September 08, 2024: Multigenerational Water Communion: Community Makes Us Strong
Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray
Dr. Stephanie Kimball, Director of Lifespan Religious Education
Erica Whichello, Worship Associate
In this annual tradition, where we celebrate the ingathering of our community and the beginning of a new congregational ministry year, everyone is invite to bring a small amount of water from a place that is meaningful to you - perhaps water from a beloved lake or stream, from your tap at home, or even tears from a grief you’ve experienced. Together we pour our water representing the ways that community weaves us together in connection.
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
“Enter, Rejoice, and Come In” by Louise Ruspini
Welcome & Announcements
Anabel Watson, Connections Coordinator
Land Acknowledgement
Lighting the Chalice Flame
Olivia Sapp, Chalice Leader
Emily Phelps, Julia Phelps
Story Part One
“The Island and the Moon” by Kristin Maier
Stephanie Kimball and Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray
Opening Hymn
#123 Spirit of Life
Chalice Circles Testimonial
Deb Fish
Pastoral Prayer and Meditation
Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray
with reading by KokHeong McNaughton
Offertory
“Watermark” by Enya
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.
Story Part Two
“The Island and the Moon”
Homily
“Community Makes Us Strong”
Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray
Gift of Music
“At the River” by Aaron Copland
UUCB Choir
Dr. Susan Swaney, Music Director
Ray Fellman, piano
Water Communion
Hymn
#1064 Blue Boat Home
The Blessings of Community
by Douglas Taylor
Gift of Music
“People Get Ready” by Curtis Mayfield, arr. Pederson
UUCB Choir
Daniel Reed, Solo
Colleen Haas, drums
Steve Mascari, bass
Extinguishing the Chalice Flame
Clara Courtney, Chalice Leader
Benediction
Choral Benediction
“Let Us Go Out” by Pam Blevins Hinkle
