2. Our Unitarian Community

1. Bristol is a fantastic city
2. Our Unitarian Community
3. A Spiritual Smorgasbord
4. A Religious and Cultural Melting Pot
5. A hub for the arts
6. The cradle of much Unitarian history
7. A fount of academia
8. Opportunity for outreach
9. A destination resort
10. We need you!

Two Chapels: One Unitarian Community



The Bristol Group of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches consists of two meeting places – Unitarian Meeting Bristol is in the City Centre and Frenchay Chapel is five miles from the centre on the outskirts of Bristol.

Frenchay Chapel faces onto Frenchay Common and is a small but unique chapel, having been granted grade two listed building status. It was built in 1691. Frenchay has a traditional village atmosphere, and has a fascinating history. Being outside of the Bristol City boundary, it was a historic haven for dissenting church movements.
                    
Unitarian Meeting Bristol (UMB) is situated near Bristol City Centre and adjacent to the site of the former Unitarian Burial Ground. Internally it is a versatile, modern, open space which is managed by the Ethical Property Company and well used by local organisations.




The Chapels have a combined membership of 35 and an average attendance on a Sunday of 23.




As Unitarians we unite in a spirit of tolerance and respect, unconstrained by the imposition of creeds.  The object of our congregation is to promote free and inquiring religion through the gathering together and celebrating life. Our chapels are registered for same-sex marriage.



We have an openness to the wisdom of all other faith traditions, stories and literature in order to develop our own faith and explore our doubts.   We have an open-minded and progressive attitude towards music.

We have a progressive congregation, seven of whom regularly lead worship (six of them have completed the Worship Studies Foundation Step), including rites of passage.

We are well supported by members of the Western Union who also regularly lead our worship.
We maintain links with the wider movement.





A month in the life of Bristol Unitarians


First Sunday in the month


10.30am Service at Frenchay Chapel and 6pm Service at UMB – both usually led by the minister


First Wednesday in the month


Kundalini Meditation at 7pm at Frenchay Chapel, led by Andrea


Second Sunday in the month

10.30am Service at Frenchay Chapel followed by Congregational Committee Meeting

4pm Congregational Committee Meeting at UMB – no service


Third Sunday in the month

10.30am Service at Frenchay Chapel and 6pm Service at UMB – both usually led by the minister


Third Monday in the month

Group Meditation – person centred, relax into peaceful, at 6pm at Frenchay Chapel, led by Andrea


Fourth Sunday in the month

10.30am Service at Frenchay Chapel and 5.45-7pm Discussion Group at UMB


Fifth Sunday in the month


10.30am Service at Frenchay Chapel and 6pm Bring-and-Share Service at UMB



Other one-off events
  • Seasonal Services for Christmas, Midwinter, Easter and Harvest
  • Summer and Winter Solstice Gatherings
  • English Heritage Open Doors Days
  • Poetry Group
  • Women's League Events
  • Annual UMB Anniversary Service with the Lord Mayor of Bristol
  • Annual Commemoration for Raja Ram Mohan Roy at Arnos Vale Cemetery
  • Coffee Mornings
  • Hosting Bristol Interfaith Meetings
  • Build your own Theology, Unitarian History and 12 Steps to Compassion courses