Far beyond the secular silliness some attach to St. Patrick’s Day traditions, there is a powerful, lasting legacy we might all garner from the myths and from the divisions of faith in Irish history. What significance from this Celtic holiday and its tenacious traditions can we attach to our wider faith journeys that perhaps carry lifelong meaning? Worship Associates Trish Murtha and Jody McAssey take us through these emerald isle ideas.
We anticipate that this service will be both in-person and on Zoom. Click right here Sunday shortly before 10:00 a.m. to join via Zoom. Click here to read our protocols
“Emerald Lessons from the Ancient Isles”
Worship Leaders: Trish Murtha & Jody McAssey
Greeter: Lois Reynolds
Order of Service
Sunday, March 17, 2024
Please enjoy today’s Gathering Music
Three Irish reels, performed by Hilary Menegaz Weitzner & friends
Hilary & her family are lifelong members of All Souls
Welcome! Trish Murtha
ASC Board Greeting & Announcements Carla Fogg
Prelude The Minstrel Boy (The Moreen, medieval Irish)
Tom Baehr, penny whistle. Eva Greene, piano
Call to Worship
Chalice Lighting Jody McAssey
Lighting Our Children’s Chalice
We light this chalice to celebrate Unitarian Universalism. We are the church of the open minds. We are the church of the helping hands. We are the church of the loving hearts.
Story for All Ages “Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon” Trish Murtha
Patty Lovell, Author, David Cathrow, Illustrator
**Hymn #298 Wake, Now My Senses
*Please join in standing as you are able.
Reflection “Irish Longings” Jody McAssey
Anthem: An Irish Blessing traditional, music by James E. Moore, Jr
All Souls Church Choir, Tom Baehr, Director
Stewardship Moment: My Path to All Souls Church Leslie McKinney
Reflection “Anamchara” Trish Murtha
Offering shared with Women’s Freedom Center
Offertory Gigue from French Suite V (1723-25) J.S. Bach
(based on the Irish jig)
**Hymn #347 Gather the Spirit
*Please join in standing as you are able.
Blessing Our Candles of Joys and Concerns Trish Murtha
Special Music Planxty Lord Inchiquin by Turlough O’Carolan
Tom Baehr, penny whistle, Steve Squires, guitar
Extinguishing the Chalice Jody McAssey
Rev. Marla Scharf shares this vision of beloved community perhaps as the leaves on the Tree of Life – a dazzling, light-filled, gigantic, all-encompassing mosaic, where each of us can see, can really see, and deeply appreciate each piece. We know that each piece is of immeasurable value. We know that each piece is part of a larger whole, a larger whole that would not be whole, indeed would not BE, without each piece shining through, and being seen and appreciated as its unique self.
**Closing Circle
Carry the flame of peace and love
until we meet again. (sing two times)
**Please join in standing as you are able.
Benediction
Coffee Hour and Conversation
Please continue to view the paintings by Jeremy Aldridge in the foyer and chapel.