Northern Synod, United Reformed Church

09/06/2026

We'll be back out on tour this coming Saturday morning. Pop along and see us at St James' URC, Alnwick from 10.30am - 1pm.

08/06/2026

Our slightly delayed e-newsletter brings you Pentecost worship in Newcastle, an interesting expedition with a sofa in Wooler and an offer of items from Longframlington URC as they clear their church buildings. We are also pleased to be able to promote several musical and artistic events being held across the Synod in the coming weeks. We also have some new pictures for the summer season.

Welcome to the newest issue of the Northern Synod e-newsletter Firstly, we apologise that this edition is coming to you slightly later than normal. We experienced some technical difficulties on Friday which meant it could not be sent out at the normal time. Hopefully, this will not be an issue in t...

05/06/2026

Our next e-newsletter should be out on Monday.

03/06/2026

The Moderator of our Wessex Synod offers a prayer for the people of Southampton.

A prayer following violence in Southampton

The Revd Dr Michael Hopkins, Moderator of the United Reformed Church Wessex Synod, offers this prayer in response to recent violence in Southampton, and in sorrow for all who have been harmed, frightened or bereaved following the murder of Henry Nowak.

God of justice, mercy and peace,
we pray for the city of Southampton.

We hold before you the family and friends of Henry Nowak,
and all who grieve his death.
Surround them with compassion, truth and love,
and protect their sorrow from being used to deepen hatred or division.

We pray for all who are afraid today:
for local residents whose streets have become places of fear,
for communities made anxious by racism, suspicion or blame,
for those injured in violence,
and for all who are working to restore calm.

As a Church committed to becoming actively anti-racist,
we confess that racism wounds the body of Christ
and distorts the life of our communities.
Give us courage to name injustice clearly,
to listen to those whose experience is too often dismissed,
and to resist every attempt to turn grief into prejudice.

As followers of Jesus, the Prince of Peace,
we reject violence as a way of seeking justice.
Teach us the discipline of non-violence,
the patience of truth,
and the costly work of reconciliation.

Where public trust has been damaged,
let there be honesty, accountability and careful investigation.
Where anger is justified,
let it be turned towards justice and not hatred.
Where communities are divided,
raise up peacemakers who are neither silent in the face of injustice
nor careless with the safety of others.

God of all people,
make us instruments of your peace:
strong against racism,
steadfast in hope,
gentle with the wounded,
and brave in the work of justice.

In the name of Jesus Christ.
Amen.

https://urc.org.uk/a-prayer-following-violence-in-southampton/
Image: Peter Law/Pexels

01/06/2026

URC minister Fliss Barker is appearing in a musical at Wooler URC on Saturday at 3pm. Tickets are £10.00 with proceeds going to local charities. "All that Glitters" is about the rollercoaster of a Euromillions lottery win.
For the avoidance of doubt, the URC does not advocate gambling.

27/05/2026

It's a real blessing to have Hazel in our current Stepwise Faith Filled Worship group in Northern Synod and wonderful to hear that she is getting so much out of being with us!

Growing up, Hazel McCorrisken knew Jesus wanted her to speak and share his love in some capacity, but her fears were too great. Learn all about how Stepwise helped Hazel overcome these fears... https://urc.org.uk/stepwise-growing-in-faith-and-love/

22/05/2026

Today's e-newsletter includes reports on meetings of Synod Executive and the Trust; guidance on cyber security and the new Places of Worship Renewal Fund; and a reminder on upcoming Synod on Tour dates. You can also read about the '5er Friday Fellowship', and various forthcoming events.

Welcome to the newest issue of the Northern Synod e-newsletter I hope you are enjoying some of the more summery weather we've been having recently, though as I write this the sky is looking rather grey and foreboding. Today's newsletter includes quite a few updates from the Synod team, including re...

19/05/2026

The Moderator of General Assembly, Catriona Wheeler, (who has roots in our Synod) recently visited Northumberland. Read about where she has been and what she found.

URC Moderator Catriona Wheeler visits Lindisfarne and Northumberland.

15/05/2026

There is a wealth of experience across the United Reformed Church in relating to the communities around us.

Churches were encouraged to listen deeply, build relationships and avoid making assumptions about local need during the second webinar in the United Reformed Church (URC’s) “A Church with People at the Margins” webinar series.

11/05/2026

A prayer for Christian Aid Week 2026.

A prayer for Christian Aid Week 2026

Gracious God,
when we stand on the plains of uncertainty,
with no path before us,
we look to you.

We remember what you have done before
and our anxious hearts are comforted.
Showing mercy, you delivered us then;
in your love and faithfulness, you will do it again.

Give us the strength to step forward in hope.
Give us faith that changes us,
hope that feeds us,
love that moves us.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

By Bob Kikuyu, Christian Aid’s Global Theology Advisor, Nairobi.

For resources for Christian Aid Week 2026, see https://www.christianaid.org.uk/appeals/key-appeals/christian-aid-week

Image: David Macharia/Christian Aid.