A crash course on the development of Unitarian thought.
Our new monthly group explores the history of Unitarianism, exploring many different thread that led us to where we are today. The group: “Unitarian 101: history and thought” will be meeting in the last week of the month, with exception of February (we will meet a week earlier).
The format will take us on a journey through time, session by session. Each meeting will begin with a volunteer delivering a 10-minute(ish) presentation on a topic announced in advance. After the presentation, the minister will add some additional insights, and then we’ll open the floor for discussion. Together, we’ll explore the significance of these events and their impact on who we are today.
In-person in the chapel and via the Sunday Service zoom link
All are welcome to join us, and other Unitarians from the East Midlands district for an Annual District Service – a time to connect with other Unitarians, reflect together and celebrate our Unitarian witness in the East Midlands Region. The Service will be proceeded by Quarterly Business Meeting to which any member of a Unitarian Church in East Midlands is welcome, and a shared lunch at 1pm.
11:30 EMU Quarterly Business Meeting
13:00 Lunch
14:30 Annual District Service
15:30 Cuppa & departures
We would like to invite you to this short contemplative communion service held in the evening on Maundy Thursday – the day when according to tradition Jesus of Nazareth held his last meal with his disciples. Ours is an open table communion. You don’t have to be baptised or confirmed to participate, you don’t have to be Christian, you don’t have to believe in God, but recognise the oneness of humanity. Ours is not a supernatural communion but a symbolic one – we show that we care for each other as we share the fruit of the earth in this mindful memorial meal. Ordinary made luminous by a human act of sharing. You are welcome to come and participate regardless what labels you, or others, attach to yourself. Regardless of your belief, relationship status, social status… No-one’s unworthy of taking part.
We will use the historic 1905 communion set that was gifted to Rev Gertrude von Pezold at Easter 120 years go! Von Pezold was the first female church minister in England and the minister of the Narborough Road Free Church (Unitarian) in Leicester from 1904.
We have made the decision to transform our services on the first Sunday of the month into more relaxed family-friendly worship experiences. These services will centre children and young people, will be lighter in their content, and there will usually be some form of sensory/experiential prayer or meditation. It also means that the needs of children (as well as anyone who may find it difficult to remain quiet for a full hour!) will be centred.
In our services, you should never worry about needing to fidget, make a little noise, or walk around a bit, but at the Relaxed Family Services, it will be even more welcome!
And afterwards: a board game afternoon with bring-and-share lunch as usual!
What’s the better way to spend your Sunday afternoon than some board games in a good company? Come and play with us: Scrabble, Codenames, Codenames Duet, Ticket to Ride, Patchwork, Onitama, Bananagrams, Stratego, Quoridor, Camel Up, The Mind, Mindbug, Backgammon, Qwirkle, Azul, Ocean Pods, Four Corners Kaleidoscope, or Monopoly! You are more than welcome to bring your own board games too.
Additionally, we usually bring some light snacks to share so that we don’t play on empty stomachs! 🙂
Pop in for a free cuppa in our beautiful Garden Room overlooking our peaceful grounds. Come and relax, chat and connect with new people. We welcome all who are welcoming! We usually meet in the Garden Room, but on nice days over Summer we make the most of our garden and sit outside enjoying the calm oasis in dappled shade in the heart of our busy city.
What to expect: A cuppa, cakes or biscuits, and a small group (usually between 5 and 12 people) made up of people of various ages (from Uni student to pensioners) and of diverse interests. You can pop in at any time between 11am and 1pm. And if you wish you can stay for the MidWeek Recharge meditation service at 1pm.
Our Coffee Mornings are part of the Places of Welcome network.
