Separation of Church and State

**London Bridge – poor health, bad debts but a Grade I pub at the end** This walk is presented by Central London Humanists and led by volunteer Robert Hall. Humanists believe we have just one life to be lived rationally and well, with compassion for others. This event is a guided walk of +/- 2.25 hours pointing out places of interest. We will be walking 3.5 Km / 2.2 miles. This walk is a companion to the walk we did from Borough station almost exactly a year ago and there is a slight overlap. Amongst highlights we see a former church that is now being put to better use, view a building containing an operating theatre dating from 1822, a rather more modern hospital, the site of a debtors prison and a rather puzzling statue of Alfred the Great. We’ll also meet Henry (no – not the vacuum cleaner!). **Date:** Saturday 16th May 2026 **Time:** 2 pm with a prompt departure at 2.15 pm **Place:** Toilets at London Bridge Mainline station. The toilets are not well signposted so leave plenty of time to find them! **Finishes:** About 4.30 pm at The George, 75 Borough High St, Southwark SE1 1NH The walk is led by Robert – 07981963681. He can be contacted for further information but please note he won’t be able to respond to messages or calls after the walk has started. **The formal bit:** These walks are not suitable for dogs, sorry. CLH events are 18+ unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. The maximum group size is 40 people. If you have signed up but find you can't attend, **please change your RSVP** on Meetup (it’s very easy to do) as soon as possible so others can join. You are responsible for your own actions and safety; there is no liability on the walk leader or CLH for anything that may happen on the walk. You must be able to keep up with the walk leader at 4 Km/h (2.5 mph) for 5 Km (3 miles). It is participants' responsibility to safely cross roads. Where appropriate, pedestrian controlled lights will be used and obeyed unless it is obvious that the whole group can cross safely. When the group stops at a point of interest, please be mindful not to block pavements so members of the public can pass by safely. Don’t forget this is the UK and it may rain at any time! The walk will go ahead whatever the weather unless conditions are dangerous so please bring clothing for all seasons. **A donation of £3 to Central London Humanists would be appreciated.** The majority of Central London Humanists events are free, but we welcome a £3 contribution per head. This helps towards the running and organising of events, as well as various admin expenses. If you can't attend and would still like to contribute, or would prefer to pay online, please **[click here](https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ML71XMH66FX5E/checkout/ALWCDLQ3S7AVPLFZ62PZGXLU)**. We encourage anyone who is interested in Humanism and Central London Humanists to consider becoming a member: * If you wish to register as a full member of CLH (no membership fee) please register on our website: [https://centrallondonhumanists.org.uk/signup](https://centrallondonhumanists.org.uk/signup) * If you wish to join Humanists UK and support its work to promote humanism in British life, please go to: [Humanists UK – Think for yourself, act for everyone](https://humanists.uk/) We encourage dialogue, debate, and sharing of information, but ask people to keep their comments cordial. Any individual's views expressed (most definitely including the walk leader!) do not necessarily reflect the views of the group at large.

**GO TO EVENTBRITE FOR LINK TO MEETING:** https://www.eventbrite.com/e/recovering-from-religion-virtual-support-group-meeting-registration-159506756001?aff=oddtdtcreator This is an RfR-wide event, not tied to any particular local chapter. The Virtual Chapter Recovering From Religion support group will meet the the 1st Sunday of each month at 6 PM Central Time AS WELL AS at the 3rd Saturday of each month at 9 AM. This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom. Attendees are welcome to share, but may also decide to remain anonymous if they so choose. The primary focus of a Recovering From Religion support group is to provide ongoing and personal support to individuals as they let go of their religious beliefs. This transitional period is an ongoing process that can result in a range of emotions, as well as a ripple effect of consequences throughout an individual’s life. As such, the support meetings are safe and anonymous places to express these doubts, fears, and experiences without biased feedback or proselytizing. We are here to help each other through this journey. There is no cost to attend this support group but, if you feel so inclined, donations can be made at www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate If you find you need to talk with someone before the meeting date, RfR has a hotline and online chat for that express purpose. Call (844) 368-2848 to speak with someone. Go to www.recoveringfromreligion.org and click on the green chat bubble in the lower left corner of the site to chat online. If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at www.seculartherapy.org. Like what RfR does? Why not volunteer! There are quite a few options. Head over to www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer for more info.

Based on the book by Rev Erik Wikstrom, this workshop will explore what he describes as 'lay leadership as a spiritual practice.' We will look at his transformative vision of volunteering with a congregation as a growth opportunity rather than an obligation, examining how committee work and volunteer service can nurture personal development through self-awareness, compassion, and collaboration. Participants will discover practical strategies for reframing lay leadership—from board service to event planning. From the book: “Imagine if the practical and administrative work of the church–meetings, planning, teaching, etc.–was understood not as a necessary evil but as an integral part of the mission of the church to spiritually nurture us. What if lay leadership was not a means to an end but an end in itself? Could you experience the meeting room as a [Buddhist] zendo and the deliberations of a task force as a form of group prayer? Imagine church not as a place led by a few overly taxed people but one where leadership is a broadly shared ministry that members of the community undertake for the deep joy of it.” Feel free to join for lunch afterwords for informal discussion; either bring something or pick up something from one of the nearby restaurants. Please sign up here: https://www.new-unity.org/whatson/2026/5/16/serving-with-grace

**PLEASE PURCHASE YOUR TICKET VIA THIS LINK ONLY:** **[TICKETS](https://fatso.ma/3foN).** Step into a bold new creative playground at **L’arch** — a 1,200 sq ft converted railway arch launching this spring as a striking photoshoot space designed for powerful visual storytelling. This immersive urban venue blends industrial edge with theatrical elegance, offering a dynamic backdrop for high-impact content, fashion editorials, and artistic collaborations. **Theme: “Iconic Statements”** Inspired by underground culture, high fashion, and futuristic fantasy, this shoot fuses burlesque drama,, and urban-core aesthetics — all elevated with elegance and class. It’s about reclaiming space, pushing boundaries, and creating visuals that feel iconic, rebellious, and unforgettable. Whether you’re shooting, modeling, styling, or showcasing your work — this space is built to transform creative visions into standout content. **WHAT TO EXPECT** ✨ 4-Hour Collaborative Photoshoot 👠 Live Catwalk Runway Moments throughout the session 🤝 Network While Shooting — connect, collaborate, and create in real time 🎥 High-Volume Content Opportunities • Behind-the-scenes • Backstage footage ⚡ Relaxed but High-Energy Creative Vibe Designed to maximise output while keeping it fun and supportive. **VENUE HIGHLIGHTS – L’ARCH SHOOTING LOCATION** 🎹 Baby Grand Piano 👗 Plush Dressing & Prep Area 👑 Statement Throne with Wings 💡 Neon Runway Catwalk 🎨 Graffiti Walls & Industrial Textures 🛋 Semi-Circle Sofa for Editorial Setups 🔆 Iconic Illuminated Signage 🏢 Expansive 1,200 sq ft Open-Plan Layout **Who’s this for?** ✔ Photographers & Content Creators (All skill levels welcome) ✔ Models & Performers (No experience required) ✔ Designers, Stylists, MUAs & Visual Artists ✔ Anyone looking to collaborate, create, and elevate their portfolio DRESS CODE – MODELS Models should arrive with 1–3 of their own looks prepared before the shoot. If designers are joining, they will be present to provide additional outfit changes on the day. STYLE DIRECTION Think editorial, bold, and expressive. ✨ Burlesque glamour, class & elegance ✨ Futuristic silhouettes ✨ Elevated urban looks ENCOURAGED ELEMENTS Corsetry • Leather • Metallics • Tailoring Dramatic accessories • Statement makeup Bring pieces that tell a story — this is a space to go all in. **Collaboration Disclaimer:** This is a collaborative shoot. • No additional charges should apply for models to receive photos. • All imagery created must be shared without logos or watermarks. • Everyone involved will be encouraged to collaborate via Instagram & credit all creatives appropriately. We’ll ensure all participants are informed and aligned to keep the collaboration fair, respectful, and transparent. **Want in?** Once you grab your ticket, email [welove.socialise@gmail.com](mailto:welove.socialise@gmail.com) with your WhatsApp number and Instagram handle. You’ll be added to the WhatsApp group chat at least 2 weeks (if not before) before the event where all final details will be shared. 📍 Exact location revealed to ticket holders only 📸 Follow us on IG **@welove_shoots** for updates and previews

**\*\*THIS IS NOT A FREE EVENT & RSVP ON MEET UP DOES NOT GUARANTEE ENTRY\*\*** **TO ATTEND THIS EVENT A TICKET MUST BE PURCHSED FROM OUR WEBSITE. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A TICKET:** [Singles Party london – All Bar One, Tottenham Court Road (Ages 30-50) – Saturday, 16th May 2026 | True Dating](https://truedating.co.uk/events/saturday-night-singles-party-16-may-2026) ### 💘 **Meet Real London Singles – No Swiping Required** 💘 Hosted by True Dating – London’s Established Speed Dating & Singles Events Specialists If you’re tired of endless swiping and conversations that go nowhere, join us for a relaxed, professionally hosted singles social designed for genuine connection. ⭐ Age Range Guidance **This event is tailored for guests aged 30–50**. Most attendees will fall within this range. For the best experience, please book events suited to your age group. ## What Makes Our Singles Social Different? This isn’t a 100+ person free-for-all. We keep numbers comfortable and actively manage the balance of men and women to create an easy, welcoming atmosphere where conversations actually happen. Expect: ✔ A curated group of like-minded London singles ✔ A complimentary welcome drink if you arrive before 8.30pm ✔ A balanced male-to-female ratio ✔ Friendly hosts available to make introductions if you'd like No awkward games. No forced rotations. Just a relaxed environment where you can meet naturally. ## Who Comes? Our guests are typically busy professionals who prefer meeting face-to-face over app fatigue. Many attend solo. Most people are in exactly the same position as you. ## How It Works After the event, you’ll log into your True Dating account to select the people you’d like to see again. Just remember to do so before 4pm! If they choose you too, you’ll be matched and can chat securely through our private messaging system to arrange your next date. **If you don’t connect with anyone on the night, your next event is free.** ## Event Details 🕒 Doors open 8pm 🍸 Complimentary welcome drink before 8.30pm 📍 Ask for True Dating on arrival and we’ll guide you to our reserved area 🎟️ Tickets are limited and most events sell out

Many governments are now pushing age verification and VPN restriction laws, lobbied by Big Tech companies, with no visible popular demand for it. Is that truly to "protect children", or is it better explained by desire to control and censor online speech, while appeasing their corporate donors? Let's discuss the future of the Internet, freedom from censorship, privacy vs. security trade-off, and other related topics. To kick off the conversation, we will look at Cory Doctorow's essay on age verification and "Online Safety Act" called ***[“Privacy preserving age verification” is bullshit](https://doctorow.medium.com/privacy-preserving-age-verification-is-bullshit-0aefd53019e0)***. *<...>politicians all over the world demanded a kind of impossible encryption: encryption that works perfectly when it’s doing something legitimate, like keeping hackers from pushing malware to your pacemaker or stealing your life’s savings or listening in on you through your phone’s microphone, but also they require that this encryption offer no protection to criminals, drug dealers, terrorists, child abusers, and other miscreants.* *This really is like water that’s not wet.*

Join us for some beautiful stories from Jean Marc, and a talk about integrated people and why we should integrate with ourselves and work towards change or overcoming ourselves. There will also be time for discussion and to socialise.

Join us for our monthly church service. It's a great opportunity to explore faith and experience church in a relaxed setting with great worship, an inspiring message, and a chance to make new friends. Whether you are a regular, looking for a church or just want to come, hang out and see what it's all about we would love to meet you!

Acoustic music, poetry and storytelling. Soul Fuel Sunday is a monthly gathering of poets, storytellers and songwriters held at Rosslyn Hill Unitarian Chapel. These intimate, unique evenings are not to be missed, offering audiences the rare opportunity to hear spoken word artists and songwriters perform completely unplugged, supported only by the natural acoustics of our gorgeous neo-Gothic Chapel walls. Each month, experience performances from musical artists interspersed with spoken word, storytelling, poetry and meditations, with singer-songwriter Russell Swallow. This is a donation based event. We are a registered charity. Suggested donation £5. Please give what you can.

Discover the World at International Cafe! We are a group of Christian volunteers set out to create a friendly community that welcomes everyone! Come and practice speaking English with our English speaking volunteers. You will learn more about British culture and discuss life with NEW topics each week. We also include a Bible story at the end of our sessions. At International Cafe, we start our meet up with Tea & Coffee and continue in engaging conversations. Each week, we'll look at NEW topics about British culture and history, so you can learn and socialize. Best of all, it's a free event and open to everyone! So mark your calendars: 🕕 Time: **Sunday at 2:30 PM** 📍 Address: ECIR OEA, Inspire at St James Questions? Text Organiser at 07708228436.

## About the Event Family Heath Walk - a walk on the much-loved Heath to spend time together and connect with the spiritual through identifying the more ancient trees, as well as taking time to appreciate the more urban trees nearer to home. Held as part of the Urban Tree Festival. Meet at Rosslyn Hill Chapel at 1.45 for a 2pm departure.

SCIENTOLOGY **TOOLS** **FOR LIFE** What if you had simple tools which you could use to improve your relationship with others? What if a step-by-step procedure could help you achieve your goals in life? What if you could learn the secret to mastering any subject you wanted to master? Come and find out!

THE 23RD ANNUAL ANIMATION SHOW OF SHOWS hosted by New Unity at the Newington Green Meeting House. Book tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-23rd-annual-animation-show-of-shows-uk-screening-tickets-1987939240783?aff=oddtdtcreator The Animation Show of Shows – the premier North American showcase for animated short films – brings its 23rd annual edition to London with a screening at the Newington Green Meeting House this May. Featuring 14 award-winning films by some of the most acclaimed directors in the world of animation, the programme offers the rare opportunity to see 11 rarely screened classic masterpieces that have won Grand Prizes at international festivals around the world. Afterwards there will be a Q&A with Ron Diamond, the curator, who will join us on Zoom from California. Book tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-23rd-annual-animation-show-of-shows-uk-screening-tickets-1987939240783?aff=oddtdtcreator From Michaël Dudok de Wit’s poignant Oscar-winning *Father and Daughter*, to a hidden gem by the “King of Indie Animation,” Bill Plympton, to three all-new shorts from Croatia, Switzerland, and the U.S., the 23rd Animation Show of Shows is an incredible retrospective of some of the best animated shorts of the last 30 years, as well as a peek at a new generation of filmmakers. **Seating is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis, so plan to arrive early at Newington Green Meeting House, 39a Newington Green, London, UK. Postcode: N16 9PR.** **SATURDAY, MAY 16TH @ 6 PM** **• 6:00pm** - *Opening remarks by Rev Adam Slate* **• 6:10pm** - *Introduction by Ron Diamond, Curator, Producer, The Animation Show of Shows* **• 6:15pm** - *Screening The 23rd Annual Animation Show of Shows* **• 7:45 pm** - *Q&A lead by Curator, Producer Ron Diamond, and participating directors* **• 8:00 pm** - *Event concludes.*

The Unity of Columbus Resource Group for the Homeless is seeking compassionate volunteers who would like to help serve and uplift members of our homeless community. This group is dedicated to sharing kindness, resources, and support with individuals who may be experiencing difficult circumstances. Anyone with a heart for service is welcome to join us as we work together to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Community members are also invited to contribute by bringing helpful items for those in need. Donations of items can be contributed at the meeting and will be distributed to assist members of the homeless community. Please consider joining us and sharing this opportunity with friends, family, or associates who may also wish to help. Learn more about Unity of Columbus at www.unityofcolumbus.org or call (614) 267-4959. Together we can extend compassion, dignity, and support to our community. 💛

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

Rev. Steven Clevenger is an ordained spiritualist minister with over 40 years experience as a Spiritual Healer, Clairvoyant and Spiritual Teacher, educated and trained at the White Lily Chapel. Rev. Siobhan Wolf Shaffer is an ordained spiritualist minister and certified medium and healer with over 20 years experience. She began her development in 1988 in Pennsylvania and continued when she moved to Ohio in 1998 where she studied at Rays of Lights Church with Rev. Steven Clevenger. Our full worship services consist of an inspirational lecture, healing meditation, and messages from the spirit world that serve to demonstrate evidence of eternal life. Please visit our Official Church Website (http://raysoflightchurch.com) for more information.

Come assist Van Buren Shelter (https://ymcacolumbus.org/locations/vanburen) staff in serving dinners and cleaning up on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Dinner for the women is 5-6 pm and for the families is 6:15-7:15 pm. There is ample free parking available in the shelter's lot. The recommended area to park is in green in the image above. There will be a new entrance for the time being. We are asking all volunteers to enter through the Donation Dock door, the orange mark on the image above. This door is located between the Single Adults and Family Shelter. You will see 2 large garage doors with a large green trash compactor in the center. Please head to the closest garage door to the building wall, with a ramp leading up. There, you will see a door with a sign stating instructions on how to enter the building. Please ring the doorbell, and a staff member will come and escort you into the building. If a staff member takes longer than 5 minutes, please call the front desk at 614-689-2020. This is a new process for us, and we do not want to keep you waiting! We appreciate your patience as we navigate this temporary change. The shelter needs a volunteer count the day before the event so sign-up ends Monday at 4:50 PM. Afterwards some of us go to the Omnipresent Atheists Weekly Meetup in progress to have a bit to eat or drink (http://www.meetup.com/omnipresentatheists/). Volunteers must be 14 or older. Since we will be working around families, the YMCA does not permit volunteering by individuals with convictions for violent or sexual crimes. The YMCA reserves the right to run background checks on volunteers. For questions, comment on this page or contact: Andrew, awhit12@yahoo.com, (614)937-5802 (cell). Please let Andrew know if you volunteer anytime other than our COUNT events so that he can count your hours toward our service record.

ASH is Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists of First Unitarian Universalists of Columbus Ohio TBD Snacks are usually available, and you are welcome to bringing something to share!

We’re still working to get more people into these Meetups, but our goal is to give PlayYourCourt members a few social tennis outings each week in addition to your practice sessions and Challenge League matches. These Meetups are co-ed, super laid back, and all skill levels are welcome. Post your skill level and a suggested court in the comments section so we can round up as many players as we can for some tennis fun! Also, if you’re looking to meet new practice partners or play some matches and you aren’t already in the PlayYourCourt Community, you can go here to see what we’re all about and sign up: https://www.playyourcourt.com/tennis-community/columbus-oh/meetup/ If you love tennis, we’d love to have you! Be sure and watch the quick video that explains how everything works. Happy hitting! - Scott

Main Library, Meeting Room 2B Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen). Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. All backgrounds are welcome.