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Report from General Assembly July 2008   

By Rev. Suk-In, Lee

Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh was an excellent place to have this year’s General Assembly.  It is a new university with modern facilities and we were made most welcome.  The drive from London to Edinburgh was exciting because I felt that I was really touching Great Britain and seeing parts of it that I have not seen before. Once we arrived we registered our presence and I met up with old friends from college4 and was introduced to new ones.  There seemed to be many children around because the children were invited to their own assembly.

Worship throughout the weekend was based on “Pilgrimage”.  The Rev John Marsh had prepared a paper in which he outlined his opinion that the URC has “quite a way to go” towards becoming catholic, orthodox and reformed.  These subjects were picked up later in the worship sessions.  I was particularly interested in one session, which concentrated on James’ pilgrimage when he went to Spain and followed a route to evangelise the furthest point of the then known world which was Santiago. We were shown a DVD and I noticed that our deaf friends were helped by a signer.

There were many resolutions brought to the floor and passed.  For me two were particularly important.  The first was the introduction of a new General Secretary, The Rev Roberta Rominga. Who is the first female to be established in this role. The Rev John Marsh, is the new Moderator and two future Moderators were elected, one lay and one ordained.  The Revd. Roy Lowes was appointed Moderator of the West Midlands Synod and the Revd Dr Andrew Prasad (who was a minister in the Southern Synod) was appointed Moderator of Thames North Synod. It seemed to me that most of the people who spoke at the open meetings came from Thames North so perhaps he has inherited a head-ache!

The second resolution that seemed important to me was the Racial Justice resolution, which requests that each synod includes at least one black minority ethnic member in their group of representatives to General Assembly as from Assembly 2010.  Two issues come from this.  Every synod does not have black minority people in its churches and also this can result in tokenism.  This resolution created much discussion, but it was eventually passed.

Another hot issue at this time is the Youth and Children’s work.  General Assembly agreed that there should be a Youth and Children’s Work Training Development Officer in every synod, but this presents the problem that there is not enough money to allow this to be implemented.

The Young People were given a slot to report back from their meetings and they lead the conference in singing new songs and prayer.  The ecumenical guests last year were from the Far East and this year they came from the Pacific Islands.

I was particularly struck by how much new technology has seeped into our assembly from projection to sound systems to lights and cameras.  The preacher and speakers were visible to all from screens at the side of the hall.  In all I enjoyed the experience and came home renewed in enthusiasm for our denomination.

Emily Thackray will be talking on “The Gift of Life: How Transplants Transform Lives” at the Church.  Emily is an inspiring speaker and co-founder of the charity “Live Life then Give Life”.  She had a lung transplant 18 months ago. 

There is no charge for the event and refreshments will be served from 10.00 am.  All are welcome.

THE GIFT OF LIFE

Donated organs can transform lives

Transplants transform lives.  They are one of the most miraculous achievements of modern medicine, and one donor can give the gift of life to several people and restore the sight to two more.  But this depends entirely on the generosity of donors and their families, who are willing to make this life-saving gift to others.

We realise that deciding to sign up for organ donation is a very personal and sensitive issue, and one which would never be forced on anyone.

But here at Kingston United Reformed Church we want to make it easy for you to pick up a donor card and make a lasting record of your wishes.  Emily Thackray is an inspiring speaker, and co-founder of the charity “Live Life then Give Life”. She had a lung transplant 18 months ago.

Whatever you do, don’t just do nothing. Sign up, live life, then give life.

This is an article sent by John Simpson, who was at our church earlier in the year and has spoken at Mens Forum.

ZIMBABWE — HOUSE OF HORROR
by John Simpson

It came as no surprise to hear that the Zimbabwean government have refused to accept the democratic will of the people. This elite group comprised of ministers, generals, police chiefs and many judges who enjoy a fabulous lifestyle have accumulated riches beyond belief. They must have been horrified to discover that despite all the blatant vote rigging, the sheer number of people wanting change far outweighed their efforts to deceive. President Mbeki of South Africa, a close friend of Mr Mugabe stressed there was 'no crisis' in Zimbabwe. Tell that to brave Zimbabweans across the country who voted for change. A wave of fear is sweeping across the country. None are being spared : neither men , women nor children where beatings by Mugabe's 'rent a mob' are common place. Tell that to poor people who queued almost 5 hours at their local Grain Marketing Board Depot
whilst every single bag of this staple food was loaded onto army trucks. Mbeki, rejected by his own party the ANC, will leave behind a shameful legacy.

The euphoria following the results was short lived and the country is now in limbo. My mobile has been working overtime with frightened, angry text messages from friends some of which are listed below giving an insight into their feelings;

'Am in town and there is a heavy military presence mostly new recruits.' I felt the dictator's iron hand. As soon as I had finished sending the last text message, I got picked up by the young heavily armed militia and detained for no reason. I have just been released and am now on my way home.'

'We are anxiously waiting news. We are living in fear this side. The monster is so desperate.'

However, there is some better news. An exciting project on behalf of the artists is taking shape. Also, Lesley Charlton, minister of Kingston upon Thames URC, emailed me the other day. Quote - 'John, we are making Zimbabwe our target for Commitment for life starting this harvest. I wonder whether you could be part of that?' Excellent news - let's hope it spreads! The
May edition of the URC Reform magazine will feature St Andrew's support for Silveira House.

Finally, the latest text message sums up the situation in Zimbabwe: 'Things are so hard. Pray for us - we are suffering.'

To download please right click and save this document to your desktop.

A Thanksgiving service will take place on Wednesday 23rd April at 14.00 to celebrate the life of Roy Cullum, a long standing member of our church.

On Sunday 13th April after the bring and share lunch we will be showing "Ratatouille" a recently released film which is suitable for all ages.  All are welcome.

Peacebuilder is a place that you learn about Jesus and have fun. There were three places you could go to in the gym where peace builders was held: one was arts and crafts, one was writing prayers and one was playing games. We got to sing songs and play a snow ball fight. Some times we went into a church were there was the child friendly award. It was free.

 by Rebecca

Ron Hinsley, Head of Certification at the Fairtrade Foundation, will be giving a talk about his book and his work, with time for questions.  Fairtrade Foundation Director Harriet Lamb said, Banana wars …. is a gripping story of David and Goliath and winning against the odds, with the knowledge that human livelihoods hang in the balance.  An inspiring story to shame the greedy and inspire the benevolent who identify with the downtrodden.  An inspiration.

Ghosts is a documentary produced by Channel 4, looking at the events that lead to the drowning of a group of Chinese illegal immigrants, whilst harvesting cockles in Morcombe Bay.  We will meet for coffee at 19.00 and the film will start at 19.30, followed by some discussion on the film.  If you have time, please stay and have a chat.  All are welcome