Sevenoaks Unitarians

11/09/2022

A week of momentous change, and the death of the Queen. A reflection today on the twists and turns of royalty in our own lives, the impact of change, and the inspiration we might take for our lives ahead. With assistance from Pericles and E B White.

A week of momentous change, and the death of the Queen. A reflection today on the twists and turns of royalty in our...

05/06/2022

This weekend sees a Jubilee celebration here in the UK, along with the ancient festivals of Shavuot and Pentecost. Each, in their own way, bring us reminders of the power of fire – a positive fire of hope, of enlightenment, of new beginnings. We reflect today on the hope for community, lit by the Jubilee Beacon, the Pillar of Fire, and the Tongues of Flame. With assistance from Luke, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, and Theresa I. Soto. The words are on the blog:

This weekend sees a Jubilee celebration here in the UK, along with the ancient festivals of Shavuot and Pentecost. Each...

02/03/2022

Today The General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches issued the following statement of solidarity with people in Ukraine:
The General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
We utterly condemn the unjustifiable attack on Ukraine and call for an immediate withdrawal of Russian forces and for an immediate ceasefire.
We urge the UK Government and devolved administrations to offer whatever humanitarian aid is possible to prevent catastrophe in the region.
Safe corridors for the passage of civilian refugees are now an urgent priority and we urge the UK Government and devolved administrations to offer safe haven and refuge to those fleeing this war.
Warfare creates terrible suffering, reinforces social inequality and causes incalculable environmental damage. We resolve to prioritise peace and peacemaking in our Unitarian worship and culture.

The General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches stands in solidarity with the people …

20/02/2022

A film for reflection. We find ourselves surrounded by storms - political, emotional and, this week in particular, physical. The raw connection to nature through Storm Eunice brings an earthy realisation of the awesome nature of the all-that-is, the Universe of which we are a part. Religious thinkers have long used the idea of the wind as a powerful representation of the Divine; we reflect today on the ways we might use our response to the physical storm to better understand our response to the many others. With assistance from Patricia Sheldon, Thomas Merton and Frithjof Schuon, 45 minutes of reflection, music and stillness.

A film from Kent Unitarians. We find ourselves surrounded by storms - political, emotional and, this week in particular, physical. The raw connection to na...

05/12/2021

An film for an Anniversary. At this time of the Jewish and Christian celebrations of Hanukkah and Advent, we reflect today on the 305th Anniversary of the Sevenoaks Meeting House - and the 18th Birthday of our eldest child. The theme of community, and the importance of conversation - sharing, listening and caring runs through, with celebration and pause for thought. With assistance from Meg Barnhouse, the Maccabees, Kathleen McTigue and Daniel Hope. 50 minutes of reflection, music and stillness.

An Anniversary Service. At this time of the Jewish and Christian celebrations of Hanukkah and Advent, we reflect today on the 305th Anniversary of the Seven...

08/11/2021

A film from the Sevenoaks Meeting House. The chill of autumn, and the mantle of death and decay, shield the hidden dance of the divine. At this time of COP26, we contemplate our role in bringing life back to our fragile earth - through personal action and through protest. Inspired by the words of Kathleen McTigue, Cliff Reed and Vanessa Rush Southern, with support from the Hebrew Bible and the Qur'an, we reflect on the truth of our religion, in supporting our actions in the world. 50 minutes of stillness, words and music.

The chill of autumn, and the mantle of death and decay, shield the hidden dance of the divine. At this time of COP26, we contemplate our role in bringing li...

05/11/2021

FUSE 2022 registration is now open - "The Pilgrimage of Life: Journeys of Spiritual Unfolding".
For booking and further details please visit https://www.ldpaunitarians.org/fuse2022

18/07/2021

A Sunday Service. We are on the threshold of the next chapter in the pandemic, yet today we are in the moment between; between the tragedy of the recent past, and the uncertainty of the coming steps. Henri Nouwen described such times as the moment between a trapeze artist letting go, and catching hold again. We reflect on the importance of this moment between, this doorway of safety and stillness, as we prepare ourselves for the tasks ahead. With help from Vanessa Rush Southern, Henri Nouwen, RS Thomas, Elijah and Meister Eckhart. 45 minutes of stillness, words and music.

A Sunday Service. We are on the threshold of the next chapter in the pandemic, yet today we are in the moment between; between the tragedy of the recent pas...

04/07/2021

A Sunday Service. Today, 04 July, is not only American Independence Day, it is also the 176th Anniversary of the day Henry David Thoreau set up his home in the woods, alongside Walden Pond. An experiment in simplicity, sufficiency and spirituality, we reflect today on the possibilities such an opportunity presents, and the lessons we might take for a monastic approach in the modern day. With help from Chris Zabriskie, Ian Adams, Elizabeth Tarbox, Henry David Thoreau, the Sisters of Nonatus House, and Ólafur Arnalds. 45 minutes of stillness, music and reflections.

A Sunday Service. Today, 04 July, is not only American Independence Day, it is also the 176th Anniversary of the day Henry David Thoreau set up his home in ...

23/05/2021

A Sunday Service. Today is Whit Sunday - Pentecost. Unitarians often shy away from this Christian story - perhaps it is just too unlikely - yet perhaps this is instead an appropriate time to explore Pentecost's message of new beginnings and acceptance of all. The world is in need of new starts, and new connections. With help from Luke, Robert Walsh and Nils Frahm, 50 minutes of reflection, stillness and music. This is a first, experimental, hybrid Service, combining live footage from our gathering this morning (our first opening this year), with recorded pieces from around the area.

A Sunday Service. Today is Whit Sunday - Pentecost. Unitarians often shy away from this Christian story - perhaps it is just too unlikely - yet perhaps thi...

02/05/2021

A Sunday Service. The draw of the coast on a Bank Holiday weekend is almost irresistible. Yet the ocean, the sea, is unpredictable, mysterious and powerful; it helps escape from terror, it provides livelihoods for thousands. A theme in religious thought for centuries, the depths and uncertainties provide food for thought on how we grapple with prayer, with unexpected problems, with making things better. We reflect today on how we might use the stories of the sea to help us with our own lives and those of others. With assistance from Vincent Van Gogh, Katie Munnik, Elizabeth Tarbox, Jonah, Matthew and Rumi. 50 minutes of reflection, stillness and music.

A Sunday Service. The draw of the coast on a Bank Holiday weekend is almost irresistible. Yet the ocean, the sea, is unpredictable, mysterious and powerful...

11/04/2021

A Sunday Service. On this Low Sunday, after the recent Spiritual highs of Equinox, Passover and Easter, we reflect on the lessons we learn from our everyday journeys through life - the everyday sacred found in our ordinary living. With assistance from Constantine Cavafy, Tom Owen-Towle, Odysseus, Cardinal Newman, Jackie Stewart and Hattie Jacques, 50 minutes of reflection, stillness and music.

A Sunday Service. On this Low Sunday, after the recent Spiritual highs of Equinox, Passover and Easter, we reflect on the lessons we learn from our everyday...