Services, Weddings and Other Ceremonies
Unitarian Services
Our worship services are led by full time, part time and lay ministers and happen twice monthly on a Sunday at 10.30 am.
Worship is designed to be inclusive; we do not ask that you make any statement of faith or belief of any kind, though we hope that over time, attending worship will stimulate you to think more deeply about meaning in your life.
Services usually consists of readings from religious and philosophical traditions, singing, prayers, periods of silence and a short address. Our service structure is designed to be fairly formal because we want to promote a feeling of being ‘alone together’ thereby encouraging us to be able to collect our thoughts and settle into a state of reflective peacefulness. Modern life is often very busy and Sunday is a chance to step out of this, at least for a short time.
Children are always welcome and we usually offer a story or something similar, that is suitable for them. During the service, children usually sit with their accompanying adults and do a bit of colouring in or quietly playing in the pews.
If you want to come along, we will be discrete in making you feel welcome and promise not to overwhelm you with attention. We will not make any assumptions about who you are, or why you are visiting: that is our way.
We offer a time of sociability after each service with coffee, conversation (and sometimes, cake). Some people stay for a natter and others pop off to get on with their Sunday. Either is fine by us.
You can find out more about what Unitarianism is all about here.
Weddings
The Chapel is licensed to conduct marriage services and, as long as they are in keeping with our values, can tailor ceremonies to the needs of those involved.
Our minsters will help you to plan your wedding and can suggest content that will ensure that your ceremony has the depth and meaning that reflects the sacred commitment of marriage.
Reflecting the nature of our building, our weddings are mostly smaller scale in terms of attendee numbers, though are no less joyous for it! We are able to comfortably seat about 40 guests.
Our fee for marriages is usually around £400.00. This includes a planning meeting where ideas about ceremony content is discussed; a rehearsal; access to the chapel the evening before the ceremony to set things up; a tailored ceremony written specifically to suit your needs, and use of the hall immediately after the service (for up to two hours) where drinks and photographs can be organised.
Our weddings are taken by trained officiates who will not take a personal fee for the services offered - all proceeds return to the upkeep of the building so that others might benefit from getting married in our lovely chapel in future times.
Contact here for further information.
Naming and other ceremonies
People of faith – and no faith – often come to us requesting namings, funerals and other life ceremonies, which reflect their personal and family values. We are always happy to talk through how we can help with such requests and have a host of experience in shaping services so that content is especially meaningful to those involved. Contact here for further information.