The United Reformed Church Chesham

Dear Friends, September 2025

As I write this a long hot summer is drawing to an end and hopefully we will soon have much needed rain. Although in my life time our ability to predict the weather has improved considerably due to the power of super computers we still have very little control over it. I recall a Rabbi telling me that in an English Synagogue they pray for rain when it is needed in Israel, and then he added that God answers with rain in England!

Jesus said to the crowds, ‘When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, “It is going to rain”; and so it happens. And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, “There will be scorching heat”; and it happens. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time? (Luke 11v 54,56)

We live in this world in partnership with our Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer, together we seek to discern our appropriate actions to enable our planet to provide an abundant life for all, including those not yet born.

The United Reformed Church believes that in the ministry of the Word, through preaching and the studying of the Scriptures, God makes known in each age his saving love, his will for his people and his purpose for the world.

Our challenge at Chesham URC is to work this out in practice.

The URC places responsibility on the Elders to provide leadership and guide the Church meeting in its decision making. Elders are elected annually for a 3-year term, they can be reelected for a further 3 years but after serving for 6 years they must take a year’s Sabbatical. We celebrate 300 years of ministry at this church thanks to the service of so many Elders over the years but clearly new Elders will be needed to take the work forward. Is God calling you to serve as an Elder? To become an Elder candidates must have been a member of the Church for a year.

It is good to have friends in our congregation indicating they wish to become members. If you are not yet a Member, would you consider it? To become a Member you need to be baptized; if baptised as an infant, then you will be invited to confess your faith when you are welcomed into membership at a Communion service (after a Church meeting has agreed to your becoming a Member). If you are considering becoming a Member, please speak to me or an Elder of the church. There is a booklet entitled “Join the Family” available in church and online on the main URC website.

A very big thank you to all who currently enable such a wonderful ministry to continue at this church.

Alan Callow, Church Secretary