Here’s what Unitarians in the North East are doing for the ‘Bake On!’ initiative. What’s that? From Gavin Howell, the national Unitarian Youth Programme co-ordinator (among his other roles):

“The Unitarian Youth Programme is teaming up with The Inquirer to launch our Winter Bake Ministry. We say don’t bother with all those New Year resolutions to join gyms and lose weight, etc. Way too much hard work! Instead, we’re encouraging you to get baking and enjoy good health and wellness in the spiritual realm.

And with this being a Unitarian ministry, we’re leaving it with you to explore and come to your own understanding of what a Winter Bake Ministry might mean for you. If you wish, you could invite others to join you – Fellow pilgrims on the journey. Perhaps this might be a fun activity for a family to do together – An excuse to co-create your own unique signature culinary masterpiece? Some might use it to hold a congregational get together – a bring-and-share coffee morning of sorts?

We encourage you to play with the idea. Really go for it! Naturally, we’d be very interested in what you come up with. So, bake something individually or with your family or congregation – on a Unitarian theme. Write and tell us about what you did and how it worked out. Send photographs and stories to The Inquirer or to our Youth Officer Gavin Howell. Good luck, have fun and enjoy!”

Inspired by the Bake On! initiative, Newcastle upon Tyne and Stockton on Tees Unitarians are joining in! On 20th February 2022, Louise Reeve led the ‘Ministry of Cake’ service at Stockton on Tees Unitarians, featuring a Greek-style phanouropita cake. This cake is traditionally dedicated to St. Phanourios, a Greek saint known to help people looking for something they have lost – provided they bake a cake in his honour! (Find out more here: St Phanourios).

Photos of the cake and service are attached, and here’s a link to the service video: Ministry of Cake. On 17th April, we’ll be having an ‘Easter and Cake Miscellany’, led by Diana Bebby, for which we’ll be asking the congregation what their favourite cakes and cake recipes are. We look forward to seeing what other congregations are up to!”