Every sabbatical leave tells a story. For some, it is a quiet pause, a time to step back, breathe, and return refreshed. For others, it is a journey of learning and rediscovery. For Rev Dr George Kalu, his 2025 sabbatical a bit of both. Far more than the rest, it became a hands-on mission and […]
Southern Synod Big Day Out – 20th June 2026 at Shires Oast The day finally arrived with about 180 people in attendance; this was the first time such a day had been had in over 30 years, and in my opinion, it really was a day of fun, fellowship and food. The day started and […]
The United Reformed Church (URC) is delighted to announce that the Revd Paul Robinson has been nominated to serve as the next Moderator of the Southern Synod. The post has been vacant since the Revd Bridget Banks had to retire early in June 2025 on health grounds. The Southern Synod has around 140 URC […]
Synod Area Administrator for South London Synod Area Part time – 21 hours per week. £14.80 per hour (£15,162 pa). Southern Synod are looking for a administratively efficient and personable individual to support the Synod Area leader and the churches of the South London Synod Area, while maintaining a high level of confidentiality. The role […]
The Southern Synod Spring School 2026 took place at High Leigh Conference Centre on 11th-14th May. This was a wonderful and enriching gathering of more than 30 ministers and church leaders which provided a meaningful opportunity for learning, reflection, fellowship, and mutual encouragement. This year’s theme focused on “Binding Anxieties.”We were deeply inspired by the teaching […]
Southern Synod are delighted to inform you that our new Synod Clerk is the Revd Dr Elaine Colechin. Elaine comes to us with a wealth of experience having ministered in a number of United Reformed Churches, including her current church, Bromley URC and serving as Area Leader for South London Synod Area. Elaine said: “I […]
Ever feel like you just need to hit pause and take a breather from everything going on? Have you ever wondered what it might be like to step out of your usual routine and spend time focusing on prayer, community, and reflection? Will you be aged 18–25 in August 2026? Would you like to spend […]
The minutes for Synod Together held at Christ Church United Reformed Church, Petts Wood on 14th March 2026 are now available to download. Download: Synod Together Minutes 14th March 2026
Southern Synod’s Big Day Out! We are so excited to announce that tickets are LIVE for the Southern Synod Big Day Out. To buy your ticket please click the following link; https://www.tickettailor.com/…/urcsouthernsynod…/2030985 This will be a day full of fun, food and fellowship. Please share details with anyone at your local Church that you think […]
Reigate Park URC celebrates 50 years!! Over the weekend of the 22nd and 23rd November 2025 Reigate Park celebrated 50 years on their current site; the church having previously been located in Reigate High Street. On Saturday a social event with a “70’s” theme took place with a live band and a “70’s” menu which […]
Reigate Park’s Nativity Service! Reigate Park celebrated their Nativity Service on 14th December 2025, a joyful and very special occasion, shaped and led by their young people. Working alongside their leaders, they helped to write the service, bringing creativity, enthusiasm and a fresh perspective to the heart of worship. Reigate Park were delighted to include a […]
The Advent service at Gillingham URC on 21st December was a very special occasion. During the service three of the Youth Fellowship – Paa Abrokwa, Tamika Mtika and Malumbo Mtika – were received into Church Membership. A great joy for them and their families and the whole church family. (Article by Ms Pam Tolhurst, Elder […]
Thamesmead Confirmation On Sunday 7th December, 21 young people and adults were confirmed into St Paul’s Church in Thamesmead. The church is an LEP with the Anglicans, Methodists and URC. The service took place at William Temple Church in Abbey Wood and was led jointly by Rt Revd Alastair Cutting (The Bishop of Woolwich), the […]
FaithTalk webinar – Preparing for Easter Join us on Wednesday 28 January 2026 from 7-8pm. We will gather to chat about ways we can engage those around us in the Easter story, and its power to transform lives. Do join us for the conversation, ready to share ideas and resources that you have used. Please […]
Christmas Gathering at Bexleyheath, Geddes Place URC “Christmas Gathering Lunch Brings Community Together Over Shared Meal and Shared Values” In a celebration of unity and understanding, people of all faiths and backgrounds will attend the Christmas Gathering Lunch, taking place on 21st December 12:30 at Geddes Place United Reformed Church, Geddes Place, Bexleyheath DA6 7DJ. […]
SAVE THE DATE! Synod Day Out – 20th June 2026 from 10am to 4pm. This will be a day of fun, food and fellowship at Shires Oast at The Hop Farm, TN12 6PY If you would like to help, please contact Ruth on [email protected].
On Saturday 18th October, ministers and representatives from around the Synod gathered at Reigate Park URC, to pray, worship and make important decisions about the future of Southern Synod. Attendees were warmly welcomed into the Church with an inspiring service led by Revd’s Siobhan Antoniou and Sue Knight. They also heard about updates from the […]
Trinity Church Sutton’s Advent Lecture! Trinity Church Sutton would like to invite you to their Advent Lecture titled ‘Thomas More, William Tyndale and the struggle for the soul of England’, which will be given by the Revd Dr Jonathan Dean, the Chair of the London Methodist District. Jonathan will be exploring the difficult relationship between […]
The URC Waldensian Fellowship On-Line Thursday 13th November at 7.30 pm Two Visits to Waldensian Churches and Projects this Autumn During the past few weeks, two groups from the United Reformed Church have travelled to Italy to learn something of the Waldensian Church, its history and current life and witness. The first group, made up […]
Papers for the Synod Together meeting being held at Reigate Park URC are now available to download from the documents library. Synod Together is being held from 10:30-3pm on Saturday 18th October 2024 at Reigate Park URC. Please send any apologies to Lauren asap.
LAY WORKER (PART TIME – 20 HOURS PER WEEK) Are you someone who has experience in developing and running effective outreach mission initiatives with children and young families, youth, schools, care homes, older people and refugees? Have you experience in leading volunteers? Do you have excellent safeguarding knowledge and practice? Then this might be the […]
FREE ONLINE TRAINING OPPORTUNITY Inclusive Practice: pastorally supporting LGBTQ+ young people Southern Synod have organised a training session exploring ways to pastorally support LGBTQ+ young people. This free 90-minute session will be facilitated by guest speaker Matthew Willmott from FYT (Frontier Youth Trust) The session will take place online via zoom. Please share this opportunity […]
Celebrating the Ordination and Induction of Revd Maurice Omorojie We were delighted to hold the Ordination and Induction of Maurice at St Andrew’s Cheam on Saturday the 20th September. Maurice finished his studies at Northern College this summer after a four year course. In January this year Maurice accepted the call from St Andrews to […]
Surrey and Sussex Retired Minister’s Lunch! The retired Ministers’ lunch was a great success and enjoyed by the 16 guests (including wives and widows) and members of the Pastoral Committee who attended. Hearty thanks were extended to Revd Helen Higgin-Botham for organising the event and to all at Christ Church Chichester for being great […]
We have great pleasure in announcing the appointment of the Synod’s new Safeguarding Officer, Natalie Van Camp. Safeguarding has been a growing and developing ministry for all churches, organisations and companies. We are grateful for the memorandum of understanding with Thames North Synod that provided Safeguarding support for Southern Synod by their own Safeguarding Officer, […]
Our theme at Dorking URC since Easter has been Caring for Creation. So, what has been going on? Here is a snapshot: War has to be just about as far away from caring for creation as you can get and our Sow to Grow garden group took the opportunity presented by the VE Day 80th […]
Junior Church Visit to Peace Doves Installation During the summer holidays, children from Reigate Park Church’s Junior Church visited Peace Doves at Southwark Cathedral—an extraordinary installation by sculptor Peter Walker featuring thousands of paper doves carrying messages of peace, hope and love. Having created their own peace doves in church earlier this year, the children […]
Having completed 2 years of training at Westminster College Cambridge I was Ordained and Inducted as a Non Stipendiary Minister on the 6th September at Reigate Park Church by Revd Russell Furley-Smith. Russell led the service beautifully with a little humour – in the right places! – which made not just me but the whole […]
Canterbury and Rochester Diocese are hosting a joint conference to celebrate and share their commitment to creation care, and would love for you to join. We are delighted to be welcomed by St Luke’s, Maidstone who will showcase the amazing journey they have taken to decarbonise their church. The programme will feature: – Talk from […]
September Newsletter News from the Training and Development Officer It has been a very busy July and August. I attended my first General Assembly with many others from the Synod and learned so much! See the photo! I attended the annual residential for the TDO+ Network in London. See photo. I travelled to Memphis Tennessee […]
Staplehurst’s 200th Anniversary Celebrations! On the 16th August, Staplehurst URC celebrated the 200th Anniversary of worshipping at their current site. The occasion was celebrated by 48 visitors from the local community who heard a fascinating talk about the history of Staplehurst URC. Some highlights from the talk included hearing how Revd John Wesley preached there […]
Hello and welcome to the first Green Apostle Newsletter since I took over the role earlier this year, and the 9th in all. My name’s Ian Moore, and my role is to support and encourage everyone across Southern Synod in taking care of God’s creation. And there are hundreds of you out there, doing fantastic […]
St John’s Marsh Green URC celebrate Children & Youth Friendly Church recognition. Congratulations to St John’s, Marsh Green URC, Edenbridge! We’re delighted to celebrate St John’s Marsh Green Church receiving Children & Youth Friendly Church Scheme recognition. This recognises their fantastic work in creating a welcoming, inclusive space where children and young people feel valued […]
The High Sheriff of Kent, Jonathan Neame, visited The Hope Street Centre in Sheerness recently, together with his wife Lucie. The Centre is a project of the United URC-Methodist Church in Sheerness. Abby Dewberry, the Centre Manager, and Trustees from the church were delighted to share news about the work of the Centre and introduce […]
Southern Synod hosted a joint Youth Residential with Thames North Synod. It was a great event and was enjoyed by all. A testimony from Isaac, one of Southern Synod’s attendees can be found below; I really did like this year’s Youth Residential. This is because of the water activities. We did canoeing as a team […]
Congratulations to Dan Powell – Lundie Award Recipient! Dan, a talented 19-year-old organist, has received the Lundie Memorial Award for his outstanding contribution to church music. He was nominated by Pam Tolhurst from Gillingham URC. Dan was presented with the award during a special event and organ recital, where he showcased his amazing talent. Well […]
Join Us This August for Our Youth Get-Togethers! Two free events in London this August for young people aged 11–25 – come for the bowling, buffet and brilliant company! This summer, young people from across URC Southern & Thames North Synods are invited to two exciting events in […]
My name is Tawonga Mtika I’m 22 years old and I live in Rochester in the Southeast of England and I am honoured to introduce myself as the new Youth Representative for the Southern Synod of the United Reformed Church. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to serve in this role and to be […]
Congratulations to Union Church Margate who have been given a 2025 Community Project Award for their Food for Thought project. Food for Thought celebrates Margate’s richly diverse community by hosting a dynamic programme of speakers at Union Church. The monthly, family-friendly gathering offers a free breakfast and hot drink. It features thoughts and insights on […]
JOB OPPORTUNITY: An Exciting Opportunity to develop a new role as a Church Community Development Worker at Emmanuel West Wickham. Hours: 28 hours per week: Flexible working Salary: £30,400 – £32,000pa (£38,000 – £40,000 Full Time equivalent) Location: West Wickham, Bromley, Kent – Emmanuel is seeking a person who is self-motivated and passionate about developing […]
It is with sadness that we write to tell you that our Moderator, the Rev’d Bridget Banks, has had to take early retirement on health grounds, from 30th June. She is deeply saddened to have to end her formal ministry this way, but she has come to the conclusion it is the right thing for her […]
Minister’s Spring School 2025! The annual Spring School was a wonderful gathering of 35 ministers from around the Synod. A few rose early for aerobics and running led by Lesley Charlton, and many stayed up late into the evening for meaningful conversation and healing laughter. Our chaplain, Sue Chapman, led us in creative morning prayer […]
Volunteer Opportunity: Join the Congregational Fund Board as a Trustee! At the heart of the Congregational Fund Board lies a strong commitment to supporting ministers and students in times of financial need. This small yet impactful charity, with an annual income of approximately £20,000, offers vital assistance to aged and/or infirm ministers, ministers in training, […]
Moderator’s Quiet Day at Crowhurst On a warm sunny day in March several Ministers and Local Church Leaders gathered at Crowhurst Healing Centre for what was truly a gift of a day. We were blessed with time and space to be with God, to receive teaching, to enjoy beautiful grounds to walk in, to have […]
On Saturday 15th March we celebrated the induction of the Revd. Sohail Ejaz as minister of word and sacrament at St John’s, Orpington. Revd Russell Furley-Smith convenor of Synod Council and acting for the Moderator presided at the service. The church was full with members and friends – some who had travelled a long way to […]
Members from all around Southern Synod gathered at East Croydon URC on Saturday 8th March, for another successful Synod Together meeting. This was a great opportunity for people to catch up, worship and also get some important business passed. The meeting began with an inspiring worship from Revd Memona Shahbaz centred on the theme […]
Eco-Synod Award Southern Synod has now achieved Bronze Eco Synod status in the Eco Church awards programme. This news was announced at Synod Together where Ian Moore, the new Green Apostle for Southern Synod, presented the certificate to Revd Russell Furley-Smith. The Eco Synod programme brings together the work of local churches in the […]
Southern Synod are once again hosting a joint Youth Get Together with Thames North Synod. This will be taking place, THIS SUNDAY (6th April). This is going to be fun filled afternoon with 10-pin bowling, karaoke and pizza. Make sure you do not miss out on your place by booking with Tom ([email protected]) by this […]
Training sessions are being offered locally for all elders in Southern Synod, focusing on the crucial role of spiritual leadership. The sessions provide bible-based guidance and practical support particularly for churches without a stipendiary Minister in post. The URC principle of Every Member Ministry supports this programme which aims to encourage and empower elders to […]
On Sunday December 1st 2024, 37 young people and adults were confirmed at St Paul’s Church in Thamesmead. The church is an LEP with the Anglicans, Methodists and URC. Revd Bridget Banks, Moderator for Southern Synod preached to encourage the young people on their walk of faith. Revd Bridget Banks (Southern Synod Moderator), Revd Jonathon […]
Papers for the Synod Together meeting being held at St Andrew’s URC, Canterbury are now available to download from the documents library. Synod Together is being held at 10:30-3pm on Saturday 19th October 2024 at St Andrew’s URC, Canterbury. Please send any apologies to Lauren asap.
URC Safeguarding are hosting an interesting webinar on Wednesday 27th November from 1:00-3:00 pm. To register please click the following link; https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/null/t-qjpngzd
KNOW AND GROW – Makaton course for churches As part of their drive to help churches become increasingly accessible and welcoming to all, URC Training is delighted to offer subsidised access to the new KNOW AND GROW training, a Makaton course which focuses specifically on the signs you might use in worship and church-based groups. […]
There is a Lay Preachers Day taking place at Oxted URC (RH8 OAA) on Saturday 16th November at 10 am. Our guest is Spinnaker who will help us to gain an insight into how to work with our young people. We will be joined by our CYDO. Please email [email protected] to book your place. Everyone […]
The Dunamis Project are running their annual conference ‘In the Spirits Power’ from the 6th-10th November at St Andrew’s URC, Canterbury. This is a fascinating four day conference exploring how Christians today can know the presence and power of the Holy Spirit for themselves, through understanding a variety of spiritual gifts, learning to cooperate with the […]
Congratulations to both Reigate Park and Kingston URC, who have received the Children and Youth Friendly Church Scheme award. The Children and Youth Friendly Church is a programme of the United Reformed Church which recognises and encourages excellence in churches welcoming children, young people and families. Churches are supported by an accompanier and receive a […]
Tawonga and Malumbo Mtika have received the Lundie Memorial Award for operating the sound system each week at church and the live streaming of our services. They have chosen the charity Holding On Letting Go to benefit from the £100 Award. They wrote to the charity explaining the background to the Award and not only […]
The Election’s over… What now? Could your congregation: Send your new or returning MP a card? Commit to praying regularly for your MP? Invite your MP to participate in a Sunday service? Develop ways to engage with your MP better? Now is a great time to develop a meaningful relationship with your local […]
The United Reformed Church History Society are running their annual conference again this year, with the interesting theme of ‘The Church on the Margins: learning from the past to shape the future.’ It is taking place between 16-18th September, at Durham University. It is £275 for full board in a single room, or £250pp sharing […]
The Southern Synod are hosting a safeguarding training event on the 14th June at St Andrews URC Canterbury Watling Street, CT1 2UA. There will be two courses run throughout the day; a foundation module (10am) an intermediate module (1pm). For more information, or to book please contact [email protected]
The Gathering, May 2024 30 Synod ministers (MoWS, CRCW, LCL) plus the Synod TDO, Rev Andy Twilley, gathered again at High Leigh Conference Centre to enjoy four days of fellowship, rest, and reflection on the insights and challenges presented by the event speaker, Rev Nick Cuthbert, founder of The Riverside Church in Birmingham, who led […]
A Silent Meditation Walk, URC Children’s Workers Together Conference and so much more… Find out more in the latest version of Mission and Vision, which can be downloaded here. Mission and Vision 166 Previous issues can be found in the Mission and Vision Archive
Bookings opened for our Children’s Workers Conference on 1 May. A mix of retreat, networking, worship, and training with chance to explore resources from various providers, it should be a revitalising and enriching event – and fun too! We would love to see you there! The conference is being held at Ripon College, Cuddesdon near […]
Are you interested in an ecumenical, multifaith peace walk in London on Sunday 23rd June? Why not join the Plum Village UK & Quakers in Britain in their exciting Multi-Faith event of a Silent Meditation Walk. They are walking to honor the lives lost in war in the hope that peace and reconciliation will result. […]
The United Reformed Church History Society Conference, London Churches Refugee Fund Annual Speaker’s Conference and Christian Aid Week… Find out more in the latest version of Mission and Vision, which can be downloaded here. Mission and Vision 165 Previous issues can be found in the Mission and Vision Archive
The United Reformed Church History Society Conference, London Churches Refugee Fund Annual Speaker’s Conference and some exciting upcoming events at the Faraday Institute… Find out more in the latest version of Mission and Vision, which can be downloaded here. Mission and Vision 164 Previous issues can be found in the Mission and Vision Archive
What is the Let’s End Poverty movement? Let’s End Poverty is a diverse, growing movement of people who are united behind a vision of the UK where poverty can’t keep anyone down. Supported by over 50 churches, charities, trade unions and community groups and made up of over 630 movement […]
The Faraday Institute is running an exciting Summer course this year with the theme ‘The Art and Science of Human Health and Spirituality.’ Science touches every aspect of life – from how it begins and how it ends, to how it is lived in between. The same, of course, is true of religion. Looking the […]
The Free to Believe National Conference is taking place once again in September this year! They have some absolutely outstanding people leading the conference… so you should look forward to a few inspiring and informative days. Please find an Information Sheet as well as the Booking Form below. Free to Believe Conference 2024 Information […]
‘Inclusive and expansive language’ workshop on 16 April 2024 Following on from the Resilience training sessions earlier this year, Children’s and Youth Work and Education and Learning are offering another session: ‘Inclusive and expansive language’, led by the Revd Dr. Alex Clare-Young 16 April 2024, 7.15 pm – 8.45 pm on Zoom Alex […]
URC Children’s Workers Together – THE CONFERENCE: exploring how we work with children together In response to popular demand, URC Children’s and Youth Work are holding our first ever Children’s Worker Conference from 1-3 November 2024 at Ripon College, Cuddeston, Oxford OX44 9EX. If you are actively engaged in children’s ministry within the URC, whether […]
There is a joint Youth Residential between Thames North and Southern Synod from Thursday 30th May – Sunday 2nd June 2024! To register for this exciting opportunity follow this link; http://www.bit.ly/residential-2024
A Lay Preacher’s Training Day, an exciting book launch, a Faith Talk Webinar and so much more! Download the latest version of Mission and Vision Here. Mission and Vision 163 Previous issues can be found in the Mission and Vision Archive As Andy Twilley moves into his new Role as South Eastern Reginal Minister for […]
Training for Elders, Gateways to Empowered Ministry, United Reformed Church Buildings Forum Seminar and an exciting book launch. Download the latest issue of Mission and Vision here Mission and Vision 162 Previous issues can be found in the Mission and Vision Archive
The United Reformed Church Buildings Forum Webinar ‘Living stones for a living church: buildings for the ministry of Mission’ Part 1 21st May 2024 – 7:30pm Part 2 4th June 2024 – 7:30pm This is an open invitation to attend the URC Church Buildings Forum webinar on Zoom on 21 […]
Over the years we have had people come and join the staff team in Southern Synod and we have also said ‘goodbye,’ either through retirement or people moving to pastures new. After 7 years plus, Revd Andy Twilley feels it is right to be moving on and seek new pastures and a new challenge with […]
Elders Training, Presiding at a funeral, LMMR training and Gateways to Empowered Ministry plus the URC History Society Conference. Download the latest issue of Mission and Vision here Mission and Vision 161 Previous issues can be found in the Mission and Vision Archive
VC Training, Presiding at a funeral, LMMR training and Gateways to Empowered Ministry plus guidance on hosting a husting and the URC History Society Conference. Download the latest issue of Mission and Vision here Mission and Vision 160 Previous issues can be found in the Mission and Vision Archive
Children’s participation, Small group leading, LMMR facilitators. Youth online MHFA, Elders training and lots more. Download the latest issue of Mission and Vision here Mission and Vision 159 Previous issues can be found in the Mission and Vision Archive
Small group leading, celebrating KESSA, ministry enquirers’ event, sacraments courses, Sanderstead music and news from Brightelm. Always lots going on in the Synod Area! Download the latest issue of Mission and Vision here Mission and Vision 158 Previous issues can be found in the Mission and Vision Archive
Worship Leaders course, new online safeguarding training dates, ministry enquirers’ event, sacraments course Always lots going on in the Synod Area! Download the latest issue of Mission and Vision here Mission and Vision 157 Previous issues can be found in the Mission and Vision Archive
Happy Christmas! VC training (3 Jan), Youth support including resilience training, Elders and lay preachers presiding at a funeral. Always lots going on in the Synod Area! Download the latest issue of Mission and Vision here: Mission and Vision 156 Previous issues can be found in the Mission and Vision Archive.
Lay preachers training, Youth Assembly, Ekklesia 2024 conference, Training (on 3rd Jan) for new Visionary Companions. If you are thinking about serving churches in this new role please contact Andy to find out more. Always lots going on in the Synod Area! Download the latest issue of Mission and Vision here: Mission and Vision 155 […]
Intro to Vocation and Call, Sacraments Course and preparing for Ministry. Plus plenty of other courses and opportunities -why not find out more! Download the latest issue of Mission and Vision here: Mission and Vision 154 Previous issues can be found in the Mission and Vision Archive.
Lego church – youth leaders gathering – Prayer and the Holy Spirit – Stepwise. So many courses and opportunities -why not make that call and find out more! Download the latest issue of Mission and Vision here: Mission and Vision 153 Previous issues can be found in the Mission and Vision Archive.
Explore your call – Training on Pastoral care, Faith talk and Sacraments course and practical short courses in Glasgow Download the latest issue of Mission and Vision here: Mission and Vision 152 Previous issues can be found in the Mission and Vision Archive.
Explore your call, Faure’s requiem for Remembrance, Pastoral care Training, new YMHFA dates, Youth leaders gathering, New Local Worship Leaders course and much more! Download the latest issue of Mission and Vision here: Mission and Vision 151 Previous issues can be found in the Mission and Vision Archive.
Whole Life preaching day, Pastoral Care Training, A Celebration of Black and Womanist Theologians, Rural Ministry, Youth worker role, Youth Assembly 2024, StepWise, Goodly Training and much more! Download the latest issue of Mission and Vision here: Mission and Vision 150 Previous issues can be found in the Mission and Vision Archive.
