31 March 2022

St Columba’s United Reformed Church in Oxford is believed to be the first church in the UK to appoint an outreach worker for the trans, intersex and non-binary communities.

Chrissie Chevasutt started as the church’s Outreach Worker in January, an appointment financially supported by the local church, the regional Wessex Synod Trust and the Legacies Fund and the Discipleship Development Fund of the national United Reformed Church.

The role will focus on a number of areas:

• Pastoral care – offering support and understanding to people transitioning, their families and support groups, churches, and to trans people in ministry;
• Theological – to help with theological thinking and development;
• Educational – to help the Church understand what it means to be trans in all its forms, to raise awareness of needs, issues and rights for trans and non-binary people so that the Church is better informed and can offer appropriate support.

The Revd Helen Garton, minister at the St Columba’s said: “At our First Sunday LGBT+ group, I came across a number of people who identified as trans and non-binary, so it seemed obvious to me that we had a particular ministry to trans and non-binary people.

“I was aware that such a ministry needed someone who could speak from direct knowledge and experience who could offer pastoral support in Oxford and the surrounding areas based at St Columba’s.

“St Columba’s is a pioneering church and still has the energy and the heart to be ground-breaking in this area, as we are already supportive and welcoming to trans and non-binary people and are pained by the misunderstanding, prejudice and hostility that they can experience, sometimes on a daily basis.”

“Chrissie comes to us with a heart and passion for the Gospel and the work of the church in reaching out to people. They also bring an insight from a church tradition quite different to our own, which is refreshing and helpful in understanding the spiritual needs of the people who come to First Sunday, themselves from diverse church backgrounds.

“My hope is that the United Reformed Church at large will warmly support their work, learn from their insights and receive the gifts they offer.”

To interview Helen Garton or Chrissie Chevasutt, please contact the URC Media Team on 07976 750953.

The post Oxford church appoints outreach worker for Transgender, Intersex and non-binary communities appeared first on United Reformed Church.

Latest news

Read the latest news and statements from the URC

Ceasefire Agreement – Statement

Israel and Hamas have agreed to a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal, according to US and Qatari mediators. The first six-week phase is set to take effect on 19 January.

Reflection on Palestine

91��Ƭ��’s Minister for Digital Worship, the Revd Andy Braunston, delivers a Reflection on Palestine.

Church leaders call for Gaza peace

91��Ƭ��, Christian Aid, other humanitarian agencies and global church leaders have urged the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak MP to call for an end to fighting in Gaza.

URC Ukraine Appeal

The URC has launched an appeal in support of Ukrainian refugees and Internally Displaced Persons located to the west of Ukraine in Transcarpathia.

Crisis in Ukraine

From donating to the DEC appeal to prayers and other actions, here’s a list of the different ways you can help support those affected by the conflict

Church Life Review

The Church Life Review was set up in 2020 to review the life, structures, resources and work of the United Reformed Church.

The post News & stories appeared first on United Reformed Church.

What’s happening around the URC: 22 June – 6 July

07 Jun 2023

A round-up of what’s happening in and around the United Reformed Church (URC) from 15 June – 6 July. URC Training, a collaboration between Children’s and Youth Work and Education and Learning, bring you ‘Exploring resilience for churches’ a series of three, free webinars. 22 June from 7.15-8.45pm – Self-care and resilience, Led by the […]

Disability Pride Month: make your views heard

06 Jun 2023

July is Disability Pride Month, a time to celebrate disabled people, affirm their inherent dignity and rights, promote their visibility, and recognise their achievements. 91��Ƭ�� Disability Awareness Task Group would like to celebrate Disability Pride by listening to and amplifying the views of disabled people across the denomination.  If you are a […]

Around the URC in seven days: 31 May – 5 June 2023

30 May 2023

A round-up of news from around the United Reformed Church (URC) over the past seven days: 31 May to 5 June. Yorkshire Synod Yorkshire Synod has sadly announced the death of Rosie Buxton, a much-loved Church Related Community Worker (CRCW), colleague and friend. Rosie was the CRCW at Moldgreen, Waverley and Brackenhall URCs in Huddersfield […]

Woking Bible readathon raises thousands for Christian Aid

30 May 2023

Determined fundraisers from a Woking church have raised more than £11,000 for charity after an 82-hour Bible readathon. The Revd Lucy Brierley and the team at Woking United Reformed Church are celebrating after their four-day challenge – part of Christian Aid Week 2023 – proved a massive hit. The readathon, which was live-streamed on YouTube […]

Reform magazine: June 2023

22 May 2023

There are more insights into the situation in Ukraine in this month’s edition of Reform. Katherine Kelaidis reports on the battles of Orthodoxy and freedom taking place there as result of historic tensions with Russia. Closer to home, Andy Atkins, CEO of the Christian environmental organisation A Rocha UK, talks collaboration, campaigning and COPs. Victoria Turner […]

Around the URC: What’s on

22 May 2023

A round-up of what’s happening in and around the United Reformed Church (URC) over the coming months. May Retaining team members Join the Children’s and Youth Work Team on Zoom on 25 May from 7-8pm for a discussion on recruiting and retaining team members. Guest speaker, John Stephenson, Youth Work Adviser for Northern Synod, will […]

Next

No more posts

No more posts

The post Around the URC: What’s on appeared first on United Reformed Church.