Unitarians (at Christmas)

[CassandraMortmainthe2nd]

Hi, does anyone here go to a Unitarian church? I have been reading about the Unitarians and I am thinking of going to a service (if that's the right word) at one of the chapels nearest me, specifically Rosslyn Hill or New Unity (both in North London).

Ideally I'd like to choose a time when it will be busy enough that I can go unnoticed, and I thought Christmas might be a good time for that as churches are often fuller at Christmas. But then, I know Unitarian chapels aren't really churches in the usual Christian sense.

So I guess my question is... do I have any chance of finding a service which is busy enough that an extra/new person wouldn't really be noticed? And if so, when should I go?

I guess I would just feel very awkward if I turned up and it was only a few people who knew each other very well and they didn't really ever expect any newcomers...

I have been to the Unitarian church in north London, I always felt very welcome , and I think you could go without worrying about any awkwardness at all.

Thanks, that's really good to know. Which one did you go to?

I go to a Unitarian Church regularly, although not in the UK. We have a typical attendance of 50-70 weekly so it's easy for anyone new to slip in with as much or little fuss as they like. Our Christmas day service will be closer to 200 as everyone makes the effort. We have tea and coffee after our Sunday service (but not Christmas day) and newcomers are specifically welcome to join us and we have a dedicated volunteer each week to say hello to new people and make sure no one feels like a lemon.

Thank you. Yes it's the lemon feeling I want to avoid!

Unitarian churches are very welcoming and not at all likely to make you feel like a lemon. Do give it a try! Ours has REALLY good biscuits with after service tea/coffee

Thank you. You've all reassured me and I'm going to go to one of the Christmassy services in the first instance and see how I like it.

See if there is a carol service between now and Christmas day. Ours is 15th and would be a lovely opportunity for a new person to come and say hello.

Thank you, I will do that 🙂

Sorry to intrude, but could someone explain Unitarianism to me and what would be a typical service . My Grandparents attended a Unitarianism church for a while and I’m just interested. Thanks

You can find information about them at https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/unitarianism/ and https://www.unitarian.org.uk/

I've not been to a service yet so really reading these websites is all I know so far.

More info here

www.unitarian.org.uk/

I think for me it's about spirituality through many different religious and moral writings. Community based on tolerance and love of each other's differences.

I grew up in this church and came back to it when I got married and had children. It feels like coming home when I go to church.

That's lovely. I grew up CofE so this is all new to me.

Thank you, this looks really interesting- I might check out a local church.always interested to learn about different views

Now this sounds perfectly logical and reasonable to me:

"Unitarians don't believe in original sinn*. Human beings have not fallen from grace and are not dependent on God's intervention to grant them salvation.
All human beings contain the potential to do good.
The evil in this world is the result of human actions, and so human beings are responsible for putting things right"

The Dublin Unitarian Church has a prayer which sums up why I attend Unitarian services...
"Love is the doctrine of this church, the quest of truth is its sacrament and service is its prayer. To dwell together in peace. To seek knowledge in freedom; to serve humankind in fellowship to the end that all souls shall grow in harmony with the Divine – this do we covenant with each other and with God".

That’s beautiful

facebook.com/events/s/unitarian-ministry-student-car/554407890776305/

There's an online carol service on Friday if you fancy dipping your toes in the water that way.

Non Facebook link here

Time is ticking and our cherished Carol Service is getting near. We are quite sure we are going to be live streaming the service on zoom from the chapel, so save the date and keep an eye out for joining instructions. Thanks to Ed Fordham for making this happen!
unitarian-college.org.uk/carol-service-2024/

That's all very warm and fuzzy, but goes directly against the gospel -

“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Rom 3 vs 23.
“the wages of sin is death” Rom 6 vs 23.

“God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM should not perish but have eternal life” John 3 vs 16.

The gospel message in a nutshell is -

• Jesus is both God and man
• Jesus lived a sinless life
• Jesus died in order to cleanse us from our sin
• Jesus rose from the grave
• As humans, we can't save ourselves through doing good
• Jesus is the only way to heaven
• Salvation is a free gift based on faith

Thanks. I've found an IRL carol service near me to go to - I'll report back!

@LillyPickles

Not everyone takes those as gospel truth, you see.

My local Unitarian church is fantastic. Services have beautiful music, lovely hymns, silence, poetry and philosophy. They're very welcoming and there is no pressure to subscribe to any set of beliefs. Let us know how you get on.

@LillyPickles

So I totally get the idea of Christianity but you totally lost me on:

"• As humans, we can't save ourselves through doing good".

I go to our local Unitarian church on occasion. I first went to visit the building as it’s an amazing place. I was intrigued to see copies of the bible, the Quran, books by the Dali Lama and On The Origin of Species on the book shelf. I looked into it more and went for a few Sunday meetings.

The services follow a C of E style pattern with a songs, reading, sermon and thought (prayers). Then tea and biscuits afterwards. There was no mention of god or Jesus. It was made very clear that you can believe what you want but be respectful of others.

I’ve not been again recently but plan to go for the carol service and Christmas Eve.
The carol service feature It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, one of the few Unitarian carols.

Unitarians don’t subscribe to a belief in God. You can do if you want but it’s not required.