Firstly, a reminder that our next Synod Meeting will take place on Saturday 11 October at St James’s URC, Alnwick.  We encourage all representatives to attend as we come together in prayer, discernment, and shared vision.  We look forward to seeing you there.

In our churches, there’s much to celebrate. Busy Bees Holiday Club in Billingham brought joy to many children during the summer, with stories, crafts, and laughter echoing through the church hall. At St Margaret’s in South Shields, volunteers offered a sweet welcome to runners and spectators at the Great North Run, handing out treats and encouragement just outside the church building—a small gesture with a big impact.

Exciting things are happening at Wooler, where the Labyrinth and Soul Cafe have officially opened. These new spaces offer opportunities for reflection, conversation, and spiritual exploration, welcoming all who enter with peace and hospitality.

Across the synod, recent services have reflected the depth and creativity of our congregations—from all-age gatherings to reflective communion, praise in music to quiet contemplation. We give thanks for all who lead and contribute to our worship life.

At St Cuthbert’s Centre on Holy Island, the long-anticipated mosaic is now complete. It’s a beautiful testament to collaboration and creativity, capturing the spirit of the community.

Meanwhile, Jesmond URC will be hosting a thoughtful programme of organ meditations and talks, drawing in people from across the area for moments of learning and stillness.  Jesmond also have details of up to four Singing Scholarships as part of their development plan for music.

We’re also celebrating the experiences of Ann Sinclair, a student with Scottish College who recently returned from a visit to Northern Italy.  It is a reminder of the global nature of our faith and the value of cultural exchange.

Finally, we’ve included in this issue a selection of conferences and online courses, which may be of interest to individuals and church groups.  We’ve also gathered news from further afield to keep us connected to the wider church and the world we serve.  This includes a vacancy for a part time Operations Manager for Churches Together in South Tyneside.

We are always looking for news of interest and events so, if you have any items that you would like to be included in the newsletter, please send them in to Wendy Watson or the newsletter email.  Please remember that if you are including photographs, you need to gain the permission of the people in them for it to be shared.

Finally, we would like to thank Sue Swanston for the selection of Autumnal photographs used in the header banner.  The next newsletter is due to be published on Friday 17 October.

Until next time …
Lisa and Wendy

A message from Revd David Grosch-Miller (Past Moderator of General Assembly)

I have recently taken over as Chair of the Congregational and General Charitable Trust, not to be confused with the Insurance Company that funds the Assembly Community awards.  I am concerned that most of our awards presently go to non-URC congregations, and we need to increase the number of applications from United Reformed and Congregational Federation churches.  You can find out more about the Trust by clicking here.  Please click here for details of how to apply for grants.

If you would like to consider becoming a Trustee, please click here.

With thanks for your time and consideration.

URC Leading your Church into Growth Conference 2025

Mon 24 Nov 2025 12:00 PM – Wed 26 Nov 2025 1:00 PM 
The Hayes Conference Centre, DE55 1AU

The final deadline for bookings is Monday 27 October.  The “Leading Your Church into Growth URC Conference” will take place at The Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick from 24 –  26 November.  A number of Northern Synod churches have attended previous conferences and have found the experience to be enjoyable and informative.

If you are interested in finding out more or booking a place, please get in touch with Lucy Cooke, Synod Clerk for Strategy and Development.

Keld Study Day – Thursday 25 September
submitted by Revd Ray Anglesea

A gentle and nourishing study day led by a former moderator, Revd Dave Herbert at Keld URC Resource Centre set within the beautiful Swaledale in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.  Thank you to Dave and Meg Thomson and the Northern Synod Team for arranging this special day.

Photograph used with permission

Scottish College trip to Italy
Photograph used with permission

Students (including Ann Sinclair from Northern Synod) and staff at the Scottish College marked the start of a new academic year by travelling to the Alpine Valleys of northern Italy, the heart of the Waldensian story.

The Waldensians, who celebrated their 850th anniversary in 2024, exist as part of the Union of Methodist and Waldensian Churches, a worldwide denomination known for its support of social action projects, including the refugee relief charity Mediterranean Hope.

You can read more about the trip by clicking here.

Conference on Indian Indentureship

submitted by Pat Poinen, Northern Synod Racial Justice Advocate.
Pat, pictured below with her ancestors, is a descendant of indentured labourers. (Trinidad and UK)

From Indentureship to Diaspora: Narratives of Migration and South Asian Identity.

A conference will be held at Northumbria University with an introduction at The Discovery Museum.  This conference is hosted by the Northumbria University and North East Museums partnership, as part of Black History Month. 

It explores a diverse range of research on the Indian diaspora. A key focus of the conference is on histories, genealogies, and legacies of Indian indentureship.

Click here for further details.  To book a ticket, click here.

Hymn Books

Due to a recent church closure, there are some hymn books available.  There are 69 copies of Rejoice and Sing and 19 copies of Junior Praise.  Please get in touch with the Synod office for further details.

Morning Prayers 

Everyone is invited to join the Northern Synod morning prayers.
Join at 9 am for 15-20 minutes, Monday to Friday, through Zoom.
To join the zoom meeting click here
Meeting ID: 959 7959 4334
Passcode: worship
 

Bi-monthly newsletter from CYW September 2025

Please click here to read the latest newsletter from the URC Children’s and Youth Work team.

Advent & Christmas resources

Please click here for Advent and Christmas resources.

URC Youth Assembly
27 February – 1 March 2026

Kings Park Conference Centre, Northampton, NN3 6LL is a great venue with twin rooms and good food!
A weekend full of worship, workshops, entertainment and time to breathe.
Youth decides: What matters to you? Dive into real talk, make change happen, and engage with the wider church.
£125 early bird until 7 Dec, £155 from 8 Dec until 25 Jan 2026
Bookings are now open: click here or email here.

Here’s a taste of Youth Assembly 2025– see the video here:

The Synod will organise travel and cover the cost of attending youth assembly – just email John Stephenson to express interest.

Training Opportunities

We are keen to support all who work with children, young people and families in our churches.  We want to facilitate you to access the events that are taking place and so we will be willing to cover the fees for attending any of the events below.

2025 – URC Children’s Workers Together Conference

URC Youth Leaders Gathering
Running the same weekend as URC Youth Assembly (27 February – 1 March 2026) at a separate venue 15 minutes drive away. John Is the host and leader of the weekend and we will travel together. Email John to register your interest.

National Youth Ministry Weekend 14-16 November 2025.
Click here for further details.

Hand in hand conference: the National Children & Families Conference 6-8 February 2026
We are planning to organize a group to attend this event with costs covered by the Synod.  Please get in touch to register your interest.  For further details click here.

Eco News

Please click here to read the October newsletter from the Northern Synod Green Apostle, Charles Jolly.

St Columba’s URC Billingham

Please click here to read what the Busy Bees club got up to during the summer holidays.

Photographs used with permission

Waddington Street URC, Durham
submitted by Revd Ray Anglesea

Durham Churches Together recently held a beautiful and meaningful service at Waddington Street URC to mark the Season of Creation (1st September – 4th October). 

The service featured prayers from around the world, giving voice to global environmental concerns and hopes for the future of our planet.

A special highlight was the singing of a brand new hymn (2025), composed by John Bell of the Iona Community, inspired by the writings of the late Pope Francis.

Following the service, a delicious tea was shared, offering time for fellowship and reflection.

St Margaret’s URC South Shields
article submitted by Penny Maccoy

Photograph used with permission

On 7 September 2025 members from St Margaret’s URC, South Shields, once again stood on Prince Edward Road holding out bowls of jelly babies for the thousands of runners heading up towards the 11 mile mark as they passed our church.  This year I had asked for help from Churches Together in South Tyneside for not only packets of jelly babies but for help on the day.

We finished up with 123 bags of jelly babies, 8 boxes and 2 jumbo size bags and some volunteers to help us. This enabled us all to stand for 3 hours giving out the jelly babies, and once again the runners were very grateful to us for providing this much needed boost to get over the last 2 miles.  The photo was taken around mid-day, just before the vast numbers started streaming past.  Our car park and entrance was taken over again by members of St John’s Ambulance, who used it for a tented area for those in need of assistance.  We were so glad to be of use and that we had the space available.  Roll on next year!”

Northgate URC, Darlington
article submitted by Pat Poinen, Northern Synod Racial Justice Advocate & Revd Nadene Snyman – Tees and Swale Pastorate.

Reclaiming our Visibility

On Thursday 11 September, 16 black women from Sunderland, Newcastle, Durham, London,  Middlesbrough, Stockton and Darlington met in a safe space to share their stories and thoughts on how we reclaim our visibility as black women in a divided society. 

The experience was positive, powerful and inspiring. I believe it is the start of a sisterhood and solidarity for something bigger and better. Watch this space !! 
The event was sponsored by the WRC , (Women’s Resource Centre) a national nonprofit feminist organisation. My thanks go to Vivian Hayes MBE & CEO, and my dear friend Dr Sue Robson for making this happen. 
This was the vision of the fabulous four, Ranjana Bell MBE, Dr Beverley Prevatt Goldstein, Padma Rao, Director & artist of Sangini and Pat Poinen, chair NEEA&CA. 

My personal thanks go to Northgate URC for allowing us to host the event in the church hall. Without your support and kindness this event would have struggled to get off the ground. Please see a small snapshot of the women who attended the event. 
Many thanks and blessings to you all. 

Photograph used with permission

Please click here to read the latest St Cuthbert’s Centre newsletter which includes an update about the finished community mosaic.

Photographs used with permission

On Saturday 20 September, Wooler United Reformed Church officially opened their new outdoor Labyrinth and prayer space.

Despite the rain, it was a very enjoyable event that was well supported by the local community of Wooler and beyond.  Food was provided by church and community members, including a super labyrinth cake.

Wooler URC would like to thank Northern Synod for their support with the generous funding towards the building of the Labyrinth.  They would also like to thank Moderator Rev Kim Money for opening the labyrinth, cutting the cake and for her beautiful prayer and blessing, which made the afternoon very special indeed.

Fliss Barker, Revd Kim Money and Woolie the Sheep

We would also like to thank the other organisations who made this project possible: Community Foundation Northeast, Westhill Endowment Ltd, Catherine Cookson Foundation.

A big thank you also to the super Labyrinth sub team and every member of Wooler URC, they came with the ideas, the creativity, the planning and the endless support which made it all possible.

We are looking forward to organising some labyrinth workshops, prayer events and school visits to the labyrinth very soon.

We are sure that it is a space that will be well used, both by the church and the local community as well as the visitors who walk St Cuthbert’s Way and those who visit Wooler on holiday. 
We have a new Facebook page – Wooler URC Outdoor Labyrinth, please do have a look and give us a follow.
Also, please contact CRCW Fliss Barker if you would like to arrange a visit and/or a guided tour/guided prayer session.

On Sunday 21 September, Wooler URC launched ‘Soul Cafe’ – a new cafe style worship form of Church.  Looking at the theme of ‘What is Church?’, people were asked to think about what it really means to be a church family?  How do we look after each other and encourage each other in the life of the church? 

It was a super time of reflection, conversation, laughter, food and lots of cake! 
We are so looking forward to the next one! 

Photographs used with permission

Morning Worship with Holy Communion, Jesmond URC, Newcastle upon Tyne.
14 September 2025

photograph used with permission

It was a beautiful surprise to find a harpist and pianist paired to accompany the hymn singing during a recent morning worship. They created such a rich, ethereal sound it felt like a little glimpse of heaven.

Moments like these when music, space, and spirit come together — really do have a way of lifting us beyond the ordinary.  Thank you.

photographs used with permission

Keld Chapel

  

Jesmond URC is planning to appoint up to four Singing Scholarships as part of their development plan for music.  Unlike most choral scholarships they would welcome interest from singers of any age, who love singing and have a gift for using their own enthusiasm to inspire others. They are looking for singers who understand the role of music as a means of enhancing spirituality within worship and who would relish the chance to foster this in others.  Please click here for further information.

How to apply
The first round of applications will close on 7 November 2025.

Interested in adding your voice to a church that celebrates music, community and faith? Then:
1. Download and complete the application form, (click here), and email it to the Secretary at Jesmond URC.  Please include a short audio/video recording if possible.

2. Audition & interview – we’ll schedule a relaxed session to hear you sing and discuss your vision for the role.

Churches Together South Tyneside

Churches Together South Tyneside is recruiting for a part time Operations Manager.

Closing date is 5pm on Wednesday 29th October 2025.

Bite-sized online Rural Mission Course – Methodist Church

Please see further details of a Methodist-run Rural Mission Course that will be available online in the New Year.
 
Bite-sized Rural Mission Course 
Six evenings online 
Monday 12 Jan 26, 7-9pm Session 1: Introductions; contexts, spotting God at work, listening & discerning, giving something a go.
Monday 26 Jan 26, 7-9pm Session 2: Agricultural community; connecting & supporting as mission.
Monday 9 Feb 26, 7-9pm Session 3: Rural margins; visible & unseen hardships.
Monday 23 Feb 26, 7-9pm Session 4: Intergenerational; rural mission with all ages, including schools ministry.
Monday 9 March 26, 7-9pm Session 5: Methodist Way Of Life; rural, rooted missional small group discipleship.
Monday 23 March 26, 7-9pm Session 6: Rural festival events & mission; joining in, co-creating, establishing new traditions.
Further details are available by clicking here.

There may be a small charge/donation; please contact Lucy Cooke, Synod Clerk/LDO for funding options.

Sight Loss Sunday

Sight Loss Sunday is an initiative by Torch Trust, an organisation dedicated to enabling blind and partially sighted people to encounter Jesus, grow in their faith and thrive in Christian community. Sight Loss Sunday is a great opportunity to celebrate those who are blind and partially sighted in our congregations and communities; and to equip the church to achieve it’s aim of welcoming all of God’s people. 
This year, Sight Loss Sunday will be taking place on Sunday 12 October 2025. Our theme is ‘Who does God call?’ We will be looking at vocation through the lens of Samuel and Eli and through the words Paul writes to the church in Corinth. It will be an opportunity to celebrate God’s gifts and calling on those with sight loss as part of God’s wider calling on His Church and His people; and to think about what God may be calling each of us to do.
You can find a suite of resources on the website by clicking here.

Would you like to get your church taking the next step in greening its finances? Or perhaps you’re thinking about what more you can do to align your own money with your values. If so, this year’s Good Money Week, 6 – 12 October 2025, has events for you.  

Along with Good Money Sunday on 12 October, the week is a great opportunity to reflect, learn and act to shape a better world – through our own financial choices and by speaking up for fairer, greener economy.  Click here to find out more.

Islamic Diversity Centre

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