In a busy life, how productive is it to stop the flow of activity? Won’t things that need doing just back up and make things more complicated? Can retreating be a way to move forward with ease and clarity? ASC member Jody McAssey will explore the concept of Spiritual Retreat.
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
“Retreat, One Pathway to Purpose”
Worship Leader: Jody McAssey
Greeter: Mary Moriarty
Order of Service
Sunday, October 29, 2023
Board Welcome & Announcements Jamie Gibson
Prelude Le carnaval des animaux: Le cygne [the swan]
Saint-Saëns (1886)
Peter Gibbons, viola; Eva Greene, piano
Chalice Lighting: by Kathleen McTigue, read by Christina Gibbons
We come together this morning to remind one another
To rest for a moment on the forming edge of our lives,
To resist the headlong tumble into the next moment,
Until we claim for ourselves awareness and gratitude,
Taking the time to look into one another’s faces,
And see there communion: the reflection of our own eyes.
This house of laughter and silence, memory and hope,
Is hallowed by our presence together.
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: Leave Me Alone by Vera Brosgol, read by Karen Tyler
Opening Hymn #12 O Life That Maketh All Things New
Congregational reading: The Mission of All Souls Church
The Mission of All Souls Church is to create and sustain
an open and caring community
where we may find inspiration for our spiritual growth,
opportunities for Life long Religious Education,
and encouragement for putting our beliefs and values into action and service.
Part 1. A Personal Perspective Jody McAssey
Anthem: Jubilation words and music by Tom Baehr
All Souls Choir, Tom Baehr, director
Refrain for everyone:
“Let our voices ring in jubilation/Make a joyful noise in celebration”
Part II: Rah-rah!
Second Hymn: #90 From All the Fret and Fever of the Day
Part III: The Alarm Bell
Offering shared with SUSU CommUNITY FARM
Offertory Consolation Samuel Webbe (1792)
Eva Greene, piano
Honoring the Candles of Joys and Concerns Christina Gibbons
Closing Words: Generational Wealth, Atena O. Danner
Extinguishing the Chalice by Theodore Parker, read by Christina Gibbons
Be ours a religion which, like sunshine, goes everywhere;
Its temple. All space;
Its shrine, the good heart;
Its creed, all truth;
Its ritual, works of love;
Its profession of faith, divine living.
*Closing Circle: Carry the Flame of Peace and Love (sung 2X) *Please join in standing as you are able.