Our Minister

The minister, Rev David Shaw, was originally a member of the congregation.

David studied theology at Unitarian College Manchester and qualified as a Minister in June 2007 and conducts about half of the services each year.

Passing Thoughts

A Mixture of Thoughts

Despite some glimpses of snowdrops amid the snow the wintry weather does seem to have lingered on. Snow has been seen either under our feet or up on the hilltops since the middle of December.

It was reported in last month's Newsletter that the services on the first two Sundays of the year were cancelled due to a heavy fall of snow. Then just when we thought that we might be striding into spring - on the morning that what was going to be a special day for us we were faced with another very heavy snowfall.

Sunday 21st February was to have been one of those lovely occasions when, after the service, we have a meal together, followed by a meeting. On this occasion it was to have been our Annual General Meeting followed by another meeting to look ahead at some future planning.

The second meeting had been planned because at the end of January I handed in my notice to leave at the end of April. My decision to leave has not been stirred in any way by a wish to leave – much more a wish to take the opportunity to accept the invitation to become the next minister at 'Upper Chapel' in the centre of Sheffield.

The present minister, Rev Geoff Usher, will be retiring and the position was advertised last autumn. I 'threw my hat in the ring' and was delighted that, in January, the congregation selected me.

The transition of April to May will see me leaving one Chapel and arriving at another. Personally, I shall hold some mixed feelings as I have been most honoured and happy to be, initially the Lay Person in Charge and then, on the completion of my studies, minister here at Great Hucklow.

However, I am delighted to take an opportunity that lies before me and to take on the challenge of a ministry in a city centre.

I wish everyone and everything at 'The Old Chapel' well as decisions about the future are made. I wish the people and the organisations of the surrounding area well too. It has been a delight to have played my part amid such a caring and kindly community.

Things will change – evolution is quite natural! I hope that this comes to be a time when folk will come forward to offer their support as matters are evaluated and important decisions made.

In the meantime – enjoy this smaller Newsletter as the postponed meetings can't be reported on! Do keep watch for the all-important information about the rescheduled Annual General Meeting and the 'Meeting about the Future'.

David

INTRODUCTORY BOOKLET:

A FAITH WORTH THINKING ABOUT

click here for a free download

Old Chapel (Unitarian)
Great Hucklow
Buxton
Derbyshire
SK17 8 RG

t: 01433 630541

NEWSLETTER (pdf 456K)