The United Reformed Church (URC) will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2022. Marking our 50th year can help us to plan for the future – not only to keep pursuing our ecumenical vision, but also to plan for how we will continue to be an active, engaged and faithful Christian presence in our communities and in new ones. Not least, making our Jubilee will be an opportunity to give thanks. 

50th Jubilee - A few things to share March 2022.

Watch our short Video to see how we will be celebrating our 50th anniversary in 2022: What plans are in place to mark the occasion.

A Reflection on our Upcoming Anniversary 
The Revd Dr John Bradbury, General Secretary of the United Reformed Church, reflects on our upcoming anniversary.

50th Anniversary Tickets  
Free tickets to Anniversary Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving on 1 October 2022, at Methodist Central Hall Westminster, London, are now available.

URC at 50: Worship Resources Competition Entry and Details
To celebrate the URC's 50th anniversary, choirs, bands, individuals, songwriters, composers, and poets are invited to submit an entry into the URC at 50: Worship Resources Competition.  There are four categories in which you can enter:      traditional hymn/song  -  poem   -  contemporary hymn/song    -  rap

Celebrate Together is an all-age book for the URC’s 50th anniversary.
You can order it online or download additional resources including PowerPoint Presentations, and prayer stations.

Resource Pack for Local Churches 
Downloadable resources from the local church pack created to help you celebrate our 50th Anniversary

Safeguarding Online Training via Zoom 

Further training opportunities to ensure you are up to date. Please sign up with Nicola either to option 1 or option 2. 

Monday 16th May  -   2.30pm        
Monday  23rd May  -  2.30pm
Tuesday 17th May  -  7.30pm     +    Tuesday 24th May   -  7.30pm

The courses wll be delivered via Zoom with Nicola. 

I have divided the course into two modules, to complete the course you will need to attend both parts one and two.  Please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to Register and book a place.  If you would prefer to atend a course delivered in person, please contact Nicola.

Talking about Chaplaincy

Are you a chaplain? Have you considered chaplaincy as part of God’s call on your life? There are many kinds of chaplains, some are paid roles, many others are voluntary. In our Synod we have chaplains in hospitals, hospices, prisons, schools, markets, Councils, the Territorial Army… where are you serving, or would you like to serve? Come and share your experiences, make contact with others and pick up some tips. Register with This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Thursday 31st March 7.30pm, online

Worship Days Saturdays, 10am - 4pm 

Leading worship in your church? On your own or as part of a team? Do you lack confidence, or are you looking for fresh ideas? Join the Moderator, Nicola and Lindsey for one of three in-person days to inspire you and give you practical help. Refreshments provided; bring a packed lunch. Register with This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and let us know if you can / need help with transport.

21st May – North Avenue Christian Centre, Chelmsford
10th September – Emmanuel, Bungay
26th November – Whiting Street, Bury St Edmunds

Health, Healing and Spirituality - 3rd Thursdays 7.30pm

Synod’s sessions exploring our spirituality and our health and wellbeing continue through the Spring. With advocates Geoff Wright and Jo Patel. If you are a regular attendee you will be sent the link automatically. If you want to join the fellowship of these deeply reflective and enriching sessions please register with This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Thursday 21st April

Elders Training Online -  Mondays 7.30pm

For serving Elders, Stewards, Deacons, trustees, Ministers, and all those in Church Leadership teams.

Recently elected, re-elected, or long-serving and feeling a bit weary? Join us for an overview of the different aspects of church leadership. Recommended for whole teams, as well as individuals. Sign up with This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

9th May  - An Overview
13th June  - Mission
11th July  -  Worship
12th September - Spirituality
10th October - Pastoral
14th November - The Secretary

Lay Preachers’ days -  In-person

Save the dates! Are you an Assembly Accredited or Synod Recognised Lay Preacher? Are you a Worship Leader in your church? Come for a day of reflection and resourcing, with the Moderator, the Lay Preachers’ Advocate Faith Paulding, Lindsey and Nicola, plus expert speakers. Further details tba.

Saturday 14th May 10am – 4pm  -  Saturday 19th Nov. 10am – 4pm

Faith in Action Day  - Saturday 17th September, Ipswich Road URC, Norwich 

A day of worship and workshops, with a focus on how we can put our faith into action and come alongside those on the margins. For more information, please contact Synod’s Faith in Action convenor Robert Ogden, or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Church Leadership Programme - Transforming leadership from the inside out - 2022

The Church Leadership Programme (CLP) is a comprehensive programme to refresh experienced lay and ordained leaders in authentic leadership, helping church leaders to develop external skills from their core sense of being. A mix of physical and virtual learning, the course threads from September to June every academic year. Each year, participants form into a faith community, committed to each other for encouragement and support. Participants learn in joint sessions and become part of smaller learning groups with a dedicated tutor. Each participant has an individual spiritual accompanier throughout the academic year. Strengthening personal qualities, insights and skills for effective Christian leadership  2021 The residential elements of the programme are to be held  at Hinsley Hall, Leeds. View Dates below

Virtual sessions 2022 10am until 1pm - March 23rd, 30th; April 6th
Third residential - June 10th-11th 2022 at Hinsley Hall, Leeds
Final virtual session 2022 10am until 1pm, - 29th June 2022

What does it seek to achieve?

• to continue to place Christian leadership within the context of vocation and ministry within the United Reformed Church
• to enable growth in personal formation for participants, and extend the knowledge and skills necessary for effective Christian leadership
• reflection on personal leadership experience, alongside new ways of leadership discernment
• to develop leaders who enable United Reformed Churches to become communities of more faithful disciples, better equipped to share in the Mission of God - Walking the Way of Jesus Today.

To be accepted on the programme you will need a recommendation from an authorised person in your synod, usually the Training and Development Officer.    
View:  YouTube link:  Church Leadership Programme video  - Download - Programme Education for Ministry

Please register your interest to PA to the Secretary for Education & Learning, The United Reformed Church, 86 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9RT General office number: 020 7916 2020 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Litchfield Cathedral Festival 21st May 2022

We are looking forward to the Festival on Saturday, 21st May 2022 which was postponed from October 2021 due to the Covid pandemic. The theme is 'Unity' and I hope that many of you will be able to join us either as part of a choir or as an individual singer.
More information is availalable here:

• 'Unity' Festival information poster
• Letter with anthem list
• Festival book order form

Festival Conductor - Peter J Williams
Organist - Rufus Frowde
Will you be one of the singers at the Free Church Choirs Festival of Music 

View Website: for Details and Poster 

Crossfire is a United Reformed Camp 

Wednesday 1st – Saturday 4th June 2022

Crossfire Christian Camp which is run by GEAR (Group for Evangelism and Renewal in the United Reformed Church in conjunction with URC Youth. It has been running for over 35 years. Venue: Stathern Lodge Farm, Nr Melton Mowbray LE14 4EX .

Plans for next year are already underway and we'll be in contact with more information later this year.  If you have any concerns or questions please do not hesitate to contact us. Our prayers are with you and your family at this challenging time.     
For more information and booking details go to Crossfire website.

Free to Believe National Conference Keeping Hope Alive - 14 to 16 July 2022

The Free to Believe National Conference will be held at High Leigh Conference Centre, Hoddesdon, Herts EN11 8SG from 14 to 16 July 2022 (afternoon tea on Thursday to lunch on Saturday) £185 per person (ensuite) - non-refundable deposit £30 (balance by end May 2020)

Keeping Hope Alive Speakers: Fiona Bennett, Karen Campbell, Alex Clare-Young, Helen Garton and Iain McDonald

Download: Free to Believe Booking Form 

Contact: Linda Harrison - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

SAVE THE DATE - CELEBRATE - EASTERN SYNOD'S BIG DAY OUT 2022  

Saturday 16th July 2022  -  In the Jubilee Year "Celebrate" 

     Venue: Trinity Park, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich, IP3 8UH

     Download: Celebrate Poster 

Download: Big Day Out 2022 Booking Form

A Fun Day for all the family Come  and Have Fun  - 

Relax  -  Create  -  Reflect  -  Celebrate

The East Anglia Dunamis  Future Events

Monday 3rd – Friday 7th October 2022 – The Healing Ministry of Jesus  
TBA Spring 2023 – Spiritual Warfare     TBA Autumn 2023 – Listening Evangelism 

We’ll tackle growing in intimacy with Christ through contemplative prayer; the keys to praying with power; principles of intercessory prayer; revival prayer; sharing in Kingdom advancement through prayer and vision; how to mobilize prayer in local congregations. Sessions move between focusing on growing in intimacy with Jesus Christ through prayer, and participating with God in shaping the future through intercessory prayer. The teaching content is important, but your growing in prayer comes as the Holy Spirit leads the group into prayer. Much time is actually spent in prayer and then you’ll reflect on what has happened during the prayer.  We cover topics like:

Jesus Christ: The Basis of Christian Prayer *The Life of Prayer: Nurturing Intimacy with God *Intercessory Prayer: *Vision and Prayer: Sharing in the Advancement of the Kingdom of God *Prayer and Spiritual Awakening Practical Instructions for Nurturing Prayer

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          Download - Booking Details from the Dunamis Website

Christians on Ageing - Conferences on Webinar conducted via Zoom and it's free!!.

OLD AND CHRISTIAN: what do you think about these?

• Prison when you are old
• Music as therapy in dementia
• Dying, death and assisted dying

Christians on Ageing Newsletter 2022

Website: For more details of Christians on Ageing Conferences