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We are building open-minded, loving, spiritually-grounded communities – and have been for 300 years.

06/09/2026

Heritage Open Days are a chance to explore stories, buildings, and communities 🏛️

As we open our doors to people who could be crossing the threshold of a Unitarian church for the first time, these Worship Words from Julie Nedin reflect the Unitarian tradition of gathering together across different beliefs, experiences, faith, certainty, and doubt, united by our common humanity.

Gathering words

We gather together and, in lighting our chalice, we witness a flame of hope.

Whatever has been our personal pathway here today and where ever it takes us afterwards, whatever our beliefs, religious heritage, faith, certainty and doubt: we are all sisters and brothers in common humanity.

We join in this community seeking the best way in which we can live our lives.

30/08/2026

The news can feel overwhelming at times.

These Worship Words from Rev. Matthew Smith remind us that even in troubled times, goodness thrives. From acts of kindness to stories of hope, they invite us to look for the signs of renewal all around us 🌱

Good News in Troubled Times

When chill winds seem mired with sorrow,
When the tired heart dreads tomorrow,
Still your hearth may trust its embers,
Still the mind can pause, remember…

Not all hope is lost in grieving,
Not all joys are past believing.
Though blue skies grow dim with warning,
Some view dawns, fair light adorning.

While fraught news may travel faster,
We may yet eschew disaster,
Teach fresh stories that empower,
Brave the challenge of each hour.

Ash trees bend but will not wither;
Sweet rainfall revives the river,
Peatlands stretch with carbon capture,
Perfect blooms burst forth like rapture.

Every deed of care or mending,
Every dose of kindness sending,
Births fresh worlds we gladly enter,
Trusts mild spring will follow winter.

Tales of good, first faint or fleeting,
Warm the heart – like a longed-for greeting,
…Or fine bells from a graceful steeple,
Beckoning home a wondering people.

So, if storms should swirl around you,
Don’t let fear and doubt confound you.
Goodness thrives, though few expect it;
May each soul rise and reflect it.

28/08/2026

Innovation Fund Spotlight: Shrewsbury Unitarians piloted two midweek gatherings, offering opportunities for people in the local community to come together in a “third space”, away from home and work. One in the early evening for reflective discussion, and the other a chance for lunchtime meditation 🧘

The project created welcoming new spaces where people shared thoughts on living through complicated times in a low-pressure format. It also raised awareness of ways that people can engage with the church and Unitarianism in an alternative way to traditional Sunday worship 🤝

In addition, they’ve started a new Earth Spirit Sunday evening worship tied to the Wheel of the Year, so far celebrating the Summer Solstice and Lammas. Jen Deacon, host of the events, says:

“Already these new events have become important parts of our worship week, giving opportunities for spiritual gatherings outside of the Sunday Morning - a new development for us at Shrewsbury. We’re finding the midweek events are bringing new people to the church, curious about what we offer, whilst our Earth Spirit gatherings are already proving popular. We’re looking forward to seeing the next phase.”

Have you got an idea to reach new people in your community beyond traditional worship? The Unitarian Innovation Fund could help make it happen. Find out more in the comments below 👇

26/08/2026

“The soul is like a wild animal... If we want to see a wild animal, the last thing we should do is go crashing through the woods, shouting for the creature to come out.” — Parker J. Palmer

In her latest letter, Liz Slade reflects on the often unseen work that keeps our congregations healthy: the people who care for buildings, organise rotas, manage finances, offer pastoral support, and help bring a shared vision to life.

Liz writes movingly about the relationship between practical stewardship and imagination, and why we need both if our congregations are to thrive in the years ahead.

We hope you'll take a few moments to read and reflect. Read Liz's Letter via the link below.

23/08/2026

We don't have to think alike to walk together.

These Worship Words from Rev. Elizabeth Harley remind us to meet difference with curiosity, respond to conflict with compassion, and become instruments of peace in the world 🕊️

May we be instruments of Peace,
Where there is division, let us sow love.
Where there is harm, forgiveness;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is helplessness, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy.

In our divine oneness, may we know balance;
In our giving, we receive,
In our understanding, we are understood,
When we love, we are loved,
When we forgive, we are forgiven
And when we cannot give or receive these blessings;
May we be reminded of the mystery, the paradox and the beauty of our existence.
Amen.

20/08/2026

Heritage Open Days is one of the easiest ways for Unitarian chapels to invite people in.

Visitors come to discover local heritage, architecture, and stories, but many also leave with a meaningful connection to the congregation behind the building. For some, it's the first time they've ever visited a Unitarian chapel.

Taking part doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you offer guided tours, refreshments, historical displays, or simply a warm welcome, Heritage Open Days can help your chapel reach people who might never otherwise think to step through the door.

What works well? The Field Row Chapel at Belper in Derbyshire has opened its doors for several years. They open for six hours, 10am to 4pm, and provide refreshments, including homemade treats, for visitors. Chapel archivist at Belper Unitarians Adrian Farmer says: "For a time now we've offered a little storage space to local historical groups, for their old exhibitions. They allow us to put up, for the day, many information boards about the town's history, and that encourages quite a lot of people through the door. They then discover for themselves what a wonderful chapel we have, and a welcoming congregation." The chapel opens again for Heritage Open Days on 19 September.

Find out how other Unitarian chapels are getting involved; follow the link in the comments.

16/08/2026

The world can feel deeply divided.

These Worship Words from Rev. Stephanie Bisby remind us that we won't all see the world in the same way, and that's okay. Even through our differences, we can find joy, hope, and connection as we journey together 🫶

Joy in the Journey

We come together, as worshippers do on Sunday mornings the world over,
And have done throughout time.
We come with differences in age, in race, in our experience of life -
But we come also with so much in common:
fellow travellers on a wonder-filled
and mysterious pilgrimage we call life.

Pack your bag, bring your hopes and fears,
your dreams and dreads, your joys and sorrows,
and journey with us for this short time today.

Whoever you are, however you are,
join us today in love and hope
for you are welcome.

09/08/2026

As meteor showers grace our skies, pause beneath the stars ✨

These Worship Words from Rev Stephanie Bisby remind us that even in the darkest nights, the road is easier when travelled together, with friends by our side, and stars to light the darkness.

Ours is a caravan

Ours is a caravan of hope
For, travelling through a landscape bare,
We, in our thoughts and dreams, have scope
To find a sweet oasis there.

Ours is a caravan of peace,
For even in the jungle wild,
We’ve space to let our struggles cease
And rest as gentle as a child.

Ours is a caravan of joy,
For even in the desert still,
Each man and woman, girl and boy,
Can laugh and sing and dance their fill.

Ours is a caravan of love,
For even in night’s deepest dark
The sky is graced with stars above,
And we are lit by friendship’s spark.

Ours is a caravan of life.
We leave behind us dull despair,
For when we set aside our strife,
Then hope, peace, joy and love are there.

05/08/2026

Applications for Ministry Training are now open!

We believe in the importance of visionary leadership for our communities and offer training for ministers.

Applications close on 4 September at 10:00am. The application form link is available in the comments 👇

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact Ant Howe ([email protected]) or Sarah Tinker ([email protected]).

Address

1-6 Essex Street
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WC2R3HY

Telephone

+442072402384

Website

https://www.unitarian.org.uk/

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