We have finally arrived at the month we have been  anticipating. April sees our special anniversary service  where we celebrate the chapel’s 150th year, although  there has been a Unitarian presence in Padiham for 200  years. This will mark a significant milestone in the history  of the chapel. We are grateful to Tony Cann, Maria and  Stephen Foreman for developing a series of educational  materials that explore the history of Padiham and  Unitarianism in the area. There are many members of the  congregation who have been involved for generations. It  is my hope that we can showcase these stories and histories in written form as part of the social history of the  chapel and include them in the educational material. It is right and proper that we remember the past and value  those who did so much over the past years.

 

However, as  we celebrate we need to also look forward to the future in  order to honour those who went before and to serve those  we encounter in the future. Our chapels are engaging  more with their local communities and hosting more  activities and outreach projects that hopefully inspire,  entertain and pastorally care for individuals and the  planet. 

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We are still planning events, activities and services to  commemorate our exceptional past and exciting future. If  you have any ideas please let me know. In the meantime,  I’m looking forward to celebrating with you all. 

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All good blessings, Rev Shannon