The discovery was part of a two-week cultural exchange during July and August which saw the group visit many landmarks across London and surrounding counties. The trip was part a long-running exchange programme between the United Reformed Church Wessex Synod and the Lusaka Presbytery of the United Church of Zambia (UCZ).

The young people and their leaders are members of St Andrew’s (UCZ) congregation in Lusaka, Zambia, where they are also part of the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigades. A visit was initially planned for 2025 but the visa applications were turned down. This year, with the support of Woking MP Will Forster, a new set of applications were approved.

As well as exploring the city of London, the visitors enjoyed cultural trips to Salisbury Cathedral, Windsor, Guildford, Kingston, and Stamford Bridge, home of Chelsea FC. There were brand new experiences, too, such as ice skating and a day at the beach, accompanied by young people from Woking United Reformed Church.

The second half of the trip saw the group join Woking �山ǿ��’s��Summer Camp��in Oxford where, alongside 50 other young people, children and leaders, they joined in outdoor activities, day trips and worship services.

Members of Woking United Reformed Church hosted the young people and their leaders in their houses for much of the exchange, and there was a barbecue attended by Will Forster.

The church celebrated the conclusion of the visit with a special service, during which each Zambian visitor was asked to reflect on a highlight from the trip. Some of the young people chose the visit to the Chelsea Football ground, others spoke of how much they had enjoyed the summer camp. Dr Gabriel Walubita, one of the leaders of the trip, said encountering the memorial to David Livingstone at Westminster Abbey had been his highlight.

Phil Ray, Children’s and Youth Development Officer for the �山ǿ�� Wessex Synod (North), organised the exchange programme. He said, “This was a truly joyful encounter between Zambian and British young people. New experiences were enjoyed, laughter was shared, and friendships were forged that will be treasured for years to come.”

Photos courtesy of Lucy Brierley

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The international meeting included ministers, academics, lawyers and politicians, alongside British churches and mission agencies, to discuss reparation work — steps being taken by organisations to take accountability for their antecedent bodies’ involvement in the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved Africans, and proposals to address the ongoing impacts of the legacies of slavery — on both sides of the Atlantic.

The meeting followed an unprecedented step taken by the Jamaican delegation — led by the Hon Olivia “Babsy” Grange, Jamaica’s Minister for Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport — which formally lodged a petition with King Charles at Buckingham Palace on 7 September.

The petition asks the King, as Jamaica’s head of state, to refer three questions about the legality of the transatlantic trade in enslaved people to the Privy Council and to consider whether the UK has an obligation to provide a remedy to Jamaica. The petition has the backing of the (CARICOM).

The �山ǿ�� has been on a long journey of examining the links of its antecedent bodies’ involvement in the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved African people, and recognising its failure to address the continuing legacies of racism and racial injustice today. In 2022, the denomination formally confessed its involvement and publicly apologised, and in 2024, representatives led by then General Assembly Moderator, the Revd Dr Tessa Henry-Robinson, formally delivered the apology in Jamaica. Minister Grange accepted the apology on behalf of the Jamaican government.

At the RJAF meeting in London, the Revd Dr Gordon Cowans of the Churches’ Reparations Action Forum in Jamaica, reminded the group that: “As someone living on the site of these crimes, these apologies do matter, and will continue to matter.”

But he stressed the importance of “demonstrating the fruits of this repentance.”

Participants shared the steps their respective organisations are taking towards reparations or apologies.

The gathering heard that , the King’s representative on the island who is appointed on the advice of the Jamaican government, to ensure the petition is “properly lodged.”

As to what the next steps for the country may now be, Laleta Davis-Mattis, Co-Chair of Jamaica’s National Council on Reparations, said these will be determined once answers or a response to the petition is received.

“No matter what the response,” Karen said, “the people committed to reparations cannot simply stop.”

She added, “I’m quite excited by what I’ve heard at this meeting. It’s good to know that what the �山ǿ�� has been doing is where other people are now heading.”

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I remember watching my dad, when he was �山ǿ�� General Secretary back in the 1980s, in what was then the Vinery (complete with grape vine, unless my memory is playing tricks), doing his meanest swerving serve at table tennis as he tried to remain in the annual tournament. Where now there are big new accommodation blocks at the Hayes, there used to be a putting green, where some of us attempted miracles which never quite made us a threat to the likes of Rory McIlroy.

Thus, my visit as Moderator this late August had elements of re-walking memory lane as much as it was a delight to meet this year’s participants. Thank you for the chance to share with you all. Thank you for joining me in the art workshop which had us creating amazing collages based upon the event’s theme. That theme of “cultivating a flourishing faith” was drawn from the work and writing of the Revd Leslie Newton, Chair of the Yorkshire North and East Methodist District.

“we were led into the wonders of grace”

I only got to hear one of Leslie’s talks, but was deeply moved by his exploration of a question we’ll all recognise: What equipment does God want us to have for faith in the future? His answer? God gives us the precious gift of grace and longs for us to be captivated by it. Drawing upon the thoughts of Methodism’s founder, John Wesley, we were led into some of the wonders of grace and how our lives can be lived in response: through worship and prayer; as we open Scripture; as we share the bread and wine of communion; when we fast and abstain from things to refocus attention upon God; as we talk together about our beliefs; and as we care for others and creation.

Leslie opened up the encounter Jesus has with a Samaritan woman at the well (in the Gospel of John, chapter 4) as an illustration of grace breaking into the world and a life; wave upon wave of unexpected joy.

Why not enjoy �山ǿ�� Holiday Forum next year? The Revd Tim Meadows, a past Moderator of the �山ǿ��’s General Assembly, will be the theme leader, exploring “” from 22 to 27 August, 2027.

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The last month has been a busy one for me and Kacie! We have continued with our Mods on Tour project, beginning in Northern Synod on 15 and 16 August.

There, we joined Neil Thorogood, the General Assembly Moderator, at Waddington Street �山ǿ�� (pictured above), where we were all given a tour of the church and adjacent mental health resource centre. It was fantastic to see the support which many vulnerable people in Durham are being offered there. It made me particularly proud as, from the end of September, Durham will be my city! That’s right, Northern Synod, I’m moving to Durham to study: if you need any advice on how to deal with me, please feel free to contact the Moderator and/or CYDO of East Midlands synod. Cake typically tends to buy you some time in which I will not be talking.

Speaking of cake and talking, Kacie and I also ran Cake and Debate sessions at Greenbelt. Across the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday lunch times in the youth venue, we focused on three topics: Toxic Masculinity, Political Activism, and Generative AI. It was an absolute privilege to get to run these sessions, especially with the support of three other members of Youth Exec: Korede, Christine and Zac.

The young people at Greenbelt represented a rather different demographic to those that I normally get to speak to in my role, with a relatively large proportion of agnostic people there. This made the opportunity to debate with them a particularly refreshing one, especially when paired with some of Kacie’s fantastic baking.

While we were at Greenbelt we received the shocking news that Pastor Robert Guanco had died in an accident at another Christian festival, Big Church. I understand that a lot has been said in the media since this tragedy, but I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate our message of love and support for everyone affected. My prayers, and those of the rest of Youth Executive, are with you all.

Thank you again to everyone for all the support that Kacie and I have received over the past month. It was particularly lovely to hear from people after our first blog piece went out last month. I hope you all have a fantastic rest of September.

In his love,
Alex

Images: (main) Kacie and Alex with members of Waddington �山ǿ��, Durham; (insert) Kacie (right) at Greenbelt with Neil Thorogood (centre) and �山ǿ�� Head of Communications, Andy Jackson

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With summer temperatures still at their most blistering, the Revd Ruth Maxey led a visit of eleven 18-29-year-olds to the rural village in central France. Here, mainly young people camp and share communal living, joining the monastic brothers from both Catholic and Protestant traditions who organise their lives around a daily rhythm of prayer.

“It’s hard to believe there are so many denominations in Christianity,” commented Julia Seal, one group member, who described the numbers and diversity of those present, mainly from continental Europe, as “completely bonkers!”

Yet any sense of overwhelm was more than outweighed by the way Taizé “breaks down barriers”, and the realisation that “God is in all sorts of places”. “By building relationships and friendships,” Julia says, “you can find joy in God, and this can be shared with others – and in that way God is shared.”

Ruth, who has been visiting Taizé since she herself was in her twenties, believes Taizé is “one of the few places that has maintained its ability to be a space primarily for young people”. Over-35s, including group leaders, are accommodated separately from the young people, who eat together and have their own Bible studies and discussion groups. “It means adults aren’t doing all the talking and are not guiding where the discussion goes.”

Taylor Hawkins was the only person from the UK in his group (“though we mostly spoke English”) and he found it interesting to hear what others were sharing from “different countries and spaces”. Though the �山ǿ�� contingent encountered views “they fundamentally disagree with”. Ruth observes that “maybe at Taizé we at least are able to meet face to face and share in person.”

That opportunity for personal interaction and a complete break from the pressures of social media is one of the reasons why, despite the sheer numbers and the long meal queues, Taylor found the trip “a really peaceful experience” – almost a retreat, which allowed him to reflect on ��his own faith life and sense of calling.

Emma Wong agrees. There were challenges, she says, including some of the chores, which everyone is assigned. But, as one of the brothers told her, “This is part of life”, and part of the realities we all return to. However, chores and discussion were also framed by gatherings for prayer at 8am, midday and in the evening – times characterised by the unique Taizé chants, sung in many languages, and by stillness. This is what so many people take away from their time at Taizé. Elaine Maire, one of the group leaders, describes it as “the simplicity of life during this week”, which created “an inner happiness and hope for the future”.

For Emma, Taizé offered “a good mental-health re-set”. She believes Taizé is a place where you can feel closer to God. “In this modern age, there’s not much opportunity to sit down and rest and find time for prayer, when our sole purpose is to connect with God.” Yet, as this group discovered, at Taizé such connection becomes a very real possibility.

Images: artwork by Julia Seal (main: worship space; insert: cross and Taizé village); photo: �山ǿ�� group

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A recent August weekend of formal visits to Northern Synod brought together General Assembly and Youth Assembly Moderators for what we think is the first time ever for such an opportunity. Even as I was preparing to be inducted it was a joy to be planning with Youth Moderator, Kacie Hodgson, and Youth Moderator Elect, Alex Clements. All three of us are now on our travels around the �山ǿ��; an abundance of Moderators!

For me, the weekend was abundant many times over. Bethel �山ǿ�� (Chester-le-Street) kicked us off with a pie and pea supper on Friday and shared its journey of congregations coming together and creating deep friendships; a place of welcome where tables are regularly laden with a meal and the conversation and faith go deep.

Saturday began at Cromer Avenue �山ǿ�� (Gateshead), joined by members of Denewell Avenue �山ǿ�� and by Kacie. The building becomes a pre-school throughout the week and everywhere I looked there were the bright and glorious signs of games, pictures, nooks and crannies for story times and awesome constructions. We got to be creative ourselves alongside lunch. A time capsule was being completed as a throw-it-forward gift to whoever might open it long after we’re gone. We dedicated a new prayer leaflet which gives a local focus for each day of the month. Abundant life enfolded in prayer!

“the art studio space particularly grabbed me!”

Alex joined our caravan of Moderators at our afternoon with Waddington Street �山ǿ�� (Durham). Nestled in the shadows of the train viaduct, we popped in on the converted houses next door, which are the Waddington Street Centre. Begun in the church hall in 1981 and now in its purpose-built home, this mental health resource centre hums with life. The top floor art studio space particularly grabbed me! Before more welcome refreshments, we walked to the nearby Flass Vale nature reserve where prayers were offered beside the trees the church planted to celebrate the �山ǿ��’s 50^th birthday (pictured below; Alex and Kacie, 4th & 5th from right).

Time to earn my keep a little. Woodhouse Close Church in Bishop Aukland unites Anglicans and Methodists with �山ǿ�� friends. It was a joy to preach and share in communion and then to hear of Messy Church, a 24-hour prayer vigil (as part of the Global Week of Prayer), and a host of ways in which congregation and community share. An afternoon visit to the quite incredible Aukland Palace, Faith Museum, and Mining Art Gallery rounded off an amazing weekend.

Why abundance? I came away with a deep sense of the overflow of love, creativity and sustained hard work that faith seeds and that the Spirit nurtures. And I got to share with Kacie and Alex in a �山ǿ�� first!

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In July, the �山ǿ��’s General Assembly passed a resolution encouraging all churches to observe the Feast of Creation on the first Sunday in September – which this year falls on 6 September.

A paper called Celebration of Creationtide was brought to General Assembly by the Worship, Faith and Order Committee. Its authors said: “There is growing ecumenical support for the formal acknowledgement of the Feast of Creation on or around 1 September each year.” Not only is there theological merit in celebrating the Feast, they said, “but it is also appropriate to do so as we face the climate emergency.”

The Moderator was invited to write a reflection for as this year’s Season of Creation approaches, and he has now also shared these thoughts in the latest of his Moderator’s Blogs.

He writes that, at General Assembly, “we focused on God’s creation and how deeply we belong within it; our lives inextricably and wonderfully part of all life on Earth”, and added: “In the light of recent heatwaves and the unfolding of climate and ecological crises, there could hardly be a more critical time for us to bring out this profound theme within our theology and our reading of scripture.”

Marking the first Sunday of September “with special attention in our worship upon creation and all it means to belong within it … can lead on into whatever ways this theme can be explored locally in subsequent weeks.” Mr Thorogood’s thoughtfully crafted reflection will prove valuable for anyone planning worship at this time.

The Revd Andy Braunston, Minister for Digital Worship, has also prepared worship notes for the first Sunday of September��and additional pointers to Creationtide themes for the rest of the month.

Image: Sudipta Mondal | Pexel

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As we resolved to encourage United Reformed congregations “to observe the Feast of Creation in Christ on the first Sunday in September from 2026”, we focused on God’s creation and how deeply we belong within it; our lives inextricably and wonderfully part of all life on Earth.

We warmly welcomed the global ecumenical focus upon the importance of creation care and the suggestion that we mark the first Sunday of September each year with special attention in our worship upon creation and all it means to belong within it. This can lead on into whatever ways this theme can be explored locally in subsequent weeks.

In the light of recent heatwaves and the unfolding of climate and ecological crises, there could hardly be a more critical time for us to bring out this profound theme within our theology and our reading of scripture.

I was kindly invited to write something for as this year’s Season of Creation approaches. I hope this meditation might also speak more widely…

You speak, and the stars begin their burning.
You speak, and lands emerge from the waters of chaos.
You speak, and the emerald greens of plants beyond number dance in fresh breeze.
You speak, and the seasons begin to weave their rhythms.
You speak, and the oceans and rivers team with amazing life.
You speak, and the stunning flocks fly free across a dazzling sky.
You speak, and the myriad creatures roam within the gardens of your glory.
You speak, and we arrive.

You see the intricate beauty and delicate balances, the interconnection that brings life to a world of wonders; everything depending upon the flourishing of everything else.
And you see that it is good.

We want to see as you see.

We want to listen to the heartbeats of your world, feel the beauty as much as see it, love the fragility and the splendour as you do.

Let us touch your Earth gently.
Teach us the wisdom we risk forgetting;
that life is made from sharing,
restoring what is damaged begins with understanding,
understanding our powerful selfishness is humbling…

humbling and transforming.

Transforming, because we find the place you always made for us:
our home within creation’s sanctuary,
our work with the wonders of your world of generosity,
our peace in treasuring the gifts of your abundance,
our life within the sharing.

You speak, and long for us to listen.

Image: Sudipta Mondal | Pexels

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Chaplain to the General Assembly Moderator
A unique craft project aiming to celebrate “the wonderful diversity of the whole Church” will be shared with every United Reformed Church congregation this autumn.

��The “Ever Joyful” patchwork banner is the vision of the Revd Samantha Sheehan, chaplain to the General Assembly Moderator, the Revd Neil Thorogood. She hopes that the large, quilted artwork will contain 15 panels, made up of fabric squares from each congregation across the UK. Launching the initiative, Neil presented the very first square to the outgoing Moderator, Catriona Wheeler, at this year’s General Assembly, held in Swanwick, Derbyshire (pictured).

Packs, including the fabric squares, will be sent out in October with an invitation to decorate a single square with words or an image that reflects whatever “makes you joyful in the life of your congregation”.

Additional tips and information will be included, with a pre-addressed envelope for returning squares to Northern Synod Office by 1 December. It is hoped that the final artwork will first go on display at General Assembly 2027.

For more information, contact Samantha Sheehan rev.s.sheehan@gmail.com

Offices of General Assembly
The Revd Dr Phil Wall, the new Head of Ministries: Learning and Development, enjoyed a few days touring the UK — and beyond! — to learn about the incredible work our churches and chaplains are engaging with in very different contexts.

A day spent with Padre Stuart Turner MTh CF, chaplain to the famous ‘desert rats’, opened his eyes to the blessings and challenges of ministry in the armed forces, whilst his time on Holy Island with Special Category minister, Kay Blackwell, allowed him to learn from all that the ‘thin place’ had to offer…including the chance to swim with seals (can you spot one in the photo?).

His time with CRCW Fliss Barker and elders from Wooler �山ǿ�� saw him make a new acquaintance in Woolly the sheep, whilst some annual leave on the Isle of Man enabled him to catch up with ecumenical minister, Catherine McFie – seen here enjoying some rare Manx sunshine!

Visits to college chaplain, Carole Marsden, and minister of Word and Sacrament, Ruth Wilson, completed the set and gave him cause to give thanks to God for the breadth of ministries in the United Reformed Church.

Southern Synod
With thanks to and blessings from God, Trinity Church in Willingdon has welcomed, Derek, a new member into its congregation.

The Revd Memona Shahbaz said: “We pray that he will feel loved, supported and truly at home among us. May God richly bless him, strengthen him in faith, and use his gifts and talents to bring encouragement and blessing to others.”

Elsewhere across Southern
Trinity United Reformed Church in Wimbledon is working towards a Gold Eco Church award, building on its bronze accreditation in 2016 and subsequent silver award.

Led by church administrator and Green Group leader Elizabeth Scharinger, the church is taking action across worship and teaching, buildings and energy, land and nature, community engagement and lifestyle.

Among its initiatives are services dedicated to the environment, a prayer tree for the climate crisis, a NEST heating system to reduce energy use and Perspex fitted over the church’s windows to improve insulation. Its Mansel Road Centre uses LED lighting, recycles and has milk delivered in glass bottles. The centre also offers a reusable party kit for local events.

Trinity works with Sustainable Merton to host an annual eco winter pop-up market, promoting EcoLiving and Fairtrade products and hosting clothes swaps while raising funds for the charity.

Elizabeth said community engagement was an important part of the church’s environmental work, helping build local connections while responding to the impact of the climate crisis.

Commitment for Life
Many schools in parts of Africa operate without first aid kits, trained staff or reliable emergency response systems.

During his sabbatical, the Revd George Kalu received a grant from Commitment for Life and partnered with the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society to help change that reality.

With his wife Nnenna, George delivered seven first aid kits to church-related schools serving less privileged communities in Zimbabwe, where government funding is limited.

Eastern Synod
Basildon �山ǿ��’s Buzz and Bloom toddler group celebrated nature and caring for the environment during the Great Big Green Week, held in early summer.

The toddlers spent the morning taking part in a variety of fun and educational activities including a mini bug hunt, leaf printing, and creating colourful nature-inspired artwork using leaves collected from around the garden.

To round off the day’s activities, the children enjoyed a teddy bears’ picnic, bringing together outdoor play, friendship, and a love of nature in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.

North Western
There were cheers all round at Fairhaven �山ǿ��, aka The White Church, after it won first prize in its category at the local “Club Day” procession.

“Building for the future” was the church’s theme. The congregation collected and creatively wrapped cereal boxes to make ‘bricks’, while two artistic members created the focal point of the display — a model of the church tower.

Members of the church and friends joined others to walk the 1.5-mile route through Lytham.

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UNDER SECTION 121(2) OF THE CHARITIES ACT 2011

WE, the Trustees of Westminster College Cambridge (registered charity no 311449), HEREBY GIVE NOTICE of our intention to dispose of the charity land and property situated at Westminster College, Madingley Rd, Cambridge CB3 0AA as described below:

1. Properties known as the ground floor rooms numbered 3, 4 and 5 in the East Wing of Westminster College Madingley Rd Cambridge CB3 0AA by way of a lease of 25 years to The Henry Martyn Trust

WE invite any representations about these proposals to be sent in writing to:

The Bursar
Westminster College
Madingley Rd
Cambridge, CB3 0AA

to be received no later than 18 September 2026.

Any representations received after that date shall not be considered.

For and on behalf of the Trustees of Westminster College Cambridge
Stephen Forber Bursar
18 August 2026

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