In person events
Heart and Soul (in-person)
Heart and Soul is a contemplative spiritual gathering in which you can take time to reflect on life in the company of others. Sessions follow a regular pattern, including themed readings and music from an eclectic range of sources, time for guided prayers of gratitude, self-reflection, silent meditation, and candle-lighting to express loving-kindness and compassion.
These gatherings are an opportunity to get to know others at a deeper level. Newcomers are always welcome. Members of the community take turns to lead in-person sessions, meeting once a month in the church hall, with time to stay after for refreshments (usually cake!) and a friendly chat afterwards.
Mini-Retreats (in-person)
Our mini-retreats provide an opportunity to take some time out of everyday life and spend a quiet afternoon in gently guided personal reflection. Each mini-retreat is carefully created to prompt focused exploration of our own lives and aspects of our spiritual journey. These sessions typically last three hours, allowing time for solo reflection, and also for sharing your insights with others.
Previous mini-retreats have included ‘New Year Reflections’ in which we take stock the past year and look forward to the year ahead; ‘Stories of Our Lives’ in which we consider what we would like to record and leave behind of our life experiences and values after we’ve gone; and ‘The Spiritual Backpack’ in which we focus on qualities we might cultivate to help us thrive in challenging times.
Community Singing for All
The group is led by an experienced local musician. This is not a choir that will perform; it’s for the joy of singing together as a regular practice. We will sing a mix of pop, country, gospel and folk, all sung acapella. There is no need to read music. There is a place for all voices!
Note: These sessions are sometimes subject to last-minute changes due to the busy schedule of our singing leader so please click the link below to complete the RSVP if you're planning to attend so we can keep you posted. Or email Jane: jane@kensington-unitarians.org.uk
Tea Dance with Rachel Sparks for LGBTQIA+ and Allies
Tea, cake, partner dancing (Ballroom and Latin), and a few line dances – all are welcome – from complete beginners to life-long dancers. Even if you think you have two left feet, don’t worry, this will be a relaxed and welcoming space for all to enjoy (there’ll be a social dance lesson for complete beginners led by Rachel Sparks at the start of the afternoon). We encourage gender-neutral dance partnering which means that anyone can lead or follow. There’s no need to bring a dance partner so just come as you are. This event is free of charge; donations will be invited in support of ‘Say it Loud Club’ (charity for LGBTQ+ Asylum Seekers and Refugees).
Poetry Group
Bring a favourite poem to read on any subject. Maybe it’ll be a poem you have written yourself, one you’ve just discovered, or a poem you’ve known for many years. Let us know if you plan to come and send a copy of your choices to Brian (brian.ellis@outlook.com) in advance.
Community Yoga with Hannah King
Come along for a gentle and relaxing, one-hour Hatha yoga class to help reduce stress and get your body moving. No prior experience is necessary, no advance sign-up required, and all levels welcome. Mats are provided, but do wear comfortable clothing that you can move in.
Interested, but not in London? Hannah also teaches free, virtual yoga sessions on Mondays (5:30-6:30pm via Zoom). Contact Hannah for further details (hannahmarieking@gmail.com).
Community Bring-and-Share Lunch
All are welcome to this simple bring-and-share lunch. We hold these community lunches about once a quarter after a service. Let Liz, who is coordinating our December lunch, know if you are planning to come along and what food or drink you are intending to bring (or contact our minister jane@kensington-unitarians.org.uk). We are always glad of volunteers to help with the washing up afterwards!
Many Voices LGBTQIA+ and Allies - Singing for Fun
Fancy a friendly sing? Whether you’re a confident crooner or only ever sing in private, you’ll be welcome at a Many Voices singing workshop, led by Gaynor and Tati. Many Voices is for LGBTQIA+ people and our allies, and is an accepting and welcoming group. No auditions, no performances, no pressure! At present we are meeting bi-monthly (with a summer break) on Sunday afternoons. Dates for 2025 are TBC. Free for members of the Kensington Unitarians congregation (£10/£5 to non-members).
Find Your Voice - Singing Classes
These relaxed and fun singing classes are for anyone who is prepared to open their mouth and make a sound. These sessions are designed for everyone, whatever your experience or ability. Using a few simple exercises we’ll gain joy and confidence in our singing, by learning how to produce and develop the voice, something everyone can do. You’re welcome to drop in to one of these free sessions with our experienced singing teacher Margaret.
Nia Dance with Sonya Leite
Nia is holistic movement for body and soul. It is an expressive movement practice promoting fitness, creativity and wellbeing.
Fusing dance, yoga, tai chi and martial arts, Nia provides a holistic workout and leaves you feeling energised, relaxed and centred. It suits any level of fitness, age and experience, working from where you are now. Nia’s barefoot, grounded approach maximizes body efficiency and teaches you to move consciously in a gentler way. Dance movements are mixed with subtle therapeutic suggestions and visualization techniques that help you develop awareness and heighten sensation. The result is a fusion of movement styles that is incredibly free and liberating. Moving between simple choreography (form) and freedom of movement (freedance), Nia classes combine the grace and expressiveness of dance, the power and explosiveness of martial arts, and the wisdom and stillness of yoga and tai chi.
The cost to take part is £10 per drop-in session or £40 for a block of 5 classes to use within a 2-month period. Contact Sonya Leite on 0207 371 1674 for more information.
