Chorlton Online Gatherings – 22/11

Chorlton Gatherings - 22/11

Dear Friends
 
Please see below the details of our gatherings this week.
 

Tuesday 23rd November, 7 – 7.45 pm: Bear Necessities Meditation

As we begin to cross the threshold from autumn into winter, you are invited to journey like a bear into the safe secluded cave of your imagination to meditate on receiving rest and rejuvenation for your spirit. Led by Laura Dobson. No previous experience of meditation required. All welcome.
 

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/94223648779?pwd=UEVkejhLQnkxV2VrMHU5THg2ZUJNdz09

Meeting ID: 942 2364 8779

Passcode: 3c9Pb1

 
Wednesday 24th November 7 – 8 pm: Zoom Engagement Group
‘Why are we here? Discerning our Unitarian mission in an upturned world.’ A discussion of the inspiring and challenging third theme talk for Hucklow Summer School 2021, given by Rev Rory Castle-Jones. In the meeting I will show a short extract from the talk, which will lead into a discussion of the main themes. Led by Laura Dobson. All welcome.
 

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 868 9873 0361

Passcode: 101861

 

Rory Castle Jones is minister of Gellionnen Unitarian Chapel in the Swansea Valley and also works part-time as the Communications Officer for the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches. Rory’s talk is entitled, “Fearless and Fervent Folk, Poems and Poetry, Songs and Suffering” and explores how the radical story of Welsh Unitarianism can help us discern our mission in the twenty-first century. For over two hundred years, radical Welsh Unitarians have helped shape their nation and – sometimes – the world, from Iolo Morganwg to Frank Lloyd Wright. Today, as churches and people of faith grapple with their purpose and mission, what can we learn from the radical stories of our spiritual ancestors?

 
You can watch the full talk here:
 
 
All the theme talks can be viewed from the Hucklow Summer School YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzzM-hqHQH4xJxD2oZzWt1Q 
Thursday 25th November, 7 – 8.15 pm: Heart and Soul on Zoom
Heart and Soul is a contemplative spiritual gathering in which you can take time to reflect on life in the company of others. Each session follows a regular pattern, including readings and music, time for guided prayers of gratitude, compassion for others, self-reflection, and silent meditation. Led by Laura Dobson. All welcome. This week’s theme is ‘Good Faith.’
 
‘The road to faith after doubt is often lonely. But beyond the loneliness, you discover a place of solidarity where everything is sacred and everything belongs, including your doubts and including you.’ —Brian McLaren
 

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 868 9873 0361

Passcode: 101861

 
Sunday 28th November 10:30 – 11:30 am Sunday Gathering on Zoom and in Church
Join us for our weekly worship service. This week we will celebrate Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, led by Laura Dobson. All welcome.
 
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 868 9873 0361
Passcode: 101861
 
 
 
 
In Person Events
 
Please see below the details of our gatherings this week.
 
Tuesday 23rd November 12.30 – 1.30 pm Tao on Tuesday in Chapel
Join us for our meditation on the Tao Te Ching. We read a short passage, enjoy a time of shared silence for meditation and then share our reflections on the text. All welcome.
 
Tuesday 23rd November, 7 – 7.45 pm: Bear Necessities Meditation
As we begin to cross the threshold from autumn into winter, you are invited to journey like a bear into the safe secluded cave of your imagination to meditate on receiving rest and rejuvenation for your spirit. Led by Laura Dobson. No previous experience of meditation required. All welcome.
 

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/94223648779?pwd=UEVkejhLQnkxV2VrMHU5THg2ZUJNdz09

Meeting ID: 942 2364 8779

Passcode: 3c9Pb1

 
Wednesday 24th November 7 – 8 pm: Zoom Engagement Group
‘Why are we here? Discerning our Unitarian mission in an upturned world.’ A discussion of the inspiring and challenging third theme talk for Hucklow Summer School 2021, given by Rev Rory Castle-Jones. In the meeting I will show a short extract from the talk, which will lead into a discussion of the main themes. Led by Laura Dobson. All welcome.
 
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 868 9873 0361
Passcode: 101861
 
Rory Castle Jones is minister of Gellionnen Unitarian Chapel in the Swansea Valley and also works part-time as the Communications Officer for the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches. Rory’s talk is entitled, “Fearless and Fervent Folk, Poems and Poetry, Songs and Suffering” and explores how the radical story of Welsh Unitarianism can help us discern our mission in the twenty-first century. For over two hundred years, radical Welsh Unitarians have helped shape their nation and – sometimes – the world, from Iolo Morganwg to Frank Lloyd Wright. Today, as churches and people of faith grapple with their purpose and mission, what can we learn from the radical stories of our spiritual ancestors?
 
You can watch the full talk here:
 
 
All the theme talks can be viewed from the Hucklow Summer School YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzzM-hqHQH4xJxD2oZzWt1Q 
Thursday 25th November, 7 – 8.15 pm: Heart and Soul on Zoom
Heart and Soul is a contemplative spiritual gathering in which you can take time to reflect on life in the company of others. Each session follows a regular pattern, including readings and music, time for guided prayers of gratitude, compassion for others, self-reflection, and silent meditation. Led by Laura Dobson. All welcome. This week’s theme is ‘Good Faith.’
 
‘The road to faith after doubt is often lonely. But beyond the loneliness, you discover a place of solidarity where everything is sacred and everything belongs, including your doubts and including you.’ —Brian McLaren
 
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 868 9873 0361
Passcode: 101861
 
Thursday 25th November 7.30 – 9.30 pm: Sacred Drumming Circle in the Chapel
Organised by Karen Barber and friends. Please bring your own drum or other percussion instrument. All welcome.
 
Sunday 28th November 11 am – 3 pm: Chapel Open Day
The chapel will be open for tea, coffee, biscuits, music and chat from 11 am to 3pm – everyone welcome to drop in.
 
Anyone who is unable to attend chapel is welcome to join the Chorlton congregation on Zoom for their service at 10.30 am. This week we will celebrate Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, led by Laura Dobson. All welcome.
 
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 868 9873 0361
Passcode: 101861
 
 

Information for those coming to church

 
Government coronavirus restrictions have now been lifted in England. However, the virus is still very much with us and we will therefore continue to take precautions in the church building as follows:
 
THERE IS NO NEED TO BOOK A PLACE IN THE CHURCH
 
We will, however, be keeping a record of who attends for test and trace purposes. 
 
Chairs will be still be spaced apart – at 1 metre distance at the front and at 2 metres at the back. We will open the back door so that you can enter and leave at the back if that feels more comfortable.  
 
We will continue to open the windows to ensure good ventilation. We will continue our sanitising routine in the church, including asking you to continue sanitising the toilets after use, please.
 
Face coverings are no longer mandatory in places of worship, but if you choose not to wear one, please ensure you maintain 2 metres social distancing from others at all times. Spare face coverings will be available for those who want to wear one and have forgotten to bring one.
 
 
If you can, please take a lateral flow test within 24 hours before attending church. These are available from GPs and pharmacies, and we will try to make some spares available at the church each week.
 
We will of course be continuing to livestream services on Zoom for those who are unable or not comfortable to attend church.
 
We look forward to seeing you soon on Zoom or in the Church
 
A reminder of our bank account details if you are able to make a donation:
 
Sort code: 40 11 56     
Account number: 40716286
Bank: HSBC 
Account name: Chorlton Unitarian Church
 
Blessings,
 
Linda Paris
Administrator
Chorlton Unitarian Church