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.

Grant to give LGBT+ charity a boost 

16 Mar 2023

91��Ƭ�� (URC) Finance Committee is to provide a grant of £50,000 to the Open Table Network (OTN).  The network is a growing partnership of communities across England and Wales which welcomes and affirms people who are LGBTQIA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual). Overseen by the committee, the […]

Around the URC in seven days: 13–19 March 2023

13 Mar 2023

A round-up of news from around the United Reformed Church over the past seven days, 13-19 March 2023.  East Midlands Synod Church of Christ the Cornerstone, in the East Midlands Synod, and its Minister the Revd George Mwaura welcomed His Majesty King Charles III on a visit last month. The church was the venue for […]

Lundie Memorial Award Winners: January–March 2023

13 Mar 2023

A savvy tech expert, a passionate helper, and a thoughtful act of kindness have netted three young people a Lundie Memorial Award. Throughout the year Castle Hill United Reformed Church (URC), in Northampton in the East Midlands Synod, provides food hampers for those in the community who are in need. The church’s minister, the Revd […]

URC urges Home Office to drop Illegal Migration Bill

08 Mar 2023

91��Ƭ�� (URC) has joined with the Baptist Union and the Methodist Church in calling for the UK government’s plans on tackling immigration across the English Channel to be abandoned. Earlier this week, Suella Braverman, the Home Secretary (pictured), and the Prime Minister’s Office introduced the Illegal Migration Bill in the House of […]

Countdown to URC’s 50th anniversary celebrations

06 Mar 2023

There are just under six weeks to go until the United Reformed Church’s 50th anniversary Service of Thanksgiving and Celebration and Open Church House Event. Both events take place on 15 April. Following the postponement of the date last October because of a rail strike, there has been more interest from people wanting to attend […]

CRCW helps BBC Radio Derby set new Guinness World Record

04 Mar 2023

A United Reformed Church Related Community Worker has helped a BBC radio station smash a world record. In November, BBC Radio Derby, launched its Make a Blanket Appeal to distribute warm blankets to those most in need during the winter months. Aiming to collect 100 blankets, the station reigned in the help of Vicky Longbone, […]

Next

No more posts

No more posts

The post CRCW helps BBC Radio Derby set new Guinness World Record appeared first on United Reformed Church.