Long Walk... Part of Gift Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Society, Madison, CT The Rev. Jeanne Lloyd August 21, 2016
|
|
- Briana Cooper
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Society, Madison, CT The Rev. Jeanne Lloyd August 21, 2016 One more step, we will take one more step, till there is peace for us and everyone, we ll take one more step... SLT 168 Gathering Music Sonata, K. 311, Andante Grazioso, Mozart Carol Wright Bell Welcome and Announcements Jennifer Swenson, Pres., Board of Trustees Prelude Invention in G major, Bach Carol Wright Opening Words The Need To Be Still by Robert T. Weston, Seasons of the Soul, Each and all of us, whatever we be, must come to the time when we need to be still. There comes a time when we must know the need to go apart and meditate, to seek the meanings of our lives, to reconsider the purposes we have accepted, and to establish peace within ourselves. The world presses on us too insistently; the appetites too imperiously demand of us, and we forget, to be real persons in ourselves. May this moment be one of redemption, of renewal of faith in life and the living of it; May the disciplines of humility and courage be strengthened from this time. May it bring a re-discovery of the self and a lifting of the heart with a sense of newness from that discovery: new courage, fresh vigor, and a deeper thoughtfulness for the living of life from this day. Chalice Lighting Chalice Lighter Jere Armen #*Opening Hymn SLT #168 One More Step 1 Montgomery, Kathleen, Ed. Day of Promise, Collected Meditations, Vol 1. (Boston: Skinner House Books, 2001) 4.
2 Page 2 of 7 Sharing of Our Joys and Sorrows And, now, if you woke this morning with a sorrow so heavy that you need the help of this community to carry it; or if, in the spirit of thankfulness, you woke with gratitude in your heart that simply must be shared, now is the time for you to speak. Please wait for the microphone so that all will be able to hear. PAUSE Prayer for Those Gathered in Worship by Barbara Pescan (Morning Watch, 1999) 2 Find the silence among these people and listen to it all breathing, sighs, movement, holding back. Hear the tears that have not yet reached their eyes, perhaps they are your own. Hear also the laughter building deep where joy abides, despite everything. Listen [and] rejoice... in the power of being together. Musical Meditation Arabesque no. 1, Debussy Carol Wright *Hymn SLT #131 Love Will Guide Us Offertory Words Offering and Offertory Music Sonata, K. 311, Rondo, Mozart Jennifer Swenson Carol Wright Reading Long Walk... Part of Gift I want to share with you a story by David Blanchard 3 about a young boy in California and his teacher. You see, he had come to love his teacher very much. It wasn t just that he had learned so much from her, but that in her way of being with him, he had learned patience, and fairness, and how to laugh, and how to love. So, too, she loved him. She was proud of all he had accomplished, but more than that, when she was with him, she felt a trusting admiration that was priceless. She had been careful to do nothing that would violate his trust. 2 Montgomery, Kathleen, Ed. Day of Promise, Collected Meditations, Vol 1. (Boston: Skinner House Books, 2001) Adapted from How We Are Called: A Meditation Anthology, 2003 Skinner House
3 Page 3 of 7 But, her mother was ill, and she needed to return home to New England. She would be saying good-bye to him to all the children that she had helped grow. She didn t want to say good-bye. Though she tried to hide it, the boy was somehow wise enough to know she was sad about leaving, and he wanted to comfort her, even though he had no money and his options were few. He wanted to give her something that would remind her how much she would be missed, and how much she would still be loved. He thought and he thought, and he knew that the best gift would be one of the heart, not one from a store. There was something special that he could just pick up off the beach, and it would cost nothing... but the beach was miles and miles away. His family had no car. He had no bike. He had no friends that could take him there. The day before his teacher left, he asked to see her. When they met, he gave her the most beautiful, huge, glistening seashell that either one of them had ever seen. She asked, Where did you find such a shell? He said, There is only one spot where such special shells can be found... a beautiful bay many miles away. The teacher was speechless. She knew that bay. She said, Why... why, it s gorgeous... wonderful, but you shouldn t have gone all that way to get a gift for me. And, this wise child, with eyes bright with love, said, Long walk... part of gift. Bell tone Reflection Long walk... part of gift. And, so we begin the long walk. But, it isn t as though we are starting the walk that we affectionately call SUUS, fresh, for the first time now. As though, there is a start line, right here, and behind the start line, nothing existed, with only the future ahead of us, and no past. No... we each come to this shared start line, having already been on our own individual journeys across hill and dale, through many blessings and challenges in our separate lives, and in the lives shared with each other. Imagine a people coming from many places, all the way from Old Saybrook to Milford, from Branford to Killingworth, each coming at their own pace, in their own way, with their own stories, needs, expectations, and desire to give of themselves to each other and to this religious community. And, I? My husband and I also come from a different direction, similar but not identical, also from across hills and dales, across rivers, through towns, each of us having had different life experiences, each of us rooted in this faith, each coming with our own
4 Page 4 of 7 stories, needs, expectations and desire to give this portion of our lives to our new religious home, Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Society. Each of us comes separately, from our myriad of ways, and now, and now, our journeys join. Now the stream of paths coming home to SUUS, join. Now, we become the greater sum of the parts. Now we become a community that never existed in quite this way before. Now we stand on the threshold of tomorrow together, peering into the future, trying to imagine what we will become together, trying to create a SUUS that lives even more deeply and more broadly than it has done before. We peer into the crystal ball, and see our own faces reflected back, showing our eagerness, excitement, enthusiasm, and growing affection each other. Long walk... part of gift. Your long walk to this moment. My long walk to this moment. I want to name the obvious, and name it clearly. Your presence here today, and every day for the many years before this moment, has been a gift of love to this congregation. Your living in and living through the hard and good times here, is a precious gift all too rare in this world. Your long walk represents a gift of great enormity, because for each of you, there is contained within the gift, sacrifice no one else knows; moments of love and challenge, tears and beauty, loss and wholeness. Your long walk contributes to the whole and health of this congregation. And, you are here. Still. Loved, valued, and prized for exactly who it is that you are today, and also for who you will be tomorrow. This is what we do, what we strive for. We try to expand our hearts in the face of challenge, to offer love in moments of hurt, to strive for justice when injustice abounds, linking hearts and hands and arms with those who have walked too long unseen. Yes, we are hard to describe, and hard to categorize, but at our best moments, we are those who defy hate by expanding our hearts to love one another and those we do not know. And, me? I join you on this journey, a little surprised to be here! Though I ve had a crush on you for years, I truly never thought I d be standing here as your called minister. As this congregation (you) moved through the milestones of your life together here, I watched and listened. I noticed how you handled things, and I noticed your growing pains. I also noticed and continue to notice the many things you do well. This congregation has a certain strength of character, no doubt reflective of members past and present. It does not falter at taking on whatever challenges must be addressed to assure its health and that it continues to thrive. Mostly, I notice your good humor, your tenderness with one another, your willingness to discuss difficult topics, your commitment to being not just individual people of integrity, but a community. A whole community of moral authority that stands for compassion, justice and reason, in the face of all that seeks to divide people from one another. That is who we strive to be,
5 Page 5 of 7 that is who we will be as we begin the work we are now called to do together, joined as one, moving forward into a future we can only dimly see now. That s the long walk, and that s the gift we give of our lives to one another, that s the gift I now give of the future years of my life to you. PAUSE This summer, while we were waiting to join our lives with one another, waiting to have that opportunity to begin afresh, together, anew, it seemed at times as though civilization as we knew it was falling apart. This year, the summer living has not been easy, if ever it was. It has been an emotionally reactive summer, defying reason, where innocent people trying to live their lives or do their jobs the best they could, became the fodder of corrupt systems. It has been a hard political season, too, where at times, it has seemed that leaders have lost their moral compass, if they ever had one. One day, I remember feeling despair, after another death, when my own voice rose up from some place deep inside me, at the same time as so many others, to say enough. Enough of the insanity of our times, enough of the violence, enough of the legitimizing of those who do not understand kindness AND civility. Enough. PAUSE I could not wait to join you. Because amidst all the madness, there was a place, and oasis of sanity. A place I would soon call home, a community where my values would be valued, where each person s strengths and growing edges would be appreciated, and where kindness even in the midst of disagreement, is normal. That is who we strive to be, even if we sometimes miss the mark. It is in the striving that we become. Now, if there is a guest here today, visiting for the first time, you might think, Wow, she s making a lot of assumptions, about a place she doesn t really know yet! And, to them, I would ask, how often in the world have you seen, a community of people agree, in writing, before disagreement occurs about the ways they will try to be with one another, in the good and hard times? In this place, where our members hold so many different spiritual, religious, and philosophical identities; in this place of free religion, where there is no one dogma that commands how we will be with one another; in this place, you have voted on and put in writing a jointly held covenant of the heart and mind, that no matter what, we will: Act with good will and assume good intentions of one another Listen deeply and appreciatively to one another Speak with care and loving kindness
6 Page 6 of 7 Be willing to be changed Stay in relationship even in disagreement... Participate in our democratic process Take concerns to the appropriate people, not others Respect one another s roles, so that we can fulfill our mission and serve the greater good Enrich the community by freely sharing our strengths, talents and resources And, here s the most remarkable commitment you ve made to each other! To, continue to support each other even when we fall short of our covenant to one another, even when we make mistakes, and, then to help each other to come back into relationship. This congregation, these people, you, made these commitments to one another. It is not a contract, it is a promise of the heart and mind, it is a willingness to listen and to be changed by others, and, it is, my friends, a way of being for which our world aches. Will we make mistakes? Are we human? Of course, we will. Occasionally, I will zig when someone zags. Occasionally, our capacity to listen well, will be diminished by the stresses and strains of personal or congregational life. All that is true, but what our saving grace will be, is this: that if we aim to be true to our principles and highest aspirations, we will forgive each other and ourselves, and then, and then, begin again with love. For, we are the creators and the keepers of our core belief that all people are redeemable and all people are worthy of our extra effort to try just a little harder, to listen just a bit deeper, when a slight occurs. Here we affirm the value of life, and the importance of striving together to live up to our fullest human and spiritual potential. Our job, now, is to start this journey together, not knowing where the road will lead, but knowing, believing, trusting, that by our actions and care for one another we will provide for the health and wholeness of this community, and we will thereby, together, bring health and wholeness to this world. Long walk... with each other... and in the world... is our gift to one another... and humanity. May it be so. *Closing Hymn STJ #1028 Fire of Commitment Closing Words
7 Long Walk... Part of Gift Page 7 of 7 We extinguish this flame but not the light of truth, warmth of community, or fire of commitment. We extinguish this flame but not the power and meaning of our covenant calling us to our highest aspirations and ways of being with each other. These we hold in our hearts until we are together again. So may it be. Extinguishing the Chalice Closing Music Sonata, K. 311, Allegro, Mozart Chalice Lighter Jere Armen Carol Wright Rev. Jeanne Lloyd was unanimously called by this congregation to be its settled minister on May 1, Today is her first day, preaching at SUUS, in her new role. holds an M.Div. in ministry from Meadville Lombard Theological School (UU), an M.A. degree in Clinical Psychology from Radford College, and a B.S. in Experimental Psychology from VA Tech. Her community ministries have included work in the areas of disability, mental health, racism and other forms of oppression. She has previously served the Unitarian Universalist congregations of West Hartford, CT; Hartford, CT; Manchester, CT; Greenfield, MA; Woodbury, CT, as well as the UUA Clara Barton District as its justice intern. She is delighted to be joining SUUS and is looking forward to the deep fulfillment of our shared ministries. * Please stand as you are able and comfortable. # Latecomers may be seated. Welcome to our visitors and to Rev. Jeanne Lloyd! After this morning s service, please join us for a Welcome Reception as we rejoice in the arrival of downstairs in the Coffee Room.
Long Walk, Part of Gift, Revisited 1 Commitment Sunday Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Society, Madison, CT The Rev. Jeanne Lloyd March 3, 2019
Sounding of the Gong 1 Commitment Sunday Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Society, Madison, CT The Rev. Jeanne Lloyd March 3, 2019 Gathering Music Op. 118, No. 2, Brahms Nick Stanford, Pianist #Welcome
More informationThe American Dream. What Next? Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Society, Madison, CT The Rev. Jeanne Lloyd November 13, 2016
Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Society, Madison, CT The Rev. Jeanne Lloyd November 13, 2016 Spirit of Life... Come Unto Me. ~ Carolyn McDade Gathering Music Into the Realm by Kevin Kern Olga Kalinina
More informationA Rose by Any Other Name Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Society, Madison, CT The Rev. Jeanne Lloyd July 15, 2018
Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Society, Madison, CT The Rev. Jeanne Lloyd July 15, 2018 Minister s Announcement: As we join one another in community, let us listen quietly to our gathering music as it
More informationWorship Committee Guidelines
May Memorial Unitarian Universalist Society December, 2014 Worship Committee Guidelines On Sunday mornings, our community gathers together for worship services that honor our reverence for life. What happens
More informationThe Fury of the Dove Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Society, Madison, CT The Rev. Jeanne Lloyd January 15, 2017
Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Society, Madison, CT The Rev. Jeanne Lloyd January 15, 2017 As we enter this sacred space together in fellowship and holiness, please turn off your electronic devices and
More informationTime s A Wastin : A Sermon about Our Shared Calling Rev. Jan K. Nielsen The Unitarian Universalist Church of Little Rock September 25, 2016
Time s A Wastin : A Sermon about Our Shared Calling Rev. Jan K. Nielsen The Unitarian Universalist Church of Little Rock September 25, 2016 If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we
More informationPOSITIVE RITES. Celebrating the Lord s Supper with people living with HIV
POSITIVE RITES Celebrating the Lord s Supper with people living with HIV Some Christian communities have a formal celebration of the Lord s Supper. This is often referred to as the Eucharist, Holy Communion
More informationRELIGIOUS SERVICES COMMITTEE POLICY/ MISSION STATEMENT Adopted September 2014
RELIGIOUS SERVICES COMMITTEE POLICY/ MISSION STATEMENT Adopted September 2014 The Religious Services Committee plans and coordinates Sunday services. Trained service leadership provides continuity, competence,
More informationThe Ties That Bind. June 23, 2013
The Ties That Bind June 23, 2013 I This past week, thousands of Unitarian Universalists from hundreds of Unitarian Universalist congregations across North America gathered together in Louisville, Kentucky
More informationOctober 5, 2014 I ve known the song Spirit of Life,
A Renewal of Faith Rev. Dr. Matthew Johnson October 5, 2014 I ve known the song Spirit of Life, by heart, for longer than I can remember. Spirit of life, come unto me. Sing in my heart all the stirrings
More informationThe Mystic Way. Rev. Tim Temerson & Wendy Bartlett. UU Church of Akron. December 7, Practical Mysticism. By Wendy Bartlett
The Mystic Way Rev. Tim Temerson & Wendy Bartlett UU Church of Akron December 7, 2014 Practical Mysticism By Wendy Bartlett I seek out a connectedness in my spiritual life every day. It s something that
More informationSacred Space: A Resource for Small-group Ministry
Sacred Space: A Resource for Small-group Ministry Year C Sixth Sunday after Epiphany Scripture: Luke 6:17 26 NRSV Gathering Welcome Prayer for Peace Ring a bell or chime three times slowly. Light the peace
More informationWorship? What s That???
Worship? What s That??? a Sermonic Travelogue by Rev. Brian J. Kiely assisted by Beth Jenkins and Bonnie Kyle. October 24, 2010 Unitarian Church of Edmonton Preamble- Brian: This morning s service is about
More informationSmall Group Ministry Guide For
1 Small Group Ministry Guide For From Zip Lines to Hosaphones: Dispatches from the Search for Truth and Meaning by Jane Ranney Rzepka (Skinner House Books, 2011) Created by Laurel Hallman Jane Rzepka says
More informationWelcome and Lighting of the Chalice
Rev. Susanne Intriligator August 14, 2016 Summer worship Worship Theme: Invitation Hospitality As a Spiritual Practice Prelude Welcome and Lighting of the Chalice "Welcome in to open arms, every soul and
More informationFamily Prayers: A Sampler
Family Prayers: A Sampler Irene Praeger, Editor Chalice or Candle Lightings Flaming chalice, burning bright, now you share with us your light. May we always learn to share With all people everywhere. EVA
More informationGrowing Pains by Rev. Meghan Cefalu April 6, 2008 UUCM In my other life when I was studying to become a psychologist I came across a questionnaire
Growing Pains by Rev. Meghan Cefalu April 6, 2008 UUCM In my other life when I was studying to become a psychologist I came across a questionnaire that is used in quantitatively assessing the amount of
More informationNew Beginnings Mattatuck Unitarian Universalist Society, Woodbury, CT The Rev. Jeanne Lloyd, Settled Minister January 4, 2015
Mattatuck Unitarian Universalist Society, Woodbury, CT The Rev. Jeanne Lloyd, Settled Minister January 4, 2015 When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy. Rumi SOUNDING THE
More informationBlessing May God bless us, Father, Son, and Spirit; may we always love and serve, filled with God s peace. Amen.
Weekly Prayer SS. John and Paul Parish encourages a whole community approach to catechesis, and, where possible, a focus on the Sunday readings. In line with this, any parish group that meets during the
More information1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 (NIV 1984)
Sermon: Dos, Don ts, and Done (Advent 4) - Jeff Kurbis (Evergreen Lutheran High School) Sunday Advent Service 10:15 am December 18 th, 2011 At Living Hope Lutheran Church 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 (NIV 1984)
More informationHymn: Breathe on Me, Breath of God Book of Praise 389; Common Praise 649; Glory to God 286; New Century 292; United Methodist 420; Voices United 382
June 4, 2017 Fresh Winds Blowing Pentecost Intergenerational Worship Outline Intergenerational Worship Preparation: You may wish to invite the congregation to wear red to celebrate Pentecost. Bring enough
More informationMeditation and Healing Service Unitarian Universalist Church in Reston, VA The Rev Sydney Kay Wilde and The Rev. Dennis J. Daniel Co-Ministers
THE TIME OF GATHERING Chimes and Lighting of Candles Meditation and Healing Service Unitarian Universalist Church in Reston, VA The Rev Sydney Kay Wilde and The Rev. Dennis J. Daniel Co-Ministers Sept.
More informationRosslyn Academy: Core Tenets
Rosslyn Academy: Core Tenets Brief History: Rosslyn Academy began as Mara Hills School in northern Tanzania in 1947, as a school for children of Mennonite missionaries. In 1967, the school was moved to
More information1. To strengthen one another in a free and disciplined search for truth as the foundation of our religious fellowship;
A Principled Life: The First UU Principle Rev. Victoria Ingram September 25, 2011 In the 1950s, the Unitarians and the Universalists, then operating as independent religious institutions, engaged in intense
More informationCreating Sacred Time
Creating Sacred Time September 17, 2017 Rev. Lyn Cox Worship is somewhat of a puzzle for Unitarian Universalists. We unite in covenant and practice, not in creed, and so gathering to honor, contemplate,
More informationPeace. The Joy of Peace Text: Philippians 4:1-9 Series: Philippians, #10 Pastor Lyle L. Wahl July 11, Introduction.
The Joy of Peace Text: Philippians 4:1-9 Series: Philippians, #10 Pastor Lyle L. Wahl July 11, 2004 Peace Theme: Vital Christian Living Releases God s Peace. Introduction. Everyone of us have heard of
More informationA NEW AGAPE WORSHIP RESOURCES
A NEW AGAPE WORSHIP RESOURCES C1 RESOURCES FOR WORSHIP AND REFLECTION C2 SOME THOUGHTS BEFORE YOU LOOK AT THE RESOURCES THEMSELVES... For too long, European-Canadians have assumed cultural and religious
More informationFINDING LIFE S PURPOSE
FINDING LIFE S PURPOSE A Sermon Preached by Cheryl M. Walker All Souls Unitarian Church, New York December 30, 2007 The new year is almost here, it s time to take stock of the year that is ending and start
More informationAppreciative Inquiry Summary
Grace Lutheran Church Hartford, Connecticut October 19, 2004 Appreciative Inquiry Summary (Setting the Vision for Today and Beginning to Plan for the Future) Starting on September 25 th, 2004 Grace Lutheran
More informationEncouraging Words: Acceptance & Spiritual Growth
Encouraging Words: Acceptance & Spiritual Growth (Seven Principles series) (Version 1a) A Sunday service led by the Reverend Michael Walker, Interim Minister Presented on January 16, 2017, at the Unitarian
More informationYou re Invited! The Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig, Minister First Unitarian Universalist Church of Stockton August 22, 2010
You re Invited! The Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig, Minister First Unitarian Universalist Church of Stockton August 22, 2010 Today I have three facts that I want to share with you. Fact Number One: 29% of people
More informationHealing through Loving-Kindness:
Healing through : The effective use of meditation in personal and professional practice presented to the UNC School of Social Work Clinical Lecture Series Mary Brantley, LMFT November 11, 2013 Ten thousand
More informationEaster: the Verb Sunday March 27, 2016
Easter: the Verb Sunday March 27, 2016 On a visit to the United States, the Pope was spending a weekend on the Maine coast, at the Universalist Camp Ferry Beach. He d never spent any time with Unitarian
More informationThe Holy See PILGRIMAGE IN AUSTRALIA ADDRESS OF JOHN PAUL II TO THE ABORIGINES AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDERS IN «BLATHERSKITE PARK»
The Holy See PILGRIMAGE IN AUSTRALIA ADDRESS OF JOHN PAUL II TO THE ABORIGINES AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDERS IN «BLATHERSKITE PARK» Alice Spring (Australia), 29 November 1986 Dear Brothers and Sisters, It
More informationHide-and-Seek with God Service for February 3, 2013
Final version 1 Hide-and-Seek with God Service for February 3, 2013 Prelude Lighting of the Candles during the prelude Welcome and Announcements: Diane Explain about the sermon bingo. Pencils are in basket.
More informationFirst Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, New York Fulfillment Through Passing the Bucket January 25, 2015 Rev. Samuel A.
1 First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, New York Fulfillment Through Passing the Bucket January 25, 2015 Rev. Samuel A. Trumbore Message From UU Church of Delaware County by Jody Malloy About
More informationPEACE ON EARTH, GOOD WILL TO ALL! a response to the shootings at the elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut
PEACE ON EARTH, GOOD WILL TO ALL! a response to the shootings at the elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut A Sermon Offered by Rev. Tim Kutzmark December 16, 2012 Unitarian Universalist Church of Reading
More informationCultivating People Skills in Your Leadership
Cultivating People Skills in Your Leadership (The Vital Role of Relationships in Leadership) For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. (John 13:15) N N O O T E E S S BIBLICAL
More informationRoots Hold Me Close, Wings Set Me Free
Roots Hold Me Close, Wings Set Me Free Sermon by Reverend Addae Ama Kraba Presented Sunday, November 30, 2014 While we all belong to the human family, when we speak of our roots, we re usually referring
More informationOpen Hearts, Open Minds:
Open Hearts, Open Minds: Who Are We and What Are We Doing? (Version 1a) A Sunday service led by the Reverend Michael Walker, Interim Minister Presented on my first Sunday in the pulpit September 6, 2015,
More informationEcclesiastes 1:1-18 ESV
Ecclesiastes 1:1-18 ESV 1 The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. 2 Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity. 3 What does man gain by all the toil
More informationListening with Your Heart
Listening with Your Heart Disciples Women Installation Service By: Doral Main Purpose: To celebrate and remember our past and listen for God s direction as He leads us into the future. This program is
More informationWILLIAM JESSUP UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY COVENANT
WILLIAM JESSUP UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY COVENANT PREAMBLE William Jessup University is a Christ-centered institution of higher learning dedicated to the holistic formation of students their academic, mental,
More informationWelcome to Saint David s United Church
Welcome to Saint David s United Church Lighting of the Christ Candle Leader: A keeper of the Law walked up to Jesus and asked him, Teacher, what is the greatest commandment? Jesus replied, Love God with
More informationWhen the Chalice Burns Low
When the Chalice Burns Low A Sermon by John Parker Manwell The Paint Branch Unitarian Universalist Church February 22, 2009 Reading by Wendell Berry (Hymnal, #483) When despair for the world grows in me
More informationIwas sad last week when the
Sermons from Vienna Presbyterian Church March 7, 2010 What Transformation Looks Like The Rev. Glenda Simpkins Hoffman Colossians 3:12-17 Sermon Series: Journey of Transformation Eternal life is a qualitative
More informationStandard Script and Instructions for Worship Leaders
Page 1 of 9 Standard Script and Instructions for s For use when minister is not the speaker. This Document includes: 1. General Responsibilities 2. Checklist for Sunday Morning 3. Standard WL script for
More informationSacred Space: A Resource for Small-group Ministry
Sacred Space: A Resource for Small-group Ministry Year B Focus: Ordinary Time Scripture: John 6:51 58 NRSV Gathering Welcome Prayer for Peace Ring a bell or chime three times slowly. Light the peace candle.
More informationFaith, Hope and Charity Unitarian Coastal Fellowship Rev. Sally B. White September 18,
1 Faith, Hope and Charity. Unitarian Universalists are proud of our history of Social Action. This morning we will consider ways of understanding and responding to injustice as individuals and as a community
More informationCrossing the Threshold: Creating Intentional Transition. Shawnee Mission UU Church. September 18, Lane Campbell, Intern Minister
Crossing the Threshold: Creating Intentional Transition Shawnee Mission UU Church September 18, 2011 Lane Campbell, Intern Minister At the beginning of each school year, students gather at Starr King School
More informationREPORT TO THE UUA BOARD OF TRUSTEES FROM THE DISTRICT SERVICES STAFF GROUP April, 2009
REPORT TO THE UUA BOARD OF TRUSTEES FROM THE DISTRICT SERVICES STAFF GROUP April, 2009 REPORT FROM THE MADS REGION (Mid-America District Staff consisting of Heartland, Prairie Star, and Central Midwest
More informationOriginal Blessing: A Sin by Any Other Name Might be a Blessing Sermon by Marjorie Loring
Original Blessing: A Sin by Any Other Name Might be a Blessing Sermon by Marjorie Loring One of the challenges I often face, as one who has abandoned the traditional scripture of my Christian upbringing,
More informationWhen my time is up, I would like that day to be a celebration of my life, not a morbid procession of grieving people.
Wisdom Circle Celebration November 2016 PREPARATION Words of Wisdom What life expects of us is that we celebrate. ~ José Eduardo Agualusa When my time is up, I would like that day to be a celebration of
More informationOne sad soldier off to war, enemies that only you can see
COMING HOME, GOING FORTH: THE SPIRITUAL CYCLE OF LIFE A Sermon Presented by the Rev. Phyllis L. Hubbell Paint Branch Unitarian Universalist Church September 7, 2008 Dark clouds are comin' like an army...
More informationA CELEBRATION of Healing and Wholeness for the Feast of St Luke
We sing the final HYMN God! When human bonds are broken and we lack the love or skill to restore the hope of healing, give us grace and make us still. Through that stillness, with your Spirit come into
More informationThe Selma Awakening. Rev. Tim Temerson. UU Church of Akron. January 18, 2015
The Selma Awakening Rev. Tim Temerson UU Church of Akron January 18, 2015 Part One March 7, 1965. Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama. 600 mostly African American protesters marching across the Edmund Pettis
More informationBELOVED CONVERSATION SPEAKER: CHRISTE LUNSFORD
First Unitarian Church of Louisville ~ A Member of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations ~ (502) 585-5110 www.firstulou.org We are grateful for those who serve this morning, including:
More informationFirst Unitarian Church of Cincinnati
The flowers this morning were given by David and Janet Walsh in memory of their sister, Zoë Barbara Walsh, on her birthday. Next Sunday, Sept 23, What We Leave Behind The children entering first grade
More informationSOCIAL EVOLUTION for UUs Part 1: BLACK AND RAINBOW HISTORY
Rev. Bob Klein UUCLR February 19, 2012 SOCIAL EVOLUTION for UUs Part 1: BLACK AND RAINBOW HISTORY I was a little young to be in any of the marches, having been born in December of 1956, but I am certainly
More informationForgive us our debts Psalm 103, Matt
Forgive us our debts Psalm 103, Matt 18.21-35 This week I had an unexpected surprise in my email inbox. My latest credit card bill was sent to me and when I opened it up, the amount payable was a little
More informationSowing the Seeds, Reaping the Harvest
Sowing the Seeds, Reaping the Harvest (Version 1a) A Sunday service led by the Reverend Michael Walker, Interim Minister Presented on May 28, 2017, at the Unitarian Church of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania WELCOME
More informationWelcome to the Cathedral Church of All Saints DIOCESE OF NOVA SCOTIA AND PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA.
Welcome to the Cathedral Church of All Saints DIOCESE OF NOVA SCOTIA AND PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA December 24, 2012 Christmas Eve 4pm Please excuse the shape we are in. We are currently
More informationHabit of the Heart: Doors to Forgiveness 12 October 2014 Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Reston, VA Rev. Dr.
1 Habit of the Heart: Doors to Forgiveness 12 October 2014 Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Reston, VA Rev. Dr. Barbara Coeyman The Worship Theme for October is Forgiveness This year I bring the
More informationAdvent service 2015: Gifts of hope
Advent service 2015: Gifts of hope NB: This service outline may be freely adapted for your own use in parishes, groups and communities. Hymns are suggestions, so please feel free to replace with those
More informationScripture Colossians 3:
Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs Rev. Chandler Stokes Colossians 3:12-17 The Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time November 1, 2015 Introduction Today, as part of our confirmation preaching series, we
More informationOur fourth Unitarian Universalist principle states that we affirm and promote a free and responsible search for truth and meaning.
TRUTH BE TOLD Rev. Amy Carol Webb River of Grass Unitarian Universalist Congegation, Davie, Florida May 06, 2012 Our fourth Unitarian Universalist principle states that we affirm and promote a free and
More informationIs It Possible To Change Your Life in Just 8 Days?
Is It Possible To Change Your Life in Just 8 Days? All of us have genius and potential that longs to be tapped. What if you could tap this potential? How would it change your life? Could it help you in
More informationThe Longest Night A Gathering on the Winter Solstice Monday, December 21, 2015
The Longest Night A Gathering on the Winter Solstice Monday, December 21, 2015 Orchard Valley United Church 130 Cornwallis Ave, New Minas NS (902) 681-0366 THE LONGEST NIGHT I will give you the treasurers
More informationChristmas Evening Worship Service December 24, :00 p.m.
ROCKY HILL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST Established 1727 ~ An Open and Affirming Community Christmas Evening Worship Service December 24, 2016 5:00 p.m. ~ORDER OF WORSHIP~ Welcome to Rocky
More informationWorkshop 1 The Web of Youth Ministry
Workshop 1 The Web of Youth Ministry Introduction There is, finally, only one thing required of us: that is, to take life whole, the sunlight and shadows together; to live the life that is given us with
More information(Seven Principles series) (Version 1a)
Justice, Equity and Compassion (Seven Principles series) (Version 1a) A Sunday service led by the Reverend Michael Walker, Interim Minister Presented on November 20, 2016, at the Unitarian Church of Harrisburg,
More informationWhat is Worship Like in this Church? December 6, 2015 Roger Fritts Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota
What is Worship Like in this Church? December 6, 2015 Roger Fritts Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota Watching the news these past few weeks, about gun violence in France, Colorado and California,
More informationTO JESUS THROUGH MARY Lessons and Messages to the World from Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary to Ruth Ann Wade of Bloomington, Indiana
Lessons and Messages to the World from Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary to Ruth Ann Wade of Bloomington, Indiana Compiled by Mary s Children, P. O. Box 27, Washington, IN 47501 - February 2019 Message
More informationWHAT ARE YOU SCARED OF? SPEAKER: REV. DR. KATHY HURT
First Unitarian Church of Louisville ~ A Member of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations ~ (502) 585-5110 www.firstulou.org We are grateful for those who serve this morning, including:
More informationACTS OF FAITH: CONFRONTING RACISM. A Sermon by Reverend Lynn Thomas Strauss
ACTS OF FAITH: CONFRONTING RACISM A Sermon by Reverend Lynn Thomas Strauss Friends, you know it is harder to care about your neighbor if you don t know them; harder to understand a different religion or
More informationMercy Day Prayer SEPTEMBER 24, 2017 CONSTITUTIONS
Mercy Day Prayer SEPTEMBER 24, 2017 Responsive in faith to God s mercy Catherine McAuley heeded the call of Jesus to reach out with courage and love to the needy of her time. CONSTITUTIONS We, Sisters
More informationCreative Times with God Discovering New Ways to Connect with the Savior. Copyright 2009 Doug Fields
Creative Times with God Discovering New Ways to Connect with the Savior Copyright 2009 Doug Fields All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior written
More informationWords of Life Daily Devotional A SEASON OF GRIEF. Stephanie M. White Kathleen Higham
Words of Life Daily Devotional A SEASON OF GRIEF Stephanie M. White Kathleen Higham Copyright 2012 by Stephanie M. White Kathleen Higham Cover design: Stephanie M. White Photograph credit: Kathleen Higham
More informationHOPE CHURCH SEASON OF RECONCILIATION SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. SUNDAY OBSERVANCE January 18, 2015 ~ 11:00 AM
HOPE CHURCH SEASON OF RECONCILIATION SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. SUNDAY OBSERVANCE January 18, 2015 ~ 11:00 AM THE APPROACH TO GOD PRELUDE Harmony and Counterpoint in A Major There
More informationWORSHIP RESOURCES. Gathered together by the Holy Spirit, let us pray for the church, the world and all in any need.
DAY OF SERVICE WORSHIP RESOURCES TEXTS Isaiah 35:4-7a, James 2:1-17 and Mark 7:24-37 COMPONENTS: Prayers of Intercession Sermon notes Affirmation of Baptismal Vocation Blessing and Sending Annotated hymn
More informationWhy Church? Sermon by Betty Jeanne Rueters-Ward Sunday, July 9, 2017 All Souls Church, New York City
Why Church? Sermon by Betty Jeanne Rueters-Ward Sunday, July 9, 2017 All Souls Church, New York City Good morning! It is a joy to worship with you again. Let me start by thanking the many people who make
More informationTHINKING IN BLACK AND WHITE A Sermon by Reverend Lynn Strauss
THINKING IN BLACK AND WHITE A Sermon by Reverend Lynn Strauss Ta-Nehisi Coates, author of a recently published book, Between the World and Me, writes a letter to his 14-year-old son about the risks and
More informationLESSONS ON THE UCCP STATEMENT OF FAITH A Sunday School Guide for Adults
LESSONS ON A Sunday School Guide for WE BELIEVE That the Holy Bible is a faithful and inspired witness of God s self-revelation in Jesus Christ and in history to illumine, guide, correct and edify believers
More informationBroken Wings. An Anthology of Spent Emotions. Ana B
COPYRIGHT@ANAB2013 Broken Wings An Anthology of Spent Emotions Ana B 1 Dedicated to the magician who healed my broken wings 2 CONTENTS 1 Salvation 5 2. Make Belief 6 3. The Rose 7 4. Truth 8 5. Prayer
More informationUU PRINCIPLES, PURPOSE, and TRADITION Part III UU Beliefs and the Sources of our Living Tradition
Rev Bob Klein First UU Church Stockton August 28, 2016 UU PRINCIPLES, PURPOSE, and TRADITION Part III UU Beliefs and the Sources of our Living Tradition In part one of this series I talked about our seven
More informationIN THE SPIRIT OF LOVE
1 IN THE SPIRIT OF LOVE Rev. William G. Sinkford All Souls NYC, October 11, 2009 Prayer Please enter with me now the space of silence and honesty which is known by many names. Will you pray with me. Spirit
More informationWisdom Circle Service. February 2017 PREPARATION
Wisdom Circle Service February 2017 PREPARATION Words of Wisdom No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another. ~ Charles Dickens When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone
More informationBE STILL & KNOW. a 40-Day Devotional. And we pray you are inspired to trust that God has a plan. And to hear it, you need only be still.
BE STILL & KNOW a 40-Day Devotional Winter. It is such a daunting season of snow and ice, cold winds and frigid temperatures, yet in it, there is serene beauty and quiet. Although we can t see it, under
More information1 How Can We Celebrate Christmas? by Rev. Stephanie Shute Kelsch given at Second Parish in Hingham, MA December 6, 2015
1 How Can We Celebrate Christmas? by Rev. Stephanie Shute Kelsch given at Second Parish in Hingham, MA December 6, 2015 How can we celebrate Christmas? I ask that question, not meaning in what ways can
More information"Liminal Spaces are Holy Spaces"
"Liminal Spaces are Holy Spaces" SUNDAY, MAY 06, 2018 There is a space between [our] imagination and [our] attainment that may only be traversed by [our] longing. Khalil Gibran from Sand and Foam ORDER
More informationManifestation as a Spiritual Practice
Pulse of Spirit October 24, 2018 DAVID KARCHERE is a speaker and workshop leader who assists people to renew their Primal Spirituality an experience that virtually all human beings know at birth, and that
More informationI Can Do All Things Through Christ Philippians 4 Wayne Eberly October 15, 2017
I Can Do All Things Through Christ Philippians 4 Wayne Eberly October 15, 2017 I was sitting in the living room of my parents house in my little hometown of Hanford, California. It was the last Christmas
More informationLOVINGKINDNESS MEDITATION FOR REFUGEES
This meditation was adapted by Terri Pahucki from Sharon Salzberg s lovingkindness meditations for use at the 2018 UU-UNO Intergenerational Spring Seminar. It includes three iterations of the meditation,
More informationWe are to witness to the truth of redemption, to the reality of the power and promise of God s transforming love.
CALL YOUR NEXT WITNESS SCRIPTURE JOEL 2: 23-32; LUKE 18: 9-14 GRACE COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, ASHEVILLE, NC October 23, 2016 The Rev. Dr. Marcia Mount Shoop, Pastor Old men dreaming dreams Prophetic
More informationORDER OF WORSHIP July 15, th Sunday after Pentecost/15 th Sunday in Ordinary Time
ORDER OF WORSHIP July 15, 2018 8 th Sunday after Pentecost/15 th Sunday in Ordinary Time Please sign and pass the Friendship Book ( pew pad ) where you can also record any prayer requests. Our prayer is
More informationLIFE GROUP LESSON. Message: Keeping Our Focus in a Distracted World Passages: Luke 10:38-42
LIFE GROUP LESSON Message: Keeping Our Focus in a Distracted World Passages: Luke 10:38-42 Message Outline: How can we be fully present in a world full of distractions? 1. Recognise the Consequences of
More informationRector s Report - APCM 26 th April 2012
Rector s Report - APCM 26 th April 2012 There s something slightly odd about being asked to give a report on the life of the Minster when you ve only been here for 85 days but perhaps, it s also quite
More informationUnitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens
Centering Thoughts Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens Eternal Draw of Rituals by the Reverend Alison W. Eskildsen A sermon delivered on April 26, 2015 At the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
More informationHealing Democracy Action Circles Unitarian Universalist Supplement
Healing Democracy Action Circles Unitarian Universalist Supplement Unitarian Universalist Principles and Purposes Together as Unitarian Universalist Congregations, we affirm and promote: The inherent worth
More informationApril: There is a list of activities, including a church calendar in your order of service as well as on the church website.
ORDER OF SERVICE Sunday, April 7, 2013 Worship Theme for March: God s Bod *Stand as you are willing and able. Please remember to turn off cell phones and pagers before the service. GATHERING MUSIC The
More information