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 URC’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 URC 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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I remember watching my dad, when he was URC 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 URC Holiday Forum next year? The Revd Tim Meadows, a past Moderator of the URC’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 URC (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 URC, Durham; (insert) Kacie (right) at Greenbelt with Neil Thorogood (centre) and URC 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 URC 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: URC 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 URC; an abundance of Moderators!

For me, the weekend was abundant many times over. Bethel URC (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 URC (Gateshead), joined by members of Denewell Avenue URC 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 URC (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 URC’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 URC 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 URC first!

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In July, the URC’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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The URC’s Youth Moderator, Kacie Hodgson, and Youth Moderator Elect, Alex Clements, have teamed up to write a monthly blog for the URC website. They say, “we want to take you along on our journey – sharing our day-to-day work, reflecting on events and, above all, celebrating the incredible things young people are doing right across the United Reformed Church”.

In this month’s blog, Kacie and Alex describe the “overwhelming” welcome they have received right across the UK as part of their Mods on Tour project.

From Woking to Glasgow, from a URC Youth Camp to an ecumenical gathering hosted by the Greek Orthodox Church, they say they have already felt supported and encouraged by their conversations and meetings. As they travel around the country, they say that words from the New Testament letter to the Hebrews sum up both what they are experiencing and what they hope to share throughout the year:

“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering”, “provoking” one another “unto love and to good works.”

If you would like to invite Kacie and Alex to visit you at your church meeting, please email urcyamoderator@urc.org.uk to see what might be possible.

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To kick things off, I recently spent two days with the Woking URC Youth Camp, and the experience was amazing. When I asked them what mattered most about Woking, every single person gave the same answer: the strong sense of community, genuine welcome, and safety.

At its best, church is defined by how safe, accepted, and valued people feel when they gather together. The Woking camp was a wonderful picture of true Christian fellowship – a place where people hold each other up and share their lives.

Our prayer is that this blog becomes an extension of that same spirit across the wider URC. We want this to be more than a place where we share scheduled updates; we want a space where we share our hope, encourage one another, and highlight the love and good deeds happening across URC Youth and beyond.

sums up what I saw at camp and what Alex and I hope to build here.

– Kacie

Hi all!

The last month since General Assembly has been a busy one for me. The response to, and engagement with, Kacie and my “Mods on Tour” project has been fantastic. Because of this, I have bounced around East Midlands Synod a bit this month, visiting Bulwell with the East Midlands CYDO Richard, and Gainsborough with the Synod team: the support for the project from the Synod has been a source of huge encouragement for me.

Kacie and I are committed to reaching churches that are very distant from Church House or Synod offices. So, I was up in Glasgow for a weekend to visit Rutherglen URC and to attend an ecumenical service of prayer at St Andrew’s Roman Catholic Cathedral. The welcome from Rutherglen and the cathedral was more than I could have expected, and more generally the welcome I have felt from the Church in the role of Moderator Elect has been overwhelming.

Finally, at the end of July, I was invited to a Churches Together in England reception in London, hosted by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain. The Archdiocesan Chapel (pictured above) was beautiful, and the enthusiasm for ecumenism among young leaders across the denominations was obvious. This is something I look forward to exploring further with the contacts I made at the event.

– Alex

Main image: Mike Bird | Pexels

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The striking, illustrated Bible was brought to London by Catriona Wheeler, the immediate past Moderator of the General Assembly, from Trinity URC in Lincoln, which closed in January this year. The congregation had been gifted the Bible by the congregation of the Pauluskirche in Hambach, an area of the city of Neustadt an der Weinstrasse in the Rhineland-Palatinate, or “Pfalz”, in western Germany.

Trinity had been twinned for thirty years with the Pauluskirche, and was one of around twenty local URC congregations that are twinned with partner German churches from the region.

As a member of the Lincoln Choral Society, Catriona visited Neustadt again recently and had the opportunity to attend a service at the Pauluskirche, bringing greetings from Lincoln and from the wider URC, and participating in worship with a Bible reading. Catriona said it was a happy opportunity to confirm an ongoing friendship with Oliver Jaehn, the minister of the Pauluskirche (pictured left), and other members of the congregation, who have visited Lincoln over the years.

The individual church partnerships between URCs and German congregations have grown out of the Covenant of Pulpit and Table Fellowship, established following the Second World War between what is now the United Reformed Church and the Evangelische Kirche der Pfalz.

One aspect of that Covenant is the tradition of biennial theological consultations that alternate between locations in Germany and the UK. This year’s gathering will take place in London in October, taking the theme “The Church’s Prophetic Voice: Naming and Resisting Evil in Society, War and the Climate Crisis”. The event will include a visit to St George’s German Lutheran Church in Aldgate, the oldest German church in Britain, with a history that includes strong associations with the German theologian and martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Conversations are now being held about how best to display the Pauluskirche-Trinity Bible at the Offices of the General Assembly. What is certain is that its presence will be a permanent visual reminder of the ongoing value of a European relationship now over 60 years old.

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