Borders

Sunday Service, 13 April 2025

Led by Dr. Patricia Brewerton

Musical Prelude: Chopin - Valse, Op. 64 no.1 (performed by George Ireland)  

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

Let us be a faith that gathers, reaching out for one another

through the walls of hatred and suspicion others build,

through the cages of ignorance and arrogance,

and through the fear that stalks our streets.

Let us be a faith that sees a vision of a better world:

More compassionate, more just, more holy,

and guided by a liberating Love.

There is a faith that binds up the broken,

tends battle wounds with the balm of peace,

sings longer and louder than those who would divide us –

let us be that faith, too. A faith of solidarity.

Let us be the ones who do not turn away,

but light up this world with truth and love,

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.

At this moment. Let us be a faith. (pause)

Words of Welcome and Introduction: 

These words from Heide Cottam welcome all who have gathered this morning for our Sunday service. Welcome to those who have gathered in-person at Essex Church, to all who are joining us via Zoom, and anyone watching or listening at a later date via YouTube or the podcast.  For anyone who doesn’t know me, I’m Patricia Brewerton, and I’m a member and trustee of this congregation.

This morning’s service is about “Borders”.  It seems that we cannot live without borders – between countries, communities and sometimes between ourselves.  But love knows no borders. As the words on the Order of Service say “Our minds seek boundaries that our hearts know not”.

Chalice Lighting: ‘The Chalice is a Symbol’ by Debra Faulk (adapted)

Let’s light our chalice flame now, as we do each week. It’s a moment for us to stop and take a breath, settle ourselves down, put aside any preoccupations we came in carrying. 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 this gathering is part.

(light chalice) 

A chalice lit in our midst is a symbol of our bold and progressive faith tradition.

A faith built on the foundation of freedom, reason and tolerance;

A faith sustained by acts of kindness and justice;

A faith that visions a world flourishing with equality for all her people;

A faith that demands the living out of truth and goodness;

A faith that requires thoughtfulness and mutual care;

A faith of wholeness, authenticity, and liberation.

Hymn 32 (purple): ‘We Sing the Faith’

Our first hymn this morning is number 32 in your purple books, ‘Earth was Given as a Garden’. For those joining via zoom the words will be up on screen (as they will for all hymns). Feel free to stand or sit as you prefer; let’s sing up as best we can.

Earth was given as a garden,

cradle for humanity;

tree of life and tree of knowledge

placed for our discovery.

Here was home for all your creatures

born of land and sky and sea;

all created in your image,

all to live in harmony.

Show to us again the garden

where all life flows fresh and free.

Gently guide your sons and daughters

into full maturity.

Teach us how to trust each other,

how to use for good our power,

how to touch the earth with reverence.

Then once more will Eden flower.

Bless the earth and all your children.

One creation, make us whole,

interwoven, all connected,

planet wide and inmost soul.

Holy mother, life bestowing,

bid our waste and warfare cease.

Fill us all with grace o'erflowing.

Teach us how to live in peace.

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. We’ll go to the people in the building first, then to Zoom.

So I invite some of you here in person to come and light a candle and then if you wish to tell us who or what you light your candle for – please keep it brief – be considerate of others. I’m going to ask you to come to the lectern to speak, as we want people to be able to hear 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 Douglas Taylor and Joan Chittister  

Let’s take those joys and concerns into an extended time of prayer. You might 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)

We gather today as people reaching across human differences,

Sharing our ongoing commitment to compassion and truth, together,

Despite the tragic evidence of violent conflict and needless suffering worldwide.

In this quiet moment let us cry out for the suffering of our world.

For the wars, and acts of terror, across the waters, far away from us,

and for the ripples of fear and hatred we witness much closer to home.

For brutality and corruption, violence and distrust, such waste of life.

For refugees fleeing oppression and children haunted by cruelty. (pause)

Spirit of Life, God of All Love, hear our cry,

and help us to become instruments of your love.

Let us speak in solidarity with the disempowered.

Let us devote our lives to the ways of peace and justice.

Let us join the voices of compassion

and remember our common humanity.

We ask for the grace to be our best selves,

to be merciful, patient, gracious and trusting.

We ask for the vision to be builders of the

human community rather than its destroyers.

We ask for the humility as a people to understand

the fears and hopes of other peoples.

We ask for the heart it takes to care for

all people as well as for ourselves. (pause)

In this quiet moment we lift up those places in our own lives

and in our own hearts where burdens, sorrow, and anxiety reside.

May there be peace, may there be grace, may there be the support we need. (longer pause)

In this quiet moment let us give thanks for the blessings in our own lives.

For home and family and friends, for faith and meaningful work, we give thanks.

For our ability to gather in this way as people of peace, we give thanks. (longer 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 124 (purple): ‘One More Step’

Let’s sing again now – our second hymn is number 124 in our purple books – ‘One More Step’.   

One more step, we will take one more step,

'til there is peace for us and everyone, we'll take one more step.

One more word, we will say one more word,

'til every word is heard by everyone, we'll say one more word.

One more prayer, we will say one more prayer,

'til every prayer is shared by everyone, we'll say one more prayer.

One more song, we will sing one more song,

'til every song is sung by everyone, we'll sing one more song.

Reading: Excerpt from ‘Mending Wall’ by Robert Frost

There where it is we do not need the wall:

He is all pine and I am apple orchard.

My apple trees will never get across

And eat the cones under his pines, I tell him.

He only says, “Good fences make good neighbours.”

Spring is the mischief in me, and I wonder

If I could put a notion in his head:

“Why do they make good neighbours? Isn’t it

Where there are cows? But here there are no cows.

Before I built a wall I’d ask to know

What I was walling in or walling out,

And to whom I was like to give offence.

Something there is that doesn’t love a wall.

That wants it down.  I could say “Elves” to him,

But it’s not elves exactly, and I’d rather

He said it for himself.  I see him there

Bringing a stone grasped firmly by the top

In each hand, like an old-stone savage armed.

He moves in darkness as it seems to me,

Not of woods only and the shade of trees.

He will not go behind his father’s saying,

And he likes having thought of it so well

He says again, “Good fences make good neighbours”.

Reading: ‘Something There Is That Doesn’t Love a Wall’ by Margaret Kirk

We see barriers erected between people of different lands.

We see sheets of steel and towers of concrete called ‘Protection’.

We see boundaries policed. 

Watch men, women and children running from hunger and persecution,

looking for a gap in the wall………

Something there is that doesn’t love a wall…………

We see walls of fear –

Fear of the young, fear of the stranger.

Fear of sexuality that is different, fear of the educated, fear of the poor.

Fear of the Muslim, fear of the Jew – 

Fear upon fear, endless and perpetuating.

And we offer our silent prayer that solid walls of fear will crumble to dust.

Something there is that doesn’t love a wall…………

We hear the language of separation.

The jingoistic chant, the racial slur.

Words of indifference and dismissal,

Words arranged for the purpose of exclusion,

Words that sting and taunt, 

Words that lie.

Let us find words that ring with love and truthfulness,

that reach out through the emptiness of separation.

Something there is that doesn’t love a wall…………

We see the deluded barriers of the mind protecting self.

We see relationships stripped of affection, as one person becomes closed to another.

We see people trapped in misunderstanding, old hurts re-ignited,

bricks placed higher on the wall, goodwill and trust suspended.

And we ask for boundaries that are not impenetrable, 

through which light can shine and distance be dissolved.

Something there is that doesn’t love a wall………….

And when we need these boundaries for our own well being,

Let us know them for what they are,

Use them wisely and kindly,

Recognising our own vulnerability and that of others – 

So each of us can find the space for retreat and succour,

Find that peace that passes all understanding,

and be renewed with strength and love,

for the task of living life joyfully in communion with all others.

Words for Meditation: ‘God Beyond Borders’ by Kathy Galloway

We’re moving into a time of meditation now. To take us into shared silence I’m going to share a short poem titled ‘God Beyond Borders’ by Kathy Galloway of the Iona Community. We’ll move from the spoken meditation into a few minutes of silence which will end with the sound of a bell.  And then we’ll hear some music for meditation from George. So let’s 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 yourself – maybe close your eyes. As we always say, the words are just an offering, so feel free to use this time to meditate in your own way.

God beyond borders,

we bless you for strange places

and different dreams,

for the demands and diversity

of a wider world,

for the distance

that lets us look back and re-evaluate,

for new ground

where the broken stems can take root,

grow and blossom.

We bless you

for the friendship of strangers,

the richness of other cultures,

and the painful gift of freedom.

Blessed are you,

God beyond borders.

But if we have overlooked

the exiles in our midst,

heightened their exclusion

by our indifference,

given our permission

for a climate of fear,

and tolerated a culture of violence,

Have mercy on us,

God who takes side with justice,

confront our prejudice,

stretch our narrowness,

sift out our laws and our lives

with the penetrating insight of your spirit,

until generosity is our only measure.

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

Interlude: Rodrigo - Con qué la lavaré? From Cuatro Madrigales Amatorios (performed by George Ireland)

Reading: ‘God Has No Borders’ by Rod Richards 

We humans are the line-drawers. We are the border-makers. We are the boundary-testers. We are the census-takers. We draw a line to separate this from that, so we can see clearly what each is. We create a border to define our place, so we can take care of what’s there. We test boundaries to find if they are real, if they are necessary, if they are just. We congregate within those boundaries in families and tribes and cities and countries that we call us. And we call people on the other side them.

But our minds seek boundaries that our hearts know not. The lines we draw disappear when viewed with eyes of compassion. The recognition of human kinship does not end at any border. A wiser part of us knows that the other is us, and we them.

Let justice flow like water and peace like a never-ending stream. Let compassion glow light sunlight and love like an ever-shining beam. The rain, the sunshine, the breeze, the life-giving air we breathe – they know no boundaries. Neither do our empathy, our good will, our concern for one another.

God has no borders. Love has no borders. Let us lift up the awareness of our unity as we celebrate the awesome diversity of creation on this beautiful day.

Reflection: ‘Borders’ by Dr. Patricia Brewerton  

One thing I have never ever thought about being is an astronaut. (Bet that’s a surprise) The thought of being trapped in a spacecraft for months or even hours I find terrifying, and I can hardly even bear to think of anyone leaving it to walk in space!  I am also concerned that all these adventures in space are damaging the space that we already inhabit.  So, I can see why David wasn’t sure that I would appreciate his Christmas present – this year’s Booker Prize winning novel ORBITAL.  Actually, I found it fascinating, it tells the story of six astronauts circling the earth collecting meteorological data and conducting scientific experiments.  Two Russians, an Italian, an American, a Japanese and one British, four men and two women who must share the same cramped space for nine months as they go round and round the earth, passing endlessly through day and night.  Although it is only a novel, the writer did do a lot of research before writing it, so I like to think it does describe some of what goes on in the space stations which orbit our earth.  Perhaps they really do attempt to grow cabbages and dwarf wheat. And maybe there are forty caged mice being monitored to see how much their muscles have wasted during their time in space. We humans do seem to think that we have absolute right to use other species for our own benefit.   I felt so sorry for the poor little mice clinging to the bars of their cage for days before they got used to weightlessness and allowed themselves to float around. 

The idea of the Russians having their own toilet with a sign on the door saying “Because of on-going political disputes please use your own national toilet” is both funny and sad.  Would that really happen?  I suppose it could.  But there are no loo disputes between the crew who find the whole thing amusing. In fact, there are no disputes at all.  This is probably because they are all working towards the same goals, and all depend on each other.   And they all spend time gazing back in wonder at the earth, their beautiful blue boat home.  And from so far away they can see that the only borders are those between the land and sea. They are warned before they set off “you’ll see no countries just a rolling indivisible globe which knows no possibility of separation, let alone war.”  “There are no walls or barriers – no tribes, no war or corruption”.  But of course, they know as we know that there are wars and that borders are something people will kill and die for.

People have been defining borders, building walls and fences for centuries, to keep people in or to keep people out.  Our Prime Minister has held two summits of European leaders recently.  One was to plan for a peace-keeping force to prevent Russia from re-crossing the border into Ukraine should there ever be a ceasefire there – a coalition of the willing.  The other was to prevent people fleeing war and famine from crossing our borders as they seek sanctuary in Europe – you could call that the coalition of the unwilling perhaps. 

Whatever borders we create, however many walls and fences we build in the end we all live on the same planet, we all share the same earth, sea and sky and what affects one will affect all.  There is no planet B.

And sadly, all the turmoil in the world ends up causing borders within our own communities.  Somehow, we must find a way of living together. And of course, there are places where people do come together to search for ways of understanding. I don’t know how many of you listen to SUNDAY the religious version of the Today programme.   The other Sunday there was an item about an accord signed between representatives of the Muslim and Jewish communities in this country.  First, as you would expect, the presenter interviewed the Rabbi involved in the project, but then instead of speaking to someone from the Muslim community for some reason she interviewed a member of the Royal United Services Institution.  RUSI as it is known is a defence thinktank.  And he brought the whole thing back to Gaza and war.  Again, this was a bit odd because there are Christian churches in Gaza so surely Christians should have been part of this accord as well.

But, in any case I do wonder whether starting from the position of difference is the best way to get to know and understand each other.  Doesn’t that create a border between people from the get-go?  One of the best ways of getting to know other people I have found is working with them on some project or other, like the astronauts in the novel I read.   I am sure we have all had that experience, at work or in some voluntary role.

As most of you know I am involved in politics, locally.  This inevitably involves a lot of meetings.  Last August on a very hot day I was at one of these meetings when a woman I had not met before sat opposite me.  On account of the heat, I was wearing a sleeveless frock.  She was wearing a niqab which covered her from head to toe and even her eyes were hidden behind a pair of large gold framed sunglasses.  I really could not see her at all.  She introduced herself as Waheda.  There were about 15 people there all offering suggestions, discussing plans etc. The meeting was held in a room above an arcade of dress shops and when it finally ended, I found myself walking out of the building with Waheda and together we searched for the green button that would open the gate at the end of the arcade.  We started to joke about what we would have done had we been stuck there all night – play dressing up in the glamorous gowns in those shops perhaps?  We walked together along the road for a while talking about family. I was about to go on holiday, and she said she was looking forward to her sons being old enough to take her travelling.  When we came to part company, she lowered her glasses and smiled at me with her eyes. 

As part of my endless research into Middle East politics I am reading a detailed study of Hamas by Italian historian, Paola Caridi. Something she wrote in her acknowledgements seems appropriate here.   She acknowledges that many people have helped her research for the book.  She writes “there are men and women, Israelis and Palestinians, Italians, Europeans and Americans, Arabs, Christians, Jews and Muslims.  She doesn’t wish to label any of the people she spoke to because she says, “they are individuals, with all the baggage that naturally comes along with their personal and community identities”. But all have been important to the writing of this book, all engaged in the same project.

We, too, are individuals with our own baggage and as Unitarians we come from many different faith backgrounds and some from no faith at all, but on Sundays we gather in one space with one purpose – to put aside the problems, ours or the worlds, for an hour as we share space and time together.  As we listen to each other’s joys and concerns, we learn to acknowledge and honour our differences. As we share our longing for a world of love, justice and peace we become better able to help build that beloved community. May it be so.

Hymn 198 (purple): ‘We’ll Build a Land’

Time for one last hymn, one of our favourites, number 198: ‘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.

Announcements:

Thanks to Jeannene for tech-hosting today. Thanks to ?? and ?? and ?? for reading. Thanks to George for lovely music today and Benjie for supporting our singing. Thanks to Juliet for greeting and David for doing the coffee. Please do stay for a cuppa and a chat.

On Wednesday at 7pm we’ve got our in-person ‘Heart and Soul’ online contemplative spiritual gathering – this week we’re considering ‘Travelling’ – or we’re meeting online on Friday at 7pm. Whether you’re coming in-person or online please contact Jane to book your place.   

This month’s Better World Book Club will be about ‘The Life Inside’ by Andy West and you’ve still got time to read that if you’d like to come along. That’ll be on Sunday 27th April on Zoom.

Next Sunday we’ll be back here at 11am for our Easter service and congregational lunch – have a word with Liz to let her know what food or drink you can contribute to the bring-and-share. Save the date for the 27th when we’re having our Membership Service and AGM. And even further ahead we have our next tea dance on Sunday 4th May so do plan to come along for that.

Details of all our various activities are printed on the back of the order of service, for you to take away, and also in the Friday email.  Or why not take home a copy of our newsletter?

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.

Time for our closing words and closing music now.  

Benediction: based on words by Cynthia Landrum

We leave this gathered community,

But we don’t leave our connection,

Our concerns, our care for each other.

Our service to each other, to the world,

and to the promptings of our faith, continues.

So until we are together again, friends,

Be strong, be well, be true, be loving,

and nurture Goodness wherever you go.

May it be so, for the greater good of all. Amen.

Closing Music: Sibelius - Finlandia (excerpt) (performed by George Ireland)

Dr. Patricia Brewerton

13th April 2025