Our People
The Mission Statement of the Synod Team is:
Supporting, equipping, resourcing and challenging congregations and individuals to be the United Reformed Church in Mersey Synod and to grow in missional discipleship.
Geoff Felton - Moderator
I love the Northwest and its people. I have a heart to see the Church reach out with the love of Christ and offer hope, healing and forgiveness to all people.
If you’d like me to work with your church, I can help with questions around how the Synod works, what Synod priorities are and other Synod and national church issues.
As well as leading worship for you, I can also visit local churches to speak about any issues of faith and life you may wish to explore.
I’m also available to lead church away days or to represent the URC at community events.
Contact: moderator@urcmerseysynod.org.uk
Pauline Burke - PA to the Moderator / Admin support
I’m the friendly and welcoming face and voice at the Synod office and can help with any queries. If I don’t know the answer, I probably know someone who does! I’m a direct link between churches/ leaders and Geoff so if you need the Moderator for any reason, please do get in touch with me. I also keep contact information up to date in line with GDPR and produce the Synod Directory.
Contact: synodadmin@urcmerseysynod.org.uk or call 0151 722 6590
Rita Griffiths - Synod Clerk
My role is to make sure that the Synod is running smoothly by providing guidance on governance and procedures. I am a point of contact for churches and ministers to offer advice on all sorts of topics and will point folk in the right direction if I don’t know the answer. I am the first point of call for Human Resource issues e.g., employing staff; contracts and line manager information. I keep churches informed about General Assembly, Assembly Executive and the Northerly Synods Group regarding their decisions, resolutions, consultations and general information. You may also have seen me out and about as I play a co-ordinating role in organising some Synod-wide events which help to build up relationships between our different churches and develop our own spirituality.
I am the co-ordinator and keyboard player for the Synod Café Jam band, and if you’d like to book the band then just get in touch!
Contact: synodclerk@urcmerseysynod.org.uk
Stuart Radcliffe - Missional Discipleship Enabler
I work with church communities to help them see that mission, and the growing and making of disciples, is not to be feared. Together we can find ways to share the love of Christ in and with the communities God calls us all to serve. Whether you have ideas for outreach and evangelism or want to find ways to help your community grow in their daily walk with Jesus I can advise on options to help you get started. If you would like to talk about this more then please get in touch. I’d love to hear your ideas and join your excitement in planning for the future.
Contact: mde@urcmerseysynod.org.uk
Clare Coombes - Communications Officer
My role includes acting as a roving reporter (including face-to-face, online meetings, calls and emails), connecting our churches with each other and the local community through sharing good news stories, and looking at ways we can link into local, national and international news.
I have a background in communications, marketing and PR across academic, internet services and the voluntary sector. I have 15 years’ experience of writing and editing professionally, including the publication of two novels, and set up the first Liverpool-based literary agency in 2020 to help address inequality and underrepresentation in the publishing industry.
If you need any help with communications or marketing, social media or website advice or you’re looking for a review of the effectiveness of communications in your church, please get in touch.
Contact: communications@urcmerseysynod.org.uk
Julie Rafferty - Safeguarding Officer
I’m here to support churches to improve their safeguarding culture and practices, including:
better safer recruitment for volunteer and paid workers
help with DBS applications and the online system
updating policies and procedures
completion of risk assessments
safeguarding agreements involving people that pose a risk
reporting and referring concerns & incidents
delivery of all Safeguarding training (URC Training Framework)
Email Julie on safeguarding@urcmerseysynod.org.uk or call her on 07964 981262, to discuss progressing safeguarding in your church.
Denise Harman - Premises and Finance Officer
I work with the Treasurer on finance, deal with some property issues and, on behalf of the Pastoral Committee, deal with the administration of the Being Church process, which helps churches to look at their life together.
Contact: adminofficer@urcmerseysynod.org.uk
John Beech - Treasurer
I have overall responsibility for the accounting function, budgeting, investment and financial management of the Synods and Trusts finances. Having worked in a financial environment for all of my career I believe I have the right skill set for the role. I have been my local church treasurer and am presently treasurer of the local District Scout Association. I work closely with the Synod Finance officer and between us we have the knowledge to resolve any church related financial issue that may arise. My interests away from finance are family, especially my five fantastic grandchildren, socialising with friends and sport, sadly only watching these days.
Contact: trusttreasurer@urcmerseysynod.org.uk
Steven Mitchell - Children and Youth Development Officer
I lead all-age services and speak at elders/deacons meeting about the trends and
issues around children's and youth work. I help plan and lead holiday clubs or other local events and can also run filmmaking workshops. Along with giving talks or running activities at children's or youth groups, I organise and lead young leaders training. I plan and lead bespoke training around working with children and young people (working with under 5s, working with teenagers, new children's and youth work resources, general volunteer training etc) so please get in touch.
Contact: cydo@urcmerseysynod.org.uk
Tel: 07387 580834
Mike Rushton - Property Officer
I’m here to help you with any property issues your church may face, whether it’s building maintenance, improvements, extensions or repairs. I can lead in the appointment of building professionals, building contracts and offer advice in buildings and public liability insurance cover. I’m also the go-to person for understanding the Ecclesiastical Exemption for building work to Listed Buildings.
Emma Howarth - Training Officer
My role at the Synod as Training and Development Officer is to work with Ministers and Lay Preachers individually and in groups on their continued development. In addition to this I work with Elders to equip and encourage them in leading their churches. If congregations want further training and development, then I can help with that as well.
Contact me on trainingofficer@urcmerseysynod.org.uk or 07984335797