31 March 2022

St Columba’s United Reformed Church in Oxford is believed to be the first church in the UK to appoint an outreach worker for the trans, intersex and non-binary communities.

Chrissie Chevasutt started as the church’s Outreach Worker in January, an appointment financially supported by the local church, the regional Wessex Synod Trust and the Legacies Fund and the Discipleship Development Fund of the national United Reformed Church.

The role will focus on a number of areas:

• Pastoral care – offering support and understanding to people transitioning, their families and support groups, churches, and to trans people in ministry;
• Theological – to help with theological thinking and development;
• Educational – to help the Church understand what it means to be trans in all its forms, to raise awareness of needs, issues and rights for trans and non-binary people so that the Church is better informed and can offer appropriate support.

The Revd Helen Garton, minister at the St Columba’s said: “At our First Sunday LGBT+ group, I came across a number of people who identified as trans and non-binary, so it seemed obvious to me that we had a particular ministry to trans and non-binary people.

“I was aware that such a ministry needed someone who could speak from direct knowledge and experience who could offer pastoral support in Oxford and the surrounding areas based at St Columba’s.

“St Columba’s is a pioneering church and still has the energy and the heart to be ground-breaking in this area, as we are already supportive and welcoming to trans and non-binary people and are pained by the misunderstanding, prejudice and hostility that they can experience, sometimes on a daily basis.”

“Chrissie comes to us with a heart and passion for the Gospel and the work of the church in reaching out to people. They also bring an insight from a church tradition quite different to our own, which is refreshing and helpful in understanding the spiritual needs of the people who come to First Sunday, themselves from diverse church backgrounds.

“My hope is that the United Reformed Church at large will warmly support their work, learn from their insights and receive the gifts they offer.”

To interview Helen Garton or Chrissie Chevasutt, please contact the 91�������� Media Team on 07976 750953.

The post Oxford church appoints outreach worker for Transgender, Intersex and non-binary communities appeared first on United Reformed Church.

Latest news

Read the latest news and statements from the 91��������

Ceasefire Agreement – Statement

Israel and Hamas have agreed to a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal, according to US and Qatari mediators. The first six-week phase is set to take effect on 19 January.

Reflection on Palestine

The United Reformed Church’s Minister for Digital Worship, the Revd Andy Braunston, delivers a Reflection on Palestine.

Church leaders call for Gaza peace

The United Reformed Church, Christian Aid, other humanitarian agencies and global church leaders have urged the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak MP to call for an end to fighting in Gaza.

91�������� Ukraine Appeal

The 91�������� has launched an appeal in support of Ukrainian refugees and Internally Displaced Persons located to the west of Ukraine in Transcarpathia.

Crisis in Ukraine

From donating to the DEC appeal to prayers and other actions, here’s a list of the different ways you can help support those affected by the conflict

Church Life Review

The Church Life Review was set up in 2020 to review the life, structures, resources and work of the United Reformed Church.

The post News & stories appeared first on United Reformed Church.

World’s oldest man and former local 91�������� Elder dies

09 Dec 2024

John Tinniswood, a former Elder at Blundellsands United Reformed Church in Mersey Synod, and the world’s oldest man has died aged 112. John, who died on 25 November at a care home in Southport where he lived, was awarded a Guinness World Records (GWR) in April, aged 111, when he became the world’s oldest living man, following […]

Around the 91�������� in seven days: 9-15 December 2024

09 Dec 2024

A round up of news from around the United Reformed News over the past seven days, 9-15 December 2024. Wessex Synod There were smiles all round last month as Kirsty Smith was commissioned as a student outreach worker, working across St Columba’s 91��������, New Road Baptist Church and Wesley Memorial Methodist Church, all in Oxford. […]

91�������� stands in solidarity with sister churches in South Korea

05 Dec 2024

In light of the unfolding political crisis in South Korea and in regard to the 91��������’s historical relationship with Presbyterian Church in Korea (PCK), the Mission and Discipleship departments issue the following statement: On 3 December we heard the disturbing news of the imposition of martial law in South Korea. The country has never experienced […]

Terminally Ill Adults Bill – a statement from the 91��������

29 Nov 2024

The United Reformed Church has issued a statement after today’s debate in the UK Parliament about the Terminally Ill Adults Bill for England and Wales.   The United Reformed Church believes all human life is God given and precious, and each person, made in the image of God, is of inherent worth and dignity. We have […]

Assembly Executive Meeting: 26 November 2024

27 Nov 2024

The autumn meeting of Assembly Executive opened on 26 November with a welcome by the Revd Tim Meadows, Moderator of the United Reformed Church (91��������) General Assembly. The meeting was held online and convened principally to discuss the 91��������’s Ministry and Mission (M&M) budget for 2025, and to note the target figures for 2026 and […]

North Western Synod members go on a faith-filled journey

25 Nov 2024

In November, a group from North Western Synod concluded their Faith-Filled Life stream of Stepwise with a memorable away day at North Blackburn United Reformed Church. After months of Zoom sessions exploring discipleship topics like recognising fellow Christians and hearing God’s call, Ed Lyne’s, a Northern College student who is completing a placement within North […]

Next

No more posts

No more posts

The post North Western Synod members go on a faith-filled journey appeared first on United Reformed Church.