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Order of Service Archive

 
            November 20, 2016                                                                                                                       Thanksgiving
 
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*Gathering Hymn                                          #21 For the Beauty of the Earth
                                                                         For the beauty of the earth, for the splendor of the skies
                                                                         For the love which from our birth, over and around us lies
                                                                         Source of all, to thee we raise this, our hymn of grateful praise.
                                                                         For the joy of human care, sister, brother, parent, child
                                                                         For the kinship we all share, for all gentle thoughts and mind
                                                                         Source of all, to thee we raise this, our hymn of grateful praise.
 
Prelude                                                           Do You Know                                                                            Daniel Gledhill
 
Welcome
 
Chalice Lighting                                            Joyce Holmen
 
*Opening Hymn                                             #67 We Sing Now Together
 
*Covenant                                                      Love is the doctrine of this church.
                                                                         The quest for truth is its sacrament,
                                                                         And service is its prayer.
                                                                         To dwell together in peace,
                                                                         To seek knowledge in freedom,
                                                                         To serve humankind in fellowship,
                                                                         Thus do we covenant with each other.
 
*Hymn of Praise                                            From all that dwell below the skies
                                                                         Let songs of hope and faith arise
                                                                         Let peace, goodwill on earth be sung
                                                                         Through every land, by every tongue.
 
Offering for the Westside Food Bank
 
Time for All Ages                                            Stone Soup
 
Song of Blessing                                           #414 As We Leave This Friendly Place
                                                                          As you leave this friendly place, love give light to every face.
                                                                         May the kindness which you learn, light your hearts till you return.
 
Life Together
 
Pulpit Message                                            Stewardship Committee
                                                                        Cynthia Kelly
 
Offering                                                         Long Time Ago                                                                          Aaron Copland
 
Litany of Thanksgiving                              #512 We Give Thanks This Day                                       O. Eugene Pickett
 
Silence
 
Music for the Morning                                Someone Else’s Story (9am)                                               Benny Anderson
                                                                       Awake the Trumpet’s Lofty Sound (11am)                               G. F. Händel
 
Message                                                      The Real Challenge of Gratitude                     Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur
 
*Closing Hymn                                            #128 For All That Is Our Life
 
*Benediction
 
Musical Response                                    Amen in Bb                                                                                          Traditional
 
*Please stand in body or in spirit
 
❦ ❦ ❦ ❦
Greeters:                                            Roberta Frye, Wendi Gladstone, Audrey Lyness & David Olson
Ushers:                                               Bonnie Brae, David Goetz, Linda van Ligten & Greg Wood
Coffee:                                                Sheila Cummins, Alice Hall, Eileen McCormack & Pam Teplitz
Welcome Table:                                 Wendi Gladstone
Bookstore:                                          Sarah Harper
 
Service Notes
 
Today 40% of our non-pledge offering will go to the Westside Coalition: Housing Hunger Health, (WC). The Westside Coalition, (formerly the Westside Shelter & Hunger Coalition), is an alliance of 44 organizations, public agencies and faith communities committed to ending hunger and homelessness through service coordination, public education and advocacy. The coalition was founded in 1982 to serve the Westside of Los Angeles County and is the oldest coalition in the county working on behalf of the homeless. Please save the date: the 2017 Santa Monica Homeless Count will take place on Wed, Jan 25, 2017 from 10:30pm to 2:30am. This annual volunteer and city-led effort measures progress toward ending homelessness and gives a snapshot of who is experiencing homelessness and where they are located.
 
 
          November 13, 2016
If I am not for myself, who will be for me?
If I am only for myself, what am I?
And if not now, when?
- Rabbi Hillel
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*Gathering Hymn                                   #155 Circle ‘Round for Freedom
                                                                  Circle 'round for freedom, circle 'round for peace,
                                                                  For all of us imprisoned, circle for release,
                                                                  Circle for the planet, circle for each soul,
                                                                  For the children of our children,
                                                                  Keep the circle whole.
 
Prelude                                                    We’ll Build a Land                                                                   Carolyn McDade
 
Welcome
 
Chalice Lighting                                      #658 To Risk Anonymous
(Responsive)
 
*Opening Hymn                                      #109 As We Come Marching, Marching
 
*Covenant                                                Love is the doctrine of this church.
                                                                   The quest for truth is its sacrament,
                                                                   And service is its prayer.
                                                                   To dwell together in peace,
                                                                   To seek knowledge in freedom,
                                                                   To serve humankind in fellowship,
                                                                   Thus do we covenant with each other.
 
*Hymn of Praise                                      From all that dwell below the skies
                                                                    Let songs of hope and faith arise
                                                                    Let peace, goodwill on earth be sung
                                                                    Through every land, by every tongue.
 
Offering for the Westside Food Bank
 
Time for All Ages                                        We Are Not Afraid                                                                   Aaron McEmrys
 
Song of Blessing                                       #414 As We Leave This Friendly Place
                                                                     As you leave this friendly place, love give light to every face.
                                                                    May the kindness which you learn, light your hearts till you return.
 
Life Together
 
Pulpit Message                                        Board of Directors
                                                                    Jacki Weber (9am)
                                                                    Ron Crane (11am)
 
Offering                                                     The Circle Game                                                                              Joni Mitchell
 
Devotional Time
 
Candle Lighting
 
Sung Response                                     #86 Blessed Spirit of My Life
 
Music for the Morning                           Jeux d’eau (9am)                                                                           Maurice Ravel
                                                                  The Road Not Taken (11am)                                               Randall Thompson
 
Sermon                                                   Hope and Fear                                                         Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur
 
*Closing Hymn                                      #95 There is More Love Somewhere
 
*Benediction
 
Musical Response                               Amen in Bb                                                                                    Zanaida Robles
 
*Please stand in body or in spirit
 
❦ ❦ ❦ ❦
 
Greeters:                                         Dwight Flowers, Katie Malich & Jila Tayefehnowrooz
Ushers:                                           Tom Early, Kit Shaw, Ned Wright & Michael Young
Coffee:                                             Phyllis Kory, Jila Tayefehnowrooz & Linda van Ligten
Bookstore:                                      Sarah Harper
 
Service Notes
 
Today 40% of our non-pledge offering will go to the American Civil Liberties Union. The ACLU was
founded to ensure the promise of the Bill of Rights and to expand its reach to people historically
denied its protections. In our first year, we fought the harassment and deportation of immigrants
whose activism put them at odds with the authorities. In 1939, we won in the U.S. Supreme Court the
right for unions to organize. We stood almost alone in 1942 in denouncing our government’s
round-up and internment in concentration camps of more than 110,000 Japanese Americans. And at
times in our history when frightened civilians have been willing to give up some of their freedoms and
rights in the name of national security, the ACLU has been the bulwark for liberty.
 
 
     November 6, 2016                                                                                                                   Remembrance Vespers
 
Sometimes it's necessary to go a long distance out of the way
in order to come back a short distance correctly.
~ Edward Albee (1928 - 2016)
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Prelude                                                 Komm Süsser Tod                                                          J.S. Bach, (1685-1750)
 
Chalice Lighting
 
*Opening Hymn                                   #101 Abide with Me
 
Reading                                                Do Not Stand By My Grave                                                 Mary Elizabeth Frye
                                                                Rima Snyder
 
Selection                                              Introitus and Kyrie                                                      Antonio Lotti, (1667-1740)
 
Silence
 
Responsive Reading                         #468 We Need One Another                                                     George E. Odell
                                                                Lois Hutchinson
 
                                                                We need one another when we mourn and would be
                                                                comforted.
 
                                                                We need one another when we are in trouble and afraid.
 
                                                                We need one another when we are in despair, in temptation,
                                                                and need to be recalled to our best selves again.
 
                                                                We need one another when we would accomplish some great
                                                                purpose, and cannot do it alone.
 
                                                               We need one another in the hour of success, when we look
                                                               for someone to share our triumphs.
 
                                                               We need one another in hour of defeat, when when with
                                                               encouragement we might endure, and stand again.
 
                                                                We need one another when we come to die, and would have
                                                                gentle hands prepare us for the journey
 
                                                                All our lives we are in need, and others are in need of us.
 
Offering                                                  Offertorium
 
Litany                                                     Response: You are not forgotten.
 
Candle Lighting                                   Sanctus & Benedictus
 
Silence
 
Responsive Reading                          We Remember Them                                                                Sylvan Kamens
                                                                James Hayden & Rabbi Jack Riemer
 
                                                                In the rising of the sun and its going down,
                                                                      We remember them.
                                                                In the blowing wind and the chill of winter,
                                                                       We remember them.
                                                                In the opening of buds and in the rebirth of spring,
                                                                       We remember them.
                                                                In the blue sky and warmth of summer,
                                                                       We remember them.
                                                                In the rustling of leaves and the beauty of autumn,
                                                                       We remember them.
                                                                 In the beginning of the year and when it ends,
                                                                       We remember them.
                                                                 When we are weary and in need of strength,
                                                                        We remember them.
                                                                  When we are lost and sick at heart,
                                                                        We remember them.
                                                                 When we have joys we yearn to share,
                                                                         We remember them.
                                                                  So long as we live, they too shall live, for they are part of us,
                                                                          We remember them.
 
Selection                                                Agnus Dei and Communio
 
Hymn                                                     #1002 Comfort Me
 
*Benediction                                        Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur
 
Postlude                                                Etude Op. 33, No. 2                                   Sergei Rachmaninoff, (1873-1943)
 
*Please stand in body or in spirit
 
About Antonio Lotti’s Missa pro defunctis
 
Missa pro defunctis was composed by Antonio Lotti more than 300 years ago as one of many works written while he served as music director at St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice. In addition to his church work, Lotti was known in his day for composing a wide variety of music including cantatas, madrigals, instrumental music, and some 30 operas. His secular style could be described as ornamental, instrumentally adorned, and solo-oriented, bridging the gap between the ornate baroque and highly-refined classical periods of music. Lotti’s sacred music, however, is almost exclusively a cappella and firmly rooted in a traditional style of imitative part-writing for four equal voices. This traditional a cappella sound is exemplified in the Missa pro defunctis, a work whose text comes from the Roman Catholic liturgy of the mass for the dead or Requiem. With seven distinct sections
performed a cappella, this contemplative work captures the solemnity and grace of our Remembrance Vespers, as we turn toward that which is sacred in remembrance of those who have passed from this life to the next.
                                                                                                                                   - Dr. Zanaida Robles, Director of Music
 
Service Notes
Our offering tonight will benefit the Music Fund.
 
Grief is a natural reaction after the death of someone close. Yet in our society few people are prepared for the intensity and duration of the grief process. Our House Grief Support Center was founded on the premise that grievers need understanding, support, and connection. If you or someone you care about is grieving, Our House is here to help. For support: 1.888.417.1444. www.ourhouse-grief.org.
 
Missa pro defunctis translation
 
Introitus and Kyrie:
Eternal rest give unto them, O Lord, And let perpetual light shine upon them. A hymn, O God,
becometh Thee in Zion
And a vow shall be paid to thee in Jerusalem. Hear my prayer. All flesh shall come before you.
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.
 
Offertorium:
Lord Jesus Christ, king of glory, deliver the soulds of all the faithful departed from the pains of Hell
and the bottomless pit. Deliver them from the jaws of the lion, lest hell engulf them, lest they be
plunged into darkness; but let the holy standard-bearer Michael lead them into the holy light, as once
you promised to Abraham and to his seed.
Lord, in praise we offer you Sacrifices and prayers, accept them on behalf of those who we remember
this day: Lord, make them pass from death to life, as once you promised to Abraham and to his seed.
 
Sanctus and Benedictus:
Holy, holy, holy Lord God of hosts! Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the
highest!
 
Agnus Dei and Communio:
Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, Grant them rest. Lamb of God, that takest away
the sins of the world, Grant them eternal rest. Let everlasting light shine upon them, Lord, with Thy
saints forever, for Thou art merciful. Grant them eternal rest, Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon
them, for Thou art merciful.
 
 
November 6, 2016
I will tell you something about stories.
They aren’t just entertainment.
Don’t be fooled. They are all we have.
All we have to fight off illness and death.
You don’t have anything if you don’t have stories.
-- Leslie Marmon Silko
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*Gathering Hymn                                      #16 ‘Tis a Gift to Be Simple
                                                                     ‘Tis a gift to be simple, ‘tis a gift to be free
                                                                     ‘tis a gift to come down where we ought to be
                                                                      and when we find ourselves in the place just right,
                                                                      ‘twill be in the valley of love and delight.
                                                                      When true simplicity is gained,
                                                                      to bow and to bend we shan’t be ashamed
                                                                      To turn, turn will be our delight,
                                                                     ‘til by turning, turning we come ‘round right.
 
Prelude                                                        Claire de lune                                                                           Claude Debussy
 
Welcome
 
Chalice Lighting                                         YRUU Youth Group
 
*Opening Hymn                                         #126 Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
 
*Covenant                                                   Love is the doctrine of this church.
                                                                      The quest for truth is its sacrament,
                                                                      And service is its prayer.
                                                                      To dwell together in peace,
                                                                      To seek knowledge in freedom,
                                                                      To serve humankind in fellowship,
                                                                      Thus do we covenant with each other.
 
*Hymn of Praise                                         From all that dwell below the skies
                                                                      Let songs of hope and faith arise
                                                                      Let peace, goodwill on earth be sung
                                                                      Through every land, by every tongue.
 
Offering for the Westside Food Bank
 
Time for All Ages
 
Song of Blessing                                     #413 Go Now in Peace                                                                  Natalie Sleeth
                                                                    Go now in peace, go now in peace
                                                                    May the spirit of love surround you, as you go, as you go
                                                                    On your way.
 
Life Together
 
Pulpit Message                                       Board of Directors
                                                                  Jacki Weber (9am)
                                                                  Ron Crane (11am)
 
Speaker                                                   Almost Unconditional Love                                                                   Len Harris
 
Offering                                                    Pie Jesu                                                                                             Gabriel Faure
 
Devotional Time
 
Silence
 
Sung Response                                      #123 Spirit of Life
 
Responsive Reading                             #646 The Larger Circle                                                                Wendell Berry
 
Music for the Morning                            Komm Süsser Tod                                                                                J.S. Bach
 
Sermon                                                                                                                                       Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur
 
*Closing Hymn                                        #1064 Blue Boat Home
 
*Benediction
 
Musical Response                                   Amen in Bb
 
*Please stand in body or in spirit
 
❦ ❦ ❦ ❦
 
Greeters:                                                 Tom Foretich, Barbara Gibbs & Denise Helton
Ushers:                                                    Bonnie Brae, Peggy Kharraz, Dan Patterson & Rick Rhoads
Coffee:                                                     Deirdre Dietel, Peggy Rhoads, Kit Shaw & Alicia van Ooyen
Welcome Table:                                      Linda van Ligten
Bookstore:                                               Sarah Harper
 
Service Notes
 
Today 40% of our non-pledge offering will go to the Westside Coalition: Housing Hunger Health, (WC). The Westside Coalition, (formerly the Westside Shelter & Hunger Coalition), is an alliance of 44 organizations, public agencies and faith communities committed to ending hunger and homelessness through service coordination, public education and advocacy. The coalition was founded in 1982 to serve the Westside of Los Angeles County and is the oldest coalition in the county working on behalf of the homeless. Please save the date: the 2017 Santa Monica Homeless Count will take place on Wed, Jan 25, 2017 from 10:30pm to 2:30am. This annual volunteer and city-led effort measures progress toward ending homelessness and gives a snapshot of who is experiencing homelessness and where they are located.
 
Pie Jesu Translation:
Pious Lord Jesus, give them rest.
 
 
October 30, 2016
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*Gathering Hymn                                        #389 Gathered Here                                                             Philip A. Porter
                                                                       Gathered here in the mystery of the hour
                                                                       Gathered here in one strong body
                                                                       Gathered here in the struggle and the power
                                                                       Spirit, draw near.
 
                                                                        Unidos en el misterio de la hora.
                                                                        Unidos ya en un gran cuerpo.
                                                                        Unidos ya en la lucha triunfadora.
                                                                        Espíritu ven.
 
Prelude                                                          Raindrop Prelude                                                             Frederick Chopin
 
Welcome
 
Chalice Lighting (Responsive)                We Light This Flame                                                                   William Feiss
                                                                       We light this flame as our fervent plea
                                                                       to brighten the dark corners of our hearts;
                                                                                     We hold this flame
                                                                        For in it is the promise of warmth
                                                                        for souls grown cold in loss and despair;
                                                                                     We kindle this light
                                                                        That we might continue to find comfort in its warmth;
                                                                        strength in its light; holiness in its presence;
                                                                                      We follow this light
                                                                         That it might illuminate our search for purpose, for meaning,
                                                                         And forgiveness;
                                                                                       We light this chalice
                                                                         Knowing even as a sacred spark of life is extinguished,
                                                                         in the ensuing darkness, its light will still burn bright
                                                                         with all the memory and hope of its all too brief flash across our lives.
                                                                                       We light this flame of life, of love and truth
                                                                                        for the divine promise of healing hearts.
 
Opening Hymn                                               #1008 When Our Heart is in a Holy Place
 
*Covenant                                                       Love is the doctrine of this church.
                                                                          The quest for truth is its sacrament,
                                                                           And service is its prayer.
                                                                          To dwell together in peace,
                                                                          To seek knowledge in freedom,
                                                                          To serve humankind in fellowship,
                                                                          Thus do we covenant with each other.
 
*Hymn of Praise                                              From all that dwell below the skies
                                                                            Let songs of hope and faith arise
                                                                            Let peace, goodwill on earth be sung
                                                                            Through every land, by every tongue.
 
Presentation                                                      Children’s Choir
                                                                             Many and Great (9am)                                      Native American Chant
 
Time for All Ages                                              La Ofrenda
 
Song of Blessing                                               #118 This Little Light of Mine                                                 Traditional
                                                                             This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine...
                                                                             Everywhere I go, I’m gonna let it shine...
 
Life Together
 
Pulpit Message                                                  Right Relations Task Force
 
Story: Part I                                                         The Fall of Freddie the Leaf                                             Leo Buscalgia
 
Devotional Time
 
Body Prayer
 
Leaf Invitation
 
Offering                                                                I Will Remember You (9am)                                       Sarah McLaughlin
                                                                              Kyrie (11am)                                                                            Antonio Lotti
 
Speaker                                                               Jamie Duckman
 
Story: Part 2                                                       The Fall of Freddie the Leaf
 
Bringing Names
 
Interlude                                                            Improvisation (9am)                                                            Daniel Gledhill
                                                                            Sing Me To Heaven (11am)                                             Daniel Gawthrop
 
Moment of Blessing
 
Ritual of Hearts
 
Interlude                                                                                                                                                               Daniel Gledhill
 
*Closing Hymn                                               #1001 Breaths
 
*Benediction
 
Musical Response                                         Umoja                                                                                     Zanaida Robles
 
*Please stand in body or in spirit
 
Service Notes
Service Participants: Bryan Cahill, Rebecca Crawford, Deirdre Dietel, Tom Foretich, Sarah Harper, Barbara Kernochan, fUUsion (℅ Karen Patterson), Kit Shaw, Susan Stahl, Alicia van Ooyen & Ned Wright.
 
Thank you to our Day of the Dead Service Leaders and those assisting with our Memorial Garden Service of Dedication: Vilma Ortiz, Katie Malich, Alison Kendall, and our Children’s Choir.
 
Today’s Community Offering will go to Our House Grief Support Center. Our House was founded on the premise that grievers need understanding, support, and connection. If you or someone you care about is grieving, we are here to help: 1.888.417.1444. http://www.ourhouse-grief.org.
 
Kyrie Translation: Lord, have mercy. / Christ, have mercy. / Lord, have mercy.
 
 
October 23, 2016
We’re all just penciled in. ~ Stan Freberg
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*
Gathering Hymn                              Gracias por el amor                                                            arr. William James Ross
                                                           Gracias por el amor del cielo, gracias por el inmenso mar,
                                                           Gracias por el cantar del bosque. ¡Aleluya!
                                                           Gracias por este nuevo día, gracias por nuestra gran unión,
                                                           Gracias por todas las bondades. ¡Aleluya!
 
Prelude                                             Winds Be Still                                                                     Samuel Sebastian Wesley
 
Welcome
 
Chalice Lighting
 
*Opening Hymn                               #305 De Colores

*Covenant                                        Love is the doctrine of this church.
                                                           The quest for truth is its sacrament,
                                                           And service is its prayer.
                                                           To dwell together in peace,
                                                           To seek knowledge in freedom,
                                                           To serve humankind in fellowship,
                                                           Thus do we covenant with each other.
 
*Hymn of Praise                             From all that dwell below the skies
                                                          Let songs of hope and faith arise
                                                          Let peace, goodwill on earth be sung
                                                          Through every land, by every tongue.
 
Offering for the Westside Food Bank
 
Time for All Ages
 
Song of Blessing                          #413 Go Now in Peace                                                                          Natalie Sleeth
                                                        Go now in peace, go now in peace
                                                        May the spirit of love surround you, as you go, as you go
                                                        On your way.
 
Life Together
 
Tribute to Ernie Pipes                                                                                                  Rev. Judith Meyer, Minister Emerita
 
Pulpit Message                             Stewardship Committee
                                                         Katie Malich
 
Offering                                           Etude Opus 33 No. 2 (9am)                                                     Sergei Rachmaninoff
                                                         Introitus (11am)                                                                                          Antonio Lotti
 
Devotional Time
 
Silence
 
Sung Response                           #1009 Meditation on Breathing
                                                        When I breathe in, I breathe in peace.
                                                        When I breathe out, I breathe out love.
 
Reading                                         This is It                                                                                                James Broughton
 
Music for the Morning                 Deep River (9am)                                                                            Traditional Spiritual
                                                        Alleluia (11am)                                                                                       Alan Hovhaness
 
Sermon                                         Bodies, Blessings, and Bucket Lists                                                Rev. Bill Schulz
 
*Closing Hymn                             #108 My Life Flows On in Endless Song
 
*Benediction
 
Musical Response                      Umoja, Unity                                                                                           Zanaida Robles
 
*Please stand in body or in spirit
 
 ❦ ❦ ❦ ❦
 
Greeters:                                    Glen Howell, Kris Langabeer, Michael Young & Steve Young
Ushers:                                       Tom Early, David Goetz, Dan Patterson & Rick Rhoads
Coffee:                                        Sheila Bjornlie, Nancy Howell, Leah Moore & Sylvia Young
Welcome Table:                        Kris Langabeer & Carol Ring
Bookstore:                                 Sarah Harper
 
Service Notes
 
Flowers: Today's flowers are donated by Alicia Wood and dedicated to Linda van Ligten and Greg Wood. Congratulations on your 30th Anniversary! And Happy Birthday to Greg Wood!
 
Today 40% of our non-pledge offering will go to Our House Grief Support Center. Grief is a natural reaction after the death of someone close. Since 1993, Our House has helped thousands of grieving children, teens, and adults as they embark upon a journey to hope and healing.
 
Rev. Bill Schulz, recently retired from full-time ministry and from the presidency of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, is a senior fellow in human rights at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard and an affiliated minister at Meadville Lombard Theological School in Chicago.
 
Introitus Translation:
Eternal rest, grant to them, O God.
And may light perpetual shine upon them.
A hymn, O God, becomes you in Zion,
And a vow shall be made to you in Jerusalem.
O God, hear my prayer.
To you, all flesh comes.
 
 
October 16, 2016
“Men always talk about the most important things to perfect strangers.
In the perfect stranger we perceive man himself;
the image of a God is not disguised by resemblances to an uncle or doubts of wisdom of a mustache.”
~ Gilbert K. Chesterton
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*Gathering Hymn                             Bind us together, bind us together, with cords that cannot be broken
                                                            Bind us together, bind us together, bind us together with love.
 
Prelude                                             Come Sunday                                                                                        Duke Ellington
 
Welcome
 
Chalice Lighting Michael Eselun
 
*Opening Hymn                               #298 Wake Now My Senses
 
*Covenant                                          Love is the doctrine of this church.
                                                             The quest for truth is its sacrament,
                                                             And service is its prayer.
                                                             To dwell together in peace,
                                                             To seek knowledge in freedom,
                                                             To serve humankind in fellowship,
                                                             Thus do we covenant with each other.
 
*Hymn of Praise                                From all that dwell below the skies
                                                             Let songs of hope and faith arise
                                                             Let peace, goodwill on earth be sung
                                                             Through every land, by every tongue.
 
Offering for the Westside Food Bank
 
Time for All Ages
 
Song of Blessing                                 #118 This Little Light of Mine                                                                 Traditional
 
Life Together
 
Pulpit Message                                    Stewardship
 
Offering                                                 Musical Meditation (9am)
                                                               Sanctus, Benedictus (11am)                                                               Antonio Lotti
                                                               Holy, holy, holy One
                                                               God of power and might 
                                                               Heaven and Earth are full of your glory
                                                               Hosanna in the highest
                                                               Blessed is the one who comes in the name of God
                                                               Hosanna in the highest
 
Devotional Time
 
Silence
 
Sung Response                                 #34 Though I May Speak with Bravest Fire
 
Responsive Reading                        Excerpt from “Kindness”                                                           Naomi Shihab Nye
 
Music for the Morning                       There is a Balm in Gilead                                                          William L. Dawson
 
Sermon                                                Perfect Strangers                                                                            Michael Eselun
 
*Closing Hymn                                   #1021 Lean on Me
 
*Benediction
 
Musical Response                              Umoja                                                                                                Zanaida Robles
 
*Please stand in body or in spirit
 
❦ ❦ ❦ ❦
 
Greeters:                                      Roberta Frye, Wendi Gladstone, Audrey Lyness & David Olson
Ushers:                                         Bonnie Brae, Dan Patterson, Jila Tayefehnowrooz & Ned Wright
Coffee:                                         Sheila Cummins, Alice Hall, Eileen McCormack & Pam Teplitz
Welcome Table:                          Wendi Gladstone
Bookstore:                                  Sarah Harper
 
Service Notes
Today 40% of our non-pledge offering will go to Our House Grief Support Center. Grief is a natural reaction after the death of someone close. In our society few people are prepared for the intensity and duration of the grief process. Our House was founded on the premise that grievers need understanding, support, and connection. For twenty-one years, Our House has helped thousands of grieving children, teens, and adults as they embark upon a journey to hope and healing.
 
Responsive Reading: Excerpt from “Kindness” by Naomi Shihab Nye
 
    Before you know kindness as the deepest thing inside,
    you must know sorrow as the other deepest thing.
       
                     You must wake up with sorrow.
                     You must speak to it till your voice
                     catches the thread of all sorrows
                      and you see the size of the cloth.
 
    Then it is only kindness that makes sense anymore,
    only kindness that ties your shoes
 
                   and sends you out into the day to mail letters and
                   purchase bread,
 
     only kindness that raises its head
     from the crowd of the world to say
     it is I you have been looking for,
 
                 and then goes with you everywhere
                 like a shadow or a friend.
 
 
HEART AND SOUL – A Contemplative Worship Service
Second Sundays 5:00 to 5:45 pm
October 9, 2016
 
To Be A Community of Healing
Cure may occur without healing; healing may occur without cure.
Cure alters what is; healing offers what might be.
Cure is an act; healing is a process.
Cure seeks to change reality; healing embraces reality.
Cure takes charge; healing takes time.
Cure avoids grief; healing assumes grief.
Cure speaks; healing listens.
                                                                                                                                                          ~ Fred Recklau
 
Gathering – Karen Hsu Patterson and Joyce Holmen
 
               Singing:           Come, come, whoever you are, wanderer, worshipper, lover of leaving.
                                         Ours is no caravan of despair. Come, yet again come.                     ~ Jalaluddin Rumi
 
               Chalice Lighting – Mary Romanek
                                       For every time we make a mistake and we decide to start again:
                                                    We light this chalice.
                                       For every time we are lonely and we let someone be our friend:
                                                     We light this chalice.
                                       For every time we are disappointed and we choose to hope:
                                                     We light this chalice.
 
              Singing: Healing Circle                                                                                                             ~ Julia Hikory
 
Contemplation of Ideas
                Let us not rush to the language of healing, before understanding the fullness of the injury and
                 the depth of the wound.
                               Let us not rush to offer a band-aid, when the gaping wound requires surgery and
                               complete reconstruction.
                                             Let us not offer false equivalencies, thereby diminishing the particular pain being
                                             felt in a particular circumstance in a particular historical moment.
                Let us not speak of reconciliation without speaking of reparations and restoration, or how we
                can repair the breach and how we can restore the loss.
                                 Let us not rush past the loss of this mother’s child, this father’s child…someone’s
                                 beloved son.
                                             Let us not value property over people; let us not protect material objects while
                                              human lives hang in the balance.
                 Let us not value a false peace over a righteous justice.
                                   Let us not be afraid to sit with the ugliness, the messiness, and the pain that is life in
                                   community together.
                                               Let us not offer clichés to the grieving, those whose hearts are being torn
                                                asunder.
                 Instead…
                  Let us mourn
                                    Let us lament
                                                Let us weep
                   Let us be silent when we don’t know what to say.
                                    Let us be humble and listen to the pain, rage, and grief pouring from the lips of our neighbors
                                     and friends.
                  Let us decrease, so that our brothers and sisters who live on the underside of history may increase.
                                     Let us pray with our eyes open and our feet firmly planted on the ground.
                   Let us pray with our eyes open and our feet firmly planted on the ground.
                                      May the Spirit that unites us and connects us to our Humanity.
                                               Show us our own complicity in injustice.
                  Convict us for my indifference.
                                     Forgive us when we have remained silent.
                                                 Equip us with a zeal for righteousness.
                    Never let us grow accustomed or acclimated to unrighteousness.                            ~ Yolanda Pierce
 
Homily – Kikanza Nuri-Robins
         
                For the Healing of our World
                LEADER: To bring new life to the land
                                   To restore the waters
                                   To refresh the air
                        RESPONSE: We join with the earth and with each other.
                 LEADER: To renew the forests
                                    To care for the plants
                                    To protect the creatures
                       RESPONSE: We join with the earth and with each other.
                LEADER:  To celebrate the seas
                                   To rejoice in the sunlight
                                   To sing the song of the stars
                       RESPONSE: We join with the earth and with each other.
                 LEADER: To recall our destiny
                                   To renew our spirits
                                   To reinvigorate our bodies
                       RESPONSE: We join with the earth and with each other.
                 LEADER: To recreate the human community
                                    To promote justice and peace
                                    To remember our children
                         RESPONSE: We join with the earth and with each other.
                   ALL: We join together as many and diverse expressions of one loving mystery: for the
                   healing of the earth and the renewal of all life.                                             ~ from UN Earth Day 1990
 
Reflection
             Singing: Comfort Me                                                                                                          ~ Mimi Bornstein-Doble
                   Comfort me, comfort me, comfort me, oh my soul. (2 times)
                           Be with me, be with me, be with me, oh my friend. (2 times)
                                    Dance with me, dance with me, dance with me, oh my heart. (2 times)
                  Comfort me, comfort me, comfort me, oh my soul. (2 times)
                  Silence
                  Meditation on a Band-Aid
 
Opening Up
                 Sharing
 
Sending Out
                 Challenge Question
 
                   May you find deep relief in the hope that comes from knowing your own inner strength
                    and the comfort that comes from being loved.                                                           ~ Alexis Engelbrecht
 
                   Hold yourself in the Light
 
                    Whatever the question,
                     The answer is near
                    If you can form the question
                    I can find the answer
 
                      Singing:
                             We would be one as now we join in singing Our hymn of peace to pledge ourselves anew
                              To that high cause of greater understanding Of who we are and what in us is true
                              We would be one in living for each other To show to all a new community.
 
HEART AND SOUL PLANNING COMMITTEE:
Kikanza Nuri-Robins, Karen Hsu Patterson,
Mary Romanek, Joyce Holmen
 
We invite you to the next Heart and Soul service
on November 11, “A Community of Story,” and
to reflect on December's “A Community of Presence.”
 
October 9, 2016
 
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*Gathering Hymn                         #170 We Are A Gentle, Angry People
                                                        We are a gentle, angry people, and we are singing, singing for our lives.
                                                        We are a gentle, angry people, and we are singing, singing for our lives.
                                                       
                                                        We are gay and straight together, and we are singing, singing for our lives.
                                                        We are gay and straight together, and we are singing, singing for our lives.
 
Prelude                                          Improvisation on “Avinu Malkeinu”                                                     Daniel Gledhill
 
Welcome
 
Chalice Lighting
 
*Opening Hymn                            #1012 When I Am Frightened
 
*Covenant                                      Love is the doctrine of this church.
                                                         The quest for truth is its sacrament,
                                                         And service is its prayer.
                                                         To dwell together in peace,
                                                         To seek knowledge in freedom,
                                                         To serve humankind in fellowship,
                                                         Thus do we covenant with each other.
 
*Hymn of Praise                             From all that dwell below the skies
                                                          Let songs of hope and faith arise
                                                          Let peace, goodwill on earth be sung
                                                          Through every land, by every tongue.
 
Offering for the Westside Food Bank
 
Time for All Ages                           Celebrating Interweave LGBTQI and Allies                                      Janet Goodwin
 
Song of Blessing                           #118 This Little Light of Mine                                                                      Traditional
                                                         This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine...
                                                         Ev’rywhere I go, I’m gonna let it shine...
 
Life Together
 
Pulpit Message                              Right Relations Task Force
                                                          Leon Henderson-MacLennan (9am)
                                                          Vilma Ortiz and John Sussman (11am)
 
Offering                                            “Home” from The Wiz (9am)                                                              Charlie Smalls
                                                           Everytime I Feel the Spirit (11am)                                           William L. Dawson
 
Devotional Time
 
Silence
 
Sung Response                              #1031 May I Be Filled With Loving Kindness
                                                           May I be filled with lovingkindness
                                                           May I be well.
                                                           May I be filled with lovingkindness.
                                                           May I be well.
                                                           May I be peaceful and at ease.
                                                           May I be whole.
                                                           … May you
                                                           May all...
 
Responsive Reading                    #587 We Were Never Meant To Survive                            Audre Lorde (adapted)
 
Music for the Morning                   Mi Shebeirach (9am)                                                                      Debbie Freedman
                                                          Agnus Dei (11am)                                                                                     Antonio Lotti
 
Sermon                                           You, Me, and Intersectionality                                    Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur
 
*Closing Hymn                               #1015 I Know I Can
 
*Benediction
 
Musical Response                        Umoja                                                                                                     Zanaida Robles
 
*Please stand in body or in spirit
 
❦ ❦ ❦ ❦
 
Greeters:                                        Dwight Flowers, Katie Malich & Jila Tayefehnowrooz
Ushers:                                           Tom Early, Nina Emerson, David Goetz & Barbara Kernochan
Coffee:                                            Phyllis Kory, Linda Van Ligten & Jila Tayefehnowrooz
Welcome Table:                            Barbara Gibbs
Bookstore:                                     Sarah Harper
 
Service Notes
 
Today 40% of our non-pledge offering will go to Our House Grief Support Center. Grief is a natural reaction after the death of someone close. Yet in our society few people are prepared for the intensity and duration of the grief process. Our House was founded on the premise that grievers need understanding, support, and connection. For twenty-one years, Our House has helped thousands of grieving children, teens, and adults as they embark upon their journeys to hope and healing.
 
Music for the Morning : “Agnus Dei”
Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world
            Have Mercy on Us
Lamb of God who take away the sin of the world
           Grant us your peace.
 
 
 
*Gathering Hymn                                            Bind Us Together
                                                                           Bind us together, oh bind us together,
                                                                           with cords that cannot be broken.
                                                                           Bind us together, oh bind us together,
                                                                           oh bind us together with love.
 
Prelude                                                             Improvisation on Avinu  Malkeinu                                     Danny Gledhill
 
Welcome
 
Chalice Lighting                                             James Witker
 
*Opening Hymn                                              #163 For Earth Forever Turning
 
*Covenant                                                        Love is the doctrine of this church.
                                                                           The quest for truth is its sacrament,
                                                                           And service is its prayer.
                                                                          To dwell together in peace,
                                                                          To seek knowledge in freedom,
                                                                          To serve humankind in fellowship,
                                                                          Thus do we covenant with each other.
 
*Hymn of Praise                                              From all that dwell below the skies
                                                                           Let songs of hope and faith arise
                                                                           Let peace, goodwill on earth be sung
                                                                           Through every land, by every tongue.
 
Offering for the Westside Food Bank
 
Time for All Ages                                             The Broken Flute                                                                 Aaron McEmrys
 
Song of Blessing                                             #118 This Little Light of Mine                                                      Traditional
                                                                           This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine...
                                                                           Ev’rywhere I go, I’m gonna let it shine...
 
Life Together
 
Pulpit Message                                                Lifespan Religious Education Committee
                                                                            Sabina Mayo-Smith
 
Offering                                                             Danny (9am)                                                                         Thomas Dorsey
                                                                           Communio (11am) Antonio Lotti
 
Devotional Time                                             Pale Blue Dot                                                                                 Carl Sagan
 
Silence
 
Sung Response                                            #1001 Comfort Me
                                                                         Comfort me, comfort me, comfort me oh my soul.
                                                                         Comfort me, comfort me, comfort me oh my soul.
                                                                         Sing with me...
                                                                         Speak for me...
                                                                         Dance with me...
                                                                         Comfort me...
 
Reading                                                         Kindness                                                                            Naomi Shihab Nye
 
Music for the Morning                                  Precious Lord (9am)                                                              Thomas Dorsey
                                                                         Lead Me Home (11am)                                                  Eric William Barnum
 
Sermon                                                          Stitches, Staples, Glue                                    Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur
 
*Closing Hymn                                             #1008 When Our Heart is in a Holy Place
 
*Benediction
 
Musical Response                                      Umoja                                                                                         Zanaida Robles
 
*Please stand in body or in spirit
 
❦ ❦ ❦ ❦
 
Greeters:                                                    Denise Helton, Tom Foretich & Barbara Gibbs
Ushers:                                                      Steve DePaul, Peggy Kharraz, Greg Wood & Michael Young
Coffee:                                                       Deirdre Dietel, Peggy Rhoads, Kit Shaw & Alicia Van Ooyen
Welcome Table:                                       Barbara Gibbs & Linda Van Ligten
Bookstore:                                                Sarah Harper
 
Service Notes
 
Today 40% of our non-pledge offering will go to Our House Grief Support Center. Grief is a natural
reaction after the death of someone close. Yet in our society few people are prepared for the intensity
and duration of the grief process. Our House was founded on the premise that grievers need
understanding, support, and connection. For over twenty years, Our House has helped thousands of
grieving children, teens, and adults as they embark upon their journeys to hope and healing. For
support: 1.888.417.1444 or www.ourhouse-grief.org.