Sunday Program – January 15, 2023
Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church
Sunday, January 15, 2023
“Keeping the Dream Alive: Perseverance in the time of Peril”
Sunday Program - Welcome!
GATHERING SONG
#1018, “Come and Go With Me”
(Spiritual, arr. Kenny Smith)
This African American hymn from slavery times is both a promise of deliverance and a call to action. It was arranged for us by Kenny Smith, music director of our congregation in Cincinnati, Ohio.
PRELUDE
Grave from 14 Bagatelles, Sz.38, BB 50, Op. 6, No. 3 (Béla Bartók)
Brett Carson, piano
WELCOME
Rev. Leslie Takahashi
Linda Russell, Board Representative
LIGHTING OF THE CHALICE
Elsie Mills
Each week we light a chalice, which has become a symbol for Unitarian Universalists and our engagement in the world.
INVOCATION
Spirit of Life, come unto me. / Sing in my heart all the stirrings of compassion.
Blow in the wind, rise in the sea; / move in the hand, giving life the shape of justice.
Roots hold me close; wings set me free; / Spirit of Life, come to me, come to me. — Carolyn McDade
TIME FOR ALL AGES
“Memories of Dr. King”
Rev. Leslie and Rowena McGregor
SINGING THE CHILDREN TO ACTIVITIES
(Words: Leslie Takahashi/Music: Jo Gelinas)
Let me live my life with intention
Let me know truth’s spirit as my guide
Let me touch the pulse of the world’s great heart
Let me sense the mystery of her soul.
FIRST VIDEO
“A Knock at Midnight”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
FIRST REFLECTION
“Cultivating Hope”
Mary Kelly Persyn
HYMN
#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.
JOYS AND SORROWS
Rev. Leslie Takahashi
CONGREGATIONAL SONG
#95, “There Is More Love Somewhere”
This is an African American Hymn which was named for Steven Bantu Biko, a Black South African activist and founder of the South African Student’s Organization
SECOND VIDEO
“What is Your Life’s Blueprint?”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr
SECOND REFLECTION
“Self worth and Dedication”
Peggy Kroll
CALL FOR THE OFFERING
Andrew Oswald, Board Member
OFFERTORY
"Alabama" (John Coltrane)
Brett Carson, 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.”
SONG
“Overflowing” (Brian Tate)
Chalice choir
FINAL READING
Intern Minister, Michael Macias
FINAL REFLECTION
“Connection and Community Support”
Linda Russell
CLOSING SONG
“The Storm is Passing Over” (Charles Albert Tindley, arr. Barbara W. Baker)
Chalice Choir
EXTINGUISHING THE CHALICE
POSTLUDE
"I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free" (Billy Taylor)
Brett Carson, piano
_____________________________
NEXT SUNDAY: Beginner's Mind (Again): As 2023 embraces us with new opportunities and some concerns, how do we support ourselves and those we love in this new and uncertain world? One time-honored way from the Buddhist tradition is the idea of the "beginner's mind" - opening ourselves to learning without preconceptions the way a child might.
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 and Hector Tanabe.
Please remember that we are trying to keep staff safe by using virtual giving. If you can, please consider using on-line donations or text to give:
To Give or Pledge go to: https://www.mduuc.org/give/
Song Lyrics
#1018 Come and Go with Me
Come and go with me to that land,
Come and go with me to that land,
Come and go with me to that land
where I'm bound.
Come and go with me to that land,
Come and go with me to that land,
Come and go with me to that land
where I'm bound.
There'll be freedom in that land, …
There’ll be justice in that land, …
There’ll be singin’ in that land, …
#348 Guide My Feet
Guide my feet while I run this race.
Guide my feet while I run this race.
Guide my feet while I run this race,
for I don't want to run this race in vain!
Hold my hand while I run this race. …
Stand by me while I run this race. …
Guide my feet while I run this race…
#95 There Is More Love Somewhere
There is more love somewhere.
There is more love somewhere.
I'm gonna keep on 'til I find it.
There is more love somewhere.
There is more hope somewhere. …
There is more peace somewhere. …
There is more joy somewhere. …
There is more love somewhere…
| 2022-23 BOARD OF TRUSTEES | MINISTERS AND STAFF |
| Linda Russell, President
Ron Ahnen, Vice President Neysa Matt, Co-Secretary Davina Smith,Co-Secretary Chris Carter, Treasurer Jana Contreras, Board Member Steve Dietsch, Board Member Jaynese Davis, Board Member Mark David Watanabe, Board Member Andrew Oswald, Board Member |
Rev. Leslie Takahashi, Lead Minister / leslie@mduuc.net
Rev. Dr. David Sammons, Minister Emeritus Rev. Rodney Lemery, Community Minister/rodney@mduuc.org Rev. Jim Lewis, Consulting Minister / jimlewis@mduuc.org Michael Macias, Intern Minister /michael@mduuc.org Rev. Ranwa Hammamy CommunityMinister Rev. Meg Richardson, Community Minister Marena McGregor, Director of Religious Education / marena@mduuc.org Jen Marsh Prink, Church Administrator / jenm@mduuc.org Brynne Fay, Communications Coordinator / brynne@mduuc.org Mark Tuning, Music & Tech Director /musicdir@mduuc.org Eric Chapot, Facilities Manager / eric@mduuc.org Brett Carson, Accompanist / brettcarson@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!