Sunday Program- September 17, 2023

Mt.  Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church

Sunday, September 17, 2023

“The Journey of Justice”

Sunday Program - Welcome!

GATHERING SONG
#394, “Hava Nashira”
Choir, Song Leader

This simple Hebrew round is has music that many sources attribute to Johannes Ockeghem, though there is not clear evidence. It is not known who set these words to the music.  The English translation is, “Let us sing together, sing hallelujah”

PRELUDE  
"Akatonbo" (Kosaku Yamada/Rofū Miki)
Brett Carson, Piano 

WELCOME
Rev. Leslie Takahashi, Lead Minister
Jim Lincoln, Board Representative

GREETING ONE ANOTHER

MINDFUL MOMENT
“Call and Response Practice”
Revs. Mary Katherine Morn & Rodney Lemery

LIGHTING OF THE CHALICE
Doug Tamo & David Platt

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

TIME FOR ALL AGES
“Loaves, and Fishes and Family” Rev. Mary Katherine Morn

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
Ives Humphreys

CONGREGATIONAL SONG
#28, “Vamos todos adelante/Sin volver atrás” (Music: Pat Humphries (1984); Translation: Ervin Barrios (2002)
Rev. Rodney Lemery, Song Leader

A powerful anthem of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Through its spirited and repetitive lyrics, the song encourages listeners to continue pushing forward, never looking back, and to actively participate in creating a better world.

JOYS AND SORROWS
Rev. Leslie Takahashi

MEDITATION SONG 

#396, “I Know This Rose Will Open”
Choir, Song Leader

The words and tune of this hymn were written by Mary E. Grigolia, a Unitarian Universalist minister.

READING
“V’ahavta” by Aurora Levins Morales
Revs. Leslie Takahashi & Rodney Lemery

MUSICAL REPRISE
#396, “I Know This Rose Will Open”
Brett Carson, Piano

TIME OF MEDITATION AND PRAYER  
Rev. Rodney Lemery

MUSICAL OFFERING
 “Elegie” by Faure
Johanna McShane, violin, and
Brett Carson, piano

CALL FOR THE OFFERING
Steve Dietsch, Board Member

OFFERTORY
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
“The Journey of Justice” Rev. Mary Katherine Morn          

CLOSING SONG
#1030 Siyahamba /We are Marching
Choir, Song Leader

BENEDICTION
Rev. Mary Katherine Morn

POSTLUDE  

“Rigal from Book of Angels, Vol 3 (John Zorn)”
Brett Carson, Piano

_____________________________

NEXT SUNDAY:

To Err is Human, to Forgive Is Also A Part of Being Fully Human.
In this period of the Jewish High Holy Days which represent deep religious roots for us. The need for forgiveness is something we all encounter—and which also is complicated as well. Join Revs. Leslie Takahashi and Rodney Lemery as the explore this vital subject.

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