midland unitarian association news archive
MUA launches Fairtrade campaign (30/10/10)
Following a workshop on Faith in Action, Mrs. Sue Woolley used the occasion of the MUA Annual Lunch (see below) to launch a campaign to persuade all MUA congregations to offer only Fairtraded refreshments during their coffee hours. She challenged them to do this by 1st January 2011, as a New Year's resolution.
MUA Lunch at Kingswood addressed by GA Chief Officer (30/10/10)
34 people from eleven MUA congregations gathered on a beautiful Autumn morning at Kingswood Meeting House, to attend the MUA Annual Lunch. Our guest speaker this year was the General Assembly's Chief Officer, Mr. Derek McAuley. Following some short devotions led by resident minister Rev. Ant Howe, Derek spoke to the assembled for about 45 minutes. He asked what he called "the Big Question" - what are we here for? Derek's answer was both simple and profound - he believes in the future of the Unitarian movement as a force that can make a real difference to the lives of members, to local communities, and to the world. We offer an open space where individuals can figure out what gives their lives meaning - and this should be treasured. The freedom offered by Unitarian congregations to individuals to explore their own spirituality and grow is very important. He stressed that Unitarianism can be personally transforming, seeing growth as a moral and religious imperative to feed the spiritually hungry and give a home to spiritual seekers.
After this inspirational opening, Derek went on to explain how the General Assembly and the Executive Committee are trying to translate this vision into reality, given limited resources. He spoke of the recent strategic priorities announced by the General Assembly - see our Other News page for details - and stressed that the commitment of staff and volunteers was key to achieving these priorities, asking for support for Unitarian headquarters from congregations, districts and individuals, not just of money, but of energy, time and commitment.
This was followed by a lively question and answer session, after which we moved from the church to the schoolroom to partake in a delicious lunch prepared by Jill Bowie and her team, following a grace by Mrs. Bronwen Taylor. When we were all replete, the Loyal Toast was offered by Mr. Sandy Ellis, and the Unitarian Toast by Rev. Peter Hewis. Mrs. Sue Woolley gave the vote of thanks to the caterers, which was carried with general applause. She also made a presentation of Christmas bulbs to Mrs. Jenny Buckland and Mrs. Kath Forder, former editors of MU Now, to show the District's appreciation for several splendid issues. She also launched the MUA Fairtrade campaign - see separate news item.
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Challenging Faith in Action Workshop at Kingswood (9/10/10)
Eleven delegates from seven MUA congregations gathered at Kingswood to attend a challenging and fascinating workshop on Faith in Action: Social Responsibility, led by Karen Hanley, Chair of the GA's Faith & Public Issues Commission. After explaining about the Commission's work - they are not only responsible for social justice /responsibility issues, but also for interfaith issues - Karen set us to work. In the first part of the day, we had an "ideas storm" about Unitarian contributions to social responsibility and political change throughout history, and were pleasantly surprised at how much the denomination had achieved and is still achieving. Karen shared Rev. Jane Dwinell's view that the growth of congregations is subtly based on having one or two projects in hand - visible signs of us doing something that outsiders can see. We could become involved in other organisations' projects too. Looking outwards, rather than inwards, focussing on giving service, rather than on survival - are the keys to growth. Most of the rest of the day was spent in identifying projects (actual and potential) in our own congregations, with a view to going away with action in mind. Karen reminded us of the need for SMART planning - anything we decided to do had to be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-constrained, and took us through the project planning process. At the end of the day, Karen asked us to commit to something to take back to their congregation. All in all, it was a most inspiring day.
Kidderminster Unitarians enjoy visit to Quarry Bank Museum & Norcliffe Chapel, Styal (25/8/2010)
Kidderminster Unitarians invited neighbouring congregations to join them for their mid-week Summer Outing on 25th August. The occasion was a great success with no fewer than 32 Unitarians and friends from ten congregations and five Districts participating.
The weather was kind, and after enjoying the excellent National Trust Museum which was formerly owned in Victorian times by the staunchly Unitarian Greg family, we all gathered for a picnic lunch before making our way on foot across the ripening cornfields, to the picturesque Norcliffe Chapel for a short service in the afternoon, led by their minister - and Principal of Unitarian College Manchester - Rev. Alex Bradley.
Speaking on the theme of 'Welcome', Rev. Bradley said how pleased he was to welcome Unitarians from so many different congregations and invited those present to stand when the name of their congregation was called. He also expressed his sorrow that Rev. Ann Latham had been unable to attend due to an unfortunate accident at her home, and invited everyone to sign the get well card that was circulating. There followed a delightful service complete with a full-voiced singing of hymns from Hymns for Living accompanied by Norcliffe's excellent organist.
After the service and group photograph session, everyone enjoyed the wonderful hospitality of Norcliffe Unitarians, who provided tea and home-made scones to round off a lovely day.
Roger Mathews, speaking for Kidderminster Unitarians, thanked everyone for joining with them and suggested that perhaps a reciprocal event could be arranged for next Summer, when Kidderminster would be more than happy to hold a short service in their Meeting House - after the visitors had enjoyed maybe a trip on the Severn Valley Railway. Watch this space!
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Roger Mathews
Warwick Unitarians celebrate 375 years of witness (8/8/2010)
Two joyous Unitarian occasions in one weekend! Warwick Chapel was filled with Unitarians from all over the Midlands and beyond, to celebrate 375 years of Unitarian witness in Warwick. Features of the service included a potted history of the congregation by Warwick Treasurer Cherry Dodd, greetings from the new Mayor of Warwick, who confided that he was quite familiar with the outside of the chapel, as his wife used to attend Weight Watchers classes there (!), greetings from Rev. Peter Hewis, President of the Midland Unitarian Association, and from Neville Kenyon, President of the General Assembly of Unitarian & Free Christian Churches. Added to this some rousing hymns and an inspirational address from Warwick's minister Rev. Ant Howe, and some wonderful music from Peter Flower, Kingswood's talented organist, not forgetting Stuart on the clarinet. The only sad note was the continued absence of Malcolm Sadler, Warwick's Secretary, accompanist and sometime Lay Leader, who is still in Warwick Hospital with a bad leg. After the service, we all adjourned to the Chapel garden, and enjoyed a lavish spread laid on by the Warwick congregation. Long may they flourish!
The Wedding of Kath Riley and Peter Forder (7/8/2010)
The chapel at Oat Street Evesham was filled with family and Unitarian and other friends to witness the joining in marriage of Kath Riley, member at Evesham and Lay Pastor student at Unitarian College Manchester, and Peter Forder, chairman of Evesham Unitarians. Evesham's minister, Rev. Don Phillips officiated, and Humphrey Bright was at the organ. It was a lovely Unitarian wedding; the bride and groom had put it together between them, which meant it was personal and meaningful. At the beginning of the service Kath and Peter lit a candle each, lighting a third one together towards the end to symbolise their new life together. Three lovely hymns from the purple book had been chosen, but they had the wisdom to choose well-known tunes to match the beautiful words, which were sung with full hearts by everyone present. The ceremony over, the guests adjourned to the Gatehouse, where we found champagne (or tea and coffee) and three delicious choices of cake. When the official photos had been taken, Mr. & Mrs. Forder joined their guests to thank them for sharing their day, and we all raised our glasses (or cups) to the happy couple. May they have a long and happy life together.
Worship Studies Course Foundation Step a Success! (18/7/2010)
Twelve delegates from all parts of England from Sheffield to Somerset gathered together on a journey through a feature-packed course, set in the tranquil surroundings of Kingswood Meeting House. The course was delivered over three manageable Saturdays during May, June and July. At the reins was Sue Woolley, the MUA's District Facilitator, with a top class guest tutor riding in partnership for each session.
After coffee and a civilised 10.00 am start, the first session set the scene with a course introduction and group discussion to bring us all together in defining what worship is. We moved on to highlighting the practicalities of leading an effective worship service and also the obstacles and pitfalls to avoid. The afternoon saw Dr. Jane Russell, a high level speech and language therapist, give important and valuable advice on public speaking, which included managing and protecting one's voice.
It was good to come back together again as group for the second Saturday to start looking at the elements that make up a successful service in more depth. We discussed pulling together ideas and components from the vast spectrum of resources available to us. The star turn for the day was Rev. Linda Hart, who kindly travelled from Richmond to deliver two barn-storming sessions, one on the address, and the other a master-class on storytelling.
We reached the final straight, chomping at the bit and eager to gain more knowledge from the final Saturday. Sue led a fantastic discussion based on example materials that each of us had brought with us on the heady subject of the environment. Rev. Ant Howe from Kingswood joined us to give us his valuable take on prayer and meditation. After lunch, we headed into the historic chapel as part of a focus on hymns and music. Ant drew on his breadth and depth of knowledge in an effort to help us hit the right notes for selecting musical elements to our services. The group did a sterling job of filling the chapel with our dulcet tones.
We finished the course delighted to receive our well earned certificates. With the help of Sue's skilled facilitation, everyone contributed to make this a thoroughly enjoyable experience, which provides a springboard to further courses for lay worship leader training.
Kristian Wilkes, UNM
We are sad to announce that Mrs. Madge Bowen, Pulpit Secretary at Kidderminster New Meeting House, passed away very peacefully on 21st June, after a short illness. The funeral is on Friday 2nd July, at St. Mary's C of E Church, Stone, Worcestershire, to be followed by a woodland burial for family only. There will be a service of thanksgiving for Madge's life at Kidderminster New Meeting House at a later date.
Ministers' Meeting Asparagus Lunch at Evesham (12/5/2010)
The annual Asparagu Lunch took place on Wednesday 12th May this year. Every year the Unitarian Ministers in the Midlands - along with some friends - gather at our chapel in Evesham. We have a service and then have a wonderful lunch which features (you've guessed it!) Asparagus! The tradition goes back at least 200 years -and you might wonder why on earth a group of Unitarian ministers would do such a thing! After all, whilst asparagus is lovely to eat, why would we go to such trouble to eat it?
Well, our group of Ministers in the Midlands have been meeting each month since 1782. Back then, Unitarianism was still illegal. If you professed Unitarian beliefs, you could not only face prosecution, but also persecution in your community. In fact, our churches which date back to that time had to be very careful as there was a very real risk. Unitarianism didn't finally become legal until 1813.
So, if you are a group of Ministers in the Midlands who belong to an illegal organisation, you'd have to be careful about where you meet. In fact, a disguise might be necessary. And so the idea came up of going to Evesham and meeting there when the Asparagus crop was harvested. There would've been lots of strangers in Evesham at that time: farmers selling their asparagus crop and many people there to buy. A group of Ministers could easily meet and pretend they were there to buy asparagus .... and so the Asparagus Lunc was born!
You might think that all this sounds rather a great deal of effort just to hold a meeting, but we have to remember what a risk it was to be a Unitarian minister in those days. Right up until 1813, if you were caught proclaiming Unitarian beliefs, you could be heavily fined, and if you did it a second time, you could go to prison for up to three years and lose all your civil rights permanently. Unitarians couldn't go to university or hold civil office, and many of our earliest churches and chapels were built to look like barns or houses, so that they didn't attract too much attention. It seems incredible from today's standpoint that this could have happened ...
How could a religion which has always preached tolerance arouse such anger in people? It's probably because Unitarians have always encouraged people to think for themselves - which is a dangerous thing! The early Unitarians encouraged ordinary folk to read the Bible for themselves and to only believe what they found there, not what bishops, churches and prayer books told you to believe. The annua Asparagus Lunch continues to be held. This link with the past reminds us how brave our forbears were, and how much religious freedom we have today.
The service this year was conducted by Mr. Neville Kenyone, the President of the General Assembly of Unitarian & Free Christian Churches, whose sermon talked about "stepping stones". Unitarianism only exists today because someone laid stones for us to tread upon. We are doing the same for future generations. Neville did warn us that we have to be careful and diligent. Our denomination faces many challenges, but there are signs of hope.
After the service, it was upstairs for lunch. Asparagus was served as a starter, followed by roast beef and yorkshire pudding (for the meat eaters), with yes, more asparagus. We are pleased to report that the dessert was an asparagus-free zone! A wonderful lunch eaten, it was time to charge our glasses for the two toasts. Neville proposed the Unitarian toast to "Civil and Religious Liberty the World Over." He gave a thought-provoking talk which reminded us that all over the world civil and religious liberties are still very much threatened. Rev. Peter Godfrey responded with thanks. After this, a toast was proposed to the Ministers' Meeting by Peter Forder Chairman of Oat Street Chapel, Evesham, and a number of votes of thanks were proposed to: the chapel at Evesham for their hospitality, to the organist, and to the caterers.
All in all, a lovely Unitarian occasion. Maybe the next time you have a glass of something you could drink to civil and religious liberty. And if you don't drink, then give thanks for civil and religious liberty the next time you eat asparagus! By doing that you will be continuing a noble tradition.
Rev. Ant Howe
MUA AGM at Birmingham (27/3/2010)
38 members from 13 of the MUA's 18 congregations met at Unitarian New Meeting Church, Birmingham for the 144th Annual General Meeting, our first as the Midland Unitarian Association. Rev. Andy Pakula, minister at Newington Green & Islington, our link on the Executive Committee, and our Guest Speaker was also present. The business meeting was over in record time. We welcomed three new members to the Executive Committee (Mrs. Jane Couper of Evesham, Mr. Ash James of Kidderminster, and Ms. Angela Maher of Birmingham) and thanked two retiring members (Rev. Don Phillips and Rev. Simon Ramsay) for their past services.
Following a delicious shared lunch, we adjourned to the church to enjoy MUA President Rev. Peter Hewis's short service on the theme of valuing things that bring you happiness. Using the example of 19th century Universalist Carolyn Sewell, Rev. Hewis pointed to four things that had brought her happiness: lifelong friendships, using her creative skills in writing, working for a cause (education for women) and her decision to spread her Universalist faith in Scotland. She was ordained in 1880 as a Universalist minister, thus becoming the first woman minister in the world. Rev. Hewis exhorted us to go home and write down four things that bring us happiness.
The highlight of the day for most people was Rev. Andy Pakula's presentation, entitled It's Not About Us, which was about the process of congregational growth. His article with Rev. Ant Howe in the latest issue of The Inquirer included seven "commandments" for growth. Using the example of lighting a candle from another candle, Rev. Pakula argued that we need to give our church away in order for it to grow. Unitarianism is a religion in motion, and has changed in our times. He invited us to consider what is transient and what is permanent about Unitarianism, and suggested that our task was to give Unitarianism to the world, not just to preserve it for ourselves. He pointed out that if we are faithful, Unitarianism will change in ways that make us uncomfortable.
There are many different potential audiences for the Unitarian message: young adults, disenchanted Christians, lonely singles, the recently retired, humanists seeking community, earth/nature oriented spiritual seekers and those who are "spiritual but not religious". Congregations need to consider carefully who they are reaching out to, and tailor their publicity accordingly. We need to get the balance between control and freedom right, and become a "Permission Giving Church", which has the mission and values of the congregation as its boundaries, and in which the committee's main role is to manage money, maintain the boundaries, and say "how can we help?" Congregational leaders and members need to work together in faith.
He finished by outlining a growth scheme for every congregation, with four different levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Each level had a list of things the congregation ought to be doing to achieve growth. We all left feeling energised and enthusiastic about the future of our beloved movement.
Alternative Worship Training Day at Coventry goes well (13/2/2010)
17 delegates from nine congregations (including Leicester Unitarian Fellowship and Mansfield) attended a training day on Alternative Worship, led by Sue Woolley and Alison Thursfield. After some preliminary words about using ritual in ordinary services, and putting together completely alternative services, the delegates were split up into three groups, and given an occasion each to make up a 15-minute ritual about. The themes were One World Week, Mothering Sunday and the Summer Solstice, and the ingenuity shown by people was amazing. It was clear that the delegates very much enjoyed the group work, and after lunch, we got back together, and each group presented its ritual to the rest. Then our guest speakers, Mel Prideaux and Linda King, who had come all the way from Yorkshire, talked to us about walking a labyrinth. We then de-camped to the Heaviside Hall (probably the largest flat space in any MUA church) to walk the labyrinth itself, which is seven metres square! Most people enjoyed it, but a couple had literal and metaphorical cold feet. Then it was time to brave the vagaries of Coventry's ring road, and go our separate ways.
Delegates in their small groups discussing their rituals
Walking the labyrinth in the Heaviside Hall
Shrewsbury Congregation celebrate 90th Birthday of Joyce Griffiths, Organist
On Sunday 3rd January 2010, a joyous occasion took place at Shrewsbury Unitarian Church, when a special service was held to celebrate the 90th birthday of their much loved and highly gifted organist, Mrs. Joyce Griffiths. The service, which had a musical theme, was led by Mr. Sandy Ellis, and the sixty strong congregation came from far and wide. As well as a strong turnout by regular members of the congregation, there were former neighbours of Joyce's, members of the Spiritualist Church which also uses the premises and for whom Joyce also plays the organ, and family members from as far afield as Aberystwyth, Machynlleth and Los Angeles.At the conclusion of the service, Mrs. Joan Hughes, Chair of the Shrewsbury congregation, presented Joyce with a floral bouquet and invited her to unveil a plaque mounted on the organ to mark her fifty years' service as organist. She was then invited to cut a birthday cake decorated with chalices and musical notes, made by Miss Sue Davies, before joining everyone in a celebratory drink. The family members then adjourned to the Lord Hill Hotel for a birthday lunch.
Funeral of Frank and Jean Hytch (3rd December 2009)The funeral of Frank and Jean Hytch was held at Unitarian New Meeting Church, Birmingham on 3rd December 2009. It was led by Rev. Simon Ramsay, minister at UNM, and included the eulogy below, which was read out by Mr. Sandy Ellis, Treasurer of the MUA. Among the attenders were Rev. Peter Hewis, MUA President, Mrs. Bronwen Taylor, MUA Vice President, Rev. Ann Latham, representing the Manchester District Association, and Mr. Neville Kenyon, Vice-President of the General Assembly, as well as individual Unitarians from around the country.
Frank and Jean Hytch, 1929 - 2009
We are gathered here today to pay tribute and give thanks for the lives of Frank and Jean Hytch, loyal members of this congregation for more years than most of us remember.
Frank and Jean had been married for nearly sixty years, and were inseparable in life, sharing their love of music and bridge and working closely together in latter years, producing The Unitarian magazine. Both Jean and Frank were in their 81st year. It is perhaps a kind and happy outcome that Jean should follow Frank so quickly into the afterlife. I feel sure that this is what she would have wanted.
Jean was born and grew up in Glamorgan and she undertook teacher training at Derby. she and Frank met at a Christian conference in Swanwick. Jean taught music students at home until quite recently, but ceased attending church several years ago, when she developed agoraphobia. She never left the house in Moseley until after Frank was admitted to hospital, when she followed him shortly afterwards. Her sometimes abrupt manner concealed a kind heart.
Frank was born in Leicester in March, 1929 where his father worked for the Inland Revenue. But this was a career which entailed regular moves to different parts of the country, and Frank’s own career would follow a similar peripatetic pattern. He attended school at Wallington in Surrey, where his precocious talent led to the award of a scholarship to Wadham College, Oxford at the age of 17, mingling with such fellow undergraduates as Tony Benn and Roy Hattersley. Frank graduated in Politics, Philosophy & Economics at the age of 20 and he and Jean were married in 1950. Those were the days of universal National Service and Frank then volunteered for a Short Service Commission in the RAF and during the next seven years served in Germany, Northumberland, and Bridgnorth.
On leaving the RAF, he joined the Civil Service as a graduate trainee in the Ministry of Labour, where his hard work and ability led to rapid promotion. He went on to serve as Manager in Charge at Labour Exchanges in Wolverhampton and Worcester before joining the Industrial Relations Service which in 1974 became the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Services – ACAS for short. The following year the new enterprise became part of the Department for Business,
Despite his busy life, Frank also served as a Birmingham magistrate for over 20 years. And typically, he was noted for his approachability and willingness to share his wisdom and experience with newly appointed members of the bench.
Frank joined The Church of the Messiah in Broad Street during the ministry of Hilton Birtles and remained a member when the congregation reverted to its original name of Unitarian New Meeting and moved to the present premises in Ryland Street. He then ran the Ryland Youth Club, started in the new premises, until its closure in 1976. He soon became a member of the Vestry Committee and served as Congregational Secretary for over twenty five years, interrupted only by a two year spell as Chairman. Frank's equable temperament and willingness to see both sides of an argument were always a calming influence in congregational affairs. His unremitting dedication and skill in quietly carrying out the basic tasks essential to the success of the congregation earned him the love and respect of all. For many years, he combined the role of Secretary with management of the church lettings which made such a valuable contribution to its income.
Frank was generous too with his time in contributing to many other areas of the Unitarian Movement. He served on the Executive Committee of the Midland Union – as it then was – for several years and became its President in 1989-91. Both he and Jean were life members of the Association. He was a staunch supporter of the Unitarian Church Music Society, working with David Dawson. David and his wife also have happy memories of meeting Jean and Frank at the Unitarian Family Holiday Conferences held at Great Hucklow and Peter Hewis tells of how Frank and his family volunteered to help him run a London Send a Child to Hucklow week at Great Hucklow.
For 57 years, Frank was also a strong supporter of The National Unitarian Fellowship, serving variously as Secretary, President and Editor of the magazine. For several years in the 1990s he also organized the Annual Conferences of the Unitarian Society for Psychical Studies. Frank held firm views about life after death and at the 1995 Conference, when President of the Society, he gave a major paper on The Supreme Adventure, Crookall’s seminal book on the subject.
He was a Trustee of the Hibbert and Gregson Trusts from 1986 to 2003 and participated in several research projects with them. His colleagues have fond memories of his kind and gentle nature.
He was Life Governor of Manchester College Oxford and regularly attended the Annual meetings of friends and governors.
In latter years, Frank became even better known nationally, after he succeeded Alan Curren as Editor of The Unitarian magazine in 1996. He used his wide knowledge of Unitarian affairs to make every edition both interesting and challenging. He was a self-professed technophobe and relied heavily on Jean’s computing expertise to meet the technical demands of modern publishing, editing his final edition in October 2009.
He was a GA Recognised Lay Preacher and preached tirelessly in churches and chapels throughout the
As well as their shared interest in music, Frank and Jean were keen Bridge players and took part in Bridge tournaments as far afield as
Frank Hytch was a man loved and respected by all who knew him. he left the world a better place than he found it. There can be no better testament to any man. Like Saul and Jonathan in the Book of Samuel, Frank and Jean were 'lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided.'
SANDY ELLIS
MUA Annual Lunch an enjoyable occasion (31/10/2009)
39 people from 13 MUA congregations met at Kingswood Meeting House for our Annual Lunch. This was a change of venue from our usual, and also a change of caterers. Jill Bowie and her staff did us proud - we had a choice of four main meals, three accompaniments and two sweets, all of which were delicious. Before the meal, Rev. Bob Wightman, President of the General Assembly of Unitarian & Free Christian Churches, was introduced as our guest speaker by MUA President, Rev. Peter Hewis. Rev. Bob, as he is known throughout the denomination, gave an inspirational talk about how it is we, the individual congregations and members, who must have the enthusiasm and dedication to ensure the survival and growth of our denomination. The vote of thanks was given by Immediate Past President, Mrs. Alison Thursfield.
We then adjourned to the hall for lunch, with Rev. Peter Hewis offering the grace. After the meal, the loyal toast was proposed by Mr. John Chandler, a member of the MUA Executive Committee and of Kingswood. The Unitarian toast was proposed by Mrs. Sue Woolley, MUA District Facilitator, who shared some local examples of Unitarian devotion to the cause of religious and civil liberty. After Rev. Ant Howe had proposed a vote of thanks to the caterers, and presented them with a box of chocolates, it was time for coffee and chat, and then everyone dispersed, having enjoyed a day of fellowship and good conversation.
Training Day on Prayer & Meditation a great success (10/10/2009)
13 of us from 7 congregations (including Leicester Unitarian Fellowship, whom we were pleased to welcome) gathered at Kingswood to learn about prayer and meditation from Rev. Ant Howe (Kingswood) and Rev. Sarah Tinker (Kensington). After some brief opening devotions, Sarah set the ball rolling by asking us to split into pairs and discuss what prayer meant to us. We then fed back to the group, and the variety of answers was fascinating. Then we talked about our personal spiritual practices (if any) which included variations on prayer, meditation and simply appreciating the wider world (for example nature).
The second session was on meditation, and was led by Sarah. She explained that we need to be clear when using the word in a Unitarian service, as it means different things to different people. She then sent us outside to do a brief walking meditation, just saying 'thank you'. We learned that meditation is all about awareness, of taking a step backwards from being the thinker, to observing yourself. There were also many tips on how to make meditation a meaningful part of a Unitarian service. The session was rounded off with a guided visualisation.
After lunch, Ant led us in a session on prayer. Again in small groups, we were asked to consider what kinds of prayer do (and do not) work for us in a church/chapel setting. The importance of appropriate language, the use of pauses, the need for focus, and the need to be heartfelt were all touched on.
Finally, it was over to us! Ant and Sarah asked us to write a prayer or meditation either in response to a disaster that had happened in the last couple of weeks, or about something wonderful that had happened. The braver among us shared the results with the group. They also asked one of us to produce some closing devotions for the day, which we then did.
All in all, it was an inspirational and interesting day. I think everybody learned a lot, and really appreciated the work that Ant and Sarah had put in.
Miss Janice Ashley: 1932 - 2009
The Midland Unitarian Association is very sad to announce the death of a dear friend to many of us, Miss Janice Ashley. She died peacefully in her sleep following a battle with cancer on 20th July.
Janice was an active member of The Great Meeting House Unitarian Church, Coventry all her life, being Church Secretary and Lettings Secretary - posts she took over from her parents. She was also a Church Trustee.
In the 1960s and 1970s she was one of an active group of young Unitarians in the Midlands who organised annual activities and competitions for the Midland Sunday Schools Association.
Under the guidance of the late Philip Spencer (of West Bromwich) she studied to become a lay preacher, and led worship regularly around the District until the end of 2008. She was President of the Midland Union of Unitarian & Free Christian Churches from 1983 - 1985, and its Secretary from 1985 - 1987. She was also a leading member of the Birmingham District Women's League, being its President from 2007 until her death. She had also represented the District on Central Committee. She was able to attend the District AGM in March 2009.
She was also involved with the Unitarian Lay Preachers Association (which later merged with the Unitarian Association of Lay Leaders), being its President from 1992 - 1993, and was its conference organiser for many years.
She was also very much involved with Moose International, the local branch of which meets at The Great Meeting House in Coventry.
Janice was a personal friend and we spent many happy times visiting various areas for days out and short holidays.
She will be greatly missed by her Congregation and many friends throughout the Unitarian movement. Our sympathies are sent to her brother Anthony and sister-in-law Sheila, and to her cousin Jean Dyer.
Ann Hughes
MUA Publicity Workshop
A highly successful Publicity Workshop was held at Birmingham New Meeting on Saturday 20th June. It was well supported, with 24 members attending from 13 MUA Congregations. The Workshop was led by Sue Woolley, the MUA District Facilitator, using a laptop and projector to give a very professional presentation using PowerPoint slides. Sue started the proceedings by inviting everyone to respond when meeting a stranger in a lift who spots the chalice badge and asks ‘What are Unitarians?” The day was then divided into four sessions. The two morning sessions were led by Sue: 1) Publicity using people and buildings and 2) Producing a Newsletter. The first dealt with how to help visitors find your chapel, and then ensuring that it is attractive and welcoming. The second emphasised the importance of each congregation having a Newsletter both for the members and for informing visitors. Aspects of content, design, production and distribution were then discussed. The first afternoon Session 3) External Publicity was led by Guest Speaker Jim Corrigall who as well as being a member of the GA Executive Committee, is also a professional journalist. He explained how to write News Articles and Press Releases, the effective use of photographs and how to give a radio interview. The final session 4) Building & maintaining a website was again led by Sue who explained how to design and construct an effective congregational website designed to attract new members, and emphasized the importance of regularly updating it to maintain its impact.
Singing our Faith - the Ministers' Meeting Hymn Sing, 13th June 2009
Over 30 Midlands Unitarians gathered at Kingswood Meeting House on a warm and sunny Saturday afternoon, to join with Rev. Ant Howe and the talented choir and organist from Kingswood, to learn some hymns from the new purple hymn book, Sing Your Faith. The gathering had been organised by the Warwickshire & Neighbouring Counties Monthly Meeting of Protestant Dissenting Ministers, known to its friends as the Ministers' Meeting, to encourage Midlands congregations to give the new hymn book a try.
Ant and his helpers took us through nine new hymns, some of which were quite easy to sing, some of which were a bit trickier. We all enjoyed the words of the new hymns, by talented contemporary Unitarians, and did our best to sing our faith loud and clear.
Then after a short break for tea and delicious cakes provided by the Kingswood congregation, Ant led us in a short service, using three of the hymns we had learned. All in all, it was an inspirational afternoon, and we left full of plans to use the new hymn book as soon as possible.
A Happy Celebration of Fifty years of service
A large crowd of friends from eight different MUA Congregations gathered at Warwick on Sunday 17th May to join in a Service of Celebration marking fifty years of service to Warwick Unitarians by Malcolm Sadler. The service was conducted by the Rev. Ant. Howe and accompanied on the piano by Malcolm. The Chapel was a different place when Malcolm first joined it in 1959, said Ant, with traditional pews, inadequate heating, a crumbling fabric and a dwindling congregation. Ant then invited Malcolm to describe some of the musical events which followed his arrival. Malcolm explained that he had been the organist at Waverley Road Church when he was invited to move to Warwick. In those days, the old pipe organ stood at the south end of the chapel and playing it created a loud howling sound from the blower motor situated in a corrugated iron shed in the garden outside. It had to be switched off after each hymn to avoid complaints from the neighbours! The organ gave up the ghost in mid-hymn during the second time that he played it, necessitating the use of a piano to complete the hymn! It was replaced with a smaller portable instrument which is still present in the upper room. In the ensuing years, he was able to recruit a series of musical ensembles to enliven the services and when it became impossible to recruit a minister, he accepted appointment as Lay Leader himself. There followed a long struggle stretching over many years to complete a massive programme of renovation which involved replacing the ceiling, removing the pews, replacing the floor, redecorating the chapel in bright colours, creating a new kitchen and reclaiming the now beautiful garden behind the chapel. Three flats were created in the adjacent building to form the basis of future income. Ant said that without Malcolm’s determined leadership over so many years, the congregation was unlikely to have survived. He pointed out, that, not content with these Herculean efforts on behalf of the congregation, Malcolm had made a significant contribution at both District and National level, being a Past President of the Midland District, Secretary of the District Ministers’ Meeting, and Secretary for many years of the Unitarian Association of Lay Leaders. He then read letters of congratulation from the President of the General Assembly, the President of the Midland Unitarian Association and from the Rev. John Clifford, a former Minister of the congregation and handed over a thick batch of additional congratulatory cards. At the conclusion of the service, the congregation offered drinks and refreshments whilst those present swapped memories and reminiscences.
SANDY ELLIS
Warwickshire & Neighbouring Counties Monthly Meeting of Protestant Dissenting Ministers Asparagus Lunch, Oat St Chapel, Evesham, 13th May 2009
Friends from most of the MUA congregations met at Oat St Chapel, Evesham for the Annual Asparagus Lunch. In spite of the gloomy weather, it was a joyful occasion. The service beforehand was led by the President of the General Assembly of Unitarian & Free Christian Churches, Rev. Bob Wightman, who spoke inspiringly about the importance of ministry of all kinds.
The lunch was up to the usual high standard, and had been splendidly organised by Dr. Peter Forder, Chairman at Evesham. One innovation for this year was the provision of e-tickets, with our names and menu choices on them, which made the waiting staff's job a lot easier.
The traditional toast to civil and religious liberty was proposed by Rev. Bob, and he was thanked by Rev. Keith Hill. Then Immediate Past President of the MUA, Mrs. Alison Thursfield, thanked the Ministers' Meeting for holding this Annual Lunch, and for their continuing witness through the centuries. Rev. Ant Howe thanked Oat St Chapel for their hospitality, and Dr. Peter Forder thanked the catering staff for the delicious meal.
Creating a Vibrant Spiritual Community through Small Group Ministry Training Course, Kingswood, 2nd May 2009
19 delegates from seven MUA congregations attended a whole-day training course about Small Group Ministry, led by the inspirational Rev. Jim Robinson of Hampstead.
After a spiritual opening session, to remind us that we are a spiritual community, not just a social club, we all "checked in", by sharing the wide variety of small groups that exist in our congregations. These included discussion, Friday Light, charity work, choir, rambling, retreats, Inquirer, small group worship, district work, and committees. We then shared what we appreciated about these small groups, and what the possible barriers were to them fulfilling their potentials.
Jim then took us through the basic principles of Small Group Ministry and Engagement Groups, including their intention, structure, engagement sharing principles, and facilitation. We learned that the reason for small groups is to deepen the spiritual life of the participants; to create community between them; to enable them to live in 'right relationship' with the rest of the world; and to deepen their connections with their church or chapel.
After lunch, we were taught how to listen to our fellow human beings, avoiding stereotyping ourselves and others. We were then invited to put this into practice, by splitting up into pairs, which was both fun and instructive. Then Jim took us through some of the practical issues of running an Engagement Group, about the meeting space; time questions; leadership; focus or purpose; the name of the group; the covenant between members; the structure of sessions; and the issues of problem behaviour and confidentiality.
The day was rounded off by a "check-out" session to balance the "check-in" in the morning, and a short spiritual closing.
We are all very keen to learn more about facilitation skills, and are hoping that Jim Robinson can be persuaded to run a course about this in the Autumn.
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Below is the text of a splendid article by Oxford's Pulpit Secretary, Catherine Robinson, which we are reprinting here with the permission of the author. As a succint summary of what Unitarianism is about, it can hardly be bettered.
"Tim Berners-Lee's invention symbolises Unitarian desire to foster communication, says Catherine Robinson
Unitarians sometimes describe themselves as "Quakers with hymns", or "Quakers with attention-deficit disorder". Although close in ethos to the Society of Friends, our worship is more structured: typically a sequence of prayers, hymns, readings, silent meditation, music and a sermon. But the liturgy, unlike that of the mainstream churches, changes shape every Sunday, and our sources of inspiration may include the scriptures of Buddhism, Islam and other world faiths; or poetry or philosophy; or even an editorial in the previous day's Guardian. Perhaps the key difference is the absence of a creed. To pay lip service to dimly understood (or privately rejected) religious formulas is the antithesis of Unitarianism. Honest doubt is encouraged, not suppressed.
The Unitarian movement took root in Poland and Hungary in the mid-16th century, spreading to western Europe in the 17th century and North America in the 18th. Early thinkers such as Faustus Socinus (1539-1604) rejected the orthodox doctrine of the Trinity, for which they could find no justification in the Bible. Their emphasis on the unity (or "unipersonality") of God led some to die at the stake, convicted of heresy. They believed - and we still believe - in the absolute humanity of Jesus, while revering him as a great soul and moral guide. They denied - and we deny - the doctrines of original sin and atonement, affirming instead all human beings' innate worth and potential for holiness, and individual responsibility for one's own spiritual state. As the final authority for a Unitarian lies within the individual conscience, we have no formally ordained priesthood.
Nowadays we tend to avoid theological disputes about the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, preferring instead to affirm our belief in divine unity - the oneness of God - and the essential unity of humankind and of creation. But certain values are enduring, and they include a commitment to civil liberty and social justice: our forebears include Thomas Jefferson, Mary Wollstonecraft, and Albert Schweitzer. A characteristic desire to foster communication is symbolised by the inventions of Unitarians Samuel Morse (the Morse code), Alexander Graham Bell (the telephone) and Tim Berners-Lee (pioneer of the world wide web, who declined to patent his invention and thereby derive personal profit from it).
For more than 200 years Unitarians have sought contact with other faiths, beginning with Sir William Jones (1746-1794), who produced the first European journal devoted to Oriental studies. A Welsh Unitarian, Jenkin Lloyd Jones (1843-1918), helped to organise the World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893, a pioneering initiative which inspired the founding, also by Unitarians, of the International Association for Religious Freedom (1900) and the World Congress of Faiths (1936). Unitarian minister Will Hayes (1890-1959) championed the cause of universalism or "panreligionism" - the idea that all religions are different aspects of the same truth. Our ministers express this conviction in their willingness to conduct interfaith weddings and funerals.
My own congregation in Oxford is typical: it includes members from Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish and Sufi backgrounds. We have held joint services of worship and colloquia with representatives of these and other faiths: Jewish, Muslim, Zoroastrian and Baha'i. We have particularly close links with the Muslim Educational Centre of Oxford, a liberal Islamic community with whom several of us have studied the Qu'ran.
A recent book, The Larger View: Unitarians and World Religions, traces the long history of Unitarian links with other faiths and also addresses the difficult question of whether the Unitarian movement is a liberal Christian denomination or a separate religion in its own right - a question to which there is (and can be) no officially sanctioned answer."
Oxford's website is http://www.oxford-unitarians.org.uk/
Goodbye Midland Union - Hello Midland Unitarian Association!
At our AGM on 21st March 2009, at the Great Meeting House Unitarian Church, Coventry, it was decided by the meeting that our 'working name' (in other words what we are known as) should be changed from 'Midland Union' to 'Midland Unitarian Association', MUA for short.
Four names had been put forward for consideration: 'Midland Unitarians', 'Midland Unitarian Association', 'Association of Midland Unitarians' and 'Midland Unitarian District Association'. After a discussion, and an initial straw poll of those present, the last two suggestions were dropped, and the meeting voted for one of the first two options.
The reasoning behind this was that our former title 'Midland Union' gave no indication that we were Unitarians. Our full name 'Midland Union of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches' will remain the same, until we amend the Constitution later this year, for Charity Commission purposes, but we will henceforth be known as 'Midland Unitarian Association', which we think shows clearly both that we are a Unitarian organisation and that we are a District Association.
Midland Unitarian Association AGM held at The Great Meeting House Unitarian Church, Coventry.
38 members from 13 of our 18 congregations, plus two visitors (Mrs. Joyce Ashworth, President of the Unitarian General Assembly and Mrs. Lis Dyson-Jones, MUA link member on the GA's Executive Committee) came together on a beautiful Spring day at Coventry's Great Meeting House Unitarian Church.
The business part of the meeting went very smoothly, and then we came to item 19 on the Agenda, choosing a new name for the Midland Union of Unitarian & Free Christian Churches. After a spirited debate (see above), we decided on Midland Unitarian Association.
After a congenial lunch and a short service led by our new President, the Rev. Peter Hewis, who took the life of famous conductor and Unitarian Sir Adrian Boult as his theme, we enjoyed a stimulating and interesting talk by Rev. John Harley, the General Assembly's Youth Coordinator. He was full of good ideas for involving children and young people in worship and other activities in our churches and chapels, and those present made good contributions too. John emphasised the need to have at least one adult present who has been CRB checked, and that it was better to have adults working in pairs. Keeping a log of activities was also recommended. He finished his talk by giving us some information about the GA's Chalice Award Scheme for children and young people. We all went home with a lot to think about, and inspired to be more inclusive to our younger members and attenders.
Kingswood Tercentenary Celebrations rounded off by visit from HRH the Duke of Gloucester
The congregation at Kingswood Meeting House, Hollywood, were honoured to be visited by HRH the Duke of Gloucester on Thursday 12th March 2009.
Also in attendance were the Mayor of Bromsgrove, and Mrs. Joyce Ashworth, President of the General Assembly of Unitarian & Free Christian Churches.
The Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire and his wife accompanied the Duke.
The visit was to mark the 300 year witness of Kingswood Meeting House. The congregation was founded in May 1708, with the original chapel being opened in April 1709.
The Duke was able to meet Committee and Trustees of the Chapel, the volunteers who tend the grounds, the choir and organist, Women's League members, WI members, and the leaders of Kingswood's young people's groups (Boy's Brigade, Rainbows, Brownies and Guides).
He spent some time looking at a historical display created by Kingswood's archivist Ms. Nina Caddick, and went on to enjoy a drink and a slice of cake whilst chatting with various members of the congregation.
The visit was originally planned to be 35 minutes long, but in the event the Duke was able to stay for nearly an hour. This extra time meant that he was able to take an extended tour of the grounds, as well as to hear the choir give an impromptu performance.
Before leaving, the Duke was presented with a limited edition medal, which has been cast especially to mark Kingswood's Tercentenary. He also unveiled a stone tablet which is to be situated in the Chapel. The tablet contains the names of the Ministers who have served Kingswood during its 300 year history.
Midland Unitarian Association of Lay Preachers and Service Leaders elects a new Lay Preacher member
Our congratulations to Miss Janice Ashley of our Coventry congregation, who has been elected as a Lay Preacher Member of our Lay Preachers & Service Leaders Association on account of her lifelong contribution to Unitarian services throughout the Midland Union.
Two Midland Union candidates accepted for Ministry / Lay Pastor training
Kath Riley, member at Evesham and Cheltenham, and editor of MU Now, has been accepted by the GA's Interview Panel for Lay Pastor training at Unitarian College Manchester.
Sue Woolley, member at Northampton, and Secretary & District Facilitator of the MU, has been accepted by the GA's Interview Panel for Ministry training at Harris Manchester College Oxford.
Our congratulations to them both!
Pastoral Care Training Course, 22nd November 2008
19 delegates from 8 Midland Union congregations met at Kingswood Meeting House to participate in a day-long training session on the basics of pastoral care. It was led by Rev. Don Phillips of the Cotswold Group, and Rev. Ant. Howe of Kingswood & Warwick. The course was divided into four parts:
Part 1 covered the basics of pastoral care, whether it is a home or hospital visit, or someone button-holing you before or after a service. Advice was given on basic approaches, and some good ideas were shared. The emphasis was on the community caring for the community.
Part 2 was on the art of listening. We were given tips on how to listen and how to respond, including examples of inappropriate responses; and then did a listening and recalling exercise in pairs, which was most enlightening!
Part 3 covered the limits of confidentiality and no-go areas. We learned that the key question is: is the person a danger to themselves or others? If so, involve the emergency services. We were also advised on the limits of what we should try to cope with ourselves, and when we should refer matters on. And also a list of people to refer on to - most useful!
Part 4 covered the particular issues concerned with the pastoral care of children and the bereaved.
It was a useful and reassuring day. We were reminded at the end that most pastoral care issues are not life and death ones, and that the vast majority of people just want recognition, comfort and the reassurance that they matter.
Midland Union Annual Lunch 18th October 2008
Thirty four Midlands Unitarians (representing 17 of our 18 congregations) and guests gathered on a crisp and sunny Autumn morning at Unitarian New Meeting Church, Birmingham, to attend the Midland Union Annual Lunch. After a welcome cup of tea or coffee, we gathered in the church to hear the Rev. Penny Johnson, National President of the Unitarian Women's League, give an interesting talk about the past and future of the League. She also introduced us to her friends, puppets Goliath (a seriously cute white bunny), Miranda and Jack.
After the speech, we drank pre-luncheon sherries in the vestibule, before adjourning to the Hall to enjoy the usual splendid lunch by our regular cateres, ANDDOR. This was followed by a loyal toast, given by Mr. Gavin Lloyd; the Unitarian toast "To civil and religious liberty the world over" by Mr. Sandy Ellis; and a vote of thanks to the caterers by Mr. Malcolm Sadler, who presented them with a big box of chocolates.
It was a most enjoyable event, and a good opportunity to meet up with old friends and make new.
SANDY ELLIS