On Sunday 12th July 2026, it was with great pleasure that our congregation witnessed and participated in the commissioning of Derek Graham, our member and Elder, as a Locally Recognised Worship Leader.
The service was led by Mark Hodgson (Synod Lay Preaching Commissioner) and the Rev’d David Featonby (former Convenor of the Synod Lay Ministry Group) took part in the act of commissioning.
It was a pleasure to mark the 100th birthday of our member, David, this Sunday and a joy that he was joined by members of his family on this special day.
Congratulations, David, and happy birthday!
Ahead of his imminent retirement, the Rev’d Chris Ford led his last service as Resource Minister of the South Nottingham Area at St. Andrew’s with Castle Gate URC on 26th October 2025.
Members of St. Andrew’s with Castle Gate, Gregory Boulevard, Keyworth and The Dales United Reformed Churches were joined by friends and colleagues of Chris and Ally and for the service which also included a baptism and reception into members of three of our young people.
The Synod Moderator, the Rev’d Geoffrey Clarke, expressed thanks on behalf of the churches and the denomination for Chris’ forty-one years of ministry and made a presentation to Chris and the service was followed by a congregational lunch in the church halls. Presentations were also made by the Junior Church.
We extend our very best wishes to Chris in his retirement.
The United Reformed Church has shared a reflection and prayers following news of the death of Pope Francis.
Intended for use in public and pricate prayer, it may be found at on the URC website HERE. (The prayers are reproduced below.)
Prayers
Eternal Majesty,
we commend to you our brother Francis,
give him the rest he so sorely needs.
Faithful Shepherd,
help us to model in our lives and ministry,
the mercy, radicalness, and missionary zeal of Your servant Francis,
that your kingdom will come.
Abiding Spirit,
guide the College of Cardinals as they pray, discern, and elect a new pope,
that that the ministry of oversight and leadership embodied in Pope Francis
may bear good fruit. Amen.
We enjoyed a wonderful afternoon together on Saturday 6th April 2025 when many members, friends and visitors came together to share conversation and refreshments at to view a display of various crafts representing the talents of the church family.
Music was provided by various soloists, groups as well as the church choir while people browsed the exhibits and we are very grateful to our musicians, to everyone who provided refreshments and stewarding as well as to all our crafters and those who created such an impressive display.
On Sunday 6th April, our Anniversary service was led by the Rev’d Dr John Bradbury, General Secretary of the United Reformed Church together with our Minister, the Rev’d Chris Ford. This service was followed by a buffet lunch.
There has been a church on our site for over 150 years but, in 1975, the former Castle Gate Congregational Church congregation and the former St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Congregations (which had both become URCs) came together to form St. Andrew’s with Castle Gate United Reformed Church.
Wehave had the joy of two baptismal services recently
Two young brothers were brought for infant baptism at morning worship on 23rd March and the service was followed by a family party in our church halls.
On 30th March, one of our young people was baptised by imersion and receieved into membership of our church at an evening service we held at Bulwell URC. We are grateful to our Bulwell church for permission to use their church and baptistry and for all the help they provided.
It was with delight that three new Elders, Becky, Chris and Luke, recently elected by Church Meeting, were ordained and inducted to serve our congregation during worship on Sunday 7th July 2024.
We also had the pleasure of welcoming Ruth into membership on this occasion.
We are delighted that recent activities have enabled our church to upgrade its Eco Church award to Silver.
Thank you to those who have guided us towards this and well-done to all. Now we work towards the Gold Award!
You may view our bright, shiny Silver certificate HERE.
We were delighted to be joined by our friends, Trinity Lutheran Church, and Lutheran church leaders, friends and family for the first service that Paulina has led following her consecration and instalation as Biship of the Lutheran Church in Great Britain.
This was a very happy occasion and we were delight to celebrate with Paulina, her family and friends and the congregation of Trinity Lutheran Church.
Thank you to everyone who helped prepare for this service and all those who provided refreshments.
Representatives of the Jewish and Muslim communities in Nottingham met along with other faith leaders and representatives of Nottingham Inter Faith Council to listen to each other, share prayers and to agree and sign a statement arising because of the current situation in Israel and Gaza.
The meeting was organised by the leader of Nottingham City Council, Cllr David Mellen and Cllr Sajid Mohammed, portfolio holder for Neighbourhoods, Safety and Inclusion.
The statement reads:
“In light of the heart-breaking events unfolding in Israel and Palestine (Gaza) this week, all Nottingham’s multi faith communities stand together in shock and sorrow. The tragic loss of life deeply affects us all. We wish to emphasise that the targeting and killing of civilians is utterly wrong. The need for unity is so crucial during such trying times.
Our communities share a profound connection to Nottingham and to each other. We work together, our children learn side by side in schools and our commitment to this city is unwavering. We cannot allow any room in our city for hatred, neither antisemitism or Islamophobia can be tolerated. We firmly assert that there is no place for hatred within our city.
We, as a diverse group of people of faith including British Muslims, Jews, Christians, Hindu and Sikhs, and other religions pledge our commitment to the safety and prosperity of each other. Together, we will actively call out and challenge all forms of discrimination. We call for understanding, respect, and unity in our beloved city.”
13.10.2023
The Free Churches Group statement on the the situation in Israel and Gaza may be read HERE.
