July 28, 2024: "Love Stories"
Scott Russell Sanders, speaker
Mary Craig, Worship Associate
What is love, this power that draws us to other people, in tenderness and affection? What is this power that inspires us to care for dogs and dolphins, for oaks and owls, for strangers, for those who suffer, for future generations? Drawing on three stories by Scott Sanders, as well as poetry and song, this service will invite you to think about the expressions of love in your own life.
To join this service over the internet, please see our live stream page.
Order of Service
Our order of service is available both here on our website and in print.Ringing of the World Bell
Prelude
Ray Fellman, piano
Welcome & Announcements
Emily Phelps
Land Acknowledgement
Lighting the Chalice Flame
“The Infinite Possibilities of Love” by Rev. Tom Goldsmith
Mary Craig, Worship Associate
Opening Words
from Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman
Scott Russell Sanders
Opening Hymn
#95 “There Is More Love Somewhere”
Story
Corduroy by Don Freeman
Dr. Stephanie Kimball, Director of Lifespan Religious Education
Musical Interlude
Ray Fellman, piano
Love Story One
“Apples”
The three love stories in today’s service come from Scott Russell Sanders’ book in progress Ordinary Wealth.
Meditation
“Love Elegy in the Chinese Garden, with Koi” by Nathan McClain
Offertory
Ray Fellman, piano
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 donated to Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County to fund the installation of solar panels and energy monitoring systems and mandated radon testing in Habitat homes. The non-profit organization and its volunteers work to make more affordable, energy-efficient, and safe housing available locally. See monroecountyhabitat.org for more information.
Love Story Two
"Mother"
Gift of Music
Ray Fellman, piano
Love Story Three
“Silence”
Closing Hymn
#100 “I’ve Got Peace Like a River”
Extinguishing the Chalice Flame
“Love Remains the Center” by Eric Hepburn
Benediction
“My Holy of Holies,” by Anton Chekhov