Photo Galleries
SONGS OF PRAISE on Sunday 24 October at 3pm when people from all URCs in the Bristol area gathered to sing our favourite hymns, including learning a new one composed by Revd Stephen Newell and Naomi Sharp which won a prize in the URC Worship Resources Competition held to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the URC. This was followed by tea and cakes (of course!)
THE UNITED REFORMED CHURCH IS 50 YEARS OLD!
And we celebrated today by dedicating a tree for the URC. We planted two trees in Spring ready for a Rowan to be dedicated for the Queen's Jubilee in June and an Amelanchier to be dedicated today, Sunday 9 October 2022. The Bristol Korean Church was worshipping with us and the Revd Bohyun Kim, former minister at the BKC, and now General Secretary for the Presbyterian Church in Korea, blessed the tree with a prayer.
PHOENIX CHOIR
We have enjoyed rehearsing in the warm and welcoming surroundings of the Church in our first year back singing after the lifting of restrictions. About 40 of us (of varying ages and voices) have rehearsed and performed Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna, traditional Christmas carols, Verdi’s Requiem (in collaboration with Bristol Cabot Choir and Bristol Classical Players), Vivaldi’s Gloria and a selection of anthems and part songs by Byrd, Tallis, Stanford and other composers. So – a great year’s singing and the joy of making music once again. In the coming year we plan to spend some time in the Autumn trying out different kinds of music as well as pieces suggested by choir members. Our concert on December 3rd will feature Fantasia on Christmas Carols by Vaughan Williams. In February we will host another Come and Sing, this time the work will be Carmina Burana by Carl Orff. Our Spring concert has still to be finalised but may be the German Requiem by Brahms or The Dream of Gerontius by Elgar. Lots to look forward to! If you would like to sing with us, please contact Jackie our Membership Secretary jackie.blackwell410@gmail.com . Rehearsals start again on 13th September and we would love to welcome some new singers! If you would like to know more about us have a look at our website www.bristolphoenixchoir.org.uk
DRAGONBIRD SONG
DragonBird Song is a 50-minute live session that explores exciting and tactile worlds through immersive theatrical play and song for children aged 0-5. DragonBird Song sessions use the interactive and immersive Theatre play they have been bringing to children all over the South West for over ten years with some added exploration through song. Expect harmonies, singing in the round and other musical tricks (don't worry, you don’t need to be a singer to join!). More info here: https://www.dragonbirdtheatre.co.uk/song
GARDEN PARTY - a lunch-time garden party for Redland Park was held after the service on Sunday 24 July to raise some funds for our new church charities: The Vine Trust (overseas) and the North Bristol Food Bank (local). The garden was beautiful (thanks to Jane and Richard), the weather was lovely and the food was fantastic. We all enjoyed the day.
ZIMBABWE CHURCH - the members have started meeting again on Sunday afternoons, including Truida and Florence
PICNIC ON THE DOWNS - ten of us braved the heat by sitting in the shade, near the ice-cream van!)
VIGIL FOR UKRAINE
A vigil for Ukraine was held in Redland Park Church on Thursday 7 July from 11.30am to 6.30pm, to pray for peace in Ukraine, not just sending arms and armaments, but to encourage negotiations for peace.
HM THE QUEEN'S PLATINUM JUBILEE
Prince Charles encouraged everyone to Plant a Tree for the Jubilee, so we did. A Rowan tree was planted at the Redland Park side of the church and this was dedicated on Sunday 5 June 2022, by Dennis Stinchcombe MBE, Manager of Broad Plain Boys Club, which has a long-standing connection to Redland Park URC, followed by a prayer from Revd Dougie Burnett and then tea, coffee and Jubilee cakes.
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER Friday 4 March 2022
This year, this was held at Redland Park Church and was produced by the women of England, Wales and Northern Ireland (the women of Scotland have their own WDP). It was based on the reading from the book of Jeremiah, ch 29, vv 1-14:
Surely I know the plans I have for you; plans for your welfare, plans to not harm you, and to give you hope again.
VIGIL FOR UKRAINE 28 February 2022 from 2.00pm to 7.00pm.
There is a vigil to pray for peace in Ukraine following the invasion by President Putin of Russia last week.
24 OCTOBER 2021
Prayer walk by Redland Park URC on 24 Oct.
On Sunday 24 October, a small group of Redland Park members met at the church before the Sunday service and took part in a prayer walk instigated by Tear Fund in support of COP26 objectives. We walked down Whiteladies Road and stopped first at the Victoria Rooms, a public space. We prayed for all those affected by the climate crisis, particularly those in the developing world. Next we stopped at a Bristol University building, representing a science centre. Here we prayed for our scientists who are working so hard to understand climate crisis. We pray they find solutions that will save our planet for future generations to enjoy. Finally we stopped at the BBC Broadcasting House and prayed for those in communications to be discerning and truthful.
Please hold those fighting for fair outcomes from COP26 in your prayers as the UN Climate Summit draws nearer. The world meets in Glasgow on 6 November and mobilisations in towns and cities across the UK are planned. A number of us are meeting at Redland Park URC at 11.30 Saturday 6 November and walking down to College Green for the start of the Global Day of Action in Bristol at 12.00. Join us if you can.
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10 OCTOBER 2021
A happy day was spent at Barton Camp, Winscombe, founded by Redland Park's first minister, Revd Urijah Thomas, with classroom, dining room, dormitories for schoolchildren, outdoor spaces and a heated pool. We spent a morning discussing what we can do about climate change, packed lunch in the sunshine, followed by an afternoon of art, cakes, playreading, walking to Crook Peak, den building, swimming, or doing your own thing in the lovely weather.
SEPTEMBER 2021
Following the withdrawal of forces from Afghanistan, a vigil was held to pray for those left behind in the country, and those who had become refugees.
Following the withdrawal of forces from Afghanistan, a vigil was held to pray for those left behind in the country, and those who had become refugees.
SUNDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2021
A Big Brekkie was held before church also in aid of Christian Aid, feeding about 40 people, and raising another £101!
A Big Brekkie was held before church also in aid of Christian Aid, feeding about 40 people, and raising another £101!
SATURDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2021
Redland Park was able to hold a delayed Christian Aid Fair, being blessed with good weather, and raising nearly £500 for this valuable cause regularly supported by the church.
JULY 2021
In June world leaders of the 7 richest nations came together at the G7 summit, but they did not deliver on our calls for climate justice. We are united in our criticism and dismay of the lack of action taken, and we must make sure world leaders are in no doubt that this was not good enough. By standing together, praying and taking action, we can still hope for a better outcome at this November’s climate summit, COP26. We must continue to speak out, so our collective call for justice cannot be ignored. (Christian Aid Prayer Chain Resources, July)
In an effort to bring leaders’ attention to the seriousness of the Climate crisis and the urgent need for action now, the Young Christian Climate Network (YCCN) is journeying along the length of our island in their pilgrimage to the COP26 Climate Conference in Glasgow. Two start points (one from St Ives starting immediately after the G7 conference there, and one from St David's, Wales ) converged in Bristol on 12 July.
A group of people from Redland Park (Myra Jones, Angus Gregson, Alison Hooper) plus others from Bristol churches (Wendy Hopkins and Margaret Postlethwaite) joined the YCCN relay walk section from Bradley Stoke to College Green following the Community Forest path to Purdown then on through St Werburghs to the Bristol city centre. It was good to think we were helping the YCCN raise awareness of their pilgrimage to Glasgow.
We pray for hope and determination to build fairer world, even in the face of set backs.
A prayer from the Christian Aid Prayer Chain Resources, July
Dear Father, The Young Christian Climate Network (YCCN) is journeying along the length of our island in their pilgrimage to the COP26 Climate Conference in Glasgow. In your name, they ask for climate justice and fair climate finance for all nations. Bless everyone involved in the relay – those walking, those involved in local celebrations, those online, and those joining in prayer. Inspire all of us to seek change and put compassion and understanding into the hearts of governments and decision makers. In this crucial year for the future of our earth, help us to rise to the moment. Father strengthen us. And lead us to justice. Many are still feeling the repercussions of the Covid pandemic. We pray for those who are mourning loved ones, experiencing ill health, or suffering from loss of livelihood. In this moment of rebuilding our communities afresh, help us to work towards sustainability, equality, and peace. Inspire us and our governments to build back better. Help us to rise to the moment. Father strengthen us. And lead us to justice. Today, this year, and always, help us all to rise to the moment. We ask this for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen
In June world leaders of the 7 richest nations came together at the G7 summit, but they did not deliver on our calls for climate justice. We are united in our criticism and dismay of the lack of action taken, and we must make sure world leaders are in no doubt that this was not good enough. By standing together, praying and taking action, we can still hope for a better outcome at this November’s climate summit, COP26. We must continue to speak out, so our collective call for justice cannot be ignored. (Christian Aid Prayer Chain Resources, July)
In an effort to bring leaders’ attention to the seriousness of the Climate crisis and the urgent need for action now, the Young Christian Climate Network (YCCN) is journeying along the length of our island in their pilgrimage to the COP26 Climate Conference in Glasgow. Two start points (one from St Ives starting immediately after the G7 conference there, and one from St David's, Wales ) converged in Bristol on 12 July.
A group of people from Redland Park (Myra Jones, Angus Gregson, Alison Hooper) plus others from Bristol churches (Wendy Hopkins and Margaret Postlethwaite) joined the YCCN relay walk section from Bradley Stoke to College Green following the Community Forest path to Purdown then on through St Werburghs to the Bristol city centre. It was good to think we were helping the YCCN raise awareness of their pilgrimage to Glasgow.
We pray for hope and determination to build fairer world, even in the face of set backs.
A prayer from the Christian Aid Prayer Chain Resources, July
Dear Father, The Young Christian Climate Network (YCCN) is journeying along the length of our island in their pilgrimage to the COP26 Climate Conference in Glasgow. In your name, they ask for climate justice and fair climate finance for all nations. Bless everyone involved in the relay – those walking, those involved in local celebrations, those online, and those joining in prayer. Inspire all of us to seek change and put compassion and understanding into the hearts of governments and decision makers. In this crucial year for the future of our earth, help us to rise to the moment. Father strengthen us. And lead us to justice. Many are still feeling the repercussions of the Covid pandemic. We pray for those who are mourning loved ones, experiencing ill health, or suffering from loss of livelihood. In this moment of rebuilding our communities afresh, help us to work towards sustainability, equality, and peace. Inspire us and our governments to build back better. Help us to rise to the moment. Father strengthen us. And lead us to justice. Today, this year, and always, help us all to rise to the moment. We ask this for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen
SUNDAY 1 MARCH 2020
Just before the lockdown due to Covid-19 happened, the Junior Church held their party in the Upper Room with lots of activities and food.
PRAYER WALK - SUNDAY 15 MARCH 2020
An intepid few set out in the rain to walk and pray at various points around Redland Park Church.
ST JOHN'S SCHOOL
St John's is beginning a joint project with Redland Park Church for a series of concerts by the children for the parents and staff of the school, and for Redland Park. The first concert was held in February 2020 and was 'Sounds of the 60's' - always a winner!
CHRISTMAS THROUGH THE KEYHOLE held at Tyndale Baptist Church with help from Redland Park and Victoria Methodist on 5, 6 and 7 December 2019: Saturday had the added attraction of a donkey led by Joseph of Jerusalem, and just the right height for children and wheelchair users.
REDLAND PARK AND THE KOREAN CHURCH AWAYDAY, 16 November
Our awayday centred on prayer, with some Godly Play, some eating together, and various activities during the afternoon. We stayed at Barton Camp, part of Bristol Children's Help Society, founded by the first minister of Redland Park Church, the Reverend Urijah Rees Thomas.
We began with a welcome, some Godly Play, and then lunch.
Some of the activities during the afternoon - body-language in prayer, cross-stitch, making a rope knot:
Clay making, some of our products, the prayer tree, climbing Crooks Peak and the popular (even in November) heated pool:
As part of our next Holy Habit - Prayer, we have arranged to spend some time together as a church family and with our friends from the Korean Church. This offers us all the opportunity for fellowship across the ages, to enjoy each other’s company in a lovely setting and to explore something of what prayer means to us individually and collectively. Barton Camp is an appropriate setting for our day as it was begun by a Redland Park Minister, Rev Urijah Thomas early in the 20th century and is still run by the Bristol Children’s Help Society which he set up. You can check out the Barton Camp facilities and environment at https://www.bartoncamp.org/
Our programme will include worship, time for reflection, interactive creative workshops, board games, crafts and leisure opportunities like swimming in the heated outdoor pool or hiking up Crooks Peak - inclusive activities for all ages. Rev Helena McKinnon will lead our prayer focus.
Please bring a packed lunch and some fruit or cake to share - as well as an open mind and a warm heart. The day will start informally at 10am and finish about 4pm.
OUTREACH TO THE HOMELESS
Redland Park Church, with some help from our Korean Church members, reaches out to the homeless of Bristol on each Saturday in October every year. Soup, sandwiches, tea and coffee, cakes and biscuits, bananas, socks, gloves, hats, etc, plus toiletries of all sorts, are donated by members of the church and served in St James' Park, next to St James' Priory, central Bristol. It is much appreciated, especially as the colder weather takes hold. Other churches in Bristol provide this service in other months.
HOLIDAY CLUB FOR 3RD AGERS: ROWING IN THE HARBOUR before lunch, for those with sea-legs, and a guided tour of the Underfall Yard.
HOLIDAY CLUB FOR 3RD AGERS: THATCHER'S CIDER - a popular visit by the Holiday Club!
Photos show from tree, to lorries depositing their load of apples, to being washed, and the finished product. Other ciders are available (but not at Thatchers!)
HOLIDAY CLUB FOR 3RD AGERS (the Whiteladies Road Churches) 2019
The Holiday Club began on Tuesday 10 September 2019, with everyone helping to make a banner with the help of staff from the Scrapstore, and resources from their supplies of scrap.
OUR OVERSEAS CHURCH CHARITY 2017-2019, The Verenga-Mukoku Reformed Church in Zimbabwe: work is progressing after difficulties with finding local people to do the work, and the long monsoon delaying work and supplies.
SUMMER PICNIC with Redland Park and the Bristol Korean Church, on a sunny Sunday afternoon, 14 July, followed by a game of rounders; try explaining rounders to South Koreans, when baseball is their national game!
BAKING BREAD - as part of our 'Breaking Bread' series on Walking the Way, Derek Jones organised for people to make bread (foccaccia and a traditional bun loaf) before the service, then eating it afterwards. Unfortunately, the rain came and stopped our prayer walk, but the bread was enjoyed at home.
CHRISTIAN AID WEEK 12-19 May 2019
Starting with Big Brekkie on Sunday 12 May for several members of the Junior Church (raising £100):
And continuing with our Christian Aid Fair on Saturday 18 May (raising £575 plus £235 from our Korean church barbecue):
STILL EATING TOGETHER and Walking the Way! Gladness and Generosity, the theme for our service on 10 March, followed by an indoor picnic for a hungry few.
SEOUL PRESBYTERY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF KOREA; a group of three from Redland Park Church accompanied by the Minister and family from the Bristol Korean Church went to Seoul in March 2019
VERENGA-MUKOKU CHURCH, ZIMBABWE (our overseas church charity for 2017-19). We have been giving financial support for the materials for the rebuilding of the church; local labour is actually building the church.
JUNIOR CHURCH NATIVITY (with a few adults!)
Some of the ways that our Congregation has been EATING TOGETHER this autumn; (Harvest collection for the Foodbank, followed by Harvest lunch, a picnic lunch after morning service, Zimbabwe Evening, and serving the Soup Run). This is a HOLY HABIT that we will continue through Christmas and into 2019
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 2018
BRISTOL CHURCHES SOUP RUN
For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you welcomed me. Matthew 25: 35
Redland Park Church is one of the Bristol churches taking part in the soup run to the homeless. Some friends from our Korean church also take part. We organise this for every Saturday in October each year, and provide soup, sandwiches, cakes, chocolate, toiletries, clothes, and anything that might be useful - most provided by members of the church. We also supply copies of the small Survival Handbook, full of useful information for people without a settled home to find information on benefits, where to find food and drink, and a possible roof over their heads - temporary or permanent.
Redland Park Church is one of the Bristol churches taking part in the soup run to the homeless. Some friends from our Korean church also take part. We organise this for every Saturday in October each year, and provide soup, sandwiches, cakes, chocolate, toiletries, clothes, and anything that might be useful - most provided by members of the church. We also supply copies of the small Survival Handbook, full of useful information for people without a settled home to find information on benefits, where to find food and drink, and a possible roof over their heads - temporary or permanent.
FUNDRAISING EVENING FOR OUR ZIMBABWE CHURCH
On Saturday 6 October, we held an evening event to raise funds to go towards rebuilding the Verenga-Mukoku Church in Zimbabwe. This included a choir from the Bristol church of the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe (two of whose members also come to Redland Park URC) plus food from Zimbabwe, Jamaica and Britain. £154 was raised on the night, with more to come. Our fundraising is paying for materials for the rebuilding, with local people providing the skills and work.
CELEBRATION OF HARVEST 2018
Harvest was celebrated in Redland Park on Sunday 30 September. There was a great display of the food donated by friends and members of the church which will go to the Night Shelter and the Food Bank, followed by a Harvest lunch of two types of English soup, two Korean soups, and followed by various desserts. Afterwards, it was reported that £185 had been raised by Redland Park for their two charities (CLIC Sargent and the Verenga-Mukoku Church in Zimbabwe), with further monies raised by the Korean Church for theirs.
And here are some pictures from the visit to Wells Palace and Gardens:
HOLIDAY CLUB FOR THIRD AGERS 25 JUNE TO 6 JULY
This holiday club began with a creative arts day on Monday 25 July, with sculpture and a tour of the RWA; Wednesday 27 was a trip to Berkeley Castle and the Butterfly House; Friday 29 include gospel singing and a concert after lunch as part of Clifton International Music Festival. Monday 2 July was a bread-making day followed by a guided tour of the Downs with a butterfly expert; Wednesday 4 was a tour of the Harbourisde, Poole's Wharf and the M Shed while Friday 6 included a trip to Wells Cathedral and Palace.
Here are some pictures from the bread-making day:
CHURCH PICNIC ON SUNDAY 10 JUNE 2018
Sunshine but no rounders!
CHRISTIAN AID WEEK AT REDLAND PARK URC - our House!
BUILD A HOUSE FOR REFUGEES: The United Nations and its member states are working on two new agreements on refugees and migration, but neither will help people displaced in their own country. The world can and must do better. All people on the move should be protected from harm and have a chance to rebuild their lives, not just survive. We can help bring hope to our sisters and brothers. I invite you now to take your ‘brick of hope’ (hold up template) and write a word, short message or prayer for people who have been forced from their homes. These bricks will build a Home of Hope; an act of solidarity with displaced people around the world. (Everyone writes on their brick.) After the service, please sign our petition to the UK Government. We’re asking our government to support better protection for all people on the move. The Home of Hope that we build today, together with our petitions, will be presented to the government, to ensure no one is left behind. #caweek
PRAYER WALK SUNDAY 6 MAY 2018
Walking the Way is the United Reformed Church’s exciting focus on lifelong Christian discipleship and mission. It moves beyond a set of programmes into the world, where each step we take is accompanied by Jesus, helping us to bring about change in our own lives and, ultimately, in Church culture and society. As you engage in Walking the Way, we hope your understanding of what being a Christian disciple means will deepen. Who knows, you may grow beyond your wildest dreams, living as a disciple in all parts of your life.
CHRISTIAN AID FAIR 2018
Redland Park Church runs an annual Fair for Christian Aid each May; on a lovely sunny day on Saturday 5 May, there were lots of takers for books, plants, Korean dumplings, bric a brac, vegan food from the Spotless Leopard and cakes, together with tea and coffee from the church and singing by children from St John's School. £526 was raised together with £115 from a Christian Aid Big Brekkie on 13 May, £139 from the Bristol Korean Church and nearly £900 from the house-to-house collection during the week,
Bristol Churches Winter Night Shelter
Redland Park URC is one of the churches taking part in this project from January to March 2018. The Bristol Churches Winter Night Shelter aims to offer a safe place to sleep and a hearty meal for homeless guests over the winter months. Over 400 volunteers registered and were trained, and then divided into three shifts; the evening shift welcomed guests, made up beds, helped prepare dinner then guests and volunteers ate together. The overnight shift talked or played games with the guests, and stayed overnight in case of problems. When the morning shift arrived, they could leave, and these volunteers put away beds, helped serve a light breakfast and cleared up. The guests are very grateful for a settled base for three months, especially when the weather is so cold. Volunteers from Redland Park worked at the Tyndale Baptist Church which has suitable premises, and this was over the first six weeks of the project, on Tuesday nights/Wednesday mornings. The second half of the project, mid-February to the end of March, will take place at the 7th Day Adventist Church in Montpelier. All guests were chosen by St Mungo's Bristol Bread and Butter Pudding anyone?
African Evening
The Verenga Mukoku Church in Zimbabwe is our overseas charity for this year, and it is the family church for Truida Mutare. Our fund-raising is to help pay for materials to rebuild the church, and local skills will provide the labour. Our African Evening on Saturday 18 November included some of the choir from the Reformed Church of Zimbabwe in Bristol, and they sang some beautiful hymns for us; their pastor told us a little about the churches in the cities and rural areas in Zimbabwe, as well as praying with us. We raised the grand total of £323 (and counting) so thank you to everyone who came or bought tickets anyway, who provided food, who sang, and who made donations.
Christian Aid Fair May 2017
Redland Park Church always holds a Christian Aid Fair each May during Christian Aid Week. The weather is usually sunny and dry (!) and money is raised for this good cause. There are stalls selling plants, books, bric a brac, etc, and English and Korean food is cooked by members of Redland Park and the Bristol Korean Church also based at Redland Park.
Hustings 2017
Prior to the General Election of May 2017, Redland Park URC hosted hustings for the four candidates for Bristol West constituency involving Molly Scott Cato (Green), Stephen Williams (Lib Dem), Annabel Tall (Con) and Thangam Debonnaire (Lab)
CHURCH GARDEN MADE INTO A WILDFLOWER MEADOWRedland Park URC has a small side garden on Redland Park itself which was overgrown and full of bushes and plants needing re-siting. Thanks to a grant from Bishopston, Cotham & Redland Neighbourhood Partnership matched by fund-raising from the church, it was able to completely transform the two beds into a wildflower garden with a developing hedge at the back, all for the benefit of pollinators such as bees and butterflies, as well as birds, together with new paving to replace some crazy paving which was becoming dangerous. This was also to provide a quiet area for residents and local workers to sit and enjoy.
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Hustings 2015 |
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Redland Park URC was host for the local churches' hustings in April 2015, prior to the general election of 7 May. Seven candidates from Left Unity, UKIP, Independents for Bristol, Greens, Lib Dems, Conservatives and Labour, gave their manifesto and answered questions from the large audience. From Redland Park, John Neugebauer chaired the meeting, and the minister, Dougie Burnett, opened and closed the session.
