On Saturday 8 October a good number of folk gathered at Norristhorpe URC for a Concert to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the United Reformed Church.
There was a varied and interesting program, mainly made up of local talent with singers; musical items, a drama, monologues, a quiz and the Norristhorpe Belle Ringers. A good time was had by all, with a great deal of participation and laughter, as well as more serious items. A guest singer was Marilyn from
Longcauseway who sang a number of items accompanied by Maryon. Maryon, also played a John Rutter piece on the organ and accompanied our final hymn (‘How Great Thou Art’ which had also been the answer to one of the questions in the quiz: Which hymn of Swedish origin won the Songs of Praise viewers’ favourite vote in 2013 and came second in 2019?)
Afterwards the entertainment refreshments were served with a wonderful variety of cakes made available by members. There was also a retiring collection that raised a magnificent £147.40p which has been donated to the URCs ‘Commitment for Life’ scheme (an article on Bangladesh appeared in the Chapel’s October Newsletter). It was good to see that everyone appeared to go home smiling.
The following day (Sunday 9 October) there was a Celebratory Service at Norristhorpe taking as its main theme the 50th Anniversary of the URC. The service was led by Rev Chris Wood, who offered an explanation to the background of the United Reformed Church, referring to a booklet entitled ‘Where do we Come From?’ (a copy of which has been provided to the Chapel for those that wanted to explore this subject further). The service concluded with a celebration of Holy Communion. The congregation was also treated to refreshments after the service, which included some of the cakes left over from the day before.