THANK YOU LINDY!
Lindy will be retiring from the Bristol ministry at the end of the year. Eveyone in the group would like to thank her for a very full contribution to the life of both chapels and the Western Union for the last seven years. This has included work for the Stokes Croft Educational Trust .
We are all appreciative of all the worship services that Lindy has taken at both chapels often accompanied by her friends Frog and Toad. Lindy has always made sure that our talented musicians have been able to play the organ, piano or sing at all services. and we are looking forward to the Christmas services which involve much preparation. Lindy has officiated at weddings, funerals, baby blessings and last summer conducted a wedding after the Civil Partnership ceremony at Unitarian Meeting which is now registered for such events.
Meanwhile at Frenchay she has been very supportive of many fund raising events for the new windows.
Lindyʼs pastoral care has been much appreciated, from visits to the sick, lifts to functions and generally listening to concerns. Some of Lindyʼs visits are to her Mother who is now 95 years old! Others have enjoyed discussions, weekly courses and joining her at the summer school at the Unitarian holiday home in Derbyshire, to which she also took a congregational group. Many of us went with her to Ivy House in Warminster last summer for a congregational weekend.
Perhaps one of the activities which is close to Lindyʼs heart is the Bright Lights all age group which she instituted and which has given immense pleasure to young and old alike.
Lindy has played a very active part in the national Unitarian Movement and has attended the GA and Ministers conferences. When she retires the Western Union will no longer have a non-retired professional minister.
So it is with sadness mixed with happy memories that we say good bye, but hope that the trip to New Zealand goes well and that we shall hear all about it at some time in the future.
THANK YOU LINDY
SUSAN and PETER WILDMAN
From the Minister
Dear Friends -
I wonder what is the most important thing for you about the Christmas season. Is it
parties; food; seeing family; giving gifts; helping the homeless or going to a
seasonal concert? Or is your wish just to get away from it all and wait for it all to be
over?
At our recent Bright Lights gathering, nearly all the children, and some of the grown
ups said that they were looking forward to Christmas. Good! It is hard work and it
can be a lonely and difficult time for some of us, but it is my sincere hope that we
can all find a way to really appreciate the gifts and rich seams of generosity that are
offered to us through kindness and love this season.
Receiving gifts can sometimes make us feel vulnerable, especially if we are not
able to reciprocate, so I sense that it can often be much easier to give.
But receiving with an open and loving heart is one of the greatest gifts we can offer
each other. Over the last eight years I have received very many gifts from all of you.
Love, kindness, tolerance, challenge, acceptance and appreciation not to mention
tea and cakes! My ministry with you has been a truly collaborative one. We have
worked together, each with our own gifts.
I have mixed feelings about leaving you at the end of December, but I do know that
I will have a more fulfilling retirement because of what I have shared with all of you.
Thank you. Thank you!!
And a Happy New Year!
Love and Blessings – Lindy
SEASONAL OPEN HOUSE AT LINDY'S
You are all welcome to my home on Saturday, December 14th at any time
between 3.00 pm & 9.00 pm. Come for a chat and a rest in front of a log fire.
Small contributions of food welcome but not essential!
LINDY
CREATE FESTIVE FAIR, CREATE CENTRE,
SMEATON ROAD, BRISTOL 6th and 7th DECEMBER
music into the bargain. All stalls are local, sustainable or fairly traded.
<http://www.createbristol.org/events.htm>
FAIRTRADE CHRISTMAS TREES AND DECORATIONS!
Did you know that the seeds for Nordmann Firs (the UK's most commonly bought
Christmas trees) are sourced from natural forests, mainly in Georgia, in remarkably
primitive and dangerous conditions, and the cone pickers are paid so poorly that it is
hard for them to support their families. Fairwind is campaigning to persuade UK
growers to tackle the ethical issues that arise throughout the supply chain (from the
Georgian cone pickers, to the migrant labour on UK farms and the environmental
impact of farming trees) by converting their trees to Fair Trees®. To buy a Fair Trade
Christmas tree go to <www.fairwindonline.com/>. You can also buy Fair trade
Christmas decorations on this site, or from Traidcraft or Oxfam shops.
WORSHIP STUDIES COURSE
A reminder that the Worship Studies Course - Foundation Steps, aimed at those who
have been thinking about leading service, will be held at the Brdgwater church from
10.00 am to 4.15 pm on 15th March, 26th April and 24th May. The total cost is £39. More
details were given in the October/November newsletter and to register please contact:
Rev Sue Woolley, Facilitator, Midlands Unitarian Association on (01604 870 746)
<sue.woolley@virgin.net>
2014 ANNUAL MEETINGS - WHOʼS GOING?
The 2014 Annual Meetings are due to take place at Whittlebury Hall near Towcester,
from Sunday 13 to Wednesday 16 April 2014.
The Venue
Whittlebury Hall is a four–star Hotel and Conference Centre located amidst the rolling
Northamptonshire countryside with excellent meeting room facilities and high–quality
bedrooms and meals. There is an adjacent golf course with 36 holes and a spa on the
premises with a 19–metre swimming pool with bubble jets, sauna, steam room, whirlpool
spa and a fully–equipped gym. (Will there be time to attend the meetings?)
OUR RECENT SPECIAL COLLECTIONS
At the Harvest Services
A total of £165 was donated at our two harvest services, along with a large
quantity of provisions. Both went to Julian Trust Night Shelter. Richard Drake,
the Trust's Treasurer wrote saying our continuing support is very much
appreciated and asking that their gratitude be passed on to all involved. He also
said that "It is only through very kind donations such as yours that we have
been able to keep on serving the poor and disadvantaged in our society for over
twenty five years".
For Philippines Typhoon relief
A total of £105 was donated at special collections at our two services on 17
November. This was sent to the British Red Cross, who are participating in the
Disasters Emergency Committee's effort to help the victims of the Philippines
typhoon
PAUL WHEELER
BRIGHT LIGHTS
Our party in November certainly was a lively affair – with nearly thirty of us
singing, playing and eating! Delydd got us singing along to create a festive
mood and then, with Sally's help, gingerbread men were turned into reindeers,
balloons were bashed energetically with polystyrene “hockey sticks”, not to
mention the excitement of searching for chocolate Father Christmases and
playing pass the parcel and musical chairs. Yes, it was all go!
This is our last Bright Lights of the season, hopefully to be re-sparked in 2014.
We have been meeting now for about seven years, so a huge thank you to all of
you who have contributed in any way.
LINDY
A TOUCH OF MAYHEM AT THE NOVEMBER ʻBRIGHT LIGHTS
MY HUCKLOW EXPERIENCE 2013
This year at Hucklow I had just turned 13 and I was in the kids group--unlike last
year when the kids were put in an intergenerational group with the theme of
Bright Lights. This year our theme in the kid's group was Life Without Technology.
Our group leaders, Carrie and Glen discussed environmental issues with us, such
as global warming and hunger. We also talked about consumerism and how it
affected kids. To really find out what life without technology was like we made a
makeshift house out of natural things like branches and sticks. Another activity
was washing our dirty clothes using buckets of water and our feet. In the end our
clothes came out pretty clean!
One of the activities outside of our kids group was the Get To Know You walk. In
this walk you choose someone you don't know yet (this was easy because it was
the first morning of Summer School) and you go on a walk with them. This is a
good opportunity to find out about other people you will be spending the week
with.
The kids hosted a meditation where we did a meditative exercise that our group
leaders did for us. To make the exercise more effective we used sound effects
(instruments) during the readout description of a natural place for everyone to
imagine. We also had a games evening in the lounge where we played games
like Bananagrams and Scrabble.
Unfortunately I was ill for the part of Summer School that I was most looking
forward to - wild swimming. I missed it because I was ill for a day and a half and I
couldn't leave my uncomfortable bed. Apart from that, I really enjoyed Summer
School and I hope to go back.
SARAH SHERMAN
REFLECTIONS FROM UMBʼs NEW MEMBERS
I wanted to become a member of UMB because, since first coming
to Unitarian services in 2009, I have grown to value the Unitarian
Movement as a place where together we can be free and uninhibited
to follow our own spiritual paths, where we can be free to doubt and
question, and where we can be free to respond creatively to
possibilities of spiritual practice. Thank you all for being so
welcoming and sharing your spiritual journeys with me.
MARK STEWART née GARTSIDE
I very much enjoyed the Membership service. It was great to have so many
friends and family members attending, and Unitarians too. It felt very special. I
particularly enjoyed what we all had to share in our mini 'speeches'. It was
great to become a member alongside Anna and Mark, I feel that the service
added three committed and enthusiastic members to Bristol's Unitarians. I
look forward to welcoming other new members in the future.
A little prayer:
Dear Life
Thank you for the Unitarian movement, which means so much to me and to so
many others
Thank you for the commitment of membership as it strengthens our links and
relationships
Thank you for loving family, friends and Unitarians
Thank you for Lindy for leading the service and for leading Bristol Unitarians
as wonderfully as she has
Amen
JULIAN WOOD
MY DEFINITION OF UNITARIAN
We are a caring community of worshipping free thinkers.
We seek to examine and explore our own spiritual
understanding in the company of others.
We rely on no set doctrine or holy book for authority.
We appreciate that insight and wisdom can come from many sources
and in many forms:
•
in the natural world
•
in written, musical and artistic forms, and very importantly
•
in our interactions with one another.
We agree that inner growth will manifest itself in our lives outside of church We
aim for compassion and respect for all creation.
ANNA NAUGLE-SHERMAN
UMBʼS NEW MEMBERS WITH LINDY AFTER THE MEMBERSHIP SERVICE (L-R Mark, Lindy, Anna, Julian)
WHY I AM A QUNITARIAN
I recently became a member at UMB, and am so glad to have joined. The Unitarians
have given me so much over the last couple of years, and I know I will be a Unitarian
for years to come- I have found a real spiritual home, plus a fascinating and friendly
bunch of people, a real community of open-minded and free-thinking individuals. Over
the same time, I've been attending the Quakers at Redland too, and have enjoyed and
neeed this greatly on my path. Both paths (Quakers and Unitarians) share so much in
common. There is also different emphasis in each tradition, and I value that too.
So I've decided to continue attending both services. It is a time commitment, but it
gives me so much and allows me to give a lot to other people in my life and community.
I encourage all Unitarians to explore aspects of Quakerism, and will encourage
Quakers to find out more about us too!
JULIAN WOOD
A reminder that the Worship Studies Course - Foundation Steps, aimed at those who
have been thinking about leading service, will be held at the Brdgwater church from
10.00 am to 4.15 pm on 15th March, 26th April and 24th May. The total cost is £39. More
details were given in the October/November newsletter and to register please contact:
Rev Sue Woolley, Facilitator, Midlands Unitarian Association on (01604 870 746)
<sue.woolley@virgin.net>
2014 ANNUAL MEETINGS - WHOʼS GOING?
The 2014 Annual Meetings are due to take place at Whittlebury Hall near Towcester,
from Sunday 13 to Wednesday 16 April 2014.
The Venue
Whittlebury Hall is a four–star Hotel and Conference Centre located amidst the rolling
Northamptonshire countryside with excellent meeting room facilities and high–quality
bedrooms and meals. There is an adjacent golf course with 36 holes and a spa on the
premises with a 19–metre swimming pool with bubble jets, sauna, steam room, whirlpool
spa and a fully–equipped gym. (Will there be time to attend the meetings?)
OUR RECENT SPECIAL COLLECTIONS
At the Harvest Services
A total of £165 was donated at our two harvest services, along with a large
quantity of provisions. Both went to Julian Trust Night Shelter. Richard Drake,
the Trust's Treasurer wrote saying our continuing support is very much
appreciated and asking that their gratitude be passed on to all involved. He also
said that "It is only through very kind donations such as yours that we have
been able to keep on serving the poor and disadvantaged in our society for over
twenty five years".
For Philippines Typhoon relief
A total of £105 was donated at special collections at our two services on 17
November. This was sent to the British Red Cross, who are participating in the
Disasters Emergency Committee's effort to help the victims of the Philippines
typhoon
PAUL WHEELER
BRIGHT LIGHTS
Our party in November certainly was a lively affair – with nearly thirty of us
singing, playing and eating! Delydd got us singing along to create a festive
mood and then, with Sally's help, gingerbread men were turned into reindeers,
balloons were bashed energetically with polystyrene “hockey sticks”, not to
mention the excitement of searching for chocolate Father Christmases and
playing pass the parcel and musical chairs. Yes, it was all go!
This is our last Bright Lights of the season, hopefully to be re-sparked in 2014.
We have been meeting now for about seven years, so a huge thank you to all of
you who have contributed in any way.
LINDY
A TOUCH OF MAYHEM AT THE NOVEMBER ʻBRIGHT LIGHTS
MY HUCKLOW EXPERIENCE 2013
This year at Hucklow I had just turned 13 and I was in the kids group--unlike last
year when the kids were put in an intergenerational group with the theme of
Bright Lights. This year our theme in the kid's group was Life Without Technology.
Our group leaders, Carrie and Glen discussed environmental issues with us, such
as global warming and hunger. We also talked about consumerism and how it
affected kids. To really find out what life without technology was like we made a
makeshift house out of natural things like branches and sticks. Another activity
was washing our dirty clothes using buckets of water and our feet. In the end our
clothes came out pretty clean!
One of the activities outside of our kids group was the Get To Know You walk. In
this walk you choose someone you don't know yet (this was easy because it was
the first morning of Summer School) and you go on a walk with them. This is a
good opportunity to find out about other people you will be spending the week
with.
The kids hosted a meditation where we did a meditative exercise that our group
leaders did for us. To make the exercise more effective we used sound effects
(instruments) during the readout description of a natural place for everyone to
imagine. We also had a games evening in the lounge where we played games
like Bananagrams and Scrabble.
Unfortunately I was ill for the part of Summer School that I was most looking
forward to - wild swimming. I missed it because I was ill for a day and a half and I
couldn't leave my uncomfortable bed. Apart from that, I really enjoyed Summer
School and I hope to go back.
SARAH SHERMAN
REFLECTIONS FROM UMBʼs NEW MEMBERS
I wanted to become a member of UMB because, since first coming
to Unitarian services in 2009, I have grown to value the Unitarian
Movement as a place where together we can be free and uninhibited
to follow our own spiritual paths, where we can be free to doubt and
question, and where we can be free to respond creatively to
possibilities of spiritual practice. Thank you all for being so
welcoming and sharing your spiritual journeys with me.
MARK STEWART née GARTSIDE
I very much enjoyed the Membership service. It was great to have so many
friends and family members attending, and Unitarians too. It felt very special. I
particularly enjoyed what we all had to share in our mini 'speeches'. It was
great to become a member alongside Anna and Mark, I feel that the service
added three committed and enthusiastic members to Bristol's Unitarians. I
look forward to welcoming other new members in the future.
A little prayer:
Dear Life
Thank you for the Unitarian movement, which means so much to me and to so
many others
Thank you for the commitment of membership as it strengthens our links and
relationships
Thank you for loving family, friends and Unitarians
Thank you for Lindy for leading the service and for leading Bristol Unitarians
as wonderfully as she has
Amen
JULIAN WOOD
MY DEFINITION OF UNITARIAN
We are a caring community of worshipping free thinkers.
We seek to examine and explore our own spiritual
understanding in the company of others.
We rely on no set doctrine or holy book for authority.
We appreciate that insight and wisdom can come from many sources
and in many forms:
•
in the natural world
•
in written, musical and artistic forms, and very importantly
•
in our interactions with one another.
We agree that inner growth will manifest itself in our lives outside of church We
aim for compassion and respect for all creation.
ANNA NAUGLE-SHERMAN
UMBʼS NEW MEMBERS WITH LINDY AFTER THE MEMBERSHIP SERVICE (L-R Mark, Lindy, Anna, Julian)
WHY I AM A QUNITARIAN
I recently became a member at UMB, and am so glad to have joined. The Unitarians
have given me so much over the last couple of years, and I know I will be a Unitarian
for years to come- I have found a real spiritual home, plus a fascinating and friendly
bunch of people, a real community of open-minded and free-thinking individuals. Over
the same time, I've been attending the Quakers at Redland too, and have enjoyed and
neeed this greatly on my path. Both paths (Quakers and Unitarians) share so much in
common. There is also different emphasis in each tradition, and I value that too.
So I've decided to continue attending both services. It is a time commitment, but it
gives me so much and allows me to give a lot to other people in my life and community.
I encourage all Unitarians to explore aspects of Quakerism, and will encourage
Quakers to find out more about us too!
JULIAN WOOD
GIFT SERVICE IN ADVENT
Our Annual Gift Services this year will be on December 15th to be held at both chapels.
Our gifts will be for “Caring at Christmas”, the charity who help the homeless in Bristol
over the Christmas period.
Especially welcome are the following for men and women:
•
New underwear
•
Socks, gloves and hats
•
Warm coats, jumpers and jeans [for YOUNG adults].
•
Non perishable food, supermarket tokens and money.
Thank you for your generosity.
FAIRTRADE CHRISTMAS TREES AND DECORATIONS!
Did you know that the seeds for Nordmann Firs (the UK's most commonly
bought Christmas trees) are sourced from natural forests, mainly in Georgia, in
remarkably primitive and dangerous conditions, and the cone pickers are paid
so poorly that it is hard for them to support their families? Fairwind is
campaigning to persuade UK growers to tackle the ethical issues that arise
throughout the supply chain (from the Georgian cone pickers, to the migrant
labour on UK farms and the environmental impact of farming trees) by
converting their trees to Fair Trees®). To buy a Fair Trade Christmas tree go to
<www.fairwindonline.com/>. You can also buy Fair trade Christmas decorations
on this site, or from Traidcraft or Oxfam shops.
PAUL WHEELER
WOMENʼS LEAGUE
On 6th November Anne Butler came from the Crewkerne congregation to lead a
Christmas cards workshop. Bob Cook played a selection of organ music while
we worked. It was good to see Anne Weeks who came from Clevedon. Thanks
to Bob and Peter for providing lifts. We all went home with four artistic
Christmas cards. We are looking forward to Anneʼs next visit.
On 3rd January we hope to see “The Life of Sinbad” at the Tobacco factory.
A Happy Christmas to all!
SUSAN WILDMAN
IVY HOUSE 2014 - SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO
We have booked Ivy House, Warminster again for next year from 9th -
11th May. If you would like to come please complete the slip below and
return to Diane Roberts at 8 Oakdale Avenue, Downend BS16 6DT with
your deposit of £15. Please make your cheques payable to Frenchay
Chapel. The total cost last year from afternoon tea on Friday to afternoon
tea on Sunday was £115. This may slightly increase next year. There
should be a full programme of events for the weekend and a service on the Sunday morning.
