“Seeds of Change, Seeds of Hope”

For the month of June, we share our Sunday offerings with Edible Brattleboro, whose motto is “Grow Food Everywhere For Everyone.” While transforming public spaces into gardens that feed our community, Edible Brattleboro also strives to raise awareness of the role of agriculture in sustaining a healthy planet. For this Sunday’s service, Marilyn Chiarello and Tom Green join the Social and Environmental Action Committee to tell us about this group’s work.

“Seeds of Change, Seeds of Hope”

Click right here Sunday shortly before 10:00 AM to join our online service.

Order of Service
Sunday, June 6, 2021

Board Greeting & Announcements                      Sarah Lott

Prelude:  “Summertime”  from the opera, Porgy and Bess
composed by George Gershwin
Bob Wyckoff, cornet; Eva Greene, piano  

Chalice Lighting: by Katy Gelfand                         Dion LaShay              

We light our chalice as a symbol of gratitude
as we celebrate the abundance of our lives together.
In this sanctuary we harvest bushels of strength for one another, and offer our crop with the hands of compassion and generosity.
In the authentic and gentle manner of our connections, we cultivate a simple sweetness to brighten our spirits.
May we be grateful for the ways we nourish and uplift each other, for it is the sharing of this hallowed time together that sustains us.

Opening Words                                                           Karen Tyler

Opening Hymn #65 The Sweet June Days
words: Samuel Longfellow; trad. English melody
performed and produced by Steve Squires

Poem: “Peonies”  by Mary Oliver                        Read by Katherine Innis                 

Hymn #163   For the Earth Forever Turning       words & music by Kim Oler
Catie Berg, soprano; Eva Greene, piano

Story For All Ages:  “If You Plant a Seed” by Kadir Nelson
Read by Beth McKinney

Offering Guest Speakers: Marilyn Chiarello and Tom Green
of Edible Brattleboro

Offertory:  “Adagio” from The Seasons  (excerpt)
composed by Alexander Glazunov
USSR Symphony Orchestra  (public domain)

Candles of Joys and Concerns                                           Karen Tyler

Closing Hymn #1068    Rising Green    Carolyn McDade; trad. Irish melody
Elizabeth Lewis, soprano; Eva Greene, piano

Extinguishing the Chalice: by Krista Tayes                        Dion LaShay

It is our work, shared with each other in covenant,
That creates and sustains this beloved community.
We extinguish this chalice, but its light lives on
in the directions we have chosen today.
The light of this faith lives on in us, together,
in our hearts, minds, bodies and spirits.
Amen and Blessed Be.

Closing Circle: “Carry the Flame of Peace and Love” (sung two times)

Benediction: 

To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.”

Audrey Hepburn