Refresh Magazine Issue 16 Summer 2026

Summer 2026 Issue 16

The magazine of the Congregational Federation

ASSEMBLY 2026 reports from Sheffield PAGES 10-15

YOUTH BIBLE STUDY by Harry Booton PAGE 7

RURAL MISSIONS by Bob Goody

PAGES 20-21

‘We are more than conquerors through him who loved us’

“…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 Presidency report

by Caroline Stott 6

Federation News

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Local Church News

10 Accreditations 11 Assembly 2026 in Sheffield 16 Pew with a View

by Sara Iles 18 Baptisms in CF churches 20 Rural Missions

by Bob Goody 22 Bible Study ideas from CF churches 24 LEARNING: A year of growth

by Catherine Booton 26 TECH: Cybersecurity

by Neil Chappell 28 PRISON MINISTRY: Welcome Directory

by Dominic Cawdell 30 ACCESSIBILITY: Signs of the times

by Daniel Jillings 31 TYNDALE: The Tyndale 500 walk

by Joy Howell 32 COMMUNITY: Craft and community

by Linda Cooke 34 Inter Church Work report by Alan Kennedy

Welcome to the summer issue!

Firstly, thank you to Council for making sure that each member can now receive a copy of Refresh. Readers, do get in touch with suggestions about any content that you would like included.

I hope, whether you were able to be there or not, that you enjoy the review of Assembly 2026 and get a good sense of the work and the joy represented by the reports and photos. Assembly ended with the launch of the Tyndale 500 Walk; fittingly, at the close of business a new step was taken. The aim is for 500 miles to be walked – by adding miles together – by as many CF churches as possible, ending at the Tyndale Monument. I’ll be joining in and wholeheartedly encourage others to do a mile or two. Find out more from Joy Howell (page 31).

There is a display about Tyndale at North Nibley Chapel, where Sara Iles was inspired with ideas for getting outside to worship this summer (page 16). You can find other ideas for connection, outreach, and growth with Rural Missions (page 20). Doing things between churches and our local communities can lead into unexpected areas, Linda Cooke found this with her craft group (page 32). For deeper equipping of congregations, some churches have shared their recent Bible studies (page 22). As John wrote, ‘I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.’ As Tyndale did, so we try today.

Louisa Lockwood, Editor Refresh@congregational.org.uk

35 Prayer Diary from July to October 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: 01159 111460 for details.

Refresh Magazine, ISSN 2634-2987, is published by: The Congregational Federation, Congregational Centre, 8 Castle Gate, Nottingham NG1 7AS Registered charity 264839 www.congregational.org.uk www.theresourcehub.co.uk Please contact the Editor if you would like permission to reproduce any content.

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Cover photo by Rydal Photography.

Design and print: Verité CM Ltd. www.veritecm.com.

All articles are copyright ©Refresh Magazine.

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

Congregational Federation respects the right of every church to make their own decisions on particular issues.

This magazine is printed on paper from a sustainable source.

From the General Secretary Welcome to the summer Refresh!

We’re all going on a Summer Holiday ... some of you know that I’m a lifelong Cliff Richard fan and it’s a classic! What are your church plans for the summer? Maybe you’re going to have a summer BBQ, a trip to the beach, a summer concert, a garden Bible study, maybe even a wedding!

As the Congregational Federation, our objective is the advancement of the Christian faith and sharing our stories about how we do and are church is one way we can do that as we encourage and inspire one another.

A huge thank you to everyone who made the May Assembly weekend run so smoothly. It is a way of sharing and encouraging each other and making new connections. I loved the mix of teaching and local culture on the Friday; with business and celebration on the Saturday; ending with a hilarious, relaxed, social, pie and peas gathering – not to mention fantastic mocktails!

At Assembly we now recognise long service accreditation, this is not just to thank the minister but also their families for their support and sacrifice. You will see some pictures in this edition. I also received a lovely letter from John Travell, now 96, who was Minister at Penge Congregational Church and received a 60year certificate. Some members of Penge attended for the first time this year and have written a review for this issue. John shared with me about the Presidential chain and the original CF logo.

‘When we formed the Federation I asked a member of my congregation, who was a leading graphic designer, to create for us a badge we could use on our stationery and publications. He produced a design based on the words of Jesus, “where two or three are gathered together in my name there I am in the midst of them”.

An American minister friend who was a silversmith made this into the symbol which is then presented to each President

when they’re inducted at Assembly, I hope it still is, [yes it is] and the meaning of the design should be told to each new President and explained to the members of Assembly as it’s presented. The C is an open circle to represent the church as being open to welcome all who may wish to enter. The F forms across the centre of the circle which extends beyond the edges of the circle representing friendship, fellowship and faith reaching out to all the world but it is there in the centre as the presence of Christ himself, together with his people reaching out beyond the limitations of the church to all the world.’

This is something we need to start including at every Assembly, don’t you think?

Please also visit the CF YouTube channel and listen to Clifford Hill’s presentation which was full of ways in which Jesus had done miracles before his eyes; it is such an encouragement to anybody waiting for answers to prayers.

Looking ahead, I encourage you to plan for September and the ‘season of invitation.’ Create a postcard or bookmark (we can help) with your Harvest, Remembrance and Christmas services plus your regular Sunday times and coffee mornings. Then share them with your neighbours and friends. Invite people; some people don’t realise churches are for anyone and they are welcome.

Thank you for all you do in your church.

May God bless you abundantly and be expectant for more people and answered prayers. Enjoy your summer holiday!

Yvonne

From top: Yvonne sampling a mocktail.

Yvonne speaking at Assembly with a heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to everyone who is part of CF. Gail Stephen Tuffee running the mocktail bar at the Assembly social evening.

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ASSEMBLY ADDRESS

Flat tyres and flat out: Caroline at the end of her time as President.

Retiring President’s address at Assembly 2026

By Caroline Stott, outgoing President, Congregational Federation Firstly, I would like to thank the Federation for their support during this year, for allowing me to publish my children’s and my diversity books. All the staff have been so supportive, especially Yvonne. I would not have been able to have done the things I have done without my husband Mike and my best friend Maureen. They have driven me miles and propped me up when I ran out of energy.

I have been so lucky to have visited so many of our lovely churches – all different but all worshiping our wonderful Lord.

Some have been big, some have been small, some have had children, some have not; but all are serving the Lord in their own very special way. I have represented the Federation at the George Floyd five-

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year memorial service, at CWM‘s retired Missionary Day, and at the Free Churches Group. I was honoured to go to Lambeth Palace to the Churches Together President’s dinner in November last year; it was interesting to find that I was one of only six ladies all from free churches.

I have eaten Korean food and joined Korean missionaries and ministers at an afternoon time of prayer and sharing in Wales. I have led anniversary services at churches that are 200 years old and led other celebrations.

I have helped Yvonne with a weekend at Grassington supporting a church who had lost a dear minister. I have visited two youth groups and talked at church afternoon groups about my work

ASSEMBLY ADDRESS as a chaplain. I have been to two new ministers’ inductions. I have also run Messy Church at a number of churches using my children’s book Belinda got it Wrong.

I have had the privilege to have been able to take my diversity service with 45 churches, to celebrate the wonderful people in our churches and to share the Good Samaritan with them, using the book and my pictures.

It has been a busy year but a very rewarding year.

Statistics!

• Preached at 45 churches • 6 messy churches • 2 inductions • 5 anniversaries • 1 area AGM • Only missed 5 Wednesdays at the hospital • 17,618 miles driven.

What’s next?

As some of you may have seen, in the spring Refresh, one of my projects for next year is to try and bring chaplains from the congregational churches together so we can support each other. My email is revcstott@gmail.com and my phone is 07966 071514, so please do contact me.

Reflection points Small chapel support During my travels and visits I have seen a lot of very small churches with older members enjoying worship together but not being able to do much more. The only able people are often the treasurer and the secretary, and no one wants to be a treasurer.

I wonder if our areas might find a way of supporting these churches.

Many churches are struggling to find preachers; perhaps larger churches within the area could give these little churches some help. Work with them to build them up, go and preach.

None of us want these churches to finally have to stop because they just cannot cope. Areas know who they are!

I do not have any answers but we as Christians are asked to share the kingdom with everyone. And sometimes the pressure of small churches and buildings is too much for us to do the work of the Lord.

Using Bibles There is a second thing I have noticed on my travels, and this does really worry me.

Lots of churches have lovely new hymn books which are given out at the beginning of a service. But I have not been to one church that gives out Bibles to people as they come into church. Yes, some churches put the readings on a screen. But many churches have bookshelves at the back full of old dusty Bibles.

Some churches do have chairs with somewhere to place books, but many do not. I have even found that the sheet I have asked to be printed for my service has had the Bible reading taken off.

I am amazed.

Elizabeth spent her year preaching the word; this year is the 500-year anniversary of Tyndale who died to get the book into our hands.

It really brought it home to me when I visited a Muslim lady at the hospital who had had life changing health problems. She was lying in her bed with her Koran on her lap. The book looked as old as she did and was so well used.

Is it time to buy some new Bibles and to use them in our churches? I understand you can buy them for £1 this year as it is Tyndale’s anniversary.

I am just saying.

It is now time for me to hand over this wonderful job to our next President, Robert.

Thank you and blessings, Caroline

Above: A selection of images from Caroline’s time as President showing some of her visits and functions across the UK. Left: Caroline handing over the Presidency to Rob Hunter at Assembly 2026.

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FEDERATION NEWS Union Chapel news Ruth Endacott CBE

On Sunday 22 March 2026, Union Chapel, the historic Congregational Church in Highbury, north London, became the latest Church of Sanctuary. Rev Dr Inderjit Bhogal leads Church of Sanctuary, which is a Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI) programme that encourages churches to provide hospitality and sanctuary to asylum seekers and refugees escaping peril. He signed the document that recognised the ongoing work of the chapel in that part of London. Rev Cathy Bird, minister of Union Chapel, welcomed Rev Inderjit and the congregation to the service on what is called Passion Sunday. Cathy spoke about the chapel’s engagement with asylum seekers from various parts of the world, which saw them as an ideal candidate to become a Church of Sanctuary.

Professor Ruth Endacott, a member of the leadership team at Ide Congregational Church, was awarded a CBE in autumn 2025 in the King’s Birthday honours for services to research and critical care.

Ruth is the Director for Nursing and Midwifery at the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and has a long career in intensive care nursing, teaching and research. Ruth said that the investiture, at Windsor Castle, was conducted by Prince William and that it was ‘a fabulous day!’

Thank You, David Edwards On behalf of the Congregational Federation, we want to say a huge thank you to David Edwards who has been an incredible support and faithfully attended Assembly every year. He has now officially retired and our Assembly was his last event. Edwards Insurance continues with his daughter Sarah and his son Christopher.

Yvonne Campbell (left) with the team from Edwards Insurance brokers at Assembly, David Edwards and his daughter Sarah Connelly.

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FEDERATION NEWS Connect for young people Connect is the new Bible study resource written by the CF Youth Ambassador, Harry Booton, in liaison with the Learning and Development Department. It is designed to give young people, and those young in faith, an introduction to reading the Bible. There are six sessions, each one focussing on a young person in the Bible.

The resource includes a suggested outline for how the session could run and offers a variety of ice-breaker games, opening activities, short notes on the Bible passage being looked at, questions for discussion, response activities, and prayers. There is a wide variety of different styles of activities included, so there should be something for everyone! The resource suggests using the Good News Bible, Youth Edition, but you can use any Bible translation you prefer.

Harry will be running an online group using Connect over the summer, so watch out for details on the CF Youth page of the website.

If you would like to order copies of Connect to use in your church, then contact youth@congregational.org.uk and we will get them sent to you.

Refresh magazine distribution With the increased number of Refresh magazines being printed, please could churches contact Linda Cooke to confirm or to change the number of copies they would like.

Email Linda Cooke, Property and Church Support Worker, at linda.cooke@congregational.org.uk

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); Parkhead (Scotland).

Part-time: North Nibley (South West Midlands); Shillington (East Midlands); Ardrossan E.U. Congregational Church (Scotland); Springhead (Oldham).

Non-stipendiary: Penrhys, Llanfair Uniting Church, (Wales).

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LOCAL CHURCH NEWS

Barry Osborne turned 80 Congratulations to Barry Osborne who recently celebrated his 80th birthday.

Barry was the founder of Rural Missions who made a presentation to him recently.

Barry has had various roles within CF and CF is grateful for his work.

John Wheeler turned 100 John is an accredited member of the CF living in Australia. He wrote, ‘Many thanks for the letter of congratulations.

At the events they also commemorated my ‘twin’, an Alvis motor car that emerged from the English motor works on the date of my birth.’ That

was 30/3/1926. The car belongs to one of John’s walking group friends. The beautiful lei John is wearing was made of Singapore orchids and was presented by his Samoan church friends.

Singapore is special to John from his army days.

Berkeley Congregational’s Easter Cross The cross was decorated by the members of Berkeley congregation, which they enjoyed doing together on Easter morning, and it was a very happy time. Pictured are Mary Skuse and her husband.

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LOCAL CHURCH NEWS

Jack Graham retires after 45 years Rev Jack Graham has been minister at Parkhead Congregational Church for 45 years.

On Friday 20 March 1981, an ordination and induction service was held at Parkhead CC to welcome Rev Jack Graham. A fresh faced, dark haired young lad of 25 with a pregnant wife and a zest for sharing the love of God. Now 45 years later, still with the same passion for ministry, but perhaps lacking some of the other descriptors, he has decided to retire!

A man who shows God’s love in all that he says and does; a peace maker when presiding over meetings, a comforter to those in pain, a support to those who need His strength and a

presence when strength is needed. Stir in a wicked sense of humour and an ability to problem solve and you have the man that is ‘our Jack’.

Well known and respected in the wider community, he supports many groups who rely on his counselling or input. He and his wife ChrisAnne have created a family of worshippers and we give thanks for their love and support and wish them God’s blessings on the road ahead.

Our church family are now entering a period of transition. We will be advertising the full-time vacancy in January 2027, after a period of welcoming guest preachers to lead our worship.

CORRECTION Our Treasurer was understandably excited to read of the funding opportunity afforded by easyfundraising, as described on page 34 of the spring 2026 edition of Refresh. However, we failed to get into it via the published web address. Please let us know how we could benefit from this opportunity?

Nanna Blackman, Church Secretary, Witney Congregational Church.

Neil Chappell wrote: If you were looking to raise money for the CF, a vital word was missed out in the web address: www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/congregational-federation/ Or if you were looking to register for your own church, you need this link: www.easyfundraising.org.uk/funding-for-faith/ 9

MINISTRY

Accreditation and recognition at Assembly We celebrate the Congregational Federation’s longstanding serving ministers and newly accredited ministers Jan Hocking

Tony Frost

Top: Newly Accredited Ministers are from left, Kathy Shaw, Tony Frost, (with Rob Hunter centre) and Jan Hocking and Colin Halstead Below: Alan Catterall received a Certificate of Recognition for 30 years of service.

The photo shows Alan in the Shetlands with the view from where he lives.

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What a privilege to be at the 2026 Annual Assembly, to catch up with friends, to meet the new President and, more importantly for me, to receive my Accreditation as a Minister.

The journey towards accreditation started following my appointment by Guilden Morden Congregational Church in 2019 (just a few months before Covid hit) as their new minister.

I was new to Congregationalism, although I had previously been in ministry for a number of years, and so I had a conversation with the late Rev Dr Walter Riggans who encouraged me to learn more about the Congregational way by completing the Foundation Degree in Practical Theology. That was about six years ago!

The church at Guilden Morden has helped and supported me through those studies and has encouraged me to apply for accreditation with the CF. This affirmation then is not just for me; it is an acknowledgement of the care and support I have received from the church at Guilden Morden and a personal confirmation of my calling to ministry by God. I now have responsibility for ministry at both Guilden Morden and Elstow Bunyan Christian Fellowship and am delighted to be their ‘Accredited Minister’.

In answer to earnestly seeking the Lord for over a year as to what His will was for me following the death to cancer of my husband who had been a church minister, I was given a clear word. I was to firstly pursue studies to the next level which for me was to undertake a doctorate in women’s studies. This would encourage women to follow their call to enter the ministry. Secondly, I was to become as qualified as my husband to undertake ministry training and become accredited as a minister myself.

I had no idea how I was going to fund the doctoral studies but it was incredible how this funding, which was considerable, was provided. Various major factors which I had no control over, kept being encountered and seriously interrupted my studies including two episodes of cancer, unrelated. The second operation was serious with organs removed and successful. I continued with my doctoral studies being eventually awarded, again another momentous moment!

I undertook ministry training with the Congregational Federation and graduated two years ago. I have been privileged to have been mentored, ordained and inducted by Rev Steph Vickers at Haymills CC ministering as a remote minister in rural Shropshire and for the past ten months have been blessed as minister in Frampton on Severn.

As I mounted the steps to receive my accreditation, it was with a sense of awe and thankfulness to the Lord. I was recalling His faithfulness to me on the long journey which had resulted in this momentous climax.

MINISTRY

Our journey to the 2026 CF National Assembly

By Jonny Hayes and Jean Genie As Jean Genie and I packed our particulars preparing for our passage from Penge to head to Sheffield for the Congregational Federation’s National Assembly 2026, we were not sure what to expect. However, having looked at the itinerary there certainly was one thing that caught the eye. While the welcome and the worship kicking off the event on Friday seemed pretty straightforward, it was the Sheffield Christmas in May that we were trying to get our heads around.

We arrived in Sheffield and made our way to Hillsborough Tabernacle as Jean and I (being students on the CIPT course) were very keen to see Pastors Jonathan and Abbiih Oloyede who head up a very dynamic church from our own neck of the woods. They were leading a session that was sharing some of the creative ways that City Chapel are engaging people in the faith. It was inspiring to see how they were able to bring so many people together to sing to the glory of God with their Shine a Light program. More of that please!

I am so glad we had Christmas in May and that my wife and I were able to experience Sheffield carols for ourselves.

Sheffield carols are a unique, local tradition featuring many familiar lyrics with unfamiliar tunes however we were expertly split up into lead and harmony groups and led through the music. We were able to celebrate Sheffield’s distinctive character, singing tunes such as Tyre mill. It was awesome and I would recommend anyone to have the Sheffield carols on replay this Christmas. That evening we had a little time to relax and a bit more networking at the hotel before getting a bit of rest in preparation for the main attraction.

Saturday began with the familiar comfort of tea, coffee, and biscuits in a new location for us – The Hope Centre. It was a truly excellent venue and a notable church in the Sheffield community. By 10am, the auditorium was filling, and

we arrived to see the stalls showing a wide variety of initiatives and services that are available for our church.

The formal proceedings started with worship led by the outgoing president setting a tone of unity and reverence.

The formal proceedings that followed showcased the Federation’s ongoing work, mission, partnership, and the vibrant diversity of our churches.

Lunch was a time to reconnect with old friends, make new connections with new faces, and again enjoy the cheerful buzz of conversation. The Christian bookshop and information stalls offered plenty to explore, while the café provided a quiet corner for reflection.

The evening was pure joy with a Phoenix club flavour: a pie and peas supper (a Sheffield classic!) which punctuated the line-up of professional acts, all hilariously moderated by Robert Waddington. We left with sore cheeks from laughing and hearts full of gratitude.

Sunday morning at Hillsborough Tabernacle was a fitting conclusion. Rob Hunter’s leadership in worship was both grounded and inspiring, reminding us that the work of the Federation is not just about events or programmes, but about people connected by faith, called to serve. We were particularly inspired by the theme of community that we picked up on throughout the weekend. Renewed, encouraged, and reminded of the power of community, we’re already looking forward to next year.

From top: Jonny Hayes and Jean Genie far left on the second row with the Friday night crowd at Assembly 2026.

Pastor Jonathan Oloyede.

Pastor Abbiih Oloyede.

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ASSEMBLY YOUTH

Community outreach with the Good Samaritan

By Luzia Watt, Church Support Worker, Congregational Federation

Top: Singing together at the end of Assembly with Luzia (centre) and Joy on guitar (right) Below left to right: The young adult group giving feedback to Luzia at the end of Assembly.

Joy with the children’s group during Assembly.

Youth work at Assembly.

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The CF Youth and Children Assembly this year was fantastic! We all had a great time while learning more about Jesus. This year, we had three groups. Each group explored the Assembly theme, Community Outreach, focusing mainly on the parable of the Good Samaritan.

The children’s group (ages 5–10) enjoyed dancing, singing, playing games, and taking part in a variety of fun activities.

The youth group (ages 11–15) played games, learned songs, created different things, and had meaningful discussions about the importance of loving others beyond our usual circles by showing care and support. We also explored the idea of breaking stereotypes and crossing boundaries through demonstrating the love of God.

The young adult group explored the same theme of Community Outreach with a particular focus on discipleship and leadership. They reflected on Jesus’ call to make disciples and worked on building confidence in leadership through drama, music, and personal testimonies. They will have the opportunity to put this into practice during the upcoming mission trip to Brazil, and we will encourage them to apply these experiences within their home churches across the Federation when back in the UK. We thank God for a blessed time and pray that all who attended will continue to grow in faith and share His love with others.

ASSEMBLY 2026

National Assembly The main events of the National Assembly at the Hope Centre, Sheffield, included informative stalls, a café area, and the main stage for the more formal presentations and joyful celebrations of many achievements.

Yvonne Campbell hosting the main business.

Grace Karuiki from Christian Aid, with a call to Act, Pray, Give.

Caroline Stott led the opening worship.

Clemy Gilmore received flowers for thanks for the All for Jesus project.

Catherine Booton gave an update on the learning courses available.

Linda Cooke spoke about what she can bring to support churches.

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ASSEMBLY 2026

Vince Carrington as Chair of Council presenting his report.

Jill Stevens gave a fascinating talk about William Tyndale.

Yvonne Campbell formally thanking Jim Lyon for his years as Chair of Council.

Graham Adams who will be President in 2027.

Ian Bairstow, Chair of Finance presenting the CF Finances.

Congratulations to the churches winning the Serving the Community Awards, Newark, Tollesbury and Church on the Brow

Steven Hewitt from 10ofthose recommending some good reads.

Rob Hunter setting out the vision for the 2026 presidency.

Chris Gillham spoke about the CF’s charity Christian Rebuild.

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Tessa Henry-Robinson Moderator of the Free Churches sharing on behalf of the Ecumenical guests.

Rob Hunter presenting Colin Halstead his accreditation certificate.

ASSEMBLY SOCIAL

Saturday night in Sheffield A wonderfully hosted evening at Hillsborough Tabernacle Congregational Church was compered by Robert Waddington, with many talented performances from jugglers, singers, actors, audience participants, and exceptional good spirits. Pie and peas and mocktails were heartily enjoyed too. Thank you to the North East Area for hosting the National Assembly.

From top, left to right: Host with the most, Roger Waddington.

The magician (left) with great tricks.

The family band with the greatest harmonies and yodelling.

Entertaining juggling skills.

A call for audience participation.

Volunteers at the mocktail bar.

Newer and more longstanding attendees.

Elisabeth SweeneySmith in operatic mode.

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RESOURCES

Pews with views A visit to North Nibley and the Tyndale Monument sprung ideas for more outdoor worship this summer

By Sara Iles, Facilitator for Go Worship! Go Out! Go Wonder!

Take in the view Top: The Tyndale monument.

The view from inside at the top of the Tyndale Monument.

A William Tyndale rose in bloom.

Planting the William Tyndale rambling rose at North Nibley CC.

‘Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people upon it and spirit to those who walk in it.’ (Isaiah 42:5, NRSVA).

I wonder what views you have from your church? It may be of a bustling high street, quiet country lane, or open countryside.

Whatever the view, whether urban or rural, built up or sparsely populated, you can probably still see the sky and some kind of land. The passage from Scripture reminds us that it is God who created the ‘heavens’ making them expansive and ‘the earth’ beneath our feet with all that is produced from it. How can we connect with the view before us?

North Nibley CC and William Tyndale Let me tell you about a view from one of our churches. During Lent, I spent time with the fellowship at North Nibley CC which is on a bustling village lane and within sight of the Tyndale Monument – built in 1866 to honour William Tyndale, the sixteenth-century martyr who first translated the New Testament into English.

The monument reaches over 30 metres

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into the sky and is on a prominent hill.

While there, I connected to God through creation, along with the congregation at North Nibley CC. In March, we planted a William Tyndale rose bush, named to commemorate him, to mark the 500th anniversary of Tyndale’s English New Testament. We hope and pray that the rose flourishes in the soil which would have been known to Tyndale, as he lived nearby.

All sorts of events are happening this year to pay tribute to Tyndale’s extraordinary act of scholarship, courage, and faith (www.tyndale.org). As we dug the soil, planted the rose and watered it, we recalled the hymn, We have an Anchor, and gave thanks that we are all ‘grounded, firm and deep, in the Saviour’s love.’

Outdoor worship resource and ideas As many of you may recall, at Assembly 2025, we launched a resource to support people to connect to God through nature.

This is called Go Worship! Go Out! Go Wonder! Request free copies of booklet from the office in Nottingham or download www.congregational.org.uk/green-spaces/ go-worship-go-out-go-wonder. If you are thinking of trying something new, you can apply for a Starter Grant from the CF to support your endeavours.

RESOURCES

Welcoming all, following Christ

By Diana Laycock

All th resourc e CF es here a

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This summer how might your church seek new ways to deepen your relationship with our Creator God? You might do something as simple as planting seeds or having a church picnic somewhere leafy?

Or maybe join one of the Tyndale500 walks or plant a rose in his honour, to God’s glory?

Jesus and his followers spent most of their time outdoors and would have been much more intimately connected to the seasons, taking in the views as they walked, talked, witnessed and prayed. So, let’s encourage each other to follow in their faithful footsteps and spend time with God outdoors.

Prayer Loving God, may our view always be inspired and refreshed by Christ’s saving grace.

Let us be sustained by his ministry and saving love, living each day as Easter people.

Amen For your copy: Email Linda in Church Support: linda.cooke@congregational.org.uk.

It was interesting to read in Refresh about churches seeking to welcome people well and to bear witness to the love of Christ in their communities. Every congregation surely longs for this: that our churches would be places of grace, truth, compassion, and genuine friendship.

At the same time, the word ‘inclusive’ can be understood in different ways. Christians will readily agree that every person should be welcomed with dignity, kindness, and compassion. Yet for some, the term has also come to be closely associated with affirming particular views on sexuality and gender identity. Because of this, churches may differ in how they use the language of inclusion, and some are cautious about adopting wording that may be understood to imply a theological position they do not hold. We long to welcome all people with the love of Christ while continuing to submit ourselves to the authority of Scripture and the pattern of discipleship Christ calls us to.

Every person is made in the image of God and therefore of immeasurable worth. The Lord Jesus welcomed those who were burdened, marginalised, and seeking hope. We want our churches to reflect that same Christlike kindness and open-hearted welcome.

Yet Christian welcome has always been held together with Christian discipleship. The call of Jesus is not only ‘Come to me,’ but also ‘Follow me.’ The church is therefore called to hold grace and truth together: extending a genuine welcome to all, while remaining rooted in the teaching of Scripture, even where that is costly or counter cultural.

Faithful believers will feel the weight of these questions, and not all churches within the Congregational Federation will reach the same conclusions. Where there is disagreement, may we speak with gentleness, listen carefully, and extend love and understanding to one another. Above all, may we remain committed to proclaiming Christ crucified and risen, trusting Him to shape His church in holiness and love.

‘Speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.’ (Ephesians 4:15) 17

BAPTISM

Be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ A baptism at Highbury Church in Cheltenham

By Rev Jason Boyd

Background image: The Sea of Galilee where Jesus was baptised.

Below: James being baptised.

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Highbury Church lived out the Congregational Way as we followed the command of Jesus Christ to baptise and break bread. On Easter Sunday, we received James into membership and commissioned Gabby and Sue as newly elected deacons together with the leadership team. Oh what a morning!

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed.

James Force is a young man in his late twenties who has come to faith in Jesus over the last year. He had never been baptised and did not have a church background.

Eight years ago, his father died and life began to unravel in the darkness of grief.

Covid-19 was isolating and angered him.

He was on a dangerous path with alcohol, drugs, partying, and risky behaviour. His relationships were toxic too.

God began to get his attention through a housemate, Philip, the son of a Ghanaian pastor. Philip preached to James and freaked him out. However, little by little, the shadows of night began to lift.

His mother bought him a Bible. His gran suggested he come to Highbury. One morning, in despair, he wrote a letter to God on his knees. Tears of anguish turned to tears of joy and as he rose to his feet, a weight lifted from him. James has been growing in faith and has become an inspirational member at Highbury.

As Congregationalists, we believe that baptism is God’s already-love demonstrated in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. As we baptise, we have an outward sign of God’s covenant of mercy and grace. Baptism is not about us, our faith or our testimony. It is about a community marked by God’s faithfulness to us and his gift of dying and rising with Jesus. Following James’ story of God’s faithfulness, we baptised him in a pool lent to us by a neighbouring Anglican church (ecumenism in action!).

To God be the glory! great things he has done.

BAPTISM

Wading in: reflections on an Easter baptism

By Rev Neil Chappell

We don’t do this very often.

At Southam & Bishop’s Itchington Congregational Church, like many Congregational churches, infant baptism is our norm. A child is brought, promises are made, water is poured, and a community receives a new life into its care. It is a gentle, tender thing.

So when one of our own – dedicated as an infant, left to make up their own mind in the best Congregational tradition – came to us and asked for full immersion adult baptism, we found ourselves in fresh and unfamiliar waters. Literally.

What followed was one of those moments in the life of a congregation that you don’t quite anticipate and can’t fully plan for. The sermon preached and testimony given were moving and thoughtful. The hymns were both uplifting and absolute bangers – in modern day parlance! I think everyone at the service felt included, made connections with what was said and contributed to the sense of peace and grace in the church. There was laughter, and there were tears. There was something in the room that felt larger than the occasion itself.

Reading about Highbury’s Easter baptism, I recognised something of what we experienced. Baptism has a way of doing that: cutting through the familiar, reminding us that what we handle with water and words is grace itself. God’s already-love, as Jason put it so well.

Our people responded with warmth and, I think, a kind of holy surprise. For some it reawakened the meaning of their own baptism. For others it raised questions they hadn’t thought would appear. Both responses, I’d suggest, are exactly what baptism is supposed to do.

The water of baptism – in a small font or a large pool – speaks of dying and rising.

It shares the Spirit. It calls us by name. It marks us as God’s own.

Southam & Bishop’s Itchington Congregational Church and the baptism pool inside.

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LOCAL MISSION

A consultation day in progress.

Hope for rural churches

Simply missional tools can highlight the relationships, hospitality, and faithful presence that fuel community work

By Bob Goody, CEO for Rural Missions minister may oversee several villages across a large geographical area. Isolation can affect both church leaders and congregations alike. Yet despite these challenges, rural churches remain deeply woven into the fabric of their communities.

The village church is still where people gather in moments of celebration, grief, remembrance, and crisis. Churches continue to hold trust and visibility within communities in ways that are increasingly rare elsewhere in society. This gives rural churches an incredible opportunity for mission.

For many people, the story of the rural At Rural Missions, our heart is to church is one of decline, challenge, and help rural churches think and be more survival. Yet across the UK countryside, missional. We are an independent we at Rural Missions are seeing a very ecumenical charity supporting churches of different story emerge. We are seeing all denominations across the UK, entirely churches rediscover confidence in mission, free of charge to the local church. communities opening up spiritually, and One of the main ways we do this is leaders realising that God is still powerfully through our Tailor Made Consultations. at work in rural places.

We work alongside churches, benefices, Rural churches face unique pressures. deaneries, and leadership teams to help Congregations are often smaller. them understand their local context, Volunteers can be stretched thin. One identify opportunities for mission, and

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LOCAL MISSION

Toolkits produced by Rural Missions include the Missional Toolkit for churches and the Missional Toolkit for Children, Youth & Families (CYF).

See more at www. ruralmissions.org.uk/ toolkits.

create practical action plans for the future. Rather than offering ‘off the shelf’ solutions, we believe every rural community is unique and deserves support shaped around its own needs and opportunities.

Alongside this, we run Missional Networks, both online and in person, helping reduce the isolation many rural leaders feel and creating spaces where churches can learn from and encourage one another. We also provide free resources, training, videos, podcasts, and practical toolkits designed specifically with rural ministry in mind.

One of the most encouraging things we see is that effective rural mission is often wonderfully simple. It can look like coffee mornings for isolated residents, schools’ ministry, pub carol services, warm spaces, toddler groups, farming support, or simply conversations over cake. Rural mission grows best through relationships, hospitality, and faithful presence within the community.

Again and again, we are reminded that rural churches already possess many of the things needed for mission. They know their communities. They are trusted. They care deeply. The question is often not ‘What do we lack?’ but ‘What has God already placed in our hands?’

We believe the future of the rural church is full of hope. Across the countryside, we are seeing signs of what many are calling a ‘quiet revival’ as churches step out with renewed confidence and creativity.

If your church, network, or leadership team would value support in thinking more missionally, we would love to connect with you.

You can find out more, access free resources, or get in touch through: www.ruralmissions.org.uk

The team at Rural Missions.

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CHURCH RESOURCES

Bible study ideas Churches across the Congregational Federation have been running different Bible study courses. Here are some of their ideas for running studies in churches or in small groups.

Hope Chapel, Bristol Chris and Alice Bond at Hope Chapel have run an 11-part course: the Trinitarian Faith Course, which runs from September 2025 to July 2026. It is written by US-based theologian C. Baxter Kruger and is run through videos and a workbook.

The course content takes a fresh look at the relationship between Father, Son and Holy Spirit and how that shapes our faith.

It is a provocative course that prompts us to ask some big and foundational questions. You can find out more at www.perichoresis.org/event/ittf-2026/ and office@hopechapel.co.uk.

A Biblical Jigsaw Reflection

By Mel Stride I am attending one of the Bible Course study groups and realise that studying the Bible is very similar to doing a large puzzle. Like doing a jigsaw, I keep seeing verses that I think might fit in with other verses that I have come across. A single Bible verse, like a single jigsaw piece is hard to understand without the surrounding context. Is that why many of us start with the edge pieces so that we have a framework to fit the rest into?

It is the same with Bible study, we need to study the big story of Scripture – creation, fall, redemption which provides us with a framework to understand individual stories. Old Testament stories and New Testament teachings are designed to fit together, even if they don’t seem to connect at first.

I’m trying not to keep being distracted by all the middle pieces but concentrate on the framework which the Bible Course promises to deliver. Once the framework is there, then I can start adding the well-known stories and people in their correct place and timeline. And the best part? The group makes it a shared puzzle.

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Yelvertoft Independent Chapel

By Jim Lyon At Yelvertoft Independent Chapel we are following a Bible Study course called ‘What Every Christian Should Know’. The course was developed by Phil Gregg (a long-term friend of mine) and aims to encourage Christians to follow a systematic approach to developing their beliefs. My wife, Jan, and I were part of a group following the course nearly 40 years ago and found it extremely valuable. Over the last 40 years, Phil has developed the course and run it himself for his own church and others. I asked if we could have the materials and run it ourselves, and Phil was delighted as he was feeling prompted to formalise and publish the course.

We are now running it using the newly available leader and student guides (see photo). We are thrilled that those on the course are discovering new truths and ideas from reading a variety of scriptures, as well as how to apply systematic theology when looking for answers from scripture.

CHURCH RESOURCES

Market Harborough Congregational Church

By Margaret Nash Bible Study introduction As Christians we read the Bible to gain a deeper understanding of our faith, to know God, gain guidance and spiritual growth according to God’s will for us. The Bible can be difficult to read and understand due to its ancient context, the diversity of its literary styles and cultural distance from modern life. The 66 books of the Bible span thousands of years, and include poetry, law and history. Today there are many resources, using a range of modern accessible translations and study guides, that can help our understanding of the Bible significantly.

Love, Death and Resurrection Over the past year at our church in Market Harborough, I have been very fortunate to have been able to attend three study groups led by our minister and members of the congregation which have greatly increased and helped develop my understanding of the Bible. There are so many wonderful books to read both in the Old and New Testaments and it is all too easy to focus on the well-known passages and stories and leave out others.

Our study groups began last year when we decided to study a book called Love, Death and Resurrection. This is a New Testament format developed by the Scottish Bible Society for the Community Bible Experience. It is set out to encourage the reading of the New Testament in a narrative story-like format so the chapters and headings have been removed. You read the whole of the New Testament in daily blocks and discuss it in eight sessions. You can order copies of the book here www.scottishbiblesociety.org/shop/ book/love-death-resurrection.

Cover to Cover: Exodus Following on from this we chose to study the Old Testament book of Exodus using a small group Bible study book as our guide.

This was a sevenweek course looking at salvation and God’s rescue plan. Books can be ordered at Eden here www.eden.co.uk/ christian-books/bible-study/bible-studyguides/cover-to-cover/cover-to-coverexodus/ or other places.

The Bible Course At the present time we have just begun to work through The Bible Course which is a study produced by the Bible Society.

This dips in and out of the entire Bible with daily readings and eight sessions of discussion. The Bible Course has a new edition which is now free online with videos. There is a cost to the guidebook. See more here www. biblesociety.org.uk/explore-the-bible/thebible-course.

Reflecting on Bible studies in general This type of group study within the church isn’t without its challenges but it has also generated many benefits alongside its original aim to increase our understanding of the Bible and strengthen our faith. The small group study format works very well.

Those with a gift for teaching have been able to lead some of the groups. We have benefitted so much from our discussions and sharing our thoughts and views. The sessions have been very enjoyable and we have got to know members of our church family better through this process of meeting and sharing together in an informal non-threatening way. I feel that the seeds that have been sown to help extend our learning here in Market Harborough will continue to grow and I look forward to continued support and study.

I am pleased to share my experiences in this way and hope that you may have similar learning opportunities within the Congregational Federation churches.

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LEARNING TOGETHER

A year of growth: part 1, growing skills A series offering practical ideas on church life by Catherine Booton, Learning and Development Manager at Congregational Federation

Growth in 2025

Growing skills

If you were at the National Assembly in Sheffield in May (or watched the recording!) then you will be aware that the theme for the Learning and Development department was ‘A Year of Growth’.

We were delighted to share with you all the ways that we had grown in 2025 – from an increase in the number of students on the Foundation Degree course, to the numbers of resources we are able to offer to individuals and churches around the CF, to our outreach growing through interactions with Congregationally ordered churches around the nations and indeed the world. All this talk of growth got me thinking that maybe ‘a year of growth’ would be a good theme for Refresh for the next few editions.

So, I’m going to share with you some of the ways that we can help you to grow, as followers of Christ and CF churches, and some ideas for how that growth can bring about changes to your life and witness.

Firstly, let’s think about growing skills.

Skills are what we need in order to do something well. Skills can be learnt through training and experience and will develop as we practise them. Skills come in all shapes and sizes and each one of us will have different ones that we can use.

Think for a minute about something you are skilled in. It might be something practical, like driving, cooking or woodwork; it might be musical, playing an instrument or singing for example; it might be something you use in your job, like administration or giving presentations, or perhaps it’s something that makes life more enjoyable, like being able to talk to people or help those around you.

I wonder what the skill was that you were thinking about? And I wonder how you use that skill to bring glory to God. Many of the skills mentioned above can bring blessings to others and can help us to share God’s light with other people.

How can we let these skills develop and be evident in our churches and communities?

How can we grow these skills so that they can be used to benefit other people?

The GIFT course Well, we’d like to suggest that if you are interested in extending the Christian skills you already have or even developing some new ones, then can we recommend the GIFT (Growing in Faith Together) course?

This can be done either on your own or in a group. It has four modules: Discovering the Bible, Living in Faith, Being Church and Putting it into Practice. Each module has its own handbook and course book. You can complete and submit the assignments as you go. These will build into a portfolio,

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LEARNING TOGETHER

along with evidence from your practical project, and will be a way of thinking about what you have learnt. The course takes around 12-18 months to undertake and at the end, upon successful completion of the assignment portfolio, you will receive a GIFT certificate, which if you choose can be presented to you at the CIPT graduation ceremony in Nottingham. You will also have the satisfaction of having completed a level 3 equivalent qualification.

More than that though you will have developed your skills, and hopefully learnt some new ones along the way. GIFT is designed to deepen your understanding of faith and discipleship, and enhance your personal experiences of God in your own context.

Getting started Contact us at training@congregational. org.uk for more information or to sign up. We will send you all the module handbooks, and a guidance handbook giving information about how to complete the course, in a handy zip bag which will allow you to keep all your books and course materials together.

Keep praying, keep listening and keep going!

Remember everything was new at some point!

Wishing you every blessing for whatever your new thing is this summer.

“

‘The GIFT course is inspirational.’

‘The assignments make you think deeply about what your faith means to you. It makes you look at every aspect of your Christian journey. The courses are designed to take into account each type of learner, with not just your written essay type assignments, but different ways of answering the questions. One of our students submitted an outline of a play. It’s a great course, we are looking forward to the fruit of the course being used in our church.’

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TECHNOLOGY Credit: Dan Nelson, Unsplash

Keeping safe online Simple cybersecurity for churches

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

On an ordinary Tuesday morning, the treasurer of a church receives an email that looks perfectly legitimate. It appears to come from the minister, it uses their name, and it asks for a quick bank transfer to cover an urgent bill. Nothing seems unusual – until later, when the minister denies ever sending it. By then, the money has gone.

Sadly, this kind of scenario is becoming increasingly common. Churches – especially small ones – are now regular targets for online scams, phishing attempts and data breaches. Not because they are wealthy, but because they are trusting, busy and often reliant on volunteers using personal devices. The good news is that keeping a church safe online doesn’t require technical expertise or expensive equipment. It simply requires awareness, a few good habits and a shared commitment to protecting the people God has entrusted to us.

Every church holds sensitive information: pastoral notes, safeguarding records, financial details, contact lists, and personal stories shared in confidence.

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In Congregational churches, where independence is a gift and responsibility, each fellowship must take its own steps to ensure this information is handled with care.

Cybersecurity isn’t about fear. It’s about stewardship. It’s about loving our neighbours by protecting their data. And it’s about ensuring that the ministry of the church continues unhindered by avoidable digital crises.

Understanding the real risks You don’t need to be an IT expert to understand the main threats churches face. Most problems arise from a handful of simple issues: • Phishing emails that pretend to be from someone you know • Fake invoices that look convincingly real • Weak or reused passwords • Lost or stolen devices containing sensitive information • Out of date software that leaves devices vulnerable • Social engineering, where someone manipulates a volunteer into giving information or access.

TECHNOLOGY Credit: FlyD, Unsplash

These risks are not theoretical. They are happening to churches across the UK every week. But with a few straightforward practices, any congregation can dramatically reduce its vulnerability.

Five simple steps every church should take 1. Use strong, unique passwords The single biggest improvement any church can make is to stop using the same password for everything. A strong password doesn’t need to be complicated – just long and unique.

A password manager can store them securely so no one has to remember dozens of variations. It’s easier than keeping track of scraps of paper or old notebooks.

2. Turn on two factor authentication This is the digital equivalent of locking the door and setting the alarm. When logging in, you enter your password and then confirm your identity with a code sent to your phone. It takes ten seconds and prevents the vast majority of hacking attempts. Email accounts, online banking, and cloud storage should all have this enabled.

3. Back up important files Imagine the church laptop fails tomorrow. Would you lose safeguarding records, minutes, or financial documents? A simple backup – whether on a secure cloud service or an encrypted USB stick kept in a locked drawer – can prevent panic and protect vital information.

4. Help volunteers spot scams Most cyber incidents happen because someone is tricked, not because a system is broken. A ten minute conversation at a deacons’ or church meeting can make all the difference.

Teach people to pause before clicking links, to double check unexpected requests for money, and to be cautious with attachments. A culture of gentle caution is far more effective than any software.

5. Keep devices updated Those annoying update notifications are actually shields. They patch security holes and keep devices safe. Encourage anyone handling church information – whether on a laptop, tablet, or phone – to keep their software up to date.

Protecting all data Some of the most sensitive information held by churches relates to pastoral care and safeguarding. This deserves special attention.

• Avoid storing pastoral notes on personal phones. Phones are easily lost or stolen. A safer option is a password protected document stored securely.

• Use cloud storage wisely. Contrary to popular belief, trustworthy cloud services are often safer than local files because they are encrypted and backed up.

• Delete old data. Keeping information ‘just in case’ increases risk. If it’s no longer needed, it should be securely removed.

• Limit access. Only those who genuinely need to see sensitive information should have access to it.

These steps are not about bureaucracy – they are about protecting people’s dignity and privacy.

Each church is responsible for its own digital safety, and we support one another by sharing good practice, offering encouragement, and learning together.

Protecting data is an act of love, a form of stewardship, and a way of honouring the trust placed in us.

Cybersecurity can sound intimidating, but it doesn’t need to be. Small, simple steps make a huge difference. By adopting good habits and encouraging one another, we can ensure that our churches remain safe, If you would like to know more, please contact Neil at neil.chappell@congregational.org.uk.

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PRISON MINISTRY

The Welcome Directory

How to welcome people who have been to prison

By Dominic Cawdell, Operations Officer at The Welcome Directory The Welcome Directory is a multi-faith charity that empowers faith and belief communities in England and Wales to welcome and safely support people who have been to prison. Prison leavers face numerous obstacles upon rejoining society, including the challenge of entering a place

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of worship, as they carry with them public stigma and the isolation that a time in prison imposes. We have a vision for all prison leavers with faith or belief to receive welcome, acceptance and belonging beyond the prison gates. We believe that everybody deserves to belong.

The directory lists a growing number of faith and belief communities, all committed to welcoming people who have been to prison. It is available in every prison and Approved Premises across England and Wales and as an interactive map online. Prison chaplains use this directory to create connections between someone about to leave prison and a welcoming, local community.

The Welcome Directory also runs regular online webinars, delivered alongside prison leavers and prison chaplains to raise awareness amongst faith and belief communities of prison leaver needs and

PRISON MINISTRY how best to offer support. Our Prison Awareness Course is our flagship webinar aimed at increasing your confidence for welcoming prison leavers safely and well.

We currently have 560 communities in the Directory, three of which belong to the Congregational Federation. We want to see this number grow, because we know that there are still Christian prison leavers who struggle to walk through the doors of our churches for fear of rejection and judgement.

All you need to do to join the Directory is complete our online registration form and show that you satisfy ‘the Four Ps’: 1. Safeguarding Policy.

2. Permission from your leadership.

3. Point of contact, also known as a ‘Champion’.

4. Prior experience with this kind of work, perhaps through working or volunteering in a prison, helping with a local food bank or community project.

Or you can come along to the Prison Awareness Course.

The Welcome Directory’s success is evident from our statistics. Nearly 500 connections were made by prison chaplains between prison leavers and registered communities in one year alone and this number is expected to increase. These connections resulted in nearly 300 prison leavers being supported directly by registered faith or belief communities, just like yours. We know from our own experience that being part of a church community is a rewarding experience – we find meaning and purpose and build positive relationships and a sense of belonging. This is especially true for prison leavers who can face extreme social isolation due to the stigma associated with mistakes of the past. Simply being part of a community supports the research that fellowship desists individuals from crime.

Hebrews calls us to ‘remember those who are in prison, as though you are in prison with them’ and The Welcome Directory is a way that churches can answer this call and put faith into action.

To do this, you can register your church on our website. If you’re not quite ready then you can sign up to attend the next online Prison Awareness Course.

Follow us on social media to keep up to date with everything going on at The Welcome Directory and feel free to email us to arrange a further conversation about how you and your church can be involved.

To conclude, here are some words from Ken, a member of a church registered with The Welcome Directory: ‘Being part of The Welcome Directory has put the inclusion of prison leavers firmly on our church’s agenda.

We say that “we’re a welcoming church” and being registered shows that we really mean it.’

Find out more and register online: welcomedirectory.org.uk Email: admin@welcomedirectory.org.uk Or search for us on Facebook, Instagram or Bluesky

Hope Chapel at Bristol Prison ‘We’ve been feeling stirred as a church to reach out to people who are more marginalised within society. As part of this we’re starting Prison Sunday once a month where a team from Hope Chapel lead a service in Bristol Prison.

Here is the team from our first Sunday yesterday. For most of the team it was their first experience of being in a prison. About 40 inmates came to the service. They loved the worship songs. We had a good time chatting with several afterwards. A tour of the prison afterwards was a shock for the team with conditions much worse than expected including small, shared cells and prisoners spending most of their days locked up. The chapel service though was an experience of hope and a place of peace for these men. We’re excited about making this a regular feature for our church.’

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ACCESSIBILITY

Signs of the times How a change in welcome and hospitality opened up church and fellowship for one person at Crediton Congregational Church

By Daniel Jillings, student at University of Exeter

As a profoundly Deaf person who uses British Sign Language (BSL) as my first language, I have always experienced communication barriers in my everyday life, be it at university, social events, or work.

However, finding an accessible church proved to be quite difficult, especially after starting my first year at the University of Exeter. I’ve grown so used to my Deaf Church in Norwich, which has a lovely community of people with whom I can communicate without barriers or frustration.

My first year as a student has been incredibly challenging, mainly due to student support and socialising, but I also struggled to find a Deaf community in Exeter, as most of the events I went to had very few people. Yet, I was very lucky to have met Lesley at Crediton Congregational Church, who kindly gave her time to sign the church services there and generally ensured that I had access.

Crediton Congregational Church

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I was genuinely impressed by how many people in CCC were enthusiastic about learning BSL and Deaf awareness! There was always someone who signed ‘good morning’ when I arrived, or another person trying to introduce themselves to me.

Lesley has worked very hard to make the church more accessible and inclusive for Deaf people like me, so I just wanted to say a big thank you to her! She also introduced me to Crediton BSL, a group that consists of both Deaf and hearing people who meet monthly for activities and just chatting. Had I not known about these, my experience at university would have been completely different.

I will leave Exeter when I graduate in September 2027, but I wanted you to know that I really appreciate your kindness and for allowing me to be a (small) part of your community. I sincerely hope you will continue learning more about the Deaf community, and perhaps other Deaf people will join your services in the future!

British Sign Language Visit: www.british-sign.co.uk for online tools, courses, and other resources such as Fingerspelling.

TYNDALE COMMEMORATION

The Tyndale 500 Walk Join Congregationalists up and down the country as we take part in marking Tyndale’s momentous anniversary

By Joy Howell, South West Midlands Area Worker, Congregational Federation ‘We could do a 500 mile walk!’

This year, 2026, is the 500th anniversary of the publication of Tyndale’s New Testament; that is, the first translation of the New Testament from the original Greek to English in 1526. As we were approaching this momentous anniversary, discussions were being had about how best to mark it across the Federation.

The idea of a 500 mile walk quickly grew, with one mile to represent each year that we, English speakers, had been able to read the New Testament in our own language. William Tyndale (c.1491 – 1536) was martyred as his work was considered so dangerous by those who held political and religious power.

Tyndale’s unswerving commitment was so that ordinary people would be able to read the Bible in English. ‘If God spare my life, ere many years I will cause a boy who drives the plough to know more of the scriptures than he (the pope) does.’

The Congregational Federation is divided into 10 geographical areas so, it was agreed that each area would cover 50 miles. It made sense that we would distribute some of the New Testament to people that we encountered on our walk, and so we have produced 2,500 small booklets containing Mark’s gospel, to hand out.

The walk was launched at the May Assembly in Sheffield. It will finish this autumn on Saturday 5 September, with a

5 mile walk from Wotton-under-Edge to the Tyndale Monument in North Nibley in Gloucestershire. There will be a short service at the monument, then down the hill to North Nibley Chapel for a meal and a final service of thanksgiving. Each of the 10 areas will be represented here as we remember Tyndale and celebrate the availability of God’s word and its power to transform lives.

In the meantime, each of the 10 areas are doing various activities, for example, each church in Eastern is doing 5 miles.

Nigel Lindsay is walking from Great Yarmouth to Wivenhoe (near Colchester) from 22 to 25 July, and inviting others to join in on this 50 mile stretch.

The South West Midlands will be including the new Tyndale Trail in their 50 miles. This has been developed by long-distance walker and Tyndale Society member Anne Hayward and it links the Tyndale sculpture in Millennium Square, Bristol with the Tyndale Monument, a 28 mile route that takes in places that link to William Tyndale’s life. See more information, including the route, here: www.pilgrimstreet.uk/william-tyndalein-south-gloucestershire/.

Find out more about Tyndale at the Tyndale Society here: www.tyndale.org

An enthusiastic start to the Tyndale 500 walk from the Hope Centre, Sheffield on 9 May 2026.

The booklet cover for the Tyndale 500 Walk.

Views from the base of the Tyndale Monument.

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COMMUNITY FOCUS

Craft and community Crafts that are enjoyed in churches and community groups, can be a great way to connect with others in natural outreach

By Linda Cooke, Property and Church Support Worker at Congregational Federation

The small red, white and blue blankets go to Bundles of Hope.

They are used in Moses baskets.

Mini hats were first used as bunting and then given out over Christmas with a mini chocolate in them.

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The challenge on the Congregational Federation Calendar for May was to, ‘Start a craft group or organise a craft day and try to make a church banner or something that could be gifted to the community.’

A few years ago, my church had a vision day, I wasn’t involved in this, and after looking at the aims and objectives (which were made available to all church members), one of the things that was suggested was having a Knit and Natter or Craft Group. Now this was something that I could actually do. Three years later this is a successful group, well-loved and much appreciated in our church.

I’ll explain how we got to where we are now.

After I had read the vision statement, I talked with one of the stewards who immediately said, ‘Great, put something in the church magazine and see if anyone else is interested.’ Which I did, saying which day it would be.

The first response came from the Women’s Fellowship, they invited me to go along one morning and talk to them about it, we also sent out a general invite to all church members to come if they wanted to. Well, I am pleased to say, that, yes, there was some interest and people came along.

We started to crochet or knit squares, with a Biblical reference linked to it in the pattern, which we then made into blankets and passed to a local charity. We now support three different charities, still using the squares. Each of the charities support different needs – Operation Orphan, at Hayward House, and Bundles of Hope – and in April we distributed 28 blankets between the three of them.

As well as the ladies who come along each month, we are supported by others in our congregation and community and I often find bags of wool, knitted or crochet squares, poppies, plastic bottles and sheep

COMMUNITY FOCUS

(yes, you did read that right – sheep) at the back of church!

Over the last few years, not only have the group met once a month, occasionally twice a month, we have run a couple of workshops for the church, been in to Girls Brigade, met at coffee mornings where we have set up a craft table, been part of the village fun day, led the occasional creative activity at our Warm Space, made a Nativity set, and decorated a tree for the Christmas Tree Festival. The Christmas song to go with it was Here We Come a-Carolling as you often see people carol singing or standing under a Christmas tree with woolly hats on. We may only be a fairly small group, sometimes only four of us meet, but we have a huge impact on our church and community.

The installations outside the building are now an instant hit with people passing by, they know we are there! They show our church is active and present in the community. It might not be a gift to the community in the way that a church banner

could be, but it’s our gift to the community. We were approached by a local National Trust last year who wanted to use one of our installations at one of their properties during the summer months.

All this came about because I read the vision statement, saw what they wanted and said ‘Yes I can do that!’ I would definitely recommend, from personal experience, that, if you think this is something that you could do in your church, chat to people, set up a meeting and take it from there. It doesn’t matter if there are only two of you, you can make a difference.

If you need help or support in setting up this type of group, please do get in touch with me. Email Linda Cooke at linda.cooke@congregational.org.uk

Tree for the Christmas Tree Festival, afterwards we donated the bobble hats to the local street pastors and the Canaan Trust.

Display table at the Christmas Tree Festival.

Pompom flowers for an outside display.

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Inter church work The Congregational Federation was represented at two significant national events, one thanksgiving and one confirmation

By Alan Kennedy, Chair of the Congregational Federation Inter Church Board

Along with colleagues on Churches Together in England’s National Ecumenical Officers Group, I received invitations from Methodist Central Hall Westminster and Lambeth Palace to two very special occasions in London earlier this year.

Clockwise from top: The Duchess of Edinburgh on the platform with some young people.

Alan Kennedy’s colleagues from Churches Together England who were also present, representing the Moravian, United Reformed, Baptist and Redeemed Christian Church of God at St Paul’s. .Alan Kennedy (second from left) with Lutheran colleagues in the robing room pre-service.

The interior of St Paul’s.

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Thanksgiving at Methodist Central Hall

Confirmation at St Paul’s Cathedral

The first was a Service of Thanksgiving for 80 Years of the United Nations, held at Methodist Central Hall Westminster on Saturday 17 January, where the very first UN Assembly had been hosted in 1946. The service was attended by The Duchess of Edinburgh and the General Secretary of the United Nations, both of whom participated in the worship, which included contributions from young people as well as members of other faiths. It was an inspiring and uplifting occasion.

The second was a Service for the Confirmation of Election of the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, held at St Paul’s Cathedral on Wednesday 28 January. This was a very different occasion as much of the content was taken up with legally required proceedings needful for Bishop Sarah’s election as Archbishop to be confirmed. The inspiration came from the building itself, the magnificent organ and choristers and guest gospel choir from a local school.

It was a great privilege to attend these events and to represent the Congregational Federation on both occasions and I am grateful to Churches Together in England for the opportunity to do so.

Credit: Leslie Yu, Unsplash

LONDON EVENTS

Credit: Leslie Yu, Unsplash

PRAYER DIARY JULY

July sees the end of the school academic year and the start of the school holidays.

While lots of our regular church activities stop during this time, to give the leaders a well-earned rest, let us remember all those groups, leaders and volunteers in our prayers and pray that they have a good summer.

During July and August some of our churches may offer Holiday Clubs to the children and young people in our church and community. These can be really busy and often welcome young people who do not usually come to our church. Beach Missions also take part on different weeks in the summer around the country. Pray for both Holiday Clubs and Beach Missions.

Please also pray for the events that are taking place in July: 6 July Children’s Art Awareness Day 19 July CWM Sunday 22 July Meeting of Investment and Trading Board

AUGUST

August is often a popular month for weddings, with the longer, warmer days of summer.

Though weddings are getting fewer in our churches, it is important to remember and give thanks to God for each wedding that takes place in our buildings. For some this can be one of the few occasions that they come into a church. Let us thank God for every person who walks through our doors. Pray that they will feel comfortable and safe in our churches and want to learn more about Jesus.

SEPTEMBER

September sees the start of the academic year. Pray for all students, teachers and support staff as they start this new term.

September is the start of the Harvest season, where we give thanks and praise for all farmers, their families and staff for the work and labours of the field. Things may have been tough for our farmers over the last few weeks, with the various weather conditions that we have had, but we are so thankful for all their work. Thank God for the sun and rain and the harvest.

Events to remember in prayer during September: 10 – 13 Sept CIPT Residential Weekend in Nottingham 26 Sept Church Support Committee

OCTOBER

We continue our theme of Harvest and thank God for our Foodbanks which many of our churches support. We are thankful for those who give up their time to run and manage them. Pray for the people who walk through the doors, that we can offer them a safe place to come and chat.

Pray for the cafés or lunch clubs which may run alongside the Foodbanks and for the friendly and non-judgemental welcome that everyone receives. Pray that the Spirit of God can be felt moving in these places.

Events to remember in prayer in October: 3 Oct Finance and Support Services Committee

[Jesus] ‘told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees.

When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near.

Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.”‘ Luke 21:29-31

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There are eight sessions for the All for Jesus, Jesus for All resources.

Find them online at www.congregational.org.uk/all-for-jesus-jesus-for-all/all-for-jesus or email Clemy Gilmore at clemy.cf@gmail.com.

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.