midland unitarian association events
Midland Unitarian Association Annual General Meeting
When: Saturday 31st March 2012
Where: Warwick Unitarians, High Street, Warwick CV34 4AX
Guest Speaker: Rev. Dr. Ann Peart, President of the General Assembly of Unitarian & Free Christian Churches
Times: 10.30 am - 4.00 pm
Please bring your own lunch - refreshments will be provided by the Warwick congregation
For further details, please contact Sue Woolley on 01604 870746 sue.woolley@virgin.net
midland unitarian association news
MUA Annual Lunch at Kingswood (5/11/11)
Nearly 40 people from 13 MUA congregations gathered at Kingswood Meeting House, to hear our guest speaker, Colleen Burns, editor of our national newspaper, The Inquirer, and to share a delicious meal and some time together. Following some opening devotions by resident minister, Rev. Ant Howe, who shared an interesting reading about criticism, Colleen was introduced by MUA President, Bronwen Taylor. After commenting that although Unitarians reject creeds, they loved words, Colleen said that this was reflected in the sheer number of periodicals around - The Inquirer, The Unitarian, Faith and Freedom, the UCA Herald, and the many newsletters of various congregations and societies. She said that The Inquirer was at the centre of the movement's publications "a universal conversation among British Unitarians". She sees The Inquirer as having a dual role: it reflects and informs the beliefs of British Unitarians, and also presents British Unitarianism to the wider world. With a circulation of 1,700 magazines a fortnight, its 'market share' is approximately 85% if one assumes that many copies are read by more than one person. But the income from subscriptions does not cover expenditure - the support of grants and sponsorship is needed. The Inquirer Board are hoping to improve the website and make better use of social media like Twitter, but the hard copy is still important. Colleen concluded by asking us whether the denomination wished to continue to support "this national conversation". There followed a lively question and answer session, after which Colleen was thanked for her presentation by Bronwen Taylor, and we all adjourned to the schoolroom for a sherry before partaking in the splendid lunch that Jill Bowie and her team had prepared for us. The meal concluded with the usual toasts and votes of thanks, then it was all hands on deck to clear the schoolroom in preparation for the Sunday after-service refreshments. Another happy MUA occasion.
Autumn Training Day: Weddings: Getting It Right (15/10/2011)
Ten people from seven MUA congregations attended this very well-received Training Day, which was offered by the Midland Unitarian Association of Lay Preachers and Service Leaders. The course leader was Rev. Dr. Vernon Marshall, who was able to illustrate his points with examples from 30 years' experience as a Unitarian minister. The ground covered was as comprehensive as it could be in one day; covering everything from first contact, booking and fees, through the interview with the couple, legalities, the elements of the service, the rubrics, the rehearsal, to etiquette and follow-up. Vernon's presentation included three very useful handouts - a general one which covered everything that he talked about, examples of forms and letters to use, and a pamphlet entitled 'Your marriage ceremony' which he gives out to couples. All in all, it was a very useful day, and all present enjoyed it very much.
Induction of Lay Pastor Kath Forder at Kidderminster (1/10/2011)
The afternoon of 1st October saw a joyous celebration at Unitarian New Meeting House, Kidderminster, as their new Lay Pastor, Kath Forder's Induction Service took place. Many Unitarians had come to mark the occasion, from other MUA congregations, and from farther afield. Led by Rev. Don Phillips of the Cotswold Group, with David Mearman of the Stourbridge congregation on the organ, it also included much participation by members of the Kidderminster congregation: President Ash James welcomed everyone to the service, Ian Kirby lit the chalice, Graham Williams led a responsive reading, using the words of James Luther Adams, Secretary Roger Mathews formally welcomed Kath to the congregation, and retiring minister emeritus Rev. Ann Latham shared some thoughts on ministry. The President of the General Assembly, Rev. Dr. Ann Peart brought greetings from the GA, and Rev. Alex Bradley, Principal at Unitarian College Manchester, led the congregation in prayer, and also shared some words on ministry. Following Kath's welcome to the congregation by Roger Mathews, she then gave a short address, in which she paid tribute to the many folk who had taken part in her journey. The service was followed by tea and (delicious) cakes in the hall.
 |
 |
| Kath Forder & mayor of Kidderminster | Kath Forder's Induction tea |
A.H. (Hilton) Birtles - a tribute (25/08/ 2011)
We are sad to record the death of Arthur Hamilton Birtles in Bangor at the age of 90. Hilton - as he was always known - grew up in Liverpool and attended Ullet Road Church, then under the thirty-year long ministry of Lawrence Redfern, whose remarkable gifts were to inspire four of his congregation to become Unitarian ministers. Hilton became a ministerial student in 1940 at Liverpool University and Unitarian College Manchester, but interrupted his studies in 1941 to become a Navigating Officer in the Royal Navy. He served in Flower Class Corvettes, initially in the Indian Ocean, where he witnessed the traumatic events which followed the torpedoing of the troopship SS Khedive Ismael, which sank in two minutes with the loss of 1,297 lives. Hilton subsequently sailed with no less than sixof the Arctic Convoys taking supplies to Archangel and Murmansk, which were notorious for the dangers and hardships to all those involved. At that time, the crews were treated with hostility and suspicion by Stalin's authorities, but after the Cold War ended, Hilton derived much joy in being invited to visit Russia with many of the survivors of those days as an honoured guest of the Russian people. At the end of the War, one of Hilton's last tasks was to lead a boarding party of ten men and take the surrender of Hitler's three and a half thousand ton private yacht, the Grille.
In 1945, Hilton resumed his ministerial studies, graduating with a BA (Theology) in 1949. He never forgot that this was made possible by the generosity of Sir Sydney Jones, a life-long member at Ullet Road Church. His first ministry was at Southport from 1949 - 1952. In 1952, he moved to Bristol, now accompanied by his first wife Jean, to take over the ministry of the Lewin's Mead and Cliftonville congregations. In 1962, he moved to Birmingham with Jean and their five young children, to become minister of the Church of the Messiah in Broad Street. He remained as minister when the congregation moved to the new church near Fiveways in 1973, reverting to its original name of Unitarian New Meeting. The move to a totally different environment brought many new challenges, and Hilton successfully overcame these with determination and tact, finally retiring in 1984.
It was after the move to Birmingham that tragedy struck the family, when Jean died unexpectedly after an operation, leaving Hilton with five young children to bring up. Members of the congregation rallied round generously to help and support him, and the situation was further eased when Hilton married his second wife, Eileen. Sadly, after their retirement to Colwall in Herefordshire, Eileen contracted Parkinson's Disease, and Hilton dedicated himself to the task of nursing her during her final years.
Hilton also rendered signal service to the wider Unitarian cause. For many years, he was Secretary of both the Ministers' Pension Fund and of the Ministers' Benevolent Society. He served as President of the then Midland Union in 1966-67, and President of the General Assembly in 1979-80. Both he and Eileen were also magistrates on the Birmingham Bench for many years.
But what above all else earned him the love and respect of his congregations was his ability to make attendance on a Sunday morningan eagerly anticipated event, when the scholarship and sensitivity of his sermons with their sense of poetry and message of love brought fresh inspiration and hope to his hearers. He was truly a 'gentil parfit knyght'.
Sandy Ellis
Muriel Spencer (09/07/2011)
We are sad to report the death of Muriel Spencer, widow of the late Rev. Philip Spencer. Here is a tribute written by Rev. Penny Johnson, to whom our thanks:
Muriel Spencer died peacefully in her sleep on 9th July in Dorset, where she lived for the last two years of her life near her daughter Rosalind. She was the widow of the Rev. Philip Spencer, and a great support to him during his ministry at Lodge Road Unitarian Church, West Bromwich, where she was both organist and pianist. She belonged to the Women's League both at Lodge Road and Birmingham New Meeting. Muriel loved music, and when she lived in the West Midlands attended many concerts given by the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Her daughter Rosalind played in Bournemouth Philharmonic Orchestra, and it was a delight to Muriel to be able to sit and listen to the orchestra from her wheelchair.
By profession Muriel was a medical secretary at the Chest Clinic at Heath Lane, West Bromwich. She was also Assistant Curator at Oak House, West Bromwich. Friends who knew Muriel will remember her as a delightful and gracious lady, who loved her family, and who offered her daughter Rosalind and granddaughters Claire and Sarah support in whatever way she could.
Penny Johnson
Birmingham Unitarians met with the Council of Christians and Jews (07/07/2011)
Congratulations to Birmingham New Meeting, on the excellent evening they arranged with the Birmingham Council of Christians and Jews. The session aimed to help those from this Council gain a better understanding of what Unitarians both believe and do.
Following a prayer and introductions by the Rev. Simon Ramsay, Winnie Gordon commenced the evening with a resume of how Unitarianism originated. She mentioned its emergence in both Britain and Continental Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries, following the Protestant Reformation, and the sufferings of those such as Michael Servetus, to its subsequent growth in Britain and North America. She outlined the central tenets of Freedom, Reason and Tolerance, and the application of these to religious text, creeds, and indeed to life in general. 'Deeds not creeds' was something that she emphasised. She explained the attitudes prevalent towards the traditional Christian view of the Trinity, but was also at pains to point out that Unitarianism was indeed a 'broad church'.
Mina Coalter then gave a talk about the prominent role Birmingham Unitarians had played, both locally and in the wider world. She naturally focussed strongly upon the life of Birmingham New Meeting member and minister, Joseph Priestley, a genius of a man, renowned for his contribution to the discovery of oxygen; but who amongst other things was a theologian, political activist, philosopher and social reformer. She reminded us that he too suffered for his beliefs, with his house and laboratory being destroyed during the Birmingham Riots of 1791. She also declared herself an ardent admirer of Henry William Crosskey, former minister at New Meeting and prominent in the establishment of the non-sectarian movement in education. Mina also demonstrated through reference to Christian and Liberal Jewish experiences and her own personal journey, the breadth of links that existed with those two religions among many others.
Winnie then concluded the first part of the evening with a summary of the social action that Unitarians locally and nationally, both in the past and the present, have undertaken, including the Send A Child To Hucklow scheme.
The Rev. Simon Ramsay then invited questions from the audience. After a hesitant pause, these began to flow. What exactly was the Unitarian approach to the Trinity? How does Unitarianism manage to operate without its own set of creeds and stated beliefs? How can a service accommodate such a diversity of opinion and belief (or non-belief) in the congregation? How does a Minister cope in such circumstances? What was a typical service like? How do individuals progress from attendance to becoming members? What do Unitarians think about Jesus? What is their view about The Lord's Prayer? How does the cross feature in a Unitarian church? Are all Unitarian churches the same in terms of approach and congregation? The list went on. The questions were to the point, but were asked in a genuine spirit of friendship and the desire for understanding.
Suffice to say Simon gave an excellent and sensitive summary of the position he believed Unitarianism took on all these matters, emphasising the oneness of God, and the notion of Freedom, Reason and Tolerance in relation to all things. Everyone was entitled to make their own spiritual journey. All were therefore welcome in a Unitarian church. His answers and openness were appreciated by the audience. It was clear to see that many had no real awareness, prior to this evening, of what Unitarianism was about.
This was a very worthwhile evening in which Unitarians and friends from the Birmingham Council of Christians and Jews could exchange views openly, with a view to mutual understanding and support. Most, if not all, left New Meeting enlightened, and hopefully a little wiser. We need more evenings like this. Our thanks to all at Birmingham New Meeting for their organisation of this event.
Ash James
Asparagus Lunch (13/05/2011)
Evesham's Oat Street Chapel was humming on Wednesday 11th May... 41 people from nine Midland Unitarian Association congregations continued the tradition of meeting during Evesham's asparagus season for an Asparagus Lunch. After the company had gathered for coffee and greeted old friends and new in the chapel's gatehouse, the Rev. Dr. Peter Godfrey (Chairman of our hosts, the Ministers' Meeting) treated us to an inspiring service on the subject of 'happiness', including a reading by Kath Forder of the Jerusalem Bible's version of the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-10) which replaced the usual "Blessed are..." with "Happy are ...". Rev. Ant. Howe accompanied us on the organ with his usual flair; his joyous postlude had feet tapping, and we went back to the gatehouse for lunch smiling.
After a welcome by Oat Street Chair Dr. PeterForder, and grace by Rev. Don Phillips, we tucked into a choice of chicken princess with white wine & asparagus sauce or an asparagus and mushroom risotto, followed by fruit salad or cheese and biscuits. Lunch, provided by Evesham caterers Cobwebs,was delicious and plentiful; one person, on being served with cheese, was heard to observe 'It's a ploughman's lunch!' before offering portions of cheese to the rest of the table.
In making the traditional toast To Civil and Religious Liberty the World Over, GA President Rev. Dr. Ann Peart reminded us of the origins of the meeting, which began in 1782 as 'cover' for a then illegal gathering of non-conformist ministers. The Warwickshire and Neighbouring Counties Monthly Meeting of Protestant Dissenting Ministers (1782) - affectionately known as 'The Ministers' Meeting' - now consists of current and retired ministers and lay leaders of MUA congregations (currently with a couple of ministry students too), and still hosts the event at Oat Street, with the willing cooperation of the Chapel's congregation. All involved were thanked, and coffee and mints served, before the hum of conversation faded, and a replete, happy group said its goodbyes and wended its way home.
Kathleen Forder
Royal Wedding Garden Party at Kingswood (29/04/2011)
The Unitarians at Kingswood opened their doors to the local community on the day of the Royal Wedding. Posters went up in the vicinity, and flyers were handed out in the weeks leading up to the big day. On the evening before, a small band of volunteers decorated the grounds with bunting and flags.
On the day itself, over 100 people gathered in the chapel hall to watch the wedding on the big screen. As soon as the couple were married, champagne and wedding cake was handed out to the assembled crowd. After the wedding, everyone went out into the chapel garden where there were games and activities for the children. Tables had been set up and folk began to share the food that they had brought with them. A number of old cars were on display - particularly popular with the children - and a 1950s army truck had been turned into a catering wagon and served tea and cake. Another 50 - 60 people trickled in as the afternoon went on, and the day was enjoyed by all.
Rev. Ant Howe, minister at Kingswood, said: "It was great to welcome so many from the local community to Kingswood for our party. We were pleased that a number of Unitarians from other churches in our District also joined us. Now that we know that Kate Middleton comes from Unitarian stock, it seemed right that we should celebrate the Royal Wedding!"
The garden party was one of the many ways the Kingswood congregation tries to seve the local community. A weekly coffee morning attracts many from the locality. Lunch is served twice a month for the price of £1, and the congregation are continually looking for ways to meet the needs of the local population. Ant says "It never ceases to amaze me how innovative and hard-working the Kingswood members are. They look for every opportunity to welcome others. The Royal Wedding Garden Party was typical of their generous spirit which is deeply ingrained in their liberal faith."
Alison Thursfield addresses the GA meetings about the EC's strategic priorities
Dorothy Haughton (Shrewsbury) delivers a Talking Heads monologue at the Opening Celebrations
MUA delegates make a splash at Swansea (GA Annual Meetings 15-18/04/2011)
20 MUA delegates, representing nine MUA congregations, attended the 2011 Annual Meetings of the General Assembly of Unitarian & Free Christian Churches at Swansea University on 15th - 18th April 2011, including three ministers, two retired ministers, two ministry students, our President, Mrs. Bronwen Taylor, and Mrs. Alison Thursfield, who is now a member of the national Executive Committee. And we were certainly in evidence! Dorothy Haughton (Shrewsbury) was the star of the Opening Celebrations, performing three 'Talking Heads' monologues on the theme of volunteering, which had been written by Kay Millard. How she kept her face straight I will never know.
The Opening Celebrations were followed by the Peace Vespers, which were led by Sue Woolley, with the help of Carwyn Tywyn, the new Welsh Secretary, who played some beautiful peaceful music on his harp. Sue was also one of the speakers at the Unitarian Renewal Group's slot, on the theme 'Too much organisation, not enough God?', which attracted a capacity crowd.
Northampton Unitarians were the proposers of one of the motions, urging the General Assembly to affirm and support the Charter for Compassion, and to become a Partner Organisation. It was passed unanimously. And Angela Maher was one of the indefatigable team producing the GAZette.
One of the highlights of the Meetings was the Anniversary Service, held in the beautiful Brangwyn Hall. It was led by Rev. Ant Howe, minister at Kingswood & Warwick, and Rev. Jeffrey Lane Gould delivered the Anniversary Sermon. This was preceded by a Welsh singing festival, during which we all nobly attempted to get our tongues around Welsh lyrics.
As usual there were many meetings and workshops to choose from. The signage at Swansea was excellent, and there was an interesting innovation - walking buses leading delegates from the Fulton House refectory to the various break-out venues. During the business meetings, the national Executive Committee announced its strategy for the next six months, during which time all the various commissions and panels are going to be reorganised in line with the new Strategic Priorities (see other news September 2010)
In the closing session, Rev. Dr. Ann Peart was installed as the new GA President, and Ms.Lis Dyson-Jones as the new Vice-President.
MUA Annual General Meeting (26/03/2011)
36 members from 14 of the MUA's 18 congregations met at Park Lane Unitarian Chapel, Cradley for the 145th Annual General Meeting on 26th March 2011. There would have been over 40 people there, but there were a record number of last-minute apologies, for various good reasons. The business meeting was over in a very short time. We welcomed one new member to the Executive Committee (Mrs. Pamela Rose of Oldbury, representing the Birmingham District Women's League) and thanked one retiring member (Rev. Ann Latham) for her past services. A presentation was also made to retiring President Rev. Peter Hewis. Following a delicious three-course lunch, laid on by the ladies of the Cradley congregation, we enjoyed new MUA President Mrs. Bronwen Taylor's short service 'Service with A Smile' on the theme of the importance of joy and humour in worship, and of being welcoming congregations.
The highlight of the day for most people was our Guest Speaker's presentation. Mr. Scott Pettitt spoke to us about 'Nonconformity and Social Reform', concentrating mostly on the radical non-conformists of the Victorian and Edwardian eras (particularly Unitarian Joseph Chamberlain), but also harking back to Oliver Cromwell and the Puritans, and forward to the possible role of non-conformist congregations and individuals in David Cameron's Big Society. I think that all of us left with the feeling that yes, we could make a difference to our society. Watch this space!
Spring Training day on Pastoral Care of the Bereaved (12/03/11)
13 people from 8 MUA congregations gathered at Kingswood Meeting House to participate in a fascinating day about how to provide pastoral care for the bereaved. The day was led and organised by Rev. Ant Howe, minister of the Kingswood and Warwick congregations. Ant led the first session,which introduced us to the symptoms and process of grief, and underlined the fact that bereaved people are the largest community in the world. He explained that they need to talk about their loss, and suggested ways of encouraging this, and how to listen, and what cliches to avoid. He also suggested other ways in which members of a congregation might be able to support a bereaved person. He was followed by Wendy Hughes, a funeral director from C. Bastock Ltd, who gave us a fascinating insight into the scope of a funeral director's work, and also explained about the process of arranging a funeral. This was followed by a shorter session, once again led by Ant, on how bereavement is dealt with at Kingswood.
After a short break for lunch, Ant had a wedding to conduct, so his Lay Assistant Diane Rutter, led us through some exercises including planning our own funerals, and talking about how we would react to particular scenarios, e.g. the death of a child, or a suicide. The final session of the day was led by Ron Dalley, organiser of Kingswood's Support Group for the Bereaved. Ron lost his son just over a year ago, at the age of 22, and spoke movingly about his experience of grief and bereavement, and about how the group has helped him to work through the grieving process.
The atmosphere throughout the day was very special - participants shared their experiences of bereavement freely, and I think we all felt that it had been a hugely useful day, which would help us as members of MUA congregations to help others who have been bereaved.
Penny Collins (1929 - 2011)
We are sad to report the news that Penny Collins, of Northampton Unitarians, passed away on 20th February, after a short illness. Penny also had links with the Banbury and Oxford congregations. Her funeral was on Monday 14th March, at the Quaker Meeting House, Northampton, followed by the committal at the Green Burial Ground at Olney. Sue Woolley conducted it, and Northampton's organist, Mark Beaumont, provided the music. There is a full report on the Northampton Unitarians website.
other unitarian events
other unitarian news
Executive Committee announces priorities for General Assembly (18/09/2010)
Our Goal: Sustainable and thriving Unitarian and Free Christian communities.
Our Aims: to benefit our communities by:
- Encouraging and supporting leadership at local level
- Developing ministry within the denomination
- Raising the visibility of the Unitarian movement
- Improving the services to the movement by staff and volunteers
Our Objective over the next five years is to become a thriving and increasingly visible liberal religious community throughout Great Britain.
- We will increase our membership by 20%
- We will increase the number of qualified and active ministers to at least fifty
- We will ensure that all Unitarian congregations can have access to professional ministerial leadership or recognised lay leadership and support
- We will ensure that all volunteers have access to training and support
Agreed by the Executive Committee of the General Assembly 18th September 2010
Report of General Assembly meetings held at Nottingham, 8th - 11th April 2010
Once again, the MUA congregations were well-represented at the GA meetings, with 20 delegates, including one minister, one retired minister and two ministry students. 10 of our congregations were represented (it would have been 11, but Malcolm Sadler is recovering from a recent operation). There was the usual plethora of meetings and workshops to choose from, quite apart from the business meetings, and the big set-piece events of the Opening Celebrations and Anniversary Service. The Opening Celebrations were led by Unitarian Youth this year, with the theme of Living in the Now, and were splendid. The Anniversary Service preacher was past District Minister Rev. Michael Dadson, who urged us to be who we really are, and to spread the gift of Unitarianism widely.
One innovation was a presentation by the Executive Committee on the first day of the Meetings, about the difficult choices facing the GA in this time of financial stringency. Delegates were then invited to complete a form, choosing their top three priorities from a shopping list, and three strategic directions that they believed the GA should be taking. Feedback from this exercise was given on the final morning of the Meetings. This is just the first step in a nationwide consultation process.
Mr. Neville Kenyon of Bury was installed as the new GA President, and Rev.Dr. Ann Peart as the new Vice-President. This meant that there was a vacancy on the Executive Committee, which was filled by the co-option of Rev. Martin Whitell. We also learned that Mr. Jim Corrigall is standing down from the EC, and that our very own Mrs. Alison Thursfield, Immediate Past President of the MUA, has been co-opted to take his place. Our congratulations to her!
But the highlight of the Meetings for many must be seeing a clean-shaven James Barry. James, who has sported a magnificent beard for many years, nobly agreed to sacrifice it if £600 could be raised for Unitarian Youth work. Delegates responded enthusiastically, raising over £2,000 pounds which the Bowland Trust is going to double!