Upcoming events and training
Cafe Jam Dates
Sunday 1st November 2026 at Farndon URC at 6.30pm
Church Street, Farndon, Cheshire, CH3 6QU
Saturday 28th November 2026 at Peasley Cross URC
with food at 6pm and worship at 7pm for one hour.
Wednesday 9th December 2026, St John’s URC Women’s Fellowship at 2pm
Wilderspool Causeway, Warrington WA4 6QE (next to Esso petrol station)
Sunday 13th December 2026 – Christmas Praise - at Trinity United Church
6.30pm to 7.30pm
High St, Skelmersdale WN8 8AT
Sunday 21ST March 2027 6.30m at Chesterton URC
20 Victoria St, Chesterton, Newcastle ST5 7EW
Sunday 18th April 2027 6.30pm at Parkgate and Neston URC
Moorside Ln, Neston CH64 6UZ
Sunday 16th May 2027 6.30pm at Wallasey Village URC
Wallasey Village, Wallasey CH45 3LP
Sunday 13th June 2027 6.30pm at St David’s URC,
Crosthwaite Ave, Eastham, Birkenhead, Eastham CH62 9DG
Sunday 18th July 2027 at St Columba URC
Hillfoot Ave, Hunt's Cross, Liverpool, Hunts Cross L25 0NR
Contact Rita on griffithsrita2@gmail.com
Safeguarding Training Dates
Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility, and together we can help make our churches safe, welcoming and supportive places for all.
URC Mersey Synod has a number of safeguarding training sessions taking place throughout November, with opportunities to attend both in person and online.
Whether you're new to safeguarding, refreshing your knowledge or developing your understanding further, these sessions offer valuable guidance to help us protect and care for those within our church communities.
Upcoming Safeguarding Training Dates
Combined Foundation & Intermediate Training
Thursday 22 October | 6:30pm–8:30pm – Alsager United Reformed Church
Monday 9 November | 6pm–8:30pm – Online
Saturday 14 November | 10:30am–1pm – St Andrew's, Meols, Wirral
Monday 30 November | 1pm–3:30pm – Online
Intermediate Safeguarding Training
Thursday 12 November | 7:30pm–9:30pm – West Kirby United Reformed Church, Wirral
Advanced Safeguarding Training – Modules 1 & 2 Combined
Monday 16 November | 6pm–9:30pm – Online
Tuesday 24 November | 12:30pm–4pm – St Columba URC, Hunts Cross, Liverpool
Book Your Place Today
Safeguarding training is an important part of our shared commitment to creating churches where everyone feels respected, valued and protected.
We encourage church leaders, volunteers and those with safeguarding responsibilities to check their training requirements and book onto a suitable session.
Places are limited, particularly for our in-person sessions, so please don't leave booking until the last minute.
Eco Matters and Church Development Sessions
At Mersey Synod, we believe that thriving churches are built through shared learning, meaningful conversations and a willingness to grow together in faith.
Our Church Development events offer opportunities for churches, congregations and individuals across the Synod to explore new ideas, develop skills and discover practical ways to strengthen their church communities.
From Eco Matters, exploring our Christian responsibility to care for creation, to sessions focused on church growth, community engagement, leadership and developing the life and mission of our churches, each event is designed to encourage conversation, collaboration and positive change.
These gatherings are more than just training opportunities. They provide a welcoming space to connect with people from other churches, share experiences, learn from different perspectives and support one another in the challenges and opportunities facing our congregations today.
Whether you're a minister, elder, volunteer or congregation member, there is something for everyone. No matter the size of your church or where you are on your journey, your experiences and ideas are valued.
Be Part of the Conversation
Our Church Development sessions take place at various locations across Mersey Synod, helping to bring churches together and strengthen the connections within our wider church family.
Explore our upcoming Church Development events and book your place today.
Together, we can continue to nurture welcoming, active and resilient churches that reflect God's love in the communities they serve.
Living Faith for Grandparents
Simple. Practical. Meaningful.
Helping you influence the next generation for God’s Kingdom.
See your faith: Create windows they can see.
Share life: Help them make sense of life with God.
Speak life: Encourage them in who they are.
This session will be repeated 4 times in 4 locations.
Book tickets at www.ticketsource.com/urc-mersey-synod
Living Faith for Grandparents
Simple. Practical. Meaningful.
Helping you influence the next generation for God’s Kingdom.
See your faith: Create windows they can see.
Share life: Help them make sense of life with God.
Speak life: Encourage them in who they are.
This session will be repeated 4 times in 4 locations.
Book tickets at www.ticketsource.com/urc-mersey-synod
Living Faith Now 3
A morning considering how we live out our faith each day.
Using 2 of LICC’s 6M’s:
Moulding Culture - Anthony Burns
Making Good Work - a panel of Special Guests.
Living Faith Now 1
Our current Synod theme is Living Faith.
This year we have 3 events to help you and your church see how you can be Living Faith in 2026. We will be exploring LICC's 6M's of whole life discipleship and we have 6 great talks with relatable, inspiring speakers lined up for you.
The first session looks at
Mouthpiece for Truth and Justice with Sally Foster-Fulton
Messenger of the Gospel with Sue Ainscough.
Future sessions include:
Saturday 6th June (Parkgate & Neston URC, Wirral)
Models Godly character (tbc)
Makes good work (Founding Director, Redeeming Our Communities: Debra Green)
Saturday 26th September (Haresfinch URC, St Helens)
Ministers grace & love (Guest panel)
Moulds culture (Leader of St Helens Council: Cllr Anthony Burns)
Come and be inspired!
This is open to everyone.
Faith in Action Webinar “Church At The Margins
In partnership with North Western Synod, the Faith in Action Team is hosting four 90-minute webinars throughout 2026 exploring what it means for the URC to be A Church with People at the Margins.
Starting on 16 February, the series is designed to help congregations become places where people at the margins are loved, nurtured and empowered. Jesus consistently elevated people at the margins, not by doing to or doing for, but by being with.
Rather than adding more projects to the busyness of church life, the A Church with People at the Margins” offers space to share what is already working in our churches, how to deepen impact through existing ministry, and where new opportunities for worship and discipleship might begin.
Small or big, rural or urban, coastal or estate; busy, quiet, growing, surviving or flourishing - all congregations are invited to share in this common calling: to be welcoming, inclusive, outreaching, anti-poverty, and deeply rooted as community hubs where people can find belonging, support and hope. The webinars will take place from 7-8.30pm on the following dates:
Monday 16 FebruaryMonday 11 MayMonday 10 AugustMonday 16 NovemberEach webinar will have a different focus, with a guest speaker offering insight from their own experience of marginality. You are welcome to come to one or all of the sessions – we’ll share more on the content of each forum soon.
TASTER SESSION…Church Leadership Programme
Free taster session for the Church Leadership Programme. Click on the image for the Zoom link or https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88399225995?pwd=wWEeusxuRdVIxcsCb6ZFKo6Ey6SFz3.1
TASTER SESSION - Lay Preaching
Thinking about the Lay Preaching course? Join this free taster. Click on the image for the Zoom link or https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88399225995?pwd=wWEeusxuRdVIxcsCb6ZFKo6Ey6SFz3.1
Church Development Session E
The Church Development Programme 2025 is four sessions in bite-size 2 hour slots that cover most of church life. It is designed to help Churches and make things a bit easier. Synod Officers will be leading sessions and there will be plenty of time for questions.
This is open to ANYONE who is involved in their church, or if they want to be! Each slot (A, B, C or D) will be repeated 3 times in different locations around the Synod. Please contact Emma trainingofficer@urcmerseysynod.org.uk if you want to know more.
Session E
Leadership in the Church - Revd Geoff Felton (URC Mersey Synod Moderator)
Church Development Session D
The Church Development Programme 2025 is four sessions in bite-size 2 hour slots that cover most of church life. It is designed to help Churches and make things a bit easier. Synod Officers will be leading sessions and there will be plenty of time for questions.
This is open to ANYONE who is involved in their church, or if they want to be! Each slot (A, B, C or D) will be repeated 3 times in different locations around the Synod. Please contact Emma trainingofficer@urcmerseysynod.org.uk if you want to know more.
Session D
Property and Building Maintenance - Jamie Anderson (Property Officer)
Church Communications and How to Make the Most of Them - Clare Coombes (Communications Officer)
Church Development Session D
The Church Development Programme 2025 is four sessions in bite-size 2 hour slots that cover most of church life. It is designed to help Churches and make things a bit easier. Synod Officers will be leading sessions and there will be plenty of time for questions.
This is open to ANYONE who is involved in their church, or if they want to be! Each slot (A, B, C or D) will be repeated 3 times in different locations around the Synod. Please contact Emma trainingofficer@urcmerseysynod.org.uk if you want to know more.
Session D
Property and Building Maintenance - Jamie Anderson (Property Officer)
Church Communications and How to Make the Most of Them - Clare Coombes (Communications Officer)
Church Development Session C
Session C
Trustee Responsibilities- Neil Mackenzie (Trust Officer & Synod Executive)
Accessing External Funds - Helen McCormack (Grants & Admin Officer)
Church finances - Denise Harman (Finance Officer) & John Beech (Treasurer)
Church Development Session B
The Church Development Programme 2025 is four sessions in bite-size 2 hour slots that cover most of church life. It is designed to help Churches and make things a bit easier. Synod Officers will be leading sessions and there will be plenty of time for questions.
This is open to ANYONE who is involved in their church, or if they want to be! Each slot (A, B, C or D) will be repeated 3 times in different locations around the Synod. Please contact Emma trainingofficer@urcmerseysynod.org.uk if you want to know more.
Session B
Bridging Generations: Engaging Children & Youth in Church Life - Steven Mitchell (Children & Youth Development Officer)
Mission & Growth & Your Church - Stuart Radcliffe (Mission Discipleship Enabler)
Church Development Session A
The Church Development Programme 2025 is four sessions in bite-size 2 hour slots that cover most of church life. It is designed to help Churches and make things a bit easier. Synod Officers will be leading sessions and there will be plenty of time for questions.
This is open to ANYONE who is involved in their church, or if they want to be! Each slot (A, B, C or D) will be repeated 3 times in different locations around the Synod. Please contact Emma trainingofficer@urcmerseysynod.org.uk if you want to know more.
Session A
Governance Essentials: Policies, GDPR, Risk Assessments, and Beyond - Lorna Griffiths (Synod Clerk )
Relationships & working with our congregation - Emma Howarth (Training Officer)
Church Development Session A
The Church Development Programme 2025 is four sessions in bite-size 2 hour slots that cover most of church life. It is designed to help Churches and make things a bit easier. Synod Officers will be leading sessions and there will be plenty of time for questions.
This is open to ANYONE who is involved in their church, or if they want to be! Each slot (A, B, C or D) will be repeated 3 times in different locations around the Synod. Please contact Emma trainingofficer@urcmerseysynod.org.uk if you want to know more.
Session A
Governance Essentials: Policies, GDPR, Risk Assessments, and Beyond - Rita Griffiths (Synod Clerk )
Relationships & working with our congregation - Julie Rafferty (Safeguarding Officer)/ Emma Howarth (Training Officer)
Church Development Session B
The Church Development Programme 2025 is four sessions in bite-size 2 hour slots that cover most of church life. It is designed to help Churches and make things a bit easier. Synod Officers will be leading sessions and there will be plenty of time for questions.
This is open to ANYONE who is involved in their church, or if they want to be! Each slot (A, B, C or D) will be repeated 3 times in different locations around the Synod. Please contact Emma trainingofficer@urcmerseysynod.org.uk if you want to know more.
Session B
Bridging Generations: Engaging Children & Youth in Church Life - Steven Mitchell (Children & Youth Development Officer)
Mission & Growth & Your Church - Stuart Radcliffe (Mission Discipleship Enabler)
Café Jam July
Praise God through singing – café jam worship is café style, informal and for all those of any ability who love to sing or just listen. Lots of cakes and drinks provided.
For more details contact Rita on 07838103310 or synodclerk@urcmerseysynod.org.uk
Cafe Jam
Praise God through singing – Café Jam worship is café style, informal and for all those of any ability who love to sing or just listen.
This is a special event to mark the retirement of Rita Griffiths as Synod Clerk.
Singing and praise followed by a buffet – places MUST be booked as limited numbers. please email the Synod Office to book synodoffice@urcmerseysynod.org.uk
Church Development Session C
Session C
Trustee Responsibilities- Neil Mackenzie (Trust Officer & Synod Executive)
Accessing External Funds - Helen McCormack (Grants & Admin Officer)
Church finances - Denise Harman (Finance Officer) & John Beech (Treasurer)
Church Development Session D
The Church Development Programme 2025 is four sessions in bite-size 2 hour slots that cover most of church life. It is designed to help Churches and make things a bit easier. Synod Officers will be leading sessions and there will be plenty of time for questions.
This is open to ANYONE who is involved in their church, or if they want to be! Each slot (A, B, C or D) will be repeated 3 times in different locations around the Synod. Please contact Emma trainingofficer@urcmerseysynod.org.uk if you want to know more.
Session D
Property and Building Maintenance - (Property Officer)
Church Communications and How to Make the Most of Them - Clare Coombes (Communications Officer)
Living Faith Day
A day of encouragement and challenge as together we discover ways to ‘invite’ others to live the life we have discovered.
Following on from Talking Faith which has been the theme across Mersey Synod for the last two years, the next stage is Living Faith.
The day will involve an inspirational guest speaker, Revd Dr Cris Rogers. Cris is the chair of Spring Harvest and leads a church in London. He is a co-founder of We Are Making Disciples which enables and equips people and churches to live their lives out as Christians. There will be discussion and practical suggestions on how to live out our faith in our everyday lives. Throughout the day there will be workshops on different aspects of Living Faith. The Café Jam Band will be leading the musical worship. As if this wasn’t enough to tempt you, there will be a free lunch! All that people need to do is register by clicking the booking button on this page or by ringing the Synod Office.
Church Development Session C
Session C
Trustee Responsibilities- Neil Mackenzie (Trust Officer & Synod Executive)
Accessing External Funds - Helen McCormack (Grants & Admin Officer)
Church finances - Denise Harman (Finance Officer) & John Beech (Treasurer)
Church Development Session D
The Church Development Programme 2025 is four sessions in bite-size 2 hour slots that cover most of church life. It is designed to help Churches and make things a bit easier. Synod Officers will be leading sessions and there will be plenty of time for questions.
This is open to ANYONE who is involved in their church, or if they want to be! Each slot (A, B, C or D) will be repeated 3 times in different locations around the Synod. Please contact Emma trainingofficer@urcmerseysynod.org.uk if you want to know more.
Session D
Property and Building Maintenance - (Property Officer)
Church Communications and How to Make the Most of Them - Clare Coombes (Communications Officer)
Café Jam April
Praise God through singing – café jam worship is café style, informal and for all those of any ability who love to sing or just listen. Lots of cakes and drinks provided.
For more details contact Rita on 07838103310 or synodclerk@urcmerseysynod.org.uk
Church Development Session A
The Church Development Programme 2025 is four sessions in bite-size 2 hour slots that cover most of church life. It is designed to help Churches and make things a bit easier. Synod Officers will be leading sessions and there will be plenty of time for questions.
This is open to ANYONE who is involved in their church, or if they want to be! Each slot (A, B, C or D) will be repeated 3 times in different locations around the Synod. Please contact Emma trainingofficer@urcmerseysynod.org.uk if you want to know more.
Session A
Governance Essentials: Policies, GDPR, Risk Assessments, and Beyond - Rita Griffiths (Synod Clerk )
Relationships & working with our congregation - Julie Rafferty (Safeguarding Officer)/ Emma Howarth (Training Officer)
Church Development Session B
The Church Development Programme 2025 is four sessions in bite-size 2 hour slots that cover most of church life. It is designed to help Churches and make things a bit easier. Synod Officers will be leading sessions and there will be plenty of time for questions.
This is open to ANYONE who is involved in their church, or if they want to be! Each slot (A, B, C or D) will be repeated 3 times in different locations around the Synod. Please contact Emma trainingofficer@urcmerseysynod.org.uk if you want to know more.
Session B
Bridging Generations: Engaging Children & Youth in Church Life - Steven Mitchell (Children & Youth Development Officer)
Mission & Growth & Your Church - Stuart Radcliffe (Mission Discipleship Enabler)
Café Jam March
Praise God through singing – café jam worship is café style, informal and for all those of any ability who love to sing or just listen. Lots of cakes and drinks provided.
For more details contact Rita on 07838103310 or synodclerk@urcmerseysynod.org.uk
Envisioning Worship - What if God is Child?
Envisioning Worship Conference for everyone interested in how worship affects Mission.
Theme: What if God is Child?
Dates: 11am on 8th March – 3.30pm on 9th March 2025
Venue: Luther King Centre, Manchester
Cost: Residential : £200
Non-residential : £120
Who is it for? Anyone intrigued by the idea of the childlikeness of God – in the midst of the smallest experiences; apparently weak but disruptive; curious, playful and imaginative; raging and dancing – and what this might mean for worship and mission. Anyone drawn to Bible explorations, creative workshops and more – and who is interested in imagining things differently.
If you are a lay member of the United Reformed Church you may be able to get assistance with the costs for this conference. Please contact trainingofficer@urcmerseysynod.org.uk
For more information and to register, visit – https://northerncollege.co.uk/ewc-march-2025/
Walk Through The Bible: New Testament
Following on from the raucous and informative WTTB: Old Testament last year, we are delighted to welcome Carl back from Walk Through The Bible www.bible.org.uk to lead us through the NEW TESTAMENT.
Location: St Johns’ URC, Wilderspool Causeway, Warrington WA4 6QE
Cost: Usually £14 pp but this is something that we really want you to experience - so Mersey Synod is paying for your place (but please bear in mind the Cancellation Policy). You will be asked for a £5 deposit when you book which will be refunded when you attend.
Bring your own lunch (or there is a small Asda & Gregg’s next door) but drinks and cake will be provided.
Cancellation policy for events
We understand that unplanned issues can come up and you may need to cancel. If that happens, we respectfully ask that you provide at least seven days’ notice unless you have a genuine emergency. Due to venue fees and catering charges, we would otherwise need to impose a fee to cover the costs for any cancellations beyond this timeframe or for no shows. This is to ensure that we can cover costs and therefore continue to deliver events. Thanks for your understanding.
Godly Play Training
This three-day accredited course is led by members of the College of Trainers of Godly Play UK - Richard Knott (URC East Midlands CYDO) and Susie Steel. This training enables you to use the Godly Play method and understand its principles. The training follows an action/reflection model of learning, through hands-on experience and reflection, rather than lectures. A certificate of completion is awarded at the end of the course.
This course is non-residential, and the venue is Hull Minster, 5 Church Side, Kingston upon Hull, HU1 1RR
The course times are Monday: 9.15-6.30; Tuesday 9.00-6.30; Wednesday: 9.00-4.30.
The full cost is £350 but bursaries are available to those who need financial support to attend the course. Please email admin@godlyplay.uk if you wish to apply for a bursary. If you are a URC member you may be able to apply for a Discipleship Development Fund Small Grant to subsidise costs - please contact trainingofficer@urcmerseysynod.org.uk for details.
Booking
You can book your place through this link https://www.godlyplay.uk/events/core-training-hull/
**Please note that this is not run by Mersey Synod**
Cancellations
A £25 administration fee will be charged for cancellations made up to ten weeks prior to the start of the course. Cancellations thereafter will be liable to the loss of the full fee. Substitutions may be made at any time prior to the start of the course.
Please note that on rare occasions, due to low numbers, courses are cancelled at late notice. Godly Play UK cannot be held responsible for any loss incurred by individuals as a result of us having to cancel an event, although the full course fee will be returned.