News from Bury URC

At the service on Sunday 1st March 2026, we welcomed two new members into our congregation – Sam Shum and Mon Tsang.  The married couple came to the UK from Hong Kong.  They both started worshipping with us about 18 months ago.

Rev’d Dan Harris has been at the forefront in welcoming the couple into the church at Bury and it was their request that he would lead the service where they became members.

Rev’d Dan spoke of the vine and its branches along with trees in the forest that symbolises the growth of faith through its roots, the branches, the canopy and the sap within the tree.  A thoughtful and provoking service.

Sam and Mon brought almond biscuits specially made in Hong Kong and a tin of sweets to share with our tea and coffee after the service.

During the Alpha course held at Bury URC, Sam and Mon brought several of their Hong Kong friends to join us.  They formed one of the three groups for discussion often talking in Cantonese as some of their friends didn’t speak English.

After the course ended it was good that Sam and Mon set up a bible study at church purely so they could continue meeting with their Hong Kong friends and they could continue to converse in their own language.

Sam and Mon have regularly brought their barista coffee machine to the monthly café and made speciality coffees for customers to purchase.

Mon has very kindly designed a banner advertising the monthly café which is also includes details written in Cantonese.  They also designed and made us Fai Chun (New Year scroll) for us.  Sam also helps serving tea and coffee after church. 

Sam is a pastor serving at the New York Theology Education Centre and Chinese Online School of Theology now, and has served in Manchester Chinese Christian Church and Saddleback Church in Manchester.  So, he often preaches in different Chinese Christian Church in the UK

With Rev Dan’s help he will soon start to lead worship at Bury, at Dundee URC and Radcliffe and Stand URC. 

Considering they didn’t stay after worship at the beginning as they felt their English wasn’t good enough.  They now enjoy mixing and conversing with ease. 

It is a pleasure to have Sam and Mon worshipping with us.  They bring nothing but warmth and  happiness with them.

Pam Rowley - Bury URC