Religious Education Week takes place in the Nightingale Centre Derbyshire in August each year. The theme for the school this year was “Rediscovering the language of Faith”.
The question of whether Unitarians need to reclaim words like God, Faith, Prayer etc was addressed by five speakers over the week. I had to agree with the speaker who said that when a person is in pain or on the point of death that words such as “We acknowledge the inherent worth of each individual…” have little comfort to offer. We do need a language of faith.
There were fifty participants; some were regular attendees; for seventeen participants this was their first experience of Summer School. The day began with a guided meditation and ended with participants walking in procession from the Nightingale Centre to the Old Chapel, in silence, carrying lanterns for Evening Epilogue. The evening Epilogue was a very special and a magical part of the day. I co- lead Wednesday’s Epilogue with Liz Birtles.
As well the Theme Talks there were daily workshops. There was a choice of Poetry, Art or Dance. I attended the Poetry workshop which was lead by John Harley and Michaela von Britzke.
Afternoons and evenings offered once off workshops in art, massage, Writing, Chanting, Meditation on colour etc. Really it was difficult to make a choice as all of the workshops were interesting, well lead and worthwhile.
I found the week to be a really great experience. It was educational, it was a very spiritual experience, it enabled me to make contacts with other Unitarians and it was also great fun. The organisers of the Summer school are anxious to ensure that the School does not become a meeting place for a few regulars, they offer a specially warm invitation to newcomers.
My advice is that if it is at all possible take up that invitation.

Rev.Bridget Spain.