NEWS FROM THE NW SYNOD 1 ST NOVEMBER 2017

Transcription

1 NEWS FROM THE NW SYNOD 1 ST NOVEMBER : Moderators Snapshot 2: Burnley & Nelson United Reformed Church 3: Trinity Church URC 4: Bramhall URC Poppy Pageant 5: Songs of Thanksgiving Service 6: Youth Assembly 7: Pilots 8: Crossfire : The Secret Formula To Youth Ministry 10: Death of Revd John Islwyn Evans 11: Archaeology Talk: Exhumation at Cross Street Chapel - 3rd November, pm

2 1: Moderators Snapshot Last night I attended an event marking 500 years since the Reformation hosted by the John Rylands Library in Manchester (snapshot above). The evening included a demonstration of the printing of indulgences using an early 19 th century press, madrigal singers, Reformation period documents and letters from the extensive collection housed within the library, and a conversation with 3 guests: Revd Dr Canon David Holgate (Manchester Cathedral, canon theologian), Dr Rosalind Oates (Manchester Metropolitan University, Early Modern History) and Dr John Morgan (Manchester University, Environmental science historian). The title for the dialogue was The Reformation: Who gives a fig? and the relevance of the Reformation for us today. The Library will continue to host an exhibition until March 2018 with documents offering a fascinating insight into the period of the Reformation. The exhibits include an exceptionally fine example of the earliest work in printing of an indulgence from 1455, a beautifully illuminated copy of a rebuttal of Luther by Henry VIII (1521), and copies of the New Testament (eg copy). One particular letter on display from Luther to Gerhard Vilskamp in Herford, Germany (1528, snapshot below) gives an insight into something of his personal struggle with depression and illness. Please pray for: the continuing work of re-forming within the life of the Church, as together we seek to be faithful to our calling to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-14) in contemporary society boldness to speak of our faith in Christ, in meaningful ways within our fast changing cultures courage so that as a Church we may speak out for those people and places who are desperately seeking justice and truth in their lives.

3 2: Burnley & Nelson United Reformed Church in partnership with Burnley Borough Council celebrating an Older People s Day. We celebrated opportunities for the over 50 s, in conjunction with a Macmillan Coffee Morning. The day was about enabling and expanding the contributions of older people in their families, communities and societies at large. It focused on the pathways that support full and effective participation in old age, in accordance with old persons basic rights, needs and preferences. The number of older persons worldwide is set to increase by 56 per cent from 901 million to more than 1.4 billion. By 2030, the number of people aged 60 and above will exceed that of young people aged 15 to 24. Stepping into the future with pledges that no one will be left behind, it is starkly evident that the need to tap into the often overlooked and under-appreciated contributions of older persons is not only essential to older persons well-being, but also imperative for sustainable development processes. The day explored effective means of promoting and strengthening the participation of older persons in various aspects of social, cultural, economic and spiritual life. Singing for the soul singing for well-being Learning about opportunities for keeping fit and healthy Armchair aerobics Free BP checks on the spot with Burnley Leisure plus free food tasting (courtesy of Tesco) Learning about health and support groups

4 Snapshot of the Moderator sharing refreshments with folks from Burnley & Nelson URC along with Brian Drury from North West Baptist Association at Blackburn Cathedral s Reformation 500 event. Elders leading the Commitment for Life Service last Sunday. Commitment for Life is the world development programme of the United Reformed Church and remembers 25 years of seeking justice in Elders encouraged us to pray for and to take action as well as financially give to our partner region, Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. Commitment for Life works in partnership with Christian Aid and Global Justice Now and have raised millions of pounds. 3: Trinity Church URC TRINITY CHURCH AUDENSHAW ROAD, AUDENSHAW Invite you to Big Breakfast Morning on SATURDAY 18TH NOVEMBER 2017 From 10am 12 noon Free Entry a donation of 5 for a full English Breakfast + Tea or Coffee (is suggested) All proceeds raised will be used to buy, install and maintain a DEFIBRILLATOR also to provide Training for its use. This will then be available to be used by trained personnel for the benefit of everyone using the building

5 4: Bramhall URC Poppy Pageant Since Easter, the Knit and Knatter group (and other ladies) at Bramhall URC have been busy knitting 500 woollen poppies that were placed on the fence outside the church last Saturday after a short Pageant where many members and friends sang songs and heard poems of remembrance and memories before going out to decorate the fence (in the rain). This is a statement to Bramhall of our remembrance of loved ones, people we have lost alongside those millions of soldiers who have given their lives so that we can enjoy the life that we have today. The poppies will remain in place until after Remembrance Sunday. 5: Songs of Thanksgiving Service October is traditionally a month for harvest thanksgiving. Our church, Wilbraham St Ninian s, is located deep in the heart of the Greater Manchester conurbation, in Chorlton, South Manchester, and some distance from agriculture. This year, both of our congregations have taken the concept of thanksgiving to heart. Our afternoon congregation has a particular mission to serve the LGBT community. The journey of faith is not an easy one for anyone, but for many LGBT Christians, past experiences in some churches have been painful episodes of rejection. The congregation wanted to celebrate the safe spiritual home they have found in the United Reformed Church. 11 people spoke to camera in a series of short videos which we played in our weekly Communion service, interwoven with songs, readings and prayers. The videos are very moving and speak in a very real way in which being part of an accepting church has not only brought blessing, but has also helped in real and practical ways. We would like to give to a wider audience these testimonies of the power of faith alive and active: gift of an eternal source, renewed for every generation which you can view on this Youtube link - (Warning: you may want to have a tissue ready!) About half of the afternoon congregation comprises people seeking asylum and those who have recently been granted Leave to Remain in the UK, and one of the ways in which we support them is through a food bank.

6 The Metropolitan Congregation would like to extend a huge thank you to the morning congregation in our church not only for their huge gift of non-perishable food items which will keep many people fed for several weeks, but also for their huge hearts of love, welcome and acceptance which has given the Metropolitan Congregation a spiritual home within the URC. Walt Johnson / Elder 6: Youth Assembly There are still places available for young people from the North Western Synod at the URC Youth Assembly in Staffordshire on st January Ali Greaves, who has attended the last two years says, It has made my little jesusness shine a lot brighter. I am lucky to have friends from all across the country now from just a few short days away. It is on the 19th-21st of January at Whitemoor Lakes Conference Centre in Staffordshire. Usually about 100 young people go from across the country from the age of The weekend consists of awesome modern worship, focus groups, practical workshops, business and structured entertainment until silly hours of the morning. The accommodation is like any other residential centre - some rooms with bunk beds and some without. The food is fab and the centre staff are excellent hosts. You can register online at and-festivals-we-are-all-invited.html North Western Synod will pay the conference costs for any young people attending. This is a fantastic opportunity for young people in our churches to see that there are plenty of young people in the URC, to make friendships, deepen their faith and discuss issues affecting the church, society and them with some great guest speakers. But they won t know about it unless YOU tell them. 7: Pilots Congratulations to Beccy Burke, Chloe bamford and Paige Burgess of Union St, Stockport who received their Master Mariner Awards last month. Master Mariner Awards are presented to Pilots who have completed no less than five annual programmes and have consistently shown helpfulness, enthusiasm, commitment to personal development and respect for others. Congratulations to Pilots Officers Stephen Davies and Hillary Bradshaw for receiving their Long Service Awards (10 and 25 years respectively). Their dedication to children and young people is an example to us all. If you would like to know more about how Pilots can help your church walk the way of Jesus Christ contact the Regional Pilots Officer, Anne Hatch on annehatch48@virginmedia.com

7 8: Crossfire 2018 Crossfire Camp is an exciting event for young people aged 12+. We meet together each May to explore more about faith in Jesus Christ through small groups, teaching, worship and a whole range of fun activities. Join us in 2018 for a great weekend of fun, meeting new people and exploring the gospel. 9: The Secret Formula To Youth Ministry Do you want to develop your youth ministry? Do you sometimes feel as though nothing works? The North West Training Hub (Christian Children s and Youth Work) is putting on an evening on November 22 nd at the Nazarene Theological College in Didsbury to help answer your questions. A fun-packed and confidence building evening seminar including: The 1 big reason this really matters The 5 essential elements of an effective youth ministry The 1 thing that takes EVERYTHING to another level And there s a resources goody bag, too! Guest speakers are Matt Summerfield from Urban Saints and Rachel Gardner from Youthscape. It s only 5 and might just revitalise your work! Cheap at twice the price Booking is absolutely essential details on the picture below.

8 ~~j. THESECRET FORMULA 10 VOUTH MINISTRY MATT SUMMERFIELD _WITH_ RACHEL GARDNER URBAN SAINTS YOUTHSCAPE URBAN SAINTS IS THE OPERATING NAME OF THE CRUSADERS' UNION, A COMPANY limited BY GUARANTEE AND REGISTERED IN ENGLAND AND WALES!COMPANY NUMBER CHARITY NUMBER 22379BI ANO IN SCOTLAND!CHARITY NUMBER SC039313J

9 10: Death of Revd John Islwyn Evans We have been notified of the death of Revd John Islwyn Evans. Islwyn served at Bethel, Gorseinon Timperley Vicars Cross, Chester We remember Margaret and the wider family at this time. We shall issue more information about the funeral service, when available. Helen Stenson Moderator's PA & Office Manager The United Reformed Church Wales Synod 11: Archaeology Talk: Exhumation at Cross Street Chapel - 3rd November, pm

10 Safeguarding News Mersey/ North Western Synods November 2017 Issue 1 Safeguarding Training I am in the process of determining where the training needs are around the Synods, but in the meantime, it is my intention to initially deliver new and refresher safeguarding training to Ministers and Safeguarding Safeguarding Priorities: Coordinators. If you are a Minister or Safeguarding Coordinator and haven t had training in the last 3 years, please get in touch. For volunteers, working with or around children, please explore the Basic Awareness courses, delivered either face to face or online by the Local Safeguarding Children s Boards (LSCB) Creating safer environments within the church Ensure current policies & procedures in place Delivery of Safeguarding training Responding to incidents/ allegations effectively Safeguarding Sunday Safeguarding Sunday is a new campaign launched by the Churches Child Protection Advisory Service (CCPAS) giving you the opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of safeguarding in your church. Good safeguarding practice doesn t just happen and the United Reformed Church and its ecumenical partners are committed to making our places of worship safer for all. So whether you have three minutes or can dedicate your whole service, the link below gives you ideas, from prayers to preaching ideas to help you to get the safeguarding message across. Names in Minutes During a recent Safeguarding Reference Group meeting, concerns were expressed that names were being included in minutes of meetings when referring to pastoral issues and safeguarding concerns. Due to the sensitive nature of the topics, it was felt that names should not appear in minutes for pastoral and elder s meetings; likewise, with prayer chains, the name should only be published where consent has been obtained. The pack includes: Safeguarding Sunday prayer Statement of commitment The Safeguarding Hymn Prayer ideas Hymn and Worship Song list Sermon Notes ments/safeguardingsunday.p df Contact details: Julie Rafferty Safeguarding Advisor Safeguarding@nwsynod.org.uk Safeguarding@urcmerseysynod.org.uk

11 'l!iflfi CURIOSITY I ENCOUNTER I GIFT MANCHE~TER 1824 This is a free event but booking through Ev entbrite is essential: