As we get to that cold, rather depressing time of the year it is good to have something to look forward to. The ancients had celebrations and we infer that they also had religious occasions to “persuade” the sun to come back up and celebrating that it would. And it did! My grandma, born on a farm in Byfleet, Surrey who worked in service as a maid in Kensington, was always saying “it’s not long to the shortest day” and after the longest day, “now we’re heading for the shortest day”. But she never flew off for a sunshine holiday, in fact she never flew. She was born before electricity, cars and planes.

We now have Christmas, a time to celebrate an important religious person who changed the world and had important messages for his fellow Jews. St Paul then developed the religion for non-Jews (gentiles). Although Unitarians often do not believe he was God and note the mis-translation of “young woman” in Isaiah to “virgin”, the fact that Mary and Joseph were not particularly poor and it was not a stable for the birth, the myths persist along with his wise words and parables. But we can still enjoy the religious and spiritual time, a time with family, especially the young ones, and friends and the giving of presents.

Unfortunately there are major conflicts in the world; Ukraine, Middle East, and also the oft forgotten Sudan. Also the homeless here. So I’ll take some time to think of others less fortunate and also regard it as a time to give Christmas donations.

I hope you all have a good Christmas with plenty of carols in the chapels and a New Year perhaps with some new chapel members who have discovered our denomination at a Christmas service.

Geoff Levermore, President

As we move into midwinter and the end of 2024, I’m taking some time to reflect on what has happened in the Unitarian world this year.  I’m grateful to everyone who has played a part in strengthening the health of our movement.  Some highlights for me include: Welcoming our new ministers, Jennifer Sanders, Arek Malecki and Lynda Kane at the annual meetings in April, and already feeling the energy and wisdom they are bringing to their ministry and our movement Seeing the welcome from the movement to Rory Castle Jones’ excellent ‘Challenging Leadership’ report, and our collective response to taking steps to ensure our ministers are better supported in their work. Hearing the enthusiastic welcome of the Innovation Challenge Fund, a scheme to provide matched funding and support to congregations wishing to take steps to serve beyond their current membership (expect more news on this in the new year!). It’s great to hear the ideas starting to bubble. Ant Howe’s exceptional Anniversary Service message at the annual meetings, and the buzz that it left in the room. The launch of the Resilience Fund, with generous donations from across the movement, which allows access to funds for ministers and other leaders who need financial support in a crisis. [Please contact Simon Bland if you need help, or if you or your organisation would like to support this fund.] The launch of our social action audit, sharing what our members and congregations care about and where we are already taking collective action to make the world a better place – and the relaunch of the Penal and Social Affairs Panel as the Social Justice Network. I’m grateful to David Zucker (York) and Victor Anderson (Brighton) for stepping into leadership roles, and to all those who are stepping up as congregational social action reps.  The launch of Soul Deep, and seeing all the Soul Deep groups bubbling up, using this excellent book by Kate Dean and Michael Allured as a guide to hosting enriching engagement groups. The continuing success of Summer School, two years in to its in-person return, and the publication of Right Relationship in the Real World sharing previous years’ Summer School talks.  The launch of the Safeguarding Network, monthly online meet-ups where anyone taking responsibility for safeguarding (ie any of us) can connect and learn more about how we create safe sacred space together.  The number of people taking part in the foundation level Worship Studies Course, and the development of those going on to the Intermediate and Advanced level – it’s wonderful to see the skills being developed, and the connections being made among these emerging leaders. Thanks to all at Unitarian College for making this possible.  The launch of the Congregational Support Toolkit, creating easy access for congregations to resources and guidance that can help the smooth running of your community – and the online gatherings (like the Admin Network) where people can share their experience and build fellowship. Working with our Executive Committee – who are bringing great expertise, wisdom, pragmatism and care. I’m grateful for their leadership and support – thank you Jo James, John Bates, Sarah Benfield, Jenny Jacobs, Simon Hall, Zac Baker and Laura Dobson.  And last but by no means least, working with the exceptional GA team – it really is a privilege to work alongside colleagues with such commitment, creativity, tenacity, care and good humour. Thank you Andrew, Audrey, Natalja, David, Simon, Rory, Melda, Gav, Ann and Lizzie!  I’d like to wish everyone across our movement a very merry Christmas, and with gratitude for all that is being done to create welcoming places of spiritual nourishment and connection.  Liz Slade, Chief Officer