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.
MUA News
Acts of Faith Gathering at Birmingham University
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.
Facebook, Twitter and blogging – bring them on!
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.
Wanted! Religious Education Coordinator for the District
Please would anyone interested get in touch with Rev. Sue Woolley on 01604 870746 or revsuewoolley@gmail.com
MUA Executive Committee Key Messages
1. District RE Coordinator. Unfortunately we are back to square one on this. If anyone is interested in the post, please contact Sue Woolley.
2. The MUA Annual General Meeting will be held at Shrewsbury Unitarian Church, on Saturday 29th March 2014 – please put the date in your diaries.
MUA Executive Committee meeting Key Messages
1. The MUA Annual Lunch at Kingswood on 26th October was very successful. Our thanks to our Guest Speaker, Dr. Taj Hargey, Director of the Muslim Educational Centre of Oxford.
2. District RE Coordinator. Unfortunately we are back to square one on this. If anyone is interested in the post, please contact Sue Woolley.
MUA Annual Lunch at Kingswood
Over 30 Unitarians from congregations all over the Midlands gathered to share lunch, and to hear our Guest Speaker, Dr. Taj Hargey, speak to us about rational Islam. Dr. Hargey is Director of the Muslim Educational Centre of Oxford and Imam of the Oxford Islamic congregation.
MUA Executive Committee meeting Key Messages
1. The MUA Investment Committee changed the distribution of MUA investments, due to the continuing volatility in the markets. They continue to monitor the situation closely.
2. District RE Coordinator. we are pleased to announce that someone is considering this seriously – further details in the next Bits & Pieces.
Gathering for Growth at Kingswood “inspirational”
This was a well-attended and vibrant session, led by Rev. Ant Howe from Kingswood Unitarian Church. Ant’s congregation is ‘successful’ by any description – with Unitarian worship at its heart, it attracts 60+ attendees on a typical Sunday, 40 at mid-week services, is growing at the rate of 10% a year, has a full schedule of activities, is inclusive, welcoming, and at the heart of the local community it so effectively serves. At Christmas it is standing room only!
MUA Executive Committee meeting Key Messages
1. The deadline for 2020 Expressions of Interest has been extended to 28th September 2013.
2. The MUA Investment Committee has four new members (in addition to Mr. Ash James (President), Mr. Sandy Ellis (Treasurer) and Mr. Clive Weston (consultant): Rev. Jeffrey Bowes; Mrs. Jane Couper (Vice President); Mr. David Mearman and Mrs. Pamela Rose. Our thanks to them all.