Co-Creating Community

Sunday Service, 27 April 2025

Led by Rev. Dr. Jane Blackall

Musical Prelude: Who is My Neighbour? by Amanda Udis-Kessler (performed by Georgia Dawson and Andrew Robinson)  

Opening Words: ‘A Place of Belonging and Caring’ by Kimberlee Anne Tomczak Carlson (adapted)

It is not by chance that you arrived here today.

You have been looking for something larger than yourself.

Inside of you there is a yearning, a calling, a hope for more,

A desire for a place of belonging and caring.

Through your struggles,

someone nurtured you into being,

Instilling a belief in a shared purpose,

a common yet precious resource

That belongs to all of us when we share.

And so, you began seeking a beloved community:

A people that does not put fences around love.

A community that holds its arms open to love’s possibilities.

A heart-home to nourish your soul and share your gifts.

Welcome home; welcome to this hour of worship. (pause)

Words of Welcome and Introduction: 

These words from Kimberlee Anne Tomczak Carlson 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 Jane Blackall, and I’m minister with Kensington Unitarians.

Today we’re having our membership service, and later we’ll hold our AGM, so it’s a day to celebrate our belonging to this community and to welcome new members who have joined in the past year. So our theme this morning is ‘Co-Creating Community’ – we’ll be reflecting on our aspirations for this religious community – what is the purpose of this church we are co-creating together? And what does it require of each of us if we are to flourish, and grow, and fulfil that purpose in today’s world?

There are a few words from the Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh on the front of your order of service which might help guide us – he uses the Pali word ‘Sangha’ which refers to the religious community of practice – ‘A true Sangha is a community that practices the teaching of liberation and becomes free; a true Sangha practices the teaching of understanding and becomes more understanding; a true Sangha practices compassion and becomes more compassionate. Climbing the hill of the twenty-first century can be very joyful if we climb as a Sangha. If we support each other, we can become much stronger, and we can more easily resist the temptation of despair.’

Chalice Lighting: ‘The Fire of Commitment’ by Paul Sprecher (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) 

As we light this chalice, we rekindle the fire of commitment:

to nurture and share our beloved faith,

to reflect on, deepen, and embody our shared values,

to proclaim the Good News that all are worthy and all are welcome,

that God is Love, and none shall be left behind, as we seek true liberation for all.

May we each carry this flame, to all we encounter, letting our lives shine with its glow.

Hymn 43 (purple): ‘Gather the Spirit’

Our first hymn this morning is number 43 in your purple books: ‘Gather the Spirit’. 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.

Gather the spirit, harvest the power.

Our separate fires will kindle one flame.

Witness the mystery of this hour.

Our trials in this light appear all the same.

Gather in peace, gather in thanks.

Gather in sympathy now and then.

Gather in hope, compassion and strength.

Gather to celebrate once again.

Gather the spirit of heart and mind.

Seeds for the sowing are laid in store.

Nurtured in love and conscience refined,

with body and spirit united once more. 

Gather in peace, gather in thanks.

Gather in sympathy now and then.

Gather in hope, compassion and strength.

Gather to celebrate once again.

Gather the spirit growing in all,

drawn by the moon and fed by the sun.

Winter to spring, and summer to fall,

the chorus of life resounding as one.

Gather in peace, gather in thanks.

Gather in sympathy now and then.

Gather in hope, compassion and strength.

Gather to celebrate once again.

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 Bruce Southworth

Let’s take those joys and concerns into an extended time of prayer. This prayer is based on some words by Bruce Southworth. 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)

As we gather together in prayer this morning let us be aware of the

   varied human experience embodied in this community;

      we each go through such a mix of ups and downs.

Sometimes, life is tough, and the world bears heavily upon us;

   we struggle alone, search the depths, and long for healing,

     for renewed hope, for strength, which give their grace and peace.

Each of us here gathered carries our own private griefs and burdens.

   Sometimes we can share these, and for the open hearts

      which respond with tender care, we are grateful.

Each of us here gathered knows something of life’s blessing too.

This bright spring morning, let us give thanks for all those joys that break through.

Let us give thanks for the care and compassion of friends, family, neighbours.

Let us give thanks for the communion of all those who seek to serve others. (pause)

May we be strengthened in our efforts to be of service,

   and may we always be mindful of all the good in our lives;

      whatever privilege, success, and happiness we have been blessed with.

May our prayer be that we always see clearly

   and keep before us the commandment to care;

      striving always to be generous, inclusive, and open.

On this day and every day, may we give thanks,

   but let us also be dissatisfied with the world as it is,

      for a new world, a realm of love, is still waiting to be realised.

May our spirits and bodies be nourished and nurtured

   as we give thanks in praise of all that sustains,

     heals, and holds – all that is holy and Good. (pause) 

So 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 on the other side of the world. The world’s troubles can feel overwhelming; for now, let us focus on the causes which call most strongly to our heart, and hold these sacred beings in the light of love. (pause)

Let us also pray for ourselves; we too are sacred beings who face our own struggles and muddle

through life’s ups and downs. So let us take a few moments to reflect on our own lives, and ask for what we most need this day – maybe comfort, guidance, insight, or forgiveness – in order to flourish. Let us offer up both our sufferings and our tender hopes to the One That Holds All. (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 generosity, kindness, or pleasure.

When others have reached out to us, helped us to get by, or the world’s beauty has overflowed.

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 181 (purple): ‘Wake, Now, My Senses’

Let’s sing again now – our second hymn is number 181 in your purple books and it’s a lovely evocation of our shared mission as a church – ‘Wake, Now, My Senses’ (to the familiar tune ‘Slane’).  

Wake, now, my senses, and hear the earth call;

feel the deep power of being in all;

keep with the web of creation your vow,

giving, receiving as love shows us how.

Wake, now, my reason, reach out to the new;

join with each pilgrim who quests for the true;

honour the beauty and wisdom of time;

suffer thy limit, and praise the sublime.

Wake, now, compassion, give heed to the cry;

voices of suffering fill the wide sky;

take as your neighbour both stranger and friend,

praying and striving their hardship to end.

Wake, now, my conscience, with justice thy guide;

join with all people whose rights are denied;

take not for granted a privileged place;

God's love embraces the whole human race.

Wake, now, my vision of ministry clear;

brighten my pathway with radiance here;

mingle my calling with all who would share;

work toward a planet transformed by our care.

ONLINE Reading: ‘No Place Like Home’ by David S. Blanchard (adapted) (read by Lochlann)

This reading, by Unitarian Universalist minister David S. Blanchard, is one we return to at least once a year – often on the day of our membership service – and we make no apologies for that! It speaks to our aspirations as a church community. Blanchard writes:

If a perfect church existed (and I have it on good authority that one has yet to develop), I think it would resemble something like the perfect home – another institution that lives more in our imaginations than in practice.

There are obvious differences of course. One usually joins a family by no choice of one’s own. At home, members may receive an allowance, at church it works the other way round. At home, unlike at church, the leaders actually have some power to enforce their authority, even if it’s only because they are bigger or older. Yet we persist in speaking about being at home in church. This is what this ideal means to me.

I hope this home will be a place of shelter, a refuge from the tumult of life’s disappointments and defeats, a place of consolation and encouragement.

I hope this home will be a place of challenge, not complacency, a space where we are helped to mature and take on a wider sense of responsibility for ourselves and others.

I hope this home will be a place where we can be ourselves, unencumbered by judgements or ridicule, where we are accepted as we are, where we are, and for whom we are.

I hope this home will be a place where we might take some chances, make some leaps, knowing that there will be arms to catch us if we fall.

I hope this home will be a place of caring, where we look out for those who are most marginalised and vulnerable, and go the extra mile for those who are in need.

I hope this home will be a place of true hospitality, where we remember to ask ‘who’s not here?’, and reach out in new ways to welcome to those who are excluded. 

I hope we will know this home as a place of love, where life is made whole, where we may become engaged at the deepest levels of being alive.

If we give these hopes life among us in the community that is found here at church, then there will be no place like it, and we will know that we are home.

Words for Meditation: ‘Where Life Sends You’ by Julián Jamaica Soto (adapted)

Thanks Lochlann. We’re moving into a time of meditation now. To take us into stillness I’m going to share words from the Unitarian Universalist minister Julián Jamaica Soto. I’ve slightly adapted their piece so it fits our context a bit better. It speaks to the many ways in which each of us are called to do what we can – playing to our strengths, according to our gifts – to serve the mission of this church that we love, and help it continue to grow and thrive, for years to come. The poem will take us into a few minutes of shared silence which will end with the sound of a bell. Then we’ll hear some music for meditation. 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 – or 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.

Where is Life sending you? Here. Now.

Don’t flinch. Where will you go? Across

the street. To learn the name of your neighbour.

Across the city to get involved in dialogue, to witness

the practice of neighbours whose faith has different names,

whose community uses different words than yours.

Is Life calling you to come closer to the grief

around you? Not with words, but with empathy

and kind silence. Sometimes there is no fixing

sadness and we must instead weather it. But together

we make the journey much more possible than alone.

Where does Life send you? To coffee hour to start the brew?

To greet newcomers and engage in meaningful conversation?

To join small groups, build relationships, and accompany others of all kinds

in experiencing everything that Unitarianism can be for us, as individuals

and as people practicing together, a gathered congregation?

Go where your heart pulls you. Catch up to the insistent call,

to the thing that waits for you, the soft place where

your talent can rest and your joy bubble up.

The tasks of governance practiced with care, as much

as lighting any chalice, as crucial as singing any song.

There is somewhere you can be. There is a yes for you

from the Universe. Whether your task is to work or to heal,

to rest or to play, it is time to go, to go where Life sends you,

show up for the task that is yours, and be who you are meant to be.

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

Interlude: Open Plains by David A. Stowell (performed by Georgia Dawson and Andrew Robinson)

Reading: ‘The Blessings of Community’ by Douglas Taylor (read by Pat)

Alone in the world, I was beset with frustration and anger at the world around me – so much injustice and hatred, so little peace and freedom.  I longed to make a difference.  I struggled against powers and institutions.  But my actions seemed insignificant and my words were drowned out.

Then I came into community, a religious community of hope and love.  Here I found support and energy, vision and power, the authority of shared witness.

And together we changed the world.

Alone in the world, I was beset by sorrow and hurt in my life – so much loss and emptiness, so little hope and understanding.  I wept for the pain in my heart.  I ached from the hardships I bore.  But my tears brought little relief and my burdens grew too heavy.

Then I came into community, a religious community of hope and love.  Here I found support and compassion, wisdom and grace, and the power of shared suffering. 

And together we made life sweeter.

Alone in the world, I was beset by confusion and emptiness in my soul – so much busyness and pettiness, so little depth or connection.  I shrivelled inside from want of real spiritual bonds and my soul cried out for meaning.

Then I came into community, a religious community of hope and love.  Here I found support and encouragement, depth and diversity, and the power of sharing the journey.

And together we saved my life.

For all the varied reasons that have brought us out of loneliness and into community, we give thanks. For the blessings we each bestow on one another with our energy, compassion, and prayer, we give thanks.  For the blessings we become to others in need, we give thanks and remember that we are not alone.

Mini-Reflection: ‘Co-Creating Community’ by Rev. Dr. Jane Blackall  

Thanks Pat. It seems important, to me, that we take some time at least once a year to think about our purpose as a church – and to remind ourselves of the part we each play in fulfilling that purpose – all of us. As the Minister-with-a-capital-M I’m most often the one who’s standing up at the front, facilitating groups, or sending emails – and I’m delighted to be in a position to do so, to lead this congregation, to spend most of my waking hours thinking and writing and organising and furthering the cause of Unitarianism – but ministry is a collective effort. It has to be. I’m just one person. If the work of this church rested on my efforts alone then that would significantly limit what we can do and be. But just imagine what we might be able to create together if we harnessed more of our gifts! There is so much potential in this congregation for us to collectively dream something wonderful (or perhaps I should say even more wonderful!) into being. I’m pretty proud of what we’re doing already.

I shared that quote from Thich Nhat Hanh at the top of the service because I wanted us to begin with an explicitly religious vision of community and what we might be trying to co-create here. Although his words are rooted in his own Buddhist tradition – he uses the word ‘Sangha’ which refers to the Buddhist community of practice’ – I reckon we should be aiming for something very similar. I’ll share his words again: ‘A true Sangha is a community that practices the teaching of liberation and becomes free; a true Sangha practices the teaching of understanding and becomes more understanding; a true Sangha practices compassion and becomes more compassionate. Climbing the hill of the twenty-first century can be very joyful if we climb as a Sangha. If we support each other, we can become much stronger, and we can more easily resist the temptation of despair.’

This church has to have a purpose beyond existing for its own sake. It’s not just a place to come and sit quietly for an hour, then eat some cake (as much as I love eating cake and sitting quietly!) Thich Nhat Hanh talks of practicing liberation, understanding, compassion, and supporting each other to resist the temptation of despair – in this view the religious community exists primarily for the sake of transformation – transformation of ourselves, our ways of seeing, our ways of coping, our inner moral compass or conscience, our ways of living – and thus ultimately transformation of the world.

There’s another quote which many of you will have heard me share before – it was included in the Induction Service last year – and I bring it out on a regular basis as, for me, it’s a crucial touchstone and a reminder of what it is I think we’re doing here. The words are from Rebecca Parker, UU and United Methodist minister: ‘Congregations can be “communities of resistance” – countercultural habitations in which people learn ways to survive and thrive that can resist and sometimes even transform an unjust dominant culture… an embodied experience of covenant and commitment… which ground life in shared rituals that nourish and strengthen people spiritually, emotionally, psychologically and intellectually, providing a deep foundation for courageous and meaningful living.’

It's big stuff, I know. These are high ideals. But when we look at the state of the world around us, perhaps it might convince us of the need to help cultivate a radical alternative, a better way of being. And for me, it seems important that we join the dots between such inspiring visions of what we might be, what we might aspire to co-create as a community, and what that might require of us in practice. (I admit that at this point I kind-of hope you’re already inwardly asking yourself ‘what can I do?’)

The flourishing of this community – the fulfilment of our purpose, our mission – the possibility of realising a bold dream of what we might yet be – all of that rests on a thousand small commitments. Commitments we all make. Showing up, week in, week out, more-or-less (as near as we can manage). Keeping in touch with that sense of purpose, what it is we’re here for, and stepping up to play our part.

So I’m going to be very straightforward about suggesting a few things that each of us might do – and of course I know that lots of you are already getting stuck in and playing your part in various ways – but I don’t think it hurts to spell out some ways in which everyone can help to co-create community.

Perhaps the most important thing that each one of us can do is to build a network of connection – get to know each other – I know we’re not all naturally gregarious types – and staying behind to chat at coffee hour isn’t everybody’s cup of tea (pun sort-of intended) – but luckily we have various small groups like Heart and Soul and the Better World Book Club which are carefully structured to build deeper connection in a way that helps us get over any social awkwardness we might feel (and I know all about awkwardness). Building the relationships that are the foundation of any such community depends on regularly putting in the time and attention it takes to get to know people and care for them. And doing that over the long haul. As a side-note on this, I’d say we need to pay particular attention to newcomers to the church or our groups, and be sensitive in offering a welcome that builds connection from their very first visit, but doesn’t overwhelm them with more attention or fuss than they bargained for. It delights me when I see people actively looking out for newcomers, including them in conversation. But even the simple act of showing up is so important for this. When people come here or join one of our small groups for the first time – and just taking that first step, crossing the threshold, that is a really big deal for many people – it makes a difference if they come into a place that feels full of life, friendly, warm, full of diverse, interesting, open-hearted people. Us.

Another thing each of us might do is to talk about this community with people outside the church. I know that a lot of people are very wary about speaking of religious things – of ‘coming out’ as someone who’s part of a religious community – and I do get why you might be reluctant to do so. But I think we’re doing something important here. We’re co-creating something very special. And, to my mind, if we know we’re onto a good thing we have a responsibility to let other people know about it – to spread the word about what it means to us – if being a part of this community has changed our lives for the better then shouldn’t we give others an opportunity to experience that too? It’s hardly the kind of evangelism that threatens dire consequences for those who don’t convert, is it? We’re simply saying – we’re doing something a bit different here – and you might want to be part of it. Hardly anyone knows about Unitarianism and spreading the word could be a win-win for us all.

Some of the things that people need to do in order for this church to flourish are, frankly, not very exciting. Someone has to log in to online banking once a week to authorise payments and pay the bills. Someone has to liaise with legal advisers to sort out contracts and leases. Someone has to work on official policies and procedures to keep us compliant with best practice as a charity. And a lot of these ‘someones’ can’t be paid staff – they have to be congregation members who step up to be trustees and represent the ethos of this church and our Unitarian values – dedicated people who are sensible and reliable enough to do the tedious legwork that keeps the show on the road. People’s lives are demanding, I know, but in order for this church to continue existing we constantly need new generations to step up and take on those volunteering roles. It is scary to think about but I am all too aware of congregations which have closed down with money in the bank just because they have run out of people who are willing and able to be trustees and to perform these basic functions to go on.

That said, within this congregation, at this moment, there are plenty of things to be optimistic about. We are growing! New people are finding us and staying (at least some of them are). Our hybrid services and online groups are enabling us to reach those who wouldn’t otherwise have been able to connect with Unitarian community, and they’re also allowing us to build connections with people from other congregations in the UK, and worldwide. And that is exciting to me, because with each new person we reach, each new connection we make, that’s another chance to transform a life (and to transform our community in turn, as each new person contributes their own gifts, insights, and efforts to the cause). We are doing alright financially thanks to our building and the lettings income that largely funds our work. We have a small but dedicated band of volunteers doing many of the tasks that need to be done – greeting, making coffee, and washing up – contributing to services, taking photos, writing articles for our newsletter, helping to run our small groups and other activities – keeping in touch, sending texts or making calls, looking out for each other – so much good work.

Our Unitarian witness is so needed in this world. Our community can be a model for a better way.  So I encourage you, this morning, to ask yourself what part you are going to play in its co-creation – and as we always say – how you might use your unique gifts in the service of love, justice and peace. Amen.

Affirming Our Membership: Responsive Prayer for this Ministry

Each year in our membership service we welcome new members, and we encourage all members, old and new, to affirm their belonging and commitment to this church community. Membership isn’t about money, not here, it’s about showing your support for this congregation and what we stand for, and it's good for morale for those of us who are keeping the show on the road when people sign up. Hopefully it’s also the beginning of a journey to getting more involved in the life of the community.

So I’d like to take this opportunity to officially welcome nine – nine! – new members who have officially joined in the past year: David, Azita, Jasmine, Gabby, Derek, Michele, Andrew, Charlie, and Anna. Welcome aboard! I’m so glad that you all feel a part of this community and wanted to join us. I don’t know when we last had nine members sign up in a year! That is exceptionally good for morale. And whether you’ve only just become a member or you’ve been around for thirty years or more – and I know there are still a few of us who have been around since the 90s or possibly even longer – your commitment to this community (and the ongoing task of co-creating it together) is deeply valued.

We have a tradition of sharing in a responsive affirmation each year at our membership service. So I’m going to invite you to inwardly affirm your membership, or if you’re not a member affirm your good wishes for the work of this church, by joining in a responsive prayer for this ministry. This is the prayer that was written for the Induction Service that marked the start of this ministry, it was based on our collectively written congregational values, and the intention is that we’ll revisit it every year to remind ourselves of what we’re building together. The words are included in your order of service and they’ll also be up on screen shortly. I invite you to join in with the responses printed in bold.

Spirit of Life, God of All Love, we ask for your blessing

on this congregation and our shared ministry and mission.

Help us to flourish and thrive; empower us to fulfil our calling.

May this be a community of spiritual commitment;

somewhere we go to reconnect with what matters most in life.

Encourage us to seek your daily guidance; inspire us to pray all ways.

May this be a community of care and compassion;

a safer, softer, kinder space; a holy house of sanctuary.

Grant us the spirit of generosity in our listening and speaking.

May this be a community of authentic connection and realness

where we can show up as our true selves and share our stories.

Help us open our hearts to each other; reveal our common humanity.

May this be a community of learning, growth, and transformation;

in which we are encouraged to use and develop our own unique gifts.

Guide us toward new horizons; call us onward to greater heights and depths.

May this be a community of resistance and liberation;

a church where we speak and act for equality and justice.

Awaken in us the insight, strength, and courage to serve the greater good.

Spirit of Life, God of All Love, we commit ourselves to this shared ministry.

Bless the work of our hearts, minds, and hands in the years to come. Amen.

Hymn 42 (purple): ‘The Fire of Commitment’

Let’s sing again. Our final hymn is number 42 in your purple books: ‘The Fire of Commitment’ otherwise known as ‘From the Light of Days Remembered’. It goes at a pace! Sing up if you can.

From the light of days remembered burns a beacon bright and clear,

guiding hands and hearts and spirits into faith set free from fear.

When the fire of commitment sets our mind and soul ablaze;

when our hunger and our passion meet to call us on our way;

when we live with deep assurance of the flame that burns within,

then our promise finds fulfilment and our future can begin.

From the stories of our living rings a song both brave and free,

calling pilgrims still to witness to the life of liberty.

When the fire of commitment sets our mind and soul ablaze;

when our hunger and our passion meet to call us on our way;

when we live with deep assurance of the flame that burns within,

then our promise finds fulfilment and our future can begin.

From the dreams of youthful vision comes a new, prophetic voice,

which demands a deeper justice built by our courageous choice.

When the fire of commitment sets our mind and soul ablaze;

when our hunger and our passion meet to call us on our way;

when we live with deep assurance of the flame that burns within,

then our promise finds fulfilment and our future can begin.

Announcements:

Thanks to Ramona for tech-hosting and Lochlann for co-hosting. Thanks to Lochlann and Pat for reading. Thanks to Georgia and Andrew lovely music. Thanks to John for greeting and Pat and Anna for doing the coffee. For those of you who are here in-person – do stay behind after the service – you can get a drink and some cake before coming back into the church for our AGM at 12.30. Please hang around on Zoom if you are a member of the congregation (the AGM will be hybrid).

Tonight’s Better World Book Club is on ‘The Life Inside’ by Andy West. If you’re expecting to come to that and you haven’t already got the link do let me know. Next month we’ll be talking about ‘Reading Lessons’ by Carol Atherton and I have a few copies of that to loan out if you like.  

Friday at 7pm we’ve got our ‘Heart and Soul’ online contemplative spiritual gathering – this week we’re considering ‘Repair’ – email me if you want to join us for that and I’ll send you the link.

Next Sunday we’ll be having a special congregational service on ‘The Tasks of Life’. And don’t forget we’ve got a tea dance coming up after the service with Rachel Sparks. That’s open to all, tell your friends, should be a good do with plenty of cake. And as I’m celebrating my 50th birthday that weekend there’ll also be some easy-going social time after that – I’m intentionally not calling it a birthday party because I’m not really a party person! – it’ll just be a bit like our crafternoons – I’ll get the art materials out for anyone who wants to stay and play and eat cake until 5-ish.

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 Cliff Reed

It matters that we come together when we can,

not just for what each may gain

but for what we each may contribute

by our presence and participation.

Remind us, in our heart of hearts, that if

we want our church to be there for us,

then we must be there for our church.

And remind us that, if we want others

to be there for us in our times of need,

then we must be there for them in theirs.

So, in the week to come, as we go about our daily lives,

may we feel a sense of lasting connection to this beloved community.

And may we truly know this church as a place where we belong – our spiritual home.  Amen.

Closing Music: A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square by Manning Sherwin (performed by Georgia Dawson and Andrew Robinson)

Rev. Dr. Jane Blackall

27th April 2025