SUNDAY PROGRAM – April 12, 2026
Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church
Sunday, April 12, 2026
“Whose Story Is This?”
Sunday Program – Welcome!
GATHERING MUSIC
Brett Carson, collaborative pianist
GATHERING SONG
“STLT #108, “My Life Flows On in Endless Song”
Bret Carson, piano
MDUUC House Band
RINGING THE BELL
Casey Gardner
PRELUDE
Sarabande from Holberg Suite, Op. 40 (Edvard Grieg)
Brett Carson, piano
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENT
Rev. Rodney Lemery, Associate Minister
Mary Kelly Persyn, Board Member
GREETING ONE ANOTHER
Rev. Rodney Lemery, Associate Minister
REGATHERING SONG
“Dona Nobis Pacem” (#388 SLT)”
MDUUC House Band
LIGHTING OF THE CHALICE
Unison
We light this chalice to remind ourselves, To treat all people kindly, To take good care of the earth,
To live lives full of goodness and love, And to be the best people we can be
TIME FOR ALL AGES
“Telephone Tales”
Rev. Rodney Lemery, Associate Minister
SUNG BLESSING
“Children’s Blessing”(First UU Nashville Youth Choir)
MDUUC House Band
May your mind be open to new learning, may your lips bring truth into the world
May your hearts know love, and your hands do the work of justice,
as you go your way in peace, as you go your way in peace
WHY I COMMIT TO MDUUC
Emily Harris
CALL TO WORSHIP
Casey Gardner
CONGREGATIONAL SONG
“Rooted in Fertile Ground” (Amanda Udis-Kessler)
MDUUC House Band
JOYS & SORROWS
Rev. Leslie Takahashi
MEDITATION SONG
“Be Still and Breathe”
(Loretta K. Notareschi & Gabe Perbieri)
MDUUC House Band
CALL FOR THE OFFERING
Patricia Craven, board member
OFFERTORY
“Closer”(Annette Peacock)
Brett Carson, collaborative pianist
Each week during the Offertory we light two pillar candles to acknowledge that we are living in a nation at war. The candles represent our wishes for all whose lives are endangered by the conflict, and our hopes for peace. While the offering is received you are invited to come forward and select a stone to place in the column of water representing our community life, sharing it as a sign of remembrance and hope. Feel free to watch and hold your intention as your stone settles into the water’s embrace.
DEDICATION OF THE OFFERING
MUSICAL OFFERING
“If Your Well Has Run Dry” (Laura Zucker)
MDUUC House Band
REFLECTION
Rev. Rodney Lemery, Associate Minister
CLOSING SONG
“Joy Joy” by Valerie June
MDUUC House Band
BENEDICTION
Rev. Rodney Lemery, Associate Minister
POSTLUDE
“Mercy Mercy Mercy” (Joe Zawinul)
MDUUC House Band
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NEXT SUNDAY SERVICE: SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2026 “75 YEARS OF COMMITMENT”
A congregation is like a wave–with a certain shape which may change ever so slightly as the landscapes around shift. Some of the drops of water change and some remain the same. Along the way, the path is shaped by the individual and collective acts and commitments of all of us. Come and join us for this glorious day as we hear from those who have helped to map the course of this beloved community. With *special guests!*
Please join us for our virtual coffee hour after the service at: https://zoom.us/j/99389517494 or dial in (669) 900-9128 then enter Meeting ID: 993 8951 7494 #
Thanks to our AV Tech staff.
To Give or Pledge go to: https://www.mduuc.org/give
2025-2026 BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Linda Russell, President
Andrew Oswald, Vice President
Mark Chase, Secretary
Elizabeth Dietsch, Treasurer
Andy Smith, Board Member
Jim Lincoln, Board Member
Kevin Hsieh, Board Member
Mary Kelly Persyn, Board Member
Patricia Craven, Board Member
board@mduuc.org
MINISTERS AND STAFF
Rev. Leslie Takahashi, Lead Minister / leslie@mduuc.net
Rev. Rodney Lemery, Associate Minister /rodney@mduuc.org
Marena McGregor, Director of Religious Education / marena@mduuc.org
Jyvonne Haskin, Music Director / jyvonne@mduuc.org
Jen Marsh Prink, Church Administrator / jenm@mduuc.org
Aiden McMahon, Ministerial Intern /aiden@mduuc.org
Brett Carson, Accompanist / brettcarson@mduuc.org
Ging Lee, Communications Assistant / ging@mduuc.org
Eric Chapot, Facilities Staff / eric@mduuc.org
Rev. Dr. David Sammons, Minister Emeritus
Rev. Ranwa Hammamy, Community Minister
Rev. Meg Richardson, Community Minister
LIVING OUR VALUES
https://mduuc.org/living-our-values/
At Mt. Diablo UU Church we strive to bring to life our Unitarian Universalist values as we seek truth and work for justice and bridge the divisions that wound the human family. Please visit our “Living our Values” page to locate virtual and physical ways you can be a part in building a better world. If you have suggestions for items on this page, please email them to livingourvalues@mduuc.org.
Please consider taking 20-30 minutes of your day to review our Living our Values web page to participate in a number of cyberactivist activities that can collectively make a difference in our local and world communities. This week we have a number of Climate Justice and Racial Justice petitions and calls to action that could really use your help!