E-newsletter Issue 171, 28 November 2025

Hello everyone

As we enter the season of Advent and turn our hearts toward hope, light, and expectation, the life of Northern Synod continues to be full and active. Several of us attended the extraordinary meeting of the General Assembly in mid-November, where we were reminded again of the prayerful discernment required of us as a Church in these complex times. I am grateful for the thoughtful and gracious contributions offered by our Synod representatives, whose presence helped ensure our shared voice was part of the wider URC conversation.

In this newsletter you will find the newly published 2026 Northern Synod Prayer Diary. Each year this diary becomes a small but significant thread in the fabric of our shared spiritual life, helping us to pray for one another, for our communities, and for the work of Christ across our region.

We also hold in prayer our brothers and sisters in Jamaica, where the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa has been severe. The URC Commitment for Life team has launched an emergency appeal.   Our support, even from afar, bears witness to our belief that we are bound together in God’s global family.

Dates are in place in the New Year for elders and lay preachers who wish to train to preside at Communion.

Within our own structures, both the Synod Executive and Synod Trust have met recently and the updates that follow in the newsletter reflect ongoing work to steward our resources faithfully and to support local churches in their mission.

You will also find eco news for December, reminding us of our continued commitment to creation care.

St Cuthbert’s Centre on Holy Island continues to offer events and volunteering opportunities.  The Centre is well worth a visit if you are seeking a place of peace, pilgrimage, or service.  If you do plan to visit, please remember to check the tide times.

Elsewhere, a four-week Advent discussion group, with sessions held both in person and online, is taking place.  Hopefully as many people as possible can join in reflection and conversation as we journey toward Christmas.

The General Assembly Appointments Panel is seeking new members and this is an important way to serve the wider church.  Please consider whether this might be a role for you—or encourage someone else you think may be well-suited.  The Milton Mount Foundation is looking for a volunteer Treasurer.  Further details can be found in the newsletter.

The Northumbrian Industrial Mission has recently published its annual report, which you will find referenced later in the newsletter. Its chaplains continue to serve in workplaces and industries across our region, offering presence, compassion, and pastoral support in places where the church is often quietly yet powerfully at work.

Finally, as the new year approaches, we are reminded of Holocaust Memorial Day on 27 January. It is a solemn moment in our civic and spiritual calendar, calling us to remember the horrors of the past, to stand against hatred in the present, and to commit ourselves to a future shaped by justice and compassion.

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 newsletter 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.

Please note that the final issue of the newsletter for 2025 will be published on Friday 12 December.

Until next time …
Lisa and Wendy

E-newsletter Issue 170, 31 October 2025

Hello everyone

As autumn deepens and we look ahead towards the close of the year, there’s a real sense of community across our churches. We celebrated the season of harvest with a special service at Robert Stewart Memorial Church.  There is a forthcoming Quiet Day at Jesmond URC led by Revd Roberta Ritson. Plans are also underway for a fundraiser at Wooler URC, to purchase and install a defibrillator — a practical sign of care for all who use the facilities at Wooler.

Looking further ahead, St Cuthbert’s, Holy Island is already preparing for a joyful Christmas concert in December (please remember to check the tide times) and Keld is shaping an exciting programme of events for 2026.  We’re also delighted to share an update about the work taking place at the Roker Life project.

Beyond our local gatherings, we remain connected with the wider church through the JPIT newsletter.  Also, a zoom gathering is taking place to hear about the recent visits to Italy, where two groups from the URC connected with the Waldensians.

Finally, we are looking for someone to help out as a part-time e-newsletter administrator. If you or someone you know might be interested, please get in touch. The role is an important part of helping our communications run smoothly.

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 newsletter 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.

Due to attendance at the extra General Assembly meeting in mid November, the newsletter will be taking a short break and the next issue will be published on Friday 28 November.

Until next time …
Lisa and Wendy

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E-newsletter Issue 169, 17 October 2025

Hello everyone

As we move deeper into the Autumn season, the rhythm of church life continues with energy, reflection and a sense of shared purpose. It’s a busy time across our Synod.

We begin with a brief round-up from our recent Synod meeting held in St James’s URC, Alnwick on 11 October.  It was a day filled with worship, prayerful discussion, discernment, and connection.  We were given updates on the work of the Synod committees and Trust, as well as reflections on the wider life of the United Reformed Church.

Our Children, Youth and Families (CYF) work continues to grow and evolve, and we’re pleased to share the launch of the new CYF newsletter.  This will be a valuable resource for keeping up to date with events, resources, and opportunities for those working with children and young people across the Synod. You can sign up to receive it directly and share it within your churches and networks.

Several of our churches have recently held Harvest services, each one a celebration of God’s abundance and a reminder of our calling to care for creation and one another.

We have included the latest Churches Together in England newsletter for October. This edition offers insights into ecumenical work happening across the nation and reflects on how churches are responding to issues of justice, unity, and peace.

Finally, 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.

The next newsletter is due to be published on Friday 31 October.

Until next time …
Lisa and Wendy

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E-Newsletter Issue 168, 3 October 2025

Hello everyone

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

E-Newsletter Issue 167, 5 September 2025

Hello everyone

Please note – due to staff annual leave, the newsletter will be taking a short break in September and will be back on Friday 3 October.

Also, please note that the Moderator of the URC Northern Synod is now known as Revd Kim Money.

As we move into Autumn, many of us return to familiar routines in our congregations — planning harvest services, beginning new study groups, and looking ahead to Advent (yes, already!)

In this edition of the newsletter, a letter has been received by Synod from Catriona Wheeler, General Assembly Moderator 2025 – 2026.  Catriona is encouraging invitations from churches and projects across our Synod, for her to visit.

You will find details of an upcoming online Quiet Day, which offers a welcome space to pause.  Alongside this is information about a practical First Aid course.  Our Green Apostle contributes a timely update on eco matters, calling our attention once more to the urgent task of environmental stewardship.  These efforts, often carried out quietly and locally, are a vital part of our church life.

We also share news from across the Synod, including events taking place on Holy Island and in other parts of our region.  Each story points to the varied ways in which our congregations continue to engage creatively and faithfully with their communities.

Roots resources are currently seeking an Operations Coordinator to help further their work. Similarly, Place for Hope is inviting volunteers to join its mediation team, a ministry of reconciliation that serves a growing need across church life today.  We also include the latest newsletter from the Northumbrian Industrial Mission.  Finally, there are details of forthcoming concerts at St George’s Venue in Hartlepool.

In reading this edition, we hope you will be encouraged by the breadth of work taking place — in worship, in service, in learning, and in care for creation.  Let us continue to hold one another in prayer, to share our gifts generously and to trust that God is present and at work among us.

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.

Until next time …
Lisa and Wendy

E-Newsletter Issue 166 – 22 August 2025

Hello everyone

As summer draws gently toward its close, we give thanks for the many ways God continues to move through the life and witness of our churches across the Northern Synod.  We hope this edition of the newsletter offers information and encouragement for the journey ahead.

The national United Reformed Church is hosting a special Zoom event to support and encourage anyone who may be feeling God’s call to some form of ministry, whether lay preaching, local leadership, or ordained service. If you—or someone in your congregation—has ever felt that quiet nudge or inner prompting to explore where God might be leading, this event is a wonderful chance to listen, reflect, and connect with others on a similar path.

We also need to draw your attention to a very important safeguarding update. This concerns the requirements for church insurance cover and the safeguarding information that is now required from all local churches. It is vital that church secretaries, safeguarding coordinators, and elders take time to read and respond to this. Ensuring that our safeguarding procedures are up to date is not only part of our commitment to creating safe spaces for all, it is now a condition of maintaining insurance cover.

We have a number of volunteering vacancies for those who may be looking for new ways to serve. These roles vary in type but all play a part in supporting the wider work of the church.

For those who want to deepen their understanding of Scripture, we’re pleased to highlight the upcoming “New Testament in a Nutshell” event. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore the key messages, characters, and themes of the New Testament in an engaging way.

There are also some joyful community events ahead. The Garden Open Day and Celebration at St Cuthbert’s Centre on Holy Island offers space to enjoy God’s creation and peaceful fellowship in a beautiful setting. Meanwhile, in Hartlepool, a Harvest Concert promises music, thanksgiving, and celebration—a lovely way to mark the season with joy and gratitude.

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.

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E-Newsletter Issue 165 – 8 August 2025

Hello everyone

As summer continues, there is much to celebrate and reflect on across our Synod.

The work involved in the Church Life Review continues to unfold and there is an update about this in the newsletter.

A report from the most recent Trust meeting, held at the end of July, is included in this edition of the newsletter.  A First Aid Training Day is available at Jesmond URC, which is open to all churches, reserve a place early to avoid disappointment as numbers are limited.  This is a great opportunity to ensure our buildings and gatherings are as safe and prepared as possible — booking details are included in the newsletter.

This month’s Synod Eco newsletter is now available, full of practical ideas and information for churches engaging with environmental care and climate action.

A recent highlight was the Windrush Service at Northgate URC, which brought the community together in a powerful act of remembrance, celebration, and thanksgiving.  We give thanks for all who helped to shape and share in that special occasion.

At St Cuthbert’s Holy Island the summer Artist in Residence programme continues to spark creativity and fresh engagement with faith through the arts.

Finally, this edition also features updates from organisations outside the URC, offering wider perspectives that may support and deepen our shared life and witness as a denomination.

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 to wendy.watson@urc-northernsynod.org or newsletter@urc-northernsynod.org.  Please remember that if you are including photographs, you need to gain the permission of the people in them for it to be shared.

E-Newsletter Issue 164, 25 July 2025

Hello everyone

As we journey through the summer months, we continue to give thanks for the faithful witness of our churches across the region.  This edition of the newsletter brings a round-up of recent activity and upcoming opportunities.

Included are some headlines from the most recent Synod Executive meeting, along with the latest edition of the national URC quarterly safeguarding newsletter.  There is also a vacancy for a volunteer to join the Faith in Action (FiA) committee.

News from local churches features a Willing Worker Wednesday initiative that has started at Northgate Darlington, a Lay Training Day is planned at St George’s Morpeth and Autumn Study Days are taking place at Keld in September and October.  A new Labyrinth is nearing completion at Wooler, while St Cuthbert’s Holy Island will be hosting a Summer Artists in Residence programme in August. In addition, there are a number of concerts and exhibitions taking place further afield.

We hope this edition offers encouragement, inspiration, and ways to stay connected across the wider Church.

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 to wendy.watson@urc-northernsynod.org or newsletter@urc-northernsynod.org.  Please remember that if you are including photographs, you need to gain the permission of the people in them for it to be shared.

E-Newsletter Issue 163, 11 July 2025

Hello everyone

In this edition of the newsletter, we share highlights from the General Assembly held from 4–7 July, including personal reflections from some of those who attended.  Their insights offer a glimpse into what made the event especially meaningful or memorable for them.

You’ll also find the latest Eco News from Charles Jolly, Synod Green Apostle, along with our regular round-up of upcoming events—both within our churches and across the wider community.

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 to wendy.watson@urc-northernsynod.org or newsletter@urc-northernsynod.org.  Please remember that if you are including photographs, you need to gain the permission of the people in them for it to be shared.

 The next newsletter will be published on Friday 25 July.

Until next time …
Lisa and Wendy

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E-Newsletter Issue 162, 27 June 2025

Hello everyone

You may have noticed a change to the photographs in our newsletter banner above, thanks to all of you who sent in photographs and particularly to Sue Swanston whose photographs have been used.

Summer is well and truly with us now and with it comes a packed edition of the newsletter – full of updates, opportunities, and events to encourage and inspire.

First up – it’s General Assembly time.  We’re sharing the papers for this year’s gathering, which takes place from 4 – 7 July at The Hayes Conference Centre.  Whether you’re attending or following from afar, we hope you’ll join us in praying for wisdom and Spirit-filled conversation.

Looking a little further ahead, we’re excited to share the dates for the next Leading Your Church Into Growth (LYCIG) conference which is coming up in November 2025.

This edition also includes an update on ministers seeking Certificates of Eligibility, which is important information for those exploring a transfer into the United Reformed Church. There’s also news from the Rural Ministries Network.

Conversations about the Synod Clerk role have been taking place and we have important news to share about the future plans for this role.  Alongside that, we’ve got the latest Eco News to share – with updates and ideas for how we can care for creation across our Synod in meaningful and practical ways.

You’ll also find details of a Grandparenting for Faith ZOOM gathering – a chance to reflect on how we pass on faith to younger generations.  We also have details of Lifepath at Brinkburn which some of the Children, Youth and Families team have been helping with.

From across our churches, there’s so much going on. We’re delighted to share news of a vibrant Pentecost service, a commemorative service for VE and D-Day and a Gilbert & Sullivan concert.  Plus, we’re excited to highlight this summer’s Artist in Residence programme at St Cuthbert’s Centre on Holy Island, which brings together creativity and spirituality in such a unique way.

We’ve also included stories and updates from beyond the Synod. There’s news from Churches Together in England, a request to support someone working on an MSc thesis and a look at the Church Action on Poverty annual report.  The Sailors’ Society will be marking a special day in July, and the Islamic Diversity Centre will be hosting a thoughtful and engaging event.

Finally, our friends over in the Mersey Synod are currently recruiting for a new Synod Clerk. If you know someone who might be interested in that role, do pass the opportunity along.

That’s all from us for now.  As ever, thank you for all you do in your churches, communities, and beyond.

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 to wendy.watson@urc-northernsynod.org or newsletter@urc-northernsynod.org.  Please remember that if you are including photographs, you need to gain the permission of the people in them for it to be shared.

 The next newsletter will be published on Friday 11 July.

Until next time …
Lisa and Wendy

E-Newsletter Issue 161 – 30 May 2025

Hello everyone

As we approach the summer months, we have several exciting events and resources to share with you. Here’s what’s happening – full details in the newsletter.

The National Churches Trust has launched the Discover Churches toolkit, designed to help churches welcome visitors and share their heritage.

Synod on Tour is hitting the road again, join us on Saturday, 31 May – St George’s Church, Hartlepool and Saturday, 21 June – St Aidan’s Church, Hexham.  These events offer an opportunity to engage with the Synod and discuss matters affecting our community.  We look forward to seeing you there!

A day of fun and faith awaits at Alnwick Castle! The Children, Youth & Family Day on 5 July promises activities and opportunities to connect with others.  Places are limited so please don’t miss out on this exciting event.  Prepare for the Advent season with our Advent Packs. To ensure you receive yours in time, please place your order by 1 September.

The Keld Resource Centre is hosting several study days in 2025.  These events offer a chance for spiritual growth, reflection, and fellowship in a tranquil setting.

Join us for an enchanting evening of music and poetry at the Summer Songs & Sonnets concert at Jesmond URC.  This event promises a delightful blend of melodies and verses, celebrating the beauty of summer.

St Cuthbert’s Centre on Holy Island is embarking on a mosaic project, inviting the community to become involved.  There are also details of the Artist-in-Residence programme, offering artists the opportunity to engage with the community.

The National Churches Trust is conducting a survey to help politicians, the media, and the wider public better understand the challenges churches, face and to highlight the vital work they do – please see the link to take part.  We also have the latest news from the Northumbria Industrial Mission.

Finally, The Northern Synod is currently seeking a new Synod Clerk to join the team.

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 to wendy.watson@urc-northernsynod.org or newsletter@urc-northernsynod.org.  Please remember that if you are including photographs, you need to gain the permission of the people in them for it to be shared.

Please note that due to annual leave, the newsletter will be taking a short break next month.  The next newsletter will be published on Friday 27 June.

Until next time …

Lisa and Wendy

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E-Newsletter Issue 160 – 16 May 2025

Hello everyone

As we move through spring and into early summer, there’s a wonderful sense of energy and connection across our Synod, from Holy Island to Hartlepool and beyond.

We were delighted to launch our first Synod on Tour event at St James’s URC in Newcastle earlier this month.  Thank you to everyone who came along.  If you missed it, don’t worry — the next stop is St George’s in Hartlepool on Saturday 31 May, and all are welcome.

There’s been much to celebrate in recent weeks: a moving service of thanksgiving at St Andrew’s Mission in Thornaby to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day; a joyful commissioning service at Redcar LEP House of Worship, welcoming both the setting up of the new LEP and the Revd Mark Hubbard as its minister.  There are also exciting developments at St Cuthbert’s Centre on Holy Island, where a programme of events is drawing visitors and friends old and new.

Looking ahead, there’s a special blue plaque dedication service coming up at Stockton Road URC in Sunderland.  We’re also pleased to share details of an online taster event for the Newbigin Pioneering Hub and upcoming concerts at the St George’s venue in Hartlepool.

Resources and opportunities abound too.  The Children, Youth and Families team has information about the 2025 Advent packs and the next “Talking About…” online series of discussions are taking place soon.  There’s still time to submit your photographs for the 2026 URC Calendar — entries close on Monday 30 June.  North East Churches Acting Together is currently seeking applicants for the post of Regional Officer.

As always, thank you for all you do in your churches, communities, and partnerships.  We hope you find encouragement in these stories and a reminder that we journey together in faith, hope, and love.

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 to wendy.watson@urc-northernsynod.org or newsletter@urc-northernsynod.org.  Please remember that if you are including photographs, you need to gain the permission of the people in them for it to be shared.

The next newsletter will be published on Friday 30 May 2025.

Please note that due to annual leave, the newsletter will be taking a short break next month.  The next newsletter after 30 May will be published on Friday 27 June.

Until next time …

Lisa and Wendy

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E-Newsletter Issue 159 – 2 May 2025

Hello everyone

A Bumper Spring Edition!

Welcome to this bumper edition of our newsletter!  We took a short pause last month, but we’re back and bursting with updates, inspiration, and opportunities to get involved.

There’s a real sense of movement across the Synod, from exciting plans for Synod on Tour at St James’s URC, Newcastle on 10 May, to recent Easter celebrations from our churches, and a new commissioning as we celebrate Dot Thomson from Darlington as a new Assembly Accredited Lay Preacher.  We’re also sharing important updates on safeguarding training, national minimum wage changes and the vital developments around Martyn’s Law.

Our commitment to caring for creation continues, with Eco News from Charles Jolly, our Green Apostle and a call for volunteers to join the new Environmental Group.  Plus, the URC in Church House are inviting your photographic entries for the URC 2026 calendar.

You’ll also find a summary from the latest Synod Executive meeting, as well as news, updates and information from the Children, Youth and Families team.  We have also included some news from the St Cuthbert’s Centre on Holy Island – if you are planning to visit, don’t forget to check the tide times!

King Charles presented commemorative coins at the traditional Maundy Thursday service, which was held this year at Durham Cathedral.  The presentation was made to thank people for service to their local communities and charity.  Our very own David Dick, an Elder from Roker URC, was among the recipients.

Finally, we bring you updates from beyond our Synod with news from Churches Together in England and the Northumbrian Industrial Mission. 

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 to wendy.watson@urc-northernsynod.org or newsletter@urc-northernsynod.org.  Please remember that if you are including photographs, you need to gain the permission of the people in them for it to be shared.

The next newsletter will be published on Friday 16 May 2025.

Until next time …

Lisa and Wendy

E-Newsletter Issue 158 – 4 April 2025

Hello everyone

We’re excited to announce that the first Synod on Tour event is coming to St James’s URC Newcastle on Saturday 10 May.  Synod on Tour is sure to be an engaging and informative event.

The Charity Commission has warned of fraudulent letters being sent to charities in its name and we have included some guidance about how to spot this scam.  We also have some feedback to share from the discussion groups that took place at the synod meeting.  We have the latest April Eco News article from Charles Jolly, Synod Green Apostle.

News from our churches includes details of two art exhibitions, a concert at Jesmond URC, outreach work taking place at Roker URC, some Bible study sessions and a recent Sunday morning worship.

In news from other places, The Progressive Christianity Network Group invite you to hear Peter Armstrong speak about his book “Not for Nothing, Searching for a Meaningful Life”.

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 to wendy.watson@urc-northernsynod.org or newsletter@urc-northernsynod.org.  Please remember that if you are including photographs, you need to gain the permission of the people in them for it to be shared.

The newsletter will be taking a break over Easter, so the next newsletter will be published on Friday 2 May 2025.

Until next time …

Lisa and Wendy

E-Newsletter – Issue 157 – 21 March 2025

Hello everyone

It was wonderful to see so many of you at the recent Synod meeting in Gosforth.  The day was full of important discussions, and we covered a wide range of business.  The retiring collection in aid of the Christian Aid Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, raised the amount of £161.10.  Thank you to everyone who contributed to this important cause.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to announce that Synod on Tour is coming soon to a church near you!  Synod on Tour is sure to be an engaging and informative event.

Andy Jackson, Head of Communications at the URC, has also shared some important dates and information regarding upcoming events from the URC.  The Children, Youth, and Families Team has also shared their news and updates.

From our churches, there are details of a concert at Jesmond URC, Bible study sessions, and a recent Sunday morning worship that brought the community together in fellowship.  In news from other places, The Waldensian Fellowship is organising a trip to Sicily later this year.  Additionally, we are pleased to share the latest edition of the NIM March newsletter. This publication continues to provide valuable insights and updates from across the region.  There are vacancies for a Clerk to the Trustees at the Congregational Memorial Hall Trust and The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Head of Chaplaincy.

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 to wendy.watson@urc-northernsynod.org or newsletter@urc-northernsynod.org.  Please remember that if you are including photographs, you need to gain the permission of the people in them for it to be shared.

The next edition of the newsletter will be published on Friday 4 April 2025.

Until next time …

Lisa and Wendy

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E-Newsletter – Issue 156 – 7 March 2025 

The Synod team are busy preparing for the Synod Meeting on Saturday 15 March at Trinity LEP, Gosforth.  We are looking forward to seeing you, if you are going.

In this edition of the newsletter we have included a URC (plus Baptist, Methodist and Church of Scotland) statement on the Prime Minister’s announcement of further cuts to the international development budget.  There are also further details of the dates and venues for the Synod on Tour events which begin in May.  We have an update about the Synod Spring Retreat and there are still places available.  This edition of the newsletter also includes the March Eco News article from Charles Jolly, Synod Green Apostle.

Around our churches we have details of events taking place at St Cuthbert’s Centre on Holy Island in March, a spring concert in Jesmond and a series of Lent Bible Conversations at St Andrew’s Monkseaton, St Columba’s North Shields and also online.

News from further afield includes details about a Partnerships gathering to celebrate and nurture unity, the Forthcoming Maundy Service at Durham Cathedral and The Association of Church Editors are running a competition to find the best church magazine.

As a final reminder, we would like to refresh the photographs in our banner that appears at the top of our newsletter.  If you would like to submit photographs that represent images from around the synod, please send them to Wendy Watson.  Please remember that they will be resized and if any people are shown, please ensure you have their permission to publish them.  Thank you.

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 to wendy.watson@urc-northernsynod.org or newsletter@urc-northernsynod.org.  Please remember that if you are including photographs, you need to gain the permission of the people in them for it to be shared.

The next edition of the newsletter will be published on Friday 21 March 2025.

Until next time …

Lisa and Wendy

E-Newsletter Issue 155, 21 February 2025

Hello everyone

In this edition of the newsletter we are looking for volunteers to attend the General Assembly conference – this year there will a July and a November meeting.  Synod Executive met recently and there are details of what they have been discussing.  Greenbelt is taking place later this year and we may be able to send a group from Northern Synod and there are also volunteering opportunities.  We are looking for members to form a new Northern Synod environmental group.  The Children, Youth and Families team have shared some Lent resources and there are details of other online training sessions.  Around our churches we have details of events at St Cuthbert’s Centre on Holy Island in March, a concert in Jesmond and a series of Lent Bible Conversations at St Andrew’s Monkseaton, St Columba’s North Shields and also online.  You can also read the latest newsletters from JPIT and Churches Together in England.

We would like to refresh the photographs in our banner that appears at the top of our newsletter.  If you would like to submit photographs that represent images from around the synod, please send them to Wendy Watson.  Please remember that they will be resized and if any people are shown, please ensure you have their permission to publish them.  Thank you.

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 to wendy.watson@urc-northernsynod.org or newsletter@urc-northernsynod.org.  Please remember that if you are including photographs, you need to gain the permission of the people in them for it to be shared.

The next edition of the newsletter will be published on Friday 7 March 2025.

Until next time …

Lisa and Wendy

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E-Newsletter Issue 154, 7 February 2025

Hello everyone

We would like to refresh the photographs in our banner that appears at the top of our newsletter.  If you would like to submit photographs that represent images from around the synod, please send them to Wendy Watson.  Please remember that they will be resized and if any people are shown, please ensure you have their permission to publish them.  Thank you.

In this edition, we have included the latest newsletters from the URC safeguarding team and the Education & Learning team.  You can read a summary from the recent Synod Trust meeting.  There are some resources from the Synod Learning and Development Officer, Lucy Cooke.  Our Green Apostle, Charles Jolly has written a February Eco news article and St James’s URC in Newcastle have details of a recycling scheme in the church which others may find interesting.  The Children, Youth and Families team have lots of online discussion events planned.  There is our usual round up of news from our churches and from other places.

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 to wendy.watson@urc-northernsynod.org or newsletter@urc-northernsynod.org.  Please remember that if you are including photographs, you need to gain the permission of the people in them for it to be shared.

The next edition of the newsletter will be published on Friday 21 February 2025.

Until next time …

Lisa and Wendy

E-Newsletter Issue 153, 24 January 2025

Hello everyone

In this edition, there are details of the renewal of the listed places of worship grant scheme for a further 12 months.  Synod wish to set up an Environmental Group and are looking for people to join, to help steer the Synod in engaging with our Environmental Policy.  The synod visiting worship leaders fee scheme will continue in 2025.  There is a letter from the Synod Moderator to churches, to consider a range of questions, which will enable the Synod to reflect on how it moves forward.  There is still time to sign up for a place on the Synod retreat at Shepherds Dene in March.  There are details of several events from our Children and Youth Work Advisors.  There is a Bible conversation series planned, in person and online, beginning on Monday 27 January.  There is our usual round up of news from our churches and from other places.  Finally, there are part time vacancies for an Ecumenical Officer in Northern Synod and an Executive Lead 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 to wendy.watson@urc-northernsynod.org or newsletter@urc-northernsynod.org.  Please remember that if you are including photographs, you need to gain the permission of the people in them for it to be shared.

The next edition of the newsletter will be published on Friday 7 February 2025.

Until next time …

Lisa and Wendy

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E-Newsletter Issue 152, 10 January 2025

Hello everyone

Welcome to the first edition of the newsletter for 2025.

In this edition, we have details of a part time vacancy for an Ecumenical Officer in Northern Synod, the closing date for applications is Friday 31 January.  The Synod Retreat will take place in March and details of how to book are included in the newsletter.  Monday 27 January is Holocaust Memorial Day, which marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camp at Auschwitz.  February 9 is Racial Justice Sunday.  There is some helpful advice from the Churches Legislation Advisory Service.  Children, Youth and Families team have included details of some future webinars about grandparents sharing their faith with grandchildren and the new world of Artificial Intelligence.  We have an article on Eco News plus our regular news items from our churches around the synod and other places.

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 to wendy.watson@urc-northernsynod.org or newsletter@urc-northernsynod.org.  Please remember that if you are including photographs, you need to gain the permission of the people in them for it to be shared.

The next edition of the newsletter will be published on Friday 24 January 2025.

Until next time …

Lisa and Wendy