An Ideal World – 08/01/23

Musical Prelude: ‘Menuetto’ – W.A. Mozart – played by Benjie del Rosario and Peter Crockford

Opening Words: ‘This Faith’ by Heide Cottam (adapted)

Let us be a faith that gathers, reaching for one another
through the walls of indifference, even hate, that others build,
through the cages of ignorance and arrogance,
and through the fear that stalks city streets.

Let us be a faith that sees a vision of a better world:
More compassionate, more just, more holy, and with more love.

There is a faith that binds up the broken,
cauterizes battle wounds with the balm of peace,
sings longer and louder than the trumpets of war – let us be that faith, too.

Let us be the ones who do not tread lightly in this world,
but light it up with our love, and speak the truth out loud;
who hold up the mirror of worth and dignity,
who are the sanctuary others seek. But first:

Let us be a faith that worships together.
Here. This morning.
In this sacred space we co-create.
Let us be a faith. A faith in something better.

Words of Welcome and Introduction:

These opening words, based on words by UU minister Heide Cottam, welcome all those who have gathered this morning for our Sunday service. Welcome to those who have gathered in-person here at Essex Church and also to all who are joining us via Zoom from far and wide. Whether it’s your first time with us today, or you’re a regular lurker, or you’re a long-standing member here – we are glad to have you with us – this gathered community has long drawn people from far and wide. If we’ve not previously met, my name is Jane Blackall, ministry coordinator with Kensington Unitarians. Whoever you are, however you are, wherever you are, I hope you find some of what you need.

Today’s service is titled ‘An Ideal World’. We’ll be considering the power of utopian visions in making the world a better place (there are loads of great hymns on this topic so we’ve got some favourites today). This topic was suggested by Patricia who will be offering our address later on in this service.

But before we get into all that let’s take a moment to get settled. We’ve all arrived here – in this hour set apart from all others in the week – we’ve each chosen to come here this morning, to take some time out of the everyday doings of our lives, and all the stresses they might contain. And, as I often say, we make this hour sacred with our presence and intention. So let’s intentionally set aside any of that palaver that we might have come carrying. Let’s shake it off. And take a conscious breath or two.

Chalice Lighting: ‘Our Shared Hope’ by Pat Uribe-Lichty and Michael W Hennon

Let’s light our chalice flame now, as we do each week. This simple ritual connects us in solidarity with Unitarians and Unitarian Universalists the world over, and reminds us of the proud and historic progressive religious tradition of which we are a part.

(light chalice)

The chalice we light is a symbol of our faith.
It binds us together as one people:
a reminder that our strength is in our shared hope for the world,
and that our common work is the creation of Beloved Community
among ourselves and in the world.

We bind ourselves together
in the this religious community
To express our deepest
and most cherished convictions,
as they are borne by each person
to find a common vision for a better world;

To seek the life of the spirit,
as it is known by each person,
choosing with reverence its name;
And to walk together in the way of truth and love,
as it is shown to us and to all people, in word and in deed.

Hymn 198 (SyF): ‘We’ll Build a Land’

Let’s sing together now. Our first hymn is a favourite of this congregation ‘We’ll Build a Land’. It’s number 198 in the purple hymnbook and for those joining via Zoom the words will be up on screen to sing along at home. Please stand or sit as you prefer as we sing: ‘We’ll Build a Land’.

We’ll build a land where we bind up the broken.
We’ll build a land where the captives go free,
where the oil of gladness dissolves all mourning.
O, we’ll build a promised land that can be.
Come build a land where sisters and brothers,
anointed by God, may then create peace:
where justice shall roll down like waters,
and peace like an ever flowing stream.

We’ll build a land where we bring the good tidings
to all the afflicted and all those who mourn.
And we’ll give them garlands instead of ashes.
O, we’ll build a land where peace is born.
Come build a land where sisters and brothers,
anointed by God, may then create peace:
where justice shall roll down like waters,
and peace like an ever flowing stream.

We’ll be a land building up ancient cities,
raising up devastations of old;
restoring ruins of generations.
O, we’ll build a land of people so bold.
Come build a land where sisters and brothers,
anointed by God, may then create peace:
where justice shall roll down like waters,
and peace like an ever flowing stream.

Come, build a land where the mantles of praises
resound from spirits once faint and once weak;
where like oaks of righteousness stand her people.
O, come build the land, my people we seek.
Come build a land where sisters and brothers,
anointed by God, may then create peace:
where justice shall roll down like waters,
and peace like an ever flowing stream.

Candles of Joy and Concern:

Each week when we gather together, we share a simple ritual of candles of joy and concern, an opportunity to light a candle and share something that is in our heart with the community. So we’ve an opportunity now, for anyone who would like to do so, to light a candle and say a few words about what it represents. This time we’re going to go to the people in the building first, and take all of those in one go, and then I’ll call on the people on Zoom to come forward.

So I invite some of you here in person to come and light a candle and then if you wish to tell us briefly who or what you light your candle for. We’re asking people to keep their masks on for this candle lighting – please keep your masks on – if you use the hand-held microphone, get it really close to your mask, and SPEAK UP, people should be able to hear what you’re saying. I really want to emphasise this – the people at home really want to hear what you’re saying – and if you don’t hold the microphone really close they simply can’t hear you. So point it directly at your face and keep it right up against your mask and that should do the trick. Thank you.

(in person candles)

And if that’s everyone in the room we’ll go over to the people on Zoom next – you might like to switch to gallery view at this stage – just unmute yourselves when you are ready and speak out – and we should be able to hear you and see you up on the big screen here in the church.

(zoom candles)

And I’m going to light one more candle, as we often do, to represent all those joys and concerns that we hold in our hearts this day, but which we don’t feel able to speak out loud. (light candle)

Time of Prayer & Reflection: based on words by Maureen Killoran

And let’s take those joys and concerns into an extended time of prayer now.
This prayer of purpose is based on some words by Maureen Killoran.

You might first want to adjust your position for comfort, close your eyes, or soften your gaze. There might be a posture that helps you feel more prayerful. Whatever works for you. Do whatever you need to do to get into the right state of body and mind for us to pray together – to be fully present here and now, in this sacred time and space – with ourselves, with each other, and with that which is both within us and beyond us. (pause)

Spirit of Life, God of All Love, in whom we live and move and have our being,
we turn our full attention to you, the light within and without,
as we tune in to the depths of this life, and the greater wisdom
to which – and through which – we are all intimately connected.
Be with us now as we allow ourselves to drop into the
silence and stillness at the very centre of our being. (pause)

Here we are gathered – called perhaps by our sense of sacred purpose,
or duty, or the longing for community; called to be together on this day
to worship; to lift up that which is of highest worth and which directs our lives.

Here we are gathered – called to hold ourselves to our highest values –
to remind ourselves of those hopes and dreams and possibilities which,
sometimes, in the rough-and-tumble of this world, it can be hard to hold on to.

Here we are gathered – called to do our part in weaving a web of human community. (pause)

In a few quiet moments let us take some time to pray inwardly the prayers of our own hearts;
calling to mind all those souls we know to be suffering this day, whether close to home,
or in sites around the world where violence, injustice, and hardship are causing harm.
Let us pray for transformation as we hold all these sacred beings in the light of love. (pause)

Let us also pray for ourselves and our own private needs; we too are sacred beings who face our own daily struggles and opportunities, as we each muddle through life’s many ups and downs.
So let us take a few moments to reflect on our own lives, and inwardly ask for what we most need this day – comfort, courage, or guidance, perhaps – to help us face the week to come. (pause)

And let us take just a little longer to remember the good things in life and give thanks for them. Those moments in the past week where we’ve encountered kindness, beauty, pleasure, or fun.
Let us cultivate a spirit of gratitude as we recall all those moments that lifted our spirits. (pause)

Spirit of Life – God of all Love – as this time of prayer comes to a close, we offer up
our joys and concerns, our hopes and fears, our beauty and brokenness,
and we call on you for insight, healing, and renewal.

As we look forward now to the coming week,
help us to live well each day and be our best selves;
using our unique gifts in the service of love, justice and peace. Amen

Hymn (on sheet): ‘A World Transfigured’

Let’s sing together now. Our next hymn is ‘A World Transfigured’. If you’re here in-person it’s on your hymn sheet and for those joining via Zoom the words will be up on your screen to sing along at home. Please feel free to stand or sit, as you prefer, as we sing: ‘A World Transfigured’.

Wonders still the world shall witness
Never known in days of old,
Never dreamed by ancient sages,
Howsoever free and bold.
Sons and daughters shall inherit
Wondrous arts to us unknown,
When the dawn of peace its splendour
Over all the world has thrown.

They shall rule with wingèd freedom
Worlds of health and human good,
Worlds of commerce, worlds of science,
All made one and understood.
They shall know a world transfigured,
Which our eyes but dimly see;
They shall make its towns and woodlands
Beautiful from sea to sea.

For a spirit then shall move them
We but vaguely apprehend —
Aims magnificent and holy,
Making joy and labour friend.
Then shall bloom in song and fragrance
Harmony of thought and deed,
Fruits of peace and love and justice —
Where today we plant the seed.

In-Person Reading: ‘Utopia… Inspires People to Change the World’ (excerpts, adapted) by Heather Alberro (read by Juliet)

Climate breakdown, mass extinctions, and extreme inequality threaten the earth’s rich tapestry of life and leave our own fate increasingly uncertain. At a time of such social, political and ecological upheaval, it’s natural to dream of a utopian world in which these problems are no more – in fact, people have been doing it for centuries.

Such visions are often dismissed as nothing more than pointless flights of fancy, yearnings for impossibly perfect societies. But these assumptions are largely incorrect. Utopianism is the lifeblood of social change, and has already inspired countless individuals and movements to change the world for the better.

Utopia is not, as its Greek etymological roots suggest, a “no-place”. The name may derive from Thomas More’s Utopia, but it is not confined to literature depicting distant or fantastical ideal worlds.

Utopianism is in fact a philosophy that encompasses a variety of ways of thinking about or attempting to create a better society. It begins with the seemingly simple yet powerful declaration that the present is inadequate and that things can be otherwise. Present in communities, social movements, and political discourse, it critiques society and creatively projects futures free of the strangleholds of the time. Put simply, it embodies a longstanding human impulse towards self-improvement.

Utopianism is manifest in countless historical examples of those that have dared to challenge the status quo and assert that things can – and indeed, must – change. Take Martin Luther-King’s dream of a world free of racial segregation for example, or the strivings of the suffragettes for gender equality.

Now, our relationship with the natural world is humanity’s defining challenge – and utopian ideas have shifted to meet it. “Ecotopian” aspirations are already in full view in community networks attempting to create more conscious ways of living, such as the Transition Network, and Extinction Rebellion. Their radical visions have shifted the climate and ecological crises to the forefront of the political agenda. And, crucially, they have switched millions on to the idea that fundamental transformations in the way we organise and power our societies are possible.

In shattering the perceived rigidity of the present, utopianism paves the way for change. Perfect worlds may not be realisable or even desirable, but that doesn’t mean we should shy away from imagining and striving for a better future. Societies without extreme inequality and environmental degradation are surely within the bounds of possibility. Whether in the form of a creative novel, a social movement, or a political proposal, dreaming can help us get there.

Meditation: ‘Merger Poem’ by Judy Chicago

Thanks Juliet. We’re moving into a time of meditation now. I’m going to offer a few words, Judy Chicago’s ‘Merger Poem’, which was written in the 70s and speaks a bold utopian vision. Perhaps as you hear her words you’ll be inspired to ponder what your ideal world would look like. The poem will take us into a few minutes of shared silence which will end with the sound of a bell. And then we’ll hear some relaxing music from Benjie and Peter. So let’s each do what we need to do to get comfortable – adjust your position if you need to – perhaps put your feet flat on the floor to ground and steady yourself – maybe close your eyes. As we always say, the words and music are just an offering, feel free to use this time to meditate in your own way.

‘Merger Poem’ by Judy Chicago

And then all that has divided us will merge
And then compassion will be wedded to power
And then softness will come to a world that is harsh and unkind
And then both men and women will be gentle
And then both women and men will be strong
And then no person will be subject to another’s will
And then all will be rich and free and varied
And then the greed of some will give way to the needs of many
And then all will share equally in the Earth’s abundance
And then all will care for the sick and the weak and the old
And then all will nourish the young
And then all will cherish life’s creatures
And then all will live in harmony with each other and the Earth
And then everywhere will be called Eden once again.

Period of Silence and Stillness (~3 minutes) – end with a bell

Musical Interlude: ‘Aria’ – J.S.Bach – played by Benjie del Rosario and Peter Crockford

Reflection: ‘Utopia’ by Patricia Brewerton

I think my favourite word in the English language is “serendipity”. Partly because I just like the sound of it but mostly because I like the idea of making happy and unexpected discoveries by accident. Serendipity describes the way in which I found this little book. Last summer I was passing a house with a lot of rather nice-looking books outside for people to take. This book was on the top and looked like it had never been opened. Called Archipelago it is a conversation between a Swiss Art Historian and the Martinique poet-philosopher Edouard Glissant. I had heard of Glissant for the first time only recently when studying French films made in the Caribbean and so was surprised and really delighted to find this book. Although it is very small it took me a while to read it because it is packed with ideas, some rather complicated, and I needed time to ponder each one before going on to the next.

Glissant had a vision for the world, his Tout-Monde, or One World where all cultures come together, listen to one another and influence each other. He calls this vision a trembling Utopia because it goes beyond our normal way of thinking – it is transcendental. I think it is a vision which fits very well with Unitarianism.

And it got me thinking about Utopia – the idea itself. As you all probably know Sir Thomas More coined the word in the sixteenth century from two Greek words which together mean “no place”. It is the title of his account of an imaginary island, a perfect society where people share a common culture and way of life. Google yields up a surprising number of examples of communities setting up their own Utopias. The first were religious communities such as the Mennonites but they were soon followed by secularist groups. These communities set up their utopias in order to allow their members to follow their own creeds or laws. As such they are bound to exclude those who don’t share the same understanding of a perfect society. And you don’t need me to tell you that finding even two people with the same understanding of a perfect society would be quite a feat in the first place and perhaps that is why More made his Utopia an imagined place, a no place. A dream which could never be fulfilled.

In December 2019 I had a dream of, if not a perfect society, certainly a better society and okay I may have been naïve, but I was not alone. During those cold December weeks running up to the election I met and worked with many, many people young and old who shared my dream. On election day itself I met young people voting for the first time who, seeing my red rosette, gave me a thumbs up and one girl came up to tell me, her face aglow with the pleasure of casting her vote for something she believed would make the world a better place. She told me that it hadn’t taken her long to vote because she had known who she was going to vote for. So come the exit poll that night I was not alone in my disappointment and sense of despair.

But I really believe that, however people vote, we all want to be able to care for one another within the structures of our society. We all want to know that the sick will be cared for, our children will be educated, and I think I am right in thinking that everyone here would agree that no-one should choose between heating and eating. Perhaps people didn’t believe that what we had proposed would deliver a better world. Or maybe people just don’t believe a better world is possible.

Edouard Glissant is critical of utopias based on political or religious dogmas. His idea of the trembling utopia demands that we think the unthinkable, we think beyond what is considered “common-sense.”

Whilst I was writing this reflexion I paused for a while to read the essay Jane Blackall wrote for the book some of us will be focussing on in the coming weeks WHY ARE WE HERE? If she is right and our mission is to build the Beloved Community then we must have a dream, an idea of Utopia, a vision which Jane, quoting Martin Luther King, describes as a vision of the world transfigured by love and justice. The problems which we face seem overwhelming and the idea of a world transfigured by love and justice seems completely out of reach. But maybe we can believe in working for small changes which help to improve the lives of some people in the part of the world we inhabit. I am sure you all have stories of people who do just that, but I want to share just one with you.

On Monday mornings my husband, David, joins with others to prepare a lunch for anyone who needs it. Each week a man arrives on a bike with bags of groceries which he arranges into an attractive display, takes a photo, and then leaves. David has been intrigued by this, particularly as it is one of his jobs to dismantle the display and re-sort the offering ready for use. He assumed these were offerings from a local church but never got a chance to ask as he was always too busy with other tasks. But that Monday, just before Christmas, when we had all the snow the chef was late arriving so, having nothing to do, he had time to ask where the offerings came from. And it turns out they did not come from a church but from the man’s neighbours. During the pandemic when charities like this were struggling, he went down his street, knocking on neighbours’ doors and asking for donations of food and he has just continued to do this every week since then. He takes the photos to show his neighbours the fruits of their generosity. What I particularly like about this story is that he knocked on his neighbours’ door believing they would give. He didn’t know everyone in his street but just believed that they would be prepared to give.

The Beloved Community would be our utopia, our dream and we can create it bit by bit so long as we believe in it. And it really doesn’t matter that it probably won’t be created any time soon, but it does matter that we believe that it will come. In that way we can keep working towards it in whatever seemingly unimportant way we are able. And in doing so we may make happy and unexpected discoveries because life has a strange serendipity.

Hymn 191 (SyF): ‘We Have a Dream’

Thanks Patricia. It’s time for our last hymn now: ‘We Have a Dream’, based on the famous words of Martin Luther King Jr., his vision of a better world. Feel free to sit our stand as you prefer as we sing.

We have a dream: this nation will arise,
and truly live according to its creed,
that all are equal in their maker’s eyes,
and none shall suffer though another’s greed.

We have a dream that one day we shall see
a world of justice, truth and equity,
where sons of slaves and daughters of the free
will share the banquet of community.

We have a dream of deserts brought to flower,
once made infertile by oppression’s heat,
when love and truth shall end oppressive power,
and streams of righteousness and justice meet.

We have a dream: our children shall be free
from judgements based on colour or on race;
free to become whatever they may be,
of their own choosing in the light of grace.

We have a dream that truth will overcome
the fear and anger of our present day;
that black and white will share a common home,
and hand in hand will walk the pilgrim way.

We have a dream: each valley will be raised,
and every mountain, every hill brought down;
then shall creation echo perfect praise,
and share God’s glory under freedom’s crown!

Announcements:

Thanks to Ramona for tech-hosting and Hannah for co-hosting. Thanks to Benjie and Peter for playing for us. Thanks to Juliet for reading. For those of you who are at here in-person, Juliet will be serving beverages and biscuits after the service, if you want to stay and chat – thanks Juliet – and thanks Liz for greeting. There will be virtual coffee on Zoom with Hannah too so do hang around for a chat.

We have various small group activities for you to meet up. There are still spaces left for our Heart and Soul gatherings (online Sunday/Friday at 7pm) and this week’s theme is ‘Appreciation’. Coffee morning is online at 10.30am Wednesday if you want to come and set the world to rights with us.

On Wednesday evening we have the first session of our book discussion group on ‘Why Are We Here?’ – many of you will have got a free copy when we gave it away about a month ago – I still have a few spares if you want one so please just ask. We’re going to take it really slowly and just discuss one chapter at a time (and you can even just watch the talks on YouTube that the talks are based on rather than reading them if you like). Do get in touch with me to sign up and I’ll send you the link. It’ll just be an hour at 7pm this Wednesday and we’ll continue once a month until May.

Our service next Sunday will be hybrid once again and it’ll be led by on the theme of ‘Spiritual Direction’. And after next week’s service Margaret’s singing lessons are back (and free!). Details of these activities and all our events are on the back of the order of service and also in the Friday email.

Also in the email this week you’ll have seen a reminder that if you consider yourself to be a member of this congregation then we need you to confirm your membership via the Google Form ASAP. The vast majority of regulars have already done this – thank you – and if you have filled the Google Form in at any point since we launched it in the autumn then you don’t need to do it again. This is just us trying to make sure that everyone who thinks they’re a member is officially on this list ready for any voting that might be occurring on congregational and denominational matters in the months ahead.

The congregation very much has a life beyond Sunday mornings; we encourage you to keep in touch, look out for each other, and do what you can to nurture supportive connections.

I think that’s everything. Just time for our closing words and closing music now.

Benediction: based on words by Emily Richards

Our time together is at an end; our work has just begun:
The work of holding one another and this community in love.
The work of trusting that we are on the right path.
The work of believing that what connects us is stronger than what separates us.
The work of engaging in that which makes us whole.
The work of deeper understanding and commitment.
The work of letting go of that which does not serve us.
The work of radical inclusion. The work of collective liberation.
The work of this beloved community.
A beloved community of which we are all part.
A place where we are welcomed, respected, valued, cherished.
A place where we belong. Amen. Go well, and blessed be.

Closing Music: ‘What A Wonderful World’ – Weiss & Douglas – Played by Benjie del Rosario and Peter Crockford

Rev. Dr. Jane Blackall and Patricia Brewerton

8th January 2023