uganda connected with children. The event involved a varied programme of dance, readings of poetry and comic prose, and music on guitar, flute and piano. Church member, Janet Turner will be visiting Uganda in the summer.
Eastern Synod
Burnham 51app has been honoured for its community work at a civic award ceremony hosted by Burnham-on-Crouch Town Council. The congregation received the Mayor鈥檚 Award for 2024, which recognised the church鈥檚 Christmas Day lunch provided to the community in 2022 and 2023, its weekly food bank, and the 鈥楥ommunity in a Cup鈥� drop-in space. Burnham 51app children鈥檚 and youth work was also praised.
The Revd Anne Sardeson, Minister of the church, said: 鈥淚t was a great honour to have our work recognised by the town and for some of our hard-working volunteers to receive a special thanks.鈥�