services

Sunday 13th July: Rev. Don Phillips (The Five Lessons of Life)

Sunday 27th July: Rev. Bill Simons (Anglican)

All services start at 10.30 a.m.

Congregational Service

Our next congregational service is on Sunday 24th August 2008. The theme is "Values" - please bring along your thoughts and insights. (But there is no obligation to speak if you don't wish to!)

Following the retirement of our minister in 2000, the congregation decided not to appoint a new person into the role. Instead, we rely on members of the congregation and other invited individuals (such as ministers and leaders of other Unitarian congregations or of other faiths) to lead our worship. It works very well.

One special feature that has grown out of this is the Congregational Service. Two or three times a year, a theme (such as Peace, New Beginnings) will be announced in advance. Then each member of the congregation will prepare a short contribution on that theme, and will deliver it on the day. We have had some memorable services using this idea.

We place great emphasis on having a collective act of worship, which includes time for prayer, reflection and meditation, as well as hymn singing.

In our readings, we draw inspiration from the sacred books of many faiths, including the Bible, as well as from any source which the service taker chooses.

We usually discuss the theme of the address informally at the end of each service, followed by coffee and biscuits. This after-service session can sometimes be the best bit!

special services

As well as the regular services of the church, we can conduct:

• Weddings in which the couple themselves are encouraged to help arrange the ceremony, choosing their own music, readings and form of words, to make it a joyous and memorable occasion.
• Naming ceremonies that celebrate the joy of new life and welcome the child into a loving environment. These are happy, informal occasions free from the restrictions imposed by some churches.
• Funerals that are a personal celebration of the life and circumstances of the loved one, bringing dignity and comfort to a solemn occasion.
• Other services designed to serve special needs can also be arranged.

For further information, please email Sue Woolley or telephone: 01604 870746