https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86882949446?pwd=kliXbdABEfbU8FjDMtNRNJ4Lr2lb5z.1
Meeting ID: 868 8294 9446
Passcode: 612407
A note about the Music Group shifting to a practice on the second Sunday of the month (whenever possible) to sing on the third Sunday.
This coming Sunday therefore, we shall learn an item from the UU book: Singing the Journey, “When I breathe in, I’ll breathe in peace” (no. 1009 if you have the book): a song which complements our meditation.
Here are the notes taken at the two important Life of the Church Meetings following the services on Sunday 18th and 25th January 2026 along with a link to the slide presentation
CAMBRIDGE UNITARIAN CHURCH CIO TRUSTEE PRESENTATIONS TO THE CONGREGATION 18 AND 25 JANUARY 2026
On both occasions the presentation was held during the Morning Service time, instead of a Thought for the Day. The presentations and discussions were held within the atmosphere of the Service for Mindful Meditation. A printed copy of the full array of slides are attached to the printed minutes, filed at the church.
Introduction by Minister: Andrew Brown
Self compassion meditation by Aysha Madra
Trustees’ presentation: Elden Horner, Sue Tombs, Celia James, Jacqui Carnall
https://www.cambridgeunitarian.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Life-of-the-Church-18-01-26-v2.pdf
Slides 1 & 2 Background (CJ)
Main presentation (JC)
Open Discussion points
Maintenance requirements: volunteers and money: how have we kept these going till now: can we make things easier to maintain?
The demographic change in the area and our ageing buildings
The Northampton Unitarians sold their church and moved to a Scout Hut, which feels a less spiritual environment: there is a loss of the sense of the history of the community, as well as of a spiritual building.
The needs of the community here has changed completely over time: two large halls are no longer needed: small spaces are needed.
The beauty of and the spiritual sense in the church is completely lacking in the Hall.
There are many other community spaces available locally, but no one else is doing what we do: there are high risks associated with doing nothing, rather than pursuing one of the options for change.
The quality of the atmosphere of the church might help attract groups with a compatible ethos to use the space: keeping the church feels vital.
We are incredibly fortunate to have the funds we do, so let’s use them: there is great value in paying experts rather than purely relying on volunteers.
Music groups renting the church value it and will benefit from it being better heated.
It would be disappointing if we left the site completely, because of the beauty of the church and its situation in the centre of town with the benefit such easy access to buses.
Several congregations are known who have lost their churches/chapels: whilst they are surviving, they are not thriving.
With refurbishment of the church, there is potential for new church hirers.
There is potential to sell the Hall to a community organisation, not just as commercial offices or housing: offices are not they way they used to be: the refurbished Hall could be a community enterprise or a flexible workspace.
Specific contribution about finance from David Burns, Chartered Accountant by original training, working in the domain of corporate governance and financial structures, acting as director and part owner of projects covering land assembly and planning uplifts. He has been more than happy to volunteer his support and guidance to the Trustees and his conclusions have been that the financial planning and change of use process (he calls this the regulatory procedures) have been conducted by the Trustees in a very cautions and professional manner. David believes that this is very much the mechanism via which Cambridge Unitarians can secure a sustainable future, which is the stated objective. This mechanism offers a continued concrete presence in the community almost irrespective of the decisions which the Trustees make hereafter, guided by the wishes of the Congregation. He also understands that there may be an understandable emotional attachment to the way things used to be. We need to strike balances between that sentiment and the stated objective for the sustainable future. It is his observation that the change of use procedure should be completed as the next 3-6 months proceed. The planning and filing costs involved so far (less than £20,000 in the last year), represent money very well spent . This has increased the valuation or latent valuation of the already significant assets which Cambridge Unitarians CIO are fortunate enough to hold in their balance sheet. Regardless of whether a planning consultant is used for this final step of the way, he recommends completing the planning submission (or re-submission). He notes there is progress in this regard as every week goes by. Once the Changes of Use are achieved, it is clear from the financial and letting projections that there will not only be more community space in, for instance, the scenario of relinquishing the Hall, but that all net cashflow and profit projections will improve as a result.
David is happy for any within the Congregation to ask him questions. The Trustees have his contact details and they can route an email or request a call from David when his time permits.
Celia James
The link for this coming Thursday’s Zoom “Kiitsu Kyōkai” Seiza Meditation & Conversation Meeting, this week, 12th February at 10:30-12:00
For more information, please visit:
https://andrewjbrown.blogspot.com/p/kiitsu-kyokai.html
https://www.cambridgeunitarian.org/evening-service/
Join Thursday Zooms at the same link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85775868333?pwd=LEuyKnfbRJORbqsuzkhsonHui4ttwA.1
Meeting ID: 857 7586 8333
Passcode: 970614
“Speak the speech, I pray you…“ (Hamlet) — Workshops to support clear speaking to a group
As we move towards becoming a more egalitarian community, opportunities arise to support and empower each other to that end. At the online Life of the Church gathering last Wednesday 21st, we took further the idea of church members basing a Thought for the Day on any of Norbert Čapek’s Ten Advices – hopefully on a monthly basis.
We have noted that the acoustics of our church and hall can make hearing frustratingly difficult for those with imperfect hearing, without amplification, nor a modern loop system. So, Marianna has offered to run short sessions in support of confident, clear reading and communication.
There are several elements to being heard and understood: of presenting what we have to say in a consistent manner. We will focus on areas such as connecting with our listeners, audibility, and engagement with text.
Many of us love to read; maybe we regard ourselves also as writers. So, these gatherings are for enjoyment and for sharing our experience and skills.
They will take place after services, so, do look out for the first date. Sandwiches at the ready!
A link to an online meeting organised by the Unitarian Ministerial Fellowship: Unitarians of Colour Online Gathering – Moral Injury and Collective Care — Monday 23 February 7pm-8pm
This online event is a space for individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds to come together, share experiences, and celebrate our unique identities. Whether you’re a long-time Unitarian or new to the community, all are welcome to participate in this enriching experience.
Join and connect with like-minded Unitarians who experience being ‘othered’ based on racial identity.
Please book your free place here: https://bit.ly/UoCFeb2026
A note about an 8-week online Soul Deep course, taking place on Wednesdays from 14th January at 6.30pm facilitated by Aisha Madha and Mandy Reynolds
Links to the minister’s address/podcast:
In written form at:
https://andrewjbrown.blogspot.com
Or as podcast episodes at:
A link to “Our Principles of Living” and “Ten Advices”
For additional national Unitarian news, please click on the following link:
Uni-news
https://us20.campaign-archive.com/home/?u=1590ea5f53cdc6fb8a17c311c&id=7bce4a21b7
Planning Application—if you would like to look at the Planning Application the Church has put in, you can do that at the following link:
Andrew James Brown
(Days off are generally Monday and Tuesday)
Minister
Cambridge Unitarian Church
Emmanuel Road
Cambridge
CB1 1JW
07477 462 110 (Mobile)
http://www.cambridgeunitarian.org/
Blog: Caute
https://andrewjbrown.blogspot.com/
Podcast: Kiitsu—Returning-to-One
https://kiitsu.buzzsprout.com
Jiyū Shūkyō / Free-Religion
https://andrewjbrown.blogspot.com/p/free-religion.html
Kiitsu Kyōkai (Returning-to-One Gathering)
https://andrewjbrown.blogspot.com/p/kiitsu-kyokai.html
Seiza Meditation (Quiet Sitting)
https://andrewjbrown.blogspot.com/p/seiza-meditation.html