Name: Styal Sunday Service
Start: 2021-7-25T15-15-00-00
End: 2021-7-25T15-15-30-00
Location: Styal

styal

norcliffe chapel

Norcliffe Chapel has now reopened following the COVID lockdown, beginning with our Sunday service. Masks and social distancing is still in place for all worship gatherings until all restrictions are lifted at the end of June. For more information, please get in touch.

styal unitarians

welcome to

Certainly, Styal Unitarians welcome all who wish to worship with an open and enquiring mind. Our chapel’s tradition is rooted in liberal Christianity but we do not insist that everyone should have exactly the same beliefs. Today, our search for spiritual, ethical or religious “truth” may also draw on wisdom other religions, as well as philosophies and approaches to life. Our focus is on how we live our lives (deeds) rather than beliefs (creeds).

Member of the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches. Additionally, we are also a member of Churches Together In Wilmslow.

about us

services

Overall, Styal Unitarians services of worship can be seen as a celebration of our deepest values. For example, we see our beliefs as relevant to all aspects of life; this also includes the wider community.

We try to be welcoming and friendly, accordingly, anyone who wishes to join us at the chapel is encouraged to do so. All visitors and enquirers are made most welcome and are also invited to join us for coffee and a chat after the service.

Of course, feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions.

blessings
weddings
baptisms
funerals

we proudly provide same-sex marriages!

We proudly provide same-sex marriages at Norcliffe Chapel! Get in touch with us today for more information.

notes from norcliffe

the chapel

In 1784 Samuel Greg founded Quarry Bank Mill, a cotton mill, at Styal. The mill was a success, but in such a rural location Greg found it necessary to provide housing for his workers, and as a result, the village grew considerably. Subsequently, institutions were established to meet the educational, social and religious needs of the villagers.

Samuel Greg funded the entirety of the new Chapel, at a cost of £307 18s. On 22 August 1822, everyone was invited to lay a brick for the foundation of the new Chapel, before it officially opened in early 1823. Thus, Styal Unitarians was born!

The Chapel has existed since 1823, while the original Trust Deed states it is for: “The worship of God; and the furtherance of Christian life; while free from the fetters of any written and unwritten; declaration of doctrine”.

our minister

Styal Unitarians minister, Reverend Alex Bradley MA, has now retired, having been at Norcliffe since 2005. There is currently no minister in place, however we will have the following people hosting our 3pm Sunday Services beginning 2nd May:

2nd May – Gary Hammond
9th May – Laura Dobson
16th May – Francis Elliot Wright
23rd May – Celia Cartwright
30th May – Celia Cartwright
6th June – Geoff Levermore
13th June – Francis E Wright
20th June – Larry Bode
27th June – Chrissie Wilkie

Please reach out to us for more information.

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events

july, 2021

25jul3:00 pm3:30 pmStyal Sunday Service

Event Details

If you’ve never been to a Unitarian service – or indeed any sort of church service – it can be daunting to attend one for the first time. The following may help as a useful guide if you don’t know what to expect on your first visit to Norcliffe.

Day and time: Our services take place at 3pm each Sunday afternoon. Service usually last around 30 minutes. At Christmas and on Easter Sunday the times will vary, but these will be publicised well in advance.
Parking: We are located in the heart of Styal village. If you use the postcode SK9 4JE in your satnav this will get you to the National Trust car park, where you can park for free during services. Don’t worry about the sign saying the car park closes at 6pm – it remains open until after the service on Sundays by special arrangement.
Dress: Don’t feel you need to wear your Sunday best (unless you want to!). Dress to chapel is generally fairly casual. Jeans and a jumper is perfectly ok.
Minister: Our regular minister is Rev Alex Bradley, has now retired. We will have the following, standing in for the next few months:

2nd May – Gary Hammond

9th May – Joyce Ashworth

16th May – Francis Elliot Wright

23rd May – Celia Cartwright

30th May – Celia Cartwright

6th June – Geoff Levermore

13th June – Francis E Wright

20th June – Larry Bode

27th June – Chrissie Wilkie

More to be announced..

Format: Services will usually start with some opening words and the lighting of the chalice candle, a symbol of our Unitarian faith. There will be a number of readings from the bible and from other sources, prayers and time for silent reflection. The minister will deliver a sermon that is usually around 10 to 15 minutes long, and the offertory (collection) will be taken to help fund the running of the chapel. There will usually be four hymns during the service, and some closing words at the end. There is no need to worry about when to sit or stand, as the person leading the service will clearly indicate what is appropriate and when.
Tea and coffee: We serve tea and coffee after the service during which time there is the chance to have a chat with other members of the congregation. It’s great if you can join us, but don’t feel you have to if you need to get home.
Children: Children are welcome all services and there are toy bags for quiet play.