JULY/AUGUST 2011
UNITARIAN MEETING (UMB), BRUNSWICK SQUARE, BRISTOL, BS2 8PE
FRENCHAY CHAPEL, BECKSPOOL ROAD, FRENCHAY COMMON, BRISTOL BS16 1ND
Back At The Desk
The Group committee met with Lindy at Frenchay on
Thursday 29th July to discuss her continued ministry to
the Bristol Group. The happy outcome was that Lindy
has agreed to continue as our part-time minister until
the end of 2013! Very little will change in her "Duties
as the agreement puts it, except that she has
expressed a wish to conduct 5th Sunday services,
possibly in a format that preserves some aspects of
our present "Congregational services. When the
agreement is available it will be presented to both
congregations. In the meantime if you have any
comments in or questions in relation to the Group and
Lindy's ministry please address them to Bernard Omar
as our Group President. Welcome Back Lindy!
Lindy gave her eagerly awaited talk about her time in India at UMB on 22nd June.
A good number of us enjoyed a fascinating insight into some of the non-tourist
parts of India as well as some views of what we think of as "India#. For those who
missed all this Lindy has promised another showing later.
We were very happy to see Olga Jennings in Bristol again. She has not
relinquished her connections with us and will be here again in September for the
Stokes Croft Educational Trust meeting and a meeting of UMB Trustees.
Several of our members are unwell or in hospital recently. We would like to send
our good wishes to Frances webster, Ray Raitt, Audrey Cook and Ros Pratt.
Please read this issue of our newsletter carefully, or should I say even more
carefully than usual. There are details of many courses, activities and visits, both
within Bristol and further afield in the Western Union area. We may be few in
number (at present!) but the Group has an active life!
The next issue of this newsletter will be produced by Karl Stewart. Please send
your inputs for September to him by 31st August at the latest.
PETER WILDMAN
A Summer Message From Lindy
Looking out from my garden towards the Severn Valley and the Welsh hills on this
June evening, it is difficult to imagine that we are just passed the mid summer solstice
and already moving towards shorter days. Not so long ago some of us were turning on
the heating or at least filling our hot water bottles! Before that, in May, we were feeling
the heat and the drought.
Although this “climate unpredictability” is interesting and keeps us on our toes, it can
also be disturbing, together with all the human atrocities and political upheavals that
we hear about daily.
We all need some certainty in our lives. There is so much change going on in the
world so we may well ask “where is our anchor?” From a spiritual, Unitarian point of
view this is not easy to respond to as we have no definitive creed. But I feel that our
anchor is each other. With all our gifts, with all our frailties, with our struggle to create
a loving community, this is our creed.
That can sound all a bit “airy fairy”... all theory and no practice. But there is plenty of
practice going on...I could use up the rest of this newsletter to share stories that I hear
about how you/we are helping each other and those in the broader community.
Talking about stories... I feel that these are one of the most powerful tools that can
help us to learn from and about each other. If you have a story to tell about something
that is important – a time that helped you – please share it in words for the newsletter
– e mail or phone me!
I hope that we all have a lot more summer to enjoy – and that whatever our personal
struggles are, we can find a spark of joy and encouragement from the kindness of
both friends and strangers.
Love and peace
Lindy
Frenchay News
A school visit was booked to Frenchay Chapel and the writer was exercised
thinking how to make it as interesting as possible given there is so little to see
and the history could be a right turn-off. Would a simple sum help?$ Ask the
current year 2011. Less the date of the chapel 1691 = 320 years of witness. But
then some twelve adults appeared and no children. We were hosting a Teachers
In Service Training Slot! We fielded some interesting questions about the history
of the building but little about our beliefs.$The tenuous link with Lewis Carroll and
the story of the Anti Body Snatchers Stone attracted interest but the teachers
doubted our ability to make these interesting to a group of school children. We
sought help to ask the school children to draw or paint a picture of the Chapel.
Watch this space..
CHIVALRY. The writer's car broke down when returning with two Bristol
octogenarians returning from the Sidmouth Western Union Assembly. AA
Rescue was requested stressing the agitation occasioned by the presence of the
octogenarians. Then a car stopped.$Karl Stewart driving past had noticed, turned
and offered help. Chivalrous. It left a question for the AA Patrol when it arrived,
"Where are the two old ladies?" Strangely, the question was not asked and the
driver remained at liberty
HODS. Frenchay are booked to be open 10 am to 4 pm Thursday, Friday and
Saturday and from 12.30 pm to 4 pm on the Sunday. BUT a wedding will be
taking place on Saturday 10th so visitors will be greeted outside at that time.
# # # # # # # # # # # # BERNARD OMAR
Western Union Assembly At Sidmouth
(See also report by Ray Raitt on page 10)
The local Mayor welcomed all to Sidmouth and gave his good wishes for our
gathering. A Communion Service followed the business meeting and was
conducted by the Rev Kathy Packer, Minister to Sidmouth and Torquay
Congregations but to retire in September, leaving both congregations with an
uncertain future.
The General Assembly President Rev Dr Anne Peart kindly attended and
conducted the afternoon act of worship involving ad hoc members from each of
the congregations to say what they valued about their Unitarian faith.
A sense of unity and determination to keep Unitarianism alive in the West
Country pervaded the Assembly.
# # # # # # # # # # # # # BERNARD OMAR
# # # # # # # # # # # # # Frenchay Delegate
Diary For July 2011
UMB - Unitarian Meeting Bristol, Brunswick Square,
WL - Women’s League, WA - Wedding Anniversary,
IM - In Memoriam, tba - to be arranged, tbc - to be confirmed
SUN 3rd FRENCHAY 10.30 am - THE MINISTER
UMB 6.00 pm - THE MINISTER
Flowers - Ms S Pugh
Teas - tba
Tues 5th Frenchay 7.30 pm Concert by Bob Cook and
Delydd McAdam
SUN 10th No services at UMB or Frenchay
Group outing to Dyrham Park preceded by a visit to Marshfield Chapel
(service at 11.15 am) and a pub lunch with the congregation
Wed 13th 2nd Spirituality Practices workshop. ‘Chakras’. Led by
Yvonne Aburrow 7-9 pm at Trowbridge Meeting House
see page 9
Sat 16th 1 pm onwards. Frenchay Chapel will be open for
Frenchay Flower Show. Sales table, teas and coffees
SUN 17th FRENCHAY 10.30 am - The MINISTER
UMB 6.00 pm - The MINISTER
Flowers - Mr P Wheeler
Teas - Mrs S Bartlett
Mon 18th Bristol Inter Faith Group. Dialogue Circle meeting “In
what way do people of faith respond to terror”
University Of Bristol Multi-Faith Chaplaincy, 1 Woodland
Road, Clifton. 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm Contact: Bernard Omar
“ Frenchay Chapel, 6.15 pm for 6.45 pm - 7..45 pm ‘Open
Circles’. Contact: Andrea Clark-Ward. See Page 9
SUN 24th FRENCHAY 10.30 am - TBA
No ‘Bright Lights’, Summer break until September 25th
Tues 26th Poetry morning at the home of Grace Cooper.
The theme will be ‘Places’. See page 9
Wed 27th Women’s League. Meet at 6.30 pm in the restaurant in IKEA.
See page 11.
SUN 31st FRENCHAY 10.30 am - THE MINISTER
UMB 4 pm Congregational meeting followed by tea
6 pm Congregational service led by
Mr Karl Stewart
Flowers - Mr P Wildman
Teas - Mrs S Wildman
Diary For August 2011
SUN 7th FRENCHAY 10.30 am - THE MINISTER
UMB 6.00 pm - THE MINISTER
Flowers - Mrs J Whitaker
Teas - Mrs J Whitaker
SUN 14th FRENCHAY 10.30 am - Mr Karl Stewart
No service at UMB
SUN 21st FRENCHAY 10.30 am - THE MINISTER
UMB 6.00 pm - THE MINISTER
Flowers - Ms J Hulin/Ms S Pugh
Teas -
Tues 25th Poetry morning. The theme will be ‘Crime and Punishment’
For venue please contact Diane Roberts (0117 956 6963)
SUN 28th FRENCHAY 10.30 am -
No ‘Bright Lights’, Summer break until September 25th
Dates For September 2011
SUN 4th FRENCHAY 10.30 am - THE MINISTER
UMB 6.00 pm - THE MINISTER
Flowers- Mrs S Bartlett
Teas - tba
Thur 8th UMB 5.30 pm UMB Trustees meeting/tea
UMB 7.30 pm Stokes Croft Educational Foundation meeting
Sat 10th Heritage ‘Open Doors Weekend’. Both chapels will be open.
UMB on Saturday 10th 11 am to 4 pm, Frenchay-see page 4
Thur 15th UMB 7.30 pm Group committee meeting
Lindy gives her talk on her visit to India at UMB
We were treated to insights into many aspects and parts of India which we
rarely see or her about. I was struck by the quiet beauty of some of the hill
country and realised that despite its huge population there are wild and
empty areas. Lindy!s were the impressions of a first time visitor but in the
audience was Carla Contractor, who lived for many years in India and was
able to add some details even down to some pronunciations!
" " " " " " " " " " " " " PETER WILDMAN
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Summer Concert
Bob Cook and Delydd McAdam will be presenting a concert of many kinds of
music and song at Frenchay Chapel on Tuesday 5th July at 7.30 pm. The
programme will range from Bach, Handel and Grieg through to Eric Satie,
Burt Bacharach and, of course, Bob Cook! This concert has been well
advertised so don!t be late!
!Open Circles" Group at Frenchay Chapel - July 18th
( 6.15 pm for 6.30 pm until 7.45 pm)
-
We welcome you to join our new group so that we may come together in
community,sharing our experiences,ideas,thoughts and creativity. The format for the
evening will include refreshment on arrival, a short meditation,introducing ourselves,
ie what brings us to the group,what we want from the group,and how we are feeling.
The focus of this initial session will be our aspirations for the summer. We ask that
you bring a poem,song or object that symbolises this. To finish we shall have quiet
time and draw quietly to a close.
We look forward to meeting with you.
Please contact Andrea on 0117 956 5826 or Helen on 0117 961 0176
Bright Lights
Our June Bright Lights was a “hot” affair as we focussed on Indian culture and
food as well as enjoying our wonderful cemetery gardens in the heat of the day.
However, we all moved, danced and cooled down to an inspirational meditation
led by Andrea before it was time to go home.
We started a collage of glimpses of India and hope to continue and broaden this
project when we meet again in September.
Thanks to all of you who came – and for all the support during the past year.
Our next meeting will be on September 25th at 3.00 pm
PLEASE NOTE: NO BRIGHT LIGHTS IN JULY OR AUGUST.
" " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " Lindy
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A Voyage Of Discovery – Exploring What We Believe
As Unitarians with no creed to follow, each of us has the freedom to follow our
own spiritual path. This can be exciting, but also at times, confusing. How well
do we know each other in our diverse community?
“Build Your Own Theology” (BYOT) is a Unitarian course to be held over six
sessions, that gives an opportunity in a small group setting to look at what we
believe as individuals and what informs our values.
The course will be facilitated by Paul Wheeler from UMB and Lindy Latham at
UMB, on Monday evenings between 7 - 9 pm on 3rd, 10th and 17th October, a
half time break, then 31st October, 7th and 14th November.
Commitment to attend all meetings where possible is an important part of the
group process.
Please talk to Lindy or Paul for further information.
Paul: 01275 838 903
Lindy: 0117 9507 906.
Spirituality Workshops At Trowbridge Meeting House
The second workshop in this series, led by Yvonne Aburrow, will be on
Wednesday 13th July, will the theme of "Chakras" - an ancient Hindu concept of
energy centres in the body. They correspond to various glands in the body and
we will look at their names and associated concepts, sounds and colours, and
visualise opening and closing them.$
Details of registration and of workshops in August and September, when we will
explore "Unitarian Writers! and "Communion! can be found at:
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-
Poetry Mornings
On Tuesday 26th July we shall be at the home of Grace Cooper and the theme
will be “Places”. The venue for following meeting on Tuesday 25th August is
uncertain at present due to water mains work in the vicinity of my house so
please contact me nearer the time to confirm where this meeting will take place.
The theme will be "Crime and Punishment!. All welcome.
# # # # # # #
# # # # # # # # # DIANE ROBERTS (0117 956 6963).
Traidcraft Stall
I wish to report the true financial state of the Traidcraft stall which I run on behalf
of Frenchay Chapel. The figures shown in the Chapel accounts for 2010 were not
accurate, and in fact the stall is showing a modest return rather than a loss. I
would not seek to promote even such a worthy cause as Fairtrade were it costing
the Chapel money to do so. Please continue to support the farmers and
producers of fairly traded goods.
# # # # # # # # # # # Thank you.
# # # # # # # # # # # # # # DELYDD McADAM
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Things You See!
Seen In The Window Of An Undertakers In Warwickshire:
“Take a break from shopping and come and join Chris and
Gill for a cup of coffee and a biscuit between 11.00 am
and 1.00 pm on a Tuesday morning”
Western Union AGM At Sidmouth
The 165th Annual Meeting of the Western Union took place at Sidmouth Old
meeting on Saturday 11th June 2011.
After opening devotions and the welcome to the new National President,
Ann Peart and two civic guests, a representative from each congregation
reported briefly. All seemed to be in good heart.
Barbara Smith, the outgoing WU President, said Presidents would like to be
invited to take services, as part of the congregation. Ministers are now
welcome at meetings of WUDG (Western Union Development Group), which
are generally held after Council meetings. Strategic planning will continue to
coordinate support and links with the national movement. Ideally, we would
like training to come to us rather than we go to training. Thanks were
expressed to the Treasurer, to Council members and to Kay Millard for
stepping into the breach as Secretary left by Anne Ashley!s departure.
The accounts had been circulated. Income from investments has mainly
stabilised. Operating costs will inevitably rise, we may have to dip into
reserves but are quite well placed for a modest deficit this year. WU
subscriptions will be maintained at £6 for 2012. The following grants in
support of ministry have been made for 2012: Bridgwater £750, Bristol
£7,500, Trowbridge £1,250 reserved for development work.
Election of officers: President - Frank Butler, Secretary - Kay Millard is
prepared to continue for the time being, Treasurer - Bob Goddard. Frank
Butler was then inaugurated as President.
The theme of National President Ann Peart!s talk and service was "Roots
and Wings!. A team of from two to six members with a vision is necessary.
All must contribute but one must lead. Computers and e mail - the latter can
make things worse and should only be used for information. Training in
communication skills is important. The team must be able to evaluate what it
has done. We must create a community in which everyone can
accommodate their spiritual leanings. Next year will mark the Great Ejection
in which Exeter was deeply involved.
The day ended with the usual lavish Unitarian tea
# # # # # # # # # # # # RAY RAITT
Women"s League
On Wednesday 18th July a few of us met with Olga Jennings for tea at the café
on the Downs. - the weather could have been better!
Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 27th July - at IKEA! Meet in the
restaurant from 6.30 pm onward for for Swedish meatballs - or whatever you
choose.
SUSAN WILDMAN
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
“A Year Begins Today"
A poem by Barbara Clifford to mark the start of her year as
President of the National Women#s League.
A year is gone.
It matters not when it began
For It Has Ended Now.
But today I start another year,
it is what lies before me that concerns me now.
There will be decisions and tasks;
there will be drudgery, achievement and defeat.
There will be joy and grief.
All the raw stuff of experience
Waiting for me to shape, to fashion as I will.
and it will never become just what I planned
Someone might say
“It all depends on what the year may bring,”
But what I make of it depends on me.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A Joni Good Time!
Our in-house minstrels Mark Gartside and Karl Stewart are planning to present
another concert at UMB with visiting artists, at some time in the next 2 months.
This time it will take the form of:
“Joni-Come-Lately: a Joni Mitchell Tribute Evening”
At the moment no date has been set but please watch the notice boards or
speak to Mark or Karl.
UNITARIANISM
AS UNITARIANS WE UNITE IN A SPIRIT OF TOLERANCE AND RESPECT,
UNCONSTRAINED BY THE IMPOSITION OF CREEDS. THE OBJECT OF OUR
CONGREGATIONS IS TO PROMOTE FREE AND INQUIRING RELIGION
THROUGH THE WORSHIP OF GOD AND THE CELEBRATION OF LIFE
------------------------------------------------------
MINISTER: Rev LINDY LATHAM -
9 Chakeshill Close, Brentry, Bristol, BS10 6NX
0117 950 7906. Mobile 07771 903 859. eMail
GROUP AND CONGREGATIONAL OFFICERS (0117 NUMBERS UNLESS STATED)
! ! !
GROUP PRESIDENT:! ! Mr BERNARD OMAR, ! 1 Parkside Avenue, Winterbourne,
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! South Gloucestershire BS36 1LU. 01454 775454
! ! ! !
GROUP SECRETARY: ! Mrs RAY RAITT, Flat 3, The Manor House,
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Park Lane, Bristol BS2 8BE 925 0275
FRENCHAY PRESIDENT:! Mr BERNARD OMAR, ! 1 Parkside Avenue, Winterbourne,
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! South Gloucestershire BS36 1LU. 01454 775454
FRENCHAY SECRETARY: Mrs DIANE ROBERTS, 58 Old Gloucester Road,
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Frenchay BS16 1QW 956 6963
FRENCHAY MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY: Mrs MARIE EASTMAN!
UMB PRESIDENT:! ! ! Mr KARL STEWART. 7 Chelsea Road, Easton, BS5 6AR 239 8464
! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
UMB SECRETARY:! Ms SALLY PUGH, 114 Knole Lane, Brentry, BS10 6RY 950 1856
WOMEN"S LEAGUE SECRETARY: Mrs SUSAN WILDMAN, 32 Bannetts Tree Crescent ,
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Alveston BS35 3LY 01454 412993
WESTERN UNION COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES: FRENCHAY - BERNARD OMAR,
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! UMB - RAY RAITT
NEWSLETTER EDITOR! Mr PETER WILDMAN. 32 Bannetts Tree Crescent,
! Alveston BS35 3LY 01454 412993
GENERAL ASSEMBLY - UNITARIAN HEADQUARTERS: ESSEX HALL, 1-6 Essex Street,
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! London WC2R 3HY 0207 240 2384
UNITARIAN NATIONAL WEBSITE !
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SERVICE TIMES
FRENCHAY CHAPEL: Every Sunday at 10.30 am
UNITARIAN MEETING: 1st, 3rd (and 5th) Sundays of each month at 6.00 pm
(November to February at 3.30 pm). #Bright Lights" All Age Group on 4th
Sundays, 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm all year.
Please check the diary on pages 6 and 7 for specific dates.
