We will celebrate the last Sunday of the year by hearing Voices from the Congregation. In this service, several participants will read passages and reflect on the value that can be found in the state of not knowing, of accepting ambiguity and wonder.
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
“The Gift of Mystery”
Worship Leader: Christina Gibbons
Speakers: Ross Gibson, Elizabeth Lewis, Catie G. Berg
Greeter: Lois Reynolds
Order of Service
Sunday, December 31, 2023
Board Welcome & Announcements Carla Fogg
Prelude no. 1 in C Major J.S. Bach
Eva Greene, piano
Chalice Lighting Rev. Joan Javier-Duval
We gather in community to be reminded of what is most ultimate and what is most sacred. In this spirit of searching and of reverence, let us worship together this morning.
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.
Opening Hymn #389 Gathered Here
Story for All Ages: I Wonder
text by Annaka Harris, illustrations by John Rowe
read by Janis Chaillou
Opening Words Christina Gibbons
Mystery of the Small Ross Gibson
Responsive Reading: Seeds of Stillness The Kripalu Staff
Quiet inner reflection in snow
incubation of deep intention
noticing rather than doing
the great pause
small moments of stillness can go a long way
resting, acceptance, letting go, silence
hope of softening
just be in the midst of all that is swirling within and around us
dancing in small spaces
ripe with grace and potential
everything begins in stillness
peace
spaciousness
feeling and allowing quiet grace to resonate
being content
the internal heart fire
winter breathe us into quiet
be present and open to grace.
Every Angel is Terrible Elizabeth Lewis
What Now? Catie G. Berg
Hymn #205 Amazing Grace
Offering for the benefit of The MInister’s Discretionary Fund
Offertory The Music Box Anatoly Lyadov
Eva Greene, piano
Honoring the Candles of Joys and Concerns
Closing Hymn #350 The Ceaseless Flow of Endless Time
Extinguishing the Chalice Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel
Our goal should be to live life in radical amazement… get up in the morning and look at the world in a way that takes nothing for granted. Everything is phenomenal; everything is incredible; never treat life casually. To be spiritual is to be amazed.
*Closing Circle
“Carry the flame of peace and love
until we meet again.”
*Please join in standing as you are able.
Blessing Gregory Jones
May we be awed by the great miracles of light and life,
and faithfully nurture the mystery and magic of wonder.
Coffee Hour and Conversation