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Spirituality Programmes
You will be welcome at any of the Network events. It will be helpful if you can contact us in advance via phone or email to let us know that you will be coming.
Please note that, while we make every effort to avoid canceling or rescheduling programmes, this does happen on occasion. Programme changes are communicated via our email newsletter list. Please subscribe using the form found on the home page to be sure of receiving these important notices.
Programme Descriptions
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Regular members of the reading group at Essex Church, Kensington, take turns in choosing a book for everybody to read and talk about together so we tackle a wide variety of material (fiction, non-fiction, poetry). We take special care to ensure that everybody gets an equal opportunity to speak and be listened to. We come together to share our diverse views and appreciate our differences in a spirit of curiosity and respect. The group has a relaxed and easy-going atmosphere and newcomers are always most welcome to come along and join us.
Please contact Sarah Tinker for more information about the Essex Church Reading Group. Call the Kensington Unitarians office on 020 7221 6514 or email sarah@kensington-unitarians.org.uk Fourth Thursday of each month (not December) , 7.00-9.00pm |
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Dancing in a circle is an ancient tradition common to many cultures. The Circle Dancing group uses world music, ranging from reflective to exuberant. No experience or aptitude is necessary. Comfortable clothing is suggested. Third Friday of each month (except Aug), 19.30 pm to 21.30. |
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All voices are welcome (no audition). The choir sings both sacred and secular music. Director is highly experienced. The choir performs once a month at Rosslyn Hill Chapel, but a majority of choir members are not members of the chapel. Also sings in other community settings. Rehearses each Wednesday evening 19:30– 21:30 (except school breaks) at Rosslyn Hill. |
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Dancing in a circle is an ancient tradition common to many cultures. The Circle Dancing group uses world music, ranging from reflective to exuberant. No experience or aptitude is necessary. Comfortable clothing is suggested. Third Friday of each month (except Aug), 19.30 pm to 21.30. |
Community Arts: The Fabric of Diversity A brand new Community Arts Project will launch in Essex Church in the autumn of 2008. We will hold 15 drop-in sessions over the course of the autumn. All are welcome. A diverse group of local people will develop their creative potential, working together on a large-scale textile artwork, expressing aspects of their own personal life experiences and also exploring themes of interdependence and their connections to others in the local and global community. The predominant craft techniques will be feltmaking and hand embroidery and there will be scope for participants to introduce other mixed-media methods to the project as they see fit. The activity will be accessible to people of all levels of experience as no prior skills will be assumed. Please contact Jane Blackall for more information about the community arts programme. Call the Kensington Unitarians office on 020 7221 6514 or email education@kensington-unitarians.org.uk Sunday 5 th October 2008, 2-5.00pm (then the first Sunday of each month) Donations to cover the cost of running the project are requested: (£3/£6/£9 per session – a sliding scale according to your income) |
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Regular members of the creativity group take turns, as they are able, to lead a wide variety of art and craft activities. Occasionally, small donations are invited to cover the cost of special materials, but otherwise the sessions are free of charge. Sessions are planned a few months in advance and details of our activities for the autumn of 2008 are listed below. The group has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and newcomers are always welcome to come along and join us.
Please contact Sarah Tinker for more information about the Essex Church creativity group. Call the Kensington Unitarians office on 020 7221 6514 or email sarah@kensington-unitarians.org.uk 2nd Thursday of each month |
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The Dances of Universal Peace are inspired by the wisdom and sacred phrases of the world’s authentic spiritual traditions, which are sung while dancing. The words along with the movement engender a mood of joy, peace, liberation, contemplation and presence. There is no need for any previous experience of this, or any other form of dance. Please bring snacks to share during the break. Usually held on first Sunday of every month at Richmond. 2.00pm - 5.00pm. Next dates are 1st June and 13th July. Please call or email to confirm (020 8891 5825, or by email). Cost: £5.00 (concs) then sliding scale up to £10.00, you are invited to pitch yourself according to your means. |
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This 3-part course on “Death and Dying” will start with an evening about our experiences of death, our hopes and fears, the aspects of death we want to explore or have more information about. We will go on to consider our legacies, what it is we bring to the world and leave here when we are no more. In the final session we will explore the useful preparations we can make for the ending of life.
Thursdays 18th September, 2nd and 16th October 2008 Please contact Sarah Tinker for more information about this RE course. Call the Kensington Unitarians office on 020 7221 6514 or email sarah@kensington-unitarians.org.uk |
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Celebrate Pagan and Celtic holidays through music, dance, poetry, and reflection. Holidays include Lughnasadh, Imbolc, Beltane, and Samhain. Location: Rosslyn Hill. |
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Freedom in Fellowship Suppers begin with a 20-minute meditation and reflection on a chosen theme. During this we may reflect on a chosen reading or guided meditation around the theme. We then move to share a meal and conversation. Cost £3. Please contact Michael Allured alluredm@aol.com if you are interested. 19.30-21.00 at Golders Green. |
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‘God in Daily Life’ will be held weekly at Essex Church, Kensington, on six consecutive Monday afternoon from 2-4pm, starting on 15th September 2008. The group will be based on creative listening and draw on ideas from the book 'Reflecting with God' by Abigail Johnson. Members of this group will be asked to make a commitment to attend all six of the sessions and to give a 15-minute presentation at one of them on the theme "How is 'God' present in my daily life?" (please feel free to interpret the word 'God' in any way that is meaningful to you). Led by Jenny Moy and Jane Blackall We think the group would be enriched by diversity (in terms of age, gender, theology) so if we are oversubscribed we will bear these factors in mind rather than just take the first six people who get in touch. |
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Drumming together builds a powerful connection that helps us to get in tune with each other and with ourselves. Drumming allows us to transcend inhibitions and other limitations as the rhythm of the drumbeat brings us to experience a deeper connection to the earth and to all life. The Healing Drum Circle draws upon a wide range of traditions (such as trance and tantric drumming) in a non-judging, welcoming, candle-lit space, to generate a spiritual, healing energy. Each session may include the use of drums and other percussion as well as voice, meditation, chanting, movement and poetry to evoke relaxation and well being. Click here to view a video of one of our drumming circles. The Healing Drum Circle meets the fourth Friday of each month (beginning 28th March 2008), 19.00-21.00 at Islington. No experience necessary. Frame drums are provided. Donations: £8 (£6 concessions) |
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This group studies the life and teachings of Jesus. The group is open to a wide diversity of view points about Jesus. If you would like to explore his teachings in a totally non-dogmatic atmosphere this group might be for you. First Thursday evening of every month except August, 19:30 – 21:00 at Rosslyn Hill. Led by Rev. Jim Robinson. |
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This community choir at Essex Church, Kensington is open to all – you don’t need any qualifications except enthusiasm – we extend a warm welcome to anybody who loves to sing and would like to join with others in a fun and supportive atmosphere. We will be encouraged by our experienced choir leader, Jen Hazel, as we learn songs from a diverse range of cultures and types of music. Please contact Sarah Tinker for more information about Kensington Community Singers. Call the Kensington Unitarians office on 020 7221 6514 or email sarah@kensington-unitarians.org.uk. Kensington. |
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£5 admission charge. Rosslyn Hill (14.00-16.00): |
Meditation and Chanting Evening Experience and explore various forms of meditation and experience chants from diverse spiritual traditions. This evening is comprised almost entirely of meditation and chanting - there is little cognitive discussion. It is (metaphorically speaking) about tasting the strawberry and not just talking about it. First Tuesday evening of every month except August, 19:30 – 21:00 at Rosslyn Hill. Led by Rev. Jim Robinson and interfaith minister Rev. Danielle Wilson. |
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These half-day retreats Mini-retreats offer an extended period to step away from the stress and busyness of our daily lives to enter a time of peace and contemplation. Includes meditation, silence, poetry, and other spiritual practices. Second Saturday of most months. March session will be held on the third Saturday (15th March) |
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Each month we explore the essence of a spiritual mystic from one of the world’s major traditions. The life and core teachings of the mystic is presented followed by experiential exercises and spiritual practices. Third Tuesday evening of every month except August, 19.30 - 21.00 at Rosslyn Hill. Programe led by Rev. Jim Robinson. |
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Nia is holistic movement for body and soul. It is an expressive movement practice promoting fitness, creativity and wellbeing. Fusing dance, yoga, tai chi and martial arts, Nia provides a holistic workout and leaves you feeling energised, relaxed and centred. It suits any level of fitness, age and experience, working from where you are now. 2nd Sunday of each month (not December) |
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Participants share poetry and prose with one another in an unstructured but spiritual environment. Bring along any poem or piece of prose that reflects what you would like to express. Offerings may be found or written. The unique spirit of each session emerges from the evening's participants and their contributions. Second Monday of each month, 19.30 at Golders Green. Led by Rev. Feargus O’Connor |
Poetry and Stillness for Heart and Soul Approaches spiritual growth and awareness through silence, music, and reflection on poetry. Come just for candle-lit music, silence, and shared readings (19.00-19.45), or stay for a time of closer reflection and dialogue (20.30-21.30). A light vegetarian supper is provided in between. Poetry and other readings are provided, but feel free to bring your own. £2 donation for supper. Every Wednesday, 19.00-21:30 pm at Newington Green. |
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Join together in a contemplative group to read and reflect upon poetry from a wide range of sources. The evening has a theme, and a selection of poetry for reading is provided. As well, there is an opportunity to read favourite poetry or poetry you've written. After reading together and time for quiet meditation, we'll have an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of what we have heard. Third Thursday of the month at 7:30 For further information or to register contact Rev Linda Hart |
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On the 1st Sunday of each month at Essex Church, Kensington, there will be a sharing circle, facilitated by Jo Ridgers. Bring a sandwich to eat and something for us to enjoy together - some music, a poem, a picture, a photograph, or a beautiful object - something that you would like to tell others more about. All are welcome. First Sunday of each month Please contact Sarah Tinker for more information about this programme. Call the Kensington Unitarians office on 020 7221 6514 or email sarah@kensington-unitarians.org.uk |
Songs and Silence for the Soul An opportunity to sing chants from the world’s faith traditions, and to sit together in candlelit silence, at Essex Church, Kensington. All are welcome, no experience is necessary. A space in which to re-connect with yourself, one another and with whatever you hold to be divine. Please contact Sarah Tinker for more information about ‘Songs and Silence for the Soul’. Call the Kensington Unitarians office on 020 7221 6514 or email sarah@kensington-unitarians.org.uk Second Sunday of every month, 15.30 to 17.00, Kensington. |
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This series of workshops is designed to help us reflect upon how we bring our spiritual and religious ideas into our lives more fully and deeply. Each workshop stands on its own, so you can attend one or a few or all of them. Wednesdays 7:30 to 9, 8 October to 17 December 8, 15, 22 October, 5, 12, 19 November, 3, 10, 17 December Wednesdays 7:30 to 9 at Richmond For further information or to register contact Rev Linda Hart |
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Tuesdays 1:00 to 2:30 PM This series of workshops explore spiritual dimensions and practices for modern life. Designed by Barbara Hamilton-Holway, each workshop stands on its own, so you can attend one or all of them. These workshops are open to all who wish to explore their spiritual life in community with other seekers Themes for September:
at Richmond For further information or to register contact Rev Linda Hart |
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Monthly Tai Chi class led by David Talbot, an experienced Tai Chi practitioner and instructor. The class is an in-depth Tai Chi experience but it also welcomes beginners. Tai Chi is rooted in Taoism, Traditional Chinese Medicine and the philosophy of yin and yang. It is mainly practised for it's health and well-being benefits. Regular practise improves posture, balance and coordination and promotes relaxation. The slow flowing movements of Tai Chi are a great counterbalance to the ever increasing pace of life today. 4th Saturday of each month beginning September 2008, 14.00-16.00 at Islington. |
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Taoist Healing Sounds Once a month after worship at Essex Church, Kensington, there'll be chance to learn a Taoist system of healing sounds with accompanying movements and self-massage techniques. No particular skill or fitness is needed - just the willingness to have a go at something different and to make some unusual sounds. Please contact Sarah Tinker for more information about ‘Taoist Healing Sounds’. Call the Kensington Unitarians office on 020 7221 6514 or email sarah@kensington-unitarians.org.uk Led by Sarah TinkerLast Sunday of each month (not November, December) , 12.45-2.00pm at Kensington. |
Wheel of the Year Celebrations Celebrate the changing of the seasons and draw upon the deep wisdom that these transitions hold for our own lives. Celebrations are held at each of the eight Pagan Sabbats with shared words, chanting, music, silence, candle lighting, and a candle-lit labyrinth walking meditation. Each celebration ends with a time of feasting when participants can forge connections with like-minded people 20 March 2009: Ostara/Spring Equinox All events take place 19.30-21.30 at Islington. |
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'Art Imaging' can provide the link between feelings, thought, and words. This programme helps us to increase our awareness of our oneness and wholeness through art work. It is not therapy and it is not an art class. You do not have to be good at art! Programme includes meditation, art, and art imaging. Wear casual clothing 1st Saturday of each month, 12.00 to 14.30, beginning October 2008 Please arrive promptly if you can and book a place to ensure enough materials and refreshments are on hand for everyone. |
