April 7, 2024: "Wonder and Awe"
Reverend Connie Grant
Dr. Stephanie Kimball
Jason Michálek, Worship Associate
Reading by Scott Russell Sanders
Some reflections on our human responses to experiences of awe and wonder, as we anticipate the awesome and wonderful total solar eclipse on April 8. A multigenerational service.
View the video archive of this service here:
Order of Service
Our order of service is available both here on our website and in print.Ringing of the World Bell
Congregational Prelude
"Gather Us In" by Pam Blevins-Hinkle
Welcome & Announcements
Anabel Watson, Connections Coordinator
Ministerial Search Committee Moment
Land Acknowledgement
Dr. Stephanie Kimball, Director of Lifespan Religious Education
Lighting the Chalice Flame
“Our own bright place in the universe”
by Sarah Skovlund and Cindy Johnson
Opening Words
“As surely as we belong to the universe” by Margaret Keip
Reverend Connie Grant
Opening Hymn
#309 "Earth is Our Homeland"
Story
"I Wonder" by Annaka Harris (adapted)
Reflection
"Looking to the Skies"
Dr. Kimball
Musical Interlude
"Moon River" by Mancini and Mercer
Ray Fellman, piano
Social Justice Task Force Moment
Green Sanctuary Task Force
Social Justice Task Forces
- Green Sanctuary
- Habitat for Humanity
- Homelessness
- Hunger
- Hope for Prisoners
- International Outreach
- Just Peace
- Racial Justice
- Rainbow Rights
- Refugee and Immigration
- Reproductive Justice
Pastoral Prayer and Meditation
“What Gives Us Life” by Vanessa Rush Southern and Alyson Jacks
Musical Moment
“Alleluia! Sang Stars” Words by Mark Belletini, music by Patrick Rickey
UUCB Choir; Susan Swaney, Music Director
Reading
From “A Private History of Awe” Scott Russell Sanders
Musical Moment
“Alleluia! Sang Stars”
Offertory
"In Reverence" by David Tolk
During the Offertory, you are invited to silently light a candle to represent a joy or sorrow in your life.
You are invited to participate in this morning’s offering by contributing as the basket passes or online at uucb.churchcenter.com/giving. You may make a non-pledge gift or a contribution towards your annual pledge, or both, at that site. This fiscal year, 25% of our non-pledge Sunday offerings will be given to All-Options Pregnancy Resource Center, which provides cloth and disposable diapers/wipes, pregnancy tests, feeding supplies, and other essentials to families in need. See alloptionsprc.org for more information.
Story
“A Few Beautiful Minutes” by Kate Allen Fox (adapted)
Musical Moment
"Alleluia! Sang Stars"
Reading
From “Teaching a Stone to Talk” by Annie Dillard
Read by Jason Michálek, Worship Associate
Gift of Music
“An Alleluia Super Round” by William Albright
Joe Donnely, saxophone
Homily
“Experiencing Wonder and Awe”
Reverend Connie Grant
Closing Hymn
#363 "Alleluia! Sang Stars"
Extinguishing the Chalice Flame
“Let Us See the Stars and Wonder” by Madeleine L’Engle
Benediction
Choral Benediction
“Aquarius/Let the Sun Shine In” words by James Rado and Gerome Ragni, music by Galt MacDermot, arr. Roger Emerson Pam MacLaughlin, electric bass
Sophie DeCristafaro, soloist