This year has seen yet more great achievements by
both chapels, more members and new faces appearing all the time. It has been
worth the hard work that goes into all we do. The huge efforts that go into
social events, fundraising, celebrating, reaching out, listening and so much
more, and the great services we get from visitors.
Every service and experience is new, and good as a
learning curve, and I as a service taker learn from what I research. I look
forward to seeing the up and coming wealth of
new education as we look forward to new ministry students, as they come
to see us, as all of these things belong to us.
Thank you to all at UMB and Frenchay who continue
making both chapels what they are and what they can be, as we enjoy the fruits
of our rightful harvest.
‘I am a Unitarian. I know I am a Unitarian because
I find affinity with you. I am here, now, in fellowship with you, be with me as
we teach each other to be Unitarian’. (An extract from The Unitarian Life - words
by Kay Millard)
Yours
with best wishes and regards, K. Stewart.
Message
from your minister.......
New
beginnings......
Many people will have recently been experiencing
new beginnings. It is just that time of year! New school, new University,
possibly a new job. All this seems a strange time of year to think of the new
when we are entering a time of withdrawal, ready to protect ourselves from the
vagaries of the winter.
But it is because of the harvest that educational
establishments spring to life at this time. Farming families needed to have
their children at home in those late summer months to help gather in the crops
and prepare the farms for the winter. A sense of looking forward and
preparation.
So once the harvest is “safely in 'ere the winter
storms begin” children can return to school for their New Year. New beginnings.
And so hopefully it is for many of us – after some
activity over the summer – we can look forward to a time of gathering in,
renewal and reflection.
I recently came across a book of short stories
about trees. One was entitled “Why the Ash has black buds”. Trees apparently
have always had an idea of what happens to them when they die. Would they turn
into wood or coal, chairs or tables, wheels, boat masts, ladders, or fire in a
cottage grate – maybe a musical instrument.......
But the ash tree was particularly excited by the
thought of how people change and discovered new regions in themselves when they
were sitting under its branches and reading a good book. An old fashioned paper
book!
Now the ash trees knew they were too valuable to be
turned into paper – so they dreamed of becoming pens for the writing of such
books. This is why at the end of their finger like branches you will see the
black ink tips on the ash tree.
This made me reflect on what it is that each of us
will leave as a legacy if you like – what particular quality do you have to
pass on? We all have something important and special to offer.
Love
and blessings.Lindy
Exciting
courses to look forward to!
Those
of you who have been thinking about leading worship for the first time – and
for those of you who already do, the Western Union will be running the
Foundation Steps of the Worship Studies Course on three Saturdays next year at
Bridgwater Unitarian Church March 15th: April 26th: May 24th.
Book
these dates now! Further details below.
Worship
Studies Course - Foundation Step
Want
to lead a service? But you’re not sure how? Let the Western Union of Unitarian
& Free Christian Churches show you the way.
We
are offering a three-part course, leading to a GA-recognised qualification –
the Worship Studies Course Foundation Step. (You will also need to do two
assessed services).
Session 1:
|
Session 2:
|
Session 3:
|
So
you’re going to take a service?
What
is worship?
Practicalities
and precautions
Choosing
Readings
|
Elements
of a service (1)
Storytelling
The
Sermon / Address
Prayer
/ Meditation
|
Elements
of a service (2)
Speech
and Communication
Hymns
and Music
|
Where: Christ Church Unitarian
Chapel, Bridgwater TA6 3LZ
Dates: Saturdays 15th March, 26th
April and 24th May 2014
Times: 10.00 a.m. to 4.15 p.m.
(coffee/tea from 9.30 a.m.)
Total Cost: £39 (to Western Union
participants) £48 (to others). This includes a £5 registration fee, and the £10 fee for the two assessed
services. You must attend all three parts to get your District certificate.
Refreshments will be provided during the day, but please bring your own lunch.
To
register please send your cheque for £39 / £48 (made payable to ‘The Western
Union' to Sue Woolley, District Minister, The Midland Unitarian Association, 5
Martins Road, Piddington, Northampton NN7 2DN, by Friday 28th February 2014.
Please include a covering note with your name, congregation and your address.
Unitarian: What’s That?
Where do we come from?
Where do we come from?
Mark
Gartside and Lindy Latham will be leading a six week course on the history of
the Unitarian movement.
If
you would like to explore with us some of our history and the Unitarians who
have shaped our theology, please join us at:
Unitarian
Meeting, Brunswick Square on the following Tuesdays 7-9pm:
October
29th:November 5th and 12th November 26th; Dec 3rd and 10th
Please
contact Lindy or Mark if you would like to come. (0117 950 7906, lindy@belindalatham.co.uk / 0117 2398464, markgartside@hotmail.co.uk)
FRENCHAY UNITARIAN CHAPEL
FRENCHAY UNITARIAN CHAPEL
The historic and beautiful Grade II* listed Circa 1691
We invite you to renew your Friends Membership and consider becoming a Lifetime Friend or ‘Sponsor a Pane’.
A message from our Minister, the Reverend Lindy Latham
As a Unitarian, I firmly believe that our community
must be a place of welcome to all those from many walks of life – believers
from other faiths – seekers and doubters as well as those who want refuge and
company in times of both need and celebration.
We here in Frenchay are the custodians of a most
beautiful place of worship which has been a sanctuary for many over the
centuries. Increasingly in this world of rapid change, the timeless beauty and
simplicity of Frenchay Chapel has been a source of comfort, challenge,
inspiration and peace to those who visit.
We are fortunate to have a congregation committed
to the care of the chapel, wanting to pass it on as a legacy – but we cannot do
this alone.
Much as we would wish otherwise, there is a real
and practical price to pay
for this gem, and we are profoundly grateful for
the love and support we have already received from many people. Not only in
monetary terms, but through their acknowledgement of the important role we play
in the local community, which is so encouraging.
We thank you all – and look forward to your
continuing presence and support
Rev.
Lindy Latham
“Now open wide your hearts my friends, and
I will open mine.....
And let us share all that is fair, all
that is true and fine”
[words from Unitarian hymn;
words by Peter Galbraith]
Friends and Sponsors receive
- Notice
of all social and fundraising events
- Newsletters
- Invitation
to annual tea party
A Windows Dedication Service was held in June 2013
to celebrate the completion of the work on the restoration and repairs of the
windows. Thirty-nine candles were lit
for the people who have ‘Sponsored a Pane’ so far whilst two of the Plaques
were unveiled. Each plaque has sixteen
Dedications and there are six plaques in total, one for each of the windows,
and we are hoping to encourage more Sponsors.
With £29,000 raised we are looking for help to get
the other £6,000 to reach our target. It is imperative that the heritage is
preserved and we have been entrusted with the task of handing this precious
‘jewel’ on to future generations to admire, enjoy and appreciate.
If you have any queries or would like any further
information about The Friends of Frenchay Chapel or to ‘Sponsor a Pane’ please
contact: Pauline Furnivall, Friends Secretary, 20 Alexandra Place, Staple Hill,
Bristol. BS16.4QL. Telephone: 0117 9568310 frenchayfund@gmail.com
EVERYONE IS ALWAYS MOST
WELCOME
Diary For October
and November 2013
and November 2013
(UMB
- Unitarian Meeting Bristol, Brunswick Square, WL - Women’s League)
OCTOBER
SUN 6th HARVEST SERVICES
FRENCHAY
10.30 am - Ms KATE BUCHANAN
UMB
6.00 pm - Ms KATE BUCHANAN
SUN 13th FRENCHAY 10.30 am - Mr
GAVIN LLOYD
NO
SERVICE AT UMB
Wed 16th Frenchay 6.00 pm Group
meditation - Person Centred, Relax into peacefulness
SUN 20th FRENCHAY 10.30 am - Mr
MARK GARTSIDE
UMB
- Mr MARK GARTSIDE
Thur 24th Poetry group at the home of
Grace Cooper, 10 am to 12 pm,
Theme:
‘Occupations’. Ring Diane Roberts for further details (0117 956 6963)
SUN 27th FRENCHAY 10.30 am - Mr
ARTHUR BROWN
UMB
3.00 pm - 5.00 pm ‘BRIGHT LIGHTS
Tues 29th ‘Unitarian History’
course. First of 6 meetings.
Thur 31st Frenchay 7.00 pm Halloween
- Purple hymn book quiz. Hot dogs and soup. Tickets £5.
NOVEMBER
SUN 3rd FRENCHAY 10.30 am -THE
MINISTER
UMB
6.00 pm - THE MINISTER (MEMBERSHIP SERVICE)
Wed 6th UMB 2 pm - 4 pm. Women’s
League Christmas card workshop led by Ann Butler of the Crewkerne chapel.
Frenchay
7.00 pm, Kundalini meditation
SUN 10th REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY
FRENCHAY
10.30 am - Mr ARTHUR BROWN
NO
SERVICE AT UMB
SUN 17th FRENCHAY 10.30 am - THE
MINISTER
UMB
6.00 pm - THE MINISTER
Wed 20th Frenchay 6.00 pm Group
meditation - Person Centred, Relax into
peacefulness
SUN 24th FRENCHAY 10.30 am - Mr B
OMAR
UMB
3.00 pm - 5.00 pm ‘BRIGHT LIGHTS
Thur 28th Poetry group at the home
of Grace Cooper, 10 am to 12 pm, Theme: ‘Wild Animals’. Ring Diane Roberts for
further details (0117 956 6963)
Sat 30th
Frenchay
1.30 pm. Flower arranging and Christmas decorations demonstration by Jean Drew.
Tickets £5 at the door. Details from Diane Roberts or Pauline Furnivall.
DECEMBER /CHRISTMAS SEASON
SERVICES
SUN 1st Tree trimming service at
both chapels.
SUN 8th ‘Festival of Lights’ at
both chapels
SUN 15th Gift service at both
chapels (tea at UMB )
SUN 22nd Winter Service at
Frenchay. Group Carol service at UMB. 6.30 pm,
Wed 25th
FRENCHAY
10.30 am GROUP CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE
SUN 29th
Lindy’s
farewell services at both chapels
PLEASE
NOTE
The
next Catch upsheet, covering November and December 2013, will be ready on 3rd
Nov. Please send details and dates of events and services to both Karl
and myself by 31st October.
Lindy’s Retirement Party /
Service
The
proposed date for this is Saturday 4th January 2014 in the afternoon
at UMB. Watch this space for further details.
Sharing the Dream
A pause for thought from a
Bristol Unitarian
Here
is my belief and dream:
"I
believe that all are equal in the sight of God."
"I
have a dream that this world's resources will be shared fairly amongst its
people, so that none shall suffer for want of the necessities of life and
all shall have the opportunity to fulfil their potential."
I
am happy for these to be attributed to me.
I
BELIEVE: That everyone entitled to love or not love, to work or not work,
according to their choice and talent and each culture and nation has its
right to be different.
I
HAVE A DREAM: That one day the tall, white able men will let the ladder down
and lend a hand and stop punishing those nations they judge to have fallen
short.
I
BELIEVE: That I should help some or perhaps evenone person to step back from
their worries and find a personal equiblibrium.
I
HAVE A DREAM: Of people seeing that other people's fears and worries are
like their own so that quieter voices amy be heard everywhere.
I
BELIEVE: That all human beings should have access to clean drinking water.
I
HAVE A DREAM: That governments have the courage to stop spending on technology
to kill, but on technology to improve life in impoverished parts of the world
and that we are not resentful of sharing our good fortune with others.
Come, watch and be inspired
by Jean Drew
who
will demonstrate how to make beautiful floral arrangements and give tips for
Christmas decorations
The
Frenchay Chapel, Frenchay Common, Beckspool Road, Bristol. BS16.1ND.
Saturday
30th November 2013, 1.30 p.m.
Tickets
£5.00 for sale at door
The
arrangements will be raffled In aid of the Frenchay Chapel Windows Appeal
For
details contact Diane Roberts, Telephone
0117 9566963 Email: dianesroberts@tiscali.co.uk. OR
Pauline Furnivall, Fundraising Secretary Telephone 0117 9568310 frenchayfund@gmail.com
SELF HEALING, MINDFULNESS & YOGA for wellbeing in daily life With Peter Bligh
SATURDAY 26TH OCTOBER
Returning to Bristol for the fourth year, Peter Bligh is offering a day concentrating on the potential for self-healing that we all possess and mindfulness for wellbeing in our everyday life.
Through yoga and meditation the mind can be trained
to greater spontaneous awareness, or mindfulness, as we go about our day to day
life. This in turn reduces stress, improves health and opens up options and
understandings to life’s events that had previously been hidden in reaction.
Suitable
for all, this day is a unique opportunity to explore a number of uncomplicated
practices drawn from ancient Tantric Yoga practices brought together in the
light of modern day understanding.
To
help us develop a more focused response to life that welcomes the richness and
diversity of experience with joy, the day will include:
Gentle
Yoga Asana & Breathing Practices - Mindful Meditation - Yoga Nidra
Saturday
26th October : 10.00am - 4.00pm, FrenchayChapel
Fee:
£54, £46 earlybird ( booked before
October 19th )
For
further information or to book, please contact Linda Hindley, e-mail: l.hindley@talktalk.net, tel: 0117
9109841
After more than twenty years of living, learning
and teaching in Yoga ashrams and Buddhist centres in the UK, Greece, and India,
Peter returned to New Zealand where he now lives, practices and teaches yoga
and meditation.
During the past five years he has spent part of the
year touring Europe, at the invitation of other teachers and yoga centres,
co-teaching programmes that are suitable for anyone with an interest in yoga
and meditation.
Peter is known for his ability to create a relaxed
and friendly atmosphere where students can learn and develop personal practices
that can significantly improve their own sense of well-being.
His clear and direct style, delivered with gentle
humour and related anecdotes, make his programmes a genuinely unique experience
– enjoyable, stimulating, highly informative and personally beneficial.
“Yoga and Meditation is for
every one, every body and every mind.”
Commemoration of the Rajah
Rammohun Roy, Sept. 2013
It is exactly 180 years since the Rajh died in
Bristol on 27th Sept. 1833. He called himself a Hindu Unitarian , and indeed
the Unitarians in both London and Bristol have never forgotten him and his
reforms in India, plus his visit to England from 1831-3.
The Commemoration of his life and work on 22nd
sept. was a really happy occasion. The rain held off, the attendees were in
cheerful form, the lunch was much appreciated, and the speakers proved to
be both excellent and interesting. People lingered long after the event to talk
with old friends, and a tour of the cemetery was on offer.
A dozen or more local Unitarians came , more
British Indians arrived from Bristol and nearby, and a large party of Brahmo
Samajis came up from London and elsewhere in UK. In all about 100 people
attended , the Anglican chapel in the Cemetery was quite full, and the hot
Indian meal had to be eaten in shifts to accommodate everyone! The BBC came up
from London to film the proceedings and another video was made by Dr Suman
Ghosh to be sent back to India. Various reporters clearly sent copy of the
event back to India, where the English medium and local Bengali newspapers are
apparently full of the day's happenings.
Lindy Latham opened the Service as our Minister,
with a reflection and prayers, and Bernard Omar concluded the event with the
universal Prayer for Peace. In all 5 speakers gave talks on various aspects of
the Rajah and his life in reform and his time in Britain. Yvonne Aburrow spoke
on the Rajah's setting up a Unitarian Meeting in Calcutta in 1821 , and paying
for the Meeting House and its Minister, William Adam, over the following
decade. Swagata Ghosh, an academic from Bath Spar University, discussed the
Rajah's attitude to immigration at a time when many British were being
encouraged to settle permanently in India. The Lord Mayor, Faruk Chaudhuri,
revealed in his speech how he had felt welcomed to Bristol by the large bronze
statue of the Rajah which sits on College Green. Carla Contractor, who had
organised the event and day as usual, revealed that an exact copy of the
Bristol chattri or Mausoleum of the Rajah in Arnos Vale had been erected
recently in his home village of Radhanagar in West Bengal.
The keynote speech however was the most interesting
of the day. Dr David Wilson, an art historian and academic, came from London to
reveal and discuss an extra-ordinary art discovery. This is a tiny ivory bust -
just 5" high- of the Rajah modeled by the famous Benjamin Cheverton
using a "pantograph" which he invented. This amazing Victorian
machine may be seen today in the National Science Museum in London. It was
employed in 1844 to copy and enormously reduce in size the original large
marble bust of the Rajah, made in probably 1832 by a leading sculptor, George
Clarke. This bust is now lost, so its minute ivory copy is the only known three
dimensional image of the Rajah, and is presumably a true likeness. The tiny
ivory bust was unveiled by Carla in a very dramatic moment, and everyone later
was invited to view it closely it in its new perspex case. Its owner, a friend
of David Wilson, wishes to remain anonymous.
Flowers were laid by several visitors at the tomb
accompanied by one of the Rajah's hymns sung by Roma Pal-Chaudhuri, and a short
speech by the London President of the Brahmo Samajis. They have long met for
worship at Golders Green Unitarian chapel in London under the leadership of
Rev. Feargus O'Connor. The links between the Brahmos and the Unitarians are
very much alive and well today. Carla Contractor.