Lion Walk
United Reformed Church
The Church at Lion Walk dates back to 1642.
Today, still, we are a family of people in need of God's guidance:
- men, women, girls, boys;
- the working, out-of-work, retired;
- the healthy and the failing;
- troubled and content.
If you fit the description then Lion Walk
may be the place for you.
The church is situated right in the centre
of the town, in a pedestrian precinct, and was rebuilt (completed 1986) on the
first floor over shops. The premises are therefore modern and well-equipped and
comprise the third church building on the present site.
The church has 200 members, most of whom
live in the suburbs or outlying villages. There are several families with young
children who actively participate in church activities.
Worship at both morning and evening services
is supported by a choir and organist of a standard we believe is comparable to
some of the best in the URC.
There is a commitment to outreach work. The
URC’s ‘Commitment for Life’ appeal has been strongly supported through
individual giving since its inception. Overseas contacts have been maintained
with St. Andrew’s,
Lion Walk offers Christian worship,
education and fellowship in the modern, well-equipped premises located in
Friendships come through involvement in activities:
The monthly newsletter Lion Talk
gives information on local activities, people and forthcoming services.
Reform, the magazine of the national body, United reformed Church, keeps
readers up-to-date with the wider world.
Vision
for the Future
Lion Walk is a gathered congregation with many
different needs and visions for the future. We must continue to build and grow
if we are to remain and retain a vibrant, active membership. We would like to
see a greater proportion of our membership attending church on a regular basis
and becoming actively involved in the fuller life of the church. We would seek
to do this by nurturing the many strengths and talents of our congregation and
by addressing any areas for improvement.
Our challenges for the future can be
summarised as follows:
·
Spiritual leadership – If Christianity is to flourish in the 21st
century, it does seem important that it is presented in such a way that not
only challenges the sort of complacency likely to exist in larger churches but
also takes account of our rapidly changing world. Therefore, we value
challenging and thought-provoking preaching which is relevant to the 21st
century and the world in which we live.
·
Worship – Our congregation spans all age ranges from young
children to elderly worshippers. We seek to make our worship all-inclusive,
with relevance to our children as well as to the adult members of the church.
·
Pastoral care – The mix of the membership necessitates the
extension of pastoral care to all, from our younger members who may need
reassurance and guidance to the older members who may require home visits and
ministry. As a town centre church, we also receive frequent calls for help of
one sort or another from folks coming in off the streets.
·
Work with young people and children – Our children and young people add immeasurably to
the life of the church. Our work must especially address the needs of those in
their mid-teens as some of them prepare to enter university and leave
(temporarily) the security of home and the immediate church family.
·
Church growth and outreach – Our town centre location provides us with numerous
opportunities to minister to the needs of the community within our locality.
Find out more about Lion Walk by joining us
in one of our weekly activities or by contacting
us.
