Where has 2018 gone? Yes, I know that there is still a month of this year left as we begin to write this note, but most will agree that the time seems to have moved quickly once again. 2018 will be a full year (18 months all together), when we have been without traditional ministry, however I hope that I am not alone in thinking that the fellowship and determination to continue has not diminished in this time. I am able to confirm that Northern Synod has agreed to the formation of the Durham and Gateshead Group, and that the Group consisting of the UR churches, Cromer Ave, Denewell Ave, Chester le Street – Bethel, St. Andrew’s Blackhill, Christ Church, Stanley and Waddington Street, Durham, may move forward in the search for ministry.
How is this done? During 2018, representatives of all the churches have met with the Interim Moderators, Revd James Breslin (prior to his retirement) and Mr John Drew, and gathered details and information about each church and of the area in which we are placed. All that information forms a ‘Profile’ designed to give any minister seeking a change of pastorate an overview of the churches and area that we serve. The Group and individual Church Profiles are made available to all ministers within the URC. Now we must wait to hear from any minister seeking a change and interested in our churches and location. In the meantime arrangements have been made to give our church activities as much publicity as possible including entries on local Facebook pages and more recently a Cromer Avenue Web site has been created. You will find more details of this on other pages, thanks to Joanne Thompson for her efforts in creating these new means of communication and making information available about our Church activities.
During 2018 a series of family Craft mornings have been advertised on selected Saturdays, each morning having a Christian theme. We have been encouraged to create relationships with families who have attended. The emphasis each time is Family based, however all ages are welcome to share some refreshments as they enjoy the company of others attending. The dates of the next three Saturdays in 2019 are Jan 19th, Feb 9th and March 30th 10.30 – 11.30 am.
