UNI-NEWS 176th Issue 6th January 2017

1. Executive Committee Election – Period for nominations to be received closes on 23 January 2017

Nominations are being sought for the Executive Committee of the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches with an election planned from 13 February to 15 March 2017. There are six vacancies. All nominations must be received by Noon on 23 January 2017.

Candidates must be Full, Honorary or Associate Members of the General Assembly or a member of a constituent congregation for whom a quota has been paid by their congregation.

The Executive Committee is the General Assembly’s body of trustees and provides strategic leadership and ensures that the charity fulfills its legal responsibilities.

Detailed information on the role and on the process of nomination and election is available on the General Assembly website or from Popularis Ltd, Nutsey Lane, Totton, Southampton, SO40 3RL; Tel: (02380) 867 335, Email: annehock@popularis.org

Derek McAuley
Chief Officer

2.  Annual Meetings – Booking system is “live”

Bookings for the 2017 Annual Meetings, to be held from 10-13 April 2017, have now opened.

For more information please go to our new Annual Meetings website.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Andrew Mason
Annual Meetings Organiser
 

3. Annual Meetings Steering Group Motions Workshop, 16 January 2017 - Reminder

A Motions Workshop convened by the Annual Meetings Steering Committee will take place on Monday 16 January 2016 from 1pm - 3pm in the Lindsey Room, Essex Hall, London, WC2R 3HY.

The purpose of the workshop is to provide help and advice to those Congregations or Full Members who are considering submitting Motions to the Annual Meetings (Deadline: 10/02/17).

Please bring along ideas and draft Motions if you have them and a packed lunch (drinks provided) from 12:30pm.

If you wish to attend please contact: Mary-Jean Hennis by 9 January 2017 or phone her on 020 7240 2384.

Derek McAuley
Chief Officer
 

4. FUSE 17-19 February 2017 – Closing date for bookings is 31 January 2017.

FUSE takes place at a new venue, Horsley Park in Surrey. The accommodation includes modern rooms, pool and sauna, and 70 acres of parkland. Whether you are looking for an energising and inspiring conference with fellow Unitarians, a relaxing, spa-like weekend, or a spiritually enriching retreat, you will find it at FUSE 2017! There is a fantastic line-up of workshops, social activities and spiritual practices to nourish the mind, body and soul. The keynote speaker will be Rev Tina Geels, from The Netherlands, talking about new thinking on the future of liberal religion:

“It is all about religion, getting re-connected again, where are we from and how are we moving forwards beyond our old church and congregation systems.”

Online FUSE registration is “live”. Please go to the FUSE website to register and pay for your registration. Your registration will not complete unless you pay at the same time.

A few bursaries are still available and applicants should first contact Danielle Wilson to apply with a deadline of 10 January 2017.

I look forward to seeing you all at FUSE.

Rev Martin Whitell
LDPA District Minister

5. Theology Conference booklets available

Booklets of the Unitarian Theology Conference of May 2016 are available - they contain the four main lectures.   

To order a copy, please send a stamped, self-addressed A5 envelope to: Rev Jim Corrigall, Flat 11, Lincoln Court, Station Rd, Padiham, Lancashire. BB12 8EW.   There is no charge for the booklet (thanks to a grant from the Hibbert Trust) and use ordinary 1st or 2nd class stamps for the envelope.

The lectures are all also available to view in high-definition on the UKunitarianTV website - click on the 'Theology Conference' button.

Rev Jim Corrigall

6. Media coverage

Derek McAuley
Chief Officer