Sunday 1st June
Frenchay 10.30 am — The Minister
UMB 6.00 pm — The Minister
Flowers: Ms Jane Hulin; Teas: Mrs Susan Wildman
Saturday 7th June
Western Union Council, Bridgwater church, 10.30 am
Sunday 8th June
Frenchay 10.30 am — Gerald Witcher from Crewkerne
UMB — no service
Sunday 15th June
Frenchay 10.30 am — The Minister
UMB 6.00 pm — The Minister
Dedication of plaque in memory of Keith Iles
Flowers: Mrs O Jennings; Teas: Mrs F Webster
Sunday 22nd June
Frenchay 10.30 am
UMB — no service
Bright Lights All Age Group, 3-5 pm
Sunday 29th June
Frenchay 10.30 am — The Minister
UMB 3.30 pm — Congregational Meeting
Shared tea, followed by service — congregational
contributions. Flowers: Mrs S Wildman
Sunday 29th June
Special service at Cullompton, 3pm
Sunday, 6th July at 12 noon
South East Wales Unitarian Summer Rally
National Folk Museum of Wales, St Fagans.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Fagans_National_History_Museum
The Penrhiw Chapel at the museum was acquired as a meeting house for Unitarians in 1777. There will be a short service there, but for those who have not been before - the museum is well worth a visit.
If you would like to join us and can either provide transport or would like a lift please email Sally Pugh - sallypugh@sally51.fsnet.co.uk
There will be no planned service at UMB or Frenchay on this day.
Group AGM
Group AGM held at Frenchay, Thursday 8th May 2008
There was a vote of thanks to various people for all their hard work. There were reports of chapel maintenance, the website and newsletter, the welcome pack, minister’s activities, chapel activities, and financial matters. New group officers were elected (see News).
Forward planning: Next AGM at Frenchay on Thursday 14th May 2009
Harvest service at both chapels on Sunday 5th October 2008
Forward planning meetings: Wednesday 24th September 2008 and Thursday 15th January 2009
There was a vote of thanks to various people for all their hard work. There were reports of chapel maintenance, the website and newsletter, the welcome pack, minister’s activities, chapel activities, and financial matters. New group officers were elected (see News).
Forward planning: Next AGM at Frenchay on Thursday 14th May 2009
Harvest service at both chapels on Sunday 5th October 2008
Forward planning meetings: Wednesday 24th September 2008 and Thursday 15th January 2009
Burma update
In the days since a catastrophic cyclone struck Burma and killed over 100,000 people, Avaaz members have donated $2 million (almost 1.3 million Euros) to the aid effort. The Avaaz community has given more than many governments, and Avaaz’s aid hasn't been stopped at the border like theirs -- Avaaz has supported Burmese monks and other aid groups who have worked without their brutal government's permission.
» Read more
You can donate at www.avaaz.org
» Read more
You can donate at www.avaaz.org
From the Minister
Dear Friends,
As I was sitting on the train last week, returning from a Unitarian meeting in London, I was thinking about what to share with you this month. The meeting was about Engagement Groups and Small Group Ministry.
It was about how we as a denomination support and provide training for our chapels and churches to hold small groups which have the intention to deepen our spiritual life: to create community and to deepen the connection with other aspects of the life of our meetings.
We in Bristol hold groups which include the principles of Engagement and Small Group ministry both through our recent “Home & Away” meetings at Frenchay, and “Bright Lights” at Unitarian Meeting in Brunswick Square.
At the London meeting it was agreed that our Bristol intergenerational “Bright Lights” group was an initiative that could be shared as other Unitarian groups may welcome our ideas and experience.
I want to thank all of you who have supported us and to say how important it is that we have something to offer not only to our national movement, but also to our local community.
Love and blessings,
Lindy
PS. Please pick up the ENGAGEMENT GROUP leaflet, or ask me for one. There we are – three pictures of Bright Lights on the cover!
As I was sitting on the train last week, returning from a Unitarian meeting in London, I was thinking about what to share with you this month. The meeting was about Engagement Groups and Small Group Ministry.
It was about how we as a denomination support and provide training for our chapels and churches to hold small groups which have the intention to deepen our spiritual life: to create community and to deepen the connection with other aspects of the life of our meetings.
We in Bristol hold groups which include the principles of Engagement and Small Group ministry both through our recent “Home & Away” meetings at Frenchay, and “Bright Lights” at Unitarian Meeting in Brunswick Square.
At the London meeting it was agreed that our Bristol intergenerational “Bright Lights” group was an initiative that could be shared as other Unitarian groups may welcome our ideas and experience.
I want to thank all of you who have supported us and to say how important it is that we have something to offer not only to our national movement, but also to our local community.
Love and blessings,
Lindy
PS. Please pick up the ENGAGEMENT GROUP leaflet, or ask me for one. There we are – three pictures of Bright Lights on the cover!
Chapel Open Day
The Open Day was held on Saturday, 8th March to welcome people who have recently joined us and to provide an opportunity for them - and many of us who have been around for quite a while - to hear more about Unitarians locally, nationally and internationally.
About 24 people gathered at Frenchay Chapel and sitting at tables 'cafe-style' we heard brief presentations from members of both chapels about such different subjects as the history of Unitarians, how the congregations in Bristol developed and the history of our two chapels.
New 'Welcome Packs' that had been produced by a small group of people, were on display and are now available in both chapels. Everyone is asked to give any ideas or comments about these to their chapel committee so we can continue to develop them for newcomers.
There were lots of questions and much interest in all that was said and afterwards we shared a cold lunch with more conversation and fellowship. The event finished with the opportunity to visit UMB for anyone who was not familiar with our other chapel.
We enjoyed working together to initiate this event and would like to thank all who helped with the organisation of this most enjoyable day - and of course to everyone who came.
Anne Barwell and Maureen Mackenzie
About 24 people gathered at Frenchay Chapel and sitting at tables 'cafe-style' we heard brief presentations from members of both chapels about such different subjects as the history of Unitarians, how the congregations in Bristol developed and the history of our two chapels.
New 'Welcome Packs' that had been produced by a small group of people, were on display and are now available in both chapels. Everyone is asked to give any ideas or comments about these to their chapel committee so we can continue to develop them for newcomers.
There were lots of questions and much interest in all that was said and afterwards we shared a cold lunch with more conversation and fellowship. The event finished with the opportunity to visit UMB for anyone who was not familiar with our other chapel.
We enjoyed working together to initiate this event and would like to thank all who helped with the organisation of this most enjoyable day - and of course to everyone who came.
Anne Barwell and Maureen Mackenzie
Interfaith
'Journeying Together' was the theme of this year's Civic Inter Faith Celebration. People from many faith communities were welcomed to the Council House by the Lord Mayor and members of the Bristol Inter Faith Group. Readings, prayers and music were offered by groups of all ages, providing a fascinating insight into each community and reflecting the values we all share in common. We were thoughtfully represented by Andrea, Linda and Paul who spoke and sang of their meaningful spiritual journeys. A delicious buffet followed, giving everyone an opportunity to meet each other. It was a very enjoyable celebration acknowledging that all our paths are worthy of respect and understanding.
Julia Lambert
Julia Lambert
Women's League at the GA
The National Women's League contribution to this year's GA was quite significant. The opening ceremony celebrated the contribution women have made to our movement through words and music. Our special slot in the busy schedule again celebrated the Centenary of our League with a pageant describing the inauguration, development and activities over the years, an acknowledgement of past Presidents by presenting them with a special badge, the ceremony of cutting the birthday cake (later enjoyed at the reception). There was then the presentation of a cheque for £8,500 to CHASTE, the 2007 - 2008 National Women's League Project and a splendid talk about the work of Sightsavers, our project for 2008-2009.
Olga Jennings
Olga Jennings
From the Minister
Dear Friends
Doing things differently...
It is not every day that I actually enjoy the prospect of driving up the M4, but on Monday last week I did just that.
My sister and I were going to meet our brother, his wife and young son from Heathrow airport. A much looked forward to visit from our Californian family. An early celebration for our Mother's ninetieth birthday.
So suddenly, the peaceful spaciousness of my small house is turned into a more crowded home of warmth, affection and conversation.
When I wake in a different, smaller room than usual, I notice anew the picture on the wall. It was painted by a young woman artist who was severely disabled. She could not control the movements on her hands and so her helper would hold the paper and move it according to the artist’s instruction while she held the brush with the chosen colour. The result is an unusual and peaceful image of an evening sky.
In my last workplace a sighted man with crippled hands guided a blind woman by telling her where and how to weave skeins of hand dyed wool to create an amazing wall hanging.
Painful life events can sometimes overwhelm us and leave us dispirited and de-skilled, or we can use them to find a way to do things differently and to see life differently.
Love and blessings
Lindy
Doing things differently...
It is not every day that I actually enjoy the prospect of driving up the M4, but on Monday last week I did just that.
My sister and I were going to meet our brother, his wife and young son from Heathrow airport. A much looked forward to visit from our Californian family. An early celebration for our Mother's ninetieth birthday.
So suddenly, the peaceful spaciousness of my small house is turned into a more crowded home of warmth, affection and conversation.
When I wake in a different, smaller room than usual, I notice anew the picture on the wall. It was painted by a young woman artist who was severely disabled. She could not control the movements on her hands and so her helper would hold the paper and move it according to the artist’s instruction while she held the brush with the chosen colour. The result is an unusual and peaceful image of an evening sky.
In my last workplace a sighted man with crippled hands guided a blind woman by telling her where and how to weave skeins of hand dyed wool to create an amazing wall hanging.
Painful life events can sometimes overwhelm us and leave us dispirited and de-skilled, or we can use them to find a way to do things differently and to see life differently.
Love and blessings
Lindy
2008 General Assembly at Hatfield
With several others from the Bristol group, including Alison Short, the Frenchay representative, I attended the 2008 GA at the University of Hertfordshire at the end of March. I had not attended the GA for several years and wondered if there would be the same buzz and the same enthusiasm. There were both in plenty. It was a densely packed programme, very tiring, but I even managed to go to the three 7.30 am services, something I had not done in my younger, fitter days - as an extra layer of commitment. All three services were inspiring in quite different ways.
The business sessions were conducted with humour; all the motions were passed. The highlights were the Women’s League pageant, in which our own Olga Jennings and Susan Wildman took part; the spellbinding sermon by the Rev Art Lester as the centrepiece of the Anniversary Service, and the music of all kinds, well performed on a variety of instruments and in many styles, including classical, jazz and popular song. That event was confusingly billed as a "Revue".
The innovation of slides of various chapels, presenting their achievements, was a welcome and colourful diversion, interspersed as they were with the serious business matters. Our own Lindy Latham appeared in two guises - promoting "Bright Lights", a part of UMB, and taking part in "Count me in - I'm a Unitarian too".
The food and accommodation were excellent. It was a shame that the weather was so unkind with a bitter wind and driving rain but, all in all, it was an invigorating experience and one which I would thoroughly recommend.
For anyone interested in further details, my ten pages of notes are available on request.
Ray Raitt - UMB Representative
The business sessions were conducted with humour; all the motions were passed. The highlights were the Women’s League pageant, in which our own Olga Jennings and Susan Wildman took part; the spellbinding sermon by the Rev Art Lester as the centrepiece of the Anniversary Service, and the music of all kinds, well performed on a variety of instruments and in many styles, including classical, jazz and popular song. That event was confusingly billed as a "Revue".
The innovation of slides of various chapels, presenting their achievements, was a welcome and colourful diversion, interspersed as they were with the serious business matters. Our own Lindy Latham appeared in two guises - promoting "Bright Lights", a part of UMB, and taking part in "Count me in - I'm a Unitarian too".
The food and accommodation were excellent. It was a shame that the weather was so unkind with a bitter wind and driving rain but, all in all, it was an invigorating experience and one which I would thoroughly recommend.
For anyone interested in further details, my ten pages of notes are available on request.
Ray Raitt - UMB Representative
Chapels for hire
Please remember (and tell your friends) that our chapels may be hired by outside organisations. For more information check with:
Frenchay - Bernard Omar: 01454 775454
UMB - The Ethical Property Company (Janine or Jack): 0117 916 648
Frenchay - Bernard Omar: 01454 775454
UMB - The Ethical Property Company (Janine or Jack): 0117 916 648
May to June
May 2008
SUN 4th FRENCHAY 10.30 am THE MINISTER
UMB 6.00 pm THE MINISTER
Services at 6 pm on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays of the month from March to October and at 3.30 pm on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays from November to February. The 'Bright Lights' all-age group will meet from 3 pm to 5 pm on the 4th Sunday of the month, all year.
SUN 4th FRENCHAY 10.30 am THE MINISTER
UMB 6.00 pm THE MINISTER
Teas - Mrs O Jennings
Mon 5th: May Day Fair at Redland Green
THUR 8th FRENCHAY 7.30 pm GROUP AGM
Sat 10th WESTERN UNION ANNUAL MEETING.
Plymouth Unitarian Church, 10.30 am
SUN 11th FRENCHAY 10.30 am Mr Frank Butler BSc
NO SERVICE AT UMB
Mon 12th FRENCHAY 6.15 pm - 7.45 pm Meditation Group
Thur 15th National Women's League, Central Committee AGM.
Birmingha
SUN 18th FRENCHAY 10.30 am THE MINISTER
UMB 6.00 pm Mrs S WILDMAN and
Teas - Mrs S Bartlett
SUN 25th FRENCHAY 10.30 am Rev Dr PETER GODFREY
UMB 3.00 - 5.00 pm 'BRIGHT LIGHTS'
Mon 26th FRENCHAY 6.15 pm - 7.45 pm Meditation Group
June
Sunday 1st June
- Frenchay 10.30 am — The Minister
- UMB 6.00 pm — The Minister
Saturday 7th June
- Western Union Council, Bridgwater church, 10.30 am
Sunday 1st June
- Frenchay 10.30 am — The Minister
- UMB — no service
UMB SERVICE TIME CHANGES
The UMB committee has decided to change the times of regular services to reduce confusion. The new times, starting on 4th May are:Services at 6 pm on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays of the month from March to October and at 3.30 pm on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays from November to February. The 'Bright Lights' all-age group will meet from 3 pm to 5 pm on the 4th Sunday of the month, all year.
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