Sunday Program- August 27, 2023

Mt.  Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church

Sunday, August 27, 2023

“UU traditions of Today and Tomorrow. Growing our Roots; Spreading our Wings”

Sunday Program - Welcome!

GATHERING SONG
#360, “Here We Have Gathered” (Words: Alicia S. Carpenter; Music Genevan psalter, 1543)

The words to this hymn are written by Alicia Carpenter, a Unitarian Universalist singer-songwriter.  Like hymn writers through the centuries, Carpenter often uses Renaissance and Reformation hymn tunes like this one from the 1543 Genevan psalter to convey contemporary ideas.

Ondine/Liam Young-Skeen with Heather, Holly, Shannon Hoffman

PRELUDE
“Pathetique 2nd Movement” by Beethoven
Claire Solstice, Piano 

WELCOME
Rev. Leslie Takahashi, Lead Minister

 

TBA, Board Representative

SHARE THE PLATE
Project Safe Return, Adey Teshager

GREETING ONE ANOTHER

LIGHTING OF THE CHALICE
Emma Brody

Each week we light a chalice, which has become a symbol for Unitarian Universalists and our engagement in the world.

TIME FOR ALL AGES
“A Tree for Our Roots and Wings”
Casey Gardner

SINGING THE CHILDREN TO ACTIVITIES

As you leave this friendly place, love give life to ev’ry face,

may the kindness that you learn light your hearts ‘till you return.

CALL TO WORSHIP
Paikea Colligan

CONGREGATIONAL SONG
#212, “We Are Dancing Sarah’s Circle”

Set to the important spiritual tune “We Are Climbing Jacob’s Ladder”, this rendition of the song lifts up the interconnection of all people in its attempt to push against the patriarchy with intentional feminine language.

Ondine/Liam Young-Skeen with Heather, Holly, Shannon Hoffman

JOYS AND SORROWS
Rev. Rodney Lemery

MEDITATION SONG
#33, “Sovereign and Transforming Grace”

Past president of the American Unitarian Association, Frederic Henry Hedge (1829) wrote this hymn for the ordination of a friend and it reminds us that transformation in this world is possible. We too can experience Grace even now!

Ondine/Liam Young-Skeen with Heather, Holly, Shannon Hoffman

TIME OF MEDITATION OR PRAYER  
Sam Hamilton

MUSICAL OFFERING
“Au Claire de Lune” by Debussy
Claire Solstice, Piano

CALL FOR THE OFFERING
Sharon Solstice, Board Representative

OFFERTORY
”Blackbird” by Lennon/McCartney
Julie Homi, Piano

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 

“To the work of this community, in transforming ourselves and our world, we dedicate ourselves and our offerings.”

TRANSITION SONG
#318, “We Would Be One”

Unitarian minister Samuel Wright composed these words, set to Jan Sibelius’ freedom hymn “Finlandia,” for the 1954 conference at which Universalist and Unitarian youth merged to form a single group, seventeen years before their two parent denominations followed them to create the Unitarian Universalist Association.

Ondine/Liam Young-Skeen with Heather, Holly, Shannon Hoffman

FIRST REFLECTION
Ives Humphreys

TRANSITION SONG
#123, “Spirit of Life”

SECOND REFLECTION
Casey Gardner

CLOSING SONG
#348, “Guide My Feet” 

This is a Spiritual from the collection of Willis Laurence James. This tune was harmonized by Wendell Whalum, composer, arranger, choral conductor, and authority on gospel music. 

BENEDICTION AND EXTINGUISHING THE CHALICE
Sam Hamilton

POSTLUDE
Chopin Etude in C Minor Op. 10, No. 12 “Revolutionary Etude”
Claire Solstice, Piano

_____________________________

NEXT SUNDAY: TBA

Please join us for our virtual coffee hour at after the service at: https://zoom.us/j/811493869 or dial in 669 900 9128 then enter Meeting ID: 811 493 869 #

Thanks to our AV Tech staff:
Liam Takahashi, Clare Solstice

To Give or Pledge go to:
https://www.mduuc.org/give