the bulletin of the rosslyn hill unitarian...

Open Mind

April 2011

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E Minister's Thoughts...............2

Chapel Activities...................3

Note from the Editor.............3

Unitarian Movement News...4

News from the Management Committee.............................4

Feature: Meet a Member.......5

Spotlight on Chapel Activity Groups and Committees........6

Our Chapel Community.......7

Search Committee Procedures............................7

April Diary.............Back Page

Rosslyn Hill Unitarian Chapel’s Search Committee is pleased to announce that the candidate they have chosen for the congregation to consider calling as their settled minister is: Patrick O’Neill. Patrick is a distinguished preacher with long experience in pastoral ministry. He was chosen from a large field of outstanding candidates for his capacity to teach and to inspire, for his vitality and for his humanity. The Committee can wholeheartedly recommend him.

Patrick is currently the Senior Minister at First Unitarian Congregational Society in Brooklyn, NY. He has been a Unitarian Parish Minister for thirty-one years, ministering to small, medium and large congregations. He was brought up a Roman Catholic, but left this faith at the time of the

Vietnam War.Prior to becoming a Minister,

Patrick worked as a family caseworker, receiving extensive training in counselling. He loves giving pastoral care and sees this as one of the greatest privileges in Ministry. A referee said, “He is completely warm and available; that’s what I love about Patrick.”

Patrick has a B.A. in History from St. Peter’s Jesuit College, and an M.A. in Divinity Studies from the University of Chicago Divinity School. He was given a Full Academic Scholarship Award for the Meadville/ Lombard Theological School Doctoral Programme in Chicago, where he earned a D.Min. in Pastoral Ministry and received the Meadville/ Lombard Billings Prize for Excellence in Preaching.

In 1992, while serving at First Parish Unitarian Church in Framingham, Massachusetts, he received the Martin Luther King Local Clergy Award from New Bethel Baptist Church in Framingham, ‘For Community Interfaith Service in the Spirit of Dr. King’, an achievement of which he is most proud.

Search Committee Chooses Minister Candidate 3 April: "Practising Hospitality"

11:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.Led by Rev. Rob GregsonAs we await the arrival of your ministerial candidate, it is good to reflect on what it means to be hospitable to the stranger among us and how practicing hospitality blesses both the receiver and the giver.

10 April: “On Being Reasonably Religious” 11:00 a.m. (Please note: No evening serivce)Led by Ministerial Candidate:Rev. Dr. Patrick T. O’NeillThe truth is that religion, in the minds of many, is at best a highly suspect activity. It isn’t hard to understand why people might feel this way. Few human enterprises in history have been so subject to abuse and corruption, distortion and misuse, as religion. How does one find a “reasonably religious” place to stand in the modern world? In this sermon I will share parts of my own journey to a Unitarian faith.

17 April: "Unitarians in London and SE: Visions for Growth"11:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.Led by Tanya Morrison. Rosslyn Hill Chapel Choir will perform.

24 April: "Heading Back to the Garden"11:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. - Easter SundayLed by Rev. Rob GregsonEaster brings bunnies and eggs, a strengthening sun, and the cyclical story of punishing death and redeeming life. Now is a good time to go back to the garden, back to the earth that Jesus trod as we celebrate the possibility of hope and resurrection for all peoples and for creation itself.

April Services

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The Bulletin of the Rosslyn Hill Unitarian Chapel

Rosslyn Hill Unitarian ChapelApril 2011 Bulletin2

The Rosslyn Hill Unitarian ChapelThe Unitarian Chapel in the heart of Hampstead

“ Que sera, sera-a-a-a…whatever will be, will be/The future’s not ours to see/Que sera, sera-a-a-a! ”

Perhaps because I’ve been listening to an old Andrews Sisters number, this hit single from the 50s swam up from the depths of my mind. The song suggests one approach to the future, to change and how best to cope with it. It’s not a bad approach, but a bit too hands-off for my liking. We Unitarians are not known for sitting back and letting fate have its way with us. It does, of course, and will continue to do so, but still we insist on keeping one hand on the tiller, navigating by our ideals and values, unwilling to let “que sera, sera” have the final say.

The future beckons to us yet again. A new minister is on the way, propelled by fate and free choice alike. What do you—the person reading these words—wish for this congregation over the next year? Two years? Ten? A chapel full to the brim on Sunday mornings? Reverberating with the sounds of children and youth, the guarantee of a Unitarian future in North London? A place known for service to the larger community, for providing ample opportunities for spiritual growth, social action, friendship, singing, for simple being to occur?

It’s up to you, of course—you, the one reading these words. Who else shapes the future but you, with a dash of luck mixed in for good measure? It’s a daunting realisation, but also exciting and full of life. Whether you’re in your 20th year here or your first month, in the end it is your chapel, your community, your vision for the good life well lived. I can’t wait to see what you’ve got up your sleeve. Que sera, sera indeed.

In faith and peace, Rev. Rob Gregson

Minister's Thoughts

Chapel Directory

Rev. Rob Gregson

Unitarianism is spirituality withut dogma and welcomes people of all religious faiths as well as those who are humanistic. Unitarians cherish and live by the values of love, compassion, a free mind, service to others, human dignity, and other similar values. It encourages each person to deepen their relationship with God, yet allows each person to understand God in their own unique way.

The Chapel holds two services on Sundays, at 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

The morning service is more family-oriented, including activities for children led by professionally trained leaders, and a Children's Chapel is offered for children of all ages. The evening service is more intimate for those who prefer a more meditative tone.

Visitors and guests are always welcome!

The Chapel also offers a rich programme of social activities, covering a wide range of interests such as literature and poetry, Tai Chi, choir singing, monthly lectures, and a variety of monthly events for all age groups.

The Chapel is licensed for marriages and other ceremonies.

For more information, visit our website at www.rosslynhillchapel.com

Chapel Office Sharron Conduit Tel: (020) 7433 3267Fax: (020) 7435 7457

Chapel E-mail [email protected]

Chapel Website www.rosslynhillchapel.com

Chapel Address Rosslyn Hill Unitarian Chapel, 3 Pilgrims PlaceLondon NW3 1NG United Kingdom

Care & Support Deborah Frankel Tel: (020) 8209 1000E-mail: [email protected]

Children’s ChapelCharlotte IllingworthTel: (020) 8882 3491 E-mail: [email protected]

Bulletin EditorIngrid Tavkar Tel: (020) 8455 0162E-mail: [email protected]

Bulletin Layout by Corey Fabian Borenstein

Registered Charity 1131346Registered Co. No. 05992717

Rosslyn Hill Unitarian Chapel is in London’s Hampstead village on Rosslyn Hill between Willoughby Road and Pilgrim’s Lane. It is 440 yards down Hampstead High Street on the same side of the street as Hampstead Tube Station. The 46 and 268 buses stop nearby.

Rosslyn Hill Unitarian ChapelApril 2011 Bulletin 3

Weekly Activities

Children's Chapel meets every Sunday at the 11 a.m. service. New children of all ages are always welcome. Infants are welcome in the creche.

Chapel Youth Group will be continuing with Lizzy Lawrence as the adult advisor. Please contact Lizzy at 7328 2251 for details.

Chapel Choir rehearses each Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in the chapel. New voices are always welcomed into the choir. No audition necessary.

Tai Chi class is held each Wednesday at 5:45 p.m. in the chapel.

April Activities and Meetings

April 5th - The Social Action Committee will meet at 6.00pm at Ingrid Tavkar’s home.

April 5th - Chanting and Medition evening will be at 7:30 p.m. in the chapel, led by Rev. Danielle Wilson. We alternate traditional religious chants with times of quiet meditation.

April 14th - The Chapel Management Committee will meet at 7:00 p.m. in the Committee Room in the chapel. Members of the chapel are welcome to attend but contact the Chair, John Lawrence, ahead of time as a courtesy.

April 17th - Labyrinth Walking Meditation will take place from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the chapel. Facilitated by Rev. Danielle Wilson.

April 18th - Poetry Group: If you like to read and /or write poetry, the group meets this month at Maja's at 7:30 p.m. For more information contact George Appleby (Tel: 7424 9733, email: [email protected]).

April 21st - The Chapel Book Group will meet again at 7:30 p.m. to discuss ‘The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine’ by Michael Lewis. This is a non-fiction book about those who played a role in the 2008 financial crisis, both those who foresaw the crisis and tried to issue warnings, and those who took advantage of it. The book was on the New York Times non-fiction best seller list for 28 weeks and promises to be riveting. Contact: Bill Ellington (Tel: 020 7354 0397; email: [email protected])

Chapel ActivitiesFrom the Editor: On Communication

Communication is the art of successfully sharing meaningful information with people by means of an interchange of experience - the exchange of thoughts, messages, and useful and interesting information.Often it's assumed that communication is easy because we've all been doing it all our lives. However, serious thought and planning are required if communication is to have the desired effect.

Our monthly ‘Bulletin’ is one way to communicate with the congregation. The purpose of the bulletin is to give information to chapel members, by chapel members about chapel activities.

The RHUC Communications Team would like to encourage more interchange of ideas and have decided to expand the current format of the ‘Bulletin’ to include more interesting and thought-provoking information, providing a space for members to share their experiences in and around the chapel and the wider Unitarian community.

Based on the common ground of Unitarian values, it aims to create a sense of the community at RHUC and may speak to the larger Unitarian movement and also to the general public.

So here is the April Bulletin in its new format and with a new name – “OPEN MIND” – conveying information about the forthcoming candidating procedure, a message from our part-time Minister Rev Rob Gregson, news from some of our chapel groups (all chapel groups and activities will feature in future editions), an interview with John Lawrence, as well as the usual information about services and monthly activities. We hope ‘Open Mind’ will be stimulating, thought provoking, entertaining, informative, personal and spiritual, and we welcome your feedback.

Ingrid Tavkar (Editor)

Publisher’s Statement: “Open Mind” is a tool of outreach for the Rosslyn Hill Unitarian Chapel. The views expressed in this publication reflect the spirit and substance of Unitarian values, as well as matters of concern to Unitarians, but are not necessarily shared by all members.

Submitting copy: Unsolicited copy is welcomed and should be emailed to [email protected]. All submissions may be edited for content and length (200 words) at the discretion of the Communications Team, who also reserves the right to reject unsuitable material.

“The religion that is afraid of science dishonours God and commits suicide.”

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

"In prayer, it is better to have a heart without words than words without heart."

– Mahatma Gandhi


Urban Unitarians (formerly the 20 or 30 something group) continues to meet for various activities throughout London. If you would like to know about their programme of events contact Kate Buchanan at: [email protected] or check out: www.meetup.com/urban-unitarians. And take a look at our blog: www.urbanunitarians.blogspot.com!

AprilFriday 15th April - Monday 18th AprilYouth Events held at the GA Unitarian Meetings (all ages included).Contact: John Harley Tel: 079 8590 0935 or www.yuponline.org.uk

Friday 15th April - Monday 18th AprilGA Annual Unitarian Meeting at SwanseaYearly gathering of the Unitarian denomination. Contact: Andrew Mason Tel: 020 7240 2384

Friday 29th April – Monday 2nd May FOY Conference at Bromsgrove, Worchester'Social Networking or Social Notworking? Anthropology in a digital age.'Contact: Joan Partington Tel: 012 2867 0565

MayFriday 6th May - Sunday 8th May“Meditational Fellowship Spring Retreat” Newcomers very welcome. Venue: Ivy House, Warminster.Contact: Brenda Knopf Tel: 023 8055 5333

Saturday 14th May (10:00 a.m.)‘Enneagram Workshop’ at South Hinksey Village Hall (off A34). Enneagramm is a useful personality assessment system to help us learn more about others and ourselves. Contact: Kathy Beckett Tel: 023 8027 3420

JulyFriday 1st July – Sunday 3rd July‘Bridging Weekend’ at Flagg, Derbyshire

Friday 22nd July - Tuesday 26th July'Unikids’ at Swanage Youth Hostel

Saturday 23rd July - Saturday 30th July'Unitarian Experience Week 2011' at Great Hucklow. Theme. "Come, come whoever you are" on a Journey of Exploration. Contact: Helen Copley Tel: 016 1928 3295

Our Larger Unitarian Movement

What's On: April - July 2011 Any member of the Chapel is welcome to attend the Management Committee meetings as an observer. If you would like to attend, as a courtesy please contact either John Lawrence or Tanya Morrison (Co-Chairs) in advance. The next meeting will be on Thursday 14th April 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel (in the Committee Room). Please check date with Administrator.

Meeting on Thursday 10th March 2011, chaired by John Lawrence (co-Chair)

Rev. Rob Gregson who is assisting the Chapel on a part time basis during this interim period gave the Devotional before the start of business.

Management Committee members, following the AGM. A warm welcome to new members: Stuart Bowman, Jane Crispin, Rachel Millward and Tanya Morrison. Continuing members: Kate Buchanan, James Chiriyankandath, John Lawrence, Kathee Myers, Hillary Ratna, Janna Williams, Danielle Wilson. Officers: Co-Chairs John Lawrence and Tanya Morrison; Treasurer Stuart Bowman; Secretary Janna Williams.

Minister Search: Danielle Wilson reported that the Search Committee would make an offer to the chosen candidate on 15th March. There had been some excellent applications. Candidating week—4th-11th April—the candidate to preach on Sunday 10th. Members would vote at an SGM to be held after the service. The MC agreed that every effort should be made to encourage members to vote. US ministers look for a strong endorsement from members, a vote in favour of around 90%. Members will receive information about the candidate and opportunities to meet, formally and informally, will be set up.

Property Sale Group: Stuart Bowman, a new member and an engineering consultant, brought a number of issues relating to the plans and policy in regard of the sale of the Willoughby Road site to the attention of the meeting. Paul ver Bruggen will meet Stuart to fill in the background and discuss the present situation. Further advice is being taken on the ‘right to light’ issue. It is expected an agreement can be reached.

Feedback from AGM and SGM: The minutes of these meetings were agreed and will be circulated. Following support for the fundraising campaign for the Hall refurbishment, a committee is being set up. Stuart Bowman, Charlotte Illingworth and Christopher Mason have volunteered so far. The question as to whether an Elder can serve on the MC without a conflict of interest had been raised. This is permitted by the Standing Orders but the matter would be discussed again when there is a settled minister.

Ministry Report: Rev. Rob Gregson reported on the work he has been doing, taking services, pastoral care and in particular convening a meeting to discuss provision for children’s religious education in the Chapel. The well-attended meeting

News from the Management Committee

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John Lawrence is Co-Chair of the Management Committee and was interviewed by Melanie Haberstroh.

I am meeting John at his home in West Hampstead, a beautiful old house with a typical red brick and white exterior. John’s wife leads me into a large lounge with comfortable sofas and a striking array of intriguing art work that lines the walls and shelves around the room: There are numerous intriguing sculptures and a stand full of small, colourful paintings of various objects. I had been told that John was a hobby artist, but I would easily believe it’s how he makes his living!

When John appears, we talk for a few moments about his art, which is just one of many past-times he has had. I am impressed by how this successful businessman finds the time to pursue such creative activities, but his calm confidence and somewhat mysterious charisma tell me there is more to John than meets the eye.

How did you come to be a member of RHC? We were looking for somewhere to get married. We had a look on the web at the time for a chapel that did weddings. I had been married before so we didn’t want to go to a CE church. So we found it and went along to meet the minister and just liked it. That was 25 years ago! At that time we lived in Islington, but then we moved to Hampstead and our daughter was born.

So you have children?Yes, I have two daughters, Lizzie who’s coming up to 19 and who’s doing a gap year, and Natalie, who’s 22 and doing a Master’s in history and philosophy of science.

Are you from London originally? No, I am originally from Essex, but I came to London for University when I was 18.

What do you do professionally?I’m a consultant, so I run strategy, marketing and product development and innovation projects for large companies in the financial services markets.

That sounds like a very interesting, but challenging job! What do you do in your free time, if you have any?I tend to have hobbies and over the years I have done all sorts of different things. So I went through a sculpture phase and then I went through a watercolour phase and I’m now in the middle of learning Spanish.

You’re also the Co-Chair of the Management Committee alongside Tanya Morrison. How long have you been involved in the MC? I was Treasurer for three years and then Chair for three years and then I took a year off and then got involved in the management committee again, so six years, then a year off and this is my second year again.

I imagine a lot must have changed throughout all that time. What are some of the most significant changes that you have seen during your time at RHC?The congregation has grown, partly because we had Jim as a minister and we’re hoping to grow it further, but we’ll have to let it settle down a bit while we’re looking for a new permanent minister. So a lot of new people have joined, and some who have been here previously either left or went to another chapel, but not many. So it’s mainly a lot of good people and that’s a good thing.

What’s do you like most about RHC or Unitarianism in general?I think that you have the chance to think about important questions in life and without having a lot of other dogma , or things that I think are just silly, getting in the way. So it’s just straightforward thinking about important things without someone to mediate or spin a long story out of mythology.

Do you have any tips for newcomers to RHC?I’d encourage them to join one or two activities, because it’s not easy getting to know people by just chatting to them on a Sunday morning. But if you get involved in a group, then you get to know eight or

ten people and then that provides a basis for getting to know other people. And also not to feel that they have to do things the way they are done at the moment. If they want to set up a new group for some interest that they’ve got, then just go ahead and do it!

Where would you like to see the Chapel going in the future?I’d like to see us get a settled minister, and then I’d like us to continue to grow and to attract new members, and I’d like people to get involved in the worship and in the community. I’d like to see more people volunteering to help, to feel that they’re putting as much in as they’re getting out of it.

Do you have any personal plans for 2011?Yes, I’m going to Sweden for a canoeing trip. We’re going to paddle 70 or 80 kilometres in four to five days and camp by the side of the river.

Things you love and things you hate?Likes:

Camping in the wildernessInteresting science-fiction films

Hates:Stupidity

Television soap operasPackage holidays


Meet a Member: John LawrenceFEATURES


Spotlight On...

This choir aims to include everyone who wants to sing! It is not necessary to audition to sing with us and quite a few of the members are not fluent at reading music, but we manage to perform significant pieces of music to a high standard. We rehearse every Wednesday evening from 7:30-9:30 p.m., and take part in a morning service once a month. In the past few years, at important dates in the Chapel’s calendar, we have performed major works such as the Puccini Gloria, and the Requiems by Faure and John Rutter, alongside professional musicians.

Our Choir Director for the past 3 years, Edmund Connolly, has recently left the post, and the Deputy Choir Director, Georgina Drewe, has taken over. She hopes to continue to help the choir to sing challenging and satisfying music. In April we will sing the Magnificat by Pergolesi, and in July we will perform the Messe Solonnelle by Rossini. In June the choir has been invited to sing at an event run by the Medical Foundation for the Victims of Torture, which will be held at Rosslyn Hill Chapel.

--Georgina Drewe

Chapel Choir

What is the Social Action Committee?The Social Action Committee creates opportunities for the congregation to serve the wider community. Our aim is to put Unitarian principles into practice.

What do we do?- Raise awareness about important social issues,- Support local, national and international charities,- Work to change social structures which are oppressive,- Create opportunities for chapel members to participate.

We are a small committee, but our aim is to involve everyone in the Chapel in one way or another. We try to provide a range of volunteer opportunities, large and small. People can do as much or as little as they feel able.

Over the past year the congregation has raised money for a school and orphanage in Uganda, participated in our second-hand Book Sale and our Cold Weather Shelter. They have sent 100 cards of support to political prisoners around the world for Amnesty International and have given contributions to a variety of charities including Witness Support, Trees for Africa and Marie Curie, to name just a few. We are very open to suggestions from the congregation of good causes to support or activities to take part in.

--Leighton Cole (Chair Social Action Committee)

Social Action Committee

Unitarian services are somewhat unusual in that, although often led by a Unitarian minister, members of the Chapel and guest ministers of other faiths are also regularly invited to lead worship. A service usually consists of readings, hymns, music and an address or sermon. However, the content and tone of the service may be very different from one Sunday to the next. The Worship Group is a committee set up to coordinate the arrangements for worship services during the interim period. It is comprised of seven members and exists to assist worship leaders in their preparations, and on Sunday mornings and evenings. You, too, can contribute to the worship life of the chapel. Please contact the Worship Group Chair, Kate Buchanan, via the Chapel Administrator.

Chapel Worship Group

We Light this chalice to celebrate our Unitarian Children’s Chapel.

We are the Chapel of the Open Mind, the Loving Heart and the Helping Hands.

The Children’s Chapel takes place in the chapel hall on Sunday morning following children’s story in the main chapel. The children begin the session lighting there own chalice. The crèche children go with Gabriella to the side room, while the older children remain in the hall with Charlotte or Lizzy.

The Children’s Chapel provides religious education for all the children attending the Chapel. All the children are encouraged to be respectful of each other and to feel comfortable sharing their ideas with each other. Our purpose is to reinforce the moral and spiritual values that parents are teaching their children at home. Above all, the staff are concerned with the happiness and safety of the children. At the end of the sessions, the children are accompanied back into the Chapel.

Gabriella Selin leads our crèche for toddlers and younger children. Charlotte Illingworth is Children’s Chapel Coordinator and assisted by Lizzy Lawrence. Teenager helpers Ben and Mercedes work in the crèche, support the staff and Children’s Chapel as the need arises and a Teen Group for young adults gathers once or twice a month for special activities, lead by Lizzy Lawrence.

On 6th March, Children’s Chapel held a Family meeting to discuss further developments for the Children’s Chapel. The well-attended meeting discussed various ideas - more involvement by parents and other members through participation on Sundays, a close link between the theme of the service and the activity in Children’s Chapel, and the formation of a committee, which would report to the MC.

--Charlotte Illingworth

Children's Chapel


1. The dates for candidating week are Monday 4th April to Monday 11th April*During the week of the minister's visit, there will be many opportunities to

meet the candidate informally, formally and socially. Details will be circulated as soon as they are agreed with the candidate. Please try to keep free time in the late afternoon/evenings between the above dates.

2. The candidate will take the morning service on SUNDAY 10TH APRIL.The details of the candidate will not be known until after March 15, the date

on which the Unitarian Universalist Association stipulates that all offers of ministerial posts must be made. Information about the candidate will be announced/circulated as soon as possible, once formalities are complete.

3. The SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING (SGM) at which there will be a congregational vote on the candidate will be after the service on SUNDAY 10TH APRIL. The quorum required for a (Special General) meeting to elect a new Settled Minister is 40% of the voting Members (i.e. 56 people) (not including proxy votes). A majority of at least 75% of the votes, including proxy votes, is required to elect a minister (according to our Standing Orders).

NB - it is important to note that it is traditional in America for a minister to expect 90% to 95% of the vote to feel comfortable about accepting the post. (This cultural difference has been explained to the pre-candidates but they are likely still to hope for this level.)

There will be formal notice of the SGM, of course, but we are letting you know the diary date at the earliest opportunity so that you may play your part in this important process

Claire Julian

On behalf of the Search Committee: Danielle Wilson (Chair), Jane Crispin, Claire Julian, Margaret Perry, Hillary Ratna, Kerry Reid, Erich Wagner

The Search Committee Process

AffirmationWe affirm the unfolding renewal of life.Rising from the earth, and reaching for

the sun,All living creatures shall fulfil

themselves.

We affirm the steady growth of human companionship.

Rising from ancient cradles and reaching for the stars,

People the world over shall seek the ways of understanding.

We affirm a continuing hope.That out of every tragedy the spiritis of

individualsShall rise to build a better world.

(- Leonard Mason)

Thoughts for ReflectionStewarding

Are you looking to get more involved in the life of the chapel? Are you interested in nineteenth century architecture? Have you always wanted to carry

the chalice?

Then stewarding is for you!

RHUC is implementing a new stewarding system where members are being asked to steward at one service each year. If you haven't stewarded at a service before please don't worry as there is always an experienced worship group representative present.

Judy Harris, the Steward Co-Ordinator will contact you to arrange a suitable date (first via email and then by phone). She's working through the members list alphabetically so watch out if you're at the beginning!

Decorating the Chapel for EasterSaturday, 23rd April 2011

10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Please put the date in your diary if you are able to come and help for some of the time. It is an enjoyable thing to do! Greenery, blossom, flowers would also be most welcome.

Contact: Ann Finer Tel: 020 7267 3313 or [email protected]

Our Chapel Community

Events in the Chapel

“Two violins andone piano”

Friday 8th April7:30 p.m.

Violinist sisters Alexandra and Charlotte Reid join pianist and composer

Jonathan Galton (www.jonathangalton.co.uk)

for an evening of musical gems.

Tickets available at the door £10/£8 concessions, £2

under 16s.

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Sunday 3 April11:00 - Morning servicePractising HospitalityRev. Rob Gregson

19:00 – Evening ServiceRev. Rob Gregson

Tuesday 5 April19:30 – Chanting in the chapel19:30 – Social Action Committee meets

Wednesday 6 April17:45 – Tai Chi class in the chapel19:30 – Choir rehearsal in the chapel

Sunday 10 April11:00 – Morning serviceOn Being Reasonably ReligiousRev. Dr. Patrick T. O'Neill(Ministerial Candidate)

12:30 - SGMPlease note: No Evening service


Thursday 14 April19:30 – Management Committee meets

Sunday 17 April11:00 - Morning service Unitarians in London and SE: Visions for GrowthTanya Morrison

14:00 – Labyrinth Walking Meditation

19:00 – Evening serviceShirley Malin

Monday 18 April19:30 - Poetry Group Meets


Thursday 21 April19:30 – Chapel Book Club

Saturday 23 April10:00 – Decorating the Chapel forEaster

Sunday 24 April – Easter Sunday11:00 - Morning serviceHeading Back to the GardenRev. Rob Gregson

19:00 – Evening serviceRev. Rob Gregson


April Diary

Management Committee con't

had been very useful. More involvement by parents and other members through participation on Sundays, the formation of a committee, which would report to the MC, a close link between the theme of the service and the activity in Children’s Chapel were some of the ideas discussed. It was agreed ‘Children’s Chapel’ should be an item on the MC agenda.

Worship Group: Kate Buchanan reported that worship leaders were in place for all Sundays up to the end of June and some beyond. The present system on Sundays, with a WG representative and two stewards, seemed to be working well.

Administrator’s Report: Caretaker: Sharron Conduit advised that while Michael, the Chapel caretaker, was on sick leave it would be more efficient for one full-time temporary caretaker to be employed; three people share the work at the present. It was agreed the post should be advertised. A small group will review health and safety procedures.

Car Park: The potholes in the car park are to be filled, and the pea shingle covering raked and new added. The Administrator will research more permanent surfaces for the car park.

Elders’ Report: Rev. Rob Gregson commenting on a meeting he had had with them, described the Elders as a ‘talented group’ with much to offer. The Elders are: George Appleby, Victoria Ellington, Will Hopper, Shirley Malin and Tanya Morrison. Tanya, their Chair, reminded the MC, that the Elders are guardians of the Chapel’s heritage and had a role in conflict resolution. They would be talking to the new minister about their responsibilities.

Uganda Update: Leighton Cole, Chair of the Social Action Committee had reported that around £550 had been raised and earmarked for Rev. Mark Kiyamba’s school in Masaka

In 2005 Patrick was given the great honour of preaching the Sermon of the Living Tradition to three thousand people at the UUA Annual General Assembly. Patrick’s many award-winning sermons and writings exist in numerous publications. Excerpts from his 1991 sermon ‘And How Are the Children?’ have been published and used by professional groups. It was once quoted by then-senator Hillary Clinton in a speech.

His wide-ranging denominational activities have included serving as President of the Boston Area Chapter of Unitarian Ministers, numerous interfaith clergy organisations, serving on the Board of Trustees at the Starr King School for Ministry, on the national Board of the Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association, and as a Guest Lecturer in Holocaust Studies at the Lifelong Learning Center of the University of Delaware, to name but a few.

Patrick has been married to his wife Patricia for twenty-five years and has two grown children and two grandchildren aged six and three. He is a passionate amateur artist and an unrepentant lifelong NY Yankees fan.

Rev. O’Neill describes himself as a lifelong pilgrim after religious wisdom. He has an expansive theology that is open to new revelation as it unfolds, informed by Reason and Tolerance and grounded in an ever-hopeful view of human nature.

“I love the ministry," says Rev. O'Neill. "While it has certainly been a conscious professional choice for me, I’m not really sure I could have gone any other route for my life. I have found it to be a rich life, full of opportunities for learning and for service. I feel blessed and privileged to share it.”

Search Committee Chooses Minister Candidate, continued

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