JUNE 2018 DigestMonthly news from the United Reformed Church Email: digest@urc.org.uk INSPIRATIONAL MINISTERS’ GATHERING More than 340 United Reformed Church ministers and church related community workers attended the denomination’s first-ever Ministers Gathering event in Staffordshire from 30 April to 3 May. Delegates attended from all 13 URC synods and spent four days being inspired and challenged. Themed ‘Walking the Way: Living the life of Jesus today’, the gathering’s programme included talks from the Revd Dr Rowan Williams – the former Archbishop of Canterbury and current Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge – and the Revd Dr Peggy Kabonde – General Secretary of the United Church of Zambia. Workshops explored a range of topics including the changing nature of ministry, prayer and discipling children. A creative space was available throughout the four days, allowing delegates to artistically respond to the programme’s content. Francis Brienen, Deputy General Secretary (Mission) said: ‘I am delighted that so many people responded and attended.’ Ms Brienen added: ‘I hope people feel re-energised in equipping people for discipleship and that, through the Ministers’ Gathering, they have rediscovered their joy in doing that.’ Hilary Smith, Minister of Parkgate and Neston URC, in Wirral, said that the event had taught her ‘how different the URC is.’ Sohail Ejaz, Minister of The Cornerstone URC, in Southend-on-Sea, added: ‘I didn’t come with high expectations but it was good to come together, hear of others’ stories and the direction we’re heading.’ Films of the keynote speeches given by Dr Williams and Dr Kabonde are available online at bit.ly/urcvids. For a fuller report, visit bit.ly/urcmgreport. Introducing Stepwise: new film launched A nine-minute video about Stepwise, the United Reformed Church’s intergenerational discipleship programme, is available to view online from bit.ly/stepwvid. The Stepwise programme is for people of all ages and backgrounds, and is an integral part of ‘Walking the Way: Living the life of Jesus today’, the URC’s focus on whole-life discipleship and mission. Fiona Thomas, the URC’s Secretary for Education and Learning, said: ‘Stepwise aims to deepen discipleship and encourage Christian confidence in today’s world, taking seriously the many and varied settings in which believers find themselves at work, at play and involved in community life. We hope that participants will enjoy wrestling with significant faith challenges and opportunities in this God-centred, Inside: • New Barnet’s Earth Day • Free prayer cords • ’Strictly Come Maypole Dancing’ • Tour de Yorkshire learner-led, action-focused programme.’ Stepwise will be made available on a phased basis from late September 2018. For more information, email stepwise@urc.org.uk or visit www.urc.org.uk/stepwise. Marathon glory for Church House staff Craig Bowman, the United Reformed Church Secretary for Ministries, and Gillian Jones, Data Analyst and Ministries Administrator, ran the London Marathon in April, raising thousands for their chosen charities. Mr Bowman raised more than £2,500 for the Fragile X Society – a small charity that helps fund research and assist families and individuals effected by Fragile X Syndrome, the most commonly known inherited cause of learning disabilities. Mrs Jones – who ran the marathon as a challenge for her 60th birthday year – exceeded her £1,000 fundraising target for St John Ambulance by more than £500. Digest is sponsored by edwards insurance brokers 01564 730 900 www.edwardsinsurance.co.uk DIGEST • June 2018 • 1