November
Sunday 11th
Frenchay 10.30 am Remembrance Sunday, Mr Bernard Omar
No service at UMB
Monday 12th
Frenchay 6.15 pm - 7.45 pm Meditation Group
Sunday 18th
UMB 3.30 pm Group Welcome Service four our Minister, Rev Lindy Latham
Guest speaker: Rev Eric Jones
Flowers - Chapel flower fund
Teas - Mrs O Jennings and congregational contributions for tea from both chapels please
Music - Bob Cook
Thursday 22nd
Frenchay Village Hall, 7.30 pm - Antiques Road Show - in aid of roofing repairs to Frenchay Parish Church
Sunday 25th
Frenchay 10.30 am Mr Frank Butler
UMB 3.00 pm - 5.00 pm ‘Bright Lights Group’ - a visit from Circomedia.
Mon 26th
Frenchay 6.15 pm - 7.45 pm Meditation Group
December
Please note: UMB services during December, January and February are at 3.30pm unless otherwise stated.
Wednesday 5th
Women’s League outing to the Lord Mayor’s Christmas ‘At Home’ at the Mansion House. 3.00 pm.
Saturday 8th
Western Union Council meeting, Bridgwater Chapel.
Sunday 9th
Frenchay 10.30 am Mr Bernard Omar
No service at UMB
Monday 10th
Frenchay 6.15 pm - 7.45 pm Meditation Group
WAC meeting
WOMEN’S ADVISORY COUNCIL TO THE UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION - OCTOBER 2007
I attended the WAC meeting, which was held at the Migrant and Refugee Communities Forum, Ladbroke Grove, on Thursday 4th October. There were many problems that day with the Underground and the meeting was poorly attended. Some representatives were unwilling to attend at 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm.
Natasha David of the Migrant and Refugee Communities Forum explained that it is an umbrella organisation for about 40 organisations, embraces 10 languages, 20,000 users, 8 projects national and regional and 12 funders. Many of the organisations deal with migration resettlement, well being and health problems. Much of the latter is caused by a hostile host community and new, unknown cultural traditions. Many are destitute and can be excluded from the health system.
She explained about the 'Face to Face' project which was featured in the BBC4 programme 'All in the Mind' dealing with mentoring. Mentors work with mentees, usually overseas qualified doctors and dentists, to enable them to satisfy the requirements to enable them to work in this country. They give them emotional support, child care and also help with CV's, application forms and most importantly, help them to prepare for exams. .
The second speaker, Senadit, worked with Ethiopians in London, of whom there are about 25,000. There are many cases of depression and the project tries to help with advice and practical help such as clothing, second-hand books, outings to the seaside, parenting classes and HIV advice. She explained that the situation of asylum seekers and children is bad as they have no refugee status so cannot register with a doctor. Many Ethiopian women for example do not know about postnatal depression. The WAC voted to donate £50 to the Ethiopian project.
Looking through the literature provided I noticed that 'Médecins du Monde' has set up a clinic in London for vulnerable people who are refused health care because of legislation.
SUSAN WILDMAN
National Women's League
Representative to the WAC-UNA
I attended the WAC meeting, which was held at the Migrant and Refugee Communities Forum, Ladbroke Grove, on Thursday 4th October. There were many problems that day with the Underground and the meeting was poorly attended. Some representatives were unwilling to attend at 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm.
Natasha David of the Migrant and Refugee Communities Forum explained that it is an umbrella organisation for about 40 organisations, embraces 10 languages, 20,000 users, 8 projects national and regional and 12 funders. Many of the organisations deal with migration resettlement, well being and health problems. Much of the latter is caused by a hostile host community and new, unknown cultural traditions. Many are destitute and can be excluded from the health system.
She explained about the 'Face to Face' project which was featured in the BBC4 programme 'All in the Mind' dealing with mentoring. Mentors work with mentees, usually overseas qualified doctors and dentists, to enable them to satisfy the requirements to enable them to work in this country. They give them emotional support, child care and also help with CV's, application forms and most importantly, help them to prepare for exams. .
The second speaker, Senadit, worked with Ethiopians in London, of whom there are about 25,000. There are many cases of depression and the project tries to help with advice and practical help such as clothing, second-hand books, outings to the seaside, parenting classes and HIV advice. She explained that the situation of asylum seekers and children is bad as they have no refugee status so cannot register with a doctor. Many Ethiopian women for example do not know about postnatal depression. The WAC voted to donate £50 to the Ethiopian project.
Looking through the literature provided I noticed that 'Médecins du Monde' has set up a clinic in London for vulnerable people who are refused health care because of legislation.
SUSAN WILDMAN
National Women's League
Representative to the WAC-UNA
UMB Women's League
A successful coffee morning and Bring and Buy on 13th October raised £40 for the national WL project CHASTE. Many thanks to Susan who organised it. Our next meeting will be at 2.30 pm on Friday, 23rd November for a social afternoon and quiz around the Christmas tree at UMB. On Wednesday 5th December we will be have a visit to the Lord Mayor’s Christmas ‘At Home’ at the Mansion House at 3.00 pm. We will have 10 tickets. Please contact either Susan or myself if you are interested in going.
At the beginning of October Susan and I attended the National Women’s League Annual Rally at Whalley Abbey, North East Lancashire. We had two lovely autumn days. The session opened with a service in the conference centre’s small chapel taken by this year’s President, Mrs Marion Baker. Much time was taken up with discussion about arrangements for the 100 year celebration at the Hatfield GA meetings on Thursday 27th March. There will also be a day of celebraton at Upper Chapel, Sheffield on 5th July for those unable to get to Hatfield with a banquet at Channing Hall.. Each district has been given some daffodil bulbs which hopefully will be in flower next March and every March thereafter to remind us of each other.
Our harvest lunch and service was a successful and happy event. Many thanks to Sally and Jane for all their hard work and also to all who contributed to the lunch, gave gifts in kind for the Julian Trust and donations to Water Aid. A total of about £100 was sent to Water Aid.
OLGA JENNINGS
At the beginning of October Susan and I attended the National Women’s League Annual Rally at Whalley Abbey, North East Lancashire. We had two lovely autumn days. The session opened with a service in the conference centre’s small chapel taken by this year’s President, Mrs Marion Baker. Much time was taken up with discussion about arrangements for the 100 year celebration at the Hatfield GA meetings on Thursday 27th March. There will also be a day of celebraton at Upper Chapel, Sheffield on 5th July for those unable to get to Hatfield with a banquet at Channing Hall.. Each district has been given some daffodil bulbs which hopefully will be in flower next March and every March thereafter to remind us of each other.
Our harvest lunch and service was a successful and happy event. Many thanks to Sally and Jane for all their hard work and also to all who contributed to the lunch, gave gifts in kind for the Julian Trust and donations to Water Aid. A total of about £100 was sent to Water Aid.
OLGA JENNINGS
From the Minister
Dear Friends
Have you got a guardian angel?
However you or I may interpret that phrase, either literally, symbolically or with total scepticism, there does seem to be a case for accepting that sometimes, when things happen by mistake, there is something beyond the rational going on.
Last week I was nervously trying to work out how to get connected to broadband on my computer. I had just about got to the panic stage when the door bell rang.
I fancifully hoped it might be someone who knew something about computers!
It was. At the door stood Yvonne, our new Bristol Unitarian web person. I was a little surprised to see her as our meeting wasn’t until the following evening.
“Never mind” I said, shutting the door fast so she couldn’t escape! “Come in, I need you……”
Problem expertly solved. An enjoyable evening was had and the following day Peter Wildman, Yvonne and I continued to work on producing our new website - more details in the next newsletter.
The following day I went to Unitarian College Manchester for a 2 day course only to discover that I was a day early!
Did my guardian angel send me so I could meet up with old friends as they appeared for a different gathering to which I was then invited?
Maybe, But however we choose to interpret the facts of the matter, mistakes can sometimes be very good for you!
Warm wishes…
Lindy
November 2007
Bristol Interfaith Group
A representative took part in the Prayer for Peace event held on United Nations Day from 10 am to 7pm at the Bristol Lord Mayor's Chapel. Sikhs, Baha'is, Buddhists, Friends and Christians were among those who witnessed the Deputy Lady Mayoress light the enormous Peace Candle and read the Prayer for Peace.
On Sunday 4th November, from 2.00 pm to 4.30 p.m., the Fellowship Dialogue Society invited all to their event at the Easton City Academy. This again included spectacular live dancing by Whirling Dervishes.
The Winter Celebration will be held at Friend's Meeting, Hampton Road on Wednesday 12th December. Contributions for our involvement are respectfully solicited - as they say!
BERNARD OMAR
On Sunday 4th November, from 2.00 pm to 4.30 p.m., the Fellowship Dialogue Society invited all to their event at the Easton City Academy. This again included spectacular live dancing by Whirling Dervishes.
The Winter Celebration will be held at Friend's Meeting, Hampton Road on Wednesday 12th December. Contributions for our involvement are respectfully solicited - as they say!
BERNARD OMAR
Forthcoming events
The first of the new style of Group Meetings was held at Frenchay Chapel on 10th October. The principal change is to allow wider participation from both congregations to increase awareness of what is planned for the coming months in both chapels.
A valuable result of the wider participation at this meeting was that many future activities and meetings were suggested. Many suggestions came from members who have recently joined us, proving the value of this new approach. The first four of these events will almost certainly take place, the others will be discussed at the next Group Meeting on 22nd January:
A valuable result of the wider participation at this meeting was that many future activities and meetings were suggested. Many suggestions came from members who have recently joined us, proving the value of this new approach. The first four of these events will almost certainly take place, the others will be discussed at the next Group Meeting on 22nd January:
- Introductory day/half day for new members. Visiting both chapels?
- Welcome Pack for new members
- Spirituality course ‘Home and Away’ to start on 15th January
- Quiz ‘In the Spring’
- Spiritual book club
- A story telling event
- Guided local walks
- Talk by a Sufi on ‘The names of God’
- Visit to the Chalice Well at Glastonbury
Weddings and ceremonies
Baptisms and Child Namings: A meaningful welcome to any new additions to your family!
Weddings and same-sex blessings: Today more and more couples want to make both a civil and spiritual commitment to each other on their wedding day. This includes those who have been married before, couples who come from two different faith traditions, or who do not belong to a religious institution.
The Unitarian approach to marriage and religious beliefs may be able to help those who want more than a civil ceremony. We believe that there are many sources of truth, and that no-one has the right to impose their beliefs on another. We respect other faith traditions and gain enrichment from their literature and wisdom. We know that many people do not belong to any particular faith, but are following their own spiritual path.
We feel that it is important that there should be a place where couples can celebrate their union within their local community. Our chapel is steeped in local history, as it is one of the oldest in the area. This adds to the value of the occasion.
A marriage ceremony is a very personal thing, and should reflect and express what is significant and important to the couple. The couple can gain a lot by planning the ceremony with the minister. There is very little about a wedding ceremony that is required by law, so it's a wonderful opportunity to be creative with words and music. It can be a very individual occasion as well as including time-honoured traditions.
Our minister would be pleased to talk to you if you wish to consider a wedding or same-sex blessing, or if you want more information.
Otherwise you are welcome to attend any of our services.
Funerals: A Unitarian funeral is always dignified and fitting. We work hard to create a service that reflects and celebrates the life of the person. When planning such services, we will not impose any set liturgy and will make certain that you are happy with the form that the service will take.
Weddings and same-sex blessings: Today more and more couples want to make both a civil and spiritual commitment to each other on their wedding day. This includes those who have been married before, couples who come from two different faith traditions, or who do not belong to a religious institution.
The Unitarian approach to marriage and religious beliefs may be able to help those who want more than a civil ceremony. We believe that there are many sources of truth, and that no-one has the right to impose their beliefs on another. We respect other faith traditions and gain enrichment from their literature and wisdom. We know that many people do not belong to any particular faith, but are following their own spiritual path.We feel that it is important that there should be a place where couples can celebrate their union within their local community. Our chapel is steeped in local history, as it is one of the oldest in the area. This adds to the value of the occasion.
A marriage ceremony is a very personal thing, and should reflect and express what is significant and important to the couple. The couple can gain a lot by planning the ceremony with the minister. There is very little about a wedding ceremony that is required by law, so it's a wonderful opportunity to be creative with words and music. It can be a very individual occasion as well as including time-honoured traditions.
Our minister would be pleased to talk to you if you wish to consider a wedding or same-sex blessing, or if you want more information.
Otherwise you are welcome to attend any of our services.
Funerals: A Unitarian funeral is always dignified and fitting. We work hard to create a service that reflects and celebrates the life of the person. When planning such services, we will not impose any set liturgy and will make certain that you are happy with the form that the service will take.
Bright Lights
Bright Lights is our Intergenerational Group that meets on the fourth Sunday of the month between January and November.
On Sunday, 28th October, nearly 30 of us gathered in Brunswick Square Unitarian meeting House for an afternoon of fun, activity, learning and reflection.
We played a game which illustrated the difficulties facing poor farmers in Brazil; planted bulbs in our front garden; ate yummy healthy snacks; sang songs, painted and played with the parachute and more...
It was a pleasure to welcome new friends and in our opening circle we reminded ourselves of the importance of gathering together and sharing, all ages, in loving community.
Our next meeting is on November 25th when AMAZING WAYNE from CIRCA MEDIA will be coming to both entertain and to teach us juggling and plate spinning... etc. DO COME ALONG.
There will not be a meeting in December but please come to the CAROL SERVICE at our Frenchay chapel at 10.30am on December 23rd.
Thanks to all for making the group so great!
Lindy
On Sunday, 28th October, nearly 30 of us gathered in Brunswick Square Unitarian meeting House for an afternoon of fun, activity, learning and reflection.
We played a game which illustrated the difficulties facing poor farmers in Brazil; planted bulbs in our front garden; ate yummy healthy snacks; sang songs, painted and played with the parachute and more...
It was a pleasure to welcome new friends and in our opening circle we reminded ourselves of the importance of gathering together and sharing, all ages, in loving community.
Our next meeting is on November 25th when AMAZING WAYNE from CIRCA MEDIA will be coming to both entertain and to teach us juggling and plate spinning... etc. DO COME ALONG.
There will not be a meeting in December but please come to the CAROL SERVICE at our Frenchay chapel at 10.30am on December 23rd.
Thanks to all for making the group so great!
Lindy
From the Minister
Dear Friends,
"A different perspective..."
I am writing this towards the end of September. We almost had a touch of frost this week, and the trees are beginning to look brown and gold. A marvellous sight against the bright blue sky.
Perhaps some of us feel sad that summer time is coming to an end. Less daylight and colder times ahead does not seem a very inviting prospect.
But do we really want to miss out on our seasonal changes? Would we welcome warmth and sunlight ALL the time?
I have a feeling that if we remove all the obstacles and challenges in our lives we would miss out on a lot of learning. Learning about the world and ourselves. Learning about paying attention and being observant.
When I visit my brother in California, I have to watch out for poison oak. It can cause serious reactions if you brush by it.
I wondered how worried he was about his young son being stung but was told that it taught him to be watchful.
Perhaps we need to be careful when we try to control too much of nature. What can be seen as a nuisance to us is often a safeguard to wildlife.
Even icy or snow filled roads teach us to walk or drive with more care. Or encourage us to stop rushing around and take a well earned rest!
So welcome to autumn, beautiful autumn, and walk easy on the earth.
Lindy.
October 2007
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