URC Thames North Synod

10/09/2026

On Sunday at Union Church, Crouch End the Moderator presented Revd David Trafford a certificate marking 50 years since his ordination. David and his wife, Penny, were visiting before their move to Sussex. He previously served as minister at Crouch End and also as Pastoral Consultant in the Synod.

31/08/2026

31/08/2026

On Sunday, as part of an intergenerational morning service held at Adeyfield Free Church, Hemel Hempstead, the Moderator retold the story of the Good Shepherd using Godly Play. Members from St George’s URC also joined the congregation for the service. The Moderator has been a Godly Practitioner for several years. The session demonstrated how all ages can wonder at familiar parables that Jesus told.

Subsidised Godly Play training for URC members is going to be held 16-18 October 2026 in Nottingham at a cost of £50.

11/08/2026

On Sunday the Moderator led worship at St George’s, Hemel Hempstead with two assistance dogs in the congregation. The new audio visual system supported by a grant from the Synod is now up and running.

09/08/2026

“Things might seem tough for us, but this Psalm reminds us of the suffering of people from Ukraine, Gaza, the West Bank, and all who have had to flee famine, war, and persecution who don’t have much to sing about.” George Watt sings the Lord’s song with Psalm 137 in today’s Daily Devotion.

https://ow.ly/JVx650Z8SOM

Image: James Zwadlo/Unsplash

28/07/2026

The Moderator presented Revd Robert Courtney with a certificate marking his 70th anniversary since his ordination. Robert served in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Dewsbury, Wilmslow, Lancaster and finishing his ministry 30 years ago at Highgate in Thames North Synod. He still lives independently and takes the bus to attend church. Sadly, his wife of almost 70 years died six months ago. He is possibly the last surviving member of the committee tasked with bringing the Presbyterian Church of England and the Congregational Church in England and Wales together to form the United Reformed Church in 1972. Well done, good and faithful servant.

26/07/2026

Today the Moderator had the joy of preaching at Rectory Road URC in Hackney. He also presided at Communion. There was very enthusiastic singing. It was good to see progress with the refurbishment of the kitchen financially supported by the Synod.