THE WAKEFIELD UNITARIAN The Newsletter of Westgate Chapel, Wakefield October 2013

Transcription

1 THE WAKEFIELD UNITARIAN The Newsletter of Westgate Chapel, Wakefield October 2013 Is not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love that makes life and nature harmonize. The birds are consulting about their migrations, the trees are putting on the hectic or the pallid hues of decay, and begin to strew the ground, that one's very footsteps may not disturb the repose of earth and air, while they give us a scent that is a perfect anodyne to the restless spirit. Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns. George Eliot, letter to Miss Lewis, 1st October 1841 Westgate Chapel was opened in Its congregation was established in 1662 and became Unitarian in view in the eighteenth century. It has taken a leading part in the economic, social, educational, political - and spiritual - development of Wakefield and its vicinity. 1

2 Services in October Sunday 6 th October 3pm: Rev. John Midgley, Harvest Festival You are asked to bring fresh (slightly under ripe) fruit to take to Wakefield Baptist Centre for the homeless, and flowers) Sunday 13 th October 3pm: Jim Stearn Sunday 20 th October 3pm: Interfaith gathering for Prayers for Peace, led by Cynthia Dickinson Every place of worship in Wakefield has been invited to take part in this event, following a resolution at the General Assembly in April this year. We do not know that many will come but we can promise that the Cathedral will be represented by The Reverend Canon Michael Rawson. Sunday 27 th October 3pm: John Goodchild Tuesday 29 th October 7pm: Paul Dawson 2

3 Sunday Welcoming Rota Sunday Welcomers do an important job in making everyone feel welcome at our services. As always, if you are unable to act as welcomer on the day indicated, you are asked to arrange an exchange. Sunday 6 th October: Sunday 13 th October: Sunday 20 th October: Sunday 27 th October: Kate Taylor Ralph Denby Nancy Denison Pat Howard Flowers are provided by Nancy Denison. If you can offer to provide, arrange, or pay for the flowers in any week please do let her know! 3

4 Chapel Events in October Westgate Forum, Tuesday 1 October, 10.30am Topic Is there ever any occasion for war? An informal discussion group meeting in the Chapel Vestry October Social Event Speed Discussion Evening, Tuesday 15 th October, 7pm Whilst our social event is free of charge, booking is essential so that we know how many tables to arrange for the speed discussions. A light-hearted evening with, we hope, visitors from the Society of Friends and other YUU chapels. Names to Kate Taylor by 6 th October, please. Chapel News The Chapel hosted two very successful events as part of the Wakefield Literary Festival. Pictured here in the Chapel catacombs is author and TV historian Michael Wood 4

5 YORKSHIRE UNITARIAN UNION meeting at BRADFORD on SATURDAY OCTOBER 12 th 2013 YUU Lay Worship Leaders meet at Tea/Coffee Using Art in Worship led by Kate Taylor [You may care to bring a painting (reproduction!) that you have used, or would like to use, in a service] to 1.30: LUNCH Bring your own food tea/coffee provided 1.30: Opening Devotions led by Rev. Myrna Michell 1.45: YUU Annual General Meeting including the Annual Report and Accounts, election of officers and executive committee, and the installation of Michael Tracey as the YUU President for the next two years. 2.45: Elizabeth Faiers talks about her extended visit to the Unitarian communities in Maghalya and the Khasi Hills of northeast India. Illustrated with many pictures. 3.30: YUU Quarterly Meeting 4.15: Tea (food and drink) provided by the Bradford Congregation 5.00 ish: Departures Everyone is invited to any part or all of today s activities. Bradford Unitarians are at Russell Street, Bradford BD5 0JB. This is a 15/20 minute walk from the Interchange (Train and Bus) 5

6 The Chapel Pastoral Care Team Members of the Chapel's pastoral team are willing to provide a confidential ear and to visit people at home. Contact Kate Taylor (kate@airtime.co.uk). The Engagement Group The group chooses a location and theme for each meeting, engaging with one another following engagement group principles. The group has been dormant for a while, so if you are interested please get in touch. Contact Steve (boudicca7@talktalk.net) or Mel at Chapel. Safeguarding Our Safeguarding Policy is now available in the Chapel Vestry, and the summary statement and poster on display on the entrance noticeboard. If you have any concerns about the safety of our children and vulnerable adults please contact the safeguarding office (Mel Prideaux) immediately. All contact information and procedures are in the policy document. Fire Evacuation Procedure A chapel fire procedure is available on the noticeboard. Fire Officer is Paul Dawson, who can be contacted at Chapel with any queries or concerns. Officers of the Chapel Committee: Chairman: John Goodchild, 12 Shakespeare Avenue, Normanton, WF6 1EA Hon Secretary and Pulpit Supply: Kate Taylor, 19 Pinder s Grove, Wakefield, WF1 4AH, kate@airtime.co.uk Hon Treasurer: Bill Humphreys, 4 Gloucester Grove, Lupset WF2 8NG Newsletter Editor and Safeguarding Officer: Mel Prideaux, 3 Pinfold Lane, Sandal, WF2 7LN 6