Article by Jenni Duffell, Shrewsbury Unitarians
This year I attended the Annual Meetings of the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches as the delegate from Shrewsbury. The meetings were held at Whittlebury Hall in Northamptonshire (a venue rather out of my league(!) but apparently the cost is no more, even less, than our usual University accommodation!)
More than 50 Unitarians from 14 congregations around the Midlands congregated in Shrewsbury Unitarian Church on 29th March, to attend the 148th District AGM. After a half-hour period of networking and refreshments, the assembled participants settled down for the business meeting. This was over in a commendably quick fifty minutes, and was followed by a break before lunch. Many folk took the opportunity to explore Shrewsbury in the warm Spring sunshine, before returning with sharpened appetites for the very delicious lunch, served by members of the Shrewsbury congregation, and produced by their very talented member, Simon Wilde, who is a chef. Continue reading
“Faith is reason grown courageous.”
Sir Wilfred Grenfell
Unitarians were very well represented at this year’s Interfaith gathering, organised by the Guild of Students at Birmingham University.
http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/events/exhibitions/acts-of-faith.aspx
This was held in a large Marquee in University Square, just in front of the famous University Clock Tower, and attracted several hundred students keen to learn more about different paths to faith and, it must be said, partake of the wonderful and free all day Asian Buffet. Continue reading
Stalybridge is easily accessible by train from Manchester and Yorkshire, by bus from Manchester and Ashton-under-Lyne where trams from Manchester terminate. There is car parking space in the street close to the church. Continue reading
Want to lead a service? But you’re not sure how? Let the Midland Unitarian Association of Lay Preachers & Service Leaders show you the way.
Join this three-part course, leading to a GA-recognised qualification (you will also need to do two assessed services). Continue reading
Participants from across the MUA enjoyed an excellent course on Using Social Media, held at Unitarian New Meeting Birmingham on 8th February. Love it or hate it, there is little doubt that the medium of social media is both here to stay and influential. This course was therefore a very useful introduction for some, and an important update for others, on the benefits that Facebook, Twitter and Blogging can have for their Unitarian community. Continue reading
Please would anyone interested get in touch with Rev. Sue Woolley on 01604 870746 or revsuewoolley@gmail.com
Course Leaders: Yvonne Aburrow, Alison Patrick, Sue Woolley
When: Saturday 8th February 2014
Where: Unitarian New Meeting Church, Birmingham B16 8BL
Times: 10.00 am – 4.15 pm (tea/coffee from 9.30 am)
Cost: free to MUA participants; £10 to others
Please contact Rev. Sue Woolley revsuewoolley@gmail.com for further details and a booking form.
This is your annual opportunity to have a say in the running of your District. You are warmly invited to attend.
When: Saturday 29th March 2014
Where: Shrewsbury Unitarian Church SY1 1LR
Guest Speaker: John Naish, author of Enough
Times: 10.30 am – 4.00 pm
Further details will be going out to Secretaries later. For now, please put the date in your diaries!
