Kensington Unitarians http://www.kensington-unitarians.org.uk/ The Sunday sermon from Kensington Unitarians at Essex Church, London, UK Kensington Unitarians meet to share experiences, to learn from each other, to explore our diverse faiths, to welcome spiritual seekers and offer companionship on life's journey. Kensington Unitarians meet to share experiences, to learn from each other, to explore our diverse faiths, to welcome spiritual seekers and offer companionship on life's journey. en-us Kensington Unitarians info@kensington-unitarians.org.uk Kensington Unitarians Excerpts of a service by Tristan Prooth and Sarah Tinker: "In this service we will be focusing on the writings of Richard Dawkins and Karen Armstrong as we consider the recent debates about religion. Can we as Unitarians help in bridge building between the atheists and people of faith or is it better to avoid the conversation altogether?" From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 25th July 2010. Excerpts of a service by Tristan Prooth and Sarah Tinker: "In this service we will be focusing on the writings of Richard Dawkins and Karen Armstrong as we consider the recent debates about religion. Can we as Unitarians help in bridge building between the atheists and people of faith or is it better to avoid the conversation altogether?" From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 25th July 2010. Sun, 25 July 2010 11:00:00 GMT 21:38 Religion Spirituality Philosophy Life Unitarian Universalist UU Kensington London Kensington Unitarians Sermon by Rev Sarah Tinker: "With responsibility comes commitment. What does it mean to commit oneself to a cause or task, relationship or community and how does commitment to our faith help us in our journey through life? Some people claim that it is too easy to be a 'spiritual butterfly' in this day and age, always ready to fly off to a more tempting resource. Is this a helpful metaphor and can, and should, Essex Church try to avoid becoming a Buddleia?" From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 18th July 2010. Sermon by Rev Sarah Tinker: "With responsibility comes commitment. What does it mean to commit oneself to a cause or task, relationship or community and how does commitment to our faith help us in our journey through life? Some people claim that it is too easy to be a 'spiritual butterfly' in this day and age, always ready to fly off to a more tempting resource. Is this a helpful metaphor and can, and should, Essex Church try to avoid becoming a Buddleia?" From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 18th July 2010. Sun, 18 July 2010 11:00:00 GMT 12:57 Religion Spirituality Philosophy Life Unitarian Universalist UU Kensington London Kensington Unitarians Sermon by Rev Sarah Tinker: "With freedom comes responsibility, but what does spiritual responsibility entail? The ability to respond perhaps? And how can we hold our responsibilities lightly yet reliably? In this service we will honour, in a simple ritual, some of the responsibilities we are proud to hold." From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 11th July 2010. Sermon by Rev Sarah Tinker: "With freedom comes responsibility, but what does spiritual responsibility entail? The ability to respond perhaps? And how can we hold our responsibilities lightly yet reliably? In this service we will honour, in a simple ritual, some of the responsibilities we are proud to hold." From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 11th July 2010. Sun, 11 July 2010 11:00:00 GMT 19:28 Religion Spirituality Philosophy Life Unitarian Universalist UU Kensington London Kensington Unitarians Excerpts from a service by Sarah Tinker and Jen Hazel: "The freedoms we enjoy today were won by other people's struggles. In this service Jen will be giving us an American's perspective on the symbolism of Independence Day and we'll be exploring the gift of freedom in the world of faith." From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 4th July 2010. Excerpts from a service by Sarah Tinker and Jen Hazel: "The freedoms we enjoy today were won by other people's struggles. In this service Jen will be giving us an American's perspective on the symbolism of Independence Day and we'll be exploring the gift of freedom in the world of faith." From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 4th July 2010. Sun, 4 July 2010 11:00:00 GMT 18:51 Religion Spirituality Philosophy Life Unitarian Universalist UU Kensington London Kensington Unitarians Sermon by Sarah Tinker: "In July we will be offering an evening group in which to explore our beliefs and this service will examine the value of creating a statement of what we believe." Also features readings given by Harold Lorenzelli and Antony Bunsee. From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 27th June 2010. Sermon by Sarah Tinker: "In July we will be offering an evening group in which to explore our beliefs and this service will examine the value of creating a statement of what we believe." Also features readings given by Harold Lorenzelli and Antony Bunsee. From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 27th June 2010. Sun, 27 June 2010 11:00:00 GMT 12:34 Religion Spirituality Philosophy Life Unitarian Universalist UU Kensington London Kensington Unitarians Sermon by Sarah Tinker: "A beautiful concept yet hard to define, grace is sometimes described as a gift of the spirit. Are there times in our own lives when we have felt touched by grace? Are there ways we can live that allow us to be more receptive to such spiritual gifts?" From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 20th June 2010. Sermon by Sarah Tinker: "A beautiful concept yet hard to define, grace is sometimes described as a gift of the spirit. Are there times in our own lives when we have felt touched by grace? Are there ways we can live that allow us to be more receptive to such spiritual gifts?" From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 20th June 2010. Sun, 20 June 2010 11:00:00 GMT 12:16 Religion Spirituality Philosophy Life Unitarian Universalist UU Kensington London Kensington Unitarians Sermon by Sarah Tinker: "Today marks the start of Refugee Week and in this service we will be considering the plight facing so many people in our world as well as the great contributions that refugees continue to make to British society. The world's religions all remind us to welcome the stranger, not least because in differing circumstances we might be the outsider, seeking refuge." From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 13th June 2010. Sermon by Sarah Tinker: "Today marks the start of Refugee Week and in this service we will be considering the plight facing so many people in our world as well as the great contributions that refugees continue to make to British society. The world's religions all remind us to welcome the stranger, not least because in differing circumstances we might be the outsider, seeking refuge." From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 13th June 2010. Sun, 13 June 2010 11:00:00 GMT 15:44 Religion Spirituality Philosophy Life Unitarian Universalist UU Kensington London Kensington Unitarians Sermon by Caroline Blair: "This service was led by the chairperson of the Kensington congregation, who asks 'Is there any sense in which we can love everyone? Should we even try?'" From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 30th May 2010. Sermon by Caroline Blair: "This service was led by the chairperson of the Kensington congregation, who asks 'Is there any sense in which we can love everyone? Should we even try?'" From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 30th May 2010. Sun, 30 May 2010 11:00:00 GMT 17:44 Religion Spirituality Philosophy Life Unitarian Universalist UU Kensington London Kensington Unitarians Sermon by John Hands: "Come and join us in this exploration of ageing; celebrate wisdom and foolishness, the pain and joy of this inevitable process, the importance for society in honouring our elders." Also contains readings given by Juliet Edwards and Betty Evans. From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 23rd May 2010. Sermon by John Hands: "Come and join us in this exploration of ageing; celebrate wisdom and foolishness, the pain and joy of this inevitable process, the importance for society in honouring our elders." Also contains readings given by Juliet Edwards and Betty Evans. From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 23rd May 2010. Sun, 23 May 2010 11:00:00 GMT 10:44 Religion Spirituality Philosophy Life Unitarian Universalist UU Kensington London Kensington Unitarians Service by Rev. Sarah Tinker: "In readiness for our congregation's AGM which follows the service, and linking in with a welcome ceremony for our new members, we will be considering what spiritual strength means and how it is expressed through our oh so human vulnerabilities." From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 16th May 2010. Service by Rev. Sarah Tinker: "In readiness for our congregation's AGM which follows the service, and linking in with a welcome ceremony for our new members, we will be considering what spiritual strength means and how it is expressed through our oh so human vulnerabilities." From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 16th May 2010. Sun, 16 May 2010 11:00:00 GMT 20:27 Religion Spirituality Philosophy Life Unitarian Universalist UU Kensington London Kensington Unitarians Service by Rev. Sarah Tinker: "London's galleries are full of impressive sculptures. The Ife sculptures from Nigeria are on show at the British Museum and Henry Moore's work is displayed at the Tate Britain. What can we learn about the human condition from these magnificent three dimensional works of art?" From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 9th May 2010. Service by Rev. Sarah Tinker: "London's galleries are full of impressive sculptures. The Ife sculptures from Nigeria are on show at the British Museum and Henry Moore's work is displayed at the Tate Britain. What can we learn about the human condition from these magnificent three dimensional works of art?" From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 9th May 2010. Sun, 09 May 2010 11:00:00 GMT 10:47 Religion Spirituality Philosophy Life Unitarian Universalist UU Kensington London Kensington Unitarians Reflections and Readings from a service led by Rev. Sarah Tinker: "Today we will celebrate humanity's ability to make music and the wondrous sounds that have been created through our yearning to connect with, and express, the divine. The service will be followed by a singing workshop led by our very own Margaret Marshall who has sung so beautifully for us here at Essex Church for many years." From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 2nd May 2010. Reflections and Readings from a service led by Rev. Sarah Tinker: "Today we will celebrate humanity's ability to make music and the wondrous sounds that have been created through our yearning to connect with, and express, the divine. The service will be followed by a singing workshop led by our very own Margaret Marshall who has sung so beautifully for us here at Essex Church for many years." From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 2nd May 2010. Sun, 02 May 2010 11:00:00 GMT 17:05 Religion Spirituality Philosophy Life Unitarian Universalist UU Kensington London Kensington Unitarians Sermon by Rev. Sarah Tinker: "In November last year Karen Armstrong launched a Charter for Compassion, created by a multi-national and multi-cultural group of thinkers. They describe the Charter as "a summons to creative, practical and sustained action to meet the political, moral, religious, social and cultural problems of our time". What message might this have for our individual lives and the life of our church community?" From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 25th April 2010. Sermon by Rev. Sarah Tinker: "In November last year Karen Armstrong launched a Charter for Compassion, created by a multi-national and multi-cultural group of thinkers. They describe the Charter as "a summons to creative, practical and sustained action to meet the political, moral, religious, social and cultural problems of our time". What message might this have for our individual lives and the life of our church community?" From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 25th April 2010. Sun, 25 Apr 2010 11:00:00 GMT 10:25 Religion Spirituality Philosophy Life Unitarian Universalist UU Kensington London Kensington Unitarians Sermon by Rev. Sarah Tinker: "What does a sense of mission mean for Unitarians? We have no particular creed to offer, no single 'truth' that we believe can save our world. Yet through the pursuit of justice and through dialogues of faith we have the wherewithal to transform our lives. This service will link in with the congregational growth workshop that we are holding afterwards." Sermon and selected readings from a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 18th April 2010. Sermon by Rev. Sarah Tinker: "What does a sense of mission mean for Unitarians? We have no particular creed to offer, no single 'truth' that we believe can save our world. Yet through the pursuit of justice and through dialogues of faith we have the wherewithal to transform our lives. This service will link in with the congregational growth workshop that we are holding afterwards." Sermon and selected readings from a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 18th April 2010. Sun, 18 Apr 2010 11:00:00 GMT 20:25 Religion Spirituality Philosophy Life Unitarian Universalist UU Kensington London Kensington Unitarians Sermon by David Francis Darling: "Our very own David Darling shares his own understanding of the meaning andy mystery of Easter." From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 4th April 2010. Sermon by David Francis Darling: "Our very own David Darling shares his own understanding of the meaning and mystery of Easter." From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 4th April 2010. Sun, 04 Apr 2010 11:00:00 GMT 14:11 Religion Spirituality Philosophy Life Unitarian Universalist UU Kensington London Kensington Unitarians Sermon by Rev. Sarah Tinker: "At the start of the Easter narrative is Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. In this service we will consider the inter-twining of triumph and despair in life." From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 28th March 2010. Sermon by Rev. Sarah Tinker: "At the start of the Easter narrative is Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. In this service we will consider the inter-twining of triumph and despair in life." From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 28th March 2010. Sun, 28 Mar 2010 11:00:00 GMT 11:38 Religion Spirituality Philosophy Life Unitarian Universalist UU Kensington London Kensington Unitarians Reflections by Rev Sarah Tinker and Rev Kathryn Reynolds: "Kathryn is an Inter-faith minister and is part of the group that runs monthly Universal Spiritual Gatherings here at Essex Church. In this service we will explore the many ways we can create sacred space, both in worship and in our everyday lives." From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 14th March 2010. Reflections by Rev Sarah Tinker and Rev Kathryn Reynolds: "Kathryn is an Inter-faith minister and is part of the group that runs monthly Universal Spiritual Gatherings here at Essex Church. In this service we will explore the many ways we can create sacred space, both in worship and in our everyday lives." From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 14th March 2010. Sun, 14 Mar 2010 11:00:00 GMT 13:33 Religion Spirituality Philosophy Life Unitarian Universalist UU Kensington London Kensington Unitarians Sermon by Rev. Linda Hart: "We all have beliefs which are deeply set, ideas that we trust are true. Can we live with less black and white, and see the world with more gray? Do we want to? Linda is minister of Richmond and Putney Unitarian Church." From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 7th March 2010. Sermon by Rev. Linda Hart: "We all have beliefs which are deeply set, ideas that we trust are true. Can we live with less black and white, and see the world with more gray? Do we want to? Linda is minister of Richmond and Putney Unitarian Church." From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 7th March 2010. Sun, 7 Mar 2010 11:00:00 GMT 14:34 Religion Spirituality Philosophy Life Unitarian Universalist UU Kensington London Kensington Unitarians Sermon by Rev. Sarah Tinker: "'Sing Your Faith' is the title of the new purple hymn book and our service will be an exploration and a celebration of hymn singing. Come and find out more about the history of hymns in Christianity and other faiths as well as some of the stories behind this new collection." From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 28th February 2010. Sermon by Rev. Sarah Tinker: "'Sing Your Faith' is the title of the new purple hymn book and our service will be an exploration and a celebration of hymn singing. Come and find out more about the history of hymns in Christianity and other faiths as well as some of the stories behind this new collection." From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 28th February 2010. Sun, 28 Feb 2010 11:00:00 GMT 16:32 Religion Spirituality Philosophy Life Unitarian Universalist UU Kensington London Kensington Unitarians Sermon by Rev. Sarah Tinker: "'Heart to Heart' is the title of our next adult education programme which starts in March. It offers a simple structure to help people speak with, and listen to, one another. In this service we will focus on this sort of communication, which allows us to open our hearts to one another and to share something of our lives. Such sharing is a simple yet deep experience for us and a church community can help to provide more opportunities for this kind of communication." From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 21st February 2010. Sermon by Rev. Sarah Tinker: "'Heart to Heart' is the title of our next adult education programme which starts in March. It offers a simple structure to help people speak with, and listen to, one another. In this service we will focus on this sort of communication, which allows us to open our hearts to one another and to share something of our lives. Such sharing is a simple yet deep experience for us and a church community can help to provide more opportunities for this kind of communication." From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 21st February 2010. Sun, 21 Feb 2010 11:00:00 GMT 10:45 Religion Spirituality Philosophy Life Unitarian Universalist UU Kensington London Kensington Unitarians Sermon by Jane Blackall: "In this Valentine's Day service I will try to go beyond the usual romantic greetings card sentiments of the occasion to celebrate some aspects of love which are maybe not so glamorous... but are potentially just as transformative." This podcast also includes readings given by Carole Grace, Caroline Blair, and Michaela von Britzke. From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 14th February 2010. Sermon by Jane Blackall: "In this Valentine's Day service I will try to go beyond the usual romantic greetings card sentiments of the occasion to celebrate some aspects of love which are maybe not so glamorous... but are potentially just as transformative." This podcast also includes readings given by Carole Grace, Caroline Blair, and Michaela von Britzke. From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 14th February 2010. Sun, 14 Feb 2010 11:00:00 GMT 20.22 Religion Spirituality Philosophy Life Unitarian Universalist UU Kensington London Kensington Unitarians Reflection by Rev. Sarah Tinker: "This service is a celebration of the gift of life. How have artists throughout the ages shown their gratitude for life and how do we celebrate in our own lives? This service also included a naming ceremony for Connor and Sophie, two of Jo Ridgers' grandchildren." This podcast also includes a reading given by Jo Ridgers. From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 7th February 2010. Reflection by Rev. Sarah Tinker: "This service is a celebration of the gift of life. How have artists throughout the ages shown their gratitude for life and how do we celebrate in our own lives? This service also included a naming ceremony for Connor and Sophie, two of Jo Ridgers' grandchildren." This podcast also includes a reading given by Jo Ridgers. From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 7th February 2010. Sun, 7 Feb 2010 11:00:00 GMT 11:07 Religion Spirituality Philosophy Life Unitarian Universalist UU Kensington London Kensington Unitarians Sermon by Rev. Sarah Tinker: "The Christian festival of Candlemas has many interesting links with pagan customs and with the festival of Imbolc. In this service we will consider the message these festivals might have for us today." This podcast also includes a reading by Rev Joy Croft. From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 31st January 2010. Sermon by Rev. Sarah Tinker: "The Christian festival of Candlemas has many interesting links with pagan customs and with the festival of Imbolc. In this service we will consider the message these festivals might have for us today." This podcast also includes a reading by Rev Joy Croft. From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 31st January 2010. Sun, 31 Jan 2010 11:00:00 GMT 17:58 Religion Spirituality Philosophy Life Unitarian Universalist UU Kensington London Kensington Unitarians Readings and Prayers from a New Year service led by members of the Kensington congregation. Readings in this podcast are given by Caroline Blair, Michaela von Britzke, Juliet Edwards, Howard Hague, David Francis Darling, and Jim Blair. From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 3rd January 2010. Readings and Prayers from a New Year service led by members of the Kensington congregation. Readings in this podcast are given by Caroline Blair, Michaela von Britzke, Juliet Edwards, Howard Hague, David Francis Darling, and Jim Blair. From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 3rd January 2010. Sun, 3 Jan 2010 11:00:00 GMT 22:10 Religion Spirituality Philosophy Life Unitarian Universalist UU Kensington London Kensington Unitarians Sermon by Rev. Sarah Tinker: "In this service we will be celebrating the scheme that started on the London Underground years ago and has now spread to transport systems around the world." This podcast also includes two poems, read by Sarah Tinker, and Carole Grace. From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 27th December 2009. Sermon by Rev. Sarah Tinker: "In this service we will be celebrating the scheme that started on the London Underground years ago and has now spread to transport systems around the world." This podcast also includes two poems, read by Sarah Tinker, and Carole Grace. From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 27th December 2009. Sun, 27 Dec 2009 11:00:00 GMT 17:04 Religion Spirituality Philosophy Life Unitarian Universalist UU Kensington London Kensington Unitarians Sermon by Rev. Sarah Tinker: "Join us for a meditative approach to the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, and an important pagan festival. The service concludes with a simple ritual to bring light into some of life's darker places." From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 20th December 2009. Sermon by Rev. Sarah Tinker: "Join us for a meditative approach to the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, and an important pagan festival. The service concludes with a simple ritual to bring light into some of life's darker places." From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 20th December 2009. Sun, 20 Dec 2009 11:00:00 GMT 15:39 Religion Spirituality Philosophy Life Unitarian Universalist UU Kensington London Kensington Unitarians A selection of readings and carols from this Christmas service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 13th December 2009. The service is led by Rev. Sarah Tinker and our featured reader is Harold Lorenzelli. In case you'd like to sing along the hymn numbers are from 'Hymns for Living'. A selection of readings and carols from this Christmas service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 13th December 2009. The service is led by Rev. Sarah Tinker and our featured reader is Harold Lorenzelli. In case you'd like to sing along the hymn numbers are from 'Hymns for Living'. Sun, 13 Dec 2009 11:00:00 GMT 29:50 Religion Spirituality Philosophy Life Unitarian Universalist UU Kensington London Kensington Unitarians Reflection by Rev Sarah Tinker: "How can we best prepare ourselves at this time of year? What does Advent mean for religious liberals? What would it be like to get ready for religious and spiritual change in our lives? Just some of the questions we will be thinking about on the first Sunday in Advent. Come and light with us a literal and symbolic Advent candle." From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 29th November 2009. Reflection by Rev Sarah Tinker: "How can we best prepare ourselves at this time of year? What does Advent mean for religious liberals? What would it be like to get ready for religious and spiritual change in our lives? Just some of the questions we will be thinking about on the first Sunday in Advent. Come and light with us a literal and symbolic Advent candle." From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 29th November 2009. Sun, 29 Nov 2009 11:00:00 GMT 6:43 Religion Spirituality Philosophy Life Unitarian Universalist UU Kensington London Kensington Unitarians Sermon by Rev Sarah Tinker: "Some years ago now a list of the symptoms of inner peace appeared on the Internet. In this service we will be looking at this list and asking how best we can achieve a sense of inner peace in life, however turbulent our lives may at times feel." From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 22nd November 2009. Sermon by Rev Sarah Tinker: "Some years ago now a list of the symptoms of inner peace appeared on the Internet. In this service we will be looking at this list and asking how best we can achieve a sense of inner peace in life, however turbulent our lives may at times feel." From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 22nd November 2009. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:00:00 GMT 13:07 Religion Spirituality Philosophy Life Unitarian Universalist UU Kensington London Kensington Unitarians Sermon by Peter Teets: "Historian and member of Richmond and Putney Unitarian Church, Peter has a great interest in the history of the two world wars fought in Europe, and he shared his insights with us on Remembrance Sunday." From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 8th November 2009. Sermon by Peter Teets: "Historian and member of Richmond and Putney Unitarian Church, Peter has a great interest in the history of the two world wars fought in Europe, and he shared his insights with us on Remembrance Sunday." From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 8th November 2009. Sun, 8 Nov 2009 11:00:00 GMT 18:35 Religion Spirituality Philosophy Life Unitarian Universalist UU Kensington London Kensington Unitarians Sermon by Louisa Bird: Louisa offered these words from Patricia Montley in advance of the service: "Anthropologists tell us that ritual is a mode of behaviour exhibited by all known societies; because of this universality, it is actually a way of defining humans. We are beings who create ritual. Without it, we are less than human, condemned to the prosaic half-life of literalism. With ritual, we appreciate the poetry of the world around us and the world within us." From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 1st November 2009. Sermon by Louisa Bird: Louisa offered these words from Patricia Montley in advance of the service: "Anthropologists tell us that ritual is a mode of behaviour exhibited by all known societies; because of this universality, it is actually a way of defining humans. We are beings who create ritual. Without it, we are less than human, condemned to the prosaic half-life of literalism. With ritual, we appreciate the poetry of the world around us and the world within us." From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 1st November 2009. Sun, 1 Nov 2009 11:00:00 GMT 18:57 Religion Spirituality Philosophy Life Unitarian Universalist UU Kensington London Kensington Unitarians Sermon by Rev Sarah Tinker: "As the Unitarian General Assembly publishes a new leaflet on Unitarian views of Jesus, in this service we will look back at the growth of interest in the 'historical Jesus' in Victorian times and make space to consider our own relationship with this radical Jewish rabbi who lived 2,000 years ago." From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 25th October 2009. Sermon by Rev Sarah Tinker: "As the Unitarian General Assembly publishes a new leaflet on Unitarian views of Jesus, in this service we will look back at the growth of interest in the 'historical Jesus' in Victorian times and make space to consider our own relationship with this radical Jewish rabbi who lived 2,000 years ago." From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 25th October 2009. Sun, 25 Oct 2009 11:00:00 GMT 13:54 Religion Spirituality Philosophy Life Unitarian Universalist UU Kensington London Kensington Unitarians Sermon by Rev Sarah Tinker: "'We have it in our power to begin the world over again,' wrote the 18th century radical Thomas Paine, whose works had such an influence on revolutionary causes both in Europe and America. In this service we will celebrate the contribution made by individuals such as Paine to social and political progress and will explore his religious beliefs." From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 11th October 2009. Sermon by Rev Sarah Tinker: "'We have it in our power to begin the world over again,' wrote the 18th century radical Thomas Paine, whose works had such an influence on revolutionary causes both in Europe and America. In this service we will celebrate the contribution made by individuals such as Paine to social and political progress and will explore his religious beliefs." From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 11th October 2009. Sun, 11 Oct 2009 11:00:00 GMT 12:41 Religion Spirituality Philosophy Life Unitarian Universalist UU Kensington London Kensington Unitarians Opening words and sermon by David Francis Darling: "Our very own David Francis Darling talks about his life with Francis - Saint Francis of Assisi - on his feast day." From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 4th October 2009. Opening words and sermon by David Francis Darling: "Our very own David Francis Darling talks about his life with Francis - Saint Francis of Assisi - on his feast day." From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 4th October 2009. Sun, 4 Oct 2009 11:00:00 GMT 21:04 Religion Spirituality Philosophy Life Unitarian Universalist UU Kensington London Kensington Unitarians Reflection by Antony Bunsee and sermon by Rev Sarah Tinker: "The theme of this service is the spiritual aspects of cinema and the movie-going experience: it follows up on our recent series of 'Spirit on Screen' evenings where some of the congregation spent a few evenings watching interesting films and discussing them from a spiritual perspective." From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 27th September 2009. Reflection by Antony Bunsee and sermon by Rev Sarah Tinker: "The theme of this service is the spiritual aspects of cinema and the movie-going experience: it follows up on our recent series of 'Spirit on Screen' evenings where some of the congregation spent a few evenings watching interesting films and discussing them from a spiritual perspective." From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 27th September 2009. Sun, 27 Sep 2009 11:00:00 GMT 18:13 Religion Spirituality Philosophy Life Unitarian Universalist UU Kensington London Kensington Unitarians Sermon by Rev Sarah Tinker: "Another autumn ritual harks back to ancient times, when farming communities celebrated the safe gathering in of their harvest. Join us for our own 21st century harvest celebration in which you are invited to bring something that represents a harvest in your own life - some personal achievement, something for which you are grateful, a symbol of autumn perhaps?" From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 20th September 2009. Sermon by Rev Sarah Tinker: "Another autumn ritual harks back to ancient times, when farming communities celebrated the safe gathering in of their harvest. Join us for our own 21st century harvest celebration in which you are invited to bring something that represents a harvest in your own life - some personal achievement, something for which you are grateful, a symbol of autumn perhaps?" From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 20th September 2009. Sun, 20 Sep 2009 11:00:00 GMT 06:54 Religion Spirituality Philosophy Life Unitarian Universalist UU Kensington London Kensington Unitarians Sermon by Rev Sarah Tinker: "The centre of today's service is our yearly ritual in which we ask people to bring a little bit of water to add to a bowl that represents our community. Perhaps you will visit a holy well this summer, or swim in the sea, or simply brings us water from your home or garden. We also recognise how precious water is to all life." From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 13th September 2009. Sermon by Rev Sarah Tinker: "The centre of today's service is our yearly ritual in which we ask people to bring a little bit of water to add to a bowl that represents our community. Perhaps you will visit a holy well this summer, or swim in the sea, or simply brings us water from your home or garden. We also recognise how precious water is to all life." From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 13th September 2009. Sun, 13 Sep 2009 11:00:00 GMT 09:36 Religion Spirituality Philosophy Life Unitarian Universalist UU Kensington London Kensington Unitarians Sermon by Dan Costley: Dan, a student minister and member of Horsham Unitarians, asks "What's it all about?" From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 6th September 2009. Sermon by Dan Costley: Dan, a student minister and member of Horsham Unitarians, asks "What's it all about?" From a service at Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 6th September 2009. Sun, 6 Sep 2009 11:00:00 GMT 17:16 Religion Spirituality Philosophy Life Unitarian Universalist UU Kensington London Kensington Unitarians Sermon by Rev Sarah Tinker: "From earliest pre-history human artistic expression has often seemed to contain something of the spirit. How have people used art to express their yearnings, their beliefs, their questions, hopes and fears and how has art been used for good and ill in the service of religion?" Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 9th August 2009. Sermon by Rev Sarah Tinker: "From earliest pre-history human artistic expression has often seemed to contain something of the spirit. How have people used art to express their yearnings, their beliefs, their questions, hopes and fears and how has art been used for good and ill in the service of religion?" Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 9th August 2009. Sun, 9 Aug 2009 11:00:00 GMT 14:33 Religion Spirituality Philosophy Life Unitarian Universalist UU Kensington London Kensington Unitarians Sermon by Jane Blackall: "On living our liberal religious values and conducting ourselves in a way that creates less harm and does more good in the world." Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 2nd August 2009. Sermon by Jane Blackall: "On living our liberal religious values and conducting ourselves in a way that creates less harm and does more good in the world." Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 2nd August 2009. Sun, 2 Aug 2009 11:00:00 GMT 11:59 Religion Spirituality Philosophy Life Unitarian Universalist UU Kensington London Kensington Unitarians Sermon by Rev Sarah Tinker: "Each week we light a chalice as a symbol of our world wide Unitarian and Unitarian Universalist community. Find out more about the history of this symbol and the various meanings that it has held throughout the centuries as well as now in the present day". Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 26th July 2009. Sermon by Rev Sarah Tinker: "Each week we light a chalice as a symbol of our world wide Unitarian and Unitarian Universalist community. Find out more about the history of this symbol and the various meanings that it has held throughout the centuries as well as now in the present day". Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 26th July 2009. Sun, 26 Jul 2009 11:00:00 GMT 10:09 Religion Spirituality Philosophy Life Unitarian Universalist UU Kensington London Kensington Unitarians Sermon by Jo Ridgers: "A spiritual approach to my journey with ME/CFS and back to wellness". Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 6th July 2009. Sermon by Jo Ridgers: "A spiritual approach to my journey with ME/CFS and back to wellness". Essex Church, Home of Kensington Unitarians, on 6th July 2009. Sun, 06 Jul 2009 11:00:00 GMT 13:16 Religion Spirituality Philosophy Life Unitarian Universalist UU Kensington London