I am delighted to report that there was a strong Midland Unitarian Association presence at the General Assembly of Unitarian & Free Christian Churches Annual Meetings, which were held at the Hilton Metropole in Birmingham last week. No less than ten folk attended from Birmingham UNM, four from Kingswood, three each from Shrewsbury and Warwick, two from Kidderminster, and one each from Evesham and Cheltenham & Gloucester. Three ministers and three retired ministers were also present; and Gavin Lloyd from Oxford, one of our most popular lay preachers, was also there. A few other folk came just for the Anniversary Service, which was beautifully led by Rev. Winnie Gordon, minister of Birmingham UNM and Kidderminster. MUA folk were also prominent in the break-out workshops, speaking at the Unitarian Peace Fellowship, Worship Studies Course, 2020 Group, Unitarian Renewal Group, and Unitarian Christian Association slots. We done good!
The General Assembly meetings are a wonderful opportunity to see “Unitarians at their best” – to meet old friends, make new ones, and learn more about our beloved Uncommon Denomination. It would be great to have an even stronger representation from MUA congregations next year, which will also be at the Hilton Metropole in Birmingham, so there isn’t far to travel. If you want to know more, please ask.