Our theme for this year’s autumn lecture series, as you may have seen, is Inspiration: The Influences that have shaped my Life. It’s a wonderful theme to think about. I wonder what in your life have been your own sources of inspiration and helped form the values within you by which you live. At St Martin-in-the-Fields, I am always struck by the abundance of inspiring things that are all around us, if only I have the time or attention to recognise and celebrate.
Here are a few from the last few weeks. A group of Indian dancers dancing in the street outside my house, with such agility, balance and beauty. I invited them in for a glass of cold water and then on Sunday night they offered to dance for us at Sacred Space, when Jolley reflected on the meaning of a dance. It was an inspirational evening. The day before, a group of 55 from our International Group travelled to Worthing for a day by the sea. It was the weekend of the riots, but in Worthing this was a day of generous welcome. The fish and chip shop closed so it could cope with our order and just as I was going to pay, one of our international guests pressed something into my hand, ‘It’s from my first wages, towards the fish and chips.’ I thought he had given me a £10 note but when I opened my hand it was £150. Then Simon, in his wheelchair – who had spent the pandemic living in a tent on Tottenham Court Road, but is now finally, thankfully, housed – also gave me £50 to help pay. One of the ladies in the café brought a box of salad rolls to give us as she said we seemed such a ‘lovely group’. Inspirational.
I could add many more things. The sun streaming through the east window as we meditate in the morning; the school choir from Hong Kong; the love, care and hospitality at Jamie Poncia’s funeral; the kindness and dedication of so many who work here at St Martin’s or come through our doors. Inspirational. And it will be an inspirational group of speakers at our autumn lecture series. Something for everyone, so I do hope you will come: www.smitf.org/lectures.
Revd Richard Carter
