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Sermon #68 (5th February 2023 at Essex Church / Kensington Unitarians)

I’ve given today’s service the title ‘Inquiring Minds’, largely as a nod to The Inquirer, our Unitarian magazine which comes out once a fortnight. We always leave a little pile of copies out in the foyer – enough for everyone – and you’re welcome to take one home for free. Or, as I’m sure the editor and the Inquirer board would like me to remind you, you can subscribe to receive it direct to your doormat or indeed view electronic copies online at inquirer.org.uk.

Sermon #63 (4th September 2022 at Essex Church / Kensington Unitarians)

It’s that time of year again. Even if you’re not personally going ‘back to school’ this week – even if nobody in your house is gearing up to return (and there’s not been a last-minute dash to buy a new school uniform) – there’s a certain back-to-school feeling that descends on most of us in September. Perhaps, like Vanessa Rush Southern in the reading Lucy gave for us earlier, you’ve been minding your own business in Tesco or WHSmith when, under the influence of a ‘Back-to-School’ display, you’ve suddenly become overcome by a pressing urge to get yourself a new pencil case or a lunch box. These rituals which mark a new school year, a new start, suggest ‘all is new and all things are possible again’.

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In 2011 I co-edited ‘Kindred Pilgrim Souls’, a collection of short reflections written by members of my congregation, and the following is my own contribution to that book, on a belief which has shaped my life (and which continues to do so).

I believe in letting myself be led by love.

Connection with other souls is the most precious thing in life – lovers, friends, companions, teachers, mentors – those people I have been intimately entangled with, those whose lives I have only briefly touched, and still others (artists, writers, broadcasters) who I have only ‘met’ through their work.

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In 2011 I co-edited ‘Kindred Pilgrim Souls’, a collection of short reflections written by members of my congregation, and the following is my own statement of belief at that time. Most of it still stands, more-or-less.

I believe… we are all one. All beings are interconnected and interdependent and so the least of our actions may have infinitely far-reaching consequences. We must always consider the effect of our deeds on others and aim to cause less harm and do more good.

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