SOUTHPORT UNITARIAN NEWS (SUN)
September to November 2008

Earth's crammed with heaven,
And every common bush afire with God;
But only he who sees takes off his shoes.

Elizabeth B. Browning

Without the Way there is no going,
Without the Truth there is no knowing,
Without the Life there is no living.

Thos. A Kempis

Southport Unitarian Church, Portland Street, is a member of the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches.

Our Object – to promote a free and inquiring religion through the worship of God and the celebration of life, the service of humanity and respect for all creation, and the upholding of the liberal Christian tradition.

District Minister:Rev Lynne Readettemail:

Chairperson:Rev Daphne M Robertsemail:
(Church Council)
Editor (Calendar)

Secretary :Mr L Crook

Treasurer :Mrs Hilary Ellis

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On Tuesday 5th August we held a meeting to interview a candidate for the position of part-time Minister working with the Rev Lynne Readett. The candidate expressed the wish to work at Ullet Road Church, also the Wirral and Chester churches, but felt that Southport was too far to travel from his home. After some discussion Rev. L. Readett suggested that he and herself could discuss the position and come back with some proposal which could solve the present problem. This meeting will shortly take place and we await further developments.
Lindon Crook (Hon. Secretary)

What can I say that has not been said before as the year turns once again and we near this date which helps the church to keep opening for those who wish to attend and make use of what it provides in whatever form that may be. You know how necessary it is, and we offer many thanks for your help in the past, as we now remind you, if you can, that we shall be very grateful for any help you can give for now and in the future, especially at this time of hope for the ministry within the District as a whole.

As usual envelopes will be available at the back of the church, but you don't really need a special one – just say what it is for and please don't forget to gift aid it if you can. It really does make a difference. Although we have paid some of our debt to the MDMA we still owe them something, so anything you can give will be very welcome. Thank you very much in advance.
Daphne (Chairman of Council)

		Preachers	Flowers
September	7th	Ms. H. Ellis	Mrs H. Ellis
	14th	Mr. A. or Mrs. Curren	Flower Fund
	21st	Rev. D. Roberts	Mrs P Armitt
	28th	Rev G Murphy	Flower Fund
October	5th	Rev. Lynne Readett	Harvest Festival
	12th	Ms. H. France (Anniversary)	Mrs. P. Birtles
	19th	Rev. J. Keggen	Flower Fund
	26th	Rev G Murphy	Flower Fund
November	2nd	T.B.A.	Mr. L. Cook
	9th	Mr. G. Pilborough	Mrs H Ellis
	16th	Rev. J. Keggen	Flower Fund
	23rd	Rev G Murphy	Revs. J. & D. Roberts
	30th	Mr. G. Pilborough	Mrs P Armitt

Sept	15th	Mon	4.30pm	Church Council meets in the Vestry
Oct	4th	Sat	10.00am	MDMA Council, Ullet Road
	5th	Sun	11.00am	HARVEST FESTIVAL
	12th	Sun	11.00am	CHURCH ANNIVERSARY & GIFT DAY
Nov	11th	Sun	10.55am	REMEMBERANCE SUNDAY (Note time)

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Congratulations are extended to John and Daphne's son and grand-daughter on their achievements:
Gawain Roberts: BSc (Hons) Web & Multimedia with Education
Jennifer Roberts: BA (Hons) Business Management

Using her choice of hymns, and readings she enlarged upon this theme, particularly comparing, with Kahlil Gibran, the opposing thoughts on joy and sorrow. So many simple joys are ours, but we can feel cheated, and need to be on our guard, for bitterness can poison our thoughts and cut us off. We do need courage, and have to realise that "the deeper sorrow carves into our being, the more joy we can contain".

Life is a kaleidoscope, we have the drama of birth, and strong hopes, but have to realise that all joy can and often does turn to sorrow. To forego joy so as not to have sorrow loses life itself. As Ruskin said "There is no wealth but life". Let us make sure we do not squander it.

Following coffee, as is our wont, Joyce accompanied us to a local hostelry for a meal, and we heard that she would shortly be going on safari, sleeping in a tent for seventeen nights before she resumes her duties travelling down to South Africa to our church in Capetown. We wish her well both then and for the rest of her year.

I learned it in the meadow path,
I learned it on the mountain stairs –
The best things any mortal hath
Are those which every mortal shares.

Wealth won by others' poverty –
Not such be mine! Let me be blest
Only in what they share with me,
And what I share with all the rest.

Lucy Larcom

Southport Unitarian Church, Portland Street, SOUTHPORT PR8 1LT

SOUTHPORT UNITARIAN NEWS (SUN) September to November 2008

SOUTHPORT UNITARIAN NEWS (SUN)
September to November 2008