Our Worship
The style of our services is informal and in the context of most church services, unusual. We have no congregational minister (though there may be a minister in the congregation) and no offertory. The usual pattern is for someone from the congregation to volunteer to lead next month's worship around a particular theme, then circulated in advance. Those attending may wish to contribute to the service short poems, readings, music or art on that theme. These contributions, and those of the leader, are structured around musical interludes and pauses for reflection. There is no expectation that anyone should speak; your attention to others is itself an offering.
Services are usually on the third Sunday of each month at 11.15am and last about an hour. We meet for coffee from 10.45 and services are occasionally followed by a lunch, a social occasion for fellowship to which all are welcome (if so, this will be highlighted in Services and events in which case please say if you thinking of coming for lunch and bring something if you can). Accompanied children are always welcome.
Words of welcome
(Adapted from words of the former Trim Street Unitarian Chapel, Bath)
We welcome you to our service of worship.
It is right and good that we should meet together for the worship of God,
the conserving and creative spirit of Goodness in us and in all things.
When we meet together for worship...
we express our thanks for all the uplifting and joyous experiences of life;
we assert our belief that there is meaning in the Universe: that our ideals are not delusions;
we confess our constant failure to live up to our highest ideals of goodness, truth and beauty;
we make resolutions to serve these ideals more faithfully in the days to come;
and above all we look to strengthen our faith and deepen our knowledge, wisdom and love, that we may live better lives.
We welcome you to our service of worship.
It is right and good that we should meet together for the worship of God,
the conserving and creative spirit of Goodness in us and in all things.
When we meet together for worship...
we express our thanks for all the uplifting and joyous experiences of life;
we assert our belief that there is meaning in the Universe: that our ideals are not delusions;
we confess our constant failure to live up to our highest ideals of goodness, truth and beauty;
we make resolutions to serve these ideals more faithfully in the days to come;
and above all we look to strengthen our faith and deepen our knowledge, wisdom and love, that we may live better lives.
Opening Words
(A version by Tim Powell adapted from the 1752 Foundation Stone of the Marshfield Chapel Meeting House where the Fellowship met for a few years)
We meet together today not for schismatical or heretical separation, not as a source of bigotry and superstition,
but for principles quite the reverse: for promoting pure religion, the glory of God, the happiness of humankind, and the well being of all life.
In that spirit we light the chalice, the symbol of our faith.
May its flame be for us a symbol of love, the fire at the heart of our spiritual life.
(response) May love always be in our hearts, may we always give it generously. Amen.
We meet together today not for schismatical or heretical separation, not as a source of bigotry and superstition,
but for principles quite the reverse: for promoting pure religion, the glory of God, the happiness of humankind, and the well being of all life.
In that spirit we light the chalice, the symbol of our faith.
May its flame be for us a symbol of love, the fire at the heart of our spiritual life.
(response) May love always be in our hearts, may we always give it generously. Amen.
Closing words
Almighty God
when evil darkens our world
(response) give us strength.
When despair numbs our souls
give us hope.
When we falter and fear
surround us with your presence.
When nothing seems sure
give us trust in your providence.
When we lose our way
light our path.
And now and forever
may the blessing of God descend and rest upon us and all those we love.
Amen.
when evil darkens our world
(response) give us strength.
When despair numbs our souls
give us hope.
When we falter and fear
surround us with your presence.
When nothing seems sure
give us trust in your providence.
When we lose our way
light our path.
And now and forever
may the blessing of God descend and rest upon us and all those we love.
Amen.
Faith in a time of Covid
For the period of the COVID pandemic the Fellowship was unable to meet. However, we are gradually beginning to resume our regular programme of services. Whether you are able to join us in person or not, we invite you to join us in the spirit at 11.15 on Sundays by lighting a candle and saying a prayer. This meditative prayer, 'Discovering Spirituality', is by the late Kath Mayor of our Fellowship.
Linked by silence,
Through which there flow
Thoughts and emotions,
We share this coming together.
Formless as smoke,
Quiet as clouds,
Impressions stir within our minds,
And sometimes, for no clear reason,
Shape themselves into a pattern.
Must we have reasons?
Do we need to recognise
Identifiable pictures?
Is the precision of carefully chosen words
Essential?
It seems to be enough
That we are here,
Seeking something beyond the everyday,
And seeking it
Together.
And this prayer for pandemic times is adapted from Gloucester Cathedral,
'Keep us, good Lord,
under the shadow of your mercy.
Sustain and support the anxious,
be with those who care for the sick,
and lift up all who are brought low;
that we may find comfort
knowing that nothing can separate us from your love.'
Linked by silence,
Through which there flow
Thoughts and emotions,
We share this coming together.
Formless as smoke,
Quiet as clouds,
Impressions stir within our minds,
And sometimes, for no clear reason,
Shape themselves into a pattern.
Must we have reasons?
Do we need to recognise
Identifiable pictures?
Is the precision of carefully chosen words
Essential?
It seems to be enough
That we are here,
Seeking something beyond the everyday,
And seeking it
Together.
And this prayer for pandemic times is adapted from Gloucester Cathedral,
'Keep us, good Lord,
under the shadow of your mercy.
Sustain and support the anxious,
be with those who care for the sick,
and lift up all who are brought low;
that we may find comfort
knowing that nothing can separate us from your love.'
