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.

URC 50: worship competition winners announced

08 Jul 2022

91��Ƭ�� (URC) is proud to announce the winners of its Worship Resources Competition. Eight judges, including the celebrated composer, Bernadette Farrell, whose work includes Christ Be Our Light, judged dozens of entries from choirs, bands, individuals, songwriters, hymnwriters, organists, composers, and poets. Starting off with ‘traditional’ and ‘contemporary’ hymn categories, along with […]

URC debate anniversary marked at House of Lords

06 Jul 2022

Friends and members of the denomination gathered at the House of Lords on Thursday 30 June to mark the 50th anniversary of the debate about the United Reformed Church Bill. NEW: Watch a video from the event A small reception and ceremony were held in the Attlee and Reid Room, where the debate took place […]

Northern Synod celebrates URC’s jubilee at open-air museum

04 Jul 2022

There couldn’t have been a more ideal place for Northern Synod to celebrate the United Reformed Church (URC’s) 50th Jubilee year than at the open-air museum in Beamish, County Durham. At every turn visitors to this popular attraction are to be heard sharing memories of how they or their parents or grandparents had lived in […]

URC’s 2022 Jubilee General Assembly to take place

04 Jul 2022

The 2022 United Reformed Church General Assembly takes place from 8-11 July at The Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick. This will be the first in-person General Assembly since 2018. Items on the agenda include response to the legacies of transatlantic slavery; the launch of URC Children; one-off payments to ministers and lay staff in light […]

Explore Eldership through new course

01 Jul 2022

Exploring Eldership is a new course written for United Reformed Church Elders by Elders. In the course you’ll find information about a number of different topics, all of them critical to the role. It may also serve as a refresher for Elders who may wish to review their ministry and responsibilities either individually or corporately. […]

Northern College appoints new Principal

27 Jun 2022

The Revd Dr Adam Scott has been appointed to the role of Principal of Northern College. Dr Scott will succeed the role when the current Principal, the Revd Dr Rosalind Selby retires in 2023. Dr Scott currently serves as Tutor for Ministerial Formation at the college and comes with experience of pastorate and chaplaincy ministries […]

Next

No more posts

No more posts

The post Northern College appoints new Principal appeared first on United Reformed Church.