Plenary III

A short but meaningful Plenary, and I’m not just saying that because I spoke at it, honest. Following Rev. Mark Hutchinson leading opening devotions based on the words ‘Come, Come, Whoever You Are’ by Rumi, Lizzie Kingston-Harrison spoke on her role as Congregational Connections Lead and two projects she has been leading on. Paying tribute to her predecessor, Rev. Bob Janis-Dillon, she spoke first about ‘Worship Words’, the UK Unitarian and Free Christian online resource for worship leaders.

I spoke on this too, mentioning that our goals with this project were to support and enable people from across the Unitarian movement to lead worship, and also to share our resources across congregations. You can find it here: Worship Words. Lizzie also spoke on the LGBT Voices project she and Rev. Rory Castle-Jones have been leading on, highlighting our movement’s long history of involvement with campaigning for equal rights. Following this, we had the handover to our new EC members. Welcome to Rev. Wyn Thomas and John Bates, and many thanks to Marion Baker for all her hard work as convenor.

Workshop – Member Sustainability

The astute will notice that I’ve skipped two workshop slots here. The first I skipped because I needed to have a chat to a few people present about some projects we’ve been thinking about for the next few years (if they get past the drawing board there will be updates here in future!) The second I skipped because I sloped off to take advantage of the gym, meaning that I arrived at the Member Sustainability workshop considerably more awake than if I hadn’t taken a break. Staverton Park is a nice venue, I’d be happy to be back, although some have commented that the acoustics aren’t always great.

Onward to discuss membership! Led by the Executive Committee, we discussed the challenges we all face in attracting and keeping new members. All agreed that the problem cannot be answered by focussing on ‘we need new members’, we need to attract people by thinking about what we can offer. We might also want to think about what membership means – is it someone who attends online, in person, or both? Perhaps more support for people becoming trustees is also needed – online training, perhaps? It was good for those of us grappling with these issues to be able to share and discuss them with others.

Workshop – Inquirer Drink ‘n’ Quiz 

Ah, that familiar feeling of vaguely thinking you should attend another workshop, as they’re up against the mighty Inquirer wine reception, but succumbing to the lure of staying put and necking a glass of Tempranillo. Apologies, other workshops. Thanks to the anonymous donor who provided the drinks, and big thanks to everyone involved in producing the Inquirer!

Anniversary Service – “Justice Does Not Just Happen: Showing Up For Justice”

An excellent service led by Rev. Winnie Gordon, with Revs. Kate Dean and Stephanie Bisby, featuring Kate Dean’s performance of “Hattie and the Fox” with enthusiastic participation from the congregation, a moving address by Winnie on the importance of all of us taking action on racial justice, and the first use of Slido in a service, to gather the views of those present on what the social cause closest to their heart is. Also featuring the amazing GA Choir’s performance of the hymn often known as the “Black National Hymn” in the USA, “Lift Every Voice And Sing”, and followed by a brief meditation, the Anniversary Service collection raised around £3000 (when Gift Aid is included), and was a moving and uplifting experience for all.