Month: October 2026

Reflection #130 (27th September 2026 at Essex Church / Kensington Unitarians)

The harvest festival is meant to be a time of thanksgiving. Once a year, we are reminded to pay special attention to our where our food comes from, and all the stars that have to align in order for even the simplest meal to turn up on our plate.

For those of us who are reasonably well-off – in global terms, at least – and I’m not making the assumption that we’re all that comfortable as I know times are tough for so many right now – but still many of us take it for granted that we can put food on the table tonight. Indeed, that we will have some choice in the matter.

Reflection #129 (20th September 2026 at Essex Church / Kensington Unitarians)

Today’s service was originally inspired by this book – ‘Unreasonable Hospitality’ by Will Guidara – which was recommended by my colleague, Rev. Stephanie Bisby. At first glance, it might seem a surprising choice of text to use as a jumping-off point for a service, as it tells the story of how a struggling New York brasserie, Eleven Madison Park, came to be awarded the title of ‘the best restaurant in the world’.

Reflection #128 (2nd August 2026 at Essex Church / Kensington Unitarians)

I have a question for you to ponder: Are you a mystic?

Mirabai Starr says that you are – we heard that in the reading from Jasmine earlier – and that view turns up quite frequently in writings on mysticism. Mysticism is not just the preserve of some kind of spiritual elite; it’s a way of being that’s available for all of us. We don’t have to go and live in a cave, or stand on one leg for 40 years, or take a vow of silence, or spin like a dervish, in order to follow a mystical path. Yes, there are all sorts of esoteric practices out there, but there are also mundane ways of being a mystic.