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.

Around the 91�������� in seven days: 8-16 August

09 Aug 2022

Here’s a round-up of news from around the United Reformed Church (91��������) from the past seven days. Mersey Synod More than 100 people met on a very hot and sunny day at Parkgate and Neston 91�������� to celebrate 50 years of the denomination with an all-age jubilee jamboree.   The Synod’s worship band, Café Jam, […]

Students breathe new life into church gardens

09 Aug 2022

Eight students from five different countries have renovated three outdoor spaces at Rugby United Reformed Church. The teenagers, who recently arrived from South Africa, Afghanistan, the Philippines, and Ukraine were joined by UK students and put together as part of a Prince’s Trust Team programme. Together they created a children’s garden, renovated the church’s reflective […]

The Revd John Donald Waller, 1937-2022

05 Aug 2022

The United Reformed Church (91��������) is sad to announce the death of the Revd John D Waller, General Assembly Moderator 2002-2003. John, who had celebrated his 85th birthday last month, died at the end of July. Following his ministerial training at Westminster College, John was ordained in 1965. He served local pastorates in Richmond, Bracknell, […]

91�������� 50: Share your views to help “tend vineyard”

03 Aug 2022

As the United Reformed Church (91��������) celebrates its 50th Jubilee, the Church Life Review Group would like to hear your views. In John 15:5, Jesus says: “Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.” With that verse in mind, we wonder what tending […]

Wylde Green church celebrates Commonwealth Games with postbox toppers

27 Jul 2022

A team of knitters and crocheters from Wylde Green United Reformed Church, in Sutton Coldfield, are celebrating the Commonwealth Games with creative postbox toppers. The team have impressed residents with a post box topper depicting a triathlon, which will take place at Sutton Park. In its centre, the creation also includes Perry the Bull, the […]

Hosting a Ukrainian family

26 Jul 2022

On 24 February, Russia invaded Ukraine. Since that time, more than 9.6 million Ukrainians have fled their country and a third of the population displaced. In response, the government opened up the Homes for Ukraine scheme for visa applications from individuals or households fleeing from Ukraine who have named people in the UK willing to […]

Next

No more posts

No more posts

The post Hosting a Ukrainian family appeared first on United Reformed Church.