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 (cydo@urcsouthern.org.uk) 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 deirdreharrison@btinternet.com 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 safeguarding@urcsouthern.org.uk
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.
A Celebration of Black and Womanist Theologians, Angels in Art, Funding and much more! Download the latest issue of Mission and Vision here: Mission and Vision 149 Previous issues can be found in the Mission and Vision Archive.
Local Churches working towards Net Zero, Whole Life Preaching, Mental Health First Aid Refresher Course, Church in Focus: Children’s and Youth Development Officer and much more! Download the latest issue of Mission and Vision here: Mission and Vision 148 Previous issues can be found in the Mission and Vision Archive.
Local Worship Leader Course, Stepwise, Godly Play Training, Church in Focus: Training and Development and much more! Download the latest issue of Mission and Vision here: Mission and Vision 147 Previous issues can be found in the Mission and Vision Archive.
All welcome to the safeguarding symposium where we will launch Good Practice 6 – URC safeguarding guidance. It’s a Zoom conference but numbers are limited so please register as soon as possible through Eventbrite here
Rural Ministry Course, Whole Life Preaching, Church Leadership Programme, Church in Focus: You! and much more! Download the latest issue of Mission and Vision here: Mission and Vision 146 Previous issues can be found in the Mission and Vision Archive.
Theology and Discipleship Sessions, Training in Pastoral Care, Ignite Holy Spirit Event, Church in Focus: East Team of the Central Sussex United Area, and much more! Download the latest issue of Mission and Vision here: Mission and Vision 145 Previous issues can be found in the Mission and Vision Archive.
Southern Synod are delighted to inform you that our new Synod Clerk is the Revd Martin Hayward. Martin comes to us with a wealth of experience and understanding of the structures and ethos of United Reformed Church. Martin said: ‘I feel immensely honoured to be called to the ministry as Synod Clerk. I have enjoyed […]
Synod Prayer Days, Training in Pastoral Care, Explore Your Call Symposium, Church in Focus: the Surrey & Sussex Synod Area, and much more! Download the latest issue of Mission and Vision here: Mission and Vision 144 Previous issues can be found in the Mission and Vision Archive.
Resilience for Churches, Urban Theology Union: Theology & Discipleship for Mission, Presiding at a Funeral training, Church in Focus: the South London Grouping, and much more! Download the latest issue of Mission and Vision here: Mission and Vision 143 Previous issues can be found in the Mission and Vision Archive.
Synod Clerk Vacancy, Faith Filled Identities, Training for Visionary Companions, Church in Focus: WKESSA Pastoral Convenor , and much more! Download the latest issue of Mission and Vision here: Mission and Vision 142 Previous issues can be found in the Mission and Vision Archive.
Tolworth’s 90th Anniversary, I Am Mark at Christ Church Sevenoaks, Talking About… Team Members, Church in Focus: Polegate Free Church, and much more! Download the latest issue of Mission and Vision here: Mission and Vision 141 Previous issues can be found in the Mission and Vision Archive.
Youth Residential, URC Buildings Forum Webinar, Southern Synod Youth Representative, Church in Focus: The Vale URC Broadstairs and Hardres Street United Church Ramsgate, and much more! Download the latest issue of Mission and Vision here: Mission and Vision 140 Previous issues can be found in the Mission and Vision Archive.
Lay Preaching Course 2024, talking about Eco Church, LGTBQ+ inclusive practice, Church in Focus: Brockley and New Cross CRCW Project, and much more! Download the latest issue of Mission and Vision here: Mission and Vision 139 Previous issues can be found in the Mission and Vision Archive.
