We all like to think that our churches are friendly and welcoming!  But how is that expressed in our worship and preaching?  For some, inclusivity is a sop to political correctness; for others, it’s a Gospel imperative. ………….PreachersLKH.doc

Many churches face the difficulty of having only one or two teenagers in the church. This can lead to them feeling isolated and alone – no matter how much the church tries to involve them.

Sometimes, attending an event with other young people the same age as them can reinvigorate their faith, show them that they aren’t alone and help them to make friends with other young Christians outside of their local circle.

The My Face, Our Place, God’s Space event has been organised by the United Reformed Church to do just that – a weekend of fun, worship and activities helping younger teenagers to explore life, the world in which we live and the faith we share.

It’s being held at Crossways, Yardley Hastings URC (Castle Ashby Road, Yardley Hastings NN7 1EL) and costs just £50 for the whole weekend.

Application forms will be available at Synod in March but, in the meantime, if you would like further information, please contact Leo Roberts (CYDO)

On Sunday, 19th February, Edgworth Methodist Church is hosting an evening of  CANDLES + SONGS + STORIES

If you play an instrument; bring it along – you’ll be very welcome

If you enjoy singing; bring your voice along – you’ll be very welcome

If you just like to sit and listen to songs that can change the world; come along – you’ll be most welcome

There is a special guest band (BL3) and the evening is hosted by Dave Rowley’s Black Country
6.30pm – 8.OOpm

Bolton Rd, Turton, Bolton, BL7 0AH

ALL are WELCOME
Admission Free – Donations Appreciated

Wilmslow United Reformed Church on Chapel Lane has a regular congregation of around 150. It has been chosen for the Radio 4 Sunday worship slot on February 19 partly because this is a very special year for the whole of the United Reformed Church, which has over 90,000 members in England, Scotland and Wales.

It is 40 years since Congregational and Presbyterian churches in England and Wales united to form the new denomination. It is also 350 years since a parting of the ways in church life which leaves its mark today.  In 1662, when Anglican forms of worship including the Book of Common Prayer were re-established, some clergy felt unable to conform. Around 2000 independent-minded ministers left the parish churches and sowed the seeds from which many of the oldest Baptist, Congregational and Presbyterian churches were born.

Hymn singing and music are very important in the United Reformed Church and director of music Cliff Crewe is already rehearsing the congregation and church choir to sound their best on February 19.

Another reason why the Wilmslow congregation is being asked to showcase their tradition in this special year is that their minister, the Revd Dr Kirsty Thorpe, currently holds a national leadership role as Moderator of General Assembly.

She says: ‘It is a great honour for our congregation to be asked to broadcast worship in this way. In my sermon I will reflect on the church history which caused our forebears to part company with the Church of England and the positive ways in which different churches are working together now to serve their community.’

For more information please contact Kirsty Thorpe 01625 415281 or Cliff Crewe on 01625 527204

After debate these resolutions were withdrawn and it was agreed that a single resolution would go forward to the March meeting of Mission Council – and that resolution, or a version thereof, will go forward to Assembly.

The human sexuality task group are aware that March Synod meetings may be discussing issues of human sexuality and the civil partnership legislation in advance of both the Mission Council debate and the resultant resolution that will go forward to General Assembly in July, and, because of this, it is essential that all within the denomination are kept informed of the URC’s position on this important matter.

It is a rare opportunity for URC Church Secretaries to swap the hustle and bustle for a weekend of fellowship, learning and fun, plus fabulous food and accommodation.

We will look at the role, talk about working with ministers and as part of a team, think about what happens when the church is in vacancy, discuss how to share tasks with other church members, look at developing ‘best practice’  and have plenty of time to hear how other people work. We’ll also take a look at the wider URC and how our local churches fit into the ‘bigger picture’.

Come prepared to ‘network’ and take away much more than you’re expecting!

Facilitated by Lawrence Moore and Linda Rayner

Cost to NW Synod Secretaries is £90.00 (normal cost is £130.00)

Please book direct with The Windermere Centre 015394 44902                         

or download a booking form from www.windermere.urc.org.uk

Contact Linda Rayner for further information 01625 878 264                                                

A day to think about new ways of being church

With presenters from local churches and from the Fresh Expressions team, this vision day will provide a relaxed and informal opportunity for all Christians to think and talk about the future.  It is a great opportunity to:

• share your story
• think about what it is to be church
• ask questions
• find out about fresh expressions (have a look at www.freshexpressions.org.uk)
• discover resources
• build networks and relationships

25th February 10.00am – 4.00pm (coffee from 9.30am)

Bramhall URC – Robin’s Lane, Bramhall, SK7 2PE

Tickets £7.50 – contact Linda Rayner for information

Bring a packed lunch

There will be a bookstall

Nearly 6,000 people, lay and ordained, have so far taken part in vision days across the UK. Many have come away with a real desire to work with God and develop their dreams. It’s fun, interactive and most of all, will get us all thinking.

Organised by the Manchester Youth Officers’ Group the conference offers the opportunity for youth and children’s workers to develop new skills, refresh understanding and share in lively debate about issues facing youth and children’s work in our churches today.

The conference includes workshops on such issues as:

discipling and mentoring young people, Social networking, working with schools, organising residential work  and engaging with the Olympics.

Taking place at the Nazarene Theological College in Didsbury the training conference costs only £12 – which includes lunch if booked before Fabruary 29th

Full details, including application forms can be found at www.manyog.org.uk  or contact Leo Roberts.

Places are limited so booking is recommended (although some places are being held back to be made available on the day)

Publicity Postcard

please encourage anyone in your congregation, or youth/children leaders, with an interest in children/youth work to attend

This is for anybody who leads worship in our churches

Ed Strachan, Lay Preaching Commissioner, South Area.