Advent Sunday 2025 was a joyful and memorable occasion for the congregation at Stow Park Church in Newport. As well as welcoming three new members, the church commissioned Helen Dowdell as the Local Church Leader for Stow Park. This united congregation brings together the United Reformed Church and Presbyterian Church of Wales.
The commissioning of Helen marks a new chapter in the church’s leadership, strengthening its ecumenical mission on Stow Hill.
The service was led by Revd Owen Griffiths, Presbytery Minister for South East Wales and Revd David Salsbury, Moderator of the URC National Synod of Wales. It was a happy coincidence that David—one of the three new members—was welcomed into membership by Helen as her very first act as Local Church Leader.
The whole service was filled with joy, commitment, and hope for the future of the congregation.