Jesmond United Reformed Church –

Article By Nigel Watson

Making all things new.

It’s a new year, we have a new magazine for Jesmond, and perhaps we’ve made some new resolutions.  With the new calendar on the wall it’s somehow easier to think in terms of new beginnings and perhaps we find our hopes rising in spite of the problems that surround us.

Christians know Jesus as the one who makes all things new.  He brings release from past mistakes, even when we still have to live with the consequences.  He enables us to keep the new resolutions we make when they reflect his values.  He also challenges us to share in his work of renewal.  In a world that is divided in so many ways, Jesus’ message of reconciliation, love and healing is a good basis for hope but it requires us to get involved.  At Jesmond United Reformed Church we like to focus on what we can do, small though it may be in a global context. 

We have been struck by the unfairness of so much world trade that benefits rich consumers at the expense of poor producers.  We have realised that one way to hasten change is to join in campaigning, and a group from the church enjoyed going to Edinburgh last July for the march designed to persuade the G8 politicians to ‘make poverty history’ while many more have joined in writing postcards to world leaders.  Another way to bring change is to buy fairly traded products and to help our friends and neighbours to do the same.  This ensures that justice is done by giving producers a living wage.  We may live in a fair-trade city, but many people have not yet discovered even a fairly-traded tea or coffee that they like.  So we’re planning an event at which you will be able to sample the wide variety of products now available to find those that suit you.  Watch the local notice boards for details, then come along and join the fair-trade revolution and help to make things new for tea and coffee growers.

We also continue to offer meeting rooms.  Whether you need a hall for 100, or a room for up to 20, we may be able to help you.  In this way we seek to bring the Jesmond community closer toget

If it’s an experience of Jesus’ renewing and healing power you need, consider asking us to pray for you.  Confidential requests may be made through me and we shall be pleased to take your needs to the one we know who makes all things new.

You can contact us at the Jesmond URC Office, 49 Burdon Terrace NE2 3AE, telephone 281 4676, or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Further information can be found at www.jesmond-urc.org.uk.

Nigel Watson
Minister of Jesmond United Reformed Church.