St Andrew's URC, Hampstead

We're in the midst of peak carol service season. It's the perfect time to connect/reconnect with the Christmas story.

We can help you find a good local church:

christianity.org.uk/find-a-local...

#carolservice #carols #church #Christmas

"These are comforting words for anyone tasked with standing up in church to preach or reflect on the day’s scripture. But I do worry.” John Wilcox worries about Jesus’ assurance that he will give us the words we need. https://ow.ly/pEmM50XBWLX #URC

Image: Chris Ensminger | Pexels

"Silence when mothers are fleeing, silence when children are starving, silence when homes are destroyed, silence when people are fleeing, silence when families are displaced, silence when disease is spreading, silence when conflict rises. Break the silence." Red image with white text and "break the silence" in black.

Why aren’t we talking about the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)?

More than 27 million people face acute hunger.

Over 7 million people have been displaced from their homes.

And children are growing up in the deadliest conflict since WWII.

"What happens when we need to appoint yet another paid member of staff? When should we guarantee people a secure salary and a pension in order to carry out their discipleship?” John Ellis ponders Jesus’ words on travelling without money in today’s Daily Devotion. https://ow.ly/uGoR50XBWm1 #URC

"Sometimes, in the Gospels, we need to take the more supernatural stuff, like driving out impure spirits and healing diseases and sickness, with a pinch of salt.” Tom Miller explores healing miracles in today’s Daily Devotion. https://ow.ly/9FBw50XBSWs #URC

Image: Matheus Bertelli | Pexels

Bethlehem Christmas tree lights up for first time since start of Gaza war For the past two years all public Christmas celebrations have been cancelled in Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank.

BBC News - Bethlehem Christmas tree lights up for first time since start of Gaza war
www.bbc.com/news/article...

"In Advent, we are not just waiting for the birth of Jesus - we are acknowledging the reign of Christ already established. He rules not only from heaven but in the hearts of those who trust him.” Liane Todd explores Psalm 110. https://ow.ly/Up9B50XBSzI #URC

Image: Pavel Danilyuk | Unsplash

Churches are ‘crucial’ supporters of families in debt and poverty, CAP survey finds ‘Our latest research reveals the sheer scale of positive impact during the cost-of-living crisis,’ charity’s chief executive says

Churches and Christian organisations are crucial supporters of families struggling with #debt and #poverty, a Christians Against Poverty (CAP) report published on Thursday suggests

#christiansagainstpoverty #churchnews #churchtimes

Through its Lundie Awards, the URC recognises young Christians at work in all sorts of ways. Like Tinashe, who share's her church's message through her tech work, and Lydia, whose "gentle way" enables other young people to feel more settled. Read more at https://ow.ly/Hbfz50XAIqk #URC

“...disposability has become part of our landscape. Relationships, church membership, belonging to a political party or other organisation - we stick with it for as long as it provides us with what we need then dump it...” Dorothy Curtis in today’s Daily Devotion
https://ow.ly/7UlF50XzWWM

"Now more than ever we, as followers of the Jesus way, need to be more like him. To make sure we include those whom sections of society reject. To love our neighbour, without exceptions.” Jenny Mills ponders Matthew’s call in today’s Daily Devotion.
https://ow.ly/mo9050XzXJK.

I’m dreaming of a disarmed faith In the Bethlehem cattle stall, no coercion is in the air. No imposition of...

“If you’re as tired of this militant Christianity as I am, my word to you is simple: Christmas is waiting for you.”

– Peter W. Marty

www.christiancentury.org/first-words/...

If you're ever London way, do let us know as we have a Strachan glass WWI memorial.

Join us today as the Revd Jenny Mills delivers our Sunday service.

https://ow.ly/ROVB50XhuFo

Image: David Abrams | Unsplash

#URC #DailyDevotions #Advent

First Sunday in #Advent

Very good to be reminded of this piece by Dr Eleanor Parker (and on a side note, it seems to me that we are only beginning to understand what 2020 did to us).

“I can say anything I like about God’s kingdom, but unless I back it up with my actions, then to everyone around me it’s just so many words.” Lorraine Webb considers words and actions in today’s Daily Devotion. https://mailchi.mp/urc/urc-daily-devotion-saturday-29-november-2025

Daily Service - Letter to Corinth - Abundance mentality - BBC Sounds Christian worship with a Bible reading, prayer and music led by Jay Hulme.

If you didn't catch todays Daily Service, you can still join me for it on BBC Sounds. In today's episode I share a poem, and a story from my pilgrimage, reflecting on the kindness and generosity of strangers, in a more meditative episode than usual.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

The URC has produced a Reverse Advent Calendar to help donations to foodbanks this Christmas. The calendar lists regular and festive items requested by foodbanks https://urc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Reverse-Advent-Calendar-2025-copy-scaled.jpg

“We are given this opportunity to discuss, debate, and decide." Ruth Browning wonders about the dead burying their dead in today’s Daily Devotion. https://mailchi.mp/urc/wednesday-26th-november-2025

“When I saw this text was available to reflect upon, I immediately scrolled past it. No! Definitely one to avoid. But a little part of my brain kept asking me why not?” Peter Clarke wrestles with the text in today’s Daily Devotion. https://mailchi.mp/urc/tuesday-25th-november-2025

“Here we have a Centurion, an officer of the Empire which Jesus’ disciples and followers expected the Messiah to overthrow… This empire officer does see who Jesus is. Incredible.” Elizabeth Gray-King in today’s Daily Devotion. https://mailchi.mp/urc/monday-24th-november-2025

In the UK, you could demolish a church VAT-free, but if you wanted to repair that church, you would have to pay VAT.

“This Sunday is…“Christ the King” and so…Psalm 108 becomes even more powerful. Jesus is the King above all kings. He is not a distant ruler but a present Saviour.” Liane Todd in today’s Daily Devotion. https://mailchi.mp/urc/urc-daily-devotion-sunday-23-november-2025

Nigeria sees one of worst mass abductions as 315 taken from school The kidnapping comes amid a surge of attacks by armed groups in the African nation.

#BBCNews - Nigeria sees one of worst mass abductions as 315 taken from school
www.bbc.com/news/article...

Join an online Advent service with the URC’s partner churches in the Pfalz region of Germany on 14 December, 6-7pm. In English and German (with subtitles).
Join using the Meeting ID 965 1457 5443 and the Passcode YourChurch, or go to https://bit.ly/2Tf1EUk #URC

Image: Braxton Apana | Unsplash

“'Everyone who hears these words of mine, said Jesus, 'and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.'” Sue Knight ponders firm foundations in today’s Daily Devotion.

https://ow.ly/lAu250XpveH

#URC

Image: The iop | Unsplash

Definitely here for Advent-adjacient posting

Such a joyful morning celebrating the commissioning of one of our Elders as a Local Worship leader. I got too caught up to take pictures! A blessing for us all.

“So, why do we engage in judgment? Does it divert our attention from our personal lives? Does it enhance our self-esteem or create a sense of superiority over others?” Alexandra Priddy in today’s #DailyDevotion

https://ow.ly/S70i50XjFr5

Image: AMouton | Pexels