UNI-NEWS 149th Issue 30th April 2015

1. Please support the British Red Cross Appeal for Nepal

The Executive Committee of the General Assembly is issuing the following appeal to all congregations, districts, affiliated societies and individual Unitarians:

We have been deeply moved by the recent earthquake in Nepal and feel that Unitarians throughout the UK will wish to do all they can to help those who are suffering as a result. You will recall that the 2014 General Assembly passed a Resolution asking the Executive Committee to issue this type of appeal.

Following the earthquake, more than 3,000 people have died and nearly 6,000 injured. The earthquake, the worst to have hit in 81 years, measured 7.9 on the Richter Scale and struck the Kathmandu Valley at 6am on 25 April. More than 70 aftershocks have been felt and are still continuing, with further damage still a threat. It is estimated that 2 million people have been affected and 1.6 million displaced.

We ask that each congregation, district and affiliated society agrees to donate an absolute minimum of £10 immediately to the Red Cross – Clara Barton Fund Nepal Appeal; £10 will buy 5 blankets; £15 will buy a cooking set for 5 people; £282 will buy a tent for a family.

The Clara Barton Fund is a British Red Cross fund set up in memory of Clara Barton, who was a founding member of the American Red Cross and a Unitarian Universalist. This fund has been specially created for Unitarians to donate to Emergency appeals.

The President of the General Assembly, Rev John Clifford, said "3,000 and counting: natural disasters occur all too frequently in our world and the earthquake in Nepal has not only killed many and made more homeless, this quake has destroyed large parts of their cultural heritage and infrastructure. The need is great and urgent; as your President I urge you to contribute to the international relief effort through our Clara Barton account with the Red Cross as described above.“

Donations by cheque should be sent to:

Laura Deacon

British Red Cross,

44 Moorfields,

London, EC2Y 9AL

Cheques should be made payable to British Red Cross with ‘Clara Barton Nepal Appeal’ clearly marked on the back, or alternatively, you can donate online at Unitarian Churches Clara Barton Appeal fundraising page..

Robert Ince

EC Convenor

2. Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving

A service of celebration and thanksgiving for the life of Ruth Cann, a much-loved member of Padiham Unitarian Chapel, is to take place at the Nazareth Unitarian Chapel, Knight Hill, Church Street, Padiham, Burnley, Lancs, BB12 8JH on Tuesday 5 May at 2.30 pm. All welcome.

Ruth died peacefully at home surrounded by her family, in the early hours of Wednesday 22 April following a long illness. Our thoughts are with Tony and the family in their loss.

Rev Jim Corrigall

Minister, Padiham Unitarian Chapel

3. Worship Studies Course – Foundation Step

There are still some places on the following Worship Studies Course which is suitable for people who lead worship or who are thinking of leading worship. Sessions include Worship is…?; Speech and Communication; Practicalities and Preparation; Music in worship; Finding and choosing readings; Storytelling; Prayer; Address and Shape and Dynamics of the service.

The Local Leadership Strategy Group and North West Provincial Assembly is running this course for lay worship leaders and preachers led by experienced ministers and lay leaders; Rev Anna Jarvis, Dawn Buckle, Rev Sue Woolley, Rev Celia Cartwright, David Dawson and Rev Bill Darlison. It will take place on four Saturdays during the Summer months:

30 May 2015

13 June 2015

27 June 2015

11 July 2015

Timing:10.00am to 4.00 pm. Bring your own lunch, drinks will be provided.

All sessions will take place at Cross Street Chapel (Unitarian), Cross Street, Manchester M2 1NL

Cost: Registration: £15.00 (Payable in advance, includes national and local registration)

Each session £10.00 (£55.00 in all; can be paid in full or £10.00 at each session)

Cheques payable to “GA of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches”

For further information email Dawn Buckle (Administrator) call on 01457 763 721

Dawn Buckle

4. Media Coverage

St Albans Unitarians have been actively raising funds for the Dr Hadwen Trust and by working closely with them achieved the following coverage in various regional and local media as well as the Media Trust.

The Herts Advertiser: Church adds another chunk of change to Hitchin charity’s coffers

The Comet: Church adds another chunk of change to Hitchin charity’s coffers

Grantham Journal: £1,000 donated to Dr Hadwen Trust

Spalding Today: £1,000 donated to Dr Hadwen Trust

Suffolk Free Press: £1,000 donated to Dr Hadwen Trust

Diss Express: £1,000 donated to Dr Hadwen Trust

Peterborough Telegraph: £1,000 donated to Dr Hadwen Trust

Haverhill Echo: £1,000 donated to Dr Hadwen Trust

Biggleswade Chronicle: £1,000 donated to Dr Hadwen Trust

Milton Keynes Citizen: £1,000 donated to Dr Hadwen Trust

Newmarket Journal: £1,000 donated to Dr Hadwen Trust

Media Trust: £1,000 donated to Dr Hadwen Trust