Welcome to the newest issue of the Northern Synod e-newsletter

I find myself beginning with an apology for technical problems for a second edition in a row as some of you had issues viewing the newsletter last time. I will be honest and confess that I have no indication of what caused the issue but hope it will not happen again. Should you have problems viewing the newsletter in future then you can either go to the section of the synod website for news or click where it says ‘View this email in your browser’ at the top of the newsletter. As ever you are welcome to contact us with any issues though.

This edition of the newsletter includes a piece from Charles Jolly, Synod Green Apostle, on the upcoming Season of Creation and how churches can get involved. We are also fortunate to be able to bring you news of a range of events that have been taking place in our churches from a pilgrimage to Holy Island to an eco fair in Jesmond. Further on you can find information about several activities which are happening in the coming months which you may wish to get involved with.

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 Andrew Cooke or Wendy Watson. Please remember that if you are including photographs, you need to gain the permission of the people in them for it to be shared.

We hope you enjoy this edition. Due to staff holidays,the next e-newsletter is due to be published on Friday 17July 2026. 
Until next time …
Andrew and Wendy

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
 

Northern Synod Eco News
From Charles Jolly, Synod Green Apostle 

We hope that all churches will take part in celebrating the Season of Creation, which runs from September 1st (World Day of Prayer for the care of Creation) to October 4th (St Francis Day). September 1st will arrive very quickly as things get going after the Summer holidays, so now is the time to start planning! You might like to visit the ecumenical website where you will find lots of inspiring ideas. There’s a wealth of material for 2026 and from previous years on-line. More is being added. Especially worth a look are the refreshing & original resources by Revd David Coleman, Green Apostle for the Synod of Scotland, which will be available soon on the Eco Congregation Scotland website. For more information email [email protected]

Peter Sagar, writer and member of the Synod Environmental / Ecological Group, has reveiwed ‘Here Comes the Sun’ by the renowned climate change expert and campaigner, Bill McKibben. Those of us whose memories go back to 1969 must remember the song: ‘Here Comes the Sun – it’s alright’ by the legendary George Harrison. And yes, it can indeed be ‘alright’ if we seize the opportunity presented by the amazing development of cheap PV panels and other solar technology over the past few years. Not only for us, but for poor people in hot countries, where there is no shortage of sunshine. Bill McKibben makes it clear, however, that we must stand up resolutely to the vested interests of the fossil fuel industry. To read the review (and hopefully then buy or borrow the book) follow this link.

Robert Stewart Memorial Church, Newcastle – Celebrating Sir David Attenborough
From Revd Ray Anglesea 

At Robert Stewart Memorial URC Church, Newcastle, Sunday morning worship explored the ‘Wonder’ of God as we celebrated the life and legacy of the centenarian Sir David Attenborough. 
        
Reflecting on Psalm 8, we sang familiar hymns and listened to choral anthems performed by the King’s and Cambridge Singers. Gerard Manley Hopkins’ poem Pied Beauty was also read, reminding us of the richness and diversity of God’s creation. 

The service invited us to marvel at the natural world and to give thanks for the beauty, complexity, and interconnectedness of life, themes that have been central to Sir David Attenborough’s lifelong work.

Waddington Street – Holy Island Pilgrimage

Members and friends of Waddington Street URC, Durham recently joined Durham Churches Together for a pilgrimage to Holy Island and a day of friendship, reflection and learning. Click here to find out more about what they got up to.

Friends of St Cuthbert’s, Holy Island

St Cuthbert’s Centre are relaunching their Friends Scheme after a gap of several years.  For more information click here.  The Management Group will still send out newsletters and updates as they have been doing but the new Friends Scheme has additional benefits for Friends and the work of the Centre.

Jesmond URC – Eco Fair 

5 June was World Environment Day. It was therefore highly appropriate that Jesmond United Reformed Church held a lively and innovative ecofair the very next day. The fair itself was clearly a great success and Xenia , the main organiser, was very happy with the turnout on what was a cloudy, cold June day.

There were a number of great stalls showing the tremendous work that is done in Newcastle by grassroots environmental groups. Click here to find out more about the day.

Newcastle upon Tyne Peace Walk

Hundreds of people from across Newcastle and the wider Northeast gathered on Tuesday evening for the Peace Walk 2026, a community event organised by the North of England Refugee Service (NERS) to promote peace, unity and solidarity across faiths, cultures and backgrounds. Click here to find out more.

St Cuthbert’s Centre – June Artist in Residence

The St Cuthbert’s Centre on Holy Island is hosting textile designer Joan Murray as their artist in residence from Sunday 28 June to Friday 3 July. Joan will be leading a workshop on machine knitting on Monday 29 June. Click here to find out more. Visitors are also reminded to check the safe crossing times for the island. You can find them here.

Godly Play Training

East Midlands Synod are hosting URC Godly Play Core Training at their office between 16-18 October 2026. You can click here to find out more information and book your place.

Luther King Theological College
Click here to read the latest newsletter from Luther King Theological College.

URC Jobs and Volunteering

Click here to find out about the latest job vacancies and volunteering opportunities within the URC. 

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