WELCOME IMPULSE Promoting Unitarianism in London and the South East

Summer edition 2019

Lewisham welcomes Summer Quarterly Off to the Palace! new Minister 11 In this edition Message from the

Message from the District Minister 3 District Minister 7 Off to the Palace! 5 Active Hope – Summer Quarterly 6 Worship that Works – Autumn Quarterly 7 elcome to our summer People are unsettled, impatient and even edition of IMPULSE and I despairing and some will turn to us for Climate Change Lobby 8 Wtrust that you will enjoy some gesture of wisdom. So perhaps PRIDE 9 reading it either online or in the printed Tolkien’s words from ‘The Lord of the Highlights from the GA 10 versions that go to your congregations. Rings’ speak more rationally to us: 10 As usual there is news about past Camp Jojo 13 events of note as well as interesting and “In the end, the shadow was only a small The Tengenenge Orphans Fund, Zimbabwe 14 important events in the future. and passing thing: there was a light and high beauty forever 16 Lewisham welcomes new minister But before anything else can I say that I beyond its reach.” J.R.R. Tolkien New publications from The Lindsey Press 17 hope all is well with you personally and District Council 19 in the congregation or fellowship to But words are probably something which you belong? I really mean that people have had enough of. So can I 17 Forthcoming events 20 because I am conscious that there is encourage you to help and calm much anxiety and stress in our nation yourselves by trying to help and offer and these are not easy times for people calm to others? This is the time for us to who value peace, stability and kindness. make the most of the sacred space our Unfortunately it doesn’t seem that there chapels and churches offer. We can will be anything different for some time, offer a place of quiet sanctuary for those District Minister so what have we to offer to our families, who long to be away from arguments Rev. Martin Whitell EMAIL [email protected] neighbours and friends – and indeed to and from people talking over each other. District Administrator our own souls? Helen White EMAIL [email protected] Many of you are opening your places of Website www.LDPAUnitarians.org As Unitarians we don’t settle for the worship during the week and this in Facebook @LDPAUnitarians COVER Rainbows Across simple answers. So, although I am a itself can be a real ministry. Can we @FUSE: Festival of Unitarians in the SouthEast Borders at Lewisham Unity great admirer of the words of the13th make the times of quietness in our century Persian poet and Sufi mystic services simple silence and something “We Unitarians value the freedom of thought, to explore and understand faith from Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, it isn’t more? A little guidance during this time each individual’s perspective. Therefore every word spoken and written ultimately always a comfort to be forced back on of meditation can direct our minds to our reflects the thoughts and beliefs of the person speaking or writing. our own resources – great as they may be! blessings and gifts. Along with this, We welcome your responses in the spirit of mindful discussion and debate.” maybe we can perform some “Oh soul, you worry too much. random acts of kindness to Published by the District Minister of the London District and South Eastern Provincial You have seen your own strength. neighbours and strangers as Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches (incorporated No. 649091) Registered You have seen your own beauty. well as friends. It would be Address: Essex Hall, 1-6 Essex Street, London WC2R 3HY Registered charity no. 233390 You have seen your golden wings. great if we could become Why do you worry?” Rumi known as the people whose f 2 IMPULSE 3 VISIT OUR WEBSITE Off to the Palace! f www.ldpaunitarians.org

or most of 2018, Brighton work by the builders Malcolm Charles chalice flame on our lapels and notice- environmental emphasis that has been Unitarian Church was hidden Contractors, our much-loved portico is boards is the sign and symbol of people ‘growing’ there in recent years. And of from view, shrouded in hoarding restored to its original appearance, an who are kind in deed and word. You may course summer gives us the chance to F attached to scaffolding. Our classical important part of the Regency think I’m always saying this but the be part of PRIDE parades. We didn’t get portico, with its four pillars surmounted architecture of New Road. bottom line has to be ‘Deeds not creeds’, on the London Parade this year but by the triangular pediment, had been much as I value the things we in common being with our friends in Brighton is a found to be in serious danger of The value of this has been believe. I wish you well with it! great alternative. collapse. But thanks to support and acknowledged by Brighton and Hove funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund City Council; the Mayor’s office made Recent events around the world have I am pleased that Professor Jacky we were able to embark on the extensive a recommendation to Buckingham reminded us that not everyone wants to Woodman has agreed to be the new renovation work required. The HLF grant Palace that an invitation to a Garden show kindness to people of faith. This is Chair of Council and grateful to Rev’d would cover a little over half the eventual Party be issued to the Church a gentle but serious reminder to us to be Feargus O’Connor for his time in the costs so intensive fund raising was treasurer, in recognition of the value alert in our public meetings and services office. I’m sure Jacky will bring fresh which needed to be done. We received to the city of the restoration of this and to keep safety and security running ideas and energy to us. wonderful support, with very important building. quietly in the background of our spiritual generous donations from activities. I hope to be able to bring As the summer progresses I look Unitarian trusts and individuals, So, Phillida Simpson, ex- something to you about this in the future. forward to seeing many of you in your as well as grants from other treasurer, and Marion Bance, congregations and around the District. organisations. invaluable administrator, will We do have many good things to do as Should you need me please don’t be off to Buckingham Palace well as to be in the coming weeks and hesitate to make contact. Now, thanks to excellent work by this summer hoping for months. I hope to see many of you at the architect Mark Anderson and hard glorious weather! Summer Quarterly when we can enjoy Blessings and best wishes. Your friend, time together in Horsham’s beautiful space and hear about the green and Martin FUSE 2020

We are returning on 21-23 February 2020 to Chatsworth Hotel in Worthing for our Festival of Unitarians in the South East. More details coming soon

4 IMPULSE 5 LDPA Quarterly Meetings Worship that works

Our Autumn Quarterly Meeting is a special one-day training session to develop congregational leadership skills on Saturday 21 September.

his autumn’s LDPA Quarterly will The workshop will also act as an feature a whole day's training introductory session for anyone wishing Tsession introducing participants to undertake the Worship Studies to best practice in Unitarian worship. Course (Foundation Step), a nationally This will be particularly beneficial for recognised GA course, which we are anybody who would like to be involved in intending to run once again in the LDPA leading worship in their own congregation at Rosslyn Hill Chapel, Hampstead, or in churches around their district. It between autumn 2019 and spring 2020. would also be useful for people who The remainder of the course will be run already lead worship and who would like over three further Saturdays, by a variety to develop their skills and share hints of expert tutors, and we would be glad and tips with other Unitarians. However, to hear early expressions of interest from all who enjoy Unitarian worship and any who might wish to sign up. would like to think about it more in a structured way are also welcome to To book a place on the workshop and/or attend. The workshop will have a register your interest in the WSC particular focus on reflective practice Foundation Step, please contact and the meaning and purpose of the [email protected] or the worship we do together. District Minister on 07976 839299. For the Summer Quarterly meeting we are visiting our friends at Horsham Unitarian Church on Saturday 22 June Schedule: 10.30am arrivals for an 11am The theme of the day is “Active Hope – The service starts at 2pm, followed by a start. The workshop Bringing about the Great Turning” workshop/discussion, with tea at runs from 11 am until inspired by American Buddhist and eco- approximately 3.30pm. Please let us 3pm. This will be warrior Joanna Macy. know if you would like to attend so we followed by worship have a rough idea of numbers for and refreshments until Tea/coffee will be available from 11am, catering purposes. Email 4.30pm. and there will be a walking tour of [email protected] Horsham at midday. You are free to bring Venue: Rosslyn Hill your own lunch or pick something up at Horsham Unitarian Church, Worthing Unitarian Chapel, the cafe in the park, at the Saturday Road, RH12 1SL is situated opposite 3 Pilgrim's Place, market, or at any of the many eateries in the bus station and is a 15-minute walk Hampstead, London Horsham town centre. You are welcome from Horsham train station. Limited NW3 1NG to eat your lunch in our church garden. parking at the back of the church.

6 IMPULSE 7 Climate change lobby

struggle to feed their children when the rains don’t come and crops burn on the stalk, or fisherfolk like Lope in the Philippines battling to make a living as climate change brings super typhoons and extreme heat, or (left) pastoralists like Boru whose camels are weak from drought.

We know what we need to do to reverse the trend of climate change and protect people like Aster, Lope and Boru: we LONDON PRIDE need to cut global greenhouse For many years LDPA Unitarians have joined the London PRIDE Parade, something emissions to net zero. The existing UK which has always been happy and colourful event for all of us who have taken part. Government targets don’t go far enough Unfortunately because of the huge demand this year we didn’t get a place. – we need to get to net zero by 2045 to However, our congregation at Brighton have invited us to join with them and make a difference. Godalming Unitarians extend a warm welcome too. s Unitarians, we seek to put BRIGHTON PRIDE PARADE SURREY PRIDE our faith into action by loving On 26 June, we’ll come together in Saturday 3 August Saturday 10 August in Woking Aand caring for our neighbours London to celebrate our faith in action, Walking groups to arrive at the seafront Woking and Godalming Unitarians will and the Earth, our common home. And lobby our political representatives, pray between 9.00am and 10.15am. be there with a stall and we would love now, both are threatened by the impact together and energise one another for The walk is no more than a couple of you to come and join us. A parade of climate change. the challenges to come. miles at a slow pace and it is a great through the centre of town from 11am way to show our support – so do come until midday. Then there will be a party in Urgent action is needed to save our It is being coordinated by The Climate and join us! To register your interest and Woking Park throughout the afternoon world as we know it. Will you join the Coalition and Greener UK alliances that reserve a place contact us by email until 10pm. Details from Christine Martin mass lobby in Westminster, London on represent a support base of over 15 [email protected] or the on mobile 07801 915513 26 June and tell MPs that it’s time to act million people. Members include WWF, District Minister on 07976 839299. or email csmartin24@ gmail.com on climate change? CAFOD, Christian Aid, RSPB, The Women’s Institute, Greenpeace, Friends Climate change is devastating the of the Earth, The Wildlife Trusts, NUS, world’s poorest communities right now, Tearfund, CPRE and Marine Our 2019 LDPA Membership Directory will be as more extreme weather events, from Conservation Society. For further details sent to each of our congregations this summer flooding to droughts, drive families from visit caid.org.uk/ timeisnow their homes and create food crises. Next year we aim to publish this information JANET PERKINS alongside the annual report from each Church – Urgent action is needed, whether it's for Horsham Unitarians to make it a comprehensive and useful overview of women like Aster in Ethiopia who E: [email protected] our community.

8 IMPULSE 9 Highlights from the Genera l Assembly Annual Meetings

As mentioned in Epulse (are you signed Lord Price began his career in the ranks up for this?) LDPA congregations, of the John Lewis Partnership, rising people and Ministers were fully involved. through the department store division The Rev Dr Maria Curtis from Horsham and eventually being appointed delivered the address at the Anniversary Managing Director of Waitrose and Service (pictured below). Her theme finally Deputy Chairman. With this as a “Knowing our place” was highly background he now seeks to develop contemporary, urging us to consider the workplace happiness. state of the planet we know as Earth – our home. But it wasn’t just a call to be Convinced that the key person is our environmentally and ecologically aware: working lives is our ‘line manager’, his Maria gently but irresistibly pulled the formula was explained in six steps: rug out from under what she called species imperialism. We need to know 1. Reward and recognition our place and recognise our 2. Information dependence on the many processes, balances and co-habitants of the planet. 3. Empowerment Her closing thought was that the whole 4. Well being natural world, rather than the human 5. Sense of pride species, is the primary revelation of the Earlier in the service we had welcomed 6. Job satisfaction divine. After 13.8 billion years we need three Ministers who had trained and qualified as Unitarian Ministers. he final feedback forms and to prove ourselves worthy of all that brought us into being. Two of these are ministering in LDPA reports are still coming in but congregations, Rev Duncan Voice at He didn’t take time to develop the Tclearly the General Assembly Ditchling and Rev Dr Claire MacDonald similarities but this transfers quite well Annual Meetings at Birmingham this at Lewisham (l and r standing above). into congregational happiness too! The year were a huge success. The format way he was received and applauded f had been condensed to three days There had been a few voices of instead of four, making it more discontent and opposition to the choice affordable and it appears, more of Lord Mark Price as the keynote attractive. Over 360 people attended speaker (pictured right). However, and more than 70 of these were there Unitarian courtesy, tolerance and for the first time. There were more eagerness to let a person be heard younger Unitarians this year and it felt before coming out in judgement was like there was a new pulse and pace to overwhelmingly the response of those our main Unitarian annual event. assembled. Mark spent some time introducing us to his story, growing up in ABOVE The General Assembly began with our Administrator Helen White bringing in the a nonconformist family, the son of a LDPA banner at the opening ceremony greengrocer and lay preacher.

10 IMPULSE 11 VISIT CAMP JOJO f GA HIGHLIGHTS Camp Jojo f www.campjojo.org

An update from the Colchester situation of being intensive care-givers Unitarian group on the second year of to one child, whilst struggling to cope their social action project, Camp Jojo. with daily life and with making sure their other children don’t ‘miss out’. We also Camp Jojo provides an opportunity for now know it is possible to hold such families who have a child with complex camps! So Camp Jojo has now been set needs to have a holiday – a camping up as a separate organisation – with holiday! Not perhaps the most obvious three camps booked this August. choice for families where one or more members may be in a wheelchair, but This year we have focused on raising our belief is that we can all benefit from funds for the procurement of specialist time in the beauty of the wild. The LDPA equipment. We are hoping to become a provided us with our first £500 of ‘seed’ charity in due course so have done a lot funding for this initiative last year, and is of planning. supporting us again this year Our vision for the camps has slowly Our first group of families came along grown and developed. We want to help last August, and a great time it was. The to build mental and emotional resilience setting was a beautiful location on a for tired parents, to consider the needs farm on Mersea Island, Essex, and the of siblings, and to build community sun shone! Through a wonderful group amongst groups of families from the of experienced volunteers, we offered same geographical area – often the showed that people were impressed activities and being an ambassador for much practical support to each family, same special needs school. with his thinking. He was impressed by UK Unitarians around the world. The four and a great menu of fun activities meant us too, noting our values and the Executive Committee convenors, there was something for everybody. There is much to be done, but the vision professionalism of our meetings and including our District Minister led the and families’ feedback is energising, and spending time speaking to over a dozen tributes to Derek (pictured above). Now we want to update you on what we are really encouraged by all the people about their work experience has grown out of that seed. We felt that interest shown. We will let you know during his time with us. Here in the LDPA District we look this idea fills a real need for some how it all goes this August! forward to collaboration with his families who find themselves in the CHRISTINE WRIGHT The meetings also paid tribute to Derek successor Liz Slade. The new President, McAuley, who is retiring from his the Rev Celia Cartwright, was welcomed position of Chief Officer after more than and has already challenged us to value nine years. During his time of service in our Unitarian ties and interdependence this role, Derek brought our Unitarian as well our cherished autonomy. and Free Christian views on equality and same sex marriage into the public and Ours is plainly no ordinary faith political arena, overseeing the community. Let’s work together to share modernisation of the headquarters the secret and make it better known. 12 IMPULSE Lewisham welcomes The Lindsey Press 2019 sees the publication of two original and beautifully new minister produced books commissioned by the Lindsey Press.

he Rev Dr Claire MacDonald welcome feature here. And in the freshly Unitarian Women – A Legacy of Dissent was inducted into the Ministry landscaped rear garden, there was more This book celebrates the pioneering Tof the Lewisham Congregation singing from the Rainbows Across achievements of Unitarian women who made on Saturday 18 May. Now known as Borders Chorus and other singers and a difference to their world – as writers and Lewisham Unity, the congregation has musicians, as a tea was enjoyed and artists, social reformers, suffrage activists, been busy making the premises people had the opportunity to talk. peace campaigners, educators and attractive, modern and ready to be a politicians, preachers and ministers – for 200 focal community destination. The induction was part of a weekend of years from the mid-18th century. As events, some of which took place in a Unitarians, they dissented from the orthodox Members of the congregation, along yurt in the garden. religious doctrines of their time; as women with Ministers and friends from the they dissented from the restricted cultural District, joined with Claire and many of roles prescribed for them by society. her friends from the music, drama and arts world to make the occasion of many Edited by Ann Peart, a historian, LDPA life blessings memorable and different. The member, and former Principal of Unitarian induction service itself was led by the College Manchester. Cost £10 plus p&p. Rev Winnie Gordon, from New Chapel Birmingham. Winnie gave a thoughtful and encouraging address and promises were made by Fragments of Holiness – for Daily Reflection Claire and the congregation. Edited by Catherine Robinson, a member of the A welcome blessing came from Oxford Unitarian congregation, this is a collection the District Minister and we enjoyed the of reflective texts for every day of the year. We vibrant music of the Rainbows Across have been 'road testing' it at Lewisham Unity and have found its contents sensitive, imaginative and Borders Chorus as well as other gifted ABOVE Gifts were given by the community musicians and singers. to Rev Dr Claire MacDonald (right). incredibly useful. We have each bought one already and and I urge you to do so, too. It makes It was standing room only at times, so Claire has already been ministering at a great gift. I have taken to reading it every day, not all of the ceremony was held in the Lewisham for nearly two years and and it really ‘speaks’ to the day. £9 plus p&p. worship space. A blessing of Claire with becoming involved with the other faith ‘laying on of hands’ by her ministerial communities in this part of South East To purchase your copies by card you can call colleagues, the congregation and the London. We wish Claire and the Essex Hall between 10am & 5pm (Monday to whole gathered community took place congregation many more blessings as Friday) tel: 020 7240 2384. Both books are also around the Peace Pole in the front they build the faith community with an available through major online booksellers. garden for all to see. A Hebrew prayer emphasis on environment, equality and recited by Claire’s husband was a contemporary spiritual discovery. REV DR CLAIRE MACDONALD

14 IMPULSE 15 Zimbabwe Orphans Helping the children of Tengenenge Village in Zimbabwe

f So we started a girls' bike club, pupils and serves other nearby villages providing every girl with a sturdy and the children of newly settled farmers. Zimbabwe-made bicycle designed for dirt roads and stony paths. The girls, a I will be visiting Tengenenge in June. dozen of them, all ride to school Julian Meek has asked me to visit the together. We also added two community school and identify any particular project bikes, so villagers can get to school they need our help with. We are starting meetings, take their grain to be milled to raise funds for that project and for and visit the health centre. school fees – Zimbabwe has just raised the primary fees by 100% and Three years ago, the villagers decided secondary by 50%. These are difficult that they no longer wanted junior age times in rural Zimbabwe. children walking a 20-kilometre daily round trip to attend the nearest primary If you would like to help us with the school. They took over in an old tobacco education of these children and the barn, a garage and a ruined farm house survival of this community please send and they hired a local teacher. We were cheques made out to The Tengenenge ike many of our congregations life expectancy in the world (34 for able to help with benches, tables for the Orphans Fund to Julian Meek, Stratford which generously support women and 37 for men) – it is not top class and decorating materials so Unitarian Church, West Ham Lane, E15 Loverseas charities, Stratford uncommon for young children to find the parents could paint the makeshift 4DP or online to The Co Op Bank: The Unitarian Church supports this themselves parentless. The orphans of classrooms. After a year of one teacher Tengenenge Orphans Fund . Sort code educational programme in Zimbabwe. this village belong in extended families teaching several hundred children, they 80 92 99 Account number 65704600 and are loved and looked after. But in gained government recognition and The Stratford Unitarian Church . The Tengenenge Orphans Fund was set these difficult times, the villagers are were supplied with four qualified teachers . ALISON NEVILLE up to pay the school fees and provide managing on one or two US dollars a The school now has over five hundred Stratford Unitarian Congregation uniforms and books for the orphans and day and they struggle to find school fees single parent children of Tengenenge for their own children. So that’s where Village, a remote community of sculptors we came in. in Mashonaland, Zimbabwe. Since I started this project in 2014 with Tengenenge, which wonderfully means the support of the Stratford Unitarians, TOP MAIN PHOTO the beginning of the beginning , because all the children in the village have been Girls’ bike club it is by a spring which is the source of a able to attend school. The project has river, is a happy and well run village that grown, gone on to identify further needs LEFT Effort (far left) the cares deeply for all its children. The and to help in other ways. As the youngest and most community has not escaped the AIDS secondary school is 10 kilometres from reluctant student, is epidemic: since the country’s economic the village there had been incidents of flourishing and came collapse – when the 2006 World Health girls being attacked, molested, and even top in class last term! Report Zimbabwe as having the lowest raped on their way to and from school.f 16 IMPULSE 17 Vacancy for Treasurer District Council

e are currently searching for If you are interested in this opportunity a person to be co-opted to join in the important work the District Wonto the Council of the does supporting our Unitarian LDPA to serve as Treasurer until the end congregations please send a Curriculum of the Council year – 14 March 2020. Vitae with two references, one from your Professional book-keeping supports congregation, to the Company Secretary the day to day aspects of the role. Bruce Bebington by email A full description of the duties are [email protected] Bruce Bebington Professor Jacqueline available from Bruce Bebington. or District Minister Rev’d Martin Whitell Secretary Woodman Chair Treasurer at [email protected] 29 Salterford Road, 22 Eden Drive, Applicants need to be of good standing Tooting, London SW17 9TE Oxford OX3 0AB E: [email protected] E: [email protected] in one of the Unitarian congregations or T: 07710 415 922 Fellowships forming part of the LDPA.

New Council Member

Pat Fitzsimons Pat Fitzsimons Carol Chambers Eleanor Chiari Rev .Feargus O’Connor E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] at was born in a suburb of NGOs, charities and social enterprises. T: 07954 426088 T: 01403 218 670 T: 020 7837 4472 Chicago many decades ago. She has worked on a wide range of PShe attended the Unitarian issues – employment and skills, older Church on Ridge Avenue in Evanston people and isolation, the environment Illinois on many occasions. Her mother and more. She has now started her own was a non-religious Jew and her father a consultancy, supporting women in their Jesuit. This led to a childhood spent in leadership roles, at home, in the the Lutheran Church and Quaker community or in their work. Meeting House, and a celebration of all the Catholic holidays and rituals along Pat has attended the Stratford Unitarian with the Jewish ones. church for four years and is a member of Christopher Mason Rev. Ashley Hills Rev. Martin Whitell the Trustee Board. She has two E: [email protected] President District Minister Since moving to London 40 years ago, daughters, one married and heading up T: 07721 592 869 9 Penberth Road, 32 Poynders Court, Poynders Road, Pat has been employed in the not for digital marketing in ASOS and one Catford, London SE6 1ET London SW4 8NL profit sector. She has worked in local completing her university career T: 202 8461 3925 E: [email protected] government, housing associations, studying physics in Swansea. T: 07976 839 299

18 IMPULSE 19 Forthcoming events

JUNE 17-19 Ministerial Old Students’ Association – Oxford 22 Summer Quarterly at Horsham from 11.00am 23 Ditchling Meeting House, Butterfly service 3.00pm

JULY 4 LDPA Council at Essex Hall 6.45pm 6 London PRIDE Parade 18 Pastoral Leaders’ Group at Essex Hall from 11.00am

AUGUST 3 PRIDE Parade in Brighton 10 Surrey PRIDE in Woking

OTHER IMPORTANT DATES 21 September LDPA Quarterly at Hampstead 21 November LDPA Council

DATES FOR THE NEXT WORSHIP STUDIES COURSE 7 December 2019, 28 March + 20 June 2020

Contributions are welcome

Please submit articles and photos for inclusion in the autumn edition of IMPULSE by mid-August to email [email protected] To subscribe to receive an electronic version of IMPULSE and ePULSE email [email protected] Visit us at www.ldpaunitarians.org Facebook @LDPAUnitarians @FUSE: Festival of Unitarians in the SouthEast IMPULSE Promoting Unitarianism in London and the South East

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