Sunday Service, 5 January 2025
Led by Rev. Sarah Tinker
(apologies - there is no video or audio this week due to a technical issue)
Musical Prelude: A Ukrainian Folk Melody arr. By Paul Harris (performed by Benjie del Rosario and Andrew Robinson)
Words of Welcome and Chalice Lighting:
Good morning everybody and welcome to Essex Church and to this your gathered community of Kensington Unitarians. It’s early in January in 2025, a wet winter’s day here in London. Welcome to those of you here in person and to those of you joining us online – if we’ve not met before I’m Sarah Tinker and it’s a pleasure to be with you this morning.
Those of you at home and those of you here in church – you could have decided to do something else this morning. You could be engaging in the UK’s number one pastime – shopping! We could all have headed out to the January sales, and filled our homes with yet more stuff, but instead we chose to be here, knowing perhaps that there is still much in life that money can’t buy and much in life that is priceless. Here we value community, the deliberate choosing to join together with others – understanding perhaps that together we can achieve so much more than alone.
So we’ll be spending this hour together, creating this as time in which to open ourselves to the power of transformation, to fresh insights and new ideas. Because religious community offers both comfort and challenge, the opportunity to see our lives from new perspectives and fresh points of view. A Unitarian community like ours won’t tell us what to believe or what to think but it will remind us that life is precious, that all are equal and that what we say and what we do and how we choose to live our lives can really make a difference. Let’s open ourselves to the possibility of transformation this morning as we take a moment now to allow ourselves to settle, to fully arrive in the here and now, having made the choice to be here today let’s make a connection with ourselves, with one another and with that which we hold to be divine, the god of our hearts and our understanding, that which is of greatest worth.
(silently light chalice)
May this simple chalice flame, burn brightly for us this day and remind us of world wide connections with progressive religious communities such as ours – in the foothills of the Himalayas, in Transylvania, across the northern Americas, in Uganda and Burundi – to mention some of the places where the Unitarian and Unitarian Universalist flame of justice, liberty and love is lit. May the light of this flame touch our hearts and guide our steps.
In today’s service we’re remembering the traditional story of the visit of the wise ones to the infant Jesus, known as the Feast of Epiphany. And today I’m exploring another meaning of epiphany as a moment of insight and realisation, those ‘aha moments’ where we gain new perspectives.
Hymn 39 (purple): ‘For the Splendour of Creation’
It’s through our epiphanies, our moments of unfurling awareness, that we learn and grow and develop individually and collectively – and this human creativity is celebrated in our first hymn today. It’s called ‘for the splendour of creation’, and it’s number 39 in the purple hymnbook – or you’ll find the words on your screens, Do feel free to stand, sit, sing or simply enjoy listening. The splendour of creation.
For the splendour of creation that draws us to inquire,
for the mystery of knowledge to which our hearts aspire,
for the deep and subtle beauties which delight the eye and ear,
for the discipline of logic, the struggle to be clear,
for the unexplained remainder, the puzzling and the odd:
for the joy and pain of learning, we give you thanks, O God.
For the scholars past and present whose bounty we digest,
for the teachers who inspire us to summon forth our best,
for our rivals and companions, sometimes foolish, sometimes wise,
for the human web upholding this noble enterprise,
for the common life that binds us through days that soar or plod:
for this place and for these people, we give you thanks, O God.
Candles of Joy and Concern:
Our simple ritual of candles of joy and concern, is an opportunity to share something that is in our heart with the community. We’ll hear from 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 tell us briefly who or what your lit candle is for. If you’d rather have the microphone brought to you, give me a wave and I’ll bring it over. 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’ll light one more candle, as we often do, to represent all those joys and concerns that we hold in our hearts this day, that its one light may remind us of our connections, one with another, none of us live our lives alone. (light candle)
Time of Prayer & Reflection for the Feast of Epiphany:
The Biblical narrative of the visit of the magi, the wise ones who came to visit the infant Jesus, is a story we may well have heard many times – with its gripping themes of mysterious travellers with faith enough to follow a wandering star across desert lands. Met by the tyrant Herod with his charming yet threatening words, warned in a dream that they should return home by another route. Travelling with gifts they then offered on bended knee to the Christ child – the powerful, bowing before the vulnerable. These are some of the themes of this traditional Day of the Three Kings, the Feast of Epiphany. Let’s take some of these images now into our time of reflection and prayer, finding a comfy position that readies us for inner reflection. We can align ourselves with that which we hold to be of ultimate worth, allow ourselves to deepen and soften our sense of self, knowing that we are part of something so much greater than our small selves. We are part of all that exists, living together on our planet earth home, a tiny speck in a vast universe.
And so let us pray for all that exists here on earth and beyond, that we might be guided in our life paths by intuition and inner guidance, by our own wisdom as well as the wisdom of others. May we sense our part in the greater scheme of all that is and know that we are not alone, though it is part of being human to feel alone and separate at times. Yet truly we are one.
And as one we probably know the inner tyrants in our own lives – our need to have things our own way perhaps, or our conviction that the way we see life is the only right way. Yet may we be open to far more expansive realities.
May we in the year ahead increase our deeper understanding of the tyrannical parts of human nature and align ourselves with all that allows love and trust and openness to flourish for all people.
Even as we wish one another Happy New Year, we know the reality that no year can be all happiness, no life can be 100% sweetness and light. So let us instead wish for one another the strength and companionship to deal with whatever life brings our ways, let us encourage one another’s joy, and comfort and assist one another in our sorrowful times.
And let us pray for our human community that we might work together to find healing for the issues of our world and in that spirit now in a short time of silence let each of us send our loving thoughts and prayers to people and places we feel are in need of love and concern, maybe individuals we feel concern for or places and peoples we hear of in the news, or even the parts of ourselves that are in need of tender love and care this morning ….. and may the spirit of life and love be with us all and guide our steps this day and all days that we might individually and collectively find paths of peace and fulfilment, on our shared journeys of life. amen
Hymn 60 (purple): ‘Here I Am’
Our next hymn uses the tune of a childhood song to remind us that we can achieve so much more when we help one another. Indeed our very survival depends on it. Hymn 60 (purple): ‘Here I am, all alone, can’t do this job on my own, but if you come with me, it’ll soon be done, two can do much more than one.’
Here I am, all alone,
can’t do this job on my own;
but if you come with me, it’ll soon be done –
two can do much more than one!
Here we are, just us two;
there is still so much to do,
but if you can join us, then there will be three:
we can do it – just you see!
One plus two, making three,
work together happily,
but for some things we need just a little more;
can you come and make it four?
Can you see four of us
get things done without a fuss?
But we sometimes meet things bigger than they seem;
five of us will make a team!
Watch us work, famous five,
we’re the finest five alive,
till we find some things we’re never going to lift;
two more hands will make them shift!
Counting up, now we’re six;
see what we can fetch and fix,
but there’s always room for many, many more –
seven, eight, nine, ten, or a score!
Jesus called twelve to start,
hundreds, thousands, play a part –
if the work is worth it, getting anywhere,
everyone can take a share!
Reading: ‘Unlocking Life’s Wonders: Embracing Everyday Epiphanies’ by Navjeet Singh (extract)
An everyday epiphany is like a sudden burst of clarity, a light bulb moment that brings with it a profound realization. Unlike grand revelations that might come once in a lifetime, everyday epiphanies are accessible to everyone, woven into the fabric of our daily experiences. They can occur in the most unexpected places and at the most unexpected times, turning mundane moments into extraordinary insights.
These epiphanies can range from the simple joys of appreciating a sunrise to the deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all living things. It’s about seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary, finding meaning in the seemingly insignificant, and recognizing the beauty in the commonplace.
The Power of Perspective Shifts
One of the most remarkable aspects of everyday epiphanies is their ability to trigger profound shifts in perspective. Consider the scenario of a rainy day — a common occurrence that many may view as dreary and inconvenient. However, an everyday epiphany could transform this perception, revealing the beauty in the rhythmic patter of raindrops, the refreshing scent of wet earth, and the vibrant colours that come alive in the aftermath.
These shifts in perspective have the power to alter our attitudes towards challenges, relationships, and even ourselves. What was once considered a setback can become an opportunity for growth, and what seemed like an ordinary interaction can turn into a chance to connect with others on a deeper level.
Connection and Empathy
Another remarkable aspect of everyday epiphanies is their ability to foster a sense of connection and empathy. When we open ourselves to these moments of insight, we become more attuned to the experiences of others. A simple smile from a stranger, a shared laugh with a colleague, or a quiet moment of understanding with a friend — these everyday epiphanies remind us of the shared human experience that binds us all.
Empathy, born out of these epiphanies, has the power to bridge gaps, break down barriers, and cultivate a more compassionate society. It’s a reminder that, despite our differences, we are all navigating the intricate tapestry of life, and the threads that connect us are stronger than the forces that seek to divide.
With thanks to the medium.com website, ‘a place for human stories & ideas, a space to read, write, and deepen your understanding’. This extract is from Navjeet Singh’s helpful piece, titled ‘Unlocking Life’s Wonders: Embracing Everyday Epiphanies’.
Meditation: ‘The threads that connect us in this intricate tapestry of life’
We’re moving into our time of meditation and quietness now. After a few words from me, we’ll hold a good three minutes of quiet together and that will end with a chime from our bell and lead into our music – Henry Mancini’s ‘Moon River’. So let’s find a position that works best for us now, so we can be as comfy as possible, maybe gently stretch our shoulders and ease our backs. Some people like to soften their gaze or close their eyes. You might like to drop your attention to the floor, to your feet, as a way to ease these busy minds of ours for a while. Enjoy the ebb and flow of the breath, and the sensation of touch, aware of where our bodies touch the chair or wherever we are.
And in the shared quietness we might like to consider the threads that connect us in this intricate tapestry of life, the many different threads that weave us together with all of existence, from the tiniest creatures, to the neighbours we share our streets with, to the stars that lie light years away from us – all connected, all part of one remarkable universe. Let’s enjoy the threads that connect us.
Period of Silence and Stillness (~3 minutes) – end with a bell
Interlude: ‘Moon River’ (performed by Benjie del Rosario and Andrew Robinson)
In-Person Reading: ‘Fireflies’ by James Crews
Some insights come like lightning –
blinding and fierce – while others arrive
as firefly-flashes that brighten only
an inch or so of air around them.
Yet even these can gather power
over time, like the summer night
I woke and stood at the window
to watch all that pulsing outside –
like thousands of prayers flaring up
above the houses, saying here
and here and here, as I made my way
down the stairs using only the light
of those small bodies to guide me.
In-Person Reflection: ‘Sharing Our Insights, Sharing the Light’ by Rev. Sarah Tinker
Thank you for reading that lovely poem about fireflies and insights. The poet James Crews lives in the United States. Until yesterday, I thought that fireflies didn’t live in Britain and I’m still unsure that they fly around in this country lighting up their surroundings as James Crews describes in his poem. But I thought I’d best ask if any of you have ever seen fireflies flying or know much about them? Any hands waving? Yesterday I read about fireflies and discovered that another name for them is glow worms. And glow worms I have seen – in Essex, near the Thames Estuary, in a damp little nature reserve, hidden away along a disused railway track, late one evening. Have any of you seen glow worms?
The female glow worms, at least the ones living in Essex, are like slow moving beetles, grubs almost, and their back ends shine out in the darkness to attract the males. But apparently in some parts of the world, including the US, also Bangladesh and Malaysia, at certain times of year, the air will be filled with these flying, shining little creatures. They’re quick moving, with a remarkably bright light, like those ‘aha moments’ in our own lives, those moments of epiphany, of new perspectives, our times of insight and awakening. These moments may be more like the flash of lightening, here one moment and gone the next. Or our insights may be slower, a dawning, growing awareness, akin to the glow worms of Essex that patiently shine their little lights and wait.
To truly earn the title –‘an epiphany’, I think our insights need to contain some element of wonder and surprise, an epiphany is not a predictable occurrence, nor is it always comfortable. I wonder if you have had some not so comfortable moments of epiphany in your lives? Some of my uncomfy epiphanies have been about my own foolishness or wrong-headedness in life. And I’ve been grateful to friends along the way who gently, or not so gently, have pointed out the errors of my ways. And I’ve been grateful too for those fellow human beings who’ve shared their moments of epiphany with me, their quirky realisations that bring a whole new perspective, quite small perhaps yet significant nonetheless.
The word epiphany has ancient roots, and would in days of old have referred solely to divine revelations. And perhaps we might say that some of our special times of insight seem touched by something greater than ourselves. They remind us of that bigger tapestry of life, of which we are but a small part. Listen to this prose-poem description by poet Mary Oliver of such a moment with her long-time partner, Molly Malone Cook:
‘All of a sudden she began to whistle. By all of a sudden I mean that for more than thirty years she had not whistled. It was thrilling. At first I wondered, who was in the house, what stranger? I was upstairs reading, and she was downstairs. As from the throat of a wild and cheerful bird, not caught but visiting, the sounds warbled and slid and doubled back and larked and soared.
Finally I said, Is that you? Is that you whistling? Yes, she said. I used to whistle, a long time ago. Now I see I can still whistle. And cadence after cadence she strolled through the house, whistling.
“I know her so well,” I think. I thought. Elbow and ankle. Mood and desire. Anguish and frolic. Anger too. And the devotions. And for all that, do we even begin to know each other? Who is this I’ve been living with for thirty years?
This clear, dark, lovely whistler?’
I’ve read this description many times and it always makes me tingle. Because don’t we also know that we are mysteries to one another, though we may have known one another for so many years. Yet there is always more to discover. What a marvellous way to be jolted out of our complacency in relationship, in life. What a moment of epiphany and what a gift that Mary Oliver gave us in writing about her realisation, in sharing it with us.
So what have I learned from this week of exploring what an epiphany might mean? What insights have I gained?
Firstly that it’s worth noticing and paying attention to our flashes of insight because these epiphanies, great or small, are potentially life changing gifts to us.
Secondly that when we share our insights and stories with others, we are sharing a gift with them. Our altered perspective might also have meaning for them and spark off a new way of thinking or being in them too. Passing a small light of awareness from one to another can brighten the whole world – and don’t we need that light of dawning awareness on a dark wet January day like today.
And finally, let’s all keep our sense of wonder alive, for we never quite know when we’re going to come across that metaphorical beetle, in the undergrowth or flying around, with the remarkable ability to switch its shiny bottom on and off.
And so let’s join together in our closing hymn today, which describes our journey through life.
Hymn 186 (purple): ‘We Are Travellers on a Journey’
Sarah to introduce final hymn.
We are travellers on a journey
which brought us from the sun,
when primal star exploded
and earth in orbit spun;
but now as human dwellers
upon earth-planet’s crust,
we strive for living systems
whose ways are kind and just.
We are travellers on a journey
which grows from human seed,
and through our birth and childhood
goes where life’s path may lead;
but now we are delving deeper
in quest of greater worth
and reaching unknown regions
and planets of new birth.
We are travellers on a journey
through realms of inner space
where joy and peace are planets
that circle stars of grace;
and when we find the stillness
which comes at journey’s end,
there’ll be complete refreshment,
a resting place, a friend.
Announcements:
Thank you to Benjie and Andrew for your spirit lifting music today. Thank you to Ramona and Shari for their tech support. If you’re joining us online then do stay and have a chat with Shari and one another after the service. And if you’re here in church then do stay with a drink and a catch up – chance to share some of our moments of epiphany in life and firefly experiences. And do take a free copy of the newsletter to find out more about forthcoming events this winter…
Online: ‘Heart & Soul’ Contemplative Spiritual Gathering, Sunday 5th and Friday 10th Jan, 7pm:
This week’s online gathering is on the theme of ‘Epiphanies’. We will spend 90 minutes on Zoom exploring our theme and praying together. This is a great way to get to know others on a deeper level and cultivate community. Email Jane (jane@kensington-unitarians.org.uk) to book.
In-Person: Nia Classes with Sonya, Friday 10th January from 12.30pm: Sonya is back and you can join her for Nia Dance, holistic movement for body and soul. Cost is £10 per session.
Hybrid Sunday Service In-Person and on Zoom, next Sunday - ‘Nobody’s Perfect’ by Rev. Dr. Jane Blackall. That’ll be followed by Hannah’s community yoga class 12.30 to 1.30pm. A gentle, relaxing Hatha yoga class to reduce stress and get your body moving. Breathing, accessible postures, and mindfulness. Come as you are: mats provided, no experience needed.
In-Person: ‘Heart & Soul’ Contemplative Spiritual Gathering, Wednesday 15th January, 7pm
Our in-person Heart and Soul gathering takes place on the third Wednesday of each month at 7pm. Email jane@kensington-unitarians.org.uk to let her know you'll be there. There will be cake!
In-Person Art Play / Crafternoon, Sunday 19th January, 1pm-3pm:
In January we’re going to experiment with an afternoon art-and-craft hangout – this will be very relaxed – we’ll get some art materials out to play with or you can bring your own craft project to work on in good company. If this first session proves to be popular then we may make it a regular event through 2025. Please let Jane know if you’re planning to come along to this so we know how many people to plan for.
Online: Better World Book Club: ‘How We Break’, Sunday 26th January, 7.30-8.45pm:
Our book club continues with ‘How We Break’ by Vincent Deary and we have a few copies to loan out if you’d like to join us this month. Pick up our flyer for details of our upcoming titles.
In-Person at Richmond Unitarians: PocketFUSE on ‘The Theology of Mental Health’, Sat 1st Feb
It’s about the experience of mental health, and how our Unitarian theology leads us to inclusiveness and care of those struggling in our congregations. This event is about how to support those in our congregations and how to keep them safe, healthy, and remain in the circle of fellowship.
And time now for our closing words which will be followed by a great piece of music, a jazz classic, called ‘Swinging Shepherd Blues’ by Moe Koffman
Benediction: ‘A treasure house of wonders’
Writer John O’Donohue describes our human creative processes as a treasure house of wonders within us. He writes that ‘Every heart is full of creative material. There are depths in us hungering towards the light. The deeper we attend to the soul, the more we realize what a treasure-house we have inherited.’ In the week ahead may we be people who pay attention to the insights that light up in us like fireflies on a dark evening. Let’s pay attention to those wellsprings of new perspectives lying within each and every one of us and let’s pay attention to the many sources of wonder that surround us each and every day. When our spirits sink low may we be uplifted once again by the light of life’s wonders. When our spirits fly high may we carry others with us, as we share our fresh insights and stories one with another, knowing that we are all connected in this remarkable tapestry of life, humans and glow-worms, kindred spirits all. Amen, go well all of you and blessed be.
Closing Music: ‘Swinging Shepherd Blues’ by Moe Koffman (played by Benjie del Rosrario and Andrew Robinson)
Rev. Sarah Tinker
5th January 2025