Sunday Program- July 23, 2023

Mt.  Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church

Sunday, July 23, 2023

“What does the U.S. look like from Europe?”

Sunday Program - Welcome!

GATHERING SONG
#188 “Come, Come, Whoever”

These words of the 13th-century Persian poet Rumi, a leader of the early Sufi movement in Islam, were set to music by the Rev. Lynn Ungar.

PRELUDE
“America” by Paul Simon Julie
Homi, Piano 

WELCOME
Rev. Rodney Lemery, Justice Minister
Jaynese Davis, Board Representative

SHARE THE PLATE
Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County,
Rev. Rodney Lemery

GREETING ONE ANOTHER

LIGHTING OF THE CHALICE 

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

Michelle Paquette

TIME FOR ALL AGES
“My American Story”
Jean Wilcox

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
Les Polgar, Worship Associate

CONGREGATIONAL SONG
#159 “This is my song”
Scott Schrader

This prayer for peace was set to the tune of Jan Sibelius’ beloved “Finlandia,” a song associated with the movement to free Finland from Russian domination.

JOYS AND SORROWS
Rev. Leslie Takahashi

MUSIC MEDITATION 
#389 “Gathered Here” 

This chant by Philip Porter, a Bay Area composer, artist, and improvisational dance director, encourages us to invite and welcome a sustaining presence of the forces which upholds Life.

PRAYER FOR THE COUNTRY
Rev. Rodney Lemery  

MUSICAL OFFERING
“Jamie’s Garden” by Julie Homi
Julie Homi, Piano

CALL FOR THE OFFERING
Jana Contreras, Board Representative

OFFERTORY
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.”

MESSAGE
“What does the U.S. look like from Europe?!”
Evan Junker

CLOSING SONG
#121 “We'll Build a Land”

The words of this hymn were adapted from Isaiah and Amos by Barbara Zanotti (20th century), a peace activist. The music was written by Carolyn McDade, a feminist activist, songwriter, and Unitarian Universalist. The tune was arranged by Betsy Jo Angebranndt the director of music at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis, MD

BENEDICTION AND EXTINGUISHING THE CHALICE
Rev. Rodney Lemery

POSTLUDE
“Bluesette” by Toots Theilemans
Julie Homi, Piano

_____________________________

NEXT SUNDAY:
Courage, My Friend
A Living Tradition honoring our Past while moving us into the future. Come and join the delegates that attended this year's General Assembly service as they reflect on their lessons learned.

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, Hector Tanabe and Clare Solstice

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