Kingston United Reformed Church - An oasis in the hubbub of Kingston

News update from Zimbabwe

Thu, 15 May 2008 06:31:50 -0700

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.'

Church Day out to Folkestone

Thu, 15 May 2008 06:08:11 -0700

Start: 05/07/2008 - 9:00am

End: 05/07/2008 - 6:00pm

Start: 05/07/2008 - 9:00am

End: 05/07/2008 - 6:00pm

Location: Kingston Train Station/Folkestone

Fancy a trip to Folkestone for the day with the church? If so then put Saturday 5th July in your diary now! This trip is open to all and there is plenty to do to suit all age groups. I have a few ideas but would welcome other suggestions. There is a great adventure play park, the beach to walk along, an art festival plus loads of other attractions. No trip to the seaside would be complete without ice cream and a fish supper before heading home. For more information contact Alison Holt.

Fundraising for African Positive Outlook - The Pampered Chef

Thu, 15 May 2008 05:57:32 -0700

Start: 24/05/2008 - 1:00pm

End: 24/05/2008 - 5:00pm

Start: 24/05/2008 - 1:00pm

End: 24/05/2008 - 5:00pm

Location: Kingston URC

African Positive Outlook, a charity working to improve the health and welfare of BME communities in Kingston (who are based in our church) are hosting a "Pampered Chef" lunch to raise funds for their work. Entrance is £2.00 for an adult and children are free and for every order placed 10% will be donated to the charity.

Church News April 2008 - Youth Edition

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:23:52 -0700

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Thanksgiving Service for Roy Cullum

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 13:30:44 -0700

Start: 23/04/2008 - 2:00pm

End: 23/04/2008 - 3:00pm

Start: 23/04/2008 - 2:00pm

End: 23/04/2008 - 3:00pm

Location: Kingston URC

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.

Film Afternoon showing "Ratatouille"

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 06:09:09 -0700

Start: 13/04/2008 - 12:30pm

End: 13/04/2008 - 2:00pm

Start: 13/04/2008 - 12:30pm

End: 13/04/2008 - 2:00pm

Location: Kingston URC, Training Room

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.

Peace builders

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 13:51:49 -0700

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

Book Launch - Banana Wars and other Fairtrade Battles'

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:50:55 -0800

Start: 13/03/2008 - 7:00pm

End: 13/03/2008 - 8:00pm

Start: 13/03/2008 - 7:00pm

End: 13/03/2008 - 8:00pm

Location: Borders Bookshop, Market Place, Kingston

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.

Film Night Showing Ghosts

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:43:53 -0800

Start: 13/03/2008 - 7:00pm

End: 13/03/2008 - 10:00pm

Start: 13/03/2008 - 7:00pm

End: 13/03/2008 - 10:00pm

Location: Kingston URC

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

Film Night Showing Shadowlands

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:31:02 -0800

Start: 06/03/2008 - 7:00pm

End: 06/03/2008 - 10:00pm

Start: 06/03/2008 - 7:00pm

End: 06/03/2008 - 10:00pm

Location: Kingston URC

The film this week is Shadowlands, directed by Richard Attenborough and starring Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger. Coffee is available at 19.00 and the film will begin at 19.30. If you have time, please stay for a chat afterwards. All are welcome.

Support KURC via your online shopping

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 03:04:10 -0800

You can now support KURC financially by doing your shopping online, paying no more than you normally would by going to a range of online shops via our buy.at affiliate page. You just access the retailer's usual website through the above link, and every time you buy something KURC gets a commission. QED. Retailers pay the commission out of their marketing budget and it has cost us nothing to set up the arrangement. Buy.at does not pass on any details and strictly prohibits retailers from doing so. It is anonymous - we do not know who has bought what, only how many visits each site has had. Please take a look for yourself, there is no obligation. You can also support the church by buying your books from Amazon via this page

Church News March 2008

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 04:24:06 -0800

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February Church News 2008

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 04:21:16 -0800

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Fancy a discussion at the 11.30 service?

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 11:07:16 -0800

At the 11.30am service this Sunday (17.02.08) at Kingston URC we will be discussing some of the issues raised by the Archbishop of Canterbury's recent speech. If you would like to read the speech in advance please take a look at this link. His statement to the Church of England's ruling body, the General Synod, is to be found here. And here is a link to the Radio 4 interview. Please come ready for a lively debate.

Film Night Showing Goodnight Mr Tom

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 02:39:53 -0800

Start: 21/02/2008 - 7:00pm

End: 21/02/2008 - 10:00pm

Start: 21/02/2008 - 7:00pm

End: 21/02/2008 - 10:00pm

Location: Training Room, Kingston URC

This week we will be showing Goodnight Mr Tom (1988) a moving film about the relationship between Tom Oakley and an orphan boy Willie Beech and is set during World War 2. We will meet for coffee at 19.00, the film will begin at 19.30 and hopefully people will stay for some discussion on the film afterwards. All are welcome.