1. Co-option of two members of the Executive Committee
The Executive Committee is seeking applications for two co-opted members to serve from May 2015 until the end of the Annual Meetings in April 2017.
Applicants should demonstrate 3 years active commitment to the Unitarian community, be in sympathy with the Objects of the General Assembly and be eligible to stand in accordance with legal requirements for charity trusteeship.
Essential Requirements
(1) Experience in one or other of the following:
• As an officer or member of a congregational/district governing body, a committee of an affiliated body or of a charity trustee body or similar e.g. voluntary organisations such as a sports club or PTA.
• As a Minister, Lay Pastor, approved Lay Leader or Lay Person in Charge of a Unitarian congregation.
(2) Good understanding of the Unitarian community.
(3) Confidentiality.
Desirable Requirements
The Executive Committee will look to appoint individuals with skills and knowledge in two specific areas:
(1) A Minister to bring knowledge of faith and spirituality issues and
(2) Campaigning, fund-raising and income generation
Those interested should contact Derek McAuley, GA Chief Officer, by email or on 020 7240 2384 for further information and application package. Applicants should complete the application form and declaration and return to Derek McAuley by 5.00pm on Wednesday 5 May 2015 to enable consideration by the Executive Committee at their meeting on 15/16 May 2015.
Derek McAuley
Chief Officer
2. Death of Rev John Knopf
It is with great sorrow that we report the death of the Reverend John Knopf on 12 March 2015.
The Funeral Service will be at 11.30am on Friday 17 April 2015 at the Wessex Vale Crematorium, Bubb Lane, West End, SO30 2HL.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday 18 April at Edmund Kell Unitarian Church, Bellevue Road, (off London Road), Southampton, SO15 2AY. The service will begin at 2pm. If you are attending the Memorial Service please contact Rev John Philip Carter by email or on 07956 304314.
Rev John Philip Carter
3. Ministry Inquiry Day
Want to know more about training as a Unitarian and Free Christian Minister and about working with our congregations?
This summer the Ministry Strategy Group will be holding an Inquiry Day for people who are at an early stage of considering this possibility as well as for those who are almost ready to make an application for training. There will be a chance to meet our tutors and recent graduates.
The Inquiry Day will take place at Cross Street Chapel, Manchester on Thursday 6 August 2015 from 11.00am for 11.30 start until 3.30pm. Advance booking is essential with a deadline of 30 July 2015.
For more information and to book, please contact:
Mary-Jean Hennis at Essex Hall, 1 – 6 Essex Street, London WC2R 3HY
Telephone: 020 7240 2384 Email: Mary-Jean Hennis
Ministry Strategy Group
4. Ministry Strategy Group (MSG) - Tender announcement
On behalf of the General Assembly, the Ministry Strategy Group (MSG) is seeking a suitably qualified researcher/practitioner to assist them in evaluating (and, if appropriate, progressing) a proposed new approach to training Ministers. Competencies for Ministers have been approved and the MSG now needs to investigate and evaluate available training provision to cover those competencies.
Indicative budget 5-15 days, to be awarded in two stages. Demonstrable experience and understanding of course design in higher education and insight into the principles of Unitarianism will be needed. Full details available from Dr Wendy Sudbury by email or on 020 7723 1627. Closing date 17th April 2015.
Ministry Strategy Group
5. Induction of the Rev Cody Coyne
The induction of the Rev Cody Coyne to the ministry of Cross Street Chapel, Manchester, will take place on Saturday 23 May 2015 at 2.30pm at the chapel. For further information please contact either Rev Cody Coyne or Rev Dr Ann Peart.
Rev Dr Ann Peart
6. Media Coverage
A BBC documentary was recently filmed at Mill Hill Chapel in Leeds about one of their former members Jogendra Sen, an Indian from Bengal, who died in World War One. It was screened on Friday 6 March 2015 on BBC regional 'Inside Out' programme at 7.30pm. The item begins at 18.54.
Rev Jo James was interviewed on 3 March 2015 for ”Made in Leeds”, a new local tv station, regarding equal marriage following the Chapel registering to hold same sex marriages.
Bury St Edmunds – induction of Rev Matthew Smith at BuryFreePress.
Keighley soldier became Unitarian Minister.
7. IARF Congress, Birmingham
Several videos have been produced following the IARF Congress in Birmingham, UK last year which give a flavour of the event.
Japanese IARF Chapter – two parts. Part I and Part II
8. For information – “Time to Rethink Benefit Sanctions”
A report “Time to Rethink Benefit Sanctions” has been launched by the Baptist Union of Great Britain, the Methodist Church, the Church of Scotland, the United Reformed Church, the Church in Wales and Church Action on Poverty. We have been asked to share more widely the “Time to Rethink Benefit Sanctions” report.
Derek McAuley
Chief Officer