Sunday Service 15th September
Our service is led by our District Minister Rev CJ McGregor
who will be exploring the theme
'The blessing of brokenness'
We will sing the following hymns:
100 May I be filled with loving kindness - Sing your faith
98 Love will guide us - Sing your faith
128 Our world is one world- Sing your faith
The service will be live-streamed on our YouTube channel if you are unable to come to the church. To access the live-stream, please go to our website or the Brighton Unitarian YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@brightonunitarian5709/streams
Transmission will start at 10.55am and a recording will be made available on the BUC website for seven days.
We look forward to welcoming you to our inclusive church.
Brighton Unitarian Church: Heritage Open Days 2024
Brighton Unitarian Church will be open for this year's Heritage Open Days on the afternoons of Fridays 6th & 13th (2-4.30pm) and Sundays 8th & 15th (12.30-3pm) September. Situated in New Road, in the heart of the city's Cultural Quarter, our beautiful Grade II listed church is a very attractive destination for visitors. They like to come inside, but also to sit on the steps and soak up the area's unique, historic atmosphere.
The church's history is intricately interwoven with the story of the Prince Regent (later George IV) from whom the land on which the church was built was purchased. The land was once part of the gardens of the Prince Regent's Royal Pavilion. Built in 1820 along classical lines, it was modelled on the ancient Temple of Theseus in Athens by local architect Amon Henry Wilds. The fabric of Brighton Unitarian has significant heritage value - its design is wildly different from all the other buildings in the area. It stands apart, but very definitely forms part of the Regency narrative. A narrative and a history that is now understood around the world. Read more about the history of the building here: https://www.brightonunitarian.org.uk/our-building
Do come in and look round and find out more about the church, its 204 years of history, and Unitarianism. On both Fridays you can also enjoy a lunchtime concert (suggested donation £5) at 12.30pm with tea/coffee available from noon in the church hall. For concert details see: https://www.brightonunitarian.org.uk/friday-lunchtime-concerts
Brighton Unitarian Church are delighted to announce the ordination of their minister Rev Jennifer Sanders at a special service on Saturday 21st September at 2.30pm.
Although Jennifer has been our minister for the last 18 months this service marks their formal induction at Brighton Unitarian Church. Jennifer began their pathway in Unitarianism back in 2011 when they attended a service at BUC that was being led by a friend. They felt a draw to the church and began attending regularly and then as a member. Having trained as an Interfaith minister they were invited to take services at BUC and then in the wider district.
After attending summer school in 2019 they were called to ministry commencing their studies with Unitarian College and Luther King Centre in September 2021, having become the Lay leader at Hastings Unitarians during Covid.
They became Minister Elect at Brighton in March 2023 and were formally added to the roll of Ministers at the Annual General Meeting of Unitarians and Free Christian Churches in April of this year.
This special service marks the completion of their studies, Ordination into ministry and Induction to Brighton Unitarian Church. We do hope that you will be able to attend either in person or via zoom to celebrate with us this special moment.
Jennifer writes:
"I am really looking forward to welcoming you to this celebratory service here at Brighton. Not only does it mark the transition from student to minister but a public commitment from both the congregation and myself to walk this pathway of faith together in the development of this church here in Brighton.
I came to Brighton Unitarian Church 13 years ago never thinking I would become its minister. I found a place where I could be myself and find a new road to faith and am committed to supporting others to find their way.
This church truly is a sacred space in the heart of the city and this celebration is a joyful one on our journey together. I really hope you can join us."
Friday lunchtime concerts: September & October
For further details please see: https://www.brightonunitarian.org.uk/friday-lunchtime-concerts
'Back to Life' by Christine Clark-Lowes
This interesting and well-researched book by Christine Clark-Lowes, a BUC member, tells the stories of the people named on plaques in our beautiful Grade II listed church.
There is a reference copy in the church, and copies are available in the church office in return for a donation to the church.
How to support Brighton Unitarian Church from the comfort of your sofa
Just a reminder that the church is partnered with Easy Fundraising if our members and friends would like to sign up in order to generate donations for the church as they shop online. This works a bit like the Amazon Smile scheme which recently closed but with many more choices as to where you shop. In fact Easy Fundraising is the UK’s biggest charity shopping site.
Launched in 2005, their community of over 2 million supporters have raised over £42 million for thousands of causes across the UK. Easy Fundraising partners with over 7,000 brands who will donate part of what you spend to a cause of your choice. It won’t cost you any extra. The cost is covered by the brand.
Once you’ve set up your account, you’ll have the option to install the EF browser extension which is called the Donation Reminder. It will pop up on every retailer site where a donation is available - which means you don’t have to remember to go via the EF website to do your shopping, just shop online as normal!
To find out more, visit our Easy Fundraising page: https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/brightonunitarianchurch/
or use the QR code below:
WEEKLY SPIRITUAL EVENTS
Wednesday lunchtime
Music and Silence 12.15-2pm
Every Wednesday lunchtime our doors are open for spiritual nourishment.
12.15 - 1pm - Live piano music
1-1.15pm - Free cuppa and chat
1.15-2pm - Quiet reflection, prayers and sharing
All are welcome.
Wednesday evening
Heart & Soul
Heart and Soul is an evening gathering of reflection, contemplation and sharing.
Meetings are held online on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month starting at 7.30pm and lasting an hour. All are very welcome. For an invitation please email us.
Sunday
morning
Sunday Service at 11am
Held in the church every Sunday followed by tea/coffee and conversation. Most are live-streamed so you can watch at home if you are unable to come to the church.
For more information about services and recordings of recent services:
WELCOMING YOU
We welcome all who seek a better life through spiritual and intellectual exploration. We welcome all who believe that religion is wider than any one sect and deeper than any one set of opinions.
ABOUT OUR CHURCH
We welcome all who seek a better life through spiritual and intellectual exploration. We have respect for all faiths, coupled with a modern religious outlook that encourages freedom of individual thought and conscience. We welcome all who believe that religion is wider than any one sect and deeper than any one set of opinions.
SERVICES
Our services draw their inspiration from diverse sources and the spiritual content depends on the service leader. Service leaders include members of the congregation, visiting ministers, and members of other Unitarian churches. Most services include an address, music, prayer or meditation and a quiet time for personal reflection. Readings come from the scriptures of the world faiths and wisdom traditions, philosophy and from contemporary literature and science.
EVENTS
This wonderful, creative and sacred space right in the heart of Brighton has been opening its doors to worshippers and musicians for 200 years.
Many well known local musical groups practise and perform here including Good Vibe Choir, Wham Jam Community Choir, Slavic Voices (Brighton) Choir. We also host the Sussex Musicians' Club's monthly concerts (now in its 100th year), African drumming workshops, monthly Tango Milonga Sábados, Soulful Singing workshops and our own Friday lunchtime fund-raising concerts.
FUNDERS
