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Winter 2025 Issue 14

The magazine of the Congregational Federation

‘telling the good news of the coming Christ’

CREATIVITY WITH THE NATIVITY by Linda Cooke

DILWYN THE DRAGON

by Vincent Carrington

TYNDALE’S LIFE AND LEGACY

PAGES 20-21

PAGE 22

PAGES 26-27

by Elisabeth Sweeney-Smith

“…looking forward to being refreshed by your company. God’s peace be with all of you” (Romans 15:33, The Message)

Contents 3 General Secretary 4 President Caroline Stott 6 Local Church News 7 Federation News 10 Reflection on the ministry of Gordon Bates 11 Funeral tips by Vincent Carrington 13 Getting outdoors! by Sara Iles 14 200-year anniversary churches 16 Inspired to preach by Nigel Lindsay 19 BOOK: A seventeenth century spy by Karen Haden 20 What is creativity? by Linda Cooke 22 BOOK: Dilwyn Dragon by Vincent Carrington 23 LEARNING: Seeds of growth by Yemi Adeeko 24 LEARNING: Courses for YOU! by Catherine Booton 26 Tyndale’s life and legacy by Elisabeth Sweeney-Smith 28 TECH: From coin to contactless by Neil Chappell 30 HOLIDAY: Escape to the Gower 32 MISSION: From generation to generation by Gabriel and Jessica Simplicio 34 City Chapel London and Shine Your Light by Abbiih & Jonathan Oloyede 35 Prayer Diary from November to February

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.

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

elcome to the winter issue of Refresh! It’s an interesting spread of articles as some invite us to look back to the very foundation dates of the Congregational Federation churches, and celebrations that can count 150 years or 200 years are significant (see pages 6, 14, 15). There is also a deep significance in marking 500 years since the first publication of William Tyndale’s New Testament in 1526 in Europe – and Elisabeth Sweeney-Smith has traced some of his steps across Europe (pages 26, 27). The Congregational Federation is good at both celebrating its history while also moving with God’s calling in the present, with an eye to preparing for what is ahead. Equipping people for their calling is part of this and so do read about a new Seedbeds pioneering course that Yemi Adeeko attended (page 23) and the range of courses on offer through Learning and Development, described by Catherine Booton (pages 24, 25). Outside learning has been enjoyed this warm dry summer, and Sara Iles and Joy Howell took full advantage (see page 13). With Advent in our sights, Linda Cooke sets out some ways in which churches might get creative with the presentation of the Nativity (pages 20, 21). With Christmas looming, you may be inspired by some of the books mentioned – for gifts – or to join the Shine Your Light initiative (page 34) that Abbiih and Jonathan Oloyede support from City Chapel London (page 34). We join with worldwide prayers for peace and unity, particularly at the birth of Christ, recognising ‘one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all and in all.’ (Ephesians 4:5-6). Louisa Lockwood, Editor Refresh@congregational.org.uk

Cover © Rick Oldland, Unsplash. Design and print: Verité CM Ltd. www.veritecm.com.

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

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 !

utumn days when the grass is jewelled And the silk inside a chestnut shell Jet planes meeting in the air to be refuelled All these things I love so well So I mustn’t forget No, I mustn’t forget To say a great big thank you I mustn’t forget Do you remember singing that song at school? I recently found a copy of my old school assembly book that had all the songs in and I’m enjoying singing a song I had long forgotten. Do you know singing school assembly songs is trendy again after a show at Glastonbury this summer attracted hundreds of people! Could this be another sign of the quiet revival? It is definitely worth praying about. Back in January, Sherston Congregational Church started a weekly sing-a-long of Sunday school classics and it’s booming. Autumn days are certainly here and I pray church life is good and you have attracted new people and maybe refreshed and started new groups. Remember, starter grants of £500 are available for new mission projects every year! Let me encourage you with some ideas. My church had a wedding dress display over the national heritage weekends in September. It is a chance to invite people who have been married in the church back and make connections with local bridal boutiques and cake shops. Or you could display some historic pictures or ask a local artist to display or just open your church and serve tea and cake. One church organised a weekend away to a local residential centre for worship, fellowship and a night hike! You could organise a day out somewhere local for fellowship, worship and an activity of pottery or painting. Another church hosted the Knitted Bible which is a collection of 36 scenes including 100 sheep. It is coming to the Nottingham offices on 19th November for a few weeks. Why not come and see it and find out how your church could host it too? One church organised a service in their garden area using the Go worship! Go out! Go wonder! resource – if you haven’t got your copy, please just

ask! Another church went to the beach to worship and I know at least three churches who have had baptisms in the sea this summer. One church has had Lou Fellingham come to lead a worship evening and another church had the author of a religious book come and run an evening. If you want more information or ideas about how to connect with each other, with your community, and share the message of Jesus, please email and I am more than happy to think of some ideas. It was a privilege to be part of the 225th church anniversary at Harting and the 200th anniversary at Heaton Mersey this summer. I was sorry to miss the celebrations at Shillington, Sherston and Stoke St Mary and the 150th anniversary at Larkhall. It is a great reason to get your church in the local news and with bunting outside to attract passers-by, people notice if your church exterior looks well-kept and inviting. I remember my sister using a visual in a service of a beautiful but mighty waterfall in South America. She described the serene waters as they walked through the park and as she turned the corner was hit with the noise and magnitude of the falls. She said life can be like that, you never know what tomorrow will bring. I won’t deny that the summer and autumn have been personally very tough but God is good and miracles happen every day. Thank you for your prayers not just for me but for others too in the Congregational family. Our vision is to attract more churches into the family and we will be at the Christian Resources Exhibition this year which is exciting. Haroutune Selimain from Syria is the new International Congregational Fellowship moderator and will be visiting the UK and Christian Rebuild have an Advent Service for you to use to raise funds for Congregational churches in not just Syria but Albania, Lebanon and Greece. Do consider donating the collection from a Christmas service for this charity. Christianrebuild.co.uk. Thank you for all you do. God bless you abundantly as we move into the season of Advent. Yvonne Campbell

Yvonne (centre back) with Elizabeth Sweeney-Smith (third in from the left) visiting Heaton Mersey Congregational Church on their 200-year anniversary celebration. Poppy and Yvonne Campbell at the wedding exhibition at Wavertree Congregational Church. Baptism in the sea for All Nations Swansea.

FEDERATION NEWS

Update from the President Caroline Stott shares her latest news

Traveller’s tales Well, I am beginning to wonder where this year has gone. I became President in May and have been travelling around the Federation’s churches most Sundays ever since. I have spent a week in the Eastern area and a week in Scotland. I have also made two trips to London, one for a George Floyd 5th anniversary service and the other for a Council for World Mission (CWM) service for retired missionaries. I have attended the North Midlands and South West area Annual General Meetings. I have taken part in two induction services and led four anniversary services, two of which were where the church has been two hundred years old.

I have taken Belinda Bee Messy Church and my Diversity books to churches all over the country. I have tried Korean food for the first time and have attended a wonderful banquet celebration in Ipswich, complete with pig roast! All this and there are still eight months to go! What wonderful diverse churches we have. Some of them small, others large and a few in-between. But all worshiping our wonderful Lord in their way. It has been a pleasure to join with them all in so many different ways.

FEDERATION NEWS

Messy Church with Belinda Bee I wanted to share with you all photos of some of the Messy Church visits. They have been wonderful times of fellowship, food, craft, worship, and fun. It gladdens my heart when a child who does not go to church leaves asking, ‘When are you going to do this again?’ I still have time to come to your churches and share these times with you. If there is not enough room or time for the kiln, then there are lots of other crafts to do, all based on Belinda Bee. If you have been thinking about starting Messy Church but need help with ideas and a helping hand to start, please contact me, I am happy to help. All the church needs to do is provide people, food and of course families. Rev Caroline Stott, President

LOCAL CHURCH NEWS Oakham Congregational Church profile Oakham is nestled in the high street of this small, busy town and welcomes many visitors during the summer. Our church has a side path which many people walk through so we try to keep our notice board up to date and appealing. For example, we displayed the new Harvest poster that the CF sent out and welcomed the General Secretary Yvonne Campbell to lead the service. A new feature is the monthly ‘Filling Station’ evening event which attracts people from the wider community based on a national initiative of renewal, evangelism, worship and prayer. We have a coffee morning on a Wednesday from 10am to 12 noon which is well attended and we compliment that with a book stall and clothes rail. Our Sunday morning worship is traditional and we enjoy monthly Bible studies and weekly Prayer and Praise evenings. We are a small bunch of committed people who love the Lord and want to encourage others. We are in the process of renewing our safeguarding certificate. We are looking for a part-time pastor with a passion to spread God’s love in our church and in the beautiful county of Rutland.

Induction at Kingswood CC Congratulations to Bob Hart of Kingswood (Wottonunder-Edge) Congregational Church on his induction. With thanks to the church staff and members, Joy Howell and Nick Gleich for helping to organise the service. Bob writes, ‘The day itself went perfectly and was a great witness to friends plus a cementing of relationships with five local churches. It was also good to have our Area Chair Andrew here with us plus Joy and Jeremy Howell. I’m not certain if it was the excitement of the occasion or the lure of food afterwards, but the only picture to be taken was afterwards amongst sandwiches and cake!’ The photograph is of Bob Hart (left) and Nick Gleich (right) who led the service.

Derrick Lee at 100 years old!

Theo Howells celebrates her 100 birthday!

Congratulations and Happy Birthday to Derrick Lee at Walkden Congregational Church on his 100 birthday celebrations.

Congratulations and Happy Birthday to Theo Howells at Witney Congregational Church on her 100 birthday celebrations.

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:

Haverhill (Eastern); Southwick Christian Community Church (South East).

Part-time:

Burbage (East Midlands); North Nibley (South West Midlands); Oakham (East Midlands); Shillington (East Midlands); Oban Congregational Church (Scotland).

Non-stipendiary:

Penrhys, Llanfair Uniting Church, (Wales).

FEDERATION NEWS

Welcome to new students

Snazzy hats available

CIPT are delighted to welcome 11 new students to the first year of the FD in Practical Theology. This brings our total number of students to 28. We are looking forward to another year of learning and exploration together. Applications for the next intake in September 2026 are now open – take a look at the Learning and Development area on the CF website for our new prospectus and details on how to apply.

These new hats – modelled here by Nigel Lindsay – were made for when Congregational Federation or URC go to festivals as part of the communications strategy but we did not go to any this year. They are available through the website for a small donation.

New Kapporet Christian Helpline The Christian Helpline is looking for volunteers who can offer two hours a week to listen and pray, receiving calls from home, with full training provided. If you feel called to help others in this way, please email info@newkapporet.org or visit the new recruiting website at www.christianvolunteering.uk

Congratulations to Larkhall Congregational Church!

Harting Congregational Church 225th Anniversary From left, Elisabeth Sweeney-Smith, Yvonne Campbell, and Rev Linda Huggett with the celebration cake for Harting Congregational Church 225th celebrations. The cake was made by Linda’s granddaughter.

Larkhall celebrated their 150th anniversary with a Doors Open weekend on 6 and 7 September 2025. There was an exhibition of the history of the church since 1875 with text, photographs of former ministers and members, maps, gifts made to the church, cradle rolls, Sunday school events, concert parties and other events. There was also tea, coffee and home baking available to visitors while members of the congregation were available for a chat or to answer questions.

FEDERATION NEWS Seeing the Hand of God Announcing Monica and Cliff’s new book that was published in October. Monica sent this to the publishers three days before she died and Cliff and the family are grateful to Wilberforce Publications for their work. It is a book of short stories about Cliff and Monica’s worldwide ministry and the amazing things they have seen God doing. Available from www.wilberforcepublications.co.uk.

The Transformation of Congregationalism 1900-2000 This is a serious history of a subject that deserves and demands serious treatment. How did the largest Protestant nonconformist denomination in England and Wales decline so much that by the 1970s it had fragmented into (at least) four different and competing bodies? I wrote this book to understand better that process. In general, the book was well received and acknowledged, even by those taking opposing views to me, as ‘a standard resource’ and as a ‘handsome volume’ and an erudite, intensely readable but supremely committed account of Congregationalism in the twentieth century’. Although I sought to be as accurate as possible, I tried to make this a readable account and readers have praised my style. I think that new readers will agree that this is an accessible and good read. I commend it to you. The book costs £25 from the CF office in Nottingham or £25 plus postage from 125 Sudbourne Road, London, SW2 5AF. Alan Argent (author).

The Greatest Story Ever Told by Bear Grylls One of my friends loves Bear Grylls so when I found out he had a new book out I had to buy a copy for us both! I didn’t have any expectations but I took it on holiday and really enjoyed it. The funny thing was, although I knew the story, it felt fresh and exciting and I wanted to read it fast and at the same time I wanted to reflect and think and pray through each story. The book tells the story of Jesus through different people’s eyes, including Mary his mother and some of the disciples. If you want to get excited about the Bible again or you want a new perspective on the stories or you have someone who is interested in Jesus – this is the book to buy! Review by Yvonne Campbell. 8

Accreditation Pathway by Jim Lyon It was a privilege for me to be accredited as a Minister at Assembly which was also the last assembly of my two terms as Chair of Council of Congregational Federation. In practice, I don’t expect being an accredited minister to make any significant difference in my life. I’ve been leading the chapel in Yelvertoft for the last nine years and I’m unlikely to move to a different pastorate. I also have no interest in changing my title to Reverend, as I find it very strange that Congregationalists use this type of address for a subset of the priesthood of all believers. Given the comments above, you might ask why I spent significant effort to write my accreditation case. I can honestly say that my decision to apply for accreditation through the long service pathway was because I am thrilled that a pathway has been introduced to recognise those who have worked on the coalface of pastoral ministry, learning and adapting in the process, and I wanted to be part of the new pathway. It has been my privilege to hold a pastoral leadership responsibility for about 30 years, and to have preached in many different settings in the UK and overseas. For most of those years, I also held a demanding full-time job, and I was also able to complete a Masters Degree in Missional Leadership. I do think that the future of small, independent churches depends on people being prepared to be bi-vocational and hope that the new pathway is supportive of others who are practical learners.

FEDERATION NEWS All one in God’s love The Pembrokeshire Show, held every August, is an annual celebration of the life of our county – bringing together farming communities, local people and visitors. The Churches Together tent has become a regular part of the show. As ever, there was tea and coffee, conversation around the tables, a place to leave your written prayers, and a friendly welcome, with simple games outside for children, which are always popular. We were led in communion by Bishop Dorrien of St David’s Diocese on the Wednesday morning, and local ministers led afternoon prayers at 4pm and the communion service on the Thursday. We praised God together and reflected on our unity in Christ, our place in God’s household, and our need of God’s caring Spirit. The tent was ‘staffed’ by members and ministers from churches and chapels of the Annibynwyr, United Reformed Church, Congregational Federation and the Church in Wales. We were truly ‘churches together’. The highlight came when someone outside the tent asked ‘which church is this?’ and it was great to be able to reply ‘all of them - together.’ The man smiled and responded, ‘oh then I’m coming in!’ Thanks to God for being present with us over two wonderful days. Thanks to Parch Geoff Eynon, who dealt with the booking of the site, tent, and helpers. Thanks, too, to everyone who volunteered to provide refreshments, prayer and a listening ear. And a huge thanks to all who came and visited the tent. See you next year – August 19 and 20, 2026. The two ‘distinguished’ gentlemen are the Bishop of St Davids (right) and myself Geoffrey Eynon (left)! The two ladies are members in Tabernacle, H’West, and were two of the many helpers that were busy making and serving teas. A volunteer at the Pembrokeshire Show.

SW Midlands summer day outing.

REFLECTION

Gordon Bates

A reflection on the teaching and ministry of a Congregational Federation minister By Vincent Carrington, Chair of Council, Congregational Federation

ordon Bates was one of two ministers accepted onto the roll of Congregational Federation Ministers and was the Minister at Thundersley Congregational Church for about 30 years, but more than that, he has been the biggest influence on my life and ministry. I believe Thundersley became the largest church in the CF because Gordon allowed people to run with ideas God put on their hearts. He did not interfere unless his help was needed and was always supportive without ever trying to impose himself. Sadly, something happened in the early days of CF that caused Gordon great hurt and led to his decision to remain on the edge of the Federation all his time at Thundersley, although he was supportive of Ernie Hansen and later, myself becoming fully involved. Gordon had, and still has, an amazing heart for people and even in his 90s, still has an amazing memory recall of people throughout his ministry. I learned so much from this man and have modelled my years in ministry on all I saw him do – although he always said I would only learn from him how not to do things! When I told him I wanted to give up my job in London to pursue a ministry role, at first, he tried to talk me out of it, but then he took me under his wing. Most Sunday evenings would be supper at either his

Gordon and Wendy Bates are now in a residential home on Isle of Wight and looking well.

and Wendy’s house or at Janice and mine. We would talk about church issues until he would fall asleep at the table – he had an amazing ability to fall asleep anytime and anywhere! Gordon also had the ability to see both sides of an argument which often got him into trouble when both people would cite Gordon as agreeing with them when they had opposing views, and the truth was, the solution usually lay somewhere in between the two! After retiring from Thundersley in the late 90s, Gordon went on to minister to several churches including Orsett Congregational Church for several years. He also became a chaplain at Southend Hospital, headed up a bereavement support group and conducted numerous funerals across the area – I base the way I take funerals on what I learnt from him, not the wording, but the way he cared for every person individually. Much of his ministry was done on his bicycle and one sadness is that now his main problem is his mobility. Both Janice and I will forever be in his debt for the way he cared for us throughout our married lives, we would not be the people we are if it were not for him. The world is full of unsung heroes and Gordon Bates is one of the greatest of all.

Credit: Mayron Oliveira, Unsplash

MINISTRY

Funeral tips

From shocking standards to Christian integrity that will shine in secular and faith services By Vincent Carrington, Chair of Council, Congregational Federation

n the previous article that I wrote on Rev Gordon Bates, I mentioned that I learnt all about taking funerals from this amazing man and Yvonne Campbell has asked me to put down some thoughts on what I learned. 1. Make sure you are interested in the person you are conducting the service for. I know this sounds obvious but one of the first funerals I attended after I had started my training, was not one of Gordon’s but a vicar in London who conducted a service for my great aunt. Apart from refusing to start the service until he had received his payment – I watched him, after they had carried in the coffin, he followed the ushers out into the lobby with his hand out for his cheque – he conducted a service for a lady called Elsie. We were all confused as it was my aunty Mable being cremated – about halfway through my mum remembered that her first name was Elsie, but as there was another Elsie in the family she had been known as Mable for over 60 years! A small thing but it showed he did not know her and had not bothered to find out important details like ‘what was she known as!’ Gordon conducted several services a week after his retirement, but each family was treated with diligence and the utmost respect. He made them feel special and meant it!

2. Although you need a framework for a service, ensure each one is unique.

Credit: Eddie Zhang, Unsplash

We have a ‘Minister’ in Taunton – he got himself an internet ordination to allow himself to conduct services in the guise of a Christian minister – who most of the funeral directors say they can recite pretty much all he will say because it never changes. 3. Be clear about your connection. If you do not know the person, be honest and say so – again, the person above says things in a way that implies they were well known to each other. It may sound friendly but there is no integrity in his words. 4. Do not say things you do not know to be true! I believe Jesus’ words, ‘Whoever believes in me will not perish but will have eternal life’ and ‘No one comes to the Father except through me.’ If the person who has died did not believe in Jesus, do not say they will be in heaven with Him – I would also urge you not to say where they might end up. It is possible to use the words of Jesus without adding a comment, however, if the person had a belief in Jesus then it is a great comfort to say that their future is assured in Him. Continued overleaf

Credit: Rhodi Lopez, Unsplash

MINISTRY

5. Be prepared! Get a copy of any tribute that the family will say (or ask you to say), it is helpful to ascertain the length of time the talk will take but it is also a great source of information for the prayers of thanksgiving – look to emphasise the positives and ways that make people smile. End with a way of honouring the person is to live as they did – highlighting the positive aspects of their life and particularly if they were believers, mentioning their faith in Jesus! 6. Little things matter. As I said in point 1, knowing what the person was known as is vital, but one thing I have found helpful is, at the end of the service, if time permits, invite people to sit and listen to the final song as you and the funeral attendant wait outside. It allows them their own space without feeling pressured to leave. Following up One thing Gordon was excellent at, and something I am not, is the follow up. In his retirement, Gordon conducted several services a week and in the main did not have time to follow up with families, but he developed a team of Christians who were happy to do the follow up for him. This was appreciated by families and led to many recommendations for his services but also led to several people going to church. What did I learn from Gordon? The main thing was to ensure the people were loved and cared for as individuals. He has an amazing memory for people and details of family connections. Everyone is special to Gordon, and he really cares about honouring the individual, irrespective of their beliefs. I have sought to follow his example and make sure everyone is treated with respect and honour. I try to maintain my integrity by not saying anything I do not know to be true, but also not saying anything 12

that might cause hurt or confusion. Just look for the good in people and make sure that is what is emphasised. I have only ever conducted one service for someone who denied God on his deathbed, I was on holiday and received a request via my son to take the service for his best man’s dad. The timing was tight but there was sufficient time for me to prepare something, so I said ‘Yes’. A couple of days before I came home, I received a message from my son telling me he had just been told about his friend’s dad’s belief. As it was too late to get anyone else, I agreed to continue with the ceremony. It turned out that the immediate family shared that belief, but all the rest of the family were Christians and wanted hymns and prayers. We agreed that I would make a statement at the start outlining what the father believed and that whilst I did not agree with him, I would conduct the service, not as a minister, but as a friend of the family. We had hymns and prayers and people were invited to participate or use the time for private thoughts. The service went well, and everyone was happy with how it had been conducted. The immediate family (the parents had both taught Sunday School) may not have been believers anymore but had seen the love and grace of God in action. I also gave the mother a copy of the book, Just the one ice cream written by Molly Bell – one of the best bereavement follow up books I have read (the only follow up book I have read!). Interestingly, I am currently awaiting a phone call from a lady whose great aunt was a humanist, but her Christian family want a minister to conduct a burial service! There is much more I can say, but the main points are to honour the person, love the family and maintain your Christian integrity at all times. I hope you find this helpful. Vince Carrington

WORSHIP

Getting outdoors! Here are some updates from outdoor worship time and activities and Eco Church actions By Sara Iles, Facilitator for Go Worship! Go Out! Go Wonder!

North Nibley Chapel Here are a selection of photographs, showing some Eco Church actions and worship time which included sharing the story of Jesus healing the man born blind in John 9:1-6. Bethlehem Blaenavon Congregational Church A bit chilly for a full service outside in March 2025, but a perfect time for planting seeds together in the sunshine afterwards. We reflected on St David who encourages us to ‘Be joyful, keep the faith, do the little things.’ Please see photographs below.

Pennymoor Congregational Church Here are a selection of photographs with Eco Church actions and worship themed on Jesus calming the storm from Mark 4:35-41. Pennymoor CC is an A Rocha UK Eco Church Silver Award holder. Some of the outdoor activities for this (shown here) included: planting some raspberry canes and strawberries at the side of the church; putting a little water out; making a bug hotel; and making compost.

Upper Killay Congregational Church In August, inspired by the idea of connecting to God through nature, 26 members from The Pines Upper Killay CC, and the Korean Church, Swansea, gathered to witness two members go through the waters in Caswell Bay, in a Baptism Service. Water baptism, in its core biblical and theological sense, is more than a ritual – it is a public, physical expression of a deep spiritual reality. Go Worship! Go Out! Go Wonder!

Pickering Home Church Pickering Home Church enjoyed fellowship in the shade of oak trees on a very hot afternoon and have since reflected on regeneration, nature and spiritual growth.

If you’d like to download the book, you can use the link here : www.congregational.org.uk/ green-spaces/go-worship-go-out-go-wonder Copies are also available from the CF Office. If you have the opportunity to make use of any of the session notes or ideas, it would be lovely to hear from you. Every blessing to you and your church as we move into the colour and cooler days which autumn brings. God bless, Sara (Facilitator for Go Worship!) For more information, please email Sara Iles at sarailes@yahoo.co.uk.

CHURCH

200 years of Congregational Church Many churches across the Congregational Federation are marking the anniversary of their foundation. Here, Sherston CC and Shillington CC share their plans and celebrations. Sherston Congregational Church Sherston CC are holding a Village Celebratory Cheese and Wine Evening on Thursday 30 October. They plan to unveil a large commemorative wall plaque which has been donated by their Singalong Club for the event. 200 years ago, a barn in Cliff Road was purchased by a small group of believers in order to establish a chapel. This group had been meeting since 1822 when preachers from Bristol (probably Wesleyan and on horseback) had come regularly to the village and formed a fellowship. That barn served as a place of worship for 189 years, until 2014. It is now a private residence but still proudly displays the founding date of 1825. Congregational churches were, and still are, founded and funded entirely by their own congregation, and are consequently free to follow whatever collective guidance the members receive through prayer. Originally, as dissenting folk, our forefathers were determined to be ‘Free’ (nonconformist) so resisted national authority. This meant that some suffered poverty, imprisonment, even martyrdom, and others travelled to the New World with the Pilgrim Fathers. Sherston’s traders – butchers, bakers, tailors, farm-workers, and humble country-folk – gave so generously over those 200 years that our village

legacy now includes the British School Room (our modernised place of worship), one residential property (now our main income), a Memorial Garden (behind the Old Barn Chapel) and provides employment of three personnel for BSR Management, Regular Cleaning, and Book-keeping/Accounting. Through both world wars, SCC was well attended and active but by the year 2000 was reduced, sadly, to just one attending member, Lily Rice, who found herself responsible, with no funds whatsoever, for three decaying buildings. Had she died that year the Congregational Federation would have been duty bound to sell all three properties and give the resulting funds to other chapels in the South West region. Consequently, at that point, some of us decided to help Lily and the story of all that has happened since then is told on the walls of the British School Rooms lobby, with photographs so all can understand this recent history anytime they are in the building. The aim of the original School Room Deeds remains unchanged, ‘For the advancement of the Christian faith’ and for this we work with believers from all local churches. Times change but gospel truth remains and offers the whole community hope and strength to face the future. By the Members, Management, and Friends of Sherston Congregational Church / British School Room.

CHURCH

Shillington Congregational Church Shillington CC celebrated its 200 year anniversary on 22 June 2025 with a service and cake.

PREACHING

Inspired to Preach An examination of different contexts and different preaching experiences from the UK to Nauru Island and back again By Nigel Lindsay, Partner in Mission with the Congregational Federation and CWM

ow do you choose what passages or themes to preach on at your church or when you are leading a service at another church? Over the short time I was in Nauru, I led a six session training on preaching at the request of the National Women’s group. Many had become Deaconesses in their Congregational Church and they had been expected to lead services and preach with little or no training. Some had been chosen as lay preachers. We started the training and after that week some more women wanted to join and some men

Inside a church on Nauru.

were allowed to join too. We could have had about 20 taking part but numbers reduced as we progressed over the 12 weeks. Between the first session and second session I had been asked to preach at the main church service. I used the passage in Matthew 14:22-33, Jesus Walks on the Water. I spoke about stepping out of the safety of the boat, keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus, as I stepped out of the pulpit. It was about change and doing things differently to engage with today’s culture, but not losing the focus of Jesus and his Kingdom. Had my chosen passage, message and style put some people off the training? Or was it that they just had too many things to do? Was it the fortnightly interval, or my language and their understanding? It was my first block of training in Nauru and we can learn and grow from these experiences. I had planned not to start training for a month or so after my arrival, this would allow me to understand culture and expectations better, but I was encouraged to start quickly. Those who did see it through seemed to value the sessions and use the input as they continued to deliver services.

PREACHING The Six Session Training Our six sessions covered preparation, use of commentaries, learning styles, the nine spiritual pathways, and use of illustrations, body language, engaging with the congregations, understanding the passage, structure, identifying the main message or messages. It included a session on the books of the Bible, writers and the different genre and the importance of understanding the whole. We practised projection of voice, giving feedback and encouraging action to result from the preaching. They had a task to do between each session and opportunity to reflect and grow. But my focus here is how we choose passages to preach on and how we decide. All of the methods have advantages and disadvantages. The Lectionary From my understanding this is a list of Bible passages identified for each week, which take the Gospel reading as the main theme and give you an Old Testament, Psalm, and Letter reading, which should connect with the Gospel reading. It covers the whole Bible over a three-year cycle, called Years A, B, and C. It is generally used by the Catholic, Anglican, Methodist Churches and many others use it too. Those preaching can choose which of the four passages to focus on and sometime will incorporate a few of the passages. Identify a preaching theme for a period The church will hold a meeting of those who lead services. They can support each other with encouragement and challenge, maybe once a quarter or more often. They will identify a series they discern God is leading them to preach on over a period (perhaps six to ten weeks). They will take into consideration the needs of the church. Either together or asking an assigned person, they will then go away and identify the key passage for each week to be used by the preacher. The preacher will use that passage with an awareness of the overall theme and add one or two other passages which support the passage. 1. The preacher makes their own decision, based on the church needs If the same person is preaching through the series, then they may follow a theme. They may be aware of issues within the church community which need some teaching on. They may be guided by the Holy Spirit.

Sermon illustration for Matthew 14:22-33, Jesus Walks on the Water.

2. The preacher has their own favourite passages or themes to preach This may happen if the preacher is travelling promoting a particular theme; maybe someone with a children’s, prison, environmental, mental health ministry for example. It could happen if someone has a soapbox issue they like to promote. 3. Church, denomination, national special days Some churches will run with one of the above options, but will honour special days and find Bible passages to fit with the theme. They may then invite and attract people to the service who have an interest in that theme. For example; Valentine’s Day, St Francis of Assisi (animal day), CWM Sunday, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Safeguarding Sunday, Aids Day, and Remembrance Sunday. Holy Spirit lead We would hope that the Holy Spirit guides us when we are preparing all our services, but some will not plan or prepare and just preach with what would seem to be no notes or preparation. This may be the case but often much prayer and resource has gone into connecting with what God wants.

Action: You may want to get together with a group and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of all the above and consider your best way forward for the next season in your own context. My experience • I do know that when I have been invited to preach I will sometimes be told they use the lectionary or I am given a theme, but many say I am free to choose. If you don’t know the needs of the church, you are reliant on the Holy Spirit’s prompting and maybe the little knowledge you do have. Continued overleaf

PREACHING come together. I do however like to plan the whole service involving different people so I can run the whole theme throughout. • If I am there just to preach, then it is great to be able to choose the song that follows the ‘preach’. I welcome your comments and feedback If you would like to run some workshops on any of the above, do make contact. So what happened in Nauru?

• For over five years I worked with churches using the Lectionary and this can be useful if different people are preaching each week. It does however stop you from being able to do more in depth teaching on the passage and theme as you are moved on. Sometimes I have felt I wanted to speak on all four passages given, but time doesn’t allow. I was preparing two Sunday services a week and so I found I could not think about the next week’s readings until the Monday. • At other churches, those leading worship have sat together and identified a theme usually for 10 to 12 weeks. We have added in special Sundays, but then I have identified the key passage for each week and communicated that to each person preaching. They have then prepared using an additional passage or two from another part of the Bible. Using this process, we have worked through lessons from Judges, spoken on each of the fruits, and looked at mission using Acts. We found out more about the Psalms, thought about miracles, did a series on the Parables and lots more. This has allowed for an introduction and a summing up. • I have also been a visiting minister with the chance to choose the Bible passages and to some degree how I arrange and present the service. Churches have their ways and should I just squeeze into their ways or is this an opportunity to challenge tradition and help them experience something new which they may choose to do in the future? • I have sometimes been asked by the church leader to do something different as it can be easier for an outsider to challenge an issue or start a process of change than it can be for the person who is there week in week out. • At some churches I have been asked just to preach and not to be involved in the structure of the service or the songs/hymns. I am always amazed at how the Holy Spirit guides us all and it seems to 18

You might be interested in knowing what happened after the service I preached at in Nauru. Maybe it would happen at a church in the UK too! Before my preach, I did a children’s talk, which didn’t normally happen, but it provided a good introduction to the preach which was to come. I then did an action song and the majority of the congregation joined in and clapped afterwards. Announcements and the choir’s song and collection happened before my time to preach. Once I stepped out of the pulpit, I concluded from the floor which included a demonstration of keeping your eyes on Jesus. I could see engagement from the congregation. The following Wednesday, in a meeting with the lead minister, I was told I would not be allowed to preach in the main church again as I was not holy enough. The church was a holy place where clapping was not allowed (the clapping was not my instigation). I asked if that included the other six churches, as to be able to demonstrate what I was teaching in training was important. I was allowed to preach in the other churches. News of my ‘preach’ travelled around the country and so those not at that service knew about it. Those who spoke to me were excited by the possibility of future services being more engaging as we connect with the message of our risen Lord. Since my return I have heard that in some places the services have become more interactive and that God is doing a new thing. Isaiah 43:19 NIV. ‘See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.’ Nigel Lindsay pastornigel19@yahoo.co.uk

BOOKS

A seventeenth century spy An update from the author as she researches and plans the third Baxby Mystery By Karen Haden, author and member of Highbuy Cheltenham Congregational Church

ello Everyone, many thanks for the kind messages and great Amazon reviews following the release of Baxby Mystery #2 Naming the Dead. If you have not grabbed a copy yet, it is available on Kindle Unlimited and on Amazon. I have also posted maps (www.karenhaden.blogspot.com/search/ label/map) and character lists (www.karenhaden.blogspot.com/search/label/ charlist) on my website. As with Paying in Blood, I’d appreciate feedback and Amazon stars. Also, it is great if you let friends know, but most of all I hope people enjoy the stories.

Below: Karen with Louise Donovan at Lambeth Palace.

Naming a spy I am making good progress with the first draft of Baxby Mystery #3, but would appreciate some help. I need a false name for a spy working undercover in seventeenth century London. My initial idea was to use an unusual contemporary first name, e.g. Marmaduke or Julius, reasoning it was unlikely someone would choose that for themselves. If you have got any suggestions, please email me. Lambeth Palace visit As part of the research for the third book, Louise Donovan, the Events Manager, gave Simon and I a personal tour of Lambeth Palace. This was an amazing experience. There is SO much history within its walls. We are very grateful to Louise for showing us so much, even the kitchens where there are new archaeological discoveries. At some stage, I will share more photos and write about the visit – a real highlight of 2025! Awards After Paying in Blood was long-listed for the Aspects of History Spymasters prize, I have submitted a short story for the Dorothy Dunnett Society / Historical Writers Association (HWA) Short Story Award 2025. This features Crespin, the second Earl of Essex’s servant who appeared at the Tower of London in Paying in Blood. It was fun to write about him again. The long list for the award will be published on 24 September. I am also writing more articles for Aspects of History and other online magazines. The most recent

is about political power, see The Succession of King James: A Robert Cecil Masterclass (www. aspectsofhistory.com/thesuccession-of-king-james-arobert-cecil-masterclass/). Other news Last week, it was great to get positive feedback from my latest PET scan. The treatments are continuing to show progress, so lots more time to write. My consultant also said that if the side-effects get too much, she will give me a break and/or reduce the dose. With daughter Zoe also due to give birth to a little girl in October, this is a good time for us. Many thanks again for all the support and encouragement, Karen H

To follow Karen Haden visit: • Amazon Books: www.amazon.co.uk/ stores/author/B0D15LWHZV • Blog: www.karenhaden.blogspot.com • X/Twitter: @kjhaden17

CREATIVITY AND ADVENT

What is creativity? And how can we apply our God-given creativity for Advent? By Linda Cooke, Property and Church Support Worker, Congregational Federation

hat is creativity? Google gives lots of suggestions – here is one of them – creativity is defined as the tendency to generate or recognize ideas, alternatives, or possibilities that may be useful in solving problems, communicating with others, and entertaining ourselves and others. Creativity allows people to work and explore different things, to find alternative ways, to use the gifts that God gave us, to use our brains, feet and hands in ways that we may not have thought of before. The benefits of creativity are huge. Here are a few suggestions – it can bring people of different ages together, keep our minds active, work together as a team, be a talking point, help mental health and well-being, and is good for people with dementia. It also gives people the freedom to adapt, change and improve something that they may have been working on or with for years, to move with the times or to try something new. In a church setting we may have musicians, worship leaders, flower arrangers, hospitality and cake makers, stewards, preachers, gardeners, hymn writers and composers – and even our ministers may be said to use creativity in planning and preparing for their services. As Paul taught, ‘The body is made up of many parts’ and a church can show how we all work together to create a wonderful and pleasant experience each time we meet. So, reflecting on my presentation at Assembly on Hats and how we wear different types of hats, how about putting on your ‘Creative Hat’ this Advent? Here are some suggestions. The Christmas Nativity

Knitted Nativity figures of Mary and Joseph, and a lamb.

I think that most of our churches and some of our homes have a Nativity set of some description. Most of them, I’m guessing, will be the complete static scene and will be on display for the whole of Advent and possibly near the front of the church. The tradition of the Nativity scene comes from Italy. The first Nativity scene is attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi which is said to have been enacted in 1223. After which, the Nativity scene became popular

in churches and homes to tell the good news of the coming of Christ. It can be various sizes and made of different materials – paper, wood, wool, wax and often with a stable. So how can we get creative with our Nativity scene? Here is an idea - you could have the characters of the Nativity progress through your church and make the journey. I’m sure that most of us know that on the day of Jesus’ birth there were no shepherds, sheep, Wise Men or camels on the scene; they all arrived a little later. Mary and Joseph’s journey On the 1st Sunday in Advent, place Mary and Joseph, near your entrance door, they are starting their journey. Depending on your congregation, you could use one of these Youtube clips, or find a suitable poem or read Luke 2:1-5. Youtube – search for: A trip to Bethlehem / Bible Story Song with Lyrics. Youtube – search for: Luke 2 / Mary and Joseph Travel to Bethlehem. On the 2nd Sunday in Advent move them a little closer.

CREATIVITY AND ADVENT

On the 3rd Sunday - closer still. On the 4th Sunday – they are now at the front talking to the Innkeeper. On Christmas Eve – they have made it to the stable. Remove the innkeeper. For Christmas Day or late Christmas Eve – baby Jesus has been born and can be placed in the manger. The Angel Gabriel, Shepherds and sheep start on their journey The Angel and the Shepherds start their journey on the 2nd Sunday in Advent, again at the entrance door. They take a different route through your church on weeks 3 and 4. Arriving at the front and joining the Nativity scene on Christmas Day. Youtube – search for: Luke 2, the Shepherds learn of the birth of Christ. Luke 2:8-15. The Wise Men start their journey and follow the star The Wise Men / Magi start their journey on the 3rd Sunday in Advent. Place the star towards the front of the church, this could be in one of the spaces behind Mary and Joseph

and have the Wise Men at the entrance door. On the 4th Sunday, move them nearer the front, they could arrive at the Nativity on Christmas Day (as is the traditional Nativity scene for Christmas Day). Youtube – search for: Matthew 2. the Wise Men seek Jesus. Matthew 2:1 -2 Or, you could have the Wise Men still travelling until Epiphany when they finally get to the front (though we know that they actually arrive two years later). And more Bring the characters to life each week by giving them a special mention, get the young people to look around for them, perhaps as part of a Treasure Hunt, and see how far they have got. You could include an innkeeper at each of Mary and Joseph stops. Sing an appropriate carol, prayer or poem to highlight and introduce each character’s part of the journey. Have a little think, pray and ponder and then work out what best suits your church, but by moving Mary and Joseph forward each week we are reenacting the events of that First Christmas. I have prepared and explored more about the journey, Mary, Joseph and the Innkeeper, so please take a look at the Creative Corner page of the Congregational Federation website. I would love to hear from you if you have been creative on how you use your Nativity scene. Let’s start thinking creatively and outside the normal box. Send your photos to: linda.cooke@congregational.org.uk

Left: Wooden figures of the Magi, the three wise men. Top: Knitted characters from a Nativity scene. More crafty sheep can be added to the Nativity scene.

CHILDREN’S BOOK

Dilwyn the Somerset Dragon The writer of the adventures of Dilwyn tells us more about the background to the stories By Vincent Carrington, a retired minister with Congregational Federation and the new Chair of Council Dilwyn the Somerset Dragon

I visited a patient in hospital in my roll as chaplain and he read a couple of the stories and he encouraged me to publish them, advising me on the book size, font, margins and suggested I had a couple of pictures for each story. My friend, Sarah, is a wonderful artist and was happy to draw the pictures, her husband Matt did graphic art at university, designed the cover and another friend, Mel, illustrated the pictures for the front cover. I think you’ll agree, they have done an amazing job. At this moment, I have written 28 stories and am currently putting the next 12 together and Sarah is happy to do the drawings. Then I will write another eight stories to make it a trilogy of stories. The stories are about friendship, adventure and good moral tales, they do have some Christian reference but mostly about kindness and love. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Paperback, 100 pages, independently published on 18 August 2025, written by Rev Vincent Carrington (author) and Mrs Sarah Cottington (illustrator). Reading age 5-12. £4.99 from various publishers including Waterstones: www.waterstones.com/book/ dilwyn-the-somerset-dragon/ sarah-cottington/vincentcarrington/9798861978972 Children’s stories for Primary School age about a statue of a dragon who stands in a school garden and comes to life after everyone has gone home. One afternoon, Dilwyn is discovered by Harry, the school caretaker. They become friends and Dilwyn has lots of adventures.

From the author, Rev Vincent Carrington The stories were written in memory of a wonderful head teacher, you will need to buy the book to see the whole story! My granddaughter Rosie was about seven at the time and as she lived in Essex, I emailed the stories to her, and she would tell me if there were any words she didn’t understand. In this way she became the proofeader and helped me keep the stories age specific.

‘I love these stories because Dilwyn is such a brilliant, funny, kind character.’ Also ‘Dilwyn’s values make him such a sweet character. I hope you enjoy these stories as much as I do!’ From the foreword by Rosie Carrington.

GIVEAWAY OFFER Congregational Federation head office has eight copies to give away! If you would like a copy, email Linda Cooke at linda.cooke@congregational.org.uk and tell her where Dilwyn the Dragon is found to be living.

LEARNING

Seeds of growth A report about the Newbigin Pioneering course from a recent graduate By Yemi Adeeko, Street Pastor and Member at Hutton Free Church

have been privileged to support various communities through delivering training, coaching, job club initiatives focused on career progression, and facilitating parenting classes. Newbigin Pioneering course One memorable day, during a conversation with Rev Eric, I learned about the Newbigin Pioneering course with Seedbed. I am truly grateful for leaders who can recognise potential and encourage its development. Shortly afterwards, I found myself attending an interview with Rev Dr Ash Barker on 16 August 2024. I was subsequently offered a place and began my studies that September. Throughout my time on the course, I received excellent support from Seedbed, the Congregational Federation, my local church, and all my peers. The diversity within our cohort was a real strength, fostering beauty and collaboration – it was a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated group. Course modules and mission The course included modules such as pioneering mission, missional spirituality, mission and church, community development, mission and the Bible, and missional enterprise. I developed a deeper understanding of mission by engaging with biblical perspectives, historical contexts, and contemporary church experiences from around the world. Together, we discussed aspects of cross-cultural mission and practical approaches to gospel communication. We were encouraged to explore a range of discipleship and prayer practices, reflecting on their central role in Christian life. The course also introduced theories and practical methods associated with mission-shaped church and Fresh Expressions of church. Special emphasis was placed on

understanding culture, contextual analysis, and integrating theology with pioneering practice. We examined ways to engage creatively with the Bible in missional settings, recognised the range of literary styles it contains, and considered how its teaching can inform our own faith and communication with others. There was a strong practical focus on innovation through social and missional enterprise – learning how to create and sustain new ventures from the ground up. Outcomes in community The Great Commission remains my passion, and this training has equipped me to share the gospel with all people, with particular sensitivity to cross-cultural mission. I am eager to apply these insights in both understanding and sharing the Christian faith more effectively. Most recently, we have launched the Tea and Talk Community Café. I am especially thankful to Rev Ruth Green and Rev Steve Faber for directing me to invaluable resource materials along the way.

Yemi (far left) receiving her Seedbeds Certificate at the Newbigin Pioneering Hub.

The Newbigin Pioneering Hub We are a collaboration between United Reformed Church, Congregational Federation, Church Mission Society and Seedbeds and named in honour of the inspirational URC Minister and mission theologian, Lesslie Newbigin. This venture is open to all and part of celebrating the past 50 years of the United Reformed Church and Congregational Federation by investing our future in local communities. Our mission is: ‘To discover, nurture, empower and release a new Community of Pioneers, able to see God’s love and shalom flourish in their local communities.’ Find out more here: www.seedbeds.org/newbigin-pioneering-hub-2/

LEARNING TOGETHER

Courses for YOU! The Learning and Development Department has a range of courses that might well suit your needs in the year ahead By Catherine Booton, Learning and Development Manager, Congregational Federation

s we enter the Advent season, I am sure we are looking forward to the beginning of a new year. A time for new starts and making resolutions. I wonder what yours are and what you have planned for the coming year. Maybe one of your resolutions is to consider learning something new – perhaps through a course of study or by bringing new ideas into your church. Well, if this is you and/or your church, read on… The Learning and Development Department has a wide range of courses to inspire you with.

Or perhaps the new All for Jesus, Jesus for All course is an alternative place to begin as you look at other ways of sharing Jesus with others. It is designed to help grow and ignite your desire for action and mission. Again, this course includes a variety of resources and a self-guided booklet to help.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO GET US STARTED We can suggest that the Being Congregational course is a great place to start. It consists of five sessions, which you could do weekly, monthly, or even as part of your Sunday service. All the sessions are contained in a handy workbook, which runs alongside a 10-minute video for each session and with reference to the Being Congregational publication, which was relaunched for the CF’s 50th anniversary. The sessions include prayer ideas, questions for discussion, and ideas for taking things further. We do not aim to tell you how to be a Congregational church, we merely offer suggestions of how you can think about what it means to be Congregational and to help you discover for yourself what it means to you and your church.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO GET OUR TEETH INTO Well for a course that requires a bit more commitment and time, we commend the new updated GIFT (Growing In Faith Together) programme to you. This contains four modules: Discovering the Bible, Living in Faith, Being Church and Putting it into Practice. Each module includes a handbook to give you some background information and guidance, alongside an easily accessible, inexpensive course book, which gives you more information to help your journey of learning. The first three modules aim to give you some basic skills and knowledge in the three areas. Module Four is set up to help you to enact a project in your own church where you can use the skills you have learnt in the earlier modules, by doing something real and practical in your own context. If

LEARNING TOGETHER willingly, will guide you through the modules on the course. You have the opportunity to demonstrate what you have learnt through the completion of the assignments that are part of the modules. And at the end of the four years, you will have a fantastic day at our very own graduation ceremony in Nottingham, where you will receive your much deserved Foundation Degree certificate and celebrate with your fellow students, tutors and staff, and your own guests. Here are some of the things our recent intake of students have said. you want to, there are assignments you can complete and submit. On successful completion of the four modules, you will receive a GIFT certificate, which is equivalent to a Level 3 qualification. This course can be undertaken as an individual or as part of a group within your church or wider area and should take 12-18 months to complete. WE’RE REALLY LOOKING FOR THE NEXT STAGE Well then let us introduce you to the Foundation Degree in Practical Theology, run by CIPT (the Congregational Institute for Practical Theology) and validated by YSJU (York St John University). This is a four-year distance learning course which covers a wide range of interesting, useful and challenging modules, including Biblical Studies, Theology, Ethics, Placements and practical skills like Preaching, Spirituality, Pastoral Care, Worship and much, much more. Most of your learning is completed at home, using the lovingly handcrafted module handbooks and a range of other resources, and four times in the academic year (September, January, April and June) we join together in Nottingham for our course residentials where the face-to-face teaching takes place. The team of tutors, who are all experts in their field, and voluntarily give of their time and abilities so

Left: The GIFT – Growing in Faith Together – resources pack. Below left: Resources for the Congregational Institute for Practical Theology course.

‘Thank you for your lovely warm welcome and course information. It was great to have attended my first residential – the sessions were wonderful and it was great to have met others and to have met with my personal tutor.’

‘Compared to the course I came from, and many other courses I’ve been on, this course – and the way it runs – is amazing. It well exceeded the expectations that I had, the content, the tutors, the staff behind the scenes, everything that I came into contact with, so far has been so well organised and a pleasure to say “I belong to”. Everyone was/is so friendly and helpful without losing the professional side of things. Making all of us feel welcome and free to ask anything.’ COMING UP Other courses will be developed as we go through 2026 and we are looking into new and exciting ways of delivering what we offer – so do watch this space for further details. For more information about all the courses mentioned in this article, take a look at the Learning and Development section of the CF website. Our new prospectus can also be viewed there. Or if you have any questions or queries, or to sign up for a course, please contact: training@congregational.org.uk. We would love to hear from you! Happy studying! 25

HISTORY

Tyndale’s life and legacy Map showing where William Tyndale’s life began in 1494 Gloucestershire and ended in 1536 in Vilvoorde, Netherlands.

The story of a dangerous book and a brave man meeting his death By Elisabeth Sweeney-Smith, past President of the Congregational Federation

t is hard to imagine in today’s world that such effort went into banning the ownership or printing of the Bible other than in Latin in the 16th century. Yet, this was exactly the position in which one of the great Bible translators, William Tyndale, found himself. Disheartened but not beaten despite his best efforts in England to find a sponsor to support his English translation from the original Greek of the New Testament, Tyndale found himself moving over to the continent of Europe. King Henry VIII was not a fan of Tyndale or anyone who questioned his authority and despite requesting Charles V, who was both the Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain, to arrest Tyndale, Charles V refused without formal evidence. ‘Hear the Word of the Lord’ – Elisabeth acknowledges her love of God’s Word as harvest of Tyndale’s brave sowing, beside the display of Tyndale’s New Testament. The only known complete copy of William Tyndale’s pocket-sized New Testament on temporary display in July 2025 at the Plantin-Moretus museum, Antwerp.

Print and persecution God was ahead of Tyndale with Gutenberg having already designed his printing press. Tyndale managed to complete his manuscript and found himself a friendly printer in Cologne who was prepared to take a risk and get to work setting up the individual letters on his machines to print Tyndale’s New Testament. We all are familiar with the WW2 slogan ‘Loose talk cost lives’ and so it was in 1525 when someone got to hear about the deal between the Cologne printing-

house and Tyndale. For whatever reason that ‘someone’ betrayed the willing printer to the senator of Cologne, a friend of Henry VIII, who in an effort to uphold the law gave the order to halt the printing. Tyndale escaped to Worms clutching some of the printed sheets and his manuscripts of the translated work. He worked hard to re-do what had been lost and completed the work the next year and then headed for Antwerp, at the time known to have over 40 printing houses and a large port with extensive trade with England. After some eight or nine years, while in Antwerp he was taken unawares one day while the English House was more or less empty with other residents taking part in the Bergen-OpZoom festival. Henry Phillips, possibly sent by the Bishop of London, had ingratiated himself into Tyndale’s trust but as soon as Tyndale left his house he was ambushed. He was taken to the castle at Vilvoorde located to the north-west of Brussels. After 18 months’ imprisonment in poor and unhealthy conditions, sentenced by the Catholic Church, he was executed by the local authorities. It is said he was strangled to death before being burnt at the stake with his ashes thrown in the river Senne nearby. On pilgrimage today This summer, as a follow-on from my Easter pilgrimage to the monument at the place of his birth in Gloucestershire, I felt in my presidential year ‘To Hear The Word of the Lord’ that my pilgrimage would be completed by visiting the place of the execution of the man whose tireless work and sacrifice was instrumental in bringing God’s Word to me. Nevertheless, it was rather underwhelming to see there was no plaque but rather a shopping

HISTORY

centre overlooking the Catholic church in front of which Tyndale is thought to have met his death. In an effort to mark Tyndale’s memory, in 1910 the Trinitarian Bible Society had asked to place a monument to Tyndale on his execution spot. Their request was politely refused by the local authorities. However, an alternative location further away from the Catholic church was eventually found on the site of a former military barracks and since 1933 a monument has stood in what has been fittingly called William Tyndale Park. Modern museums and surviving texts A small museum in his honour (housing a small protestant chapel) exists in Vilvoorde. In an effort to mark the 500th anniversary in 2026 of the first publication of the New Testament in English, the small team of volunteers at the museum are working with The Tyndale Society. They hope to persuade the Flemish local authority to support their efforts to enhance the museum visitor experience raising greater awareness of the work of the Protestant Englishman William Tyndale. Whilst I was chatting with the museum team, a chance comment meant I also included an unscheduled stop in my itinerary. It was an opportunity to see a temporary exhibition

of the only full surviving copy of Tyndale’s original New Testament in the Antwerp publishing house, now the Plantin-Moretus museum. (I understand partial copies exist at St Paul’s Cathedral and in the British Library). For a man whose body was burnt at the stake it struck me as strange that a fire-station now sits so close to Tyndale’s execution spot. I pray that the fire of the Holy Spirit that burned in Tyndale’s heart to ensure a wider audience for God’s word in his time, will burn in our hearts challenging us to make God’s word accessible to today’s generation. Such passion would be a fitting tribute by all English-speaking Christians to the bravery of William Tyndale, a man who was dedicated to doing just that some 500 years ago. For further information The Tyndale Society, www.tyndale.org Trinitarian Bible Society, www.tbsbibles.org William Tyndale Museum at Vilvoorde, www. williamtyndalemuseum.be

Above: The William Tyndale Park Monument at Vilvoorde with the plaque on the front. Plaque of 1910 on the William Tyndale monument at Vilvoorde erected by friends of the Trinitarian Bible Society of London. Below: Cases of old letter types used in Plantin-Moretus printing house, Antwerp. Examples of printing presses over 400 years old on display in Plantin-Moretus museum, Antwerp. Part of the Permanent exhibition on William Tyndale in foreground with the protestante kerk William Tyndale Silo, at the William Tyndale museum in Vilvoorde.

Credit: Christopher Bill, Unsplash

Credit: Marek Studzinski, Unsplash

TECHNOLOGY

From coin to contactless What is the future of giving? A guide to contactless card payments for churches By Neil Chappell, Social Media and Website Officer at Congregational Federation

ne of our Congregational churches recently shared their journey with me about purchasing a contactless payment station. In a world where cash is no longer king, they and other churches are increasingly exploring digital giving solutions. Contactless card payment machines have emerged as a powerful tool, providing a convenient and modern way for congregations and visitors to donate. However, navigating the landscape of devices, providers, and costs can be daunting. This article aims to simplify the process, exploring the pros and cons and recommending some of the best setups available. The shift towards a cashless society has been swift. Many people, particularly younger generations, no longer carry physical money. This creates a significant challenge for churches that have historically relied on the Sunday collection plate. By installing a contactless payment machine, a church signals that it is open and accessible to all, regardless of how they choose to pay. Studies in the wider charity sector suggest that contactless giving can lead to a substantial increase in donations, with some reports indicating that people give three times more via card than they do with cash. Like most things contactless card machines have their pros and cons.

Pros: • Increased Donations: The most immediate benefit is the potential to boost giving. Contactless machines capture impulse donations from visitors and those who don’t carry cash, especially at events like baptisms, weddings, or coffee mornings. • Convenience and Speed: The process of ‘tap and go’ is quick and effortless for donors. It removes the friction of finding cash or writing a cheque, encouraging more spontaneous giving. • Improved Security: Digital payments are far more secure than handling large amounts of cash. There is no risk of physical theft, and the funds are transferred directly into the church’s bank account. • Enhanced Financial Transparency: Every transaction is recorded digitally, providing a clear and transparent audit trail. This simplifies accounting, reconciliation, and reporting, and can also make it easier to process Gift Aid claims. Cons: • Initial and Ongoing Costs: There’s a price to pay for this convenience. Churches need to purchase the hardware, and most providers charge a transaction

Credit: Sumup, Unsplash

Credit: Christopher Bill, Unsplash

TECHNOLOGY

fee on every donation. There may also be ongoing subscription fees or rental costs. • Lack of Donor Anonymity: Unlike a cash donation in the collection plate, a card donation is not anonymous. While this is a pro for Gift Aid, some may prefer to give anonymously. • Requires Power and Connectivity: Most devices need a reliable power source and a stable internet connection, either through Wi-Fi or a mobile data SIM. For some churches this can be a significant barrier. • Potential for Technical Issues: As with any technology, there is a risk of technical glitches or a loss of connectivity, which could disrupt the giving process during a service or event. When choosing a system, churches should consider their specific needs: a static device for a visitorheavy location, a portable machine for passing around during the collection, or a hybrid solution. SumUp A simple portable solution is SumUp. SumUp is a popular choice for churches due to its low cost and simplicity. The SumUp Air card reader is a small, portable device, which connects to a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth. The SumUp Air reader costs around £29 (plus VAT) and whilst SumUp charges a transaction fee, typically around 1.69% of the donation amount, there are no monthly fees or contracts.

The transaction fees are determined by the integrated payment provider (e.g. SumUp or Stripe) and are typically around 1.69% to 1.99% per transaction. The Give A Little software itself may have no monthly fees or a small monthly charge depending on the plan. This setup is both professional and secure, ideal for unattended donations, customisable campaigns, and seamless Gift Aid capture. It’s a purpose-built solution. It’s the future The decision to invest in a contactless card payment machine is a significant one, but for many churches, it’s a necessary step to remain relevant and financially viable in the modern world. If you would like to know more about this, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Best wishes, Neil Chappell.

Far left to right: Collections in church receive much less than contactless payments do. The increasingly rare sight of physical notes. The Sumup system of contactless payment. Below: Phone and a Vagaro payment system.

Contact Neil Chappell by post at Congregational Federation, 8 Castle Gate, Nottingham, NG1 7AS or by email at neil.chappell@congregational.org.uk.

CollecTin More

Credit: Vagaro, Unsplash

For churches seeking a more professional, selfservice solution, a dedicated donation kiosk is an excellent choice. The CollecTin More is a robust, all-in-one device with a large touchscreen that is well-suited for a permanent fixture. It often comes bundled with the Give A Little fundraising software. The CollecTin More unit can cost in the range of £395-£450, depending on the supplier and any included accessories like a stand or security mount. 29

HOLIDAY RETREAT

Escape to the Gower

Pilton Green’s The Old Manse in South Wales provides a retreat for Congregational Federation ministers and members

he Old Manse at Pilton Green on the Gower Peninsula has been set aside exclusively to be used by Congregational Federation ministers and members. It is a self-catering accommodation with four bedrooms and open-plan lounge, dining and kitchen area. There is parking for two to three cars within a gated drive. It is in a peaceful location near stunning coastal scenery, beaches, villages and walks. People find it useful for rest, reflection, and family time. To download the brochure visit: www.congregational.org.uk/holidays-retreats/ pilton-green. Book online at the same page or contact the CF Office at Nottingham admin@congregational.org.uk or telephone 0115 911 1460. Pilton Green Guest Feedback 2025 ‘We enjoyed at least eight years of wonderful holidays in the Old Manse. It’s always clean and well maintained and is a great place for relaxing and recharging. The local beaches are great for just walking and paddling. We have recommended this to our fellowship.’ David Gould.

‘The Manse in Pilton Green is a well-appointed home from home in a quiet location where the roads are lined by wild flowers and morning silence broken only by birdsong. The picture [above] is possibly the nearest beach to Pilton Green – miles of white sand, sea and surf enough for paddle boarders and if you are lucky, a close up encounter with Welsh ponies and their foals. The finger posted walks near the house lead across fields and are easy walks even for the less than intrepid. A great place for a relaxing (nay healing) break.’ Thank you!’ Paula Robinson, June 2025.

HOLIDAY RETREAT ‘We have, for over 20 years, spent many happy weeks at the Old Manse. We have seen many changes but the one thing that has never changed is the wonderful peace that meets you the moment you arrive. Somehow the love that has been shared there over the years has grown and now surrounds the whole house. We find it a perfect place to unwind and recharge. There’s lots to do – you can walk the cliffs to Rhossili or the other way to Port Eynon (about two hours) the views are just stunning and such a reward for the long walk. Wonderful tea rooms at both destinations plus great fish and chips at Port Eynon. There is also wonderful Oxwich Bay where you can walk the full length of a long beach (miles) or take to the dunes where there is a well signed path around to the road. Oxwich Bay Hotel is a lovely place to recover with either a drink or lunch. There are many lovely bays and inlets as you drive back towards the Mumbles and Swansea. But back to the peace of the Old Manse. It is well equipped with everything you need if, like us, you wish to eat in. The cooking facilities are good and there’s plenty of room for everyone to be together. We so enjoy sitting in the back garden and try to plan so that when we return from our day exploring there’s time to sit and relax and take in the peace – we love to listen to the birds – but not only the birds, it’s great that you can hear and feel the whole of the wonderful creation that the Lord has made. There’s so much to see and it’s always changing, never is one day the same as another. It’s always sad when we come to the end of our stay but we always promise to return.’ Betty and Bill Bentham.

‘The Old Manse Pilton Green is a delightful little property, which is well maintained and the open plan design of the ground floor makes it very spacious. It sleeps six but in reality it would probably be better for a family if six were going, as one of the double rooms does not have hanging space. It has ample parking at the front and a nice lawn and patio area at the rear. Caution must however be taken when driving out of the property as unfortunately the road on which the property is sited is very busy at times and some of the cars go past very quickly. Turning left from the property and walking a few yards down the road brings you to a public footpath and you can walk right to the headland from here and if you turn left in the car you head to Rhossili/ Worms Head. There is a large National Trust car park (free to National Trust members/£8 per day non-members). The walk around the headland from here is breath-taking. Turn right out of the property and drive a short distance and you will find a well-stocked Premier Shop and a fish and chip shop (beware the chippy only opens on Friday/Saturday). Also close by are many lovely walks including Three Cliffs Bay (park at Shepherds Shop and cafe) and Oxwich Bay, walk through the nature reserve and then back along the beautiful beach (has large car park) and Port Eynon (good car parking) and you can walk over a boardwalk to Horton then back along the beach – short walk but lovely little village and nice church/churchyard and two fish and chip shops. And we would like to thank the CF for the opportunity to be able to hire the property, I’m sure we’ll be back (this was our second visit).’ Hilary and Tony Biggin, September 2025.

Hilary and Tony enjoying their holiday.

MISSION IN THE UK

From generation to generation On a first trip to the UK, congregationalists from Brazil recognise the importance of the past to appreciating the present By Rev Gabriel and Jessica Simplicio, revision by Adriana Beddows

With Yvonne Campbell at the ‘ CF Assembly in Nottingham.

rom generation to generation’ – with this phrase our adventure around the UK started. It was the title of my (Gabriel’s) session in the National Assembly in May. We realised that this land is the land of our forefathers in the faith. As Brazilian congregationalists, we are so grateful for each British preacher and missionary sent to spread the gospel in our land to our people ‘from generation to generation.’ And you cannot imagine how wonderful it was for us being among many churches in the National Assembly and visiting five Congregational Federation churches around the UK. Some of them more than 200 years old... We will never know, maybe one of them in the past could have sent missionaries to go to Brazil and evangelised my family in the countryside of Northeast, the poorest region of Brazil! And now, as a new generation (Jessica is 24 and I am 23), we came here to preach to this generation the same gospel –

with a different accent, but the same gospel – that passed ‘from generation to generation.’ What an amazing diverse circle! For that this phrase is so meaningful to us, and Jessica and I am so grateful to be part of this! In Nottingham, at the National Assembly, we saw how stronger is God’s people together. Each one with their skills and being part of Christ’s body. At Markfield Congregational Church, we saw that the English people are not a ‘reserved people’ at all. In Haverhill, with the West End Congregational Church we saw how beautiful it is when a church perseveres in loving the Bible and working together. In Scotland, with the Oban Congregational Church we saw three wonderful things: an amazing food, a huge warm welcoming people and an admirable strength to carry on. In Wales, with Bethesda Cwrt Sart Congregational Church we saw a warm welcome, a church full and a lot of love, friendship, food and ‘cwtch’. At Witney

MISSION IN THE UK

Congregational Church, we saw how we still can feel God’s presence in a church that is 360 years old and looks younger than us! In Winchester, with Rev Gary and Luzia Watt, we were amazed how a Christian family can be generous and lovely by hosting us. When I left everything to go to the Bible College, one of Jesus’ promises that I hold was this one in Matthew 10:29-30: ‘“Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields – along with persecutions – and in the age to come eternal life.”’ They were part of the answer for that promise in this time indeed, such as each church who received us. Then we met a lot of great friends this time, such as Graham from CWM,

Thandar from Free Churches Together, and Adriana from DNA MISSION UK. Now I am writing it on the airplane leaving the UK, we hope it not to be a ‘goodbye’, but a ‘see you very soon.’ Well, from fish and chips to black pudding, from a little child 8 years old to ladies who were 96, from piper to piano, from Robin Hood to great kings, from the highlands to Cymru, from London to the countryside, from the coach to the airplane, we got to know a lot of things! We almost passed through the whole United Kingdom and our prayer is that may this amazing kingdom be completely full of the other amazing and eternal Kingdom. From heaven to the UK, from church to church, from generation to generation! In Christ,

Top row: Gabriel and Jessica visited Haverhill and the West End Congregational Church.

Rev Gabriel and Jessica Simplicio,

At Markfield Congregational Church.

Revision by Adriana Beddows.

Meeting with Graham McGeoch, Mission Secretary at the Council for World Mission. On a visit to Bethesda Congregational Church in Wales. Second row: Gabriel and Jessica with Luzia Watt and Rev Gary in Winchester. On a visit to Oban Congregational Church in Scotland.

The story of City Chapel London The vision and witness of a Christ-centred family church By Jonathan and Abbiih Oloyede

eventeen years ago, Jonathan and Abbiih Oloyede caught a vision burning with passion: to see a Christ-centred family church in London that would shine brightly in a city of many lights. With faith, prayer, and a small band of believers, City Chapel was born in Beckton. What began as humble gatherings soon grew into a movement of people hungry for God’s presence and committed to living out His Word. A church on the move

Abbiih and Jonathan Oloyede, leaders at City Chapel London.

Jonathan Oloyede is a key voice in Shine Your Light. For this Advent and Christmas, your congregation could join in taking carol services and nativity events out into public spaces for Christian outreach. See www.shineyourlight.org.uk and to register go to www.shineyourlight.org.uk/ registration.

Members of the congregation at City Chapel London.

From Beckton, the journey led to Dagenham, where the church flourished in both numbers and depth. Families found a home. Children grew up surrounded by the love of Jesus. Lives were transformed through vibrant worship, practical teaching, and believers walking together in genuine love. Yet God was still leading. After a fruitful season, City Chapel moved to Manor Park. Like the early church in Acts, each relocation carried a sense of pilgrimage – refining the vision, shaping the people, and stretching faith along the way. Today, the journey has brought City Chapel to the Borough of Bexley, where it is planted in the community. Alongside Sunday gatherings, the church thrives through three house churches – intimate hubs of prayer, friendship, and discipleship – as well as a growing online community that connects believers across London and beyond.

A prayer-fuelled ministry Perhaps the most remarkable hallmark of City Chapel’s story is its unbroken stream of prayer. For seventeen years – every single day – the church has gathered in prayer. Morning by morning, voices have risen in intercession for families, the nation, and the nations of the world. This steady river of prayer has carried the church through challenges, transitions, and breakthroughs. At its heart, City Chapel is a family church with a Christ-centred message. It is a place where the Bible is studied with depth and vibrancy, where learning and laughter flow together, and where people from all walks of life are welcomed as brothers and sisters. The story of City Chapel is still unfolding. From Beckton to Dagenham, from Newham to Bexley, the journey has always been about following the Spirit’s leading, serving the community, and raising a people of prayer and purpose. If the past is any indication, the future promises to be extraordinary. www.citychapel.org.uk office@citychapel.org.uk

Credit: Butuza Gabriel, Unsplash

CHURCH FOCUS

Credit: Butuza Gabriel, Unsplash

PRAYER DIARY 2025 November JOHN 1:15

‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.’ Remembrance Day or Armistice Day is a big part of both national and local areas and communities, this year we celebrate 80 years since VE Day. Pray for all those who have passed before us in whatever war they served in, for their bravery and loyalty to their country, pray for the families of those who lost loved ones, pray for those who have survived and the difficulties and trauma that may still sit with them. Let us pray for all those who work in the retail industry during this busy period leading up to Christmas. Pray that they can work well with customers and keep calm during any incidents that may occur. Pray for the Congregational Federation office and staff in Nottingham as they host the Knitted Bible Exhibition. Pray that those who come to view are well and truly blessed and marvel at what they see and appreciate such amazing talents that the knitters have. Pray for the visiting teams as they welcome our guests.

December ISAIAH 9:6B

‘And he will be called “Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”’ During December, there are often both amateur and professional productions of Handel’s Messiah, let us pray and give thanks for the talents of all the singers, musicians, venues around the country as they work towards this amazing masterpiece. Pray that as they sing and prepare that they begin to have a better and deeper understanding of our Lord. Pray too, that the audiences will be amazed and inspired to learn more. As well as The Messiah, some of our churches put on pantomimes, again, let us pray for the churches and groups involved, each individual in whatever role they play whether they are a performer, a musician, a script writer, the producer, an artist, a scene maker, work behind the scenes, in charge of publicity or refreshments. Give thanks for each person who comes through your doors and help them to get just a small feel of who we are, what we believe and maybe, just maybe they will visit again. Pray for all our churches as they welcome visitors

both old and new into the season of Advent and Christmas. Continue to pray for the Knitted Bible Exhibition at the Nottingham office, the staff, the visitors and the visiting host teams. Pray for the Knitted Bible as it continues its journey around the country.

January 2 CORINTHIANS 5:17

‘Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life has begun!’ Pray for those who have new starts this year, new jobs, schools, trying something new, a new baby, new church, new beginnings. Help them to adapt and fit into their new surroundings. Pray for any of our churches, that are known to us or not known, locally or nationally who are setting up a new project, scheme or activity, pray that they get the wisdom, knowledge and support they need to make this work well. May they share God’s blessings on everyone.

‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’ PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7

February 1 CORINTHIANS 13:13

‘Three things will last forever – faith, hope, and love – and the greatest of these is love.’ February is often known as the month of love and has been for centuries. Let us pray for family love – mother, daughter, father, son. We know that not every family is made the same way, some might be estranged from each other, live far away, in another county or country, but all still deserve prayer. Let us pray to share love amongst our neighbours, show our love in every situation that we find ourselves in – work, school, college, catching the bus or train, when we are out shopping. Let us just share in one act of love each day. We pray for our own church community, that we can show love and kindness to all who come through our doors, whether for worship or a group that uses our building during the week. We know that there are many situations in which it is hard to show or share love to others, during heartache and pain, bereavement or illness, we pray for our own healing in these situations and that we can learn to love again. 35

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TO ORDER REFRESH An annual subscription for next year’s 3 issues, including the Yearbook, is £36 incl. p&p. Email: admin@congregational.org.uk or tel: 0115 9111460 for details.

Refresh Magazine Issue 14 Winter 2025