Digest
Moderator sees RAF squadron in action
The Revd Kim Plumpton, Northern Synod Moderator, recently travelled to RAF Boulmer to visit the Stations Control and Reporting Centre in Northumberland.
Kim’s visit, hosted by the station’s chaplain the Revd David Haslam, a URC minister, took her to an underground bunker and the historical artifacts room, which displays the history, ethos and culture of the squadron.
The Moderator also explored the hi-tech operations centre and enjoyed a brief demonstration on the essential role that RAF Boulmer plays in securing the air space around the UK. Kim spoke with airspace controllers and operators and was introduced to weapon systems operators as they directed missions in the air.
Powered up with the sun
will allow the congregation to produce and store five months’ worth of their annual electricity needs, saving several tons of CO2 emissions every year.
The electricity generated from the panels is estimated at 40.7 MWh/year but, despite a very dull December, during their first three months of operation the panels have so far produced 9% more electricity than projected.
Led by Woking’s ‘Green Team’, work began in 2023 following a doubling of the cost of electricity. The Wessex Trust agreed to make a grant of 50% towards the cost of environmental projects and encouraged the team to extend the scope of the project to include batteries.
Woking URC is listed as an A Rocha UK Eco Church with ‘Silver’ status, but its Green Team is working towards a Gold Award following the installation of the solar panels and batteries.
Masons raise hundreds for church project
Woking United Reformed Church in Wessex Synod has achieved its dream of powering its entire building using electricity generated by the sun, following the installation of 134 solar roof panels and eight large storage batteries.
The cutting-edge technology
Freemasons raffled off a hamper and donated more than £500 to help the Church Angels Foodbank in Port Glasgow.
Lodge Doric Kilwinning, in the Province of Renfrewshire West, wanted to help after hearing how the foodbank, based at Port Glasgow United Reformed Church, was in dire need of funds.
Right Worshipful Master Bert Hill presented the cheque to the Revd Susan Henderson.
Briefly Wales Moderator induction The induction of the Revd David Salsbury as the new Moderator of the National Synod of Wales will take place on Saturday 6 April at 2pm at Beulah United Reformed Church in Rhiwbina, Cardiff.
Royal honours for Cardiff member Congratulations to Dr Philip George, a member of Canton Uniting Church in Cardiff, who was awarded a CBE in the King’s New Year’s Honours List for his service to the arts. Dr George is a former Chair of the Arts Council of Wales and the National Theatre of Wales.
Silence speaks volumes Around 2,000 people of every faith walked side by side in silence through central London on Saturday 21 January in solidarity with people affected by conflicts in Israel and Palestine, Europe and elsewhere.
Lindsey Brown, Mission Support Officer, represented the URC at ‘Peace is Every Step: Walking meditation for peace’, organised by Buddhist community Plum Village, and Quakers in Britain.
Moderator’s Diary In March, the Revd Dr Tessa Henry-Robinson will preach at Cannington and Westfield URCs in Somerset, and at Winchmore Hill. She will attend meetings of the Accreditations (CRCW & SCM) Sub-Committee and the Synod of Scotland, and take part in antiracism training at Church House. On 23 March, Tessa will induct Michael Hopkins as Wessex Synod Moderator at London Street URC in Basingstoke. For further stories from the General Assembly Moderator, visit www.urc.org.uk/modsblog
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