Sunday Program- September 10, 2023

Mt.  Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church

Sunday, September 10, 2023

“Love At The Center”

Sunday Program - Welcome!

GATHERING SONG
#188 "Come, Come Whoever you Are"
Mora Mattingly, Song Leader

PRELUDE  
“Summer's Eve” (Edvard Grieg)
Brett Carson, Piano 

WELCOME
Rev. Leslie Takahashi, Lead Minister
Neysa Matt, Board Representative

GREETING ONE ANOTHER

MINDFUL MOMENT

Marena McGregor

LIGHTING OF THE CHALICE
David Longfellow 

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

TIME FOR ALL AGES
“Love as a Verb”
Marena McGregor & Rev. Leslie Takahashi

CHILDREN’S BLESSING

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

CALL TO WORSHIP

Rev. Rodney Lemery

CONGREGATIONAL SONG
#1 (SLT) "May Nothing Evil Cross This Door" (Prayer for this House) 

Mora Mattingly, Song Leader

JOYS AND SORROWS
Rev. Leslie Takahashi

MEDITATION SONG  22 “Llama de amor viva” (Flame of living love)
Brett Carson, Piano

TIME OF MEDITATION AND PRAYER  
Rev. Leslie Takahashi

MUSICAL OFFERING
“A Season of Love” from “Rent” by J. Larson
Chalice Choir

CALL FOR THE OFFERING
Kevin Hsieh, Board Representative

OFFERTORY
Improvisation
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.

MESSAGE
“Love At The Center”
Rev. Leslie Takahashi

CLOSING SONG
#131 “Love Will Guide Us”

BENEDICTION
Rev. Leslie Takahashi

POSTLUDE
“Elevation of Love” (Esbjörn Svensson)
Brett Carson, Piano

_____________________________

NEXT SUNDAY:
The Journey of Justice:
The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee. In the face of challenges and forces that undermine justice and equity, UUSC has, for more than eight decades, been resisting cynicism and refusing complacency. Through a model that embraces radical trust, UUSC advances human rights in partnership with communities impacted by oppression. Join UUSC President Mary Katharine Morn to hear the stories of faithful imagination and always emerging learning create the journey of justice that we share in our work together. We are pleased to welcome Rev. Mary Katherine Morn,  UUSC president, to our pulpit, hosted by Rev. Rodney Lemery. 

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, Emma Brody

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