Holy Habits Roadshow  or (as it will be) Online Training 17th September-10th December 2020

Starting on 17th September, and running through until 10th December (with a week’s break at half term.)

Following the series of worship roadshows, in the autumn we are going to offer a training series of YouTube videos on four of the ‘Holy Habits’. All the Holy Habits are things we should do, but we have identified the four that we think particularly focus on things we joining in together – fellowship, the breaking of bread, giving (or sharing resources) and eating together.

We will offer three sessions on each of these four holy habits. Paul will provide a Biblical or ministry basis, Lindsey will offer some practical ‘stuff’ and Nicola will bring an inter-generational approach. As with the worship roadshows, they will (normally) be posted on YouTube each Thursday morning (ideally by 9am), starting on 17th September, and running through until 10th December (with a week’s break at half term.)

View the Synod YouTube Channel to take part.

Elders Training Online and Discipleship Morning Training Online 

Paul, Nicola and Lindsey will be delivering online training for those newly elected and those wanting a 'refresher. The sessions will last approximately ninety minutes. We will focus particularly on the spiritual Call, trustee and pastoral responsibilities, but will allow plenty of time for discussion and questions. 

Elders Training online         Tuesday   3rd November - 10am - 11.30am      
Elders Training online          Wednesday 18th November - 7pm -8.30pm   A repeat of Tuesday 3rd session; 

Walking the Way Day - looking up, joining in, reaching out 

Lindsey and Nicola will be holding a 'missional discipleship' morning online

Discipleship Morning online       Saturday 7th November - 10am -1pm

To Sign up  for any of the above online training sessions please e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Creating Space with Children - 21st October 2020

On Wednesday 21 October 2020, Wednesday 2 December 2020, 
Saturday 13 February 2021 and Tuesday 27 April 2021

How do I get involved? Come along to our first gathering on Wednesday 21 October at 7.30pm to find out more about Creating space with children and how it could prove transformational in your setting. This doesn’t commit you to being part of any further sessions.

An opportunity to gather with others and explore, learn and reflect together on how ministry with children in both peer and intergenerational settings can nurture the spirituality and faith formation of all involved. Be part of a community of practice that engages in this together. It’s a learning journey for anyone working with and amongst children: church leaders, licensed lay ministers, Messy Church leaders, those in paid or voluntary roles (including toddler groups), Sunday group/children’s work leaders, helpers and parents/carers, young/junior leaders, those in uniformed organisations.

Creating Space with children is a project delivered in partnership by ROOTS for Churches,The United Reformed Church, The Methodist Church and The Church of England. Find out more about Creating space with children and sign up to attend the first session on Wednesday 21 October. 

How Can We Keep From Singing? - 14th November 2020

A vibrant workshop day on music for worship - Saturday 14th November 2020 - 10.00 am - 4.00 pm - Stowmarket United Reformed Church, IP14 1AD

God’s people have always worshipped in music and song. Music has lifted our hearts, given space for lamentation, strengthened us in hardship, bound us together, and given us a voice to praise the living God. This is a day for worshippers, writers, musicians and worship leaders to engage with three practical aspects of music in worship. Come and learn from expert practitioners in their fields. Bring your own experience in worship and song.

If the COVID-19 restrictions are still in place, which I suspect is more than possible, we will simply move the event to the spring. If people interested let me know I will then keep them informed.

Admission: £15 (under 18s free)  to book a place, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   Further details View The Hymn Society 

FAITH WITH UNDER FIVES - 24th – 26th November 2020

This conference is sponsored by URC Children and ROOTS for Churches.A FREE conference for all those engaging with under-fives in faith settings running over three consecutive evenings.  Participants may choose to attend one, two or all of the live sessions by registering for tickets. 

Highlights of sessions will be available to view via YouTube after the event.  Read more and book via Eventbrite.

All Sessions start at 7.00pm to 8.45pm 

Tuesday 24th November - Faith with under 5s in wider mixed-age groups - Keynote: Becky May with discussion and small group time
Wednesday 25th November - Faith with under 5s in church worship (creche and pew) - Keynote: Gill Ambrose with discussion and small group time
Thursday 26th November - Faith with under 5s in toddler groups Keynote: Alison Hulse with discussion and small group time

Book here to join URC Children and ROOTS for Church’s online for one, two or all of the live sessions. 

Fresh Expressions Community Gathering - 3rd - 4th December 

The upcoming FX community gathering on December 3rd and 4th 2020. It has been decided that this gathering will now be online and we will not meet in person. The gathering will start around 1pm on the 3rd and finish at lunchtime on the 4th. We will be in touch in the next few weeks with more details on the programme and how to book in. Please do hold these dates in your diary in the meantime.

The decision has also been made to make the 16 and17 March 2021 FX community gathering an online event too. Please continue to hold these dates in your diary and we will be in touch with more details for this gathering in the new year.

If you have any questions please get in touch with This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

Youth Assembly  29th - 31st January 2021 - CANCELLATION

The United Reformed Church (URC) Youth has announced the cancellation of its 2021 Youth Assembly due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Speaking on behalf of URC Youth Executive, Reuben Watt, URC Youth Assembly Moderator, said it was a "difficult decision to make": “It certainly wasn’t taken lightly. Youth Assembly means just as much to us as the Youth Executive as it does to the URC’s young members.

“This situation is fast-moving and changeable, and to continue to plan for a large in-person event where many of our valued friends and colleagues would be unable to attend due to health concerns, possible local lockdowns, and other circumstances, is not in the inclusive spirit of URC Youth. The atmosphere of Youth Assembly is so unique that we felt we were unable to do it justice with an online replacement.

“Of course, we haven’t forgotten those who will be particularly disappointed by this announcement due to Youth Assembly 2021 being their final assembly. We are doing all we can to work out how to include you in the future.”

New plans are being made for the weekend that Youth Assembly would have taken place, 29-31 January 2021.

“We couldn’t let our weekend in January pass without doing something together, so we’re working on a small way to connect,” continued Reuben.

“More news will follow about this and other plans across the year. Remember to reach out to your URC Youth friends, Children’s and Youth Development Officers (CYDO+) team and Youth Executive for support and news about what’s happening locally.”

Lent 2021 and Church Action on Poverty Sunday - 21 February 2021- 'New Wineskins'

Church Action on Poverty Sunday 2021 will explore the theme 'New Wineskins' - as we journey together through these difficult times, how can we ensure people on the margins are fully included in our work for a new and better world? Use our resources to reflect on the theme in church, and raise funds to ensure people in poverty have dignity, agency and power. Please mark the date in your diary - and make sure your church and worship team know about it. Register your interest below, and we will send you a resource pack in October with fundraising and worship materials.

Register to take part in Church Action on Poverty Sunday

Bible Studies on the Acts of the Apostles from Church Action on Poverty

Lent 2021: Life-Changing Stories

If you run Lent programmes in your church, please consider using our Scripture on the Margins materials. In 2021, we're looking at the Acts of the Apostles, as a story of how people on the margins were empowered to go out and change the world. There will be five studies by Nick Jowett, Raj Patta, Sue Richardson, Jan Sutch Pickard and Ruth Wilde. Life-Changing Stories will be published on 8 October. If you can, please talk to the people who plan your church's Lent programme, and encourage them to bear it in mind when they start planning!

The East Anglia Dunamis Project - In the Spirits Power 22nd - 26th March 2021

Dunamis Project # 2 : In the Spirit’s Power - Monday evening meal until Friday lunch time (included) Belsey Bridge Conference Centre, Ditchingham, Bungay, Suffolk NR35 2DZ 

Jesus gave his followers a mission and promised the Holy Spirit to equip them for the task. Yet many Christians today have little first-hand experience of how to cooperate with the Spirit. Our understanding and expectations may be limited by a lack of teaching. Perhaps past experiences and hurts make us cautious about exploring various spiritual gifts that Jesus offers through his Holy Spirit. In the Spirit’s Power looks at how Christians, can know the presence and power of the Holy Spirit for themselves. A mix of Biblical teaching, discussion, practical experience and thoughtful reflection, you can grow in:

● Understanding a variety of spiritual gifts
● Learning to cooperate with the Spirit’s activity
● Discovering useful tests for discernment
● Being filled with the Holy Spirit for service

Join us for this life-changing event, and discover how much more God can do in and through you ! To book a place contact the Bookings Administrator Mrs This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Tel: 07940 823 135  Booking fee is £80, with the balance due by 1st March 2021

Future events for 2021/2022 (prices TBA)
Mon 4 – Fri 8 Oct 2021 – The Power of Prayer
Mon 14 – Fri 18 March 2022 – The Healing Ministry of Jesus
Mon 3 – Fri 7 Oct 2022 – Spiritual Warfare
TBA Spring 2023 – Listening Evangelism

Download - Booking Details from the Dunamis Website