Refresh Magazine Issue 11 Autumn 2024

Winter 2024 Issue 11

The magazine of the Congregational Federation

NEW YOUTH AMBASSADOR Sets out his goals and vision

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‘JOY TO THE WORLD’ Celebrating the 350th anniversary of Isaac Watts

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MISSIONARY LIVES OF THE PAST A dive into the archives at SOAS

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“…looking forward to being refreshed by your company.

God’s peace be with all of you” (Romans 15:33, The Message)

Contents 3 From the General Secretary 4 From the President 6 Federation News 7 North East Away Day to York 8 Local Church News 10 Toilets for Toowa: Bretherton Youth Group 11 NEW ROLE! Youth Ambassador: Harry Booton 12 HISTORY Joy to the World: 350 years of Isaac Watts 14 FROM THE ARCHIVES Missionary lives of the past: a visit to the CWM archives at SOAS 17 Springs of Living Waters: New Beginnings at CF 18 What makes tech good or bad?

Asks Neil Chappell 20 NEW! Mission Course: Stories of Jesus

by Clemy Gilmore 22 Hurricane Beryl hits Granada: update by Nigel Lindsay 25 TESTIMONY Hope and Courage by Thandar Tun 26 LEARNING TOGETHER Top Tips for Learning Churches, part 4

by Catherine Booton 28 Shine Your Light: sharing the Gospel at Christmas by Adam May 30 Books on my desk by Yvonne Campbell 31 Retreat: The benefits of taking time out

by Adrian Burr 32 In the Footsteps of the Pilgrim Fathers

by Alan Kennedy 34 RACIAL JUSTICE: The Body of Christ 35 PRAYER DIARY from November to March TO ORDER REFRESH: There are three issues of Refresh each year, available on annual subscription at £36 incl. p&p and the Yearbook. Email: admin@congregational.org.uk or tel: 0115 9111460 for details.

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Refresh Magazine, ISSN 2634-2987, is published by: The Congregational Federation, Congregational Centre, 8 Castle Gate, Nottingham NG1 7AS Tel: 0115 911 1460 www.congregational.org.uk www.theresourcehub.co.uk Registered charity 264839

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elcome to this winter issue of Refresh! As some contributions remind us of the activities of the summer – with retreats and trips and outdoor events – others look forward to Advent and Christmas with ideas for books (gifts!), for joining the Gospel activities of Shine Your Light, or for following the special Advent service designed by President Elisabeth Sweeney-Smith (see the poster on the back cover).

There are other new positions and courses to note, for one, the role of Youth Ambassador which is being filled by Harry Booton, and for another, the new mission course which is looking for churches to join the pilot scheme – sign up soon! We also welcome new students and newly accredited ministers to the Congregational Federation family. And of course, I am new to you as the incoming editor here.

Thank you to Andrew Halloway for a warm welcome to the magazine. Andrew’s past three and a half years as editor of Refresh have been marked by ten wonderful issues, bringing together news and developments across the UK into one key communication that is shared back out again to the CF churches and chapels.

If there are any budding journalists or bloggers who would like to contribute to Refresh, please do get in touch. It has been a joy to begin to get to know the team at CF and to hear about the God-led, powerful, Bible-based, worship-full work that goes on across the UK. Thank you for having me!

With blessings to you all for the coming season.

Louisa Lockwood, Editor Refresh@congregational.org.uk

Cover © Matt Seymour, unsplash Design and print: Verité CM Ltd. www.veritecm.com.

All Bible quotes are from either the NLT or NIV unless otherwise stated.

All articles are copyright ©Refresh Magazine.

This magazine is printed on paper from a sustainable source.

Please contact the Editor if you would like permission to reproduce any content.

From the General Secretary Welcome to the Winter Refresh

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s we move from autumn into winter, the change of seasons brings its own beauty with tree silhouettes and textured skies.

We also have change with our new Editor Louisa who steps into Andrew Halloway’s shoes with this issue. There is also lots of change happening in the Congregational Federation as Philip Stainer, our Property and Financial Assistant, leaves for another job at the end of October and Mark Tucker, the Operations Manager, retires at the end of the year.

Personally, I will miss them both very much and I take this opportunity to thank them so much for their support and encouragement and for all the amazing work they have done for CF and CF Ltd. Please go to the website for more information about how you can say goodbye and show them your appreciation.

I wonder what changes you might be going through, at the moment, at home, work or church?

How do you manage change?

Both churches in Taunton North Street and Stoke St Mary have over their pulpit these words from Hebrews 13 verse 8, ‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday today and forever.’ Our faith is a comfort, knowing we have a God whose love for us is unfailing and promises to never leave us, knowing we have purpose.

My sister preached yesterday on Genesis 19 – Lot’s wife – highlighting the important message of not looking back but looking forward to what’s next.

I wonder what is planned for your church this autumn and winter as we head to Christmas? I always encourage churches to be a step ahead and have invitations ready for the next event so at the remembrance service give invitations out for Advent and Christmas, at Christmas give invitations out for an event in January which may be a new Bible course or special service on a topical subject. If you want help creating an invitation or some ideas, then reach out or visit the resource hub website.

I’ve been running the Pete Greig prayer course this autumn with Newcastle under Lyme Congregational church which has been brilliant. Prayer is all about change. We pray to be changed, to be more like Jesus; we pray for change for peace; justice; healing; and for more people in our churches. Prayer is about transformation, to see revival when everyone gives their hearts to Jesus to receive his mercy and his salvation.

One of the books I read over summer was The Hiding Place, the story of Corrie Ten Boom as recommended in the last edition. I was inspired by Corrie’s sister Betsie, her faith was incredible and her advice was to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus whatever the circumstances. Whatever change you face, whatever circumstances you are in, keep looking to Jesus.

Enjoy this issue and thank you for all you do in your church.

Yvonne Campbell

Above: Yvonne hosting Julie Sim from CWM at the Nottingham Office.

Below: Yvonne hosting a group of lady pioneers from CWM at Strawberry Fields Liverpool praying that God would do far more than they could possibly think or imagine.

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FEDERATION NEWS

Update from the President Right: Worshiping with a Zulu-speaking church in Ladysmith, South Africa.

Rev Willingmore Mhalanga at Ladysmith Presbyterian Church, South Africa.

At Victoria Road Northampton, Elisabeth celebrated the welcoming of two new members and induction of a new deacon, the three of them are standing in front of the pulpit fall made by the ladies of Witney Congregational Church.

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arely three months has passed since I assumed the role of President of the CF and in that time my feet have hardly touched the ground. Literally. I was flying out to South Africa in June representing, along with others, the Federation at the Assembly of the Council for World Mission in Durban. Whilst in South Africa I led a service at a Presbyterian church in Ladysmith and attended a service conducted in Zulu in a local township.

It was heart-warming to see people’s commitment to faith in very trying circumstances.

In advance of our National Assembly in Colchester, I spent a week in Eastern region getting to know some of the churches and taking part in their activities. During May, I joined Uppermill at the Whit Walk of Witness procession and led services in Haverhill, Tollesbury, Hope in Oldham, and even preached in my home church of Chinley Chapel where friends marked my new role with a celebratory cake. After returning from South Africa in June, I submitted my dissertation on R.W. Dale’s The Atonement, thus completing my BA Degree in Applied Theology from the University of Chester with a 2:1.

During July and August, thanks to some churches holding afternoon and evening services, I have managed to make every Sunday count in terms of multiple visits on a Sunday. Knowle Green, Inglewhite, Kingswood, North Nibley, Cheltenham, Oakamoor, Southam and Bishops Itchington, Long Itchington, Northampton and Theddingworth have all been visited and what a blessing it has been to me to meet so many of our Congregational friends. Kind hospitality has been much appreciated.

My theme ‘To Hear the Word of the Lord’ has been how I have tried to approach each visit. I have been encouraged by how the Spirit of God has led me to the right place at the right time, whether that be to support congregations in times of sorrow or to celebrate as I did with Rev Ian Gregory and Trisha presenting the 60-year ministry certificate in their home or at Victoria Road Northampton welcoming two new members. It has been such a varied experience from joining a Bible study on John’s Gospel at an evening service of four in a rural setting,

sensing God’s presence in such a small gathering, to leading a morning service in a magnificent edifice of an urban Congregational church. This particular beautifully maintained huge building regularly hosts four different Christian forms of worship over a weekend – truly a multitude of voices praising God under one roof. On another occasion, when I was paying a surprise visit to one of our churches, it was delightful to be greeted on the door with, ‘Oh, hello, you’re our new president, aren’t you?’ Clearly folk on the ball who read the CF Magazine, In-Touch or had watched the Assembly online or attended it.

As a President I am very conscious that I am the guest and am privileged to get a glimpse into the life of different churches which is an enriching experience for me and I hope for them as they are reminded we are all part of a wider community of faith. I am

FEDERATION NEWS Left: Elisabeth joined an evening Service at Theddingworth Congregational Church in rural Leicestershire.

Far left: Elisabeth at the Sea Service held at North Nibley Congregational Chapel.

committed to taking note of prayer requests as they surface, as I believe that prayers ahead of and following a visit are part of the commitment to serve those who have elected me, including praying for those I will not get time to visit. The diary quickly fills up with sending emails or making telephone calls, joining various Council meetings by Zoom or in person. It is such a joy to share in church anniversaries, inductions and special services welcoming new members or commissioning deacons, leading Holy Communion services and ordinary services as well as meditating in the Scriptures as I prepare each service.

The twelve months as President flies by and it is not possible to physically visit each of our 200+ churches with only 52 weekends in a year. However, by May next year I shall have visited many of our churches, ranging from large and small ones, rural and urban, churches with a minister and churches without. I will have travelled to Scotland, all English regions and Wales. I hope that by keeping you updated of what I am doing that you will feel a shared sense of engagement and also be praying for me, as I

am for all our churches and staff at the Federation, that we will all clearly ‘Hear The Word of the Lord’ this year.

In a changing world, ours is an unchanging God whom we are all called to serve to the best of our ability through the power of the Holy Spirit. In whatever role ours is, may we all know God’s grace as we are faithful to our particular calling.

Yours in Christ, Elisabeth Sweeney-Smith

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FEDERATION NEWS

Annual Congregational Lecture T

he 2024 Annual Congregational Lecture will take place at Westminster College, Cambridge on Thursday 21 November 2024 at 5:30pm. Professor Alexandra Walsham will speak on the theme of evangelical conversion as it manifested itself among some of the mid-seventeenth century congregations in London and Dublin. Refreshments will be available from 4:30pm. If you wish to attend, please email the Secretary of the Friends of the Congregational Library at admin@pondsquarechapel.org.uk.

Luzia Watt (centre) with Anthony Reddie (second from right) and Carol Troupe (second from left) holding their co-edited book.

Far left is Marcia Cameron, member at Trinity Brixton and far right is Graham McGeoch, CWM Secretary for Discipleship.

The legacy of slavery

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was invited to the book launch of Deconstructing Whiteness, Empire and Mission coedited by Anthony G Reddie and Carol Troupe, and funded by CWM following their research on the CWM Legacies of Slavery project.

President Elisabeth Sweeney-Smith with Rev Ian Gregory holding his 60-year Long Service Certificate.

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It was an interesting night and Anthony and Carol spoke about very important points to be considered about the legacy of slavery. Themes included the exploration of Christian Mission and its history, the concept of white supremacy, systemic racism, and the effect of global capitalism. They also noted the painful events recorded in the historical archives.

The night made me consider my own family history. I am Brazilian. Unfortunately, slavery was the heart of the Brazilian economy and Brazil was the last country in the Western Hemisphere to abolish slavery in 1888. My great-grandfather was the last generation of slaves in Brazil that were brought from Nigeria. I grew up hearing my mum proudly talking about what an incredibly strong man he was and that he never let what happened to him determine who he was. I think we should embrace the future with love regardless of our past and understand that God values, desires, and loves each person the same.

Luzia Watt, Church Support Worker, Congregational Federation

FEDERATION NEWS

A trip to York with North East Area A rewarding away day in York in July 2024 for the Annual Assembly

By Madge Hollowood, Harden Congregational Church

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fter surviving a rather busy train journey, a complicated diversionary route and a steady drizzle, Kay Johnson and I arrived at Jacobs Well, a beautiful medieval building in the centre of York, where the assembly was taking place. We were greeted there with a very welcome cup of coffee and biscuits and enjoyed a time of fellowship as other attendees steadily joined us from around the North East Area. In total, 25 people were present, representing Scunthorpe, Harden, Pickering, Whitley Bay, Driffield, Hillsborough and Tapton Hill Congregational Churches.

Fully refreshed, the more intrepid members then embarked on A Time Traveller’s Walking Tour of York which was introduced as an interactive and fun way of finding out about York’s fascinating history including aspects of life in the city from Viking, Medieval, Roman, Tudor, Georgian and Victorian times. Awarded five stars on Trip Advisor, it was awarded a similar accolade by those people who participated.

Proceedings continued with a fascinating talk given

by Richard Gascoyne and Trevor Palling entitled The Grenada Experience in which they described their visit to see the missionary work of Nigel Lindsay in that country. At the close of the talk, we were given a sheet

of prayers to take back to our respective churches and encouraged to include them in the next four Sunday services.

No church get together is complete without a delicious cream tea and this was no exception! Some of the best scones I have ever tasted were served with jam, cream and a very welcome cup of tea and prepared us for the next item on the agenda – the Annual Summer North East Area Business Meeting!

This was completed in the record time of 38 minutes and included a vote on the date and venue for the next away day which will be Whitby on 12 July 2025.

The away day concluded with a time of worship and prayer led by Robert Waddington. Accompanied by music and images on an overhead screen, 25 rousing voices raised the roof of that ancient building.

Robert’s sermon, witty as always, was introduced as ‘Not sponsored by Viking River Cruises but Garnier Fructis shampoo.’ The key words were: Hi-ur-lar-on-ic, strength and shine, rinse and repeat, the message was that being a Christian is about pointing people to God, and in His strength He uses us to shine for Him. The meeting then closed with us sharing the grace together and we went our separate ways. Hopefully we will all meet together again in Whitby in 2025.

Top left: The Jacobs Well medieval building in York where the assembly took place.

Top right: Members enjoying the delicious cream tea.

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LOCAL CHURCH NEWS

Top: Perth Congregational Church members and Minister Rev Gordon Campbell celebrating the 125th Anniversary Year of the church.

Right: During 2024, Dr John Clements received a certificate from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development in recognition of his status as a senior fellow with 30 years of experience.

Below left: Anna Bradley being inducted as the new Minister of Bretherton Congregational Church in June 2024.

Below right: In July 2024, Vaughan Jones retired as Minister at Union Chapel and Yvonne Campbell was delighted to be able to attend.

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Caring for QVSR Seafarers at Christmas

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hank you to CF for the Community Award. It is with great pleasure that we can share this photo of presenting a £2000 cheque for the QVSR seafarers Christmas presents fund.

Wellcome Church have and will support caring for the seafarers who are far from home and will not be receiving anything from family or friends due to the distance. The present they receive from QVSR will be the only gift they have to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Once again, many thanks, Andrew Blakey, Chair of Trustees, Wellcome Church, Thurrock

LOCAL CHURCH NEWS

‘What people put in the offertory plate in church’ – whose business?

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expect several of us remember something we have said, or not said, as Christians, which we later kick ourselves for. In one of my churches, an older member told me, with great disapproval, that some of a new group of members put nothing in the offertory plate.

Later, when I was in a private conversation with one of them, I was stupid enough to ask why, in what I thought was a casual way. The young woman concerned was almost in tears as she told me that one of their number, whose husband had run off with a schoolgirl, was unable to afford food for her three children.

These young fellow members of the church were going shopping with her and were paying what she could not and had agreed, among themselves, that this was their way of giving money to God instead of the church offertory.

I bitterly regretted my stupidity and thought up this saying which I told myself needed to be repeated in the pulpit and/or hung up as a notice: ‘Any money that any person does or does not give to the church is a personal matter between them and God – and no one else’s business.’

Angela Robinson

Karen Haden, author of Paying in Blood.

The stories of our lives

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ighbury Congregational Church deacon Karen Haden introduces her first historical crime novel and explains why she turned to writing. “While leading a weekly bible group in a women’s prison, I saw how all the participants connected with stories, regardless of background, and wanted to talk about their own experiences as a result. The same was true when prison officers joined us, and even a male bishop on one occasion.”

Paying in Blood is the first in a series of three novels, set in a tangled world of 1600s religion and politics, with historical characters you may recognise – such as Mayflower Pilgrim leaders John Robinson and William Brewster – at a time when it was illegal for independent believers like ourselves to meet together in England. The book is free via Kindle Unlimited and available to buy at: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CW6LKGK7.

CONGREGATIONAL FEDERATION OPPORTUNITIES The following churches are seeking ministers/pastors at the present time. If you are interested in receiving more information you must firstly contact the Congregational Federation via our Nottingham Office.

Full time:

Greenacres, Oldham, part-time considered (North West); Haverhill (Eastern); Inglewhite (North West); Market Harborough, part-time considered (East Midlands); Southwick Christian Community Church (South East); Springhead, Oldham, part-time considered (North West).

Part-time:

Burbage (East Midlands); Dereham: Cowper Memorial (Eastern); North Nibley (South West Midlands); Shillington (East Midlands); Stalybridge (North West).

Non-stipendiary:

Frampton (South West Midlands); Oban Congregational Church (Scotland); Penrhys, Llanfair Uniting Church, (Wales); Ebenezer Independent Congregational Chapel, Tredegar, Gwent (Wales).

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YOUTH OUTREACH

Toilets for Toowa

A fundraising initiative to support a school and village in Uganda By the Bretherton Youth Group

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e are excited to share with you an important initiative that our youth group is undertaking.

We are four members of the Bretherton Youth Group and members of the Congregational Church in Bretherton. We are raising funds to support a school and village in Toowa in Uganda. Our main goal is to help improve the sanitation facilities within the primary school – a critical need that directly impacts health, education, and overall quality of life.

Finding out about Toowa

From left: Olivia, Charlie, Yensi and Lewis of the Bretherton Youth Group.

The Just Giving link:

Toowa is a small village, located near Lugazi in Uganda. The majority of the population of about 6000 live in poverty. Toowa Primary School provides access to education for the many local children.

Friends of Toowa supports children through sponsorships for their education, as well as the development of the school estates and delivery of health and public health programmes.

Many rural communities in Uganda lack access to basic sanitation, leading to the spread of preventable diseases and putting the lives of children and families at risk. By building and renovating toilets, providing clean water, and educating communities on hygiene practices, we can help to make a lasting difference.

Growing a commitment We first started supporting the charity, Friends of Toowa, through the Bretherton Brigade in October 2020 by sponsoring two children in Toowa; supporting their education, and providing livestock and furniture for their families. This is where our passion and commitment to do more began. As senior members of the youth group, we wanted to find an international project and it felt appropriate to continue the work we started with Friends of Toowa four years ago. In that time, we have grown to understand more of the needs of the local community in Toowa. Due to the connections made we have the assurances that the monies donated will be put to good use for the current and ongoing development of the community.

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Fundraising and events So far, we have undertaken community-based charity events, and have successfully raised £2000 towards our target of £10,000. We are very grateful to everyone who has supported us and the charity to date.

Our upcoming events: 1. Family Film Night (with thanks to the support of the Bretherton Film Society) 2. Proms Night 3. Cèilidh - Burns Night in January Seeing for ourselves In June of 2025 we will set off on a self-funded trip to Uganda. We hope to see and experience first-hand the work of the charity and how the money raised is used to provide a safe and sustainable future for the local community. We will share in worship with the school community, sharing the good news of Jesus.

How you can help Toowa We strongly believe that everyone deserves access to clean and safe sanitation, and with YOUR help, we can bring hope and health to those in need. Your contribution, no matter how small, will have a direct impact on the lives of countless people in Uganda.

We have a Just Giving page where you can donate, or alternatively look out for more information about our upcoming events. We would love to see you at one of them and share with you more information about the charity project and what it means to us.

Thank you for joining us in support of this vital cause. Together, we can create a healthier, brighter future for these communities.

Just Giving website link: https://www.justgiving.com/ page/bretherton-youth-group-1717865144653 Friends of Toowa website: https://toowa.org/ Thank you from the Bretherton Youth Group.

The Bretherton Congregational Church Mission Statement is: Working together sharing the good news of Jesus through faith in action, serving our community and the wider world.

YOUTH WORK

Youth with a mission Stepping up to a national role needs a goal, and the CF’s new youth ambassador explains his top three goals

By Harry Booton, Youth Ambassador for Congregational Federation

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y name is Harry Booton, and I am the Congregational Federation’s new Youth Ambassador. I have been involved in churches since I was born (16 years ago) and entered membership at Ashby Congregational Church last September.

Since then, I have represented the Congregational Federation at the URC’s Youth Conference as well as at various area assemblies and local churches where I’ve been able to talk to many different people about youth within the church.

Outside of my role I am an avid rugby fan, book lover and history geek. If you see me, I will probably have my nose in a book or a strategy game. I have a real passion for twentieth century history and a love for the subject overall. I am also an air cadet and hope one day to join the RAF fulltime.

out of the way, let’s discuss why I think it’s so important. Young people today are a lot more aware of these issues and it is important, at least in my opinion, that churches keep up with evolving social and cultural attitudes. As such, this scheme offers a quick and simple toolkit to allow churches to more effectively communicate their views on some very big subjects. And that is why I believe as many churches as possible should do it.

Highlighting youth issues

As Youth Ambassador, I have three main goals: restart CF Youth events, pioneer the Honest Church campaign, and raise awareness of youth issues within the organisation.

Finally, we come on to a much less quantifiable but no less important aim: raising awareness. What I mean by that is, when I’m talking to churches, a common theme is that they struggle to communicate effectively with young people, especially those who fall into the teenage category. What I hope to do in my role is to give them the knowledge and skills to tackle these issues head on, to give them the confidence to go into the local community and to engage with all young people.

CF Youth events

Thank you

My first goal, the one I am most passionate about, is to restart CF Youth events. I believe these offer a really exciting opportunity for young Christians across the country to meet and engage with each other. From my own experiences at the URC Youth Conference, I know just how powerful and transformational that can be. For this, we are planning a few webinar events towards the end of the year so if you know any young people in your families or churches, keep an eye out for the information regarding these sessions.

Thank you very much for reading this. I hope to see some of you, if not all, in person at some point as I attend various events: be it national or area assemblies or on church visits.

God bless, Harry

The top three goals

Harry Booton, the new Youth Ambassador for Congregational Federation.

Honest Church Next, I’d like churches to consider completing the Honest Church scheme. This campaign, designed by the Student Christian Union, is intended to raise awareness and start discussions in churches about theology towards both LGBTQAI+ issues and the role of women in the church. It is important to stress, before moving forward, that there is no ‘right’ answer. This campaign is not designed to force ideas onto churches, nor is it designed to single out churches who think certain things. With that caveat

If you have any questions or would like to discuss these points, or any others, further, please don’t hesitate to contact me. email: youth@congregational.org.uk.

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HISTORY

Joy to the World Celebrating the 350th Anniversary of Isaac Watts (1674 to 2024)

By Elisabeth Sweeney-Smith, President of the Congregational Federation, Member at Chinley Independent Chapel and Foday Kamara, Minister at Chinley Independent Chapel

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hinley Independent Chapel, nestled in the Peak District, resonated with the music of Isaac Watts in July as they celebrated 350 years since the birth of this well-known hymn writer, known to many as the ‘Father of English Hymnody.’ He was also a theologian and Dissenting Minister in the Congregational Church. The history of Chinley Chapel dates back to 1662, twelve years before Isaac Watts was born, when its founder Rev William Bagshawe, famous as ‘The Apostle of the Peak’, then vicar of the Parish of Glossop was ejected from his living

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together with some 2000 other conscientious ministers on St Bartholomew Day, 24 August 1662.

Bagshawe moved to Ford Hall, which his father owned, and to the ownership of which he himself afterwards succeeded, and soon began to gather his neighbours for divine worship in a barn which his brother-in-law allowed him to use. But this was all done in much secrecy, on account of the persecutions that nonconformists were then subjected to. Rev Bagshawe was succeeded by Rev James Clegg, and it was during his ministry that the present chapel was built in 1711. This was the venue of our celebrations of the 350th Anniversary of Isaac Watts on Saturday 20 July 2024 from 10.30am to 5pm.

The celebratory event was the idea of a member of the chapel, a retired URC Minister (Rev Peter Sharp), who brought it before the church meeting for consideration. It was unanimously agreed to go ahead, and soon after the meeting, planning for the event started. A local community brass band and male voice choir were invited to lead our celebrations and community hymn singing. There were also three workshops: ‘Hidden Voices’ led by Rev Dr Janet

HISTORY

A selection of photos from the Isaac Watts celebrations at Chinley Independent Chapel in July 2024.

Wootton; ‘Hymns, why write and how’ led by Rev Dr Graham Adams, and ‘Being Adventurous with tunes’ led by Rev Peter Sharp.

The events started with a welcome and prayer led by our minister Foday Kamara, followed by a presentation on the life of Isaac Watts by Rev Peter Sharp. During his presentation, Rev Peter Sharp emphasized that in spite of ailing health throughout his life, Isaac Watts had achieved much that the church continues to be thankful for today. At the end of the day, three ladies gave a rendition of a song they had written to the tune of The Gypsy Rover.

A bouncy castle was in place for the children, which they enjoyed very much. A big thank you to Chinley Chapel’s hospitality team who provided amazing refreshments throughout the day. And a big thank you to the Whaley Bridge Band and Chapel-enle-Frith Male Voice Choir, and all the musicians. And a big thank you also to the Church Support Team of the Congregational Federation for their support and the grant to help with the cost of the event.

In the words of Isaac Watts; ‘Joy to the World! The Saviour reigns; let us our songs employ.’

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FROM THE ARCHIVES

Missionary lives of the past

By Maureen Williams, former CWM Missionary and member of Highbury Cheltenham Congregational Church

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t was good to see friendly faces as I turned into the courtyard of the SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies) Library at London University. A small group of fellow Congregationalists met together and had the privilege of seeing some of the archives of the London Missionary Society (LMS) which is now our Council for World Mission (CWM). This would not have been possible without Joanne Ichimura, the Archivist, who assembled such a wonderful collection of letters and photos for us all to see. We are very grateful to her.

David Livingston To see the Statement of Application which David Livingston had written to the LMS back in 1837 in the most beautiful handwriting shows a man felt called to serve God through missionary work (he was a doctor as well as an explorer) but just so, if not too, wary of his imperfections and failures. Indeed, most of us would probably do nothing if we searched our souls the way he did his. We were also able to see the original map he had made as he explored Africa.

He built for himself a remarkable reputation as a dedicated Christian, a courageous explorer and a fervent antislavery advocate. The church in the Potteries where my father was minister often hosted missionaries on furlough

An example of David Livingston’s writing with his signature.

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and I remember, as a child, visiting Westminster Abbey and it being so important to my parents that we saw the grave of David Livingston. When he died in Africa in 1873, his servants removed his heart and buried it in Africa, and for nine months they carried his body 1000 miles to the coast where he was then transported to England for burial in Westminster Abbey.

Eric Liddell Then on another table was the letter of acceptance for Eric Liddell to take up missionary work in China in 1925. He worked there until 1943, being ordained a minister of the Congregational Union of Scotland in 1932.

His whole short life was dedicated to missionary work and he chose to stay in China, sending his wife and family back to Canada, once the Japanese had invaded. He was interned in a Japanese camp and died of a brain tumour. We were reading all about this almost 100 years to the day when he had run in the Paris Olympics and won the 400m race. I am sure we all know his story as immortalised in the film Chariots of Fire.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Far left: London Missionary Society collecting boxes.

Left: The cover of the Report from the Select Committee on the Extinction of Slavery throughout The British Dominions.

British slavery Another tabletop gave us an insight into the Demerara Rebellion of 1823 when thousands of enslaved people led what was to become the largest revolt against British Slavery up to that point. As you can imagine, there was a terrific amount to take in.

Far left: Joanne Ichimura explaining more about the display.

Left: Several tables were set up for the group to explore.

Far left Yvonne Campbell, Joanne Ichimura and Elisabeth Sweeney Smith.

Left: Looking into the archives.

Continued overleaf

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FROM THE ARCHIVES

A traditional village in Papau New Guinea.

Fergusson Island mission life in 1979 I think I had a tiny bit of a taste of what early missionary life was like when I felt called to offer as a Christian nurse to CWM. I said I would go to wherever the need was greatest and so I was sent to a mission station on Fergusson Island in Papua New Guinea to train nurse aides in nursing and midwifery.

It was very rural and isolated but in 1979 they did have an airstrip which sadly no longer functions.

Then, a tiny plane came in with our mail each week, weather permitting.

The mission house, where I was to live with the local sisters, was like something out of Gone with the Wind to look at but inside the decay was obvious. A huge gecko lived on the ceiling of my room where there was a bed and a chair. No proper toilet or washing facilities although it is amazing what a bucket with a watering can sprinkler on the end can do for showering. One kerosene ring to share for cooking with the other sisters and we were reliant on the rain off the guttering for our water supply. We had power for 3 hours each evening if the generator worked and at 9.25pm there was a flick to say the power was going off. In that 5 minutes every spider and gecko seemed to appear and sometimes rather than light the kerosene lamp I just dived under the mosquito net and went to bed! So not the easiest transition from England.

Village ladies were still in grass skirts. Malaria was rife as was leprosy and death in childbirth, and small cuts soon became infected tropical ulcers. All things that are difficult to accept when you know they can be prevented. But everyone was friendly now as it was

said that, when the early missionaries arrived, the Dobuans who lived there had a reputation in the district as ‘the fiercest and most inveterate headhunters in all Papua.’ There was no word in the Dobuan language for forgiveness until the missionaries arrived in 1891 with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Medical Centre left a lot to be desired, mainly because it was female led by local women… so not very much was spent on it and more time seemed to be spent tending the gardens surrounding it, which were beautiful! But as I got to know my nurses and they got to know me, I knew this was where I was meant to be.

Before I finish I must mention the Rev Percy Chatterton. My minister at the time was Rev Eric Burton who was such a help and encourager and he had told me when I arrived to try and visit him, which I did and also met Rev Bert Brown. In 1924, Percy went out to Port Moresby as a lay missionary teacher and in 1943 was ordained into the Congregational Church at Delena. Everybody in Papua New Guinea knew of him as he became a member of the House of Assembly, started the Scout and Guide movement and was knighted in 1981. He died in 1984 and was given a state funeral. It was with great reluctance that he wrote his memoirs in the book Day That I Have Loved which ends with the words which I can so easily identify with: ‘Thank you Papua for all you have done for me Thank you even more for what you have done to me…’

How appropriate that I should be writing this in the centenary year of him going out there. It is a special place with special people and part of my heart, even remembering so many difficulties, is still there.

Thank you CWM

An office at the Council for World Mission (CWM).

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What a day of remembrance we had. Rev Graham McGeoch explained what CWM is now trying to achieve today and it reminds us that we are all part of this wonderful global Christian family of which there are 32 member churches in 41 countries amounting to 22.2 million members! Thank you to all the CWM staff for making us so welcome and we look forward to many more visits in the future.

NEW BEGINNINGS

Springs of living waters Welcoming new students and new ministers to the Congregational Federation stream

Credit: Bishop Mike Royal

S

eptember 2024 was the beginning of our new academic year for the Foundation Degree in Practical Theology course, marked by our first residential weekend. We were delighted to be joined by ten new first year students, who come from a variety of CF areas: Wales, South East, Eastern, North West and South West Midlands.

They join with students in the other three years, as they begin their journey of learning and discovery. We look forward to seeing what God has in store for each one!

Applications to begin the course in September 2025 are now open. Our new prospectus will be available soon, which will contain full details for the 2025-26 year, but if you would like to get a taste of what the Foundation Degree course has to offer, take a look at our website www.congregational.org. uk/learning-development.

Do get in touch with the team if you have any questions, we would love to hear from you!

Catherine Booton Learning and Development Manager, Congregational Federation email: catherine.booton@congregational.org.uk

Ministerial recognition ceremony at the 2024 Assembly.

Congratulations to newly accredited ministers with the Congregational Federation in 2024: Robert Cross – Minister (Minister at Brierly Green), Gwyn Davis – Minister (Minister at Clarendon Park), Lynn Robertson – Minister (Minister at Kirkcaldy), Thandar Tun – Minister (Minister at St Helier), Stephane Vickers – Minister (Minister at Hay Mills), Alister Weighton – Minister (Minister at Coatdyke).

New Students joining the Congregational Federation’s Foundation Degree in Practical Theology in 2024.

A warm welcome to (from left) Louise, Anthony, Paul, Nayoung, Bob, Bev, Huw, Jan, Andy and Harry!

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TECHNOLOGY

What makes tech good or bad?

An examination of the impact of technology on churches and its positive and negative effects

By Neil Chappell, Social Media and Website Officer at the Congregational Federation

I

recently read a tech article that talked about the impact of technology on society. It explored how technology has revolutionised the way we live, work, and interact with one another. It then went on to look at the positive and negative impacts of technology. It got me thinking about whether we also ought to do this critique for the impact of technology on churches. So let me create a list of pros and cons to get you thinking.

Positive impacts of technology on churches Improved communication Technology has made it easier than ever to connect with people all over the world, as well as in our local community. With the rise of social media and messaging apps we can now communicate with friends, family and church members in real time, regardless of where they are located. This allows us to start conversations – an important part of church life.

Access to information

Credit: Derick Anies on Unsplash

The Internet has made it possible to search for and find information on virtually any topic. Additionally, technology has made it possible for people to access education and training, no matter where they live. If communication is about conversations, then information is about websites. It is vital that local churches have information about themselves on the Internet, preferably on their own website. When they meet, where they meet, who meets, church events, bulletins, magazines, history, and so much more.

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Live streaming The effect of COVID restrictions in 2020 and 2021 taught us a valuable lesson about how to adapt the way we go about being church. Perhaps this was seen no better than in the number of churches that began live streaming their services. Encouragingly, when restrictions ended, many of those churches continued live streaming and still are. This serves not just a wider audience (some even have a global audience) but also church members who are on holiday, or ill, or busy, who can catch up at a more convenient time.

Negative impacts of technology on churches Technological trust There are a lot of scams, phishing and fake news out there. This has created an unease concerning technology. Many people are very suspicious of cryptocurrencies, AI, even to an extent emails and social media. So if your church is moving towards sending minutes out by email, promoting events on social media, or posting updates to YouTube, you might find you are not taking all your congregation with you on this digital journey.

Cyber bullying Social media and messaging apps have made it easier than ever for people to harass and bully others online – even people from their own church community. This can have a profound impact on mental health and well-being, particularly for children and teenagers who are more vulnerable to online bullying. Safeguarding is a vital part of what we do, and this needs to extend to our church’s online world.

Technology addiction A growing number of people spend excessive amounts of time on their phones, computers, and other devices, leading to a range of negative health effects. This can lead to social media obsession, or gaming addiction, a constant checking of emails or

Credit: Gabriel Benois on Unsplash

TECHNOLOGY

messages. Moreover, technology addiction can lead to social isolation, anxiety, depression, and a decline in face-to-face interactions – the exact opposite of what we are trying to achieve.

There are many ways that emerging technologies could transform church life: through online worship and community building; enhanced worship experience through augmented reality; digital discipleship with mobile apps; outreach and evangelism through webinars. The possibilities are endless.

It is clear that technology will continue to play a significant role in the life of churches. But integrating technology will present a blend of challenges and opportunities that our Church Meetings need to address. As we navigate this digital age, it is crucial to harness technology in ways that enhance our sense of community and spiritual growth, while mitigating potential downsides.

Credit: Ravi Sharma on Unsplash

The future of technology in church

What do you think?

As ever, please feel free to respond, or to engage me in any way to help your church embrace this digital age. Write to Neil Chappell, Congregational Federation, 8 Castle Gate, Nottingham. NG1 7AS or email neil.chappell@congregational.org.uk.

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Credit: Ben White on Unsplash

MISSION COURSE

‘The Bible tells the stories of people encountering God in so many different and varied ways.’

Stories of Jesus ‘All for Jesus, Jesus for all’ is the call over a brand new discipleship and mission course funded by CWM

By Clemy Gilmore, Discipleship Project Lead at Congregational Federation

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ur new discipleship and mission course is on the way! We hope it will be a refreshing take on what it means to follow Jesus who said, ‘I am The Way, The Truth and The Life’ and that in knowing him we will also know God. We now have a logo, and a title for the course birthed out of this continued passion and desire to know Jesus and to make him known: All for Jesus, Jesus for All. What does the logo represent?

The logo expresses our love for Jesus and Jesus’ all-embracing love for every person and all his creation. There is a sense, from the double lines that follow on from the heart and cross (as well as the way the colours gradually transition), in which we as Christians follow Jesus into a journey of transformation, a journey that changes our hearts through forgiveness and takes us out into the world to share this amazing and transformative love of God.

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There are so many scriptures that speak of this journey. Where would we be without these wonderful wisdom-filled stories. My personal favourites are the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus and the story of the woman at the well. You will find these biblical stories in Luke 24 and John 4 respectively.

What are your favourite verses in your journey with Jesus? What makes them your favourite? What enabled you to follow Jesus and how did you keep on following him through the good and the challenging times? The answers to these questions are the stories the world needs to hear. Just as the Samaritan woman interacted with Jesus at the well, she also took courage and shared the story of her encounter with him. The result was an overwhelming interest in Jesus and decision to follow him!

Our storytelling saviour Whilst I’m not wishing to turn this article into a Bible study, it begs a mention in respect of the preciousness of storytelling and what these stories do for us. The Bible tells the stories of people

MISSION COURSE encountering God in so many different and varied ways. How did you encounter God? The story of the Bible continues in us as believers. Does that sound too presumptuous? No, Jesus lives in us by his Spirit and his story, and his work continues today through his church, his people.

All for Jesus, Jesus for All is a call to enable Congregational churches to respond to the message of redemption and to share this message even in challenging times. Through the course, we want to ensure that our incredible diversity as churches and as individual church members finds expression through story telling and offer creative and practical ideas for connection with one another and with the communities we live in. We want to encourage an exploration of what it means to follow Jesus in today’s world and what it looks like to share Jesus with those we are called to share with.

To this end we have put together a working group of 13 people from our Congregational churches and those include me, as project lead and chair of the working group, and Yvonne Campbell (General Secretary). The working group brings together the strengths, gifts, talents, experience and skills to take this project forward. We hope that the resource we develop will encourage, exhort and enable our churches to reflect on their faith in deeper ways and to hear what God is saying through the Holy Spirit.

We hope churches will actively listen to their communities to discern needs, and to take action towards whatever Holy Spirit may be saying to the church.

opportunities for learning, listening, reflecting, exploring, discussing, and taking action in different ways. We want to be as creative, diverse, relevant and as accessible as possible to our members recognising the diversity of expressions of church, worship, context, age demographics, abilities and challenges.

Our aim is for the course to be flexible, easy to work with, having a core content of six to eight familiar topics brought in a fresh way. In addition, there will be some extra topics should churches or groups want to go further on the journey.

How you can get involved today!

Look out for our up-and-coming podcast, interviews and other communications about All for Jesus, Jesus for All. We are aiming to have the structure and content confirmed and in place by November and in the New Year we are looking to roll out the course as a pilot. We are creating this for the CF churches and we can’t wait to have you involved! We have three churches who have volunteered to pilot the course for us and it would be great to have a few more. If you are interested, please do get in touch with me, Clemy Gilmore, on mobile 07851 753338.

CWM and CF colleagues on the All for Jesus, Jesus for All project stand beside the new banner. From left, Stephen Chia, Julie Sim, Yvonne Campbell, and Clemy Gilmore.

What is the content of the course?

Topics will include for example, what it means to follow Jesus in a Congregational church context today, how we can be relevant in our communities as we share our faith with others, what happens when we actively listen to our communities and discern the needs, how we can take action in creative and sustainable ways given the diverse contexts we may find ourselves in, what could working ecumenically look like?

To name but a few. Our focus for the course is relationship building, whether that be within your own church or with local community groups.

The topics will be presented in a structure that will include 21

INTERNATIONAL MISSION

Damage in Granada after Hurricane Beryl.

Hurricane Beryl hits Grenada A first-hand account by Nigel Lindsay

Rev Nigel Lindsay has been serving with the Presbyterian Church in Grenada facilitated by the Council for World Mission. He worked with two churches, a primary school and a secondary school. He has just finished his three-year placement and is now back in the UK awaiting what God has planned for him next.

Experiencing a hurricane The government were good at giving us a warning days before, so on Sunday 30 June 2024 lots of people were preparing for a category three hurricane which was due to strike the north of the island between 2am and 2pm on Monday 1 July. Many remember the devastation which Hurricane Iven caused in 2004 and this time the coco and nutmeg trees were producing well, due to faithful nurturing.

Having a bag packed for evacuation with food, candles and clothes, I made sure all my windows were closed and anything that may get blown was secure.

There was some heavy rain and wind in the night but that was not the hurricane. When I woke, the radio news was that it had slowed down but was now a category four hurricane and due around 10am. It came about that time and lasted until about 2.30/3pm.

I was busy in the house at first moving things from the spare room to my bedroom in case my two spare rooms needed to be used by someone. Then I found water coming into my bedroom and had to move 22

boxes back quickly so they didn’t get wet. The force of the water on my closed windows made water penetrate around the edges. I moped up or used a towel for about six buckets of water. The loft flap blows up and I tried to pull it back down many times, but it then disappeared flying around in the roof.

I didn’t have any trees in my garden but the mango tree below me broke off and landed on the balcony breaking some guttering and slowly moved up towards other windows. In the end the whole back garden was full of bits of big tree, with branches hitting against windows. Branches and leaves hitting the walls gave a pebble dash effect.

I could see out of the window that the corrugated roof of the small wooden house below me had come off in parts. I was not sure if the man from there had evacuated to the shelter in the school above me. His outside toilet was lifted and moved sideways and then on its side. I could hear flapping of metal and wondered if my roof had come off, but I could not see any evidence inside. Then I noticed the roof of the school hall just above me had been lifted and sheets

INTERNATIONAL MISSION

of corrugated metal were flapping about. The hall was being used as an emergency shelter!

I had spoken to the shelter people before the storm to say I was just down below them and there were spare beds and given them my number. But by now the phone system was down. I found out later that they had run to the gents’ toilet block and then to another open classroom. After the storm they went to another school being used as a shelter.

It is now 11 August and I still do not have internet, TV or phone. The water came back within a few days and electricity came back for me on 23 July so there were a few weeks of burning candles and going to bed early. The south of the island had less problems but Carricou and Piti Martinque – the small islands which are part of Grenada – have been devastated. Many houses are down, churches and public building destroyed, and farm land knocked to the ground.

International help has come and local people have worked together to try to help. I would have been going to help with a holiday club next week but that has been cancelled as accommodation is not possible even for the locals.

The day after a hurricane The next day I walked across the community area I serve as I was not sure about access on the roads.

Many trees were down and there was mud and some boulders on the roads. The government people were in action with large machinery and many local people were out clearing roads. Walking allowed me to talk to more people and in some situations pray with them. I visited four of the areas and villages in my patch on the Tuesday and two the next day.

Roofs had been ripped off some of the older and less maintained houses. In Fountain, a whole shop had been lifted and moved to the road below.

People said they saw the fridge fly through the air. At

Above: Items laid out carefully to dry out.

Left: Map of Grenada showing its position between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean .

least two houses in that small community had their roofs completely lifted off and one had half a roof left. Water had soaked all they had.

I could feel the hurt of the people, but also their resilience. We will get through this with God’s help.

We thank God for life.

People welcomed the hot sun of the next day to try and dry stuff out, some had to go to shelters and others to family members. Many were upset by the devastation to the farms. Nutmeg, coco and bread fruit trees were down and a lot of vegetables were ruined. The views have changed and you can see places you could not before as so many trees are down. Farmers who had relied on these crops for daily existence are now struggling. Just today I had a man come to me for tarpaulin, but also saying he had limited food.

Church life in action On the Thursday, I drove over to the Belair Church (not a church I have responsibility for, but Rev James is ill). The church building has lost part of its roof at the front. The core family from that church all live close by and were generally OK, still without electric or internet or water like many at that time. We Continued overleaf

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INTERNATIONAL MISSION

Above: St George’s, Grenada.

agreed I would lead the service that Sunday in one of their houses and we have now had three Sundays in Glenda’s sitting room. When the service is at church we get 5-6 people; at the house we have 11-15 people and it feels that we connect well.

Since then I have been cooking a big pot of food for one family and sometimes others, two to three times a week. I think they are getting used to my English style of cooking as the children now smile as I arrive. I had a roll of tarpaulin from the Anglican Church and let people know so that has now finished as I cut lengths off to cover holes in roofs.

The destruction of agriculture will have an impact on a family’s income and as they buy uniforms and books for the new school year they will struggle. So, I am trying to support a few.

Funding development project On 16 July, I launched a start-up fund to give $500 to an adult and child working together to build a small business. There was an explanation and training and expectations set before they were

Far right top: Major roof damage. The Belair Church roof was damaged

by Hurricane Beryl.

Far right below: The Youth Growth Group in Granada.

Right: The last walk in Granada.

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given money. To date, five couples have received money, two wanting to buy chickens, two pigs and one goats. The 14 August will be the last chance for people to apply for this money. A friend who will be here hopes to check up on progress and build the project in the future.

If you want to know more, do make contact. Do check out my monthly update on the CF website. I feel sad about leaving this beautiful island and as I come to the end of my time I see some seeds of encouragement. Do pray for the Presbyterian Church in Grenada as it starts to plan for the future. The other minister and moderator of the church is not well and needs to focus on recovery. There are three churches and two schools.

TESTIMONY

Hope and Courage

By Thandar Tun, Accredited Minister, and PA to Rev Dr Mark Newitt, Secretary for Healthcare Chaplaincy and Rev Bob Wilson, and Secretary for Prison Chaplaincy

I

want to share how answering God’s call has completely transformed my life, giving me hope and courage to serve others. For years, I pursued various goals and career aspirations, but deep down, I felt a quiet inner voice nudging me to reach out and help others. I ignored this calling and tried different paths, but nothing seemed to fulfil the longing in my heart. I prayed for God to guide me to a place where I could serve and hear His voice. My prayers were answered when I landed a job at the Free Churches Group, but I still felt insufficient.

Commissioning and community During a difficult period marked by personal struggles and feelings of inadequacy, I turned to God. One evening, feeling particularly lost, I cried out for direction and experienced an overwhelming sense of peace as I prayed about my life’s purpose. I had a dream in which a small voice urged me to read Mark 16, Jesus’s commission to His disciples. I prayed about my dream and committed to studying for a Foundation Degree in Practical Theology at the Congregational Federation.

I faced numerous tribulations, life challenges, and struggles, which made it difficult to continue my studies and even pray for myself. However, I found reassurance from my church, colleagues, tutors, and family and friends, who prayed for me during this hardship. I didn’t understand my struggles before, but I realised that God had a purpose for me facing all those circumstances because He wanted me to learn, grow, and experience helping in the community.

My struggles opened my eyes to the importance of supporting and helping the community through their difficulties. I began serving at St. Helier Congregational Church, volunteering at the local food bank and community food shop and serving as a

street pastor. I felt hope blossoming as I interacted with individuals and families in need. I discovered that by serving others, I was not only helping them but also experiencing God’s love in profound ways.

Accreditation pathway I embraced my calling and found the courage to step outside my comfort zone. I applied for accreditation to become a minister. Through the process, I learned that God equips us with the strength to fulfil His purposes. Philippians 4:13 became my anchor: ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’

Today, I am passionate about serving my church and community and sharing the hope I’ve found in Christ.

God’s calling has given my life direction and purpose.

I’ve learned that courage doesn’t mean the absence of fear but the willingness to act in faith despite it.

If I am not wrong, I could be the first accredited woman to be a minister, originally from Burma/ Myanmar, in the Congregational Federation in the UK. God blesses me in an astonishing way that I could never have imagined. It was a fantastic journey in which God led me to fulfil His will. I am ready to serve anywhere I might be for His kingdom, glory, and people.

Jesus commands in Matthew 28:19-20: ‘Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’

As a disciple of Jesus, I am eager to fulfil His purpose and await where God will lead me next.

To anyone feeling lost or uncertain, I encourage you to seek God’s calling in your life. He offers hope and the courage to serve, transforming our lives and the lives of those around us. God is ready to use you in ways you can’t yet imagine.

Thandar Tun who became an accredited Minister in 2024.

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LEARNING TOGETHER

Top tips for learning churches A series offering practical ideas on church life by Catherine Booton, Learning and Development Manager at Congregational Federation

Credit: Andrew Halloway

Part 4: Help! How can we learn more about engaging with our communities?

Many churches are very engaged in their communities and already have opportunities to help those around them. However, for some churches, the thought of learning more about those they live alongside is something they haven’t fully considered, or which might even cause them considerable worry and fearfulness. Yet the Bible tells us that we are sent into our communities to be light and salt to them, to spread the good news about Jesus and to care for those who are in need.

O

ne of the questions that all churches should ask is, ‘If we were to close tomorrow, would our community miss us? Would they even notice that we have gone?’

Perhaps we have historically had good links with those around us, but as time has gone by, we have lost those opportunities. Maybe we still hark back to times past and can’t quite get to grips with what our community is like today and how we engage with those who haven’t any church experience of their own and who have not met Jesus during their lives so far.

One of the things that can be helpful – if we plan to learn more about engaging with our communities – is to take a look outside our church doors at where we are, to think about the context of where we serve and to examine the needs and opportunities around us to see how we can engage more with those who do not regularly come in and meet us.

Prayer Before we look at the practicalities involved in any community enterprise, it is time to pray. We need to bring everything we do to God in prayer so that we can be sure we are setting off following his way and not ours, so that we are doing everything to bring glory to him and not to try and make ourselves seem important. We need to ask God to guide us in all we do in our communities and for his help in identifying

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the people within that community that he wants us to help.

One idea would be to hold a prayer walk, travelling round your community and praying at various points along the route. This may be something you could do with members of your own church, or ecumenically as part of your Churches Together (or other organisation) group, or just with other interested Christians in your area.

Community Survey How many of us have set groups up in our churches, after perhaps reading a book about it or seeing good practice elsewhere, and then found it doesn’t take off in our context? Usually this is because we haven’t assessed the needs within our community or thought about other opportunities that may already exist. For example, if the majority of your community are older people, a toddler group might not take off or if there is already a similar established group running at the same time as yours in a location close by, will there be enough people to attend both?

It is vital to find out about what the needs around us are, who is living in our area, what is important to them and where we as a church can help. This is where undertaking a community survey comes in. Get out and about (or online) and see what the concerns

of your neighbours are. Where are the gaps in services? Who are the groups not being supported?

Make a note of your findings, continuing to pray them through, discussing them at your Deacons’ and Church meetings and make use of them, and the guidance God gives you, in the next step of the process.

Church Audit The next thing to do is to see what you have already available within your church, or what can be found outside, to help with the needs. Perhaps the need is identified that your community would benefit from a bring-and-repair group to fix items that have broken or find reuse for items no longer needed, but there is no one in the church with those skills. How will it work? Perhaps the church could offer the room to house the groups, and even provide the refreshments, but others from the wider area could be drafted in to do the repairing? Alternatively, maybe you have people with the skills but nowhere suitable to run the group. Could you partner with another church or other community group who does have space?

In the audit, look at all the gifts that the church has to offer, the gifts that are needed by the proposed project and where those don’t meet, at how the gaps can be filled.

Launch – go for it!

Once all the people, location and other necessary plans are in place, it is time to launch your initiative.

Make sure you have considered how to advertise your event. Perhaps posters in local shops and businesses, posts on your favourite social media sites, letters in school bookbags, information sent to churches and organisations who have contact with the people you are trying to reach. Ensure any publicity gives the full and correct details and is clear and eye-catching. Use appropriate images and easy to read text. Try to have a consistent approach (use the same logo, group name and font to aid visibility for the group). Be open and honest in what your group will be about and who it is for.

Take the step of faith, keep praying and open the doors… only God knows who will come in!

Above: Getting data together from surveys and church audits is important.

Left: Make a note of your findings and continue to pray them through.

Below: Consider how to advertise your event, including posts on your favourite social media sites.

Credit: Sara Kurfess on Unsplash

Credit: Patrick Perkins on Unsplash

Credit: Campaign Creators onUnsplash

LEARNING TOGETHER

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GOSPEL WORK

Shine Your Light An open-air carol service in a London Borough during the Christmas season in 2023.

Imagine 100,000 Christians on the streets at Christmas singing carols and sharing the Gospel everywhere!

By Adam May, Director of PR & Communications, National Day of Prayer and Worship

A

nationwide Christmas campaign called Shine Your Light, will be taking place this year over the weekend of 13th – 15th December 2024.

This UK and Ireland grassroots movement saw over 75,000 Christians from over 700 churches take their carol services and nativity events into shopping centres, town halls, high streets and public spaces last December. This was suggested by many leaders to be one of the largest Christmas outreaches on behalf of the UK church.

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Shine Your Light is a united collaboration between many Christian denominations, organisations, local churches, and networks; these include The Salvation Army, Bible Society, Evangelical Alliance, and of course the Congregational Federation, alongside hundreds of local congregations in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic.

Many church and national leaders endorsed the event including the Prime Minister, Downing Street and politicians. The weekend was highlighted by many media outlets including Good Morning Britain where hundreds of thousands heard that Shine Your Light was about proclaiming Christ at Christmas!

To see Christians recognised for taking the message of hope and joy to our communities from 10 Downing Street was so encouraging. We are praying that the current Prime Minister and his new government would equally get behind this campaign.

As a result of Shine Your Light last year, we heard stories of people coming to faith and churches welcoming in new people. It showed that when Christians come together for the Gospel, whole communities can be reached!

GOSPEL WORK

This Christmas, the vision is to mobilise over 100,000 Christians outdoors to reach 1 million people in the streets and public places with the Gospel. Last year, we heard of hundreds of flashmob style carol events, open air Christingle services, and nativity events from the small to the large including some in castles, country parks and housing estates.

This year, the vision is to see how the united church can put CHRIST back into Christmas so that the whole nation can hear the bold proclamation of Good News and why we sing Joy To The World!

All our Shine Your Light events are solely focused on enabling the true message of Christmas to be heard by those outside the church. While it is acknowledged that church attendance increases during the Christmas season, there will be many who will not darken the door of a church.

The church has a unique opportunity this year in towns, villages and cities to bring light and joy to many through our boldness and unity.

Top: A community led social event in Bradford in 2023.

An open-air nativity in Bedford in 2023.

How to get involved Put the date of Shine Your Light in your church diary now, Friday 13th – Sunday 15th December 2024. If you would like to connect Shine Your Light to the programme of events you are already planning, explore some of our great resources and to register, please visit www.shineyourlight.org.uk or to speak to one of the team, please telephone 07429 379 777.

Organised by Dr Jonathan Oloyede, Convenor of the National Day of Prayer and Worship. www.ndopw.com 29

BOOKS

Books on my desk With Christmas just around the corner, this selection of books might provide some gift ideas

By Yvonne Campbell, General Secretary at Congregational Federation

Lead Like the Real You

By Amy Orr-Ewing (Brazos Press, August 2024) Wisdom for women on finding your voice, pursuing God’s calling and leading with courage. I’ve not started this book yet but after reading all the reviews I can’t wait – it’s a collection of letters which share wisdom on a range of subjects from parenting to trauma, friendships to gaslighting.

Still, Still with Thee

by Nick Fawcett (Kevin Mayhew Publishers, January 2023) I bought this book for my mother-in-law when she needed some encouragement in her faith during her long hospital stay. Nick is her favourite author and this has been perfect. There is a page for each day of the year starting with a Bible verse and then heartfelt prayer. There are also prayers for special Christian days. You can also search under themes and Bible verses and I have even used a few for Sunday services.

Holy Squiggles Game book

by Sarah Dickins (Sarah Dickins, August 2023) This has been written by a member of Hope Bristol Church. It’s a fantastic little book for children ages 8-11 years old. There are visual puzzles to work out or play with others to decode Bible verses, it’s a fun way of playing and doodling and learning more about the Bible. It’s perfect for children with short attention spans too, a Sunday school activity or a Christmas stocking filler.

Worship in the Woods

by Sara Hargreaves (April 2021) This is another book I am looking forward to reading and using. It is 10 sessions for taking worship outside to enjoy creation. Sara, one of our accredited ministers, is also preparing some forest church materials for CF so this is great start if you are looking for something different to try to engage your community. Remember you can apply for a starter grant to help with resources and advertising. Free handouts are also available on the engage worship website www.engageworship.org.

Film: The Keeper I also want to recommend a film Dave my husband and I watched over the summer on the BBC iplayer called The Keeper. It is based on the true story of Bert Trautmann who was the German goal keeper for Manchester United. We both found it a powerful testimony that involves war, football, persecution, tragedy and love. It is an inspiring film and would be ideal for film or remembrance events.

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ON RETREAT

The benefits of taking time out

Describing a Congregational Federation supported Youth and Children’s Workers Retreat

By Adrian Burr, Minister at Ridgewell Community Chapel

t the end of June, four of us from Ridgewell Chapel (Sheila, Jill and Bob and Adrian) went on a Youth and Children’s workers retreat at Shallowford House, near Stone in Staffordshire. This was organised by the Congregational Federation and part funded by them too.

The lady leading the retreat was Sharon Garlough Brown, the pastor’s wife of Dundee Congregational Church, but she is also an author of books that walk through spiritual renewal. Indeed, her previous role in the USA (before they took on Dundee church two years ago) was Spiritual Director for a larger USA church.

That is a role we don’t see much of in this country, and probably one that we need in our churches.

Shallowford House is a lovely place, as a Christian Retreat and Conference Centre. It is set in nine acres of grounds, much of which is left wild which is lovely to wander round and we got the opportunity to meet the alpaca, the pig and the guinea fowl as well as the peacocks!

But the retreat started with the Middle East greeting idea. When they greet, they say, ‘I see you’ and the reply is ‘I see you seeing me.’ Our question was, do we see God seeing us? For God is always saying ‘I see you.’ Most of the time we don’t see God seeing us. When we come to God often people wonder if God even hears us, let alone sees us!

The following session looked at the prodigal son and asked the question about the ending that Jesus’ listeners would have expected. Dishonouring your father was punishable by stoning to death. But

perhaps they would have been a little less severe and just accepted him back as a slave. So Jesus’ ending to the story was most unexpected. When God sees you coming back, He expects you to see Him seeing you and to come with humility before Him just as the prodigal son did. And the ending will not be what we deserve but what God in His mercy gives.

In the retreat we were well fed, had lots of time to ourselves and each other and even tried out an unformatted final service, relying on the Spirit to guide as to what to sing and what to pray! A new experience for most!

CF arranges these events from time to time and details are sent to the church secretary who can give you the booking forms should you wish to go.

Above: Participants from Ridgewell Community Chapel and others on retreat at Shallowford House.

Left: A herbaceous border and view of Shallowford House.

Credit: Shallowford House

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TRAVEL NOTES

In the Footsteps of the Pilgrim Fathers, Massachusetts 2024

By Rev Alan Kennedy

F

ollowing the cancellation of a physical gathering of the International Congregational Fellowship (ICF) in Boston in 2020 and its reincarnation online a year later, I initiated a conversation with Rev Mike Fales of the ICF about the possibility of a smaller event in the future for those British Congregationalists who had missed out on visiting New England.

The trip this August was the fruit of a number of years conversation, some months intensive planning and not a little stress!

At Mayflower II.

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Our group comprised me, Rev Dr Janet Wootton and Trevor and Lorraine Pailing. Some others who had originally expressed interest were unable to make it because of health issues and other personal reasons.

But our little gang was augmented for the duration by Rev Mike Fales, Moderator of the International Congregational Fellowship and his wife Judy, as well as Rev Tom Van Tassel, Secretary of the ICF and his wife Rev Wendy Van Tassel.

Mike had driven the Olivet College minibus all the way from Michigan to place at our disposal and we were greatly indebted to him for this.

The program ran from Monday 5 August to Thursday 8 August.

On the Monday, we had a Congregational Walking Tour of Boston led by Peggy Bendroth, former Director of the Congregational Library. In the evening we enjoyed dinner in Plymouth in the company of Mike and Judy, Tom and Wendy, as well as Rev Andy Stinson of Fall River Church Rhode Island, Pastor Don Bliss of East Freetown Church Massachusetts and Rev Tim Garvin-Leighton of The Church of the Pilgrimage Plymouth.

On the Tuesday we joined participants of the Boston Seminar for a Reception at the Congregational Library hosted by Dr Kyle Roberts, its current Executive Director.

Wednesday was a full day at the Plimoth Patuxet Museums, including Plymouth Rock and the Mayflower II, in the company of our colleagues from the Boston Seminar. On our way back to Boston we were hosted for dinner at Hanson Congregational Church.

On the Thursday we had a very informative tour of the Congregational Library, followed by lunch with Kyle.

All in all it was a marvellous opportunity to meet with fellow Congregationalists from our sister body in the USA, the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches.

Our sincere thanks to Rev Mike Fales, who along with his wife Judy and Revs Tom and Wendy Van

TRAVEL NOTES

Tassel, helped with transporting us and organising opportunities for fellowship.

Many thanks also to Dr Kyle Roberts, Executive Director of the Congregational Library; Peggy Bendroth, former Director of the Congregational Library and our Walking Tour leader; and Rev Dr Gerry Krupp Director of Programs, National Association of Congregational Christian Churches.

Top: Judy, Wendy, Mike, Trevor, Lorriane, Peggy our guide and Tom at the Old South Meeting.

Left: Congregational House, Beacon Street, the home of the Congregational Library.

Below: Alan and Janet at the Congregational Library Reception.

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Credit: Aarón Blanco Tejedor on Unsplash

RACIAL JUSTICE

Humanity, Diversity, Unity

The Body of Christ Racial Justice is for everyone as we learn to live together in difference and diversity

By Richard Reddie, Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI) Director for Justice and Inclusion

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acial Justice Sunday is for all churches to reflect on the importance of racial justice, to give thanks for the gifts and beauty of human diversity, and to commit to end racism and acts of discrimination. It is also a call for all Christians to engage in the struggle for racial justice because it affects everyone.

As Paul reminded his church plant at Corinth in the mid 50s AD, ‘Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.’ I Corinthians 12:27.

In mid-2024, Richard Reddie writes, ‘Sadly, the riots in Britain and parts of Ireland this summer revealed that racism still presents a threat to the efforts to promote racial harmony and community cohesion, and the important role that the church has to play in being the voice of hope and transformation.

‘Next year marks the 30th anniversary of Racial Justice Sunday, and it will be an occasion to once again, remember, reflect and respond to racial justice issues in church and society. Moreover, it will be an opportunity to assess the ‘journey’ so far, and make a further commitment to work for a more equitable society.

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‘CTBI’s Racial Justice Sunday resources for 2025 have the theme ‘Coat of many colours’ and will be a celebration of the wonderful diversity that exists in the church and society today, and the need to ensure that all God’s people enjoy the abundant life that Christ promised.’

Richard Reddie, Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI) Director for Justice and Inclusion CF 2025 resources for Racial Justice Yvonne Campbell, CF General Secretary, confirms that the Congregational Federation will be running racial justice awareness webinars at the end of January and racial justice training later in the year.

The next Racial Justice Sunday will be Sunday 9 February 2025.

Look out for online resources at CTBI and CF and for a longer article in the next issue of Refresh, Issue 12 in the spring.

PRAYER DIARY 2024/25

I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.

Isaiah 41:13 (NIV) NOVEMBER The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

John 1:5 (NLT)

During November please pray for all who have lost their way in life.

Pray for those struggling with mental health issues, addictions, debt issues and those involved in crime gangs.

Pray for those who work to support those with these issues, pray they have the right skills, good training and enough funding.

Pray that our churches will and can support where they can.

Pray for the Council of the Congregational Federation. Pray for a movement of the Holy Spirit for wisdom and a clear vision.

DECEMBER And he will be called: Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6b (NLT)

Pray for this season of advent that the message of Jesus, the message of hope is not lost.

Pray for all those who work in retail that they get a good work and home balance.

Pray for the churches of the Congregational Federation, pray their Christmas services will welcome new people from the community.

Pray for all those leading services that they will be inspired to share the Christmas story in a new way and enjoy the season.

Pray for the staff of the Congregational Federation, pray for smooth transitions as some staff leave and new staff are recruited.

JANUARY Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)

Pray for new starts, pray for those starting something new, new school, new job, new baby, new home, new church. Pray for those struggling to adapt to change. Give them courage and strength.

Pray for those grieving a loved one, having to live life differently and feeling alone.

Pray for our Government, pray they work well together, they seek the reality of life in the UK and work to make things better for the poor and vulnerable. Pray for Justice.

Pray for Christian Unity in the UK and around the world. January is the month for prayer for Christian Unity, pray the resources will be used and people will attend the services and prayer groups. Pray for the local churches in your area, how you can support each other.

FEBRUARY Three things will last forever – faith, hope, and love – and the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:13 (NLT)

Pray for married couples, for those in new relationships, those going through divorce, those in abusive relationships. Pray love, peace and protection.

Pray for those who work in counselling and guidance services. Pray wisdom over them.

Pray for the accreditation and pastoral care board of the Congregational Federation that meet this month.

Pray for people to step into these roles so those in ministries and those in our churches can be supported, encouraged, and prayed for more.

Pray for those living in war torn countries. Pray protection for them. Pray for those who grieve and those living in fear. Pray for peace.

MARCH I will thank the Lord because he is just; I will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.

Psalm 7:17 (NLT)

Praise God for his majesty, his power, his grace, give him the glory.

Thank God for your life, for his endless blessings.

Praise God for the wonders of his creation.

Thank God for all you have that makes life good.

Thank God for your church, the building, the people and everything that happens there.

Thank God for the Congregational Federation, the history, the offices, the staff, the volunteers, and the structures.

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SECTION HEADER

Main article title to go in this space Article written by a person to go in this space

This is an example of text for a caption to a photograph ranged right

TO ORDER REFRESH An annual subscription for next year’s 3 issues, including the Yearbook, is £30 incl. p&p.

Email: admin@congregational.org.uk or tel: 0115 9111460 for details.

This poster has been commissioned by the President Elisabeth Sweeney-Smith and designed for all churches to use on their notice boards this Advent.

Elisabeth has organised a special Advent service which is available for all churches to use.

The carols and readings have all been recorded in our 1662 churches.

Thank you to all who have made it possible.