Worship is varied, with some congregational participation. Special Services are arranged for the Church’s calendar year, as well as concentrating on social concerns and drawing attention to such issues as unemployment, homelessness, environmental issues, social concerns, the arms race and world population.

Child blessings

Services for Baptisms are arranged in discussion with the parents.

They can be in the form of a traditional Baptism or as a Naming Ceremony. Members of the family and friends are encouraged to take part with readings, prayers or a musical offering.

These ceremonies can take place either at the Church or in the home.

Weddings

The church is licensed for weddings and young couples are invited to discuss their wedding arrangements and contents of the service beforehand. The church holds about 150 people comfortably and there is a Pipe Organ.

Readings from the Bible, the Koran, from the work of Kahlil Gibran , Walt Whiman or any other source may be used during the service. Prayers and personal vows can be used as well as appropriate music, alongside the joining together of the congregation in the singing of hymns.

There are no tests of faith to authenticate the ceremony and often, people who have been divorced, or belong to different Faith traditions, can be married as long as the couple convince the worship leader that they have thought seriously about their marriage, and wish to celebrate it in a spiritual context.

EQUAL MARRIAGE The Church holds a licence for Equal Marriages (Same Sex Weddings) , a number of such weddings having taken place already.

Funerals

When death occurs, every person deserves an act of celebration and tribute for their life. We believe that a service of thanksgiving and appreciation for someone’s life is important. That tribute can take many forms. Many people will choose a service with a strong Christian emphasis but others will prefer a more Humanistic approach. Unitarian celebrants can provide services which meet the request of the deceased or their family.

Unitarians do not dictate the form or the content of the service but are willing to discuss and meet the request of the family and include readings (Biblical or non Biblical), music, prayers, meditations or hymns which are most meaningful to them at the time. What is most helpful for the family of the deceased is important. Family members or friends may also choose to give their tribute at the service.

It is possible to hold a funeral service at Highland Place Church and funeral directors are aware of the location of the church. Family may prefer to hold a service at the home or at a Chapel of Rest, followed by a service at a Crematorium or at a Cemetery. Almost all funeral requests will be made through the funeral director of your choice but it is possible to make enquiries directly to the church officers.

Hall for hire

The Unitarian Church provides an outstanding facility for conferences, speakers, art and culture classes, Committee meetings, etc., and is situated at the top of Monk Street, Aberdare. The hall is accessible and well equipped, allowing for meetings to be Zoomed for people who cannot attend in person. The hall, which has disabled access, seats 40-45 people and benefits from a good size kitchen for self-catering, WC and outdoor space.

Hire for morning, afternoon, and evening sessions during the week. The hall is available .

Special rates for weekly meetings.

For further details, please ring 01685 873440 or 07808 081 671