Theme to follow…
Attend either online or in person at the Newington Green Meeting House, 39a Newington Green, London, N16 9PR (fully accessible). Go here for more information and the Zoom link, and here for directions to the Meeting House.
From Adam’s recent newsletter message:
London is currently in a state of drought, having had lower than needed rainfall for ten of the last 12 months. This highlights for us the critical importance that water has in our lives. Water is one of the most important things we need for our survival. There are societies in some places in the world, particularly in the Global South, for which access to clean water means the difference between life or death. And while lack of water can be an existential threat to survival, so too can devastating storms and torrential rains that are exacerbated by changes to the world’s climate caused by warming temperatures.
Perhaps appreciating that water is such a tangible life-giving force, I’ve always been drawn to its power and its beauty. I’m energised by times of year that tend to see soaking rain showers, and I have written many sermons sitting by windows watching downpours.
In the context of the essential role that water plays in our lives, I’m planning a water ceremony service on 7th September, at the beginning of the new school year when people are back from summer excursions. If you would like, bring some water from your summer activities–either from travel or from a place you have valued near your home–or use symbolic water that we will have at the gathering. We will combine our water into one bowl and (after sterilising it!) we will use it throughout the year for various ceremonies and rituals as a tangible representation of our community.
I am looking forward to seeing you all on 7th September, and perhaps sooner!
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After the gathering on 7th September we’ll share a potluck lunch in the Mary Wollstonecraft room.
Please bring a vegetarian lunch item, and we'll have paper to note what’s vegan, gluten free, etc. It’ll be possible to reheat food in the ground floor kitchen.
We'll have our usual coffee hour sweet snacks available too.
