Richmond and Putney Unitarian Church(Also known as Richmond Free Church)Ormond Road, Richmond, Surrey |
Sermons | ||
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As a church we are united in fellowship and not by any fixed creed. We hold that religious belief is a matter for the individual and that such belief should be held in the light of reason and may change with new knowledge. We meet for the worship of God, seeking greater awareness of the divine, in the spirit of freedom and in fellowship with all who seek truth. In our services and fellowship we find guidance and inspiration in all noble lives, in all great literature and in the deepest experience of human life. We strive to express our religion in ways that benefit humanity. Membership of this church is open to all in sympathy with these aims. | |||
Worship | |||
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We meet for worship every Sunday morning from 11.00 to noon. Our worship begins with the lighting of our chalice candle, symbolising unity and fellowship. Our Unitarian approach challenges us to look for wisdom and meaning in many world religions and contemporary literature and poetry. Our services usually include a story, a time for silent reflection and prayer, readings from a diverse range of sources, hymns, and an address or discussion. Worship is often based on universal themes such as love, truth or peace or on particular religious holy days or celebrations. Often participation and creativity are encouraged. After each service we enjoy tea/coffee and a chat. The church is licensed to perform child namings, weddings and funerals and we offer 'tailor-made' ceremonies to suit all needs and beliefs. | |||
Church activities | |||
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The church is involved in the Vineyard lunch project in which the congregation prepares two or three Sunday lunches a year for local homeless people. We have an Events Committee, a small group involved in the planning of various church activities and fund-raising. Each year we have a summer garden party, a popular event for all the community. Once a month our circle-dancing group meets, drawing upon music and dances from many parts of the world. Our church hall offers a wide range of activities including a daily nursery. We also have concerts and musical events. | |||
Children | |||
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We offer a children's church on the second Sunday of each month during our morning service. They share our worship for the first quarter of an hour and then go to their own programme of activities. One of the highlights of our year is the Children's Christmas Party, an occasion full of fun, puppetry and games. | |||
History | |||
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The church has recently celebrated two centenaries - in 1988 of the congregation and in 1996 of the opening of the present church building. The congregation sprang towards the end of the 19th century from a religious discussion group, which felt the need for liberal religious services, and originally met near Richmond Green. The present church was built with the encouragement of its first minister and the support of respected local citizens and aristocrats, including the Earl of Dysart and the Countess Russell. The first minister is commemorated by the church's stained glass windows, designed by Burne-Jones. The congregation is a member of the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches and we play an active part in our local Unitarian region: the London District Provincial Assembly. We have strong connections with our sister churches in Caimcastle, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, Richmond in Virginia of the United States and Homorodalmas, Harghita in Transylvania. | |||
Information | |||
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RPUC, Ormond Road, Richmond, Surrey TW10 6TH UK. Minister: Rev Linda Hart Chair (and Webmaster): Trevor Lewis | |||
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Links | |||
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General Assembly of Unitarian & Free Christian Churches International Council of Unitarians and Universalists (ICUU) | |||