Following the end of the second coronavirus lockdown and the implementation of new tier systems and rules, the United Reformed Church (URC) Synod Moderators have been careful to check the guidance and legislative framework for England, Scotland and Wales.

However, we cannot promise to have covered every eventuality and for the avoidance of doubt, this guidance does not take precedence over governmental advice or legislation.

Determined to not let the coronavirus pandemic dampen festive spirits, the team at the Spire Church in Farnham has come up with a creative idea for the Christmas season.

From 1 December, the church – a local ecumenical partnership between the United Reformed and Methodist Churches – has organised ‘Follow the Star’: a community Advent trail.

The UN treaty banning nuclear weapons is due to become international law on 22 January, to the delight of campaigners worldwide.

The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons – a Nobel Prize-winning coalition of organisations in 100 countries – welcomed the news as a historic milestone, as did survivors News of atomic use and testing, who have been campaigning for the ban for many years.