United Reformed Church  Feasts & Festivals 2017

A year of celebration 2017, a year for the whole United Reformed Church to celebrate all that we have been, are now and are called to be as we continue walking the way of Jesus Christ today. It’s 500 years since the Lutheran Reformation, 100 years since the ordination of Constance Coltman, the first woman to enter congregational ministry, 45 years since the URC came into being, more than 80 years since Pilots started and 25 years since Commitment for Life began. So, let’s celebrate! And, in doing so, let’s think about who we are, what we’re about and how we can support one another as we all, in our own ways and contexts, seek to be better disciples of Jesus. - See more at: Feasts and Festivals Events   Resources for Worship, Bible Study and action. New resources added every three months.   Website: Feasts & Festivals - Celebratory themes 2017.

 Pictures from Eastern Synod's Big Day Out  - 10th June 2017   -  Suffolk Showground, Trinity Park

Saturday 10th June saw a large gathering of adults and children from churches across the Eastern Synod, to celebrate the theme of 'Feasts and Festivals'. Eastern Synod's Big Day Out took place at Trinity Park Ipswich. Glorious weather and a range of activities greeted participants, both young and old. A splendid day of worship, workshops, crafts, art, fun and laughter were shared by all. What a great day of celebration. View Report and Pictures of Synod Big Day Out.  

Evensong in Westminster Abbey 23rd September 2017

The Hope That Inspires Christians

National Ecumenical Celebration of the Birth of Blessed Oscar Romero 

Westminster Abbey - Saturday 23 September at 3.00pm

Evensong will include chosen readings and music reflecting this special centenary, and the premiere of a Romero Anthem composed by James MacMillan. The Address will be given by Lord Rowan Williams.

Book tickets online through Eventbrite:      Visit Website:  The Archbishop Romero Trust              
The service is free, but it would help if you register in advance via Eventbrite by clicking HERE. Please spread the word far and wide! It would be wonderful if we could fill the Abbey - which would mean well over a thousand people in attendance!

Down in the River:- Festival-on-Sea  -  23rd September 2017

Saturday 23rd September 2017 - 11:00am – 9.00pm  -  Crowstone St George's URC,  Crowstone Road,  Southend-on-Sea,  SS0 8LH

In the URC's year of Feasts and Festivals, come down to the River Thames and celebrate a multicultural festival.

There's poetry, art, craft, folk music, organ recital, classical music, worship band, choirs, guest speakers, films, workshops, reflective worship space, children's activities and crèche (until 6.00pm)

There  is no charge for the day and refreshments will be  available (drinks and cakes free!), but please bring a picnic lunch. There will be a small charge for evening BBQ.This event is hosted on behalf of the United Reformed Church, Global & Intercultural Ministries.

Please sign up on Eventbrite        Download: Down in the River Programme         Website: URC Down in the River  

Gospel Street Touring the UK - 26th September - 9th December 2017

Retelling the News - People are out on the street

Another generation is looking for answers - a rich young career girl, an angry gang leader, a charming church-goer, misfits, activists, crooked bankers, a surprising refugee and the bloke who bought himself seriously expensive jewellery. People who stood face to face with Jesus. There are anecdotes, bust-ups, blogs and posts. It’s a wild ride through issues of life, death and miraculous street food.

Despite their differences and social divisions, 140 characters want to meet one extraordinary person. Jesus has arrived on their street and he’s on the lookout for trouble – looking to do something about it. Four young people - two women, two men - like the first evangelists, tell the startling story of what happened, just now, on that street. The result is a powerful mix of theatre, music, comedy and spoken word.

GOSPEL STREET is a collaboration between award-winning writers, including rapper and hip-hop artist Testament. Riding Lights is doing what it does best: bringing everyone together to hear some of the good news with wisdom, laughter, energy and insight.

To book a performance call 01904 655317 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.            Download: Retelling the News Gospel Street flyer

 Journeys an Exhibition of Quilts -  28th September - 1st October 2017

From Thursday 28th September to Sunday 1st October (Opening times 10am until 3pm)

Stowmarket United Reformed Church are pleased to host an exhibition of quilts. Journey’s is the theme of the 6th annual exhibition from ‘Sew Spiritual’ and features 9 people from the Old and New Testaments including Rachel and Leah, Joseph, Moses, Gideon, Elijah, Jonah, Jesus and Philip. 

The exhibition will also include ‘Epiphany’ quilts which were the start of Sew Spiritual’s journey and were first exhibited in Norwich Cathedral in 2011. Sew Spiritual is a group of East Anglian Christian woman from various traditions who have joined together to explore their faith through textiles and quilt making.

Further Information This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 Words of Wonder - Communicating the Gospel Creatively - 30th September 2017

A day of preaching, poetry, and storytelling, with a choice of workshop in the afternoon.

Saturday 30th September 2017 - 10.30am - 3.30pm - St Martin's Church, 127 Suez Road, Cambridge CB1 3QD

Refreshments are included. Please arrange your own lunch. The cost of each ticket is £10 and non-refundable. On-street parking is available in the streets near St. Martin's church.    Details of the speakers in the morning see below:

Dr. Michael Quicke
Having studied at both Cambridge University and Oxford University he pastored churches in the UK before serving as the Principal of Spurgeon's College at London. 

Rach Hartley
I'm Rach and I'm a poet. I love the beach, people and gin. I live in Norwich with my husband, four crazy children and two even crazier dogs. I often get inspired to write in the middle of the night (cheers God)! I love bringing drama and poetry (and humour) into church and I'm excited see what God has in store when we get together in September.

Dr. Alastair K Daniel
Dr.Alastair K. Daniel is a storyteller and academic based at the University of Roehampton where he is the Principal Lecturer in Primary English Education. He is a regular teller at the Three Heads in a Well storytelling club in Surrey and performs for local schools when university commitments allow. 

Book your place online now: Words of Wonder Bookings

Train Up - Children's Work Training

Train Up and 'Bite Size' Train Up provide training, resources and network opportunities to those who work with children in the region. Train Up aims to motivate children's workers as they enthuse children on their journey of faith. ‘Bite Size’ Train Up evenings are training evenings that take place bi-annually in the alternate years to Train Up.

Working in Partnership with:  The Church of England - Diocese of Ely - The United Reformed Church  - GENR8 'Presenting Christianity'

Bite Size Train Up Evenings 

Train Up - Tuesday 3rd October 2017 - Histon Baptist Church CB24 9LN
Train Up - Tuesday 17th October 2017 - Whittlesford URC, 36 Duxford Road, Whittlesford, Cambridge, CB22 4ND

Download your booking form here

Train Up A day for those who work in children’s ministry

Train Up 2016, a lively, inspiring and faith-building day, saw 70+ church children’s workers coming together to learn, be challenged, make contacts and be inspired by our very gifted speakers. Workshop topics ranged from working with under 5s or mixed age groups to creative play and storytelling and on to children’s spirituality and how to help children encounter God.

There was opportunity to pray together, network and find out more about some of the very helpful resources out there for children’s workers. Everyone left with new ideas, being refreshed and encouraged in their ministries.

The next Train Up day will be taking place in Autumn 2018.

Against the Grain Tour - Garth Hewitt - September 2017 - June 2018 

An Evening with Garth Hewitt - Friday 6th October 2017 at 7.30pm - 164 New London Road, Chelmsford, CM2 0AW 

Website: Garth Hewitt: Against The Grain tour  For dates and full details, please visit Garth’s website or to find out more about hosting Garth in your own town, please email.

Fort Rocky Cambridge 2017 - The Ultimate Weekend 20th - 22nd October 2017

Fort Rocky Cambridge 2017  -  Cambridge & District YFC 

Quiet Day: Saturday 18th November - The Quest for Peace

Quiet days are suitable for everyone, whether new or experienced at retreats. With a different theme and lead by different people each time, we hope there is something on offer for you.

In November 2017 we explore ‘The Quest for Peace’…