Oldham Unitarians

NEWSLETTER

August – September 2007

Yes folks, it's all happening at Oldham!

Sunday Services 11.00 am
Meditation Services held every second
Monday of the month at 7.30 pm
All are Welcome

Dates for your Diary …

Sunday Services 11.00 - 12.00
Please note: Scheduled special services 1400 - 1500

August
05 Service conducted by Reverend Dr David Doel
12 Service conducted by Reverend Lynne Readett
19 Service conducted by Bob Pounder
26 Service conducted by Susan Pounder

September
02 Service conducted by Reverend Dr David Doel
09 Service conducted by TBA
16 Special Service conducted by Reverend Lynne Readett
23 Service conducted by Ken Johnson
29 Service conducted by Bob Pounder

October
07 Harvest Special Service conducted by Dawn Buckle
14 Service conducted by Reverend Dr David Doel

Meditation Services 19.30 - 20.30
Monday 13 August
Monday 10 September
Monday 08 October

Traidcraft Lunches & Shop, Thursdays 12.00-14.00
06 September
13 September
20 September
27 September
04 October

Traidcraft lunches will commence again only from Thursday 6 September

From the Minister...
All Smiles!

I feel I must say a big THANK YOU to everyone at Oldham; you have all made my final student year full of joy and opportunity. I have been able to explore various issues and discuss these with people who are just as keen as I am to know more about what our Unitarian movement has to offer.

It has been a pleasure being in your company sharing the happy times and also the deeper moments of concern. Oldham have shown me the true face of Unitarianism where people of differing strands of belief can work and worship together in an atmosphere of love and trust.

With all love and blessings for all that the future holds.

Rev. Lynne Readett.

" Well Deserved Celebration"

The photograph (below) was taken at Luther King House on the 12th of June at the Valedictory Service from the Unitarian College Manchester and it shows us smiling and happy and so we should be! It was a lovely sunny evening and in the picture from left to right we are looking at: Rev. Dr. Ann Peart the Principal of Unitarian College, Manchester; Rev. Sarah Tinker, Minister of Essex Church in Kensington, London, who gave the address during the service;

Rev. Lynne Readett, outgoing student; Rev. Andrew Hill, formerly Minister at St. Mark's Church in Edinburgh, now retired and living in Yorkshire; Rev. David Shaw, outgoing student and now Minister at Old Chapel, Great Hucklow; Rev. Geoffrey Usher, Minister at Upper chapel in Sheffield; Myrna Michell, outgoing student and lay pastor at Rawtenstall Church. Rev. Celia Midgley Minister to Altrincham Chapel and Urmston Church and our GA President for 2007/8.

After much hard, but rewarding, study, combined with academic examination we three outgoing students are ready to work for the Unitarian movement. Myrna will stay with Rawtenstall where she was student pastor and David will stay with Old Chapel Hucklow where he was already ministering as lay person in charge. I am also very pleased to announce that I have secured a position where I will soon be working for the Liverpool District as minister for the Cairo Street, Warrington and Park Lane, Ashton-in-Makerfield congregations.

Lynne

UPDATE ON OLDHAM
A New Chapel In Two Years

Our student minister is no more! She is now The Reverend Lynne Readett who will be working for the Liverpool District as minister for the Cairo Street, Warrington and Park Lane, Ashton-in-Makerfield congregations. It was great to have Lynne with us at Oldham, her ministry was warm, good humoured, with a bit of sparkle; we will all miss her. Well done, Lynne! We wish you well for the future. Lynne will be taking the service at Oldham on 12 August at 11am. She will also lead a special service at Oldham in aid of the Khasi Hills project on 16 September at 2pm. This will be followed by food and refreshments at 3pm. Everyone is welcome, so please come along if you can – and why not bring a friend with you?

Since April our Chapel has been facing an uncertain future as a consequence of redevelopment plans. However, a meeting took place between officers of the chapel committee and Oldham Council on 27 July. From the discussions so far, it seems likely that our chapel will fall to redevelopment plans. If this is the case, we could be moving into new premises within two years. Exactly where the new location may be, is at present uncertain. The way forward, it seems, is for the committee to sanction 'spot repairs' to our leaking roof and to improve the chapel where we can. These improvements will become more apparent as we continue to move through the year. Outstanding jobs are being addressed and completed, and at the same time our worship and commitment to increase the congregation will converge as we strive to make the Chapel central to our One World Centre. We have a lot to look forward to.

Bob Pounder
Chapel President

Out and about with Marian...

Macclesfield in May

I visited King Edward Street Chapel in Macclesfield to view their Delightful Things exhibition, and it was. The Chapel was festooned everywhere with textiles. Lots of different styles of bags and embroidered pictures. It was lovely, to the extent that I treated myself to a gorgeous little bag and a picture inspired by B of the Bang. Oh folly! But I knew if I didn't buy the picture I would regret it. It looks good on my wall. Unfortunately it was the same day as the Arts and Crafts at Dukinfield so our time there was somewhat curtailed.

Home Visits

During the last month or two Lynne has instigated a couple of home visits, bringing people together who are no longer able to attend Chapel. The first visit took place at our friend Stella's when Barbara Cooke, Nora Hughes, Lynne and myself enjoyed some time together, chatting, having lunch, after which Lynne read to us. The visit was very relaxed, informal and much appreciated.

On Thursday the 19th July the whole process was repeated, this time at Marian Smith's. Lynne collecting Barbara while I chauffeured Stella and Nora. We followed the same pattern as the first meeting. It was equally enjoyable and the coming together was much appreciated. We all had lunch and a good old natter.

Thank you Lynne for putting in the extra effort. I hope it will be something we can continue.

Dukinfield Flower Festival

The Flower Festival was part of the tercentenary celebrations. I attended it on the Saturday where I met many Unitarian friends from around the district. It was really busy, which wasn't surprising as the newly decorated Chapel was resplendent in all its glory with the beautiful flower arrangements. Well worth the visit. Congratulations once again to our Dukinfield congregation.

Knutsford.

June 17th saw me driving to Knutsford to attend their Civic Service. The new Mayor is not a Unitarian but requested her service be held at Brook Street Chapel. It was very impressive with the ancient listed building absolutely full, the choir in full voice and everyone engrossed in this special occasion.

The Rev. Alex Bradley gave me a very warm welcome. Afterwards, in the schoolroom, down the hill, a very satisfying buffet was served.. Later I was talking to a member of the Chapel Access Improvement Committee. He explained that at the moment disabled and wheelchair users cannot get to the Chapel because it is up the hill from the schoolroom.

To make matters worse, the path is cobbled, and can be treacherous. The cobbles and ancient flags cannot be replaced because of the building's listed status. Services are sometimes held in the schoolroom, which has easier access, but this is not a satisfactory solution.

It is hoped that next year will see the start of refurbishment in the school; the outside cannot be altered but the inside can. Plans have been passed to make an upstairs room at one end of the building, with a lift installed, which will allow much better access the Chapel at the same level from the back of the school.

I'm sure this will give great joy to all users of the Chapel. I would like to visit again when the work is completed.

On Fathers Day...

We are already in the eighth month of the year and Fathers Day, like so many other dates on this year's calendar, has already passed. Understandably this day like so many celebratory days is not always one that can evoke memories of happy families and sentimental reflections on time spent with a loving and steadfast father who was always there to make the world seem brighter and safer for us. I should imagine that most fathers, just like the rest of us, are all too fallible, and too human to be considered for sainthood!

Whatever our experience, Fathers Day it seems is here to stay. The Americans call such days 'Hallmark Holidays', celebrations created for commercial reasons by the greetings card industry. Hallmark is a printing company based in Kansas, Missouri and produces fifty percent of America's greeting cards. Fathers day is widely seen as a secular celebration, that in Britain and America takes place within the third week of June. In Roman Catholic tradition Fathers Day was actually St Joseph's Day, and is celebrated on the 19 March.

In the run up to Fathers Day there is no getting away from the hard sell either in the super market or whenever you log on to the internet. Fathers Day is now a big money spinner.

On the other hand, Mothering Sunday or Mothers Day is altogether older and much more traditional. In the past Mothering Sunday was a time for people to visit not the local village church but rather the nearest big church or cathedral, which was regarded as the Mother Church. The Mothers Day we celebrate today appears to be a much more secular event, with its cakes, cards, gifts and bunches of flowers.

Nevertheless, it is Mothers Day that previous generations were taught to remember and respond to. Mothers Day cards were made at school; back then, there simply was no Fathers Day.

The famous book, by Peter Wilmott & Michael Young, entitled 'Family and Kinship in East London' was a ground breaking sociological work showing the predominant influence of women within the family. Always the mother at the centre of the home, providing the drive and cohesion and for the family network evidenced by the subsequent fragmentation when the mother eventually dies or is no longer around. The findings of this book are a testimony to the underlying power of women and the observation that love and affection is usually more forthcoming from mothers than from fathers. It's no surprise then when we learn that Mothers Day is for the telephone exchange, and the restaurant business the busiest day of the year next to Christmas.

Nevertheless, fatherhood is one of God's greatest gifts; what a privilege it is to be someone's father, and what a tremendous experience to be present at the birth of one's own child. Of course it is the mother who bravely and physically brings the child into the world. At the same time we all bring the child into our world in our own way, we help to bring the child into consciousness. It is not for nothing that the Jesuit maxim is "Give me the child until he is seven and I will give you the man".

Someone once said "Any fool can have children - the problem is they do!" When we see the world bristling with nuclear weapons, starvation and conflict I think we might readily agree with such sentiment. A male oriented world with all its power play, its glory, its focus on 'coolness', being tough and emphasis on looking good is a world desperate for healing. Under these conditions we might well ask, what preparation for fatherhood is actually provided for young men? Perhaps no more than for women might be a fair answer for we are all subject to the pressures of a hostile world. There is the world as we would like it to be and the world as it is. One of the lessons in life, if not the lesson, is to recognise our need to be continually reaching out to the transforming power of love. A love that can make us respond to the needs of others and no less to our children.

In the words of Milton R Sapirstein: "Bringing up a family should be an adventure not an anxious discipline in which everybody is constantly graded for performance". So whilst we cannot forget that privilege and responsibility go hand in hand, on Fathers Day we should take time to forget the cynicism, the commercialism and all the other negatives. Let's remember all the Dads out there who are doing the best they can for their children. It isn't easy. Let us give credit to them, and celebrate Fathers Day.

RP

Wynne To Study Sacred Music At The University Of Wales

This is a three year Sacred Music course based at the University of Wales. I will not be leaving Oldham as a lot of this will be distance learning. It is a practical course in that it will, as the course progresses, involve working with the congregation to extend our musical involvement in worship. There will be involvement in working with instrumentalists, solo and group as well as singers - choirs and soloists, and of course, the organ and the piano will not be forgotten.

I hope too, to involve our children more in music making. Speaking personally, I feel our children have a great contribution to make The course will take in ecumenical as well as inter-faith activities. Some of our services and music making will, I am told, be videoed.

Peace: Wynne Simmister and Rev Lynne Readett participating in the
United Parade and Service of Christian Witness in Oldham on Whit Sunday 27 May

On Saturday 14th July, Roundelay gave a concert at Oldham Unitarian Chapel to help raise funds for Woman Link's work in Transylavania. Roundelay, based at Cross Street, regards itself very much as a Unitarian choir, regularly performing at Unitarian venues. The concert consisted of music, solos and duets.

The performance, which was very well received by everyone was complemented, afterwards by a selection of food both English and Hungarian. Everyone from Roundelay very much enjoyed the experience. Our next performance will take place at Cross Street Chapel Sunday 29 July from 1045. We will be celebrating the Reverend John Midgely's 10th anniversary at the Chapel. On Saturday 6 October Roundelay are in action again, this time at Stand Unitarian Church, Whitefield from 7.30 pm. A cheese and wine party will take place afterwards. Hope to see you there!

Wynne

Autumn

The Celtic decorations that adorn leather goods, pottery and other artefacts consist in the main of loops and circles, to be precise unbroken loops or circles. These loops or circles represent the continuity of life.

This continuity is evident to us through the cycles of birth and death, the constant tides, the waxing and waning of the moon and of course the changing seasons. In every sphere of life, in every situation, we can see the peaks and troughs of activity, the rise and fall, birth followed by death, followed by rebirth. Everything in creation is not just a witness to death but to the endless cycle of death and rebirth. In their art the ancient Celts thus celebrated the continuity of life and eternity.

Autumn is an interesting phenomenon, not least because of her quiescent, reflective beauty. The phrase 'Golden October' brings to mind the mellow fruitfulness of the season. The last warming rays of the summer sun combine with the unerring chill of a new season, giving scent to the sweet decay of autumn.

Whilst spring surges forward with new growth, bravely charges like a warrior into battle, joyous with the optimism of youth; the summer is warm, accomplished a royal lion abiding in self-assured plenty, a fanfare, a kaleidoscope of exploding colour in proclamation.

But Autumn, she is none of these things. She is the Mother whose children have flown the nest, the host whose guests have just left, someone who radiates a quiet dignity through the eyes of age and experience and knows that her end, she will meet, with serenity and acceptance; inevitably.

The unrelenting grip of winter is her death, a letting go into the dark season where the souls of joy and warmth have been abandoned.

Autumn is the Christ who knows the temporal nature of our existence, our passions, our desires, our nobility and small mindedness. Her love is her compassion and her acceptance. Autumn is close to death and close to God, where one is all and all is one; the life eternal.

RP

Family Fun Day at Hucklow

On Saturday 14th July Marian, Joshua and myself set off for Great Hucklow to attend the annual Family Fun Day. It was an early start as the activities began at 11am.

However, the rain had stopped and it was an enjoyable drive into Derbyshire. When we got there Joshua made his own badge to wear for the day and we then took part in the treasure hunt which saw us looking for clues in the grounds of the Nightingale Centre, in the churchyard and around the village.

There were craft sessions organised, the children made pictures on a Unitarian theme, and Dawn Buckle demonstrated the art of Origami. Joshua excelled himself and made an Origami whale and doll. However, the high point of the day, as far as Joshua was concerned, was the chocolate game!

This involved dice throwing and lots of shouting and cheering. When a six was thrown the person ran to the table at the top of the room and sat down. They then had to put on a hat, scarf and a pair of gardening gloves, pick up the knife and fork and try to cut the giant slab of chocolate.

The aim being to eat as much chocolate as possible before the next person throws a six. If I had taken my camera you would have seen a lovely picture of Josh with all the gear on and a big chunk of chocolate sticking out of his mouth.

We then had birthday cake and sang Happy Birthday to two of the children, then the day was brought to an end with closing words from David Shaw. Joshua certainly enjoyed himself and I am sure that next year, July 12th, we will be there again.

Oldham Unitarian Chapel
founded in 1813

is open to all who wish to worship
with an open mind,
in a spirit of freedom, reason and tolerance.

We do not all hold the same beliefs,
rather each person is encouraged
'to develop his or her faith
in a continuing search for truth.'

President: Mr R. Pounder
Treasurer: Mrs K.M. Pearson
Secretary: Mr J.P. Jackson

Unitarian Chapel
Connaught Street / King Street
Oldham
OL8 1 EB
Tel: 0161 620 1810

Registered Charity No. 1111295